Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Statement (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Net income	$ 170,606	$ 487,146	$ 39,795
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Change in pension liability	2,334	(1,839)	(1,934)
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities	(186)	476	(192)
Unrealized loss on derivative held by equity investee	284	(554)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	2,432	(1,917)	(2,126)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	$ 173,038	$ 485,229	$ 37,669