Variable Interest Entities (Tables)
6 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2013
Variable Interest Entities Disclosure Table [Abstract]  
Summary of the fair value of the CLO entity's assets and liabilities subject to fair value accounting
April 30, 2013       
   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 $ 312,301$ 1,150$ 387,811
Unpaid principal balance       
(over) under fair value  541  (629)  (19,684)
Fair value $ 312,842$ 521$ 368,127

October 31, 2012       
   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 $ 425,153$ 500$ 471,546
Unpaid principal balance       
over fair value  (863) (485) (24,941)
Fair value $ 424,290$ 15$ 446,605
Summary of the carrying amounts related to a CLO entity consolidated on the Company's Balance Sheet
   April 30, October 31,
(in thousands)  2013 2012
Assets of consolidated CLO entity:       
Cash and cash equivalents  $ 61,244 $ 36,758
Bank loans and other investments    319,321   430,583
Other assets    5,538   1,107
Liabilities of consolidated CLO entity:       
Senior and subordinated note obligations    368,127   446,605
Other liabilities    489   766
Appropriated retained earnings    15,466  18,699
Net interest in consolidated CLO entity  $ 2,021 $ 2,378