Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Dec. 24, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	TOLL BROTHERS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000794170
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Oct. 31, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		169,041,000
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 3,797,126