Commitments and Contingencies (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Company's mortgage commitments
Aggregate mortgage loan commitments	$ 435,256	$ 436,275
Investor commitments to purchase	127,008	190,233
Mortgage loans receivable [Member]
Company's mortgage commitments
Investor commitments to purchase	34,385	60,680
Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member]
Company's mortgage commitments
Aggregate mortgage loan commitments	92,623	129,553
Investor commitments to purchase	92,623	129,553
Non IRLC [Member]
Company's mortgage commitments
Aggregate mortgage loan commitments	$ 342,633	$ 306,722