Fair Value Measurements Level 3 (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2013
Apr. 30, 2012
Apr. 30, 2013
Apr. 30, 2012
Oct. 31, 2012
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]          
Principal repayments of senior notes     $ (83,742)    
Bank Loans And Other Investments Of Consolidated CLO Entity [Member]
         
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]          
Fair value measurements with unobservable inputs reconciliation recurring basis asset value, beginning of period (asset) 2,658 4,728 2,203 5,910 5,910
Net gains (losses) on investments and note obligations included in net income 57 (9) 21 (49)  
Transfers into Level 3 (asset) 104 15 595 15  
Transfers out of Level 3 (asset) 0 (2,584) 0 (3,726)  
Fair value measurements with unobservable inputs reconciliation recurring basis asset value, end of period (asset) 2,819 2,150 2,819 2,150  
Change in unrealized gains and (losses) included in net income relating to assets and liabilities held (asset) 57 (9) 21 (49)  
Senior And Subordinated Note Obligations Of Consolidated CLO [Member]
         
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]          
Fair value measurements with unobservable inputs reconciliation recurring basis liability value, beginning of period (liability) 408,924 480,345 443,946 477,699 477,699
Net gains (losses) on investments and note obligations included in net income 1,671 5,301 5,256 7,947  
Principal repayments of senior notes (45,135)   (83,742)    
Transfers out of Level 3 (liability) 0 (2,584) 0 (2,584)  
Fair value measurements with unobservable inputs reconciliation recurring basis liability value, end of period (liability) 365,460 483,062 365,460 483,062 443,946
Change in unrealized gains and (losses) included in net income relating to assets and liabilities held (liability) $ 1,671 $ 5,301 $ 5,256 $ 7,947  
Senior and subordinated note obligations prepayment rate     30.00%   30.00%
Senior and subordinated note obligations recovery rate     70.00%   70.00%
Senior and subordinated note obligations probability of default     2.00%   2.00%
Senior and subordinated note obligations minimum discount rate     1.05%   1.35%
Senior and subordinated note obligations maximum discount rate     4.50%   7.00%