Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Company purchase commitments
Aggregate purchase commitments unrelated parties	$ 551,905	$ 419,194
Unconsolidated entities that the Company has investments in	12,471	131,217
Total	564,376	550,411
Deposits against aggregate purchase commitments	37,987	47,111
Credits to be received from unconsolidated entities	0	37,272
Additional cash required to acquire land	526,389	466,028
Amount of additional cash required to acquire land included in accrued expenses	$ 44	$ 77,618