Geographic Segments (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands	Jul. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Total assets
Total assets	$ 5,076,610	$ 5,171,555
North [Member]
Total assets
Total assets	1,051,100	961,300
Mid-Atlantic [Member]
Total assets
Total assets	1,219,300	1,161,500
South [Member]
Total assets
Total assets	757,600	693,800
West [Member]
Total assets
Total assets	671,600	712,400
Corporate and other [Member]
Total assets
Total assets	$ 1,377,000	$ 1,642,600