Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Detail) - Inventory Impairment (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Number of Communities	32	41	83
Impairment	$ 9,800	$ 77,500	$ 122,500
Pre- Impairment Value	38,100	252,000	253,400
Northeast [Member]
Number of Communities	10	11	14
Impairment	2,800	54,900	72,200
Pre- Impairment Value	19,600	179,900	156,500
Mid-Atlantic [Member]
Number of Communities	3	5	8
Impairment	400	3,400	3,400
Pre- Impairment Value	800	17,300	7,100
Midwest [Member]
Number of Communities	2	7	15
Impairment	1,600	1,100	4,600
Pre- Impairment Value	4,500	4,200	8,200
Southeast [Member]
Number of Communities	12	11	21
Impairment	2,800	1,500	2,200
Pre- Impairment Value	8,300	5,100	8,000
Southwest [Member]
Number of Communities		1	6
Impairment		100	900
Pre- Impairment Value		300	10,800
West [Member]
Number of Communities	5	6	19
Impairment	2,200	16,500	39,200
Pre- Impairment Value	$ 4,900	$ 45,200	$ 62,800