Changes in Cost Basis and Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012		Oct. 31, 2011
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 17,780	[1]
Unrealized gains recorded in AOCL	(214)		(2,110)		(499)
Redemption of security by issuer	(5,000)
Balance at ending of year	12,994	[1]	17,780	[1]
Auction rate securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary credit loss recognized in earnings	0		(300)		0
Cost Basis | Auction rate securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	17,994		18,307
Unrealized gains recorded in AOCL
Redemption of security by issuer	(5,000)
Other-than-temporary credit loss recognized in earnings			(313)
Balance at ending of year	12,994		17,994
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Auction rate securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	17,780		15,670
Unrealized gains recorded in AOCL	214		2,110
Redemption of security by issuer	(5,000)
Other-than-temporary credit loss recognized in earnings
Balance at ending of year	$ 12,994		$ 17,780

[1] For investments in auction rate securities, the fair values were based on discounted cash flow valuation models, primarily utilizing unobservable inputs. See Note 6, "Auction Rate Securities," for the roll-forwards of assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable Level 3 inputs and the sensitivity analysis of significant inputs.