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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

Basis of Presentation Policy [Text Block]

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Toll Brothers, Inc. (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in 50% or less owned partnerships and affiliates are accounted for using the equity method unless it is determined that the Company has effective control of the entity, in which case the entity would be consolidated.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Liquid investments or investments with original maturities of three months or less are classified as cash equivalents. The carrying value of these investments approximates their fair value.

Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Marketable Securities

Marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale, and accordingly, are stated at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices. Changes in unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and are reported as other comprehensive income, net of income tax effects, if any. The cost of marketable securities sold is based on the specific identification method.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash primarily represents cash deposits collateralizing certain deductibles under insurance policies, outstanding letters of credit outside of our bank revolving credit facility and cash deposited into a voluntary employee benefit association to fund certain future employee benefits.

Inventory [Policy Text Block]

Inventory

Inventory is stated at cost unless an impairment exists, in which case it is written down to fair value in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment” (“ASC 360”). In addition to direct land acquisition costs, land development costs and home construction costs, costs also include interest, real estate taxes and direct overhead related to development and construction, which are capitalized to inventory during the period beginning with the commencement of development and ending with the completion of construction. For those communities that have been temporarily closed, no additional capitalized interest is allocated to a community’s inventory until it reopens. While the community remains closed, carrying costs such as real estate taxes are expensed as incurred.

The Company capitalizes certain interest costs to qualified inventory during the development and construction period of its communities in accordance with ASC 835-20, “Capitalization of Interest” (“ASC 835-20”). Capitalized interest is charged to cost of revenues when the related inventory is delivered. Interest incurred on home building indebtedness in excess of qualified inventory, as defined in ASC 835-20, is charged to the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period incurred.

Once a parcel of land has been approved for development and the Company opens one of its typical communities, it may take four or more years to fully develop, sell and deliver all the homes in such community. Longer or shorter time periods are possible depending on the number of home sites in a community and the sales and delivery pace of the homes in a community. The Company’s master planned communities, consisting of several smaller communities, may take up to ten years or more to complete. Because the Company’s inventory is considered a long-lived asset under GAAP, the Company is required, under ASC 360, to regularly review the carrying value of each community and write down the value of those communities for which it believes the values are not recoverable.

Current Communities: When the profitability of a current community deteriorates, the sales pace declines significantly, or some other factor indicates a possible impairment in the recoverability of the asset, the asset is reviewed for impairment by comparing the estimated future undiscounted cash flow for the community to its carrying value. If the estimated future undiscounted cash flow is less than the community’s carrying value, the carrying value is written down to its estimated fair value. Estimated fair value is primarily determined by discounting the estimated future cash flow of each community. The impairment is charged to cost of revenues in the period in which the impairment is determined. In estimating the future undiscounted cash flow of a community, the Company uses various estimates such as: (i) the expected sales pace in a community, based upon general economic conditions that will have a short-term or long-term impact on the market in which the community is located and on competition within the market, including the number of home sites available and pricing and incentives being offered in other communities owned by the Company or by other builders; (ii) the expected sales prices and sales incentives to be offered in a community; (iii) costs expended to date and expected to be incurred in the future, including, but not limited to, land and land development, home construction, interest and overhead costs; (iv) alternative product offerings that may be offered in a community that will have an impact on sales pace, sales price, building cost or the number of homes that can be built on a particular site; and (v) alternative uses for the property such as the possibility of a sale of the entire community to another builder or the sale of individual home sites.

Future Communities: The Company evaluates all land held for future communities or future sections of current communities, whether owned or under contract, to determine whether or not it expects to proceed with the development of the land as originally contemplated. This evaluation encompasses the same types of estimates used for current communities described above, as well as an evaluation of the regulatory environment applicable to the land and the estimated probability of obtaining the necessary approvals, the estimated time and cost it will take to obtain the approvals and the possible concessions that will be required to be given in order to obtain them. Concessions may include cash payments to fund improvements to public places such as parks and streets, dedication of a portion of the property for use by the public or as open space or a reduction in the density or size of the homes to be built. Based upon this review, the Company decides (i) as to land under contract to be purchased, whether the contract will likely be terminated or renegotiated, and (ii) as to land owned, whether the land will likely be developed as contemplated or in an alternative manner, or should be sold. The Company then further determines whether costs that have been capitalized to the community are recoverable or should be written off. The write-off is charged to cost of revenues in the period in which the need for the write-off is determined.

