Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Company's purchase commitments
Aggregate purchase commitments unrelated parties	$ 540,670	$ 551,905
Unconsolidated entities that the Company has investments in	7,862	12,471
Total	548,532	564,376
Deposits against aggregate purchase commitments	40,471	37,987
Additional cash required to acquire land	$ 508,061	$ 526,389