Supplemental Disclosure to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014 Shapell [Member]
Business Combination, recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, assets excluding cash
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	1,489,116		1,489,116
Cash flow information:
Interest Capitalized Net of Amounts Paid	183	4,248
Income tax payment	37,622	1,715
Income tax refunds		1,156
Non-cash activity:
Cost of inventory acquired through seller financing municipal bonds or recorded due to VIE criteria, net	88,646	37,230
Financed portion of land sale		7,200
Reduction in inventory, share of equity earnings, land purchase from JV	3,987	1,327
Increase in inventory due to transfer from REO		764
Deferred income relcassed from inventory to accrued liabilities, non-cash		4,545
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments	247	826
Non cash increase in accrued expenses related to RSU pay out	5,035	2,942
Increase (reduction) of investments in unconsolidated entities due to increase/reduction in letters of credit or accrued liabilities		74
Non cash transfer of inventory to investment in unconsolidated entities	700	27,631
Non cash transfer of investment in unconsolidated investments to inventory	2,704	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax	324	555
Change in fair value of debt guarantees	658	1,460
Miscellaneous increases (decreases) to investments in unconsolidated entities	$ (1,787)	$ (234)