Capitalization of Interest Costs Policy [Text Block]

Estimated fair values Policy [Text Block]

The estimates used in the determination of the estimated cash flows and fair value of both current and future communities are based on factors known to the Company at the time such estimates are made and its expectations of future operations and economic conditions. Should the estimates or expectations used in determining estimated fair value deteriorate in the future, the Company may be required to recognize additional impairment charges and write-offs related to current and future communities.

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Variable Interest Entities

The Company is required to consolidate variable interest entities ("VIEs") in which it has a controlling financial interest in accordance with ASC 810, “Consolidation” (“ASC 810”). A controlling financial interest will have both of the following characteristics: (i) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

The Company's variable interest in VIEs may be in the form of equity ownership, contracts to purchase assets, management services and development agreements between the Company and a VIE, loans provided by the Company to a VIE or other member and/or guarantees provided by members to banks and other parties.

The Company has a significant number of land purchase contracts and several investments in unconsolidated entities which it evaluates in accordance with ASC 810. The Company analyzes its land purchase contracts and the unconsolidated entities in which it has an investment to determine whether the land sellers and unconsolidated entities are VIEs and, if so, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company examines specific criteria and uses its judgment when determining if it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Factors considered in determining whether the Company is the primary beneficiary include risk and reward sharing, experience and financial condition of other member(s), voting rights, involvement in day-to-day capital and operating decisions, representation on a VIE's executive committee, existence of unilateral kick-out rights or voting rights, level of economic disproportionality between the Company and the other member(s) and contracts to purchase assets from VIEs. The determination whether an entity is a VIE and, if so, whether the Company is primary beneficiary may require significant judgment.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property, Construction and Office Equipment

Property, construction and office equipment are recorded at cost and are stated net of accumulated depreciation of $159.5 million and $157.5 million at October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. In fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized $10.8 million, $8.1 million and $9.8 million of depreciation expense, respectively.

Mortgage Loans Receivable [Policy Text Block]

Mortgage Loans Receivable

Residential mortgage loans held for sale are measured at fair value in accordance with the provisions of ASC 825, “Financial Instruments” (“ASC 825”). The Company believes the use of ASC 825 improves consistency of mortgage loan valuations between the date the borrower locks in the interest rate on the pending mortgage loan and the date of the mortgage loan sale. At the end of the reporting period, the Company determines the fair value of its mortgage loans held for sale and the forward loan commitments it has entered into as a hedge against the interest rate risk of its mortgage loans using the market approach to determine fair value. The evaluation is based on the current market pricing of mortgage loans with similar terms and values as of the reporting date and by applying such pricing to the mortgage loan portfolio. The Company recognizes the difference between the fair value and the unpaid principal balance of mortgage loans held for sale as a gain or loss. In addition, the Company recognizes the fair value of its forward loan commitments as a gain or loss. Interest income on mortgage loans held for sale is calculated based upon the stated interest rate of each loan. In addition, the recognition of net origination costs and fees associated with residential mortgage loans originated are expensed as incurred. These gains and losses, interest income and origination costs and fees are recognized in other income - net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Entities [Policy Text Block]

Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Entities

In accordance with ASC 323, “Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures”, the Company reviews each of its investments on a quarterly basis for indicators of impairment. A series of operating losses of an investee, the inability to recover the Company’s invested capital, or other factors may indicate that a loss in value of the Company’s investment in the unconsolidated entity has occurred. If a loss exists, the Company further reviews to determine if the loss is other than temporary, in which case, it writes down the investment to its fair value. The evaluation of the Company’s investment in unconsolidated entities entails a detailed cash flow analysis using many estimates including but not limited to expected sales pace, expected sales prices, expected incentives, costs incurred and anticipated, sufficiency of financing and capital, competition, market conditions and anticipated cash receipts, in order to determine projected future distributions.

Each of the unconsolidated entities evaluates its inventory in a similar manner as the Company. See “Inventory” above for more detailed disclosure on the Company’s evaluation of inventory. If a valuation adjustment is recorded by an unconsolidated entity related to its assets, the Company’s proportionate share is reflected in the Company’s income (loss) from unconsolidated entities with a corresponding decrease to its investment in unconsolidated entities.

