Inventory (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Total Inventory
Inventory	$ 4,650,412				$ 3,732,703								$ 4,650,412	$ 3,732,703
Inventory impairment charges and expensing of costs that not to be recoverable
Inventory impairments and write-offs													4,523	14,739	51,837
Land controlled for future communities [Member]
Total Inventory
Inventory	99,802				54,624								99,802	54,624
Inventory impairment charges and expensing of costs that not to be recoverable
Inventory impairments and write-offs													1,183	451	17,752
Land owned for future communities [Member]
Total Inventory
Inventory	1,287,630				1,013,565								1,287,630	1,013,565
Inventory impairment charges and expensing of costs that not to be recoverable
Inventory impairments and write-offs													0	1,218	17,000
Operating communities [Member]
Total Inventory
Inventory	3,262,980				2,664,514								3,262,980	2,664,514
Inventory impairment charges and expensing of costs that not to be recoverable
Inventory impairments and write-offs	$ 2,200	$ 100	$ 340	$ 700	$ 1,400	$ 2,685	$ 2,560	$ 6,425	$ 710	$ 175	$ 10,725	$ 5,475	$ 3,340	$ 13,070	$ 17,085