Supplemental Disclosure to Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amount capitalized	$ 8,800	$ 23,310
Income taxes paid		3,147
Income tax refunds	154,524	152,744
Non-cash activity:
Cost of inventory acquired through seller financing, municipal bonds or recorded due to VIE criteria, net	26,773	41,146
Miscellaneous changes to inventory	1,781	(3,112)
Reclassification of inventory to property, construction and office equipment	20,005	18,711
Income tax benefit related to exercise of employee stock options		24,839
Reduction of investments in unconsolidated entities due to reduction in letters of credit or accrued liabilities	9,506	7,444
Defined benefit retirement plan amendment		1,085
Miscellaneous (decreases) increases to investments in unconsolidated entities	(640)	2,076
Stock awards	$ 24	$ 22