Note 19 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016
PreImpairment Value	$ 8,500	$ 16,700	$ 21,100	$ 45,400
Total Losses	(1,500)	(5,400)	(4,200)	(15,100)
Sold and Unsold Homes and Lots Under Development [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value of Inventory	6,925	10,980	10,640	29,839
PreImpairment Value	8,474	15,710	14,776	44,238
Total Losses	(1,549)	(4,730)	(4,136)	(14,399)
Land and Land Options Held for Future Development or Sale [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value of Inventory		366	6,245	475
PreImpairment Value		1,012	6,326	1,169
Total Losses		$ (646)	$ (81)	$ (694)