Accrued Expenses (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011
Changes in the warranty accrual
Balance, beginning of year	$ 42,474	$ 45,835
Additions - homes closed during the year	1,871	1,929
Addition - liabilities acquired	731
Increase (decrease) to accruals for homes closed in prior periods	1,783	(66)
Charges incurred	(3,750)	(1,770)
Balance, end of year	$ 43,109	$ 45,928