Hovnanian Enterprises (HOV) 10-Q 5 Sep 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Sep. 02, 2014	Sep. 02, 2014
		Common Class A [Member]	Common Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES INC	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--10-31	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	131,075,800	14,805,795
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000357294	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Jul-14	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
ASSETS	'	'
Cash	$183,721,000	$329,204,000
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	25,900,000	31,900,000
Consolidated inventory not owned:	'	'
Total assets	1,893,728,000	1,759,130,000	[1]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'
Liabilities from inventory not owned	3,700,000	'
Notes payable:	'	'
Accrued interest	27,027,000	28,261,000	[1]
Total notes payable	1,683,180,000	1,557,706,000	[1]
Income taxes payable	2,711,000	3,301,000	[1]
Total liabilities	2,336,848,000	2,191,929,000	[1]
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. stockholdersb equity deficit:	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value b authorized 100,000 shares; issued and outstanding 5,600 shares with a liquidation preference of $140,000 at July 31, 2014 and at October 31, 2013	135,299,000	135,299,000	[1]
Paid-in capital b common stock	695,086,000	689,727,000	[1]
Accumulated deficit	-1,159,728,000	-1,144,408,000	[1]
Treasury stock b at cost	-115,360,000	-115,360,000	[1]
Total Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. stockholdersb equity deficit	-443,120,000	-433,226,000	[1]
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures	'	427,000	[1]
Total equity deficit	-443,120,000	-432,799,000	[1]
Total liabilities and equity	1,893,728,000	1,759,130,000	[1]
Common Class A [Member]	'	'
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. stockholdersb equity deficit:	'	'
Common stock	1,428,000	1,363,000	[1]
Common Class B [Member]	'	'
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. stockholdersb equity deficit:	'	'
Common stock	155,000	153,000	[1]
Homebuilding [Member] | Nonrecourse Mortgages [Member] | Mortgages [Member]	'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'
Secured debt	98,338,000	62,903,000	[1]
Homebuilding [Member] | Nonrecourse Mortgages Secured By Operating Properties [Member] | Mortgages [Member]	'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'
Secured debt	16,904,000	17,733,000	[1]
Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
ASSETS	'	'
Cash	176,639,000	319,142,000	[1]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	12,596,000	10,286,000	[1]
Inventories:	'	'
Sold and unsold homes and lots under development	981,529,000	752,749,000	[1]
Land and land options held for future development or sale	268,396,000	225,152,000	[1]
Consolidated inventory not owned:	'	'
Specific performance options	3,900,000	792,000	[1]
Other options	122,332,000	100,071,000	[1]
Total consolidated inventory not owned	126,232,000	100,863,000	[1]
Total inventories	1,376,157,000	1,078,764,000	[1]
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	62,294,000	51,438,000	[1]
Receivables, deposits and notes, net	56,232,000	45,085,000	[1]
Property, plant and equipment, net	45,960,000	46,211,000	[1]
Prepaid expenses and other assets	65,389,000	59,351,000	[1]
Total assets	1,795,267,000	1,610,277,000	[1]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'	'
Liabilities from inventory not owned	102,096,000	87,866,000	[1]
Notes payable:	'	'
Total liabilities	573,258,000	506,385,000	[1]
Accounts payable and other liabilities	315,779,000	307,764,000	[1]
Customersb deposits	40,141,000	30,119,000	[1]
Financial Services [Member]	'	'
ASSETS	'	'
Cash	7,082,000	10,062,000	[1]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	13,272,000	21,557,000	[1]
Mortgage loans held for sale at fair value	76,173,000	112,953,000	[1]
Other assets	1,934,000	4,281,000	[1]
Consolidated inventory not owned:	'	'
Total assets	98,461,000	148,853,000	[1]
Notes payable:	'	'
Total liabilities	77,699,000	124,537,000	[1]
Accounts payable and other liabilities	23,736,000	32,874,000	[1]
Mortgage warehouse lines of credit	53,963,000	91,663,000	[1]
Senior Secured Notes [Member]	'	'
Notes payable:	'	'
Senior notes	979,599,000	978,611,000	[1]
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]	'	'
Notes payable:	'	'
Senior notes	590,290,000	461,210,000	[1]
Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]	'	'
Notes payable:	'	'
Senior notes	17,049,000	20,857,000	[1]
Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]	'	'
Notes payable:	'	'
Senior notes	69,215,000	66,615,000	[1]
Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]	'	'
Notes payable:	'	'
Senior notes	$0	$2,152,000	[1]
[1]	Derived from the audited balance sheet as of October 31, 2013.

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Preferred stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01	[1]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000	100,000	[1]
Preferred stock, shares issued	5,600	5,600	[1]
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in Dollars)	$140,000	$140,000	[1]
Preferred stock, outstanding	5,600	5,600	[1]
Common Class A [Member]	'	'
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01	[1]
Common stock, shares authorized	400,000,000	400,000,000	[1]
Common stock, shares issued	142,821,363	136,306,223	[1]
Common stock, shares held in Treasury	11,760,763	11,760,763	[1]
Common Class B [Member]	'	'
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01	[1]
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000,000	60,000,000	[1]
Common stock, shares issued	15,497,743	15,347,615	[1]
Common stock, shares held in Treasury	691,748	691,748	[1]
[1]	Derived from the audited balance sheet as of October 31, 2013.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014		Jul. 31, 2013		Jul. 31, 2014		Jul. 31, 2013
Homebuilding:	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	$551,009		$478,357		$1,364,986		$1,259,566
Homebuilding:	'		'		'		'
Inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs	'		'		1,927		3,479
Corporate general and administrative	15,804		14,056		46,837		40,284
Other interest	19,880	[1],[2]	21,949	[1],[2]	66,685	[1],[2]	68,581	[1],[2]
Other operations	1,089		1,839		3,349		-75
Total expenses	535,848		471,659		1,383,496		1,278,051
Loss on extinguishment of debt	'		'		-1,155		'
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures	211		3,690		3,849		6,806
Income (loss) before income taxes	15,372		10,388		-15,816		-11,679
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision:	'		'		'		'
Tax provision (benefit)	-1,733		1,922		-496		-10,155
Net income (loss)	17,105		8,466		-15,320		-1,524
Basic:	'		'		'		'
Income (loss) per common share (in Dollars per share)	$0.11		$0.06		($0.10)		($0.01)
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in Shares)	146,365		146,056		146,223		144,840
Assuming dilution:	'		'		'		'
Income (loss) per common share (in Dollars per share)	$0.11		$0.06		($0.10)		($0.01)
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in Shares)	162,278		162,823		146,223		144,840
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]	'		'		'		'
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision:	'		'		'		'
Tax provision (benefit)	247		1,922		1,484		-277
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]	'		'		'		'
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision:	'		'		'		'
Tax provision (benefit)	-1,980		'		-1,980		-9,878
Homebuilding [Member]	'		'		'		'
Homebuilding:	'		'		'		'
Sale of homes	538,007		462,376		1,331,490		1,206,233
Land sales and other revenues	1,896		3,103		4,884		18,114
Total homebuilding	539,903		465,479		1,336,374		1,224,347
Homebuilding:	'		'		'		'
Cost of sales, excluding interest	424,145		370,464		1,063,465		992,362
Cost of sales interest	15,827		13,757		37,724		35,311
Inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs	741		623		1,927		3,479
Total cost of sales	440,713		384,844		1,103,116		1,031,152
Selling, general and administrative	51,150		42,331		142,918		116,904
Total homebuilding expenses	491,863		427,175		1,246,034		1,148,056
Total expenses	528,636		465,019		1,362,905		1,256,846
Financial Services [Member]	'		'		'		'
Homebuilding:	'		'		'		'
Financial services	11,106		12,878		28,612		35,219
Total revenues	11,106		12,878		28,612		35,219
Homebuilding:	'		'		'		'
Financial services	7,212		6,640		20,591		21,205
Income (loss) before income taxes	$3,894		$6,238		$8,021		$14,014
[1]	Other interest expensed consists of interest that does not qualify for interest capitalization because our assets that qualify for interest capitalization (inventory under development) do not exceed our debt. Interest on completed homes and land in planning, which does not qualify for capitalization, is expensed.
[2]	Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest, is the sum of other interest expensed, as defined above, and interest paid by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries adjusted for the change in accrued interest, which is calculated as follows:

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity (Current Period Unaudited) (USD $)	Common Class A [Member]	Common Class A [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data	Common Stock [Member]		Common Stock [Member]	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
	USD ($)		USD ($)
Balance at Oct. 31, 2013	$1,363	'	$153	$135,299	$689,727	($1,144,408)	($115,360)	$427	($432,799)	[1]
Balance (in Shares) at Oct. 31, 2013	124,545,460	'	14,655,867	5,600	'	'	'	'	'
Stock options, amortization and issuances	1	'	'	'	3,128	'	'	'	3,129
Stock options, amortization and issuances (in Shares)	27,375	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock amortization, issuances and forfeitures	4	'	2	'	2,291	'	'	'	2,297
Restricted stock amortization, issuances and forfeitures (in Shares)	400,751	'	151,918	'	'	'	'	'	'
Settlement of prepaid common stock purchase contracts	60	'	'	'	-60	'	'	'	'
Settlement of prepaid common stock purchase contracts (in Shares)	6,085,224	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of Class B to Class A Common Stock (in Shares)	1,790	'	-1,790	'	'	'	'	'	'
Changes in noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-427	-427
Net loss	'	'	'	'	'	-15,320	'	'	-15,320
Balance at Jul. 31, 2014	$1,428	'	$155	$135,299	$695,086	($1,159,728)	($115,360)	'	($443,120)
Balance (in Shares) at Jul. 31, 2014	131,060,600	'	14,805,995	5,600	'	'	'	'	'
[1]	Derived from the audited balance sheet as of October 31, 2013.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net loss	($15,320)	($1,524)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	2,571	3,782
Compensation from stock options and awards	7,786	5,259
Amortization of bond discounts and deferred financing costs	7,591	5,641
Gain on sale and retirement of property and assets	-329	-4,535
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures	-3,849	-6,806
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	1,140	1,230
Loss on extinguishment of debt	1,155	'
Inventory impairment and land option write-offs	1,927	3,479
Decrease (increase) in assets:	'	'
Mortgage loans held for sale at fair value	36,780	32,998
Restricted cash, receivables, prepaids, deposits and other assets	-9,450	64,806
Inventories	-299,320	-149,529
(Decrease) increase in liabilities:	'	'
State and federal income tax liabilities	-590	-4,133
Customersb deposits	10,022	14,076
Accounts payable, accrued interest and other accrued liabilities	343	-12,141
Net cash used in operating activities	-259,543	-47,397
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from sale of property and assets	346	7,208
Purchase of property, equipment and other fixed assets and acquisitions	-1,985	-1,300
Decrease in restricted cash related to mortgage company	471	0
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	-15,356	-5,180
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated joint ventures	7,209	18,048
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-9,315	18,776
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from mortgages and notes	104,508	82,617
Payments related to mortgages and notes	-69,854	-56,901
Proceeds from model sale leaseback financing programs	37,778	19,473
Payments related to model sale leaseback financing programs	-13,960	-6,264
Proceeds from land bank financing program	20,762	33,449
Payments related to land bank financing program	-33,284	-30,721
Proceeds from senior notes	150,000	'
Payments related to senior notes	-22,593	'
Net payments related to mortgage warehouse lines of credit	-37,700	-50,033
Deferred financing costs from land bank financing programs and note issuances	-6,322	-3,771
Principal payments and debt repurchases	-5,960	-5,202
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	123,375	-17,353
Net decrease in cash	-145,483	-45,974
Cash balance, beginning of period	329,204	273,232
Cash balance, end of period	183,721	227,258
Cash paid (received) during the period for:	'	'
Interest, net of capitalized interest (see Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)	69,443	66,018
Income taxes	$83	($6,022)

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Non

Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Activities	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	Supplemental disclosure of noncash financing activities:
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, 18,305 of our senior exchangeable notes were exchanged for 3,396,102 shares of Class A Common Stock.
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we entered into a new unconsolidated homebuilding joint venture which resulted in the transfer of an existing receivable from our joint venture partners of $0.6 million at October 31, 2012, to an investment in the joint venture at January 31, 2013.
	In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, a property that we previously acquired when our partner in a land development joint venture transferred its interest in the venture to us was foreclosed on by the note holder. As a result, the inventory with a book value of $9.5 million and corresponding nonrecourse liability of equal amount were taken off our balance sheet in the quarter.
	See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

Note_1_Basis_of_Presentation

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Basis of Accounting [Text Block]	'
	1	Basis of Presentation
	Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the "Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) has reportable segments consisting of six Homebuilding segments (Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Southeast, Southwest and West) and the Financial Services segment (see Note 18).
	The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and those of all wholly-owned subsidiaries after elimination of all significant intercompany balances and transactions.
	The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013. In the opinion of management, all adjustments for interim periods presented have been made, which include normal recurring accruals and deferrals necessary for a fair presentation of our condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. The preparation of Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and these differences could have a significant impact on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results which might be expected for a full year. The balance sheet at October 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.

Note_2_Stock_Compensation

Note 2 - Stock Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	'
	2	Stock Compensation
	For the three and nine months ended July 31, 2014, the Company’s total stock-based compensation expense was $2.7 million and $7.7 million, respectively, and $2.7 million and $5.2 million for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2013, respectively. Included in this total stock-based compensation expense was the vesting of stock options of $1.0 million and $3.0 million for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2014, respectively, and $1.6 million and $3.0 million for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2013, respectively.

Note_3_Interest

Note 3 - Interest	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Home Building Interest [Text Block] [Abstract]	'
Home Building Interest [Text Block]	'
	3	Interest
	Interest costs incurred, expensed and capitalized were:
			Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
			July 31,		July 31,
	(In thousands)		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Interest capitalized at beginning of period		$107,992	$112,488	$105,093	$116,056
	Plus interest incurred (1)		36,472	33,195	108,073	97,813
	Less cost of sales interest expensed		15,827	13,757	37,724	35,311
	Less other interest expensed (2)(3)		19,880	21,949	66,685	68,581
	Interest capitalized at end of period(4)		$108,757	$109,977	$108,757	$109,977
	-1	Data does not include interest incurred by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries.
	-2	Other interest expensed consists of interest that does not qualify for interest capitalization because our assets that qualify for interest capitalization (inventory under development) do not exceed our debt. Interest on completed homes and land in planning, which does not qualify for capitalization, is expensed.
	-3	Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest, is the sum of other interest expensed, as defined above, and interest paid by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries adjusted for the change in accrued interest, which is calculated as follows:
			Three Months Ended July 31,		Nine Months Ended July 31,
	(In thousands)		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Other interest expensed		$19,880	$21,949	$66,685	$68,581
	Interest paid by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries		379	731	1,524	2,239
	Decrease (increase) in accrued interest		5,245	5,018	1,234	(4,802	)
	Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest		$25,504	$27,698	$69,443	$66,018
	-4	Capitalized interest amounts are shown gross before allocating any portion of impairments to capitalized interest.

