Business Segments Reconciliations To Statements Of Operations (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Segment operating income (loss) before income taxes	$ (3,196)	$ (2,973)	$ 262,280	$ 219,218
Utility income taxes	6,324	3,447	(89,668)	(81,232)
Non-utility activities before income taxes	126	117	260	322
Operating Income	3,254	591	172,872	138,308
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Income (loss) before income taxes for reportable segments	(11,950)	(5,137)	252,486	228,804
Income taxes	4,606	2,844	(99,718)	(89,384)
Net Income (Loss)	$ (7,344)	$ (2,293)	$ 152,768	$ 139,420