Inventory (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2010	Apr. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2010
Total Inventory
Inventory	$ 3,423,617			$ 3,241,725				$ 3,423,617		$ 3,241,725
Inventory impairment charges and expensing of costs that not to be recoverable
Inventory impairments	16,812				12,508			34,861	88,220
Land controlled for future communities [Member]
Total Inventory
Inventory	43,554			31,899				43,554		31,899
Inventory impairment charges and expensing of costs that not to be recoverable
Inventory impairments	637				58			2,486	2,250
Land owned for future communities [Member]
Total Inventory
Inventory	1,031,144			923,972				1,031,144		923,972
Inventory impairment charges and expensing of costs that not to be recoverable
Inventory impairments	16,000				5,850			16,000	41,600
Operating communities [Member]
Total Inventory
Inventory	2,348,919			2,285,854				2,348,919		2,285,854
Inventory impairment charges and expensing of costs that not to be recoverable
Inventory impairments	$ 175	$ 10,725	$ 5,475	$ 9,120	$ 6,600	$ 15,020	$ 22,750	$ 16,375	$ 44,370	$ 53,490