Segment Data (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	May 04, 2012	Apr. 29, 2011	May 04, 2012 segment	Apr. 29, 2011	Oct. 31, 2011
Segment Data
Number of reportable business segments			3
Financial information concerning the company's reportable segments
Net sales	$ 691,485	$ 631,601	$ 1,115,320	$ 1,014,813
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	104,392	90,500	134,478	114,953
Total assets	1,029,354	1,052,527	1,029,354	1,052,527	870,663
Components of the loss before income taxes included in "Other"
Interest expense	(4,165)	(4,186)	(8,593)	(8,302)
Other	2,057	1,331	2,550	2,699
Earnings before income taxes	104,392	90,500	134,478	114,953
Professional
Financial information concerning the company's reportable segments
Net sales	455,945	418,284	739,779	676,564
Intersegment gross sales	14,056	13,272	19,122	19,567
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	98,701	85,606	140,792	123,525
Total assets	598,357	570,462	598,357	570,462
Components of the loss before income taxes included in "Other"
Earnings before income taxes	98,701	85,606	140,792	123,525
Residential
Financial information concerning the company's reportable segments
Net sales	231,897	209,632	369,505	332,925
Intersegment gross sales	128	1,310	(88)	2,164
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	28,518	26,539	41,126	37,907
Total assets	239,385	248,099	239,385	248,099
Components of the loss before income taxes included in "Other"
Earnings before income taxes	28,518	26,539	41,126	37,907
Other:
Financial information concerning the company's reportable segments
Net sales	3,643	3,685	6,036	5,324
Intersegment gross sales	(14,184)	(14,582)	(19,034)	(21,731)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	(22,827)	(21,645)	(47,440)	(46,479)
Total assets	191,612	233,966	191,612	233,966
Components of the loss before income taxes included in "Other"
Corporate expenses	(21,721)	(18,367)	(41,191)	(37,788)
Interest expense	(4,165)	(4,186)	(8,593)	(8,302)
Other	3,059	908	2,344	(389)
Earnings before income taxes	$ (22,827)	$ (21,645)	$ (47,440)	$ (46,479)