Note_4_Depreciation

Note 4 - Depreciation	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	4	Depreciation
	Accumulated depreciation at July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, amounted to $76.6 million and $75.2 million, respectively, for our homebuilding property, plant and equipment.

Note_5_Reduction_of_Inventory_

Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Inventory Impairments And Land Option Cost Write Offs [Text Block] [Abstract]	'
Inventory Impairments And Land Option Cost Write Offs [Text Block]	'
	5	Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value
	We record impairment losses on inventories related to communities under development and held for future development when events and circumstances indicate that they may be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than their related carrying amounts. If the expected undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount, then the community is written down to its fair value. We estimate the fair value of each impaired community by determining the present value of the estimated future cash flows at a discount rate commensurate with the risk of the respective community. In the third quarter of fiscal 2014, our discount rate used for the impairment recorded was 16.8%. For the impairment recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2014, no discount rate was used as the one community impaired was for land held for sale for which a purchase offer price was used to determine the fair value. For the nine months ended July 31, 2013, our discount rate used for the impairments recorded ranged from 18.0% to 18.8%. Should the estimates or expectations used in determining cash flows or fair value decrease or differ from current estimates in the future, we may need to recognize additional impairments.
	During the nine months ended July 31, 2014, we evaluated inventories of all 492 communities under development and held for future development for impairment indicators through preparation and review of detailed budgets or other market indicators of impairment. We performed detailed impairment calculations for nine of those communities (i.e., those with a projected operating loss or other impairment indicators) with an aggregate carrying value of $24.5 million. Of those communities tested for impairment, four communities with an aggregate carrying value of $23.1 million had undiscounted future cash flows that exceeded the carrying amount by less than 20%. As a result of our impairment analysis, we recorded impairment losses, which are included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations on the line entitled “Homebuilding: Inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs” and deducted from inventory, of $0.1 million for each of the three months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013 and $0.2 million and $1.6 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The following tables represent inventory impairments by homebuilding segment for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(Dollars in millions)		Three Months Ended July 31, 2014			Three Months Ended July 31, 2013
			Number of	Dollar	Pre-	Number of	Dollar	Pre-
			Communities	Amount of	Impairment	Communities	Amount of	Impairment
				Impairment	Value(1)		Impairment	Value(1)
	Northeast		-	$-	$-	1	$0.10	$0.40
	Mid-Atlantic		-	-	-	-	-	-
	Midwest		1	0.1	0.5	-	-	-
	Southeast		-	-	-	-	-	-
	Southwest		-	-	-	-	-	-
	West		-	-	-	-	-	-
	Total		1	$0.10	$0.50	1	$0.10	$0.40
	(Dollars in millions)		Nine Months Ended July 31, 2014			Nine Months Ended July 31, 2013
			Number of	Dollar	Pre-	Number of	Dollar	Pre-
			Communities	Amount of	Impairment	Communities	Amount of	Impairment
				Impairment	Value(1)		Impairment(2)	Value(1)
	Northeast		1	$0.10	$0.20	3	$1.60	$5.60
	Mid-Atlantic		-	-	-	1	-	0.1
	Midwest		1	0.1	0.5	-	-	-
	Southeast		-	-	-	1	-	0.4
	Southwest		-	-	-	-	-	-
	West		-	-	-	-	-	-
	Total		2	$0.20	$0.70	5	$1.60	$6.10
	-1	Represents carrying value, net of prior period impairments, if any, at the time of recording the applicable period’s impairments.
	-2	During the nine months ended July 31, 2013, the Mid-Atlantic had an impairment totaling $2 thousand and the Southeast had an impairment totaling $17 thousand.
	The Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations line entitled “Homebuilding: Inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs” also includes write-offs of options, and approval, engineering and capitalized interest costs that we record when we redesign communities and/or abandon certain engineering costs and we do not exercise options in various locations because the communities' pro forma profitability is not projected to produce adequate returns on investment commensurate with the risk. Total aggregate write-offs related to these items were $0.6 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $1.7 million and $1.9 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Occasionally, these write-offs are offset by recovered deposits (sometimes through legal action) that had been written off in a prior period as walk-away costs. Historically, these recoveries have not been significant in comparison to the total cost written off.
	The following tables represent write-offs of such costs (after giving effect to any recovered deposits in the applicable period) and the number of lots walked away from by homebuilding segment for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013:
			Three Months Ended July 31,
			2014		2013
	(Dollars in millions)		Number of Walk-Away Lots	Dollar Amount of Write-Offs(1)	Number of Walk-Away Lots	Dollar Amount
						of
						Write-Offs(1)(2)
	Northeast		-	$0.10	73	$0.20
	Mid-Atlantic		276	0.1	-	-
	Midwest		105	0.1	13	-
	Southeast		472	0.2	113	0.1
	Southwest		312	0.1	12	0.2
	West		-	-	-	-
	Total		1,165	$0.60	211	$0.50
			Nine Months Ended July 31,
			2014		2013
	(Dollars in millions)		Number of	Dollar Amount	Number of	Dollar Amount
			Walk-Away	of Write-Offs(1)	Walk-Away	of Write-Offs(1)(2)
			Lots		Lots
	Northeast		239	$0.60	373	$0.40
	Mid-Atlantic		797	0.2	164	-
	Midwest		508	0.2	13	-
	Southeast		1,397	0.5	113	0.2
	Southwest		654	0.2	246	1.3
	West		-	-	-	-
	Total		3,595	$1.70	909	$1.90
		-1	We can incur costs while investigating land options, whereby we decide not to pursue the opportunity before we control the lots. These costs are expensed in the period we decide to no longer pursue the opportunity.
		-2	During both the three and nine months ended July 31, 2013, there were write-offs in the Midwest totaling $38 thousand. During nine months ended July 31, 2013, there were write-offs in the Mid-Atlantic totaling $23 thousand.
	We decide to mothball (or stop development on) certain communities when we determine that the current performance does not justify further investment at the time. When we decide to mothball a community, the inventory is reclassified from “Sold and unsold homes and lots under development” to “Land and land options held for future development or sale.” During the nine months ended July 31, 2014, we did not mothball any new communities, re-activated two previously mothballed communities and sold two mothballed communities. As of July 31, 2014, the net book value associated with our 46 total mothballed communities was $104.1 million, net of impairment charges recorded in prior periods of $413.7 million.
	From time to time we enter into option agreements that include specific performance requirements, whereby we are required to purchase a minimum number of lots. Because of our obligation to purchase these lots, for accounting purposes in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360-20-40-38, we are required to record this inventory on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of July 31, 2014, we had $3.9 million of specific performance options recorded on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to “Consolidated inventory not owned – specific performance options,” with a corresponding liability of $3.7 million recorded to “Liabilities from inventory not owned.” Consolidated inventory not owned also consists of other options that were included on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with GAAP.
	We sell and lease back certain of our model homes with the right to participate in the potential profit when each home is sold to a third party at the end of the respective lease. As a result of our continued involvement, for accounting purposes in accordance with ASC 360-20-40-38, these sale and leaseback transactions are considered a financing rather than a sale. Therefore, for purposes of our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, at July 31, 2014, inventory of $74.5 million was recorded to “Consolidated inventory not owned – other options,” with a corresponding amount of $69.5 million recorded to “Liabilities from inventory not owned.”
	We have land banking arrangements whereby we sell our land parcels to the land banker and they provide us an option to purchase back finished lots on a quarterly basis. Because of our options to repurchase these parcels, for accounting purposes, in accordance with ASC 360-20-40-38, these transactions are considered a financing rather than a sale. For purposes of our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, at July 31, 2014, inventory of $47.8 million was recorded as “Consolidated inventory not owned – other options”, with a corresponding amount of $28.9 million recorded to “Liabilities from inventory not owned” for the amount of net cash received from the transactions.

Note_6_Warranty_Costs

Note 6 - Warranty Costs	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	6	Warranty Costs
	General liability insurance for homebuilding companies and their suppliers and subcontractors is very difficult to obtain. The availability of general liability insurance is limited due to a decreased number of insurance companies willing to underwrite for the industry. In addition, those few insurers willing to underwrite liability insurance have significantly increased the premium costs. To date, we have been able to obtain general liability insurance but at higher premium costs with higher deductibles. Our subcontractors and suppliers have advised us that they have also had difficulty obtaining insurance that also provides us coverage. As a result, we have an owner controlled insurance program for certain of our subcontractors, whereby the subcontractors pay us an insurance premium (through a reduction of amounts we would otherwise owe such subcontractors for their work on our homes) based on the risk type of the trade. We absorb the liability associated with their work on our homes as part of our overall general liability insurance at no additional cost to us because our existing general liability and construction defect insurance policy and related reserves for amounts under our deductible covers construction defects regardless of whether we or our subcontractors are responsible for the defect. For the nine months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, we received $1.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively, from subcontractors related to the owner controlled insurance program, which we accounted for as a reduction to inventory.
	We accrue for warranty costs that are covered under our existing general liability and construction defect policy as part of our general liability insurance deductible. This accrual is expensed as selling, general and administrative costs. For homes delivered in fiscal 2014 and 2013, our deductible under our general liability insurance is $20 million per occurrence for construction defect and warranty claims. For bodily injury claims, our deductible per occurrence in fiscal 2014 and 2013 is $0.25 million, up to a $5 million limit. Our aggregate retention in fiscal 2014 and 2013 is $21 million for construction defect, warranty and bodily injury claims. In addition, we establish a warranty accrual for lower cost related issues to cover home repairs, community amenities, and land development infrastructure that are not covered under our general liability and construction defect policy. We accrue an estimate for these warranty costs as part of cost of sales at the time each home is closed and title and possession have been transferred to the homebuyer. Additions and charges in the warranty reserve and general liability reserve for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
			Three Months Ended July 31,				Nine Months Ended July 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Balance, beginning of period		$134,865		$125,274		$131,028		$121,149
	Additions – Selling, general and administrative		4,659		5,956		13,710		14,362
	Additions – Cost of sales		3,574		2,918		7,702		9,229
	Charges incurred during the period		(3,683	)	(6,691	)	(13,025	)	(17,283	)
	Changes to pre-existing reserves		(4,220	)	-		(4,220	)	-
	Balance, end of period		$135,195		$127,457		$135,195		$127,457
	Warranty accruals are based upon historical experience. We engage a third-party actuary that uses our historical warranty and construction defect data, worker’s compensation data, and other industry data to assist us in estimating our reserves for unpaid claims, claim adjustment expenses and incurred but not reported claims reserves for the risks that we are assuming under the general liability and workers compensation programs. The estimates include provisions for inflation, claims handling, and legal fees.
	Insurance claims paid by our insurance carriers, excluding insurance deductibles paid, were $1.0 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $5.2 million and $8.6 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, for prior year deliveries. For the nine months ended July 31, 2014, we settled a construction defect claim relating to the West segment which made up the majority of the payments. For the nine months ended July 31, 2013, payments were made up of a number of smaller construction defect claims, primarily in the Northeast.

Note_7_Commitments_and_Conting

Note 7 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	7	Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
	We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, none of which is expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations, and we are subject to extensive and complex regulations that affect the development and home building, sales and customer financing processes, including zoning, density, building standards and mortgage financing. These regulations often provide broad discretion to the administering governmental authorities. This can delay or increase the cost of development or homebuilding.
	We also are subject to a variety of local, state, federal and foreign laws and regulations concerning protection of health and the environment. The particular environmental laws that apply to any given community vary greatly according to the community site, the site’s environmental conditions and the present and former uses of the site. These environmental laws may result in delays, may cause us to incur substantial compliance, remediation and/or other costs, and can prohibit or severely restrict development and homebuilding activity.
	In March 2013, we received a letter from the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) requesting information about our involvement in a housing redevelopment project in Newark, New Jersey that a Company entity undertook during the 1990s. We understand that the development is in the vicinity of a former lead smelter and that recent tests on soil samples from properties within the development conducted by the EPA show elevated levels of lead. We also understand that the smelter ceased operations many years before the Company entity involved acquired the properties in the area and carried out the re-development project. We responded to the EPA’s request. In August 2013, we were notified that the EPA considers us a potentially responsible party (or “PRP”) with respect to the site, that the EPA will clean up the site, and that the EPA is proposing that we fund and/or contribute towards the cleanup of the contamination at the site. We have begun preliminary discussions with the EPA concerning a possible resolution but do not know the scope or extent of the Company's obligations, if any, that may arise from the site and therefore cannot provide any assurance that this matter will not have a material impact on the Company. The EPA requested additional information in April 2014 and the Company has responded to its information request.
	We anticipate that increasingly stringent requirements will be imposed on developers and homebuilders in the future. Although we cannot predict the effect of these requirements, they could result in time-consuming and expensive compliance programs and in substantial expenditures, which could cause delays and increase our cost of operations. In addition, our ability to obtain or renew permits or approvals and the continued effectiveness of permits already granted or approvals already obtained is dependent upon many factors, some of which are beyond our control, such as changes in policies, rules, and regulations and their interpretations and application.
	The Company is also involved in the following litigation:
	Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and K. Hovnanian Venture I, L.L.C. (collectively, the “Company Defendants”) have been named as defendants in a class action suit. The action was filed by Mike D’Andrea and Tracy D’Andrea, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Gloucester County. The action was initially filed on May 8, 2006 alleging that the HVAC systems installed in certain of the Company’s homes are in violation of applicable New Jersey building codes and are a potential safety issue. On December 14, 2011, the Superior Court granted class certification; the potential class is 1,065 homes. The Company Defendants filed a request to take an interlocutory appeal regarding the class certification decision. The Appellate Division denied the request, and the Company Defendants filed a request for interlocutory review by the New Jersey Supreme Court, which remanded the case back to the Appellate Division for a review on the merits of the appeal on May 8, 2012. The Appellate Division, on remand, heard oral arguments on December 4, 2012, reviewing the Superior Court’s original finding of class certification. On June 18, 2013, the Appellate Division affirmed class certification. On July 3, 2013, the Company Defendants appealed the June 2013 Appellate Division’s decision to the New Jersey Supreme Court, which elected not to hear the appeal on October 22, 2013.  The plaintiff class was seeking unspecified damages as well as treble damages pursuant to the NJ Consumer Fraud Act.  The Company Defendants’ motion to consolidate an indemnity action they filed against various manufacturer and sub-contractor defendants to require these parties to participate directly in the class action was denied by the Superior Court; however, the Company Defendants’ separate action seeking indemnification against the various manufacturers and subcontractors implicated by the class action is ongoing. The Company Defendants, the Company Defendants’ insurance carriers and the plaintiff class agreed to the terms of a settlement on May 15, 2014 in which the plaintiff class will receive a payment of $21 million in settlement of all claims, with the majority of the settlement being funded by the Company Defendants’ insurance carriers, which settlement is subject to Court approval. The Company has fully reserved for its share of the settlement.

