Property and equipment at cost (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2012		Jan. 31, 2012		Oct. 31, 2011		Jul. 31, 2011		Apr. 30, 2011		Jan. 31, 2011		Oct. 31, 2010		Jul. 31, 2010		Apr. 30, 2010		Jan. 31, 2010		Oct. 31, 2009
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Buildings	$ 20,299	[1]					$ 23,833	[1]							$ 20,350	[1]
Machinery and equipment	18,565	[1]					22,122	[1]							24,245	[1]
Leasehold improvements	18,482	[1]					18,321	[1]							18,389	[1]
Software	40,461	[1]					39,743	[1]							37,970	[1]
Other	5,449	[1]					7,078	[1]							6,634	[1]
Property and equipment, gross	103,256	[1]					111,097	[1]							107,588	[1]
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(62,484)	[1]					(63,694)	[1]							(54,527)	[1]
Net property and equipment, at cost	$ 40,772	[1]	$ 43,493	[1]	$ 44,807	[1]	$ 47,403	[1]	$ 50,052	[1]	$ 50,072	[1]	$ 52,353	[1]	$ 53,061	[1]	$ 55,025	[1]	$ 56,529	[1]	$ 59,134	[1]

[1] As Restated