Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Accrued expenses
Land, land development and construction	$ 109,574	$ 110,301
Compensation and employee benefits	96,037	95,107
Insurance and litigation	130,714	143,421
Commitments to unconsolidated entities	60,130	88,121
Warranty	42,474	45,835	53,937
Interest	25,968	26,998
Other	56,154	60,538
Accrued expenses, Total	521,051	570,321
Changes in the warranty accrual
Balance, beginning of year	45,835	53,937	57,292
Additions - homes closed during the year	8,809	9,147	10,499
Additions (reductions) to accruals for homes closed in prior years	(828)	(4,684)	1,697
Charges incurred	(11,342)	(12,565)	(15,551)
Balance, end of year	$ 42,474	$ 45,835	$ 53,937