The Company is a party to several joint ventures with unrelated parties to develop and sell land that is owned by the joint ventures. The Company recognizes its proportionate share of the earnings from the sale of home sites to other builders, including our joint venture partners. The Company does not recognize earnings from the home sites it purchases from these ventures, but reduces its cost basis in the home sites by its share of the earnings from those home sites.

The Company is also a party to several other joint ventures. The Company recognizes its proportionate share of the earnings and losses of its unconsolidated entities.

Investment in Non Performing Loan Portfolio Policy and Foreclosed Real Estate [Policy Text Block]

Investments in Non-performing Loan Portfolios and Foreclosed Real EstateThe Company’s investments in non-performing loan portfolios are initially recorded at cost which the Company believes is fair value. The fair value is determined by discounting the cash flows expected to be collected from the portfolios using a discount rate that management believes a market participant would use in determining fair value. Management estimates cash flows expected to be collected on a loan-by-loan basis considering the contractual terms of the loan, current and expected loan performance, the manner and timing of disposition, the nature and estimated fair value of real estate or other collateral, and other factors it deems appropriate. The estimated fair value of the loans at acquisition was significantly less than the contractual amounts due under the terms of the loan agreements.Since, at the acquisition date, the Company expects to collect less than the contractual amounts due under the terms of the loans based, at least in part, on the assessment of the credit quality of the borrowers, the loans are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 310-30, “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality” ("ASC 310-30"). Under ASC 310-30, the accretable yield, or the amount by which the cash flows expected to be collected at the acquisition date exceeds the estimated fair value of the loan, is recognized in other income - net over the estimated remaining life of the loan using a level yield methodology provided the Company does not presently have the intention to utilize real estate secured by the loans for use in its operations or significantly improving the collateral for resale. The difference between the contractually required payments of the loan as of the acquisition date and the total cash flows expected to be collected, or non-accretable difference, is not recognized.Pursuant to ASC 310-30, the Company aggregates loans with common risk characteristics into pools for purposes of recognizing interest income and evaluating changes in estimated cash flows. Loan pools are evaluated as a single loan for purposes of placing the pool on non-accrual status or evaluating loan impairment. Generally, a loan pool is classified as non-accrual when management is unable to reasonably estimate the timing or amount of cash flows expected to be collected from the loan pool or has serious doubts about further collectability of principal or interest. Proceeds received on non-accrual loan pools generally are either applied against principal or reported as other income - net, depending on management’s judgment as to the collectability of principal. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, none of the Company’s loan pools were on non-accrual status.A loan is removed from a loan pool only when the Company sells, forecloses or otherwise receives assets in satisfaction of the loan, or the loan is written off. Loans removed from a pool are removed at their amortized cost (unpaid principal balance less unamortized discount and provision for loan loss) as of the date of resolution.The Company periodically re-evaluates cash flows expected to be collected for each loan pool based upon all available information as of the measurement date. Subsequent increases in cash flows expected to be collected are recognized prospectively through an adjustment to the loan pool’s yield over its remaining life, which may result in a reclassification from non-accretable difference to accretable yield. Subsequent decreases in cash flows expected to be collected are evaluated to determine whether a provision for loan loss should be established. If decreases in expected cash flows result in a decrease in the estimated fair value of the loan pool below its amortized cost, the loan pool is deemed to be impaired and the Company will record a provision for loan losses to write the loan pool down to its estimated fair value. For the years ended October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012, the Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $0.7 million and $2.3 million, respectively. There was no provision for loan losses recorded in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011.The Company’s investments in non-performing loans are classified as held for investment because the Company has the intent and ability to hold them for the foreseeable future.Foreclosed Real Estate Owned ("REO")REO assets, either directly owned or owned through a participation arrangement, acquired through subsequent foreclosure or deed in lieu actions on non-performing loans are initially recorded at fair value based upon third-party appraisals, broker opinions of value, or internal valuation methodologies (which may include discounted cash flows, capitalization rate analysis or comparable transactional analysis). Unobservable inputs used in estimating the fair value of REO assets are based upon the best information available under the circumstances and take into consideration the financial condition and operating results of the asset, local market conditions, the availability of capital, interest and inflation rates and other factors deemed appropriate by management. REO assets acquired are reviewed to determine if they should be classified as “held and used” or “held for sale”. REO classified as “held and used” is stated at carrying cost unless an impairment exists, in which case it is written down to fair value in accordance with ASC 360-10-35. REO classified as “held for sale” is carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. An impairment charge is recognized for any decreases in estimated fair value subsequent to the acquisition date. For both classifications, carrying costs incurred after the acquisition, including property taxes and insurance, are expensed.Loan SalesAs part of its disposition strategy for the loan portfolios, the Company may sell certain loans to third-party purchasers. The Company recognizes gains or losses on the sale of mortgage loans when the loans have been legally isolated from the Company and it no longer maintains effective control over the transferred assets.

