Inventory (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2012 Community	Oct. 31, 2011 Community
Land owned for future communities [Member]
Temporarily Closed communities
Number of Communities	44	43
Carrying Value	$ 245,025	$ 256,468
Operating communities [Member]
Temporarily Closed communities
Number of Communities	6	2
Carrying Value	$ 49,723	$ 11,076