Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Entities (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Jan. 31, 2014
Oct. 31, 2013
Condensed Balance Sheets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 111,889 $ 137,101
Inventory 829,915 693,962
Non-performing loan portfolio 97,801 107,411
Rental properties 126,237 164,325
Rental properties under development 152,190 133,081
Real estate owned ("REO") 190,217 202,259
Other assets 247,955 257,327
Total assets 1,756,204 1,695,466
Debt 502,270 538,303
Other liabilities 68,963 50,491
Member's equity 997,472 897,027
Non-controlling interest 187,499 209,645
Total liabilities and equity 1,756,204 1,695,466
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities 430,615 403,133
Restricted cash 32,175 32,036
Development Joint Ventures, Total [Member]
    
Condensed Balance Sheets:    
Cash and cash equivalents 29,003 30,826
Inventory 448,357 350,150
Non-performing loan portfolio      
Rental properties      
Rental properties under development      
Real estate owned ("REO")      
Other assets 10,330 12,700
Total assets 487,690 393,676
Debt 139,801 135,200
Other liabilities 25,310 21,015
Member's equity 322,579 237,461
Non-controlling interest      
Total liabilities and equity 487,690 393,676
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities 157,293 142,448
Homebuilding Joint Ventures, Total [Member]
    
Condensed Balance Sheets:    
Cash and cash equivalents 24,860 31,164
Inventory 381,163 338,814
Non-performing loan portfolio      
Rental properties      
Rental properties under development      
Real estate owned ("REO")      
Other assets 68,288 70,180
Total assets 474,311 440,158
Debt 10,927 11,977
Other liabilities 23,784 19,636
Member's equity 439,600 408,545
Non-controlling interest      
Total liabilities and equity 474,311 440,158
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities 175,904 166,271
Rental Joint Ventures, including Trusts i and II [Member]
    
Condensed Balance Sheets:    
Cash and cash equivalents 32,191 35,014
Inventory 395 4,998
Non-performing loan portfolio      
Rental properties 126,237 164,325
Rental properties under development 152,190 133,081
Real estate owned ("REO")      
Other assets 13,412 18,526
Total assets 324,425 355,944
Debt 195,642 235,226
Other liabilities 18,489 9,461
Member's equity 110,294 111,257
Non-controlling interest      
Total liabilities and equity 324,425 355,944
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities 74,800 68,711
Structured Asset Joint Venture [Member]
    
Condensed Balance Sheets:    
Cash and cash equivalents 25,835 40,097
Inventory      
Non-performing loan portfolio 97,801 107,411
Rental properties      
Rental properties under development      
Real estate owned ("REO") 190,217 202,259
Other assets 155,925 155,921
Total assets 469,778 505,688
Debt 155,900 155,900
Other liabilities 1,380 379
Member's equity 124,999 139,764
Non-controlling interest 187,499 209,645
Total liabilities and equity 469,778 505,688
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities 22,575 25,703
Restricted cash $ 155,925 $ 155,921