Supplemental Disclosure to Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Cash flow information:
Interest Capitalized Net of Amounts Paid	$ 17,359	$ (6,801)
Income tax payment	4,961
Income tax refunds		469
Non-cash activity:
Cost of inventory acquired through seller financing municipal bonds or recorded due to VIE criteria, net	60,661	15,998
Reduction in inventory, share of equity earnings, land purchase from JV	2,342
Miscellaneous increase (decrease) in inventory, non-cash		(144)
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments	77	519
Non cash increase in accrued expenses related to RSU pay out	4,968	2,939
Increase (reduction) of investments in unconsolidated entities due to increase/reduction in letters of credit or accrued liabilities		(24)
Transfer of inventory to investment in unconsolidated entities	700
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax	393	151
Change in fair value of debt guarantees	430
Miscellaneous increases (decreases) to investments in unconsolidated entities	$ (450)	$ 86