Accrued Expenses (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Changes in the warranty accrual
Balance, beginning of year	$ 42,688	$ 41,241	$ 43,819	$ 41,706
Additions - homes closed during the year	4,205	2,934	7,302	5,223
Product Warranty Accrual Acquired	9,244		9,244
Increase (decrease) to accruals for homes closed in prior periods	1,077	(212)	1,421	(478)
Charges incurred	(4,635)	(2,854)	(9,207)	(5,342)
Balance, end of year	$ 52,579	$ 41,109	$ 52,579	$ 41,109