Inventory (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Land owned for future communities [Member]
Temporarily Closed communities
Number of Communities	40	43	36
Carrying Value	$ 240,307	$ 256,468	$ 212,882
Operating communities [Member]
Temporarily Closed communities
Number of Communities	5	2	13
Carrying Value	$ 34,685	$ 11,076	$ 78,100