Fair Value Disclosures (Level 4 debt fv) (Details 5) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Book value and estimated fair value of the Company's debt
Loans payable (a)	$ 106,399	$ 106,556
Senior notes	1,792,453	1,490,972
Mortgage company warehouse loan (c)	63,128	57,409
Book value [Member]
Book value and estimated fair value of the Company's debt
Loans payable (a)	106,399	106,556
Senior notes	1,801,688	1,499,371
Mortgage company warehouse loan (c)	63,128	57,409
Total debt	1,971,215	1,663,336
Estimate fair value [Member]
Book value and estimated fair value of the Company's debt
Loans payable (a)	102,731	98,950
Senior notes	1,992,835	1,614,010
Mortgage company warehouse loan (c)	63,128	57,409
Total debt	$ 2,158,694	$ 1,770,369