Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	$ 5,029	$ 4,717
Investments in auction rate securities	17,780	15,670
Total carrying amounts of Financial Assets	22,809	20,387
Cash and cash equivalents	43,459	26,467	39,446	34,153
Total Financial Assets	66,268	46,854
Interest rate swap	214	253
Line of credit	215,000	300,000
Total Financial Liabilities	215,214	300,253
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Total Fair Value of Financial Assets	22,809	20,387
Total Fair Value of Other Financial Assets	66,268	46,854
Total Fair Value of Financial Liabilities	215,214	300,253
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Assets held in funded deferred compensation plan	5,029	4,717
Cash and cash equivalents	43,459	26,467
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Investments in auction rate securities	17,780	15,670
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Interest rate swap	214	253
Line of credit	$ 215,000	$ 300,000