Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Company's purchase commitments
Aggregate purchase commitments unrelated parties	$ 539,636	$ 551,905
Unconsolidated entities that the Company has investments in	124,387	12,471
Total	664,023	564,376
Deposits against aggregate purchase commitments	32,199	37,987
Credits to be received from amounts previously contributed to unconsolidated entities	75,600	0
Additional cash required to acquire land	$ 556,224	$ 526,389