Information on Segments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	$ 35,156	$ 14,794	$ 13,807
North [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	19,698	6,528	7,579
Mid-Atlantic [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	9,818	6,905	2,076
South [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	3,802	1,184	3,316
West [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	907	106	746
California [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	147	43
Traditional Homebuilding [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	34,372	14,766	13,717
City Living [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	15	28	90
Corporate and Other [Member]
Schedule of inventory impairments, by segment [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	$ 769