Fair Value Disclosures [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value Disclosures

The Company uses ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”), to measure the fair value of certain assets and liabilities. ASC 820 provides a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP, establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value and requires certain disclosures about fair value measurements.

The fair value hierarchy is summarized below:



Level 1:		Fair value determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.



Level 2:		Fair value determined using significant observable inputs, generally either quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities or quoted prices in markets that are not active.



Level 3:		Fair value determined using significant unobservable inputs, such as pricing models, discounted cash flows or similar techniques.

Treasury Stock Policy [Text Block]

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock is recorded at cost. Issuance of treasury stock is accounted for on a first-in, first-out basis. Differences between the cost of treasury stock and the re-issuance proceeds are charged to additional paid-in capital.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue and Cost Recognition

The construction time of the Company’s homes is generally less than one year, although some homes may take more than one year to complete. Revenues and cost of revenues from these home sales are recorded at the time each home is delivered and title and possession are transferred to the buyer. For single family detached homes, closing normally occurs shortly after construction is substantially completed. In addition, the Company has several high-rise/mid-rise projects that do not qualify for percentage of completion accounting in accordance with ASC 360, which are included in this category of revenues and costs. Based upon the current accounting rules and interpretations, the Company does not believe that any of its current or future communities currently qualify or will qualify in the future for percentage of completion accounting.

For the Company’s standard attached and detached homes, land, land development and related costs, both incurred and estimated to be incurred in the future, are amortized to the cost of homes closed based upon the total number of homes to be constructed in each community. Any changes resulting from a change in the estimated number of homes to be constructed or in the estimated costs subsequent to the commencement of delivery of homes are allocated to the remaining undelivered homes in the community. Home construction and related costs are charged to the cost of homes closed under the specific identification method. The estimated land, common area development and related costs of master planned communities, including the cost of golf courses, net of their estimated residual value, are allocated to individual communities within a master planned community on a relative sales value basis. Any changes resulting from a change in the estimated number of homes to be constructed or in the estimated costs are allocated to the remaining home sites in each of the communities of the master planned community.

For high-rise/mid-rise projects that do not qualify for percentage of completion accounting, land, land development, construction and related costs, both incurred and estimated to be incurred in the future, are generally amortized to the cost of units closed based upon an estimated relative sales value of the units closed to the total estimated sales value. Any changes resulting from a change in the estimated total costs or revenues of the project are allocated to the remaining units to be delivered.

Forfeited customer deposits: Forfeited customer deposits are recognized in other income - net in the period in which the Company determines that the customer will not complete the purchase of the home and it has the right to retain the deposit.

Sales Incentives: In order to promote sales of its homes, the Company grants its home buyers sales incentives from time to time. These incentives will vary by type of incentive and by amount on a community-by-community and home-by-home basis. Incentives that impact the value of the home or the sales price paid, such as special or additional options, are generally reflected as a reduction in sales revenues. Incentives that the Company pays to an outside party, such as paying some or all of a home buyer’s closing costs, are recorded as an additional cost of revenues. Incentives are recognized at the time the home is delivered to the home buyer and the Company receives the sales proceeds.

Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Advertising Costs

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs were $11.6 million, $11.4 million and $11.1 million for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Warranty Costs Policy [Text Block]

Warranty Costs

The Company provides all of its home buyers with a limited warranty as to workmanship and mechanical equipment. The Company also provides many of its home buyers with a limited ten-year warranty as to structural integrity. The Company accrues for expected warranty costs at the time each home is closed and title and possession is transferred to the buyer. Costs are accrued based upon historical experience.

