Fair Value Disclosures (Details 3) (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
Fair value of inventory adjusted for impairment
Fair value of communities, net of impairment charges	$ 5,718	$ 4,769	$ 40,765	$ 56,105	$ 67,850	$ 40,071	$ 64,964	$ 82,509
Inventory impairments									51,837	115,258	465,411
Land Owned for Future Communities and Operating Communities [Member]
Fair value of inventory adjusted for impairment
Inventory impairments	$ 1,710	$ 16,175	$ 10,725	$ 5,475	$ 23,219	$ 12,450	$ 41,770	$ 31,750	$ 34,085	$ 109,189