Supplemental Disclosure to Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amount capitalized	$ 8,947	$ 1,771
Income tax payment	1,107	2,234
Income tax refunds	1,156
Non-cash activity:
Cost of inventory acquired through seller financing municipal bonds or recorded due to VIE criteria, net	26,566	15,424
Financed portion of land sale	7,200
Reduction in inventory, share of equity earnings, land purchase from JV	(1,327)	(75)
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments	519	310
Non cash increase in accrued expenses related to RSU pay out	2,942
Increase (reduction) of investments in unconsolidated entities due to increase/reduction in letters of credit or accrued liabilities	49	(484)
Transfer of Inventory to Investment in Non-Performing Loan Portfolios and Foreclosed Real Estate		802
Transfer of inventory to investment in unconsolidated entities	27,631	5,793
Reclassification deferred income from investment to accrued liabilities		2,943
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax	23	(728)
Change in fair value of debt guarantees	1,291
Miscellaneous increases (decreases) to investments in unconsolidated entities	64	(130)
Acquisition of a Business:
Fair value of assets purchased		149,959
Liabilities assumed		5,213
Cash paid		$ 144,746