Non-operating income (expense) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Non-operating income (expense)
Interest and other income	$ 604	$ 1,737
Net gains on investments and derivatives	4,751	6,430
Net foreign currency (losses) gains	(148)	10
Gains and other investment income, net	5,207	8,177
Interest expense	(8,570)	(8,413)
Other income (expense) of consolidated CLO entity:
Interest income	4,845	5,544
Net (losses) gains on bank loans, other investments and note obligations	(3,052)	4,736
Gains and other investment income, net	1,793	10,280
Interest expense	(4,221)	(4,311)
Total non-operating (expense) income	$ (5,791)	$ 5,733