Acquisitions, Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2012
Acquisitions Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure Table [Abstract]  
Schedule of goodwill activity
 (in thousands) 20122011
 Balance, beginning of period  $ 142,302$ 135,786
 Goodwill acquired    12,334  6,516
 Balance, end of period  $ 154,636$ 142,302
Schedule of the carrying amounts of intangible assets
 October 31, 2012        
 (dollars in thousands)Weighted-average remaining amortization period (in years)Gross carrying amountAccumulated amortizationNet carrying amount
          
 Amortizing intangible assets:        
  Client relationships acquired7.0 $ 110,327$(58,681)$ 51,646
  Intellectual property acquired13.6   1,000  (126)  874
          
 Non-amortizing intangible assets:        
  Mutual fund management contract acquired    6,708  -  6,708
 Total  $ 118,035$(58,807)$ 59,228

 October 31, 2011        
 (dollars in thousands)Weighted-average remaining amortization period (in years)Gross carrying amountAccumulated amortizationNet carrying amount
          
 Amortizing intangible assets:        
  Client relationships acquired7.9 $ 110,327$(50,749)$ 59,578
  Intellectual property acquired14.6   1,000  (62)  938
          
 Non-amortizing intangible assets:        
  Mutual fund management contract acquired    6,708  -  6,708
 Total  $ 118,035$ (50,811)$ 67,224
Schedule of expected amortization expense for the next five years
 Year Ending October 31,  Estimated Amortization
 (in thousands)  Expense
 2013$ 7,995
 2014  7,968
 2015  7,743
 2016  7,301
 2017  7,189