Accrued Expenses (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Changes in the warranty accrual
Balance, beginning of year	$ 43,109	$ 45,928	$ 42,474	$ 45,835
Additions - homes closed during the year	2,073	1,970	3,944	3,899
Addition - liabilities acquired			731
Increase (decrease) to accruals for homes closed in prior periods	(18)	713	1,765	647
Charges incurred	(2,167)	(2,290)	(5,917)	(4,060)
Balance, end of year	$ 42,997	$ 46,321	$ 42,997	$ 46,321