Segment Data (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2013 segment	Feb. 03, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
Segment Data
Number of reportable business segments	3
Financial information concerning the company's reportable segments
Net sales	$ 444,661	$ 423,835
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	43,398	30,086
Total assets	984,143	937,007	935,199
Components of the loss before income taxes included in "Other"
Interest expense	(4,249)	(4,428)
Other	1,443	493
Earnings before income taxes	43,398	30,086
Professional
Financial information concerning the company's reportable segments
Net sales	329,144	283,834
Intersegment gross sales	15,455	5,066
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	60,738	42,091
Total assets	592,554	522,726
Components of the loss before income taxes included in "Other"
Earnings before income taxes	60,738	42,091
Residential
Financial information concerning the company's reportable segments
Net sales	120,947	137,608
Intersegment gross sales	84	(216)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	12,154	12,608
Total assets	229,252	223,583
Components of the loss before income taxes included in "Other"
Earnings before income taxes	12,154	12,608
Other
Financial information concerning the company's reportable segments
Net sales	(5,430)	2,393
Intersegment gross sales	(15,539)	(4,850)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	(29,494)	(24,613)
Total assets	162,337	190,698
Components of the loss before income taxes included in "Other"
Corporate expenses	(21,684)	(19,470)
Interest expense	(4,249)	(4,428)
Other	(3,561)	(715)
Earnings before income taxes	$ (29,494)	$ (24,613)