LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 1 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2012
Oct. 31, 2011
Jun. 30, 1997
7.800% Debentures, due June 15, 2027
Item
Oct. 31, 2012
7.800% Debentures, due June 15, 2027
Oct. 31, 2011
7.800% Debentures, due June 15, 2027
Apr. 30, 2007
6.625% Senior Notes, due May 1, 2037
Oct. 31, 2012
6.625% Senior Notes, due May 1, 2037
Oct. 31, 2011
6.625% Senior Notes, due May 1, 2037
Apr. 26, 2007
6.625% Senior Notes, due May 1, 2037
Oct. 31, 2012
Other
Oct. 31, 2011
Other
LONG-TERM DEBT                      
Total long-term debt $ 225,340 $ 227,156   $ 100,000 $ 100,000   $ 123,482 $ 123,420   $ 1,858 $ 3,736
Less current portion 1,858 1,978                  
Long-term debt, less current portion 223,482 225,178                  
Aggregate principal amount of notes issued     175,000     125,000          
Interest rate percentage       7.80%     6.625%   6.625%    
Percentage of par value at which debt was issued                 98.513%    
Debt discount, unamortized                 1,859    
Total underwriting fee and direct debt issue costs                 1,524    
Effective interest rate (as a percent)             6.741%        
Redemption value, basis points added to the treasury rate (as a percent)             0.30%        
Redemption price as a percentage of the principal amount upon the occurrence of both a change of control and downgrade of rating (as a percent)             101.00%        
Number of terminated forward-starting interest rate swap agreements     3                
Notional amount of terminated forward-starting interest rate swap agreements     125,000                
Amount paid to terminate forward-starting interest rate swap agreements     23,688                
Deferred income amount at the time of swap termination     18,710                
Other assets, excess termination fees over deferred income 2,310                    
Principal payments on long-term debt in fiscal years                      
2013 1,858                    
After 2017 $ 225,000