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Note 5 (Detail) - Inventory Impairments by Homebuilding Segment (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2012
Jul. 31, 2011
Jul. 31, 2012
Jul. 31, 2011
Number of Communities 3 13 20 23
Impairment $ 200 $ 5,100 $ 5,400 $ 28,200
Pre- Impairment Value 600 [1] 16,700 [1] 24,100 [1] 126,800 [1]
Northeast [Member]
        
Number of Communities 1   6 5
Impairment 100   2,500 17,700
Pre- Impairment Value 300 [1]    [1] 16,400 [1] 88,600 [1]
Mid-Atlantic [Member]
        
Number of Communities     3 3
Impairment     400 2,100
Pre- Impairment Value    [1]    [1] 800 [1] 10,900 [1]
Midwest [Member]
        
Number of Communities   1 1 1
Impairment   400 100 400
Pre- Impairment Value    [1] 900 [1] 1,100 [1] 900 [1]
Southeast [Member]
        
Number of Communities 2 10 10 10
Impairment 100 1,500 2,400 1,500
Pre- Impairment Value 300 [1] 4,900 [1] 5,800 [1] 4,900 [1]
Southwest [Member]
        
Pre- Impairment Value    [1]    [1]    [1]    [1]
West [Member]
        
Number of Communities   2   4
Impairment   3,200   6,500
Pre- Impairment Value    [1] $ 10,900 [1]    [1] $ 21,500 [1]
[1] Represents carrying value, net of prior period impairments, if any, at the time of recording the applicable period's impairments.