Supplemental Disclosure to Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011
Cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amount capitalized	$ 0	$ 587
Interest capitalized, net of amount paid	766
Income tax payment	2,093
Income tax refunds		381
Non-cash activity:
Cost of inventory acquired through seller financing municipal bonds or recorded due to VIE criteria, net	431	21,584
Increase in SERP Benefits	310
Miscellaneous (decreases) increases to inventory	(75)	2,137
Reclassification of inventory to property, construction and office equipment	0	20,005
(Increase) reduction of investments in unconsolidated entities due to increase/reduction in letters of credit or accrued liabilities	(26)	19,106
Transfer of Inventory to Investment in Non-Performing Loan Portfolios and Foreclosed Real Estate	802
Transfer of inventory to investment in unconsolidated entities	5,793
Unrealized loss on derivative held by equity investee	795
Miscellaneous (decreases) increases to investments in unconsolidated entities	(18)	540
Acquisition of a Business:
Fair value of assets purchased	149,959	0
Liabilities assumed	5,213	0
Cash paid	$ 144,746	$ 0