Fair Value Measurements of Other Financial Instruments
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2011
Fair Value Measurements Of Other Financial Instruments Disclosure [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements of Other Financial Instruments

7. Fair Value Measurements of Other Financial Instruments

 

Certain financial instruments are not required to be carried on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value. The following is a summary of the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of these financial instruments at October 31, 2011 and 2010:

   2011 2010
 (in thousands) Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value
 Other investments$ 7,470$ 7,470$ 7,470$ 7,470
 Notes receivable from stock option        
  exercises$ 4,441$ 4,441$ 3,158$ 3,158
 Debt$ 500,000$ 566,047$ 500,000$ 590,692

For fair value purposes the carrying value of other investments and notes receivable from stock option exercises approximates fair value. The carrying value of the Company's debt has been determined using publicly available market prices, which are considered Level 1 inputs.