Geographic Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Revenues
Revenue	$ 394,305	$ 454,202	$ 1,048,096	$ 1,092,171
(Loss) income before income taxes
(Loss) income before income taxes	3,888	823	(44,643)	(107,720)
North [Member]
Revenues
Revenue	106,400	131,200	273,600	305,700
(Loss) income before income taxes
(Loss) income before income taxes	14,300	4,700	28,700	500
Mid-Atlantic [Member]
Revenues
Revenue	147,700	156,500	351,100	360,500
(Loss) income before income taxes
(Loss) income before income taxes	18,600	18,100	33,700	20,700
South [Member]
Revenues
Revenue	69,000	70,000	197,300	189,000
(Loss) income before income taxes
(Loss) income before income taxes	(13,500)	(4,100)	(27,100)	(31,700)
West [Member]
Revenues
Revenue	71,200	96,500	226,100	237,000
(Loss) income before income taxes
(Loss) income before income taxes	4,600	5,700	(22,500)	(21,100)
Corporate and other [Member]
(Loss) income before income taxes
(Loss) income before income taxes	$ (20,100)	$ (23,600)	$ (57,400)	$ (76,100)