Note_8_Restricted_Cash_and_Dep

Note 8 - Restricted Cash and Deposits	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	8	Restricted Cash and Deposits
	Cash represents cash deposited in checking accounts. Cash equivalents include certificates of deposit, Treasury bills and government money–market funds with maturities of 90 days or less when purchased. Our cash balances are held at a few financial institutions and may, at times, exceed insurable amounts. We believe we help to mitigate this risk by depositing our cash in major financial institutions. At both July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, we had no cash equivalents in “Homebuilding: Cash” or “Financial services: Cash” as the full balance of cash and cash equivalents was held as cash. However, “Homebuilding: Restricted cash and cash equivalents” and “Financial services: Restricted cash and cash equivalents” both included cash equivalents at July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013.
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, totaled to $25.9 million and $31.9 million as of July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively, which includes cash collateralizing our letter of credit agreements and facilities and is discussed in Note 10. Also included in this balance are homebuilding and financial services customers’ deposits of $7.0 million and $13.3 million at July 31, 2014, respectively, and $5.1 million and $21.6 million as of October 31, 2013, respectively, which are restricted from use by us.
	Total Homebuilding Customers’ deposits are shown as a liability on the Condensed 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.

Note_9_Mortgage_Loans_Held_for

Note 9 - Mortgage Loans Held for Sale	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	9	Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
	Our mortgage banking subsidiary originates mortgage loans, primarily from the sale of our homes. Such mortgage loans are sold in the secondary mortgage market within a short period of time of origination. Mortgage loans held for sale consist primarily of single-family residential loans collateralized by the underlying property. We have elected the fair value option to record loans held for sale and therefore these loans are recorded at fair value with the changes in the value recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations in “Revenues: Financial services.” We currently use forward sales of mortgage-backed securities, interest rate commitments from borrowers and mandatory and/or best efforts forward commitments to sell loans to investors to protect us from interest rate fluctuations. These short-term instruments, which do not require any payments to be made to the counterparty or investor in connection with the execution of the commitments, are recorded at fair value. Gains and losses on changes in the fair value are recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations in “Revenues: Financial services.”
	At July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively, $55.5 million and $94.1 million of mortgages held for sale were pledged against our mortgage warehouse lines of credit (see Note 10). We may incur losses with respect to mortgages that were previously sold that are delinquent and which had underwriting defects, but only to the extent the losses are not covered by mortgage insurance or resale value of the home. The reserves for these estimated losses are included in the “Financial services – Accounts payable and other liabilities” balances on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of July 31, 2014 and July 31, 2013, we had reserves for 200 and 167 identified mortgage loans, respectively, as well as reserves for an estimate for future losses on mortgage loans sold but not yet identified to us.
	The activity in our loan origination reserves during the three and nine months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, was as follows:
			Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
			July 31,			July 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013	2014		2013
	Loan origination reserves, beginning of period		$11,057		$9,766	$11,036		$9,334
	Provisions for losses during the period		1,899		345	2,766		1,680
	Adjustments to pre-existing provisions for losses from changes in estimates		(1,682	)	260	(2,304	)	7
	Payments/settlements		-		-	(224	)	(650	)
	Loan origination reserves, end of period		$11,274		$10,371	$11,274		$10,371

Note_10_Mortgages_and_Notes_Pa

Note 10 - Mortgages and Notes Payable	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Line Of Credit [Text Block] [Abstract]	'
Line Of Credit [Text Block]	'
	10	Mortgage and Notes Payable
	We have nonrecourse mortgage loans for a small number of our communities totaling $98.3 million and $62.9 million at July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively, which are secured by the related real property and any improvements. The weighted-average interest rate on these obligations was 5.4% and 5.8% at July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively, and the mortgage loan payments on each community primarily correspond to home deliveries. We also have nonrecourse mortgage loans on our corporate headquarters totaling $16.9 million and $17.7 million at July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively. These loans had a weighted-average interest rate of 7.0% at both July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013. As of July 31, 2014, these loans had installment obligations with annual principal maturities in the years ending October 31 of approximately: $0.2 million in 2014, $1.2 million in 2015, $1.3 million in 2016, $1.4 million in 2017, $1.5 million in 2018 and $11.3 million after 2018.
	In June 2013, K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. (“K. Hovnanian”), as borrower, and we and certain of our subsidiaries, as guarantors, entered into a five-year, $75.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative agent and issuing bank, and Citibank, N.A., as a lender. The Credit Facility is available for both letters of credit and general corporate purposes. The Credit Facility does not contain any financial maintenance covenants, but does contain certain restrictive covenants that track those contained in our indenture governing the 7.0% Senior Notes due 2019, which are described in Note 11. The Credit Facility also contains certain customary events of default which would permit the administrative agent at the request of the required lenders to, among other things, declare all loans then outstanding to be immediately due and payable if such default is not cured within applicable grace periods, including the failure to make timely payments of amounts payable under the Credit Facility or other material indebtedness or the acceleration of other material indebtedness, the failure to comply with agreements and covenants or for representations or warranties to be correct in all material respects when made, specified events of bankruptcy and insolvency, and the entry of a material judgment against a loan party. Outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility accrue interest at an annual rate equal to either, as selected by K. Hovnanian, (i) the alternate base rate plus the applicable spread determined on the date of such borrowing or (ii) an adjusted London Interbank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”) rate plus the applicable spread determined as of the date two business days prior to the first day of the interest period for such borrowing. As of July 31, 2014, there were no borrowings and $25.5 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility, and as of such date, we believe we were in compliance with the covenants under the Credit Facility.
	In addition to the Credit Facility, we have certain stand–alone cash collateralized letter of credit agreements and facilities under which there were a total of $5.5 million letters of credit outstanding at July 31, 2014 and $5.1 million letters of credit outstanding at October 31, 2013. These agreements and facilities require us to maintain specified amounts of cash as collateral in segregated accounts to support the letters of credit issued thereunder, which will affect the amount of cash we have available for other uses. As of July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, the amount of cash collateral in these segregated accounts was $5.6 million and $5.2 million, respectively, which is reflected in “Restricted cash and cash equivalents” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Our wholly owned mortgage banking subsidiary, K. Hovnanian American Mortgage, LLC (“K. Hovnanian Mortgage”), originates mortgage loans primarily from the sale of our homes. Such mortgage loans and related servicing rights are sold in the secondary mortgage market within a short period of time. In certain instances, we retain the servicing rights for a small amount of loans. Our secured Master Repurchase Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase Master Repurchase Agreement”), which was amended on June 30, 2014, is a short-term borrowing facility that provides up to $50.0 million through July 30, 2015. The loan is secured by the mortgages held for sale and is repaid when we sell the underlying mortgage loans to permanent investors. Interest is payable monthly on outstanding advances at an adjusted LIBOR rate, which was 0.156% at July 31, 2014 plus the applicable margin of 2.85%. Therefore, at July 31, 2014, the interest rate was 3.0%. As of July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings outstanding under the Chase Master Repurchase Agreement was $3.9 million and $33.6 million, respectively.
	K. Hovnanian Mortgage has another secured Master Repurchase Agreement with Customers Bank (“Customers Master Repurchase Agreement”), which was amended on May 27, 2014 to extend the maturity date to May 26, 2015, that is a short-term borrowing facility that provides up to $37.5 million through maturity. The loan is secured by the mortgages held for sale and is repaid when we sell the underlying mortgage loans to permanent investors. Interest is payable daily or as loans are sold to permanent investors on outstanding advances at the current LIBOR, plus the applicable margin ranging from 2.75% to 5.25% based on the takeout investor, type of loan, and the number of days on the warehouse line. As of July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings outstanding under the Customers Master Repurchase Agreement was $6.6 million and $30.7 million, respectively.
	K. Hovnanian Mortgage has a third secured Master Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Capital LLC (“Credit Suisse Master Repurchase Agreement”), which was amended on March 28, 2014, that is a short-term borrowing facility that provides up to $50.0 million through March 31, 2015. The loan is secured by the mortgages held for sale and is repaid when we sell the underlying mortgage loans to permanent investors. Interest is payable monthly on outstanding advances at the Credit Suisse Cost of Funds, which was 0.46% at July 31, 2014, plus the applicable margin ranging from 2.25% to 2.75% based on the takeout investor, type of loan and the number of days outstanding. As of July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings outstanding under the Credit Suisse Master Repurchase Agreement was $35.7 million and $27.4 million, respectively.
	In February 2014, K. Hovnanian Mortgage executed a new secured Master Repurchase Agreement with Comerica Bank (“Comerica Master Repurchase Agreement”), which was amended on July 7, 2014 to extend the maturity date to July 6, 2015, that is a short-term borrowing facility that provides up to $35.0 million through maturity. The loan is secured by the mortgages held for sale and is repaid when we sell the underlying mortgage loans to permanent investors. Interest is payable monthly at LIBOR, subject to a floor of 0.25%, plus the applicable margin of 2.625%. As of July 31, 2014, the interest rate was 2.875% and the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings outstanding under the Comerica Master Repurchase Agreement was $7.8 million.
	The Chase Master Repurchase Agreement, Customers Master Repurchase Agreement, Credit Suisse Master Repurchase Agreement and Comerica Master Repurchase Agreement (together, the “Master Repurchase Agreements”) require K. Hovnanian Mortgage to satisfy and maintain specified financial ratios and other financial condition tests. Because of the extremely short period of time mortgages are held by K. Hovnanian Mortgage before the mortgages are sold to investors (generally a period of a few weeks), the immateriality to us on a consolidated basis of the size of the Master Repurchase Agreements, the levels required by these financial covenants, our ability based on our immediately available resources to contribute sufficient capital to cure any default, were such conditions to occur, and our right to cure any conditions of default based on the terms of the agreement, we do not consider any of these covenants to be substantive or material. As of July 31, 2014, we believe we were in compliance with the covenants under the Master Repurchase Agreements.

Note_11_Senior_Secured_Senior_

Note 11 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	'
	11	Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes
	Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes balances as of July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, were as follows:
	(In thousands)		July 31,	October 31,
			2014	2013
	Senior Secured Notes:
	7.25% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due October 15, 2020		$577,000	$577,000
	9.125% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due November 15, 2020		220,000	220,000
	2.0% Senior Secured Notes due November 1, 2021 (net of discount)		53,126	53,119
	5.0% Senior Secured Notes due November 1, 2021 (net of discount)		129,473	128,492
	Total Senior Secured Notes		$979,599	$978,611
	Senior Notes:
	6.25% Senior Notes due January 15, 2015		$-	$21,438
	11.875% Senior Notes due October 15, 2015 (net of discount)		60,317	60,044
	6.25% Senior Notes due January 15, 2016 (net of discount)		172,398	172,153
	7.5% Senior Notes due May 15, 2016		86,532	86,532
	8.625% Senior Notes due January 15, 2017		121,043	121,043
	7.0% Senior Notes due January 15, 2019		150,000	-
	Total Senior Notes		$590,290	$461,210
	11.0% Senior Amortizing Notes due December 1, 2017		$17,049	$20,857
	Senior Exchangeable Notes due December 1, 2017		$69,215	$66,615
	7.25% Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes due February 15, 2014		$-	$2,152
	Except for K. Hovnanian, the issuer of the notes, our home mortgage subsidiaries, joint ventures and subsidiaries holding interests in our joint ventures, certain of our title insurance subsidiaries and our foreign subsidiary, we and each of our subsidiaries are guarantors of the senior secured, senior, senior amortizing and senior exchangeable notes outstanding at July 31, 2014 (see Note 23). In addition, the 5.0% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 (the “5.0% 2021 Notes”) and the 2.0% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 (the “2.0% 2021 Notes” and together with the 5.0% 2021 Notes, the “2021 Notes”) are guaranteed by K. Hovnanian JV Holdings, L.L.C. and its subsidiaries except for certain joint ventures and joint venture holding companies (collectively, the “Secured Group”). Members of the Secured Group do not guarantee K. Hovnanian's other indebtedness.
	The indentures governing the notes do not contain any financial maintenance covenants, but do contain restrictive covenants that limit, among other things, the Company’s ability and that of certain of its subsidiaries, including K. Hovnanian, to incur additional indebtedness (other than certain permitted indebtedness, refinancing indebtedness and nonrecourse indebtedness), pay dividends and make distributions on common and preferred stock, repurchase subordinated indebtedness (with respect to certain of the senior secured and senior notes), make other restricted payments, make investments, sell certain assets, incur liens, consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all assets, and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. The indentures also contain events of default which would permit the holders of the notes to declare the notes to be immediately due and payable if not cured within applicable grace periods, including the failure to make timely payments on the notes or other material indebtedness, the failure to comply with agreements and covenants and specified events of bankruptcy and insolvency and, with respect to the indentures governing the senior secured notes, the failure of the documents granting security for the senior secured notes to be in full force and effect, and the failure of the liens on any material portion of the collateral securing the senior secured notes to be valid and perfected. As of July 31, 2014, we believe we were in compliance with the covenants of the indentures governing our outstanding notes.
	Under the terms of the indentures, we have the right to make certain redemptions and, depending on market conditions and covenant restrictions, may do so from time to time. We also continue to evaluate our capital structure and may also make debt purchases and/or exchanges for debt or equity from time to time through tender offers, open market purchases, private transactions, or otherwise, or seek to raise additional debt or equity capital, depending on market conditions and covenant restrictions.
	If our consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the indentures governing our senior secured and senior notes (other than the senior exchangeable notes discussed in Note 13 below), is less than 2.0 to 1.0, we are restricted from making certain payments, including dividends, and from incurring indebtedness other than certain permitted indebtedness, refinancing indebtedness, and nonrecourse indebtedness. As a result of this restriction, we are currently restricted from paying dividends, which are not cumulative, on our 7.625% Series A Preferred Stock. We anticipate that we will continue to be restricted from paying dividends for the foreseeable future. Our inability to pay dividends is in accordance with covenant restrictions and will not result in a default under our bond indentures or otherwise affect compliance with any of the covenants contained in the bond indentures.
	The 7.25% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2020 (the “First Lien Notes”) are secured by a first-priority lien and the 9.125% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2020 (the “Second Lien Notes” and, together with the First Lien Notes, the “2020 Secured Notes”) are secured by a second-priority lien, in each case, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions, on substantially all the assets owned by us, K. Hovnanian and the guarantors of such notes. At July 31, 2014, the aggregate book value of the real property that constituted collateral securing the 2020 Secured Notes was approximately $651.5 million, which does not include the impact of inventory investments, home deliveries, or impairments thereafter and which may differ from the value if it were appraised. In addition, cash and cash equivalents collateral that secured the 2020 Secured Notes was $108.6 million as of July 31, 2014, which included $5.6 million of restricted cash collateralizing certain letters of credit. Subsequent to such date, cash uses include general business operations and real estate and other investments.
	The guarantees with respect to the 2021 Notes of the Secured Group are secured, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions, by a first-priority lien on substantially all of the assets of the members of the Secured Group. As of July 31, 2014, the collateral securing the guarantees included (1) $73.6 million of cash and cash equivalents (subsequent to such date, cash uses include general business operations and real estate and other investments); (2) approximately $118.2 million aggregate book value of real property of the Secured Group, which does not include the impact of inventory investments, home deliveries, or impairments thereafter and which may differ from the value if it were appraised, and (3) equity interests in guarantors that are members of the Secured Group. Members of the Secured Group also own equity in joint ventures, either directly or indirectly through ownership of joint venture holding companies, with a book value of $55.8 million as of July 31, 2014; this equity is not pledged to secure, and is not collateral for, the 2021 Notes. Members of the Secured Group are “unrestricted subsidiaries” under K. Hovnanian's other senior secured notes and senior notes, and thus have not guaranteed such indebtedness.
	On January 10, 2014, K. Hovnanian issued $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.0% Senior Notes due 2019, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $147.8 million. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option at any time prior to July 15, 2016 at 100% of their principal amount plus an applicable “Make-Whole Amount.” We may also redeem some or all of the notes at 103.5% of principal commencing July 15, 2016, at 101.75% of principal commencing January 15, 2017 and 100% of principal commencing January 15, 2018. In addition, we may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes prior to July 15, 2016, with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings at 107.0% of principal. We used a portion of the net proceeds to fund the redemption on February 9, 2014 (effected on February 10, 2014, which was the next business day after the redemption date) of the remaining outstanding principal amount ($21.4 million) of our 6.25% Senior Notes due 2015. The redemption resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.2 million, net of the write-off of unamortized fees, and is included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations as “Loss on extinguishment of debt” for the nine months ended July 31, 2014. The remaining net proceeds from the offering were used to pay related fees and expenses and for general corporate purposes.
	February 15, 2014 was the mandatory settlement date for our Purchase Contracts and was also the payment date for the last quarterly cash installment payment on the Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes, both of which were initially issued as components of our 7.25% Tangible Equity Units. See Note 12 below for additional information.

