Significant accounting policies (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018	Nov. 01, 2018	Nov. 02, 2017
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Retained customer deposits		$ 3,071		$ 4,155
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets					$ 13,200
Reclassification of Inventory to Property, Construction and Office Equipment					104,807
Home Building [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Retained customer deposits	$ 3,200		$ 6,400
Land sales prior [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets					$ 4,600