Information on Segments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	$ 13,807	$ 35,709	$ 20,678
North [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	7,579	15,033	9,148
Mid-Atlantic [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	2,076	19,488	9,069
South [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	3,316	720	2,285
West [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	746	420	169
California [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down			7
Traditional Homebuilding [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	13,717	35,661	20,678
City Living [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	$ 90	$ 48