Changes in Cost Basis and Fair Value of Auction Rate Securities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended					3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014		Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013 Cost Basis Auction rate securities	Oct. 31, 2013 Cost Basis Auction rate securities	Jan. 31, 2013 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 Auction rate securities	Oct. 31, 2013 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 Auction rate securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year				$ 17,994	$ 12,994
Balance at beginning of year	12,994	[1]				17,780	12,994
Unrealized gains recorded in AOCL	0		(52)	0		214
Other-than-temporary credit loss recognized in earnings				(5,000)		(5,000)
Balance at end of year	13,000				12,994
Balance at ending of year	$ 12,994	[1]					$ 12,994

[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-forward of assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable Level 3 inputs and the sensitivity analysis of significant inputs.