Inventory (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, 2009	Jul. 31, 2009	Apr. 30, 2009	Jan. 31, 2009	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Total Inventory
Inventory	$ 3,416,723				$ 3,241,725								$ 3,416,723	$ 3,241,725
Inventory impairment charges and expensing of costs that not to be recoverable
Inventory impairments													51,837	115,258	465,411
Land Controlled for Future Communities [Member]
Total Inventory
Inventory	46,581				31,899								46,581	31,899
Inventory impairment charges and expensing of costs that not to be recoverable
Inventory impairments													17,752	6,069	28,518
Land owned for future communities [Member]
Total Inventory
Inventory	979,145				923,972								979,145	923,972
Inventory impairment charges and expensing of costs that not to be recoverable
Inventory impairments													17,000	55,700	169,488
Operating Communities [Member]
Total Inventory
Inventory	2,390,997				2,285,854								2,390,997	2,285,854
Inventory impairment charges and expensing of costs that not to be recoverable
Inventory impairments	$ 710	$ 175	$ 10,725	$ 5,475	$ 9,119	$ 6,600	$ 15,020	$ 22,750	$ 44,873	$ 46,822	$ 67,410	$ 108,300	$ 17,085	$ 53,489	$ 267,405