Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Entities (Details 1) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2014
Jan. 31, 2013
Condensed Statements of Operations:    
Revenues $ 22,857 $ 29,984
Cost of revenues 17,376 22,955
Other expenses 13,768 7,208
Total expenses 31,144 30,163
Loss/ Gain on disposition of loans and REO 3,908 26,892
Income (loss) from operations (4,379) 26,713
Other income 43,021 101
Net income (loss) 38,642 26,814
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest (903) (15,168)
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest 37,739 11,646
Other comprehensive income (loss) 786 302
Total comprehensive income 38,525 11,948
Company's equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated entities (3) 22,915 3,083
Development Joint Ventures, Total [Member]
    
Condensed Statements of Operations:    
Revenues 1,544 1,627
Cost of revenues 681 1,219
Other expenses 255 191
Total expenses 936 1,410
Loss/ Gain on disposition of loans and REO      
Income (loss) from operations 608 217
Other income 1 3
Net income (loss) 609 220
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest      
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest 609 220
Other comprehensive income (loss)      
Total comprehensive income 609 220
Company's equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated entities (3) (32) (98)
Homebuilding Joint Ventures, Total [Member]
    
Condensed Statements of Operations:    
Revenues 11,581 8,970
Cost of revenues 10,374 7,105
Other expenses 999 464
Total expenses 11,373 7,569
Loss/ Gain on disposition of loans and REO      
Income (loss) from operations 208 1,401
Other income 39 14
Net income (loss) 247 1,415
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest      
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest 247 1,415
Other comprehensive income (loss)      
Total comprehensive income 247 1,415
Company's equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated entities (3) 182 710
Rental Joint Ventures, including Trusts i and II [Member]
    
Condensed Statements of Operations:    
Revenues 9,449 9,682
Cost of revenues 3,971 4,293
Other expenses 12,055 5,495
Total expenses 16,026 9,788
Loss/ Gain on disposition of loans and REO      
Income (loss) from operations (6,577) (106)
Other income 42,858 5
Net income (loss) 36,281 (101)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest      
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest 36,281 (101)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 786 302
Total comprehensive income 37,067 201
Company's equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated entities (3) 23,750 558
Structured Asset Joint Venture [Member]
    
Condensed Statements of Operations:    
Revenues 283 9,705
Cost of revenues 2,350 10,338
Other expenses 459 1,058
Total expenses 2,809 11,396
Loss/ Gain on disposition of loans and REO 3,908 26,892
Income (loss) from operations 1,382 25,201
Other income 123 79
Net income (loss) 1,505 25,280
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest (903) (15,168)
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest 602 10,112
Other comprehensive income (loss)      
Total comprehensive income 602 10,112
Company's equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated entities (3) $ (985) $ 1,913