Income Taxes Income Tax Examinations (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2011
Oct. 31, 2010
Oct. 31, 2009
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense [Abstract]      
Reduction to the income tax expense related to a tax settlement     $ 3.1
Reduction to the effective income tax rate related to a tax settlement     1.50%
Interest and penalties recognized in the income tax provision due to the Company's tax position 0.2 0.2 0.2
Accrued interest and penalties included in unrecognized tax benefits 1.0 0.7 0.9
Estimated amount that the Company believes its uncertain state tax positions will decrease by $ 0.3    
Brief description on the Company's income tax examinations The Company is generally no longer subject to income tax examinations by U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. tax authorities for fiscal years prior to fiscal 2008. The Company is currently under audit by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for fiscal years 2004 through 2009. The Company has extended the statute of limitations for fiscal years 2004 through 2007 to enable the Commonwealth to complete its audit.