Fair Value Disclosures (Level 4 inventory fv) (Details 4) (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
Statement of Inventory [Line Items]
Number of Operating Communities Tested	60	108	115	115	113
Number of Communities Impaired	2	3	4	2	8
Fair Value of the Impaired Inventory	$ 5,377	$ 9,319	$ 6,609	$ 22,962	$ 49,758
Inventory Write-down	709				8,120
Operating communities [Member]
Statement of Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	$ 700	$ 1,400	$ 2,685	$ 2,560	$ 6,425	$ 13,070