Fair Value Disclosures (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Apr. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Fair value of inventory adjusted for impairment
Fair value of communities, net of impairment charges	$ 4,769	$ 40,765	$ 56,105	$ 40,071	$ 64,964	$ 82,509
Inventory impairments	16,812			12,508			34,861	88,220
Land Owned for Future Communities and Operating Communities [Member]
Fair value of inventory adjusted for impairment
Inventory impairments	$ 16,175	$ 10,725	$ 5,475	$ 12,450	$ 41,770	$ 31,750	$ 32,375	$ 85,970