Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-Offs and Lots Walked Away From (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-Offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]

Dollar Amount of Write-Offs (in Dollars)

$ 2.6

$ 2.7

$ 24.3

Homebuilding [Member] | Northeast [Member]

Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-Offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]

Number of Walk-Away Lots

0.7

13.4

Dollar Amount of Write-Offs (in Dollars)

0.7

Homebuilding [Member] | Mid-Atlantic [Member]

Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-Offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]

Number of Walk-Away Lots

0.1

6.1

Dollar Amount of Write-Offs (in Dollars)

0.6

Homebuilding [Member] | Midwest [Member]

Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-Offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]

Number of Walk-Away Lots

0.2

0.5

Dollar Amount of Write-Offs (in Dollars)

0.2

Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]

Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-Offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]

Number of Walk-Away Lots

0.2

0.8

Dollar Amount of Write-Offs (in Dollars)

0.7

Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]

Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-Offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]

Number of Walk-Away Lots

1.4

0.4

Dollar Amount of Write-Offs (in Dollars)

0.4

Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]

Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-Offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]

Number of Walk-Away Lots

3.1

Dollar Amount of Write-Offs (in Dollars)

0.1

Homebuilding [Member]

Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-Offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]

Number of Walk-Away Lots

2.6

24.3

Dollar Amount of Write-Offs (in Dollars)

$ 2.7