Supplemental Disclosure to Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amount capitalized	$ 1,223	$ 18,666	$ 34,333
Income tax payment	4,264		3,994
Income tax refunds		154,524	152,770
Non-cash activity:
Cost of inventory acquired through seller financing municipal bonds or recorded due to VIE criteria, net	26,059	29,320	41,276
Cost of inventory acquired under specific performance contracts			(4,889)
Miscellaneous (decreases) increases to inventory	(478)	1,781	1,725
Reclassification of inventory to property, construction and office equipment		20,005	18,711
Increase in SERP Benefits	3,108	2,638	(867)
Defined benefit retirement plan amendment	575		202
Income tax benefit related to exercise of employee stock options	3,885		27,150
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	1,263
(Increase) reduction of investments in unconsolidated entities due to increase/reduction in letters of credit or accrued liabilities	448	13,423	7,679
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
Reversal of litigation costs previously accrued			10,981
Reclassification of stock-based compensation from accrued liabilities to additional paid in capital		4,233
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax	(875)
Miscellaneous (decreases) increases to investments in unconsolidated entities	(276)	(2,212)	2,495
Acquisition of a Business:
Fair value of assets purchased	149,959
Liabilities assumed	5,213
Cash paid	$ 144,746