Information on Segments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	$ 14,794	$ 13,807	$ 35,709
North [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	6,528	7,579	15,033
Mid-Atlantic [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	6,905	2,076	19,488
South [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	1,184	3,316	720
West [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	106	746	420
California [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	43
Traditional Homebuilding [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	14,766	13,717	35,661
City Living [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	$ 28	$ 90	$ 48