Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Accrued expenses
Land, land development and construction	$ 106,178	$ 124,816
Compensation and employee benefits	118,237	118,607
Self-insurance	105,166	100,407
Warranty	84,695	86,282	42,688	43,819
Interest	38,187	33,993
Commitments to unconsolidated entities	4,749	3,293
Other	119,858	114,079
Accrued expenses, Total	$ 577,070	$ 581,477