Debt (Details) (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2011
Oct. 31, 2010
Ten-Year Senior Notes    
Debt $ 500,000,000 $ 500,000,000
Interest rate on debt 6.50%  
Maturity date Oct. 02, 2017  
Corporate Credit Facility    
Expiration date of line of credit August 13, 2012  
Line of credit availability $ 200,000,000