Other Income - Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Investment Income, Interest	$ 4,457	$ 4,677	$ 5,210
Income from Ancillary Businesses	9,912	6,608	3,734
Income from Gibraltar	10,185	4,476	1,522
Management Fees Revenue	2,890	2,212	5,137
Retained customer deposits	2,534	3,247	2,076
Land Sales, Net	4,435	1,425	1,350
Income Recognized Due To Settlement Of Litigation	13,229
Other misc income	4,596	3,276	4,374
Other Nonoperating Income	52,238	25,921	23,403
Revenues and expenses of non-core ancillary businesses
Revenue	89,182	67,137	60,021
Expense	$ 79,270	$ 60,529	$ 56,287