Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Jul. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Company purchase commitments
Aggregate purchase commitments unrelated parties	$ 438,158	$ 419,194
Unconsolidated entities that the Company has investments in	123,804	131,217
Total	561,962	550,411
Deposits against aggregate purchase commitments	45,825	47,111
Credits to be received from unconsolidated entities	43,803	37,272
Additional cash required to acquire land	472,334	466,028
Amount of additional cash required to acquire land included in accrued expenses	$ 57,012	$ 77,618