Variable Interest Entities (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2011
Variable Interest Entities Disclosure Table [Abstract]  
Summary of the fair value of the Clo entity's assets and liabilities subject to FV accounting
   CLO Bank Loan Investments  
 (in thousands) Total CLO bank loan investments 90 days or more past due Senior and subordinated note obligations
 Unpaid principal balance$ 474,515$ 1,192$ 500,066
 Excess unpaid principal       
  balance over fair value (17,820) (617) (22,367)
 Fair value$ 456,695$ 575$ 477,699
Summary of the carrying amounts related to a Clo entity consolidated on the Company's balance sheet.
 (in thousands) October 31, 2011
 Assets of consolidated CLO entity:   
  Cash and cash equivalents $ 16,521
  Bank loans and other investments   462,586
  Other assets   2,715
 Liabilities of consolidated CLO entity:   
  Senior and subordinated note obligations   477,699
  Other liabilities   5,193
 Appropriated deficit  (3,867)
 Total net interest in consolidated CLO entity $ 2,797