Supplemental Guarantor Information Supplemental Guarantor Information (Level 4 New Guaranor Information) (Details 1) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
Inventory, Operative Builders	$ 4,367,217		$ 4,367,217		$ 3,761,187
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	357,532		357,532		330,617
Assets	6,558,605		6,558,605		6,181,044
Loans Payable	96,572		96,572		99,817
Advances from Affiliiate	0		0		0
Liabilities	3,386,307		3,386,307		3,053,173
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	3,172,298		3,172,298		3,127,871
Revenue	516,004	373,681	940,605	695,636
Operating income	16,441	(1,396)	17,058	(20,686)
Income before income taxes	40,968	15,649	49,294	9,241
New Guarantors [Member]
Inventory, Operative Builders	214,313		214,313		168,218
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	103,871		103,871		110,014
Assets	327,574		327,574		282,638
Loans Payable	14,576		14,576		30,424
Advances from Affiliiate	303,879		303,879		253,550
Liabilities	333,865		333,865		291,990
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(6,291)		(6,291)		(9,352)
Revenue	13,872	0	24,316	0
Operating income	1,937	(428)	2,930	(673)
Income before income taxes	$ 4,027	$ 1,187	$ 5,030	$ 958