Non-operating Income (Expense) (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2012
Non Operating Income Expense Table [Abstract]  
Summary of non-operating income (expense)
 (in thousands) 2012 2011 2010
 Non-operating income (expense):      
  Interest and other income$ 7,922$ 7,508$ 5,471
  Net gains on investments and derivatives   10,957  11,926  7,394
  Net foreign currency gains (losses)  (462)  (26)  181
  Gains and other investment income, net  18,417  19,408  13,046
  Interest expense  (33,930)  (33,652)  (33,666)
          
  Other income (expense) of consolidated      
   CLO entity:      
    Interest income  22,058  21,116  -
    Net gains (losses) on bank loans,       
    other investments and note obligations  22,648  (38,153)  -
    Gains (losses) and other investment      
    income, net  44,706  (17,037)  -
    Interest expense  (18,447)  (13,575)  -
  Total non-operating income (expense) $ 10,746$ (44,856)$ (20,620)