Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Entities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Condensed Balance Sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 113,502	$ 137,101
Inventory	696,932	693,962
Non-performing loan portfolio	64,236	107,411
Rental properties	139,395	164,325
Rental properties under development	211,196	133,081
Real estate owned ("REO")	194,272	202,259
Other assets	269,677	257,327
Total assets	1,689,210	1,695,466
Debt	495,604	538,303
Other liabilities	96,726	50,491
Member's equity	932,503	897,027
Non-controlling interest	164,377	209,645
Total liabilities and equity	1,689,210	1,695,466
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	443,285	403,133
Restricted cash	22,401	32,036
Development Joint Ventures, Total [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents	34,775	30,826
Inventory	257,370	350,150
Non-performing loan portfolio
Rental properties
Rental properties under development
Real estate owned ("REO")
Other assets	25,755	12,700
Total assets	317,900	393,676
Debt	47,231	135,200
Other liabilities	24,301	21,015
Member's equity	246,368	237,461
Non-controlling interest
Total liabilities and equity	317,900	393,676
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	158,622	142,448
Homebuilding Joint Ventures, Total [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents	26,492	31,164
Inventory	439,174	338,814
Non-performing loan portfolio
Rental properties
Rental properties under development
Real estate owned ("REO")
Other assets	73,053	70,180
Total assets	538,719	440,158
Debt	9,435	11,977
Other liabilities	43,849	19,636
Member's equity	485,435	408,545
Non-controlling interest
Total liabilities and equity	538,719	440,158
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	186,105	166,271
Rental Joint Ventures, including Trusts i and II [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents	36,578	35,014
Inventory	388	4,998
Non-performing loan portfolio
Rental properties	139,395	164,325
Rental properties under development	211,196	133,081
Real estate owned ("REO")
Other assets	14,936	18,526
Total assets	402,493	355,944
Debt	283,038	235,226
Other liabilities	28,340	9,461
Member's equity	91,115	111,257
Non-controlling interest
Total liabilities and equity	402,493	355,944
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	77,281	68,711
Structured Asset Joint Venture [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents	15,657	40,097
Inventory
Non-performing loan portfolio	64,236	107,411
Rental properties
Rental properties under development
Real estate owned ("REO")	194,272	202,259
Other assets	155,933	155,921
Total assets	430,098	505,688
Debt	155,900	155,900
Other liabilities	236	379
Member's equity	109,585	139,764
Non-controlling interest	164,377	209,645
Total liabilities and equity	430,098	505,688
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	21,277	25,703
Restricted cash	$ 155,921	$ 155,921