Supplemental Disclosure to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2016
Cash flow information:
Interest capitalized, net of amounts paid	$ 419	$ 8,227
Income tax payment	80,070	38,781
Income tax refunds	911	1,874
Noncash activity:
Cost of inventory acquired through seller financing municipal bonds, net	18,011	10,534
Reduction in inventory, share of equity earnings in land purchased from unconsolidated entities and allocation of basis difference	3,654	160
Defined benefit plan amendment		757
Deferred tax decrease related to stock based compenation activity included in additional paid-in capital	4,935	3,249
Transfer of inventory to investment in unconsolidated entities	36,256
Acquisition of a Business
Fair value of assets purchased	90,560
Liabilities assumed	5,377
Cash paid	$ 85,183		$ 0