Commitments and Contingencies (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Company's mortgage commitments
Aggregate mortgage loan commitments	$ 553,768	$ 436,275
Investor commitments to purchase	150,694	190,233
Mortgage loans receivable [Member]
Company's mortgage commitments
Investor commitments to purchase	46,915	60,680
Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member]
Company's mortgage commitments
Aggregate mortgage loan commitments	103,779	129,553
Investor commitments to purchase	103,779	129,553
Non IRLC [Member]
Company's mortgage commitments
Aggregate mortgage loan commitments	$ 449,989	$ 306,722