XML 13 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT  v2.3.0.11
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
6 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2011
Jun. 01, 2011
Apr. 30, 2010
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name TOLL BROTHERS INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0000794170    
Document Type 10-Q    
Document Period End Date Apr. 30, 2011
Amendment Flag false    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --10-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 3,261,185,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   168,307,000