Income Taxes Other (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2011
Oct. 31, 2010
Oct. 31, 2009
Reconconciliation to the Company's effective income tax rate      
Federal statutory rate 35.00% 35.00% 35.00%
State and local income tax, net of federal income tax benefit 3.60% 3.40% 2.50%
Non-controlling interest 1.60% (0.90%) (0.90%)
Stock-based compensation 0.60% 0.90% (1.00%)
Release of liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions   (0.10%) (1.50%)
Other 0.30% 0.30% 0.10%
Effective income tax rate 41.10% 38.60% 34.20%
Decrease in deferred tax assets and taxes payable $ 94.7    
Refund received from the change in tax accounting $ 85.0