Note_12_Tangible_Equity_Units

Note 12 - Tangible Equity Units	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Tangible Equity Units Disclosure [Text Block] [Abstract]	'
Tangible Equity Units Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	12	Tangible Equity Units
	On February 9, 2011, we issued an aggregate of 3,000,000 7.25% Tangible Equity Units (the “TEUs”), and on February 14, 2011, we issued an additional 450,000 TEUs pursuant to the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters. Each TEU initially consisted of (i) a prepaid stock purchase contract (each a “Purchase Contract”) and (ii) a senior subordinated amortizing note due February 15, 2014 (each, a “Senior Subordinated Amortizing Note”). Each TEU could be separated into its constituent Purchase Contract and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Note after the initial issuance date of the TEUs, and the separate components could be combined to create a TEU. The Senior Subordinated Amortizing Note component of the TEUs was recorded as debt, and the Purchase Contract component of the TEUs which had a fair value of $68.1 million was recorded in equity as additional paid-in capital.
	On each February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15, K. Hovnanian paid holders of the Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes equal quarterly cash installments of $0.453125 per Senior Subordinated Amortizing Note, which cash payments in the aggregate were equivalent to 7.25% per year with respect to each $25 stated amount of TEUs. Each installment constituted a payment of interest (at a rate of 12.072% per annum) and a partial repayment of principal on the Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes, allocated as set forth in the amortization schedule provided in the indenture under which the Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes were issued.  The Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes had a scheduled final installment payment date of February 15, 2014.
	The final quarterly cash installment payment of $0.453125 per Senior Subordinated Amortizing Note was due on February 15, 2014, and was paid to holders thereof on February 18, 2014 (which was the next business day). On February 18, 2014, (which was the first business day after the mandatory settlement date of February 15, 2014) we issued to holders of Purchase Contracts an aggregate of 6,085,224 shares of our Class A Common Stock in settlement of an aggregate of 1,276,933 Purchase Contracts (such amount was based on a settlement rate of 4.7655 shares of Class A Common Stock for each Purchase Contract). In addition, we paid a de minimis amount of cash to holders of the Purchase Contracts in lieu of fractional shares. Accordingly, as of July 31, 2014, we had no Purchase Contracts or Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes outstanding.

Note_13_Senior_Exchangeable_No

Note 13 - Senior Exchangeable Notes	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Exchangeable Note Units And Senior Amortizing Notes [Text Block] [Abstract]	'
Exchangeable Note Units And Senior Amortizing Notes [Text Block]	'
	13	Senior Exchangeable Notes
	On October 2, 2012, the Company and K. Hovnanian issued $100,000,000 aggregate stated amount of 6.0% Exchangeable Note Units (the “Units”) (equivalent to 100,000 Units). Each $1,000 stated amount of Units initially consists of (1) a zero coupon Senior Exchangeable note due December 1, 2017 (a “Senior Exchangeable Note”) issued by K. Hovnanian, which bears no cash interest and has an initial principal amount of $768.51 per Senior Exchangeable Note, and that will accrete to $1,000 at maturity and (2) a Senior Amortizing note due December 1, 2017 (a “Senior Amortizing Note”) issued by K. Hovnanian, which has an initial principal amount of $231.49 per Senior Amortizing Note, bears interest at a rate of 11.0% per annum, and has a final installment payment date on December 1, 2017. Each Unit may be separated into its constituent Senior Exchangeable Note and Senior Amortizing Note after the initial issuance date of the Units, and the separate components may be combined to create a Unit.
	Each Senior Exchangeable Note had an initial principal amount of $768.51 (which will accrete to $1,000 over the term of the Senior Exchangeable Note at an annual rate of 5.17% from the date of issuance, calculated on a semi-annual bond equivalent yield basis). Holders may exchange their Senior Exchangeable Notes at their option at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the business day immediately preceding December 1, 2017. Each Senior Exchangeable Note will be exchangeable for shares of Class A Common Stock at an initial exchange rate of 185.5288 shares of Class A Common Stock per Senior Exchangeable Note (equivalent to an initial exchange price, based on $1,000 principal amount at maturity, of approximately $5.39 per share of Class A Common Stock). The exchange rate will be subject to adjustment in certain events. If certain corporate events occur prior to the maturity date, the Company will increase the applicable exchange rate for any holder who elects to exchange its Senior Exchangeable Notes in connection with such corporate event. In addition, holders of Senior Exchangeable Notes will also have the right to require K. Hovnanian to repurchase such holders’ Senior Exchangeable Notes upon the occurrence of certain of these corporate events. As of July 31, 2014, 18,305 Senior Exchangeable Notes have been converted into 3.4 million shares of our Class A Common Stock, all of which were converted during the first quarter of fiscal 2013.
	On each June 1 and December 1 (each, an “installment payment date”) K. Hovnanian will pay holders of Senior Amortizing Notes equal semi-annual cash installments of $30.00 per Senior Amortizing Note (except for the June 1, 2013 installment payment, which was $39.83 per Senior Amortizing Note), which cash payment in the aggregate will be equivalent to 6.0% per year with respect to each $1,000 stated amount of Units. Each installment will constitute a payment of interest (at a rate of 11.0% per annum) and a partial repayment of principal on the Senior Amortizing Note. If certain corporate events occur prior to the maturity date, holders of the Senior Amortizing Notes will have the right to require K. Hovnanian to repurchase such holders’ Senior Amortizing Notes.

Note_14_Per_Share_Calculation

Note 14 - Per Share Calculation	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	14	Per Share Calculation
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) (the “numerator”) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, adjusted for nonvested shares of restricted stock (the “denominator”) for the period. The basic weighted-average number of shares for the nine months ended July 31, 2014 included 6.1 million shares related to Purchase Contracts (issued as part of our 7.25% Tangible Equity Units) which, as discussed in Note 12, were all issued upon settlement of the Purchase Contracts in February 2014. Computing diluted earnings per share is similar to computing basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased to include the dilutive effects of options and nonvested shares of restricted stock, as well as common shares issuable upon exchange of our Senior Exchangeable Notes issued as part of our 6.0% Exchangeable Note Units. Any options that have an exercise price greater than the average market price are considered to be anti-dilutive and are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation.
	All outstanding nonvested shares that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents that participate in undistributed earnings with common stock are considered participating securities and are included in computing earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating securities according to dividends or dividend equivalents and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The Company’s restricted common stock (“nonvested shares”) is considered participating securities.
	Basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods presented below were calculated as follows:
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			July 31,				July 31,
	(In thousands, except per share data)		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Hovnanian		$17,105		$8,466		$(15,320	)	$(1,524	)
	Less: undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested shares		(386	)	(15	)	-		-
	Numerator for basic earnings per share		16,719		8,451		(15,320	)	(1,524	)
	Plus: undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested shares		386		15
	Less: undistributed earnings reallocated to nonvested shares		(386	)	(15	)	-		-
	Plus: interest on Senior Exchangeable Notes		879		893		-		-
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share		17,598		9,344		(15,320	)	(1,524	)
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share		146,365		146,056		146,223		144,840
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Share-based payments		756		1,610		-		-
	Senior Exchangeable Notes		15,157		15,157		-		-
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share – weighted-average shares outstanding		162,278		162,823		146,223		144,840
	Basic earnings per share		$0.11		$0.06		$(0.10	)	$(0.01	)
	Diluted earnings per share		$0.11		$0.06		$(0.10	)	$(0.01	)
	Incremental shares attributed to nonvested stock and outstanding options to purchase common stock of 1.3 million and 1.6 million, respectively, for the nine months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because we had a net loss for the period, and any incremental shares would not be dilutive. Also, 15.2 million shares and 16.1 million shares, respectively, for the nine months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, of common stock issuable upon the exchange of our Senior Exchangeable Notes were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because we had a net loss for the period.
	In addition, shares related to out-of-the-money stock options that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share were 3.0 million for the three months ended and 2.1 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2014, and 2.2 million for both the three and nine months ended July 31, 2013, because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented.

Note_15_Preferred_Stock

Note 15 - Preferred Stock	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]	'
Preferred Stock [Text Block]	'
	15	Preferred Stock
	On July 12, 2005, we issued 5,600 shares of 7.625% Series A Preferred Stock, with a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are not cumulative and are paid at an annual rate of 7.625%. The Series A Preferred Stock is not convertible into the Company’s common stock and is redeemable in whole or in part at our option at the liquidation preference of the shares. The Series A Preferred Stock is traded as depositary shares, with each depositary share representing 1/1000th of a share of Series A Preferred Stock. The depositary shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “HOVNP.” During the three and nine months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, we did not pay any dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock due to covenant restrictions in our debt instruments.

Note_16_Common_Stock

Note 16 - Common Stock	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Common Stock [Text Block] [Abstract]	'
Common Stock [Text Block]	'
	16	Common Stock
	Each share of Class A Common Stock entitles its holder to one vote per share, and each share of Class B Common Stock generally entitles its holder to ten votes per share. The amount of any regular cash dividend payable on a share of Class A Common Stock will be an amount equal to 110% of the corresponding regular cash dividend payable on a share of Class B Common Stock. If a shareholder desires to sell shares of Class B Common Stock, such stock must be converted into shares of Class A Common Stock.
	On August 4, 2008, our Board of Directors adopted a shareholder rights plan (the “Rights Plan”) designed to preserve shareholder value and the value of certain tax assets primarily associated with net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards and built-in losses under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. Our ability to use NOLs and built-in losses would be limited if there was an “ownership change” under Section 382. This would occur if shareholders owning (or deemed under Section 382 to own) 5% or more of our stock increase their collective ownership of the aggregate amount of our outstanding shares by more than 50 percentage points over a defined period of time. The Rights Plan was adopted to reduce the likelihood of an “ownership change” occurring as defined by Section 382. Under the Rights Plan, one right was distributed for each share of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding as of the close of business on August 15, 2008. Effective August 15, 2008, if any person or group acquires 4.9% or more of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock without the approval of the Board of Directors, there would be a triggering event causing significant dilution in the voting power of such person or group. However, existing stockholders who owned, at the time of the Rights Plan’s adoption, 4.9% or more of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock will trigger a dilutive event only if they acquire additional shares. The approval of the Board of Directors’ decision to adopt the Rights Plan may be terminated by the Board at any time, prior to the Rights being triggered. The Rights Plan will continue in effect until August 15, 2018, unless it expires earlier in accordance with its terms. The approval of the Board of Directors’ decision to adopt the Rights Plan was submitted to a stockholder vote and approved at a special meeting of stockholders held on December 5, 2008. Also at the Special Meeting on December 5, 2008, our stockholders approved an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to restrict certain transfers of Class A Common Stock in order to preserve the tax treatment of our NOLs and built-in losses under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. Subject to certain exceptions pertaining to pre-existing 5% stockholders and Class B stockholders, the transfer restrictions in the amended Certificate of Incorporation generally restrict any direct or indirect transfer (such as transfers of our stock that result from the transfer of interests in other entities that own our stock) if the effect would be to (i) increase the direct or indirect ownership of our stock by any person (or public group) from less than 5% to 5% or more of our common stock; (ii) increase the percentage of our common stock owned directly or indirectly by a person (or public group) owning or deemed to own 5% or more of our common stock; or (iii) create a new public group. Transfers included under the transfer restrictions include sales to persons (or public groups) whose resulting percentage ownership (direct or indirect) of common stock would exceed the 5% thresholds discussed above, or to persons whose direct or indirect ownership of common stock would by attribution cause another person (or public group) to exceed such threshold.
	On July 3, 2001, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to purchase up to 4 million shares of Class A Common Stock. There were no shares purchased during the three and nine months ended July 31, 2014. As of July 31, 2014, the maximum number of shares of Class A Common Stock that may yet be purchased under this program is 0.5 million.

