Accrued Expenses (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Changes in the warranty accrual
Balance, beginning of year	$ 41,109	$ 42,997	$ 41,706	$ 42,474
Additions - homes closed during the year	3,831	3,050	9,053	6,994
Addition - liabilities acquired				731
(Decrease) increase to accruals for homes closed in prior periods	136	(529)	(342)	1,236
Charges incurred	(3,009)	(3,258)	(8,350)	(9,175)
Balance, end of year	$ 42,067	$ 42,260	$ 42,067	$ 42,260