Inventory (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2010	Apr. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Total Inventory
Inventory	$ 3,761,187				$ 3,416,723								$ 3,761,187	$ 3,416,723
Inventory impairment charges and expensing of costs that not to be recoverable
Inventory impairments and write-offs													14,739	51,837	115,258
Land controlled for future communities [Member]
Total Inventory
Inventory	56,300				46,581								56,300	46,581
Inventory impairment charges and expensing of costs that not to be recoverable
Inventory impairments and write-offs													451	17,752	6,069
Land owned for future communities [Member]
Total Inventory
Inventory	1,040,373				979,145								1,040,373	979,145
Inventory impairment charges and expensing of costs that not to be recoverable
Inventory impairments and write-offs													1,218	17,000	55,700
Operating communities [Member]
Total Inventory
Inventory	2,664,514				2,390,997								2,664,514	2,390,997
Inventory impairment charges and expensing of costs that not to be recoverable
Inventory impairments and write-offs	$ 1,400	$ 2,685	$ 2,560	$ 6,425	$ 710	$ 175	$ 10,725	$ 5,475	$ 9,119	$ 6,600	$ 15,020	$ 22,750	$ 13,070	$ 17,085	$ 53,489