Note_17_Income_Taxes

Note 17 - Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	17	Income Taxes
	The total income tax benefit of $1.7 million and $0.5 million recognized for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2014, respectively, was primarily due to a refund received for a loss carryback to a previously profitable year, partially offset by various state tax expenses and state tax reserves for uncertain state tax positions. The total income tax expense of $1.9 million recognized for the three months ended July 31, 2013 was primarily due to state tax expenses and state tax reserves for uncertain state tax positions. The total income tax benefit of $10.2 million recognized for the nine months ended July 31, 2013 was primarily due to the release of reserves for a federal tax position that was settled with the Internal Revenue Service and a favorable state tax audit settlement.
	Deferred federal and state income tax assets primarily represent the deferred tax benefits arising from temporary differences between book and tax income, which will be recognized in future years as an offset against future taxable income. If the combination of future years’ income (or loss) and the reversal of the timing differences results in a loss, such losses can be carried forward to future years. In accordance with ASC 740, we evaluate our deferred tax assets quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required. ASC 740 requires that companies assess whether valuation allowances should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard. Because of the downturn in the homebuilding industry, resulting in significant inventory and intangible impairments in prior years, we are in a three-year cumulative loss position as of July 31, 2014, a factor which is significant negative evidence in considering whether deferred tax assets are realizable that cannot currently be overcome with other positive evidence. Our valuation allowance for deferred taxes amounted to $933.3 million and $927.1 million at July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively. The valuation allowance increased during the nine months ended July 31, 2014, primarily due to additional valuation allowance recorded for the federal and state tax benefits related to the losses incurred during this period. Because of our profitability in fiscal 2013 and the third quarter of fiscal 2014, our three-year cumulative loss position is decreasing. If we determine to reverse all or a portion of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which could happen in the near future, such amount would be recorded as an income tax benefit on our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations, resulting in a material impact to net income and stockholders’ equity.

Note_18_Operating_and_Reportin

Note 18 - Operating and Reporting Segments	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	18	Operating and Reporting Segments
	Our operating segments are components of our business for which discrete financial information is available and reviewed regularly by the chief operating decision-maker, our Chief Executive Officer, to evaluate performance and make operating decisions. Based on this criteria, each of our communities qualifies as an operating segment, and therefore, it is impractical to provide segment disclosures for this many segments. As such, we have aggregated the homebuilding operating segments into six reportable segments.
	Our homebuilding operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments based primarily upon geographic proximity, similar regulatory environments, land acquisition characteristics and similar methods used to construct and sell homes. The Company’s reportable segments consist of the following six homebuilding segments and a financial services segment:
	Homebuilding:
	(1) Northeast (New Jersey and Pennsylvania)
	(2) Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. and West Virginia)
	(3) Midwest (Illinois, Minnesota and Ohio)
	(4) Southeast (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina)
	(5) Southwest (Arizona and Texas)
	(6) West (California)
	Financial Services
	Operations of the Company’s Homebuilding segments primarily include the sale and construction of single-family attached and detached homes, attached townhomes and condominiums, urban infill and active adult homes in planned residential developments. In addition, from time to time, operations of the homebuilding segments include sales of land. Operations of the Company’s Financial Services segment include mortgage banking and title services provided to the homebuilding operations’ customers. We do not retain or service mortgages that we originate but rather sell the mortgages and related servicing rights to investors.
	Corporate and unallocated primarily represents operations at our headquarters in Red Bank, New Jersey. This includes our executive offices, information services, human resources, corporate accounting, training, treasury, process redesign, internal audit, construction services, and administration of insurance, quality, and safety. It also includes interest income and interest expense resulting from interest incurred that cannot be capitalized in inventory in the Homebuilding segments, as well as the gains or losses on extinguishment of debt from debt repurchases or exchanges.
	Evaluation of segment performance is based primarily on operating earnings from continuing operations before provision for income taxes. Income before income taxes for the Homebuilding segments consists of revenues generated from the sales of homes and land, income from unconsolidated entities, management fees and other income, less the cost of homes and land sold, selling, general and administrative expenses, interest expense and noncontrolling interest expense. Income before income taxes for the Financial Services segment consists of revenues generated from mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services, less the cost of such services and certain selling, general and administrative expenses incurred by the Financial Services segment.
	Operational results of each segment are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred had the segment been an independent stand-alone entity during the periods presented.
	Financial information relating to the Company’s segment operations was as follows:
			Three Months Ended July 31,				Nine Months Ended July 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Revenues:
	Northeast		$60,531		$67,214		$179,529		$176,285
	Mid-Atlantic		90,123		89,365		219,378		200,489
	Midwest		55,423		38,478		147,884		110,204
	Southeast		55,449		35,731		146,613		101,884
	Southwest		201,906		182,699		495,116		476,136
	West		76,521		52,062		147,979		159,491
	Total homebuilding		539,953		465,549		1,336,499		1,224,489
	Financial services		11,106		12,878		28,612		35,219
	Corporate and unallocated		(50	)	(70	)	(125	)	(142	)
	Total revenues		$551,009		$478,357		$1,364,986		$1,259,566
	Income (loss) before income taxes:
	Northeast		$(1,971	)	$1,028		$(10,791	)	$(8,510	)
	Mid-Atlantic		5,397		8,036		9,772		12,305
	Midwest		4,971		1,941		10,687		5,420
	Southeast		2,244		276		6,990		3,585
	Southwest		22,178		22,230		48,259		46,871
	West		11,091		3,757		12,829		5,084
	Homebuilding income before income taxes		43,910		37,268		77,746		64,755
	Financial services		3,894		6,238		8,021		14,014
	Corporate and unallocated		(32,432	)	(33,118	)	(101,583	)	(90,448	)
	Income (loss) before income taxes		$15,372		$10,388		$(15,816	)	$(11,679	)
	(In thousands)		31-Jul-14		31-Oct-13
	Assets:
	Northeast		$327,384		$323,152
	Mid-Atlantic		313,962		240,486
	Midwest		155,324		104,596
	Southeast		134,998		101,410
	Southwest		438,194		305,878
	West		161,293		130,545
	Total homebuilding		1,531,155		1,206,067
	Financial services		98,461		148,853
	Corporate and unallocated		264,112		404,210
	Total assets		$1,893,728		$1,759,130

Note_19_Variable_Interest_Enti

Note 19 - Variable Interest Entities	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entities Disclosure [Text Block] [Abstract]	'
Variable Interest Entities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	19	Variable Interest Entities
	The Company enters into land and lot option purchase contracts to procure land or lots for the construction of homes. Under these contracts, the Company will fund a stated deposit in consideration for the right, but not the obligation, to purchase land or lots at a future point in time with predetermined terms. Under the terms of the option purchase contracts, many of the option deposits are not refundable at the Company's discretion. Under the requirements of ASC 810, certain option purchase contracts may result in the creation of a variable interest in the entity (“VIE”) that owns the land parcel under option.
	In compliance with ASC 810, the Company analyzes its option purchase contracts to determine whether the corresponding land sellers are VIEs and, if so, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary. Although the Company does not have legal title to the underlying land, ASC 810 requires the Company to consolidate a VIE if the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary. In determining whether it is the primary beneficiary, the Company considers, among other things, whether it has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance. Such activities would include, among other things, determining or limiting the scope or purpose of the VIE, selling or transferring property owned or controlled by the VIE, or arranging financing for the VIE. The Company also considers whether it has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. As a result of its analyses, the Company determined that as of July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, it was not the primary beneficiary of any VIEs from which it is purchasing land under option purchase contracts.
	We will continue to secure land and lots using options, some of which are with VIEs. Including deposits on our unconsolidated VIEs, at July 31, 2014, we had total cash and letters of credit deposits amounting to approximately $75.1 million to purchase land and lots with a total purchase price of $1.3 billion. The maximum exposure to loss with respect to our land and lot options is limited to the deposits plus any pre-development costs invested in the property, although some deposits are refundable at our request or refundable if certain conditions are not met.

Note_20_Investments_in_Unconso

Note 20 - Investments in Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	20	Investments in Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures
	We enter into homebuilding and land development joint ventures from time to time as a means of accessing lot positions, expanding our market opportunities, establishing strategic alliances, managing our risk profile, leveraging our capital base and enhancing returns on capital. Our homebuilding joint ventures are generally entered into with third-party investors to develop land and construct homes that are sold directly to third-party homebuyers. Our land development joint ventures include those entered into with developers and other homebuilders as well as financial investors to develop finished lots for sale to the joint venture’s members or other third parties.
	The tables set forth below summarize the combined financial information related to our unconsolidated homebuilding and land development joint ventures that are accounted for under the equity method.
	(Dollars in thousands)		31-Jul-14
			Homebuilding		Land Development		Total
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$17,621		$92		$17,713
	Inventories		202,204		11,336		213,540
	Other assets		9,361		-		9,361
	Total assets		$229,186		$11,428		$240,614
	Liabilities and equity:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$28,726		$4,177		$32,903
	Notes payable		43,962		-		43,962
	Total liabilities		72,688		4,177		76,865
	Equity of:
	Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.		55,779		2,834		58,613
	Others		100,719		4,417		105,136
	Total equity		156,498		7,251		163,749
	Total liabilities and equity		$229,186		$11,428		$240,614
	Debt to capitalization ratio		22	%	0	%	21	%
	(Dollars in thousands)		31-Oct-13
			Homebuilding		Land Development		Total
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$30,102		$639		$30,741
	Inventories		101,735		11,080		112,815
	Other assets		6,868		-		6,868
	Total assets		$138,705		$11,719		$150,424
	Liabilities and equity:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$28,016		$4,047		$32,063
	Notes payable		23,904		-		23,904
	Total liabilities		51,920		4,047		55,967
	Equity of:
	Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.		44,141		2,703		46,844
	Others		42,644		4,969		47,613
	Total equity		86,785		7,672		94,457
	Total liabilities and equity		$138,705		$11,719		$150,424
	Debt to capitalization ratio		22	%	0	%	20	%
	As of July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, we had advances outstanding of approximately $3.7 million and $4.6 million, respectively, to these unconsolidated joint ventures, which were included in the “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” balances in the tables above. On our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets our “Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures” amounted to $62.3 million and $51.4 million at July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively.
			For the Three Months Ended July 31, 2014
	(In thousands)		Homebuilding		Land Development		Total
	Revenues		$29,283		$612		$29,895
	Cost of sales and expenses		(27,631	)	(534	)	(28,165	)
	Joint venture net income		$1,652		$78		$1,730
	Our share of net income		$201		$39		$240
			For the Three Months Ended July 31, 2013
	(In thousands)		Homebuilding		Land Development		Total
	Revenues		$76,842		$2,992		$79,834
	Cost of sales and expenses		(67,526	)	(3,300	)	(70,826	)
	Joint venture net income (loss)		$9,316		$(308	)	$9,008
	Our share of net income (loss)		$3,654		$(154	)	$3,500
			For the Nine Months Ended July 31, 2014
	(In thousands)		Homebuilding		Land Development		Total
	Revenues		$114,304		$5,881		$120,185
	Cost of sales and expenses		(105,409	)	(5,619	)	(111,028	)
	Joint venture net income		$8,895		$262		$9,157
	Our share of net income		$3,780		$131		$3,911
			For the Nine Months Ended July 31, 2013
	(In thousands)		Homebuilding		Land Development		Total
	Revenues		$211,408		$12,468		$223,876
	Cost of sales and expenses		(194,667	)	(7,755	)	(202,422	)
	Joint venture net income		$16,741		$4,713		$21,454
	Our share of net income		$4,372		$2,356		$6,728
	“Income from unconsolidated joint ventures” is reflected as a separate line in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and reflects our proportionate share of the income or loss of these unconsolidated homebuilding and land development joint ventures. The difference between our share of the income or loss from these unconsolidated joint ventures disclosed in the tables above compared to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, is due primarily to the reclassification of the intercompany portion of management fee income from certain joint ventures (discussed below) and the deferral of income for lots purchased by us from certain joint ventures. To compensate us for the administrative services we provide as the manager of certain joint ventures, we receive a management fee based on a percentage of the applicable joint venture’s revenues. These management fees, which totaled $1.3 million and $3.4 million, for the three months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $5.0 million and $9.0 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are recorded in “Homebuilding: Selling, general and administrative” on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
In determining whether or not we must consolidate joint ventures that we manage, we assess whether the other partners have specific rights to overcome the presumption of control by us as the manager of the joint venture. In most cases, the presumption is overcome because the joint venture agreements require that both partners agree on establishing the operations and capital decisions of the partnership, including budgets in the ordinary course of business.
Typically, our unconsolidated joint ventures obtain separate project specific mortgage financing. The amount of financing is generally targeted to be no more than 50% of the joint venture’s total assets. For our more recent joint ventures, obtaining financing has become challenging, therefore, some of our joint ventures are capitalized only with equity. The total debt to capitalization ratio of all our joint ventures as of July 31, 2014 was 21%. Any joint venture financing is on a nonrecourse basis, with guarantees from us limited only to performance and completion of development, environmental warranties and indemnification, standard indemnification for fraud, misrepresentation and other similar actions, including a voluntary bankruptcy filing. In some instances, the joint venture entity is considered a VIE under ASC 810-10 "Consolidation – Overall" due to the returns being capped to the equity holders; however, in these instances, we are not the primary beneficiary, and therefore we do not consolidate these entities.

