Note 21 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Total Losses	$ (2,100)	$ (15,100)	$ (24,500)
Sold and Unsold Homes and Lots Under Development [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Pre-impairment value	11,170	30,022
Total Losses	(2,117)	(11,658)
Fair Value of Inventory	9,053	18,364
Land and Land Options Held for Future Development or Sale [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Pre-impairment value		22,850
Total Losses		(3,403)
Fair Value of Inventory		$ 19,447