Inventory Inventory (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
Schedule Of Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	$ 239				$ 3,120			$ 1,977	$ 13,249
Land controlled for future communities [Member]
Schedule Of Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	139				435			837	661
Land Owned for Future Communities [Member]
Schedule Of Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	0				0			0	918
Operating communities [Member]
Schedule Of Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	$ 100	$ 340	$ 700	$ 1,400	$ 2,685	$ 2,560	$ 6,425	$ 1,140	$ 11,670	$ 13,070