Inventory (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2011
Total Inventory
Inventory	$ 3,784,705			$ 3,416,723				$ 3,784,705		$ 3,416,723
Inventory impairment charges and expensing of costs that not to be recoverable
Inventory impairments and write-offs	3,120				16,812			13,249	34,861
Land controlled for future communities [Member]
Total Inventory
Inventory	52,662			46,581				52,662		46,581
Inventory impairment charges and expensing of costs that not to be recoverable
Inventory impairments and write-offs	435				637			661	2,486
Land owned for future communities [Member]
Total Inventory
Inventory	1,096,396			979,145				1,096,396		979,145
Inventory impairment charges and expensing of costs that not to be recoverable
Inventory impairments and write-offs	0				16,000			918	16,000
Operating communities [Member]
Total Inventory
Inventory	2,635,647			2,390,997				2,635,647		2,390,997
Inventory impairment charges and expensing of costs that not to be recoverable
Inventory impairments and write-offs	$ 2,685	$ 2,560	$ 6,425	$ 710	$ 175	$ 10,725	$ 5,475	$ 11,670	$ 16,375	$ 17,085