Information on Geographic Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2010	Apr. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Revenues
Revenues	$ 427,785	$ 394,305	$ 319,675	$ 334,116	$ 402,600	$ 454,202	$ 311,271	$ 326,698	$ 1,475,881	$ 1,494,771	$ 1,755,310
(Loss) income before income taxes
(Loss) income before income taxes	15,277	3,888	(31,484)	(17,047)	(9,467)	823	(51,789)	(56,754)	(29,366)	(117,787)	(496,465)
North [Member]
Revenues
Revenues									381,600	407,700	585,300
(Loss) income before income taxes
(Loss) income before income taxes									42,500	(2,300)	(103,300)
Mid-Atlantic [Member]
Revenues
Revenues									499,700	488,400	492,700
(Loss) income before income taxes
(Loss) income before income taxes									57,600	33,900	(25,000)
South [Member]
Revenues
Revenues									285,000	264,300	288,200
(Loss) income before income taxes
(Loss) income before income taxes									(25,900)	(35,200)	(49,400)
West [Member]
Revenues
Revenues									309,600	334,400	389,100
(Loss) income before income taxes
(Loss) income before income taxes									(27,100)	(11,900)	(209,000)
Corporate and other [Member]
(Loss) income before income taxes
(Loss) income before income taxes									$ (76,500)	$ (101,700)	$ (109,800)