Note_21_Recent_Accounting_Pron

Note 21 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]	'
	21	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-04, “Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors,” which clarifies when an in substance repossession or foreclosure of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan has occurred. By doing so, this guidance helps determine when the creditor should derecognize the loan receivable and recognize the real estate property. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning November 1, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606), (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 requires entities to recognize revenue that represents the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount equivalent to the consideration which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The following steps should be applied to determine this amount: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASU 605, “Revenue Recognition” and most industry-specific guidance in the Accounting Standards Codification. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the Company beginning November 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11, "Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures” ("ASU 2014-11"), which makes limited amendments to ASC 860, "Transfers and Servicing." ASU 2014-11 requires entities to account for repurchase-to-maturity transactions as secured borrowings, eliminates accounting guidance on linked repurchase financing transactions, and expands disclosure requirements related to certain transfers of financial assets. ASU 2014-11 is effective for the Company beginning February 1, 2015. Early adoption is not permitted. This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, “Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period” (“ASU 2014-12”). ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation”, as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. ASU 2014-12 is effective for the Company beginning November 1, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. We do not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2014-12 will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Note_22_Fair_Value_of_Financia

Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	22	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” provides a framework for measuring fair value, expands disclosures about fair-value measurements and establishes a fair-value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value summarized as follows:
		Level 1	Fair value determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
		Level 2	Fair value determined using significant other observable inputs.
		Level 3	Fair value determined using significant unobservable inputs.
	Our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
	(In thousands)	Fair Value Hierarchy		Fair Value at			Fair Value at
				31-Jul-14			31-Oct-13
	Mortgage loans held for sale (1)	Level 2		$76,252			$113,739
	Interest rate lock commitments	Level 2		(137	)		369
	Forward contracts	Level 2		58			(1,155	)
				$76,173			$112,953
	(1)  The aggregate unpaid principal balance was $73.6 million and $107.7 million at July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively.
	We elected the fair value option for our loans held for sale for mortgage loans originated subsequent to October 31, 2008 in accordance with ASC 825, “Financial Instruments,” which permits us to measure financial instruments at fair value on a contract-by-contract basis. Management believes that the election of the fair value option for loans held for sale improves financial reporting by mitigating volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring the fair value of the loans and the derivative instruments used to economically hedge them without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions.
	The Financial Services segment had a pipeline of loan applications in process of $497.9 million at July 31, 2014. Loans in process for which interest rates were committed to the borrowers totaled approximately $58.2 million as of July 31, 2014. Substantially all of these commitments were for periods of 60 days or less. Since a portion of these commitments is expected to expire without being exercised by the borrowers, the total commitments do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.
	The Financial Services segment uses investor commitments and forward sales of mandatory mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) to hedge its mortgage-related interest rate exposure. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk. Credit risk is managed by entering into MBS forward commitments, option contracts with investment banks, federally regulated bank affiliates and loan sales transactions with permanent investors meeting the segment’s credit standards. The segment’s risk, in the event of default by the purchaser, is the difference between the contract price and fair value of the MBS forward commitments and option contracts. At July 31, 2014, the segment had open commitments amounting to $20.5 million to sell MBS with varying settlement dates through September 11, 2014.
	The assets accounted for using the fair value option are initially measured at fair value. Gains and losses from initial measurement and subsequent changes in fair value are recognized in the Financial Services segment’s income. The changes in fair values that are included in income are shown, by financial instrument and financial statement line item, below:
			Three Months Ended July 31, 2014
	(In thousands)		Mortgage			Interest Rate			Forward Contracts
			Loans Held			Lock Commitments
			For Sale
	Changes in fair value included in net income (loss) all reflected in financial services revenues		$(236	)		$(308	)		$526
			Three Months Ended July 31, 2013
	(In thousands)		Mortgage			Interest Rate			Forward Contracts
			Loans Held			Lock Commitments
			For Sale
	Changes in fair value included in net income (loss) all reflected in financial services revenues		$(1,253	)		$(157	)		$1,127
			Nine Months Ended July 31, 2014
	(In thousands)		Mortgage			Interest Rate			Forward Contracts
			Loans Held			Lock Commitments
			For Sale
	Changes in fair value included in net income (loss) all reflected in financial services revenues		$(2,136	)		$(506	)		$1,213
			Nine Months Ended July 31, 2013
	(In thousands)		Mortgage			Interest Rate			Forward Contracts
			Loans Held			Lock Commitments
			For Sale
	Changes in fair value included in net income (loss) all reflected in financial services revenues		$(515	)		$115			$(337	)
	The Company’s assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are those assets for which the Company has recorded valuation adjustments and write-offs during the periods presented. The assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are all within the Company’s Homebuilding operations and are summarized below:
	Nonfinancial Assets
				Three Months Ended
				31-Jul-14
	(In thousands)	Fair Value		Pre-impairment			Total Losses			Fair Value
		Hierarchy		Amount
	Sold and unsold homes and lots under development	Level 3		$469			$(70	)		$399
	Land and land options held for future development or sale	Level 3		$-			$-			$-
				Three Months Ended
				31-Jul-13
	(In thousands)	Fair Value		Pre-impairment			Total Losses			Fair Value
		Hierarchy		Amount
	Sold and unsold homes and lots under development	Level 3		$-			$-			$-
	Land and land options held for future development or sale	Level 3		$439			$(118	)		$321
				Nine Months Ended
				31-Jul-14
	(In thousands)	Fair Value		Pre-impairment			Total Losses			Fair Value
		Hierarchy		Amount
	Sold and unsold homes and lots under development	Level 3		$469			$(70	)		$399
	Land and land options held for future development or sale	Level 3		$236			$(82	)		$154
				Nine Months Ended
				31-Jul-13
	(In thousands)	Fair Value Hierarchy		Pre-impairment Amount			Total Losses			Fair Value
	Sold and unsold homes and lots under development	Level 3		$5,243			$(1,479	)		$3,764
	Land and land options held for future development or sale	Level 3		$924			$(136	)		$788
	We record impairment losses on inventories related to communities under development and held for future development when events and circumstances indicate that they may be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than their related carrying amounts. If the expected undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount, then the community is written down to its fair value. We estimate the fair value of each impaired community by determining the present value of its estimated future cash flows at a discount rate commensurate with the risk of the respective community. Should the estimates or expectations used in determining cash flows or fair value decrease or differ from current estimates in the future, we may be required to recognize additional impairments. We recorded inventory impairments, which are included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as “Inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs” and deducted from inventory, of $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2014, respectively, and $0.1 million and $1.6 million for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2013, respectively.
The fair value of our cash equivalents and restricted cash approximates their carrying amount, based on Level 1 inputs.
The fair value of each series of the senior unsecured notes (other than the 7.0% Senior Notes due 2019 (the “2019 Notes”), the senior exchangeable notes and the senior amortizing notes) and senior subordinated amortizing notes is estimated based on recent trades or quoted market prices for the same issues or based on recent trades or quoted market prices for our debt of similar security and maturity to achieve comparable yields, which are Level 2 measurements. The fair value of the senior unsecured notes (all series in the aggregate), other than the 2019 Notes, senior exchangeable notes and senior amortizing notes, was estimated at $466.6 million as of July 31, 2014. As of July 31, 2014, the senior subordinated amortizing notes were no longer outstanding. As of October 31, 2013, the fair value of the senior unsecured notes (all series in the aggregate), other than the senior exchangeable notes and senior amortizing notes, and senior subordinated amortizing notes, was estimated at $493.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively. The 2019 Notes were not issued as of October 31, 2013.
The fair value of each of the 2019 Notes, the senior secured notes (all series in the aggregate), the senior amortizing notes and the senior exchangeable notes is estimated based on third-party broker quotes, a Level 3 measurement. The fair value of the 2019 Notes, senior secured notes (all series in the aggregate), the senior amortizing notes and the senior exchangeable notes was estimated at $150.8 million, $1.0 billion, $17.0 million and $81.5 million, respectively, as of July 31, 2014. As of October 31, 2013, the fair value of the senior secured notes (all series in the aggregate), senior amortizing notes and senior exchangeable notes was estimated at $1.0 billion, $20.9 million and $86.8 million, respectively. The 2019 Notes were not issued as of October 31, 2013.

Note_23_Financial_Information_

Note 23 - Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]	'
Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block]	'
	23	Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors
	Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., the parent company (the “Parent”), is the issuer of publicly traded common stock and preferred stock, which is represented by depository shares. One of its wholly owned subsidiaries, K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. (the “Subsidiary Issuer”), acts as a finance entity that, as of July 31, 2014, had issued and outstanding approximately $992.0 million of senior secured notes ($979.6 million, net of discount), $591.1 million senior notes ($590.3 million, net of discount) and $17.0 million senior amortizing notes and $69.2 million senior exchangeable notes (issued as components of our 6.0% Exchangeable Note Units). The senior secured notes, senior notes, senior amortizing notes and senior exchangeable notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Parent.
	In addition to the Parent, each of the wholly owned subsidiaries of the Parent other than the Subsidiary Issuer (collectively, “Guarantor Subsidiaries”), with the exception of our home mortgage subsidiaries, certain of our title insurance subsidiaries, joint ventures, subsidiaries holding interests in our joint ventures and our foreign subsidiary (collectively, the “Nonguarantor Subsidiaries”), have guaranteed fully and unconditionally, on a joint and several basis, the obligations of the Subsidiary Issuer to pay principal and interest under the senior secured notes (other than the 2021 Notes), senior notes, senior exchangeable notes and senior amortizing notes. The Guarantor Subsidiaries are directly or indirectly 100% owned subsidiaries of the Parent. The 2021 Notes are guaranteed by the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the members of the Secured Group (see Note 11).
	The senior unsecured notes (except for the 2019 Notes), senior amortizing notes and senior exchangeable notes have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The 2019 Notes, 2020 Secured Notes and the 2021 Notes (see Note 11) are not, pursuant to the indentures under which such notes were issued, required to be registered. The Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements presented below are in respect of our registered notes only and not the 2019 Notes, 2020 Secured Notes or the 2021 Notes (however, the Guarantor Subsidiaries for the 2019 Notes and the 2020 Secured Notes are the same as those represented by the accompanying Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements). In lieu of providing separate financial statements for the Guarantor Subsidiaries of our registered notes, we have included the accompanying Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements. Therefore, separate financial statements and other disclosures concerning such Guarantor Subsidiaries are not presented.
	The following Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements present the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of (i) the Parent, (ii) the Subsidiary Issuer, (iii) the Guarantor Subsidiaries, (iv) the Nonguarantor Subsidiaries and (v) the eliminations to arrive at the information for Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. on a consolidated basis.
	HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	31-Jul-14
	(In Thousands)
			Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations		Consolidated
	ASSETS:
	Homebuilding				$133,018		$1,335,404		$341,047		$(14,202	)	$1,795,267
	Financial services						8,937		89,524				98,461
	Intercompany receivable (payable)				1,337,515				26,918		(1,364,433	)	-
	Investments in and amounts due to and from consolidated subsidiaries		$(78,621	)	(34,333	)	332,636				(219,682	)	-
	Total assets		$(78,621	)	$1,436,200		$1,676,977		$457,489		$(1,598,317	)	$1,893,728
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:
	Homebuilding		$2,685		$73		$514,778		$55,722				$573,258
	Financial services						8,837		68,862				77,699
	Notes payable				1,679,668		3,243		269				1,683,180
	Intercompany payable (receivable)		323,179				1,085,902				$(1,409,081	)	-
	Income taxes payable (receivable)		38,635				(35,924	)					2,711
	Stockholders’ (deficit) equity		(443,120	)	(243,541	)	100,141		332,636		(189,236	)	(443,120	)
	Noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures												-
	Total liabilities and equity		$(78,621	)	$1,436,200		$1,676,977		$457,489		$(1,598,317	)	$1,893,728
	HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	31-Oct-13
	(In Thousands)
			Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations		Consolidated
	ASSETS:
	Homebuilding				$277,800		$1,020,435		$312,042				$1,610,277
	Financial services						14,570		134,283				148,853
	Intercompany receivable				1,093,906				14,489		$(1,108,395	)	-
	Investments in and amounts due to and from consolidated subsidiaries		$(62,298	)	2,275		286,216				(226,193	)	-
	Total assets		$(62,298	)	$1,373,981		$1,321,221		$460,814		$(1,334,588	)	$1,759,130
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:
	Homebuilding		$3,798		$491		$437,767		$64,329				$506,385
	Financial services						14,789		109,748				124,537
	Notes payable				1,555,336		2,276		94				1,557,706
	Intercompany payable		326,262				805,774				$(1,132,036	)	-
	Income taxes payable (receivable)		40,868				(37,567	)					3,301
	Stockholders’ (deficit) equity		(433,226	)	(181,846	)	98,182		286,216		(202,552	)	(433,226	)
	Noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures								427				427
	Total liabilities and equity		$(62,298	)	$1,373,981		$1,321,221		$460,814		$(1,334,588	)	$1,759,130
	HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	THREE MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 2014
	(In Thousands)
			Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations		Consolidated
	Revenues:
	Homebuilding				$(52	)	$436,085		$103,870				$539,903
	Financial services						2,396		8,710				11,106
	Intercompany charges				26,411		(28,110	)	(42	)	$1,741		-
	Total revenues		-		26,359		410,371		112,538		1,741		551,009
	Expenses:
	Homebuilding		$3,098		32,751		406,479		86,894		(586	)	528,636
	Financial services		6				1,699		5,507				7,212
	Total expenses		3,104		32,751		408,178		92,401		(586	)	535,848
	Income from unconsolidated joint ventures						10		201				211
(Loss) income before income taxes		(3,104	)	(6,392	)	2,203		20,338		2,327		15,372
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision		(4,213	)			2,480						(1,733	)
Equity in income (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries		15,996		(12,584	)	20,338				(23,750	)	-
Net income (loss)		$17,105		$(18,976	)	$20,061		$20,338		$(21,423	)	$17,105
HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
THREE MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 2013
(In Thousands)
		Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations		Consolidated
Revenues:
Homebuilding				$(76	)	$372,416		$94,385		$(1,246	)	$465,479
Financial services						3,080		9,798				12,878
Intercompany charges				20,760		(24,931	)	(37	)	4,208		-
Total revenues		-		20,684		350,565		104,146		2,962		478,357
Expenses:
Homebuilding		$3,177		30,389		351,903		77,409		2,141		465,019
Financial services		4				2,052		4,584				6,640
Total expenses		3,181		30,389		353,955		81,993		2,141		471,659
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures						34		3,656				3,690
(Loss) income before income taxes		(3,181	)	(9,705	)	(3,356	)	25,809		821		10,388
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision		(2,233	)			4,155						1,922
Equity in income (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries		9,414		(10,887	)	25,809				(24,336	)	-
Net income (loss)		$8,466		$(20,592	)	$18,298		$25,809		$(23,515	)	$8,466
HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
NINE MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 2014
(In Thousands)
		Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations		Consolidated
Revenues:
Homebuilding				$(129	)	$1,085,275		$251,228				$1,336,374
Financial services						6,467		22,145				28,612
Intercompany charges				72,966		(76,391	)	(42	)	$3,467		-
Total revenues		-		72,837		1,015,351		273,331		3,467		1,364,986
Expenses:
Homebuilding		$9,023		96,769		1,045,419		215,032		(3,338	)	1,362,905
Financial services		15				4,918		15,658				20,591
Total expenses		9,038		96,769		1,050,337		230,690		(3,338	)	1,383,496
Loss on extinguishment of debt				(1,155	)							(1,155	)
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures						70		3,779				3,849
(Loss) income before income taxes		(9,038	)	(25,087	)	(34,916	)	46,420		6,805		(15,816	)
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision		(10,041	)			9,545						(496	)
Equity in (loss) income of consolidated subsidiaries		(16,323	)	(36,608	)	46,420				6,511		-
Net (loss) income		$(15,320	)	$(61,695	)	$1,959		$46,420		$13,316		$(15,320	)
HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
NINE MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 2013
(In Thousands)
		Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations		Consolidated
Revenues:
Homebuilding		$3		$(175	)	$1,033,927		$194,333		$(3,741	)	$1,224,347
Financial services						7,743		27,476				35,219
Intercompany charges				61,167		(75,265	)	(1,788	)	15,886		-
Total revenues		3		60,992		966,405		220,021		12,145		1,259,566
Expenses:
Homebuilding		5,921		90,088		994,979		161,304		4,554		1,256,846
Financial services		13				5,742		15,450				21,205
Total expenses		5,934		90,088		1,000,721		176,754		4,554		1,278,051
(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt				(770,009	)	770,009						-
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures						2,293		4,513				6,806
(Loss) income before income taxes		(5,931	)	(799,105	)	737,986		47,780		7,591		(11,679	)
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision		(19,308	)			9,153						(10,155	)
Equity in (loss) income of consolidated subsidiaries		(14,901	)	(33,606	)	47,780				727		-
Net (loss) income		$(1,524	)	$(832,711	)	$776,613		$47,780		$8,318		$(1,524	)
HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
NINE MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 2014
(In Thousands)
		Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations		Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income		$(15,320	)	$(61,695	)	$1,959		$46,420		$13,316		$(15,320	)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities		2,080		6,913		(251,746	)	11,846		(13,316	)	(244,223	)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities		(13,240	)	(54,782	)	(249,787	)	58,266		-		(259,543	)
Net cash (used in) investing activities						(1,009	)	(8,306	)			(9,315	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities				118,599		45,442		(40,666	)			123,375
Intercompany investing and financing activities – net		13,240		(207,001	)	206,190		(12,429	)			-
Net (decrease) increase in cash		-		(143,184	)	836		(3,135	)	-		(145,483	)
Cash balance, beginning of period				243,470		(6,479	)	92,213				329,204
Cash balance, end of period		$-		$100,286		$(5,643	)	$89,078		$-		$183,721
HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
NINE MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 2013
(In Thousands)
		Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations		Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income		$(1,524	)	$(832,711	)	$776,613		$47,780		$8,318		$(1,524	)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		20,418		789,831		(842,439	)	(5,365	)	(8,318	)	(45,873	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		18,894		(42,880	)	(65,826	)	42,415		-		(47,397	)
Net cash provided by investing activities				298		12,357		6,121				18,776
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities				(5,460	)	48,090		(59,983	)			(17,353	)
Intercompany investing and financing activities – net		(18,894	)	6,404		1,009		11,481				-
Net (decrease) increase in cash		-		(41,638	)	(4,370	)	34		-		(45,974	)
Cash balance, beginning of period				197,097		(2,017	)	78,152				273,232
Cash balance, end of period		$-		$155,459		$(6,387	)	$78,186		$-		$227,258

