Stock Based Compensation Plans (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2012
Stock Based Compensation Disclosure Table [Abstract]  
Summary of stock-based compensation expense recognized by plan
 (in thousands) 2012 2011 2010 
 2008 Plan:       
  Stock options$ 27,959$ 31,536$ 32,225 
  Restricted shares  24,202  17,180  13,065 
  Phantom stock units  280  264  301 
 Employee Stock Purchase Plan  426  782  1,099 
 Incentive Plan – Stock Alternative  151  373  342 
 Atlanta Capital Plan  927  639  408 
 Parametric Plan  2,362  1,520  720 
 Total stock-based compensation expense$ 56,307$ 52,294$ 48,160 
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted
   201220112010
 Weighted-average grant date fair value   
  of options granted$6.69$8.55$8.84
Assumptions used to determine the weighted average grant date fair value of options granted
   201220112010
 Assumptions:   
 Dividend yield2.9% to 3.1%2.2% to 2.5%1.8% to 2.3%
 Volatility35% to 36%34%33%
 Risk-free interest rate1.0% to 1.6%2.2% to 3.1%2.7% to 3.6%
 Expected life of options7.2 years7.3 years7.3 years
Summary of stock option transactions
 (share and intrinsic value figures in thousands)SharesWeighted-Average Exercise PriceWeighted-Average Remaining Contractual TermAggregate Intrinsic Value
 Options outstanding, beginning of period 27,799$ 26.50   
 Granted 3,110  25.07   
 Exercised (3,208)  15.75   
 Forfeited/expired (657)  31.01   
 Options outstanding, end of period 27,044$ 27.50 4.8$ 87,714
 Options exercisable, end of period 17,676$ 27.04 3.4$ 69,528
 Vested or expected to vest at October 31, 2012 26,669$ 27.49 4.8$ 86,987
Summary of restricted share activity
     Weighted-
     Average
     Grant Date
  (share figures in thousands)Shares Fair Value
  Unvested, beginning of period 2,482 $ 27.29
  Granted 1,390   25.07
  Vested (478)   26.46
  Forfeited (161)   26.90
  Unvested, end of period 3,233 $ 26.43