Segment Data (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 03, 2012 segment	Jan. 28, 2011	Oct. 31, 2011
Segment Data
Number of reportable business segments	3
Financial information concerning the company's reportable segments
Net sales	$ 423,835	$ 383,213
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	30,086	24,453
Total assets	937,007	896,711	870,663
Components of the loss before income taxes included in "Other"
Interest expense	(4,428)	(4,116)
Other	493	1,368
Earnings before income taxes	30,086	24,453
Professional
Financial information concerning the company's reportable segments
Net sales	283,834	258,280
Intersegment gross sales	5,066	6,295
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	42,091	37,919
Total assets	522,726	514,274
Components of the loss before income taxes included in "Other"
Earnings before income taxes	42,091	37,919
Residential
Financial information concerning the company's reportable segments
Net sales	137,608	123,293
Intersegment gross sales	(216)	854
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	12,608	11,368
Total assets	223,583	202,931
Components of the loss before income taxes included in "Other"
Earnings before income taxes	12,608	11,368
Other:
Financial information concerning the company's reportable segments
Net sales	2,393	1,640
Intersegment gross sales	(4,850)	(7,149)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	(24,613)	(24,834)
Total assets	190,698	179,506
Components of the loss before income taxes included in "Other"
Corporate expenses	(19,470)	(19,395)
Interest expense	(4,428)	(4,116)
Other	(715)	(1,323)
Earnings before income taxes	$ (24,613)	$ (24,834)