Stock Based Compensation Plans (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2011
Stock Based Compensation Disclosure Table [Abstract]  
Summary of stock-based compensation expense recognized by plan
 (in thousands) 2011 2010 2009 
 2008 Plan:       
  Stock options$ 31,536$ 32,225$ 34,305 
  Restricted shares  17,180  13,065  5,920 
  Phantom stock units  264  301  195 
 Employee Stock Purchase Plan  782  1,099  897 
 Incentive Plan – Stock Alternative  373  342  153 
 ACM Plan  639  408  200 
 PPA Plan  1,520  720  - 
 Total stock-based compensation expense$ 52,294$ 48,160$ 41,670 
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted
   201120102009
 Weighted-average grant date fair value   
  of options granted$8.55$8.84$6.72
Assumptions used to determine the weighted average grant date fair value of option granted
   201120102009
 Assumptions:   
 Dividend yield2.2% to 2.5%1.8% to 2.3%2.3% to 3.1%
 Volatility34%33%32% to 34%
 Risk-free interest rate2.2% to 3.1%2.7% to 3.6%2.9% to 4.6%
 Expected life of options7.3 years7.3 years7.4 years
Summary of stock option transactions
 (share and intrinsic value figures in thousands)SharesWeighted-Average Exercise PriceWeighted-Average Remaining Contractual TermAggregate Intrinsic Value
 Options outstanding, beginning of period 28,712$ 25.16   
 Granted 2,813  29.41   
 Exercised (3,341)  16.68   
 Forfeited/expired (385)  32.74   
 Options outstanding, end of period 27,799$ 26.50 4.9$ 90,040
 Options exercisable, end of period 18,174$ 24.23 3.5$ 81,014
 Vested or expected to vest at October 31, 2011 27,414$ 26.44 4.8$ 89,679
Summary of restricted share activity
     Weighted-
     Average
     Grant Date
  (share figures in thousands)Shares Fair Value
  Unvested, beginning of period 1,792 $ 25.73
  Granted 1,060   29.36
  Vested (289)   25.73
  Forfeited/expired (81)   26.45
  Unvested, end of period 2,482 $ 27.29