Insurance Cost Policy [Text Block]

Insurance Costs

The Company accrues for the expected costs associated with the deductibles and self-insured amounts under its various insurance policies.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation — Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”). The Company uses a lattice model for the valuation for its stock option grants. The option pricing models used are designed to estimate the value of options that, unlike employee stock options and restricted stock units, can be traded at any time and are transferable. In addition to restrictions on trading, employee stock options and restricted stock units may include other restrictions such as vesting periods. Further, such models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected volatility of the stock price. Stock-based compensation expense is generally included in the Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses in its Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on temporary differences between the amounts reported for financial reporting purposes and the amounts reported for income tax purposes. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 740, the Company assesses the realizability of its deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance must be established when, based upon available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. See “Income Taxes — Valuation Allowance” below.

Federal and state income taxes are calculated on reported pre-tax earnings (losses) based on current tax law and also include, in the applicable period, the cumulative effect of any changes in tax rates from those used previously in determining deferred tax assets and liabilities. Such provisions (benefits) differ from the amounts currently receivable or payable because certain items of income and expense are recognized for financial reporting purposes in different periods than for income tax purposes. Significant judgment is required in determining income tax provisions (benefits) and evaluating tax positions. The Company establishes reserves for income taxes when, despite the belief that its tax positions are fully supportable, it believes that its positions may be challenged and disallowed by various tax authorities. The consolidated tax provisions (benefits) and related accruals include the impact of such reasonably estimable disallowances as deemed appropriate. To the extent that the probable tax outcome of these matters changes, such changes in estimates will impact the income tax provision (benefit) in the period in which such determination is made.

ASC 740 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attributes for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. ASC 740 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. ASC 740 requires a company to recognize the financial statement effect of a tax position when it is “more-likely-than-not” (defined as a substantiated likelihood of more than 50%), based on the technical merits of the position, that the position will be sustained upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the financial statements based upon the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The inability of the Company to determine that a tax position meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold does not mean that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or any other taxing authority will disagree with the position that the Company has taken.

If a tax position does not meet the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold, despite the Company’s belief that its filing position is supportable, the benefit of that tax position is not recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Company is required to accrue potential interest and penalties until the uncertainty is resolved. Potential interest and penalties are recognized as a component of the provision for income taxes which is consistent with the Company’s historical accounting policy. Differences between amounts taken in a tax return and amounts recognized in the financial statements are considered unrecognized tax benefits. The Company believes that it has a reasonable basis for each of its filing positions and intends to defend those positions if challenged by the IRS or other taxing jurisdiction. If the IRS or other taxing authorities do not disagree with the Company’s position, and after the statute of limitations expires, the Company will recognize the unrecognized tax benefit in the period that the uncertainty of the tax position is eliminated.

Income Taxes - Valuation Allowance [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes — Valuation Allowance

Significant judgment is applied in assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets. In accordance with GAAP, a valuation allowance is established against a deferred tax asset if, based on the available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that such asset will not be realized. The realization of a deferred tax asset ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income in either the carryback or carryforward periods under tax law. The Company assesses the need for valuation allowances for deferred tax assets based on GAAP's “more-likely-than-not” realization threshold criteria. In the Company's assessment, appropriate consideration is given to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax assets. Forming a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not needed is difficult when there is significant negative evidence such as cumulative losses in recent years. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, consistency and magnitude of current and cumulative income and losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryback or carryforward periods, the Company's experience with operating loss and tax credit carryforwards being used before expiration, and tax planning alternatives.

The Company's assessment of the need for a valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets includes assessing the likely future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in its consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Changes in existing tax laws or rates could affect the Company's actual tax results and its future business results may affect the amount of its deferred tax liabilities or the valuation of its deferred tax assets over time. The Company's accounting for deferred tax assets represents its best estimate of future events.

Due to uncertainties in the estimation process, particularly with respect to changes in facts and circumstances in future reporting periods (carryforward period assumptions), actual results could differ from the estimates used in the Company's analysis. The Company's assumptions require significant judgment because the residential home building industry is cyclical and is highly sensitive to changes in economic conditions. If the Company's results of operations are less than projected and there is insufficient objectively verifiable positive evidence to support the “more-likely-than-not” realization of its deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance would be required to reduce or eliminate its deferred tax assets.

