Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Accrued expenses
Land, land development and construction	$ 119,804	$ 124,731
Compensation and employee benefits	94,627	111,093
Insurance and litigation	102,135	101,908
Commitments to unconsolidated entities	2,164	2,135
Warranty	41,241	41,706	43,109	42,474
Interest	38,366	28,204
Other	69,315	66,573
Accrued expenses, Total	$ 467,652	$ 476,350