Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Accrued expenses
Land, land development and construction	$ 103,955	$ 109,574
Compensation and employee benefits	91,016	96,037
Insurance and litigation	127,260	130,714
Commitments to unconsolidated entities	2,609	60,130
Warranty	43,109	42,474	45,928	45,835
Interest	29,611	25,968
Other	53,854	56,154
Accrued expenses, Total	$ 451,414	$ 521,051