Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Company's purchase commitments
Aggregate purchase commitments unrelated parties	$ 516,807	$ 551,905
Unconsolidated entities that the Company has investments in	7,862	12,471
Total	524,669	564,376
Deposits against aggregate purchase commitments	29,651	37,987
Additional cash required to acquire land	$ 495,018	$ 526,389