Non-operating income (expense) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Non-operating income (expense)
Interest and other income	$ 909	$ 1,581	$ 4,936	$ 5,274
Net (losses) gains on investments and derivatives	(8,902)	106	(2,676)	7,786
Net foreign currency (losses) gains	(34)	240	(37)	(160)
Gains and other investment income, net	(8,027)	1,927	2,223	12,900
Interest expense	(9,167)	(8,525)	(26,309)	(25,350)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(52,886)		(52,886)
Other income (expense) of consolidated CLO entity:
Interest income	3,162	5,469	12,078	16,681
Net (losses) gains on bank loans, other investments and note obligations	(1,458)	7,403	(4,197)	15,366
Gains and other investment income, net	1,704	12,872	7,881	32,047
Interest expense	(2,939)	(4,399)	(10,211)	(12,844)
Total non-operating (expense) income	$ (71,315)	$ 1,875	$ (79,302)	$ 6,753