Supplemental Disclosure to Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amount capitalized	$ 2,814	$ (8,800)
Income tax payment	2,975
Income tax refunds		154,524
Non-cash activity:
Cost of inventory acquired through seller financing municipal bonds or recorded due to VIE criteria, net	21,422	26,773
Increase in SERP Benefits	310
Miscellaneous (decreases) increases to inventory	(286)	1,781
Reclassification of inventory to property, construction and office equipment		20,005
(Increase) reduction of investments in unconsolidated entities due to increase/reduction in letters of credit or accrued liabilities	481	9,506
Transfer of Inventory to Investment in Non-Performing Loan Portfolios and Foreclosed Real Estate	802
Transfer of inventory to investment in unconsolidated entities	5,793
Reclassification deferred income from investment to accrued liabilities	2,943
Unrealized loss on derivative held by equity investee	942
Miscellaneous (decreases) increases to investments in unconsolidated entities	(89)	(640)
Acquisition of a Business:
Fair value of assets purchased	149,959
Liabilities assumed	5,213
Cash paid	$ 144,746