Fair Value Measurements (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	$ 4,930	$ 4,717
Investments in auction rate securities	16,704	15,670
Total carrying amounts of Financial Assets	21,634	20,387
Cash and cash equivalents	21,650	26,467	39,614	39,446
Total Financial Assets	43,284	46,854
Interest rate swap	249	253
Line of credit	252,000	300,000
Total Financial Liabilities	252,249	300,253
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Total Fair Value of Financial Assets	21,634	20,387
Total Fair Value of Other Financial Assets	43,284	46,854
Total Fair Value of Financial Liabilities	252,249	300,253
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	4,930	4,717
Cash and cash equivalents	21,650	26,467
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Investments in auction rate securities	16,704	15,670
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Interest rate swap	249	253
Line of credit	$ 252,000	$ 300,000