Noncontrolling Interest [Policy Text Block]

Noncontrolling Interest

The Company has a 67% interest in an entity that is developing land. The financial statements of this entity are consolidated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The amounts shown in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets under “Noncontrolling interest” represent the noncontrolling interest attributable to the 33% minority interest not owned by the Company.

Geographic Segment Reporting Policy [Text Block]

Segment Reporting

At October 31, 2013, the Company determined that it operates in two segments: Traditional Home Building and Urban Infill ("City Living"). Amounts reported in prior years have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2013 presentation.

The Company has determined that its Traditional Home Building operations operate in four geographic segments: North, Mid-Atlantic, South and West. The states comprising each geographic segment are as follows:

North: Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey and New York

Mid-Atlantic: Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia

South: Florida, North Carolina and Texas

West: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada and Washington

In fiscal 2011, the Company discontinued the sale of homes in South Carolina. The operations in South Carolina were immaterial to the South geographic segments.

Related Party Transactions

See Note 4, “Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Entities” for information regarding Toll Brothers Realty Trust ("Trust").

Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Policy Text Block]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-04, "Liabilities" ("ASU 2013-04"), which provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. ASU 2013-04 is effective for the Company beginning November 1, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2013-04 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, "Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income" ("ASU 2013-02"). ASU 2013-02 requires entities to present information about reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income in their financial statements, in a single note or on the face of the financial statements. The Company adopted ASU 2013-02 in its quarter beginning February 1, 2013. The adoption of this guidance, which relates to disclosure only, did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Subsequent Events, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Subsequent Events

Acquisition of Shapell Industries, Inc.

On November 6, 2013, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Shapell Investment Properties, Inc. to acquire all of the equity interests in Shapell Industries, Inc. (“Shapell”), for an aggregate all-cash purchase price of $1.60 billion (the “Acquisition”), subject to certain adjustments. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to acquire the single-family residential real property development business of Shapell, including a portfolio of approximately 5,200 home sites in California. The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants of the parties. The closing of the Acquisition is subject to the the completion of the separation of Shapell’s commercial and multi-family units to be retained by Shapell, subject to limited exceptions, the completion of pending buy-outs by Shapell of minority interests in certain joint ventures and other customary closing conditions and is expected to occur in the first calendar quarter of 2014. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the equity offering and senior note offerings completed in November 2013, borrowings under its $1.04 billion credit facility, other financial resources available to it, and, if needed, borrowings under the 364-day unsecured revolving credit facility as more fully described below, to finance the Acquisition and to pay related fees and expenses.

Equity Offering

In November 2013, the Company issued 7.2 million shares of its common stock, par value $.01 per share, at a price to the public of $32.00 per share (the “equity offering”). The Company received $220.8 million of net proceeds from the issuance.

Senior Note Offerings

In November 2013, the Company issued $350 million principal amount of 4.0% Senior Notes due 2018 (the “4.0% Senior Notes”) and $250 million principal amount of 5.625% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “5.625% Senior Notes”) through Toll Brothers Finance Corp. The Company received $596.2 million of net proceeds from the issuance of the 4.0% Senior Notes and the 5.625% Senior Notes. If (i) the Purchase Agreement is terminated on any date prior to May 31, 2014, (ii) the Company publicly announces on any date prior to May 31, 2014 that the Acquisition will not be pursued or (iii) the Acquisition is not consummated prior to May 31, 2014, then the Company will be required to redeem each series of notes at 100% of the aggregate principal amount of such series, together with accrued and unpaid interest on such notes from November 21, 2013 up to, but not including, the applicable special mandatory redemption date.

364-Day Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

The Company has received a definitive financing commitment from a number of banks for a $500 million, 364-day senior unsecured revolving credit facility. The availability of borrowings under this facility is subject to the Company entering into a definitive agreement with the banks and will be subject to customary conditions. Amounts borrowed thereunder are expected to accrue interest at the London interbank offered rate plus a margin determined pursuant to a leverage ratio-based pricing grid expected to range from 1.25% to 2.25% per annum.

Reclassification Policy [Text Block]

Reclassification

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2013 presentation.