Commitments and Contingencies (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Company's mortgage commitments
Aggregate mortgage loan commitments	$ 612,593	$ 436,275
Investor commitments to purchase	196,659	190,233
Mortgage loans receivable [Member]
Company's mortgage commitments
Investor commitments to purchase	65,951	60,680
Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member]
Company's mortgage commitments
Aggregate mortgage loan commitments	130,708	129,553
Investor commitments to purchase	130,708	129,553
Non IRLC [Member]
Company's mortgage commitments
Aggregate mortgage loan commitments	$ 481,885	$ 306,722