Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Accrued expenses
Land, land development and construction	$ 124,731	$ 109,574
Compensation and employee benefits	111,093	96,037
Insurance and litigation	101,908	130,714
Warranty	41,706	42,474	45,835	53,937
Interest	28,204	25,968
Commitments to unconsolidated entities	2,135	60,205
Other	66,573	56,079
Accrued expenses, Total	$ 476,350	$ 521,051