Note_24_Transactions_with_Rela

Note 24 - Transactions with Related Parties	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	24	Transactions with Related Parties
	During the three months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, an engineering firm owned by Tavit Najarian, a relative of our Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, provided services to the Company totaling $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively. During the nine months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, the services provided by such engineering firm to the Company totaled $0.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively. Neither the Company nor the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer has a financial interest in the relative’s company from whom the services were provided.

Note_3_Interest_Tables

Note 3 - Interest (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Home Building Interest [Text Block] [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Real Estate Inventory Capitalized Interest Costs [Table Text Block]	'
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		July 31,		July 31,
	(In thousands)	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Interest capitalized at beginning of period	$107,992	$112,488	$105,093	$116,056
	Plus interest incurred (1)	36,472	33,195	108,073	97,813
	Less cost of sales interest expensed	15,827	13,757	37,724	35,311
	Less other interest expensed (2)(3)	19,880	21,949	66,685	68,581
	Interest capitalized at end of period(4)	$108,757	$109,977	$108,757	$109,977
Cash Paid for Interest, Net of Capitalized Interest [Table Text Block]	'
		Three Months Ended July 31,		Nine Months Ended July 31,
	(In thousands)	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Other interest expensed	$19,880	$21,949	$66,685	$68,581
	Interest paid by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries	379	731	1,524	2,239
	Decrease (increase) in accrued interest	5,245	5,018	1,234	(4,802	)
	Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest	$25,504	$27,698	$69,443	$66,018

Note_5_Reduction_of_Inventory_1

Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Inventory Impairments And Land Option Cost Write Offs [Text Block] [Abstract]	'
Inventory Impairment [Table Text Block]	'
	(Dollars in millions)	Three Months Ended July 31, 2014			Three Months Ended July 31, 2013
		Number of	Dollar	Pre-	Number of	Dollar	Pre-
		Communities	Amount of	Impairment	Communities	Amount of	Impairment
			Impairment	Value(1)		Impairment	Value(1)
	Northeast	-	$-	$-	1	$0.10	$0.40
	Mid-Atlantic	-	-	-	-	-	-
	Midwest	1	0.1	0.5	-	-	-
	Southeast	-	-	-	-	-	-
	Southwest	-	-	-	-	-	-
	West	-	-	-	-	-	-
	Total	1	$0.10	$0.50	1	$0.10	$0.40
	(Dollars in millions)	Nine Months Ended July 31, 2014			Nine Months Ended July 31, 2013
		Number of	Dollar	Pre-	Number of	Dollar	Pre-
		Communities	Amount of	Impairment	Communities	Amount of	Impairment
			Impairment	Value(1)		Impairment(2)	Value(1)
	Northeast	1	$0.10	$0.20	3	$1.60	$5.60
	Mid-Atlantic	-	-	-	1	-	0.1
	Midwest	1	0.1	0.5	-	-	-
	Southeast	-	-	-	1	-	0.4
	Southwest	-	-	-	-	-	-
	West	-	-	-	-	-	-
	Total	2	$0.20	$0.70	5	$1.60	$6.10
Write-Offs and Lots Walked Away From [Table Text Block]	'
		Three Months Ended July 31,
		2014		2013
	(Dollars in millions)	Number of Walk-Away Lots	Dollar Amount of Write-Offs(1)	Number of Walk-Away Lots	Dollar Amount
					of
					Write-Offs(1)(2)
	Northeast	-	$0.10	73	$0.20
	Mid-Atlantic	276	0.1	-	-
	Midwest	105	0.1	13	-
	Southeast	472	0.2	113	0.1
	Southwest	312	0.1	12	0.2
	West	-	-	-	-
	Total	1,165	$0.60	211	$0.50
		Nine Months Ended July 31,
		2014		2013
	(Dollars in millions)	Number of	Dollar Amount	Number of	Dollar Amount
		Walk-Away	of Write-Offs(1)	Walk-Away	of Write-Offs(1)(2)
		Lots		Lots
	Northeast	239	$0.60	373	$0.40
	Mid-Atlantic	797	0.2	164	-
	Midwest	508	0.2	13	-
	Southeast	1,397	0.5	113	0.2
	Southwest	654	0.2	246	1.3
	West	-	-	-	-
	Total	3,595	$1.70	909	$1.90

Note_6_Warranty_Costs_Tables

Note 6 - Warranty Costs (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]	'
		Three Months Ended July 31,				Nine Months Ended July 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Balance, beginning of period	$134,865		$125,274		$131,028		$121,149
	Additions – Selling, general and administrative	4,659		5,956		13,710		14,362
	Additions – Cost of sales	3,574		2,918		7,702		9,229
	Charges incurred during the period	(3,683	)	(6,691	)	(13,025	)	(17,283	)
	Changes to pre-existing reserves	(4,220	)	-		(4,220	)	-
	Balance, end of period	$135,195		$127,457		$135,195		$127,457

Note_9_Mortgage_Loans_Held_for1

Note 9 - Mortgage Loans Held for Sale (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	'
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		July 31,			July 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013	2014		2013
	Loan origination reserves, beginning of period	$11,057		$9,766	$11,036		$9,334
	Provisions for losses during the period	1,899		345	2,766		1,680
	Adjustments to pre-existing provisions for losses from changes in estimates	(1,682	)	260	(2,304	)	7
	Payments/settlements	-		-	(224	)	(650	)
	Loan origination reserves, end of period	$11,274		$10,371	$11,274		$10,371

Note_11_Senior_Secured_Senior_1

Note 11 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	(In thousands)	July 31,	October 31,
		2014	2013
	Senior Secured Notes:
	7.25% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due October 15, 2020	$577,000	$577,000
	9.125% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due November 15, 2020	220,000	220,000
	2.0% Senior Secured Notes due November 1, 2021 (net of discount)	53,126	53,119
	5.0% Senior Secured Notes due November 1, 2021 (net of discount)	129,473	128,492
	Total Senior Secured Notes	$979,599	$978,611
	Senior Notes:
	6.25% Senior Notes due January 15, 2015	$-	$21,438
	11.875% Senior Notes due October 15, 2015 (net of discount)	60,317	60,044
	6.25% Senior Notes due January 15, 2016 (net of discount)	172,398	172,153
	7.5% Senior Notes due May 15, 2016	86,532	86,532
	8.625% Senior Notes due January 15, 2017	121,043	121,043
	7.0% Senior Notes due January 15, 2019	150,000	-
	Total Senior Notes	$590,290	$461,210
	11.0% Senior Amortizing Notes due December 1, 2017	$17,049	$20,857
	Senior Exchangeable Notes due December 1, 2017	$69,215	$66,615
	7.25% Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes due February 15, 2014	$-	$2,152

Note_14_Per_Share_Calculation_

Note 14 - Per Share Calculation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		July 31,				July 31,
	(In thousands, except per share data)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Hovnanian	$17,105		$8,466		$(15,320	)	$(1,524	)
	Less: undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested shares	(386	)	(15	)	-		-
	Numerator for basic earnings per share	16,719		8,451		(15,320	)	(1,524	)
	Plus: undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested shares	386		15
	Less: undistributed earnings reallocated to nonvested shares	(386	)	(15	)	-		-
	Plus: interest on Senior Exchangeable Notes	879		893		-		-
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share	17,598		9,344		(15,320	)	(1,524	)
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share	146,365		146,056		146,223		144,840
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Share-based payments	756		1,610		-		-
	Senior Exchangeable Notes	15,157		15,157		-		-
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share – weighted-average shares outstanding	162,278		162,823		146,223		144,840
	Basic earnings per share	$0.11		$0.06		$(0.10	)	$(0.01	)
	Diluted earnings per share	$0.11		$0.06		$(0.10	)	$(0.01	)

Note_18_Operating_and_Reportin1

Note 18 - Operating and Reporting Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Note 18 - Operating and Reporting Segments (Tables) [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	(In thousands)	31-Jul-14		31-Oct-13
	Assets:
	Northeast	$327,384		$323,152
	Mid-Atlantic	313,962		240,486
	Midwest	155,324		104,596
	Southeast	134,998		101,410
	Southwest	438,194		305,878
	West	161,293		130,545
	Total homebuilding	1,531,155		1,206,067
	Financial services	98,461		148,853
	Corporate and unallocated	264,112		404,210
	Total assets	$1,893,728		$1,759,130
Operating Segments [Member]	'
Note 18 - Operating and Reporting Segments (Tables) [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
		Three Months Ended July 31,				Nine Months Ended July 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Revenues:
	Northeast	$60,531		$67,214		$179,529		$176,285
	Mid-Atlantic	90,123		89,365		219,378		200,489
	Midwest	55,423		38,478		147,884		110,204
	Southeast	55,449		35,731		146,613		101,884
	Southwest	201,906		182,699		495,116		476,136
	West	76,521		52,062		147,979		159,491
	Total homebuilding	539,953		465,549		1,336,499		1,224,489
	Financial services	11,106		12,878		28,612		35,219
	Corporate and unallocated	(50	)	(70	)	(125	)	(142	)
	Total revenues	$551,009		$478,357		$1,364,986		$1,259,566
	Income (loss) before income taxes:
	Northeast	$(1,971	)	$1,028		$(10,791	)	$(8,510	)
	Mid-Atlantic	5,397		8,036		9,772		12,305
	Midwest	4,971		1,941		10,687		5,420
	Southeast	2,244		276		6,990		3,585
	Southwest	22,178		22,230		48,259		46,871
	West	11,091		3,757		12,829		5,084
	Homebuilding income before income taxes	43,910		37,268		77,746		64,755
	Financial services	3,894		6,238		8,021		14,014
	Corporate and unallocated	(32,432	)	(33,118	)	(101,583	)	(90,448	)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$15,372		$10,388		$(15,816	)	$(11,679	)

