Commitments and Contingencies (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Company mortgage commitments
Aggregate mortgage loan commitments	$ 436,275	$ 433,002
Investor commitments to purchase	190,233	261,214
Mortgage loans receivable [Member]
Company mortgage commitments
Investor commitments to purchase	60,680	91,689
Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member]
Company mortgage commitments
Aggregate mortgage loan commitments	129,553	169,525
Investor commitments to purchase	129,553	169,525
Non IRLC [Member]
Company mortgage commitments
Aggregate mortgage loan commitments	$ 306,722	$ 263,477