Investments in Distressed Loans and Foreclosed Real Estate Investments in Distressed Loans and Foreclosed Real Estate (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Gains (losses) upon acquisition of REO	$ 0tol_GainsLossesUponAcquisitionOfReo	$ 5tol_GainsLossesUponAcquisitionOfReo	$ 230tol_GainsLossesUponAcquisitionOfReo	$ 1,523tol_GainsLossesUponAcquisitionOfReo

Represents gains (losses) upon acquisition of REO through foreclosure recorded during the period.

No definition available.

Name:	tol_GainsLossesUponAcquisitionOfReo
Namespace Prefix:	tol_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration