Note 18 (Detail) - Segment Operations - Operating Activity (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Revenues	$ 422,998	$ 341,698	$ 781,209	$ 611,297
Income (loss) before income taxes	(1,265)	2,338	(22,067)	(15,224)
Homebuilding [Member] | Northeast [Member]
Revenues	54,236	51,775	109,071	93,307
Income (loss) before income taxes	(4,651)	(125)	(9,538)	(5,773)
Homebuilding [Member] | Mid-Atlantic [Member]
Revenues	58,405	64,776	111,124	119,171
Income (loss) before income taxes	3,344	5,058	4,269	7,669
Homebuilding [Member] | Midwest [Member]
Revenues	39,393	23,631	71,726	41,829
Income (loss) before income taxes	2,279	(91)	3,479	(1,247)
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]
Revenues	37,192	36,346	66,153	56,555
Income (loss) before income taxes	2,719	(3,876)	3,309	(6,733)
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]
Revenues	161,813	114,716	293,437	206,540
Income (loss) before income taxes	16,538	8,235	24,641	12,785
Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]
Revenues	61,326	42,011	107,429	78,763
Income (loss) before income taxes	2,422	(2,948)	1,327	(3,920)
Homebuilding [Member]
Revenues	412,365	333,255	758,940	596,165
Income (loss) before income taxes	22,651	6,253	27,487	2,781
Financial Services [Member]
Revenues	10,682	8,513	22,341	15,203
Income (loss) before income taxes	3,545	3,150	7,776	4,663
Corporate and Other [Member]
Revenues	(49)	(70)	(72)	(71)
Income (loss) before income taxes	$ (27,461)	$ (7,065)	$ (57,330)	$ (22,668)