Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Accrued expenses
Land, land development and construction	$ 124,816	$ 152,674
Compensation and employee benefits	118,607	111,561
Insurance and litigation	100,407	89,104
Warranty	86,282	43,819	41,706	42,474
Interest	33,993	25,675
Commitments to unconsolidated entities	3,293	3,804
Other	114,079	96,350
Accrued expenses, Total	$ 581,477	$ 522,987