Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Entities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Condensed Balance Sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 128,942	$ 112,496
Inventory	579,421	555,928
Non-performing loan portfolio	185,142	226,315
Rental properties	170,406	173,767
Real estate owned ("REO")	262,273	254,250
Other assets	368,043	331,386
Total assets	1,694,227	1,654,142
Debt	661,534	638,206
Other liabilities	28,248	25,360
Member's equity	719,364	720,663
Non-controlling interest	285,081	269,913
Total liabilities and equity	1,694,227	1,654,142
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	321,851	330,617
Development Joint Venture [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents	21,573	17,189
Inventory	263,743	255,561
Non-performing loan portfolio
Rental properties
Real estate owned ("REO")
Other assets	10,389	12,427
Total assets	295,705	285,177
Debt	121,435	96,862
Other liabilities	14,174	13,890
Member's equity	160,096	174,425
Non-controlling interest
Total liabilities and equity	295,705	285,177
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	106,368	116,452
Home Building Joint Ventures [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents	33,450	40,126
Inventory	310,002	294,724
Non-performing loan portfolio
Rental properties
Real estate owned ("REO")
Other assets	71,319	72,301
Total assets	414,771	407,151
Debt	33,859	34,184
Other liabilities	8,225	5,707
Member's equity	372,687	367,260
Non-controlling interest
Total liabilities and equity	414,771	407,151
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	174,967	173,465
Toll Brothers Realty Trust I and II [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents	10,166	11,005
Inventory	5,676	5,643
Non-performing loan portfolio
Rental properties	170,406	173,767
Real estate owned ("REO")	1,036
Other assets	9,030	9,182
Total assets	196,314	199,597
Debt	194,439	195,359
Other liabilities	5,348	5,202
Member's equity	(3,473)	(964)
Non-controlling interest
Total liabilities and equity	196,314	199,597
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	2,982	3,357
Structured Asset Joint Venture [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents	63,753	44,176
Inventory
Non-performing loan portfolio	185,142	226,315
Rental properties
Real estate owned ("REO")	261,237	254,250
Other assets	277,305	237,476
Total assets	787,437	762,217
Debt	311,801	311,801
Other liabilities	501	561
Member's equity	190,054	179,942
Non-controlling interest	285,081	269,913
Total liabilities and equity	787,437	762,217
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	$ 37,534	$ 37,343