Information on Geographic Segments (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Total assets
Total assets	$ 5,055,246	$ 5,171,555
North [Member]
Total assets
Total assets	1,060,200	961,300
Mid-Atlantic [Member]
Total assets
Total assets	1,235,900	1,161,500
South [Member]
Total assets
Total assets	760,100	693,800
West [Member]
Total assets
Total assets	650,800	712,400
Corporate and other [Member]
Total assets
Total assets	$ 1,348,200	$ 1,642,600