Information on Operating Segments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	$ 35,709	$ 20,678	$ 4,523
North [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	15,033	9,148	1,762
Mid-Atlantic [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	19,488	9,069	522
South [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	720	2,285	2,400
West [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	$ 420	169	365
California [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down		7	(526)
Traditional Homebuilding [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	$ 35,661	$ 20,678	$ 4,523
City Living [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	$ 48