Information on Operating Segments Information on Operating Segments (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting, Investment in Unconsolidated Entities [Line Items]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	$ 334,925	$ 447,078
Mid-Atlantic [Member]
Segment Reporting, Investment in Unconsolidated Entities [Line Items]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	12,167	11,841
South [Member]
Segment Reporting, Investment in Unconsolidated Entities [Line Items]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	99,888	98,362
West [Member]
Segment Reporting, Investment in Unconsolidated Entities [Line Items]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	53,140	59,573
Traditional Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting, Investment in Unconsolidated Entities [Line Items]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	165,195	169,776
City Living [Member]
Segment Reporting, Investment in Unconsolidated Entities [Line Items]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	49,488	159,953
Corporate and other [Member]
Segment Reporting, Investment in Unconsolidated Entities [Line Items]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	$ 120,242	117,349
Rental Property Joint Venture College Park, Maryland [Member] | Corporate and other [Member]
Segment Reporting, Investment in Unconsolidated Entities [Line Items]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures		$ 12,400