Inventory Inventory (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
Schedule Of Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	$ 709				$ 8,120
Land controlled for future communities [Member]
Schedule Of Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	9				777
Land Owned for Future Communities [Member]
Schedule Of Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	0				918
Operating communities [Member]
Schedule Of Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	$ 700	$ 1,400	$ 2,685	$ 2,560	$ 6,425	$ 13,070