Inventory (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Land owned for future communities [Member]
Temporarily Closed communities
Number Of Communities	40	36
Carrying Value	$ 245,287	$ 212,882
Operating communities [Member]
Temporarily Closed communities
Number Of Communities	4	13
Carrying Value	$ 20,958	$ 78,100