Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Entities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Condensed Balance Sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 62,965	$ 85,359
Inventory	493,354	394,079
Non-performing loan portfolio	288,130	295,044
Rental properties	176,979	178,339
Real estate owned ("REO")	240,660	231,959
Other assets	261,093	339,214
Total assets	1,523,181	1,523,994
Debt	616,435	888,145
Other liabilities	35,387	18,906
Member's equity	624,617	367,277
Non-controlling interest	246,742	249,666
Total liabilities and equity	1,523,181	1,523,994
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	193,626	126,355
Development Joint Venture [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents	13,067	14,190
Inventory	191,031	218,339
Non-performing loan portfolio	0	0
Rental properties	0	0
Real estate owned ("REO")	0	0
Other assets	21,047	150,316
Total assets	225,145	382,845
Debt	71,444	327,856
Other liabilities	21,127	5,352
Member's equity	132,574	49,637
Non-controlling interest	0	0
Total liabilities and equity	225,145	382,845
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	8,592	17,098
Home Building Joint Ventures [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents	9,282	10,663
Inventory	296,781	170,239
Non-performing loan portfolio	0	0
Rental properties	0	0
Real estate owned ("REO")	0	0
Other assets	58,989	20,080
Total assets	365,052	200,982
Debt	35,363	50,515
Other liabilities	9,363	9,745
Member's equity	320,326	140,722
Non-controlling interest	0	0
Total liabilities and equity	365,052	200,982
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	150,135	72,734
Toll Brothers Realty Trust I and II [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents	10,620	11,726
Inventory	5,542	5,501
Non-performing loan portfolio	0	0
Rental properties	176,979	178,339
Real estate owned ("REO")	1,087	1,087
Other assets	9,033	9,675
Total assets	203,261	206,328
Debt	198,066	198,927
Other liabilities	4,473	3,427
Member's equity	722	3,974
Non-controlling interest	0	0
Total liabilities and equity	203,261	206,328
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	700	1,872
Structured Asset Joint Venture [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents	29,996	48,780
Inventory	0	0
Non-performing loan portfolio	288,130	295,044
Rental properties	0	0
Real estate owned ("REO")	239,573	230,872
Other assets	172,024	159,143
Total assets	729,723	733,839
Debt	311,562	310,847
Other liabilities	424	382
Member's equity	170,995	172,944
Non-controlling interest	246,742	249,666
Total liabilities and equity	729,723	733,839
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	$ 34,199	$ 34,651	$ 29,100