Inventory (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2010	Apr. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2010
Periods indicated the number of operating communities impairment charges and fair value of communities net of impairment charges
Number of operating communities tested	129	142	143	144	155	161	260
Number of communities	2	9	6	12	7	7	14
Fair Value of communities net of impairment charges	$ 867	$ 40,765	$ 56,105	$ 39,209	$ 21,457	$ 53,594	$ 60,519	$ 867	$ 21,457	$ 39,209
Impairment Charges Recognized	16,812				12,508			34,861	88,220
Operating communities [Member]
Periods indicated the number of operating communities impairment charges and fair value of communities net of impairment charges
Impairment Charges Recognized	$ 175	$ 10,725	$ 5,475	$ 9,120	$ 6,600	$ 15,020	$ 22,750	$ 16,375	$ 44,370	$ 53,490