Supplemental Disclosure to Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Cash flow information:
Interest Capitalized Net of Amounts Paid	$ 4,248	$ (2,814)
Income tax payment	1,715	2,975
Income tax refunds	1,156
Non-cash activity:
Cost of inventory acquired through seller financing municipal bonds or recorded due to VIE criteria, net	37,230	21,422
Financed portion of land sale	7,200
Reduction in inventory, share of equity earnings, land purchase from JV	1,327
Increase in inventory due to transfer from REO	764
Deferred income reclassed from inventory to accrued liabilities, non-cash	4,545
Miscellaneous increase (decrease) in inventory, non-cash		(286)
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments	826	310
Non cash increase in accrued expenses related to RSU pay out	2,942
Increase (reduction) of investments in unconsolidated entities due to increase/reduction in letters of credit or accrued liabilities	74	481
Transfer of Inventory to Investment in Non-Performing Loan Portfolios and Foreclosed Real Estate		802
Transfer of inventory to investment in unconsolidated entities	27,631	5,793
Reclassification deferred income from investment to accrued liabilities		2,943
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax	555	942
Change in fair value of debt guarantees	1,460
Miscellaneous increases (decreases) to investments in unconsolidated entities	(234)	(89)
Acquisition of a Business:
Fair value of assets purchased		149,959
Liabilities assumed		5,213
Cash paid		$ 144,746