XML 86 R13.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.8
Note 6 - Restricted Cash and Deposits
 12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2013
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]  
Cash and Cash Equivalents Disclosure [Text Block]

6. Restricted Cash and Deposits


Restricted cash and cash equivalents on the Consolidated Balance Sheets totaled to $31.9 million and $64.2 million as of October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which included cash collateralizing our letter of credit agreements and facilities and is discussed in Note 8. Also included in this balance were homebuilding and financial services customers’ deposits of $5.1 million and $21.6 million at October 31, 2013, respectively, and $4.8 million and $22.5 million as of October 31, 2012, respectively, which are restricted from use by us. In addition, we previously collateralized our surety bonds with cash, but as of April 30, 2013 were no longer required to do so. The balance of this surety bond collateral was $6.2 million at October 31, 2012, which was in cash equivalents, the book value of which approximates fair value.  


Total Homebuilding Customers’ deposits are shown as a liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These liabilities are significantly more than the applicable periods’ escrow cash balances because, in some states, the deposits are not restricted from use and, in other states, we are able to release the majority of this escrow cash by pledging letters of credit and surety bonds.