Note_20_Investments_in_Unconso1

Note 20 - Investments in Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]	'
	(Dollars in thousands)	31-Jul-14
		Homebuilding		Land Development		Total
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$17,621		$92		$17,713
	Inventories	202,204		11,336		213,540
	Other assets	9,361		-		9,361
	Total assets	$229,186		$11,428		$240,614
	Liabilities and equity:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$28,726		$4,177		$32,903
	Notes payable	43,962		-		43,962
	Total liabilities	72,688		4,177		76,865
	Equity of:
	Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.	55,779		2,834		58,613
	Others	100,719		4,417		105,136
	Total equity	156,498		7,251		163,749
	Total liabilities and equity	$229,186		$11,428		$240,614
	Debt to capitalization ratio	22	%	0	%	21	%
	(Dollars in thousands)	31-Oct-13
		Homebuilding		Land Development		Total
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$30,102		$639		$30,741
	Inventories	101,735		11,080		112,815
	Other assets	6,868		-		6,868
	Total assets	$138,705		$11,719		$150,424
	Liabilities and equity:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$28,016		$4,047		$32,063
	Notes payable	23,904		-		23,904
	Total liabilities	51,920		4,047		55,967
	Equity of:
	Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.	44,141		2,703		46,844
	Others	42,644		4,969		47,613
	Total equity	86,785		7,672		94,457
	Total liabilities and equity	$138,705		$11,719		$150,424
	Debt to capitalization ratio	22	%	0	%	20	%
		For the Three Months Ended July 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Homebuilding		Land Development		Total
	Revenues	$29,283		$612		$29,895
	Cost of sales and expenses	(27,631	)	(534	)	(28,165	)
	Joint venture net income	$1,652		$78		$1,730
	Our share of net income	$201		$39		$240
		For the Three Months Ended July 31, 2013
	(In thousands)	Homebuilding		Land Development		Total
	Revenues	$76,842		$2,992		$79,834
	Cost of sales and expenses	(67,526	)	(3,300	)	(70,826	)
	Joint venture net income (loss)	$9,316		$(308	)	$9,008
	Our share of net income (loss)	$3,654		$(154	)	$3,500
		For the Nine Months Ended July 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Homebuilding		Land Development		Total
	Revenues	$114,304		$5,881		$120,185
	Cost of sales and expenses	(105,409	)	(5,619	)	(111,028	)
	Joint venture net income	$8,895		$262		$9,157
	Our share of net income	$3,780		$131		$3,911
		For the Nine Months Ended July 31, 2013
	(In thousands)	Homebuilding		Land Development		Total
	Revenues	$211,408		$12,468		$223,876
	Cost of sales and expenses	(194,667	)	(7,755	)	(202,422	)
	Joint venture net income	$16,741		$4,713		$21,454
	Our share of net income	$4,372		$2,356		$6,728

Note_22_Fair_Value_of_Financia1

Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
	(In thousands)	Fair Value Hierarchy		Fair Value at			Fair Value at
				31-Jul-14			31-Oct-13
	Mortgage loans held for sale (1)	Level 2		$76,252			$113,739
	Interest rate lock commitments	Level 2		(137	)		369
	Forward contracts	Level 2		58			(1,155	)
				$76,173			$112,953
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
			Three Months Ended July 31, 2014
	(In thousands)		Mortgage			Interest Rate			Forward Contracts
			Loans Held			Lock Commitments
			For Sale
	Changes in fair value included in net income (loss) all reflected in financial services revenues		$(236	)		$(308	)		$526
			Three Months Ended July 31, 2013
	(In thousands)		Mortgage			Interest Rate			Forward Contracts
			Loans Held			Lock Commitments
			For Sale
	Changes in fair value included in net income (loss) all reflected in financial services revenues		$(1,253	)		$(157	)		$1,127
			Nine Months Ended July 31, 2014
	(In thousands)		Mortgage			Interest Rate			Forward Contracts
			Loans Held			Lock Commitments
			For Sale
	Changes in fair value included in net income (loss) all reflected in financial services revenues		$(2,136	)		$(506	)		$1,213
			Nine Months Ended July 31, 2013
	(In thousands)		Mortgage			Interest Rate			Forward Contracts
			Loans Held			Lock Commitments
			For Sale
	Changes in fair value included in net income (loss) all reflected in financial services revenues		$(515	)		$115			$(337	)
Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	'
				Three Months Ended
				31-Jul-14
	(In thousands)	Fair Value		Pre-impairment			Total Losses			Fair Value
		Hierarchy		Amount
	Sold and unsold homes and lots under development	Level 3		$469			$(70	)		$399
	Land and land options held for future development or sale	Level 3		$-			$-			$-
				Three Months Ended
				31-Jul-13
	(In thousands)	Fair Value		Pre-impairment			Total Losses			Fair Value
		Hierarchy		Amount
	Sold and unsold homes and lots under development	Level 3		$-			$-			$-
	Land and land options held for future development or sale	Level 3		$439			$(118	)		$321
				Nine Months Ended
				31-Jul-14
	(In thousands)	Fair Value		Pre-impairment			Total Losses			Fair Value
		Hierarchy		Amount
	Sold and unsold homes and lots under development	Level 3		$469			$(70	)		$399
	Land and land options held for future development or sale	Level 3		$236			$(82	)		$154
				Nine Months Ended
				31-Jul-13
	(In thousands)	Fair Value Hierarchy		Pre-impairment Amount			Total Losses			Fair Value
	Sold and unsold homes and lots under development	Level 3		$5,243			$(1,479	)		$3,764
	Land and land options held for future development or sale	Level 3		$924			$(136	)		$788

Note_23_Financial_Information_1

Note 23 - Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]	'
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	'
		Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations		Consolidated
	ASSETS:
	Homebuilding			$133,018		$1,335,404		$341,047		$(14,202	)	$1,795,267
	Financial services					8,937		89,524				98,461
	Intercompany receivable (payable)			1,337,515				26,918		(1,364,433	)	-
	Investments in and amounts due to and from consolidated subsidiaries	$(78,621	)	(34,333	)	332,636				(219,682	)	-
	Total assets	$(78,621	)	$1,436,200		$1,676,977		$457,489		$(1,598,317	)	$1,893,728
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:
	Homebuilding	$2,685		$73		$514,778		$55,722				$573,258
	Financial services					8,837		68,862				77,699
	Notes payable			1,679,668		3,243		269				1,683,180
	Intercompany payable (receivable)	323,179				1,085,902				$(1,409,081	)	-
	Income taxes payable (receivable)	38,635				(35,924	)					2,711
	Stockholders’ (deficit) equity	(443,120	)	(243,541	)	100,141		332,636		(189,236	)	(443,120	)
	Noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures											-
	Total liabilities and equity	$(78,621	)	$1,436,200		$1,676,977		$457,489		$(1,598,317	)	$1,893,728
		Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations		Consolidated
	ASSETS:
	Homebuilding			$277,800		$1,020,435		$312,042				$1,610,277
	Financial services					14,570		134,283				148,853
	Intercompany receivable			1,093,906				14,489		$(1,108,395	)	-
	Investments in and amounts due to and from consolidated subsidiaries	$(62,298	)	2,275		286,216				(226,193	)	-
	Total assets	$(62,298	)	$1,373,981		$1,321,221		$460,814		$(1,334,588	)	$1,759,130
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:
	Homebuilding	$3,798		$491		$437,767		$64,329				$506,385
	Financial services					14,789		109,748				124,537
	Notes payable			1,555,336		2,276		94				1,557,706
	Intercompany payable	326,262				805,774				$(1,132,036	)	-
	Income taxes payable (receivable)	40,868				(37,567	)					3,301
	Stockholders’ (deficit) equity	(433,226	)	(181,846	)	98,182		286,216		(202,552	)	(433,226	)
	Noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures							427				427
	Total liabilities and equity	$(62,298	)	$1,373,981		$1,321,221		$460,814		$(1,334,588	)	$1,759,130
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]	'
		Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations		Consolidated
	Revenues:
	Homebuilding			$(52	)	$436,085		$103,870				$539,903
	Financial services					2,396		8,710				11,106
	Intercompany charges			26,411		(28,110	)	(42	)	$1,741		-
	Total revenues	-		26,359		410,371		112,538		1,741		551,009
	Expenses:
	Homebuilding	$3,098		32,751		406,479		86,894		(586	)	528,636
	Financial services	6				1,699		5,507				7,212
	Total expenses	3,104		32,751		408,178		92,401		(586	)	535,848
	Income from unconsolidated joint ventures					10		201				211
	(Loss) income before income taxes	(3,104	)	(6,392	)	2,203		20,338		2,327		15,372
	State and federal income tax (benefit) provision	(4,213	)			2,480						(1,733	)
	Equity in income (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries	15,996		(12,584	)	20,338				(23,750	)	-
	Net income (loss)	$17,105		$(18,976	)	$20,061		$20,338		$(21,423	)	$17,105
		Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations		Consolidated
	Revenues:
	Homebuilding			$(76	)	$372,416		$94,385		$(1,246	)	$465,479
	Financial services					3,080		9,798				12,878
	Intercompany charges			20,760		(24,931	)	(37	)	4,208		-
	Total revenues	-		20,684		350,565		104,146		2,962		478,357
	Expenses:
	Homebuilding	$3,177		30,389		351,903		77,409		2,141		465,019
	Financial services	4				2,052		4,584				6,640
	Total expenses	3,181		30,389		353,955		81,993		2,141		471,659
	Income from unconsolidated joint ventures					34		3,656				3,690
	(Loss) income before income taxes	(3,181	)	(9,705	)	(3,356	)	25,809		821		10,388
	State and federal income tax (benefit) provision	(2,233	)			4,155						1,922
	Equity in income (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries	9,414		(10,887	)	25,809				(24,336	)	-
	Net income (loss)	$8,466		$(20,592	)	$18,298		$25,809		$(23,515	)	$8,466
		Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations		Consolidated
	Revenues:
	Homebuilding			$(129	)	$1,085,275		$251,228				$1,336,374
	Financial services					6,467		22,145				28,612
	Intercompany charges			72,966		(76,391	)	(42	)	$3,467		-
	Total revenues	-		72,837		1,015,351		273,331		3,467		1,364,986
	Expenses:
	Homebuilding	$9,023		96,769		1,045,419		215,032		(3,338	)	1,362,905
	Financial services	15				4,918		15,658				20,591
	Total expenses	9,038		96,769		1,050,337		230,690		(3,338	)	1,383,496
	Loss on extinguishment of debt			(1,155	)							(1,155	)
	Income from unconsolidated joint ventures					70		3,779				3,849
	(Loss) income before income taxes	(9,038	)	(25,087	)	(34,916	)	46,420		6,805		(15,816	)
	State and federal income tax (benefit) provision	(10,041	)			9,545						(496	)
	Equity in (loss) income of consolidated subsidiaries	(16,323	)	(36,608	)	46,420				6,511		-
	Net (loss) income	$(15,320	)	$(61,695	)	$1,959		$46,420		$13,316		$(15,320	)
		Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations		Consolidated
	Revenues:
	Homebuilding	$3		$(175	)	$1,033,927		$194,333		$(3,741	)	$1,224,347
	Financial services					7,743		27,476				35,219
	Intercompany charges			61,167		(75,265	)	(1,788	)	15,886		-
	Total revenues	3		60,992		966,405		220,021		12,145		1,259,566
	Expenses:
	Homebuilding	5,921		90,088		994,979		161,304		4,554		1,256,846
	Financial services	13				5,742		15,450				21,205
	Total expenses	5,934		90,088		1,000,721		176,754		4,554		1,278,051
	(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt			(770,009	)	770,009						-
	Income from unconsolidated joint ventures					2,293		4,513				6,806
	(Loss) income before income taxes	(5,931	)	(799,105	)	737,986		47,780		7,591		(11,679	)
	State and federal income tax (benefit) provision	(19,308	)			9,153						(10,155	)
	Equity in (loss) income of consolidated subsidiaries	(14,901	)	(33,606	)	47,780				727		-
	Net (loss) income	$(1,524	)	$(832,711	)	$776,613		$47,780		$8,318		$(1,524	)
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]	'
		Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations		Consolidated
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net (loss) income	$(15,320	)	$(61,695	)	$1,959		$46,420		$13,316		$(15,320	)
	Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	2,080		6,913		(251,746	)	11,846		(13,316	)	(244,223	)
	Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(13,240	)	(54,782	)	(249,787	)	58,266		-		(259,543	)
	Net cash (used in) investing activities					(1,009	)	(8,306	)			(9,315	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			118,599		45,442		(40,666	)			123,375
	Intercompany investing and financing activities – net	13,240		(207,001	)	206,190		(12,429	)			-
	Net (decrease) increase in cash	-		(143,184	)	836		(3,135	)	-		(145,483	)
	Cash balance, beginning of period			243,470		(6,479	)	92,213				329,204
	Cash balance, end of period	$-		$100,286		$(5,643	)	$89,078		$-		$183,721
		Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Nonguarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations		Consolidated
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net (loss) income	$(1,524	)	$(832,711	)	$776,613		$47,780		$8,318		$(1,524	)
	Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	20,418		789,831		(842,439	)	(5,365	)	(8,318	)	(45,873	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	18,894		(42,880	)	(65,826	)	42,415		-		(47,397	)
	Net cash provided by investing activities			298		12,357		6,121				18,776
	Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities			(5,460	)	48,090		(59,983	)			(17,353	)
	Intercompany investing and financing activities – net	(18,894	)	6,404		1,009		11,481				-
	Net (decrease) increase in cash	-		(41,638	)	(4,370	)	34		-		(45,974	)
	Cash balance, beginning of period			197,097		(2,017	)	78,152				273,232
	Cash balance, end of period	$-		$155,459		$(6,387	)	$78,186		$-		$227,258

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Non1

Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Activities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013
Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Activities (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Senior exchangeable notes exchanged for Class A Common Stock (in Shares)	'	18,305
Noncash Or Part Noncash Receivable Transferred From Joint Venture Parnters To Investment In Joint Venture	'	$0.60
Real Estate Owned, Transfer from Real Estate Owned	9.5	'
Note Foreclosure, Non-Recourse Liabilities Reduction	$9.50	'
Common Class A [Member]	'	'
Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Activities (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities (in Shares)	'	3,396,102

Note_1_Basis_of_Presentation_D

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation (Details) (Homebuilding [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Homebuilding [Member]	'
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation (Details) [Line Items]	'
Number of Reportable Segments	6

Note_2_Stock_Compensation_Deta

Note 2 - Stock Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Note 2 - Stock Compensation (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$2.70	$2.70	$7.70	$5.20
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Note 2 - Stock Compensation (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$1	$1.60	$3	$3

Note_3_Interest_Details_Intere

Note 3 - Interest (Details) - Interest Costs Incurred, Expensed and Capitalized (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014		Jul. 31, 2013		Jul. 31, 2014		Jul. 31, 2013
Interest Costs Incurred, Expensed and Capitalized [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Interest capitalized at beginning of period	$107,992		$112,488		$105,093		$116,056
Plus interest incurred (1)	36,472	[1]	33,195	[1]	108,073	[1]	97,813	[1]
Less cost of sales interest expensed	15,827		13,757		37,724		35,311
Less other interest expensed (2)(3)	19,880	[2],[3]	21,949	[2],[3]	66,685	[2],[3]	68,581	[2],[3]
Interest capitalized at end of period(4)	$108,757	[4]	$109,977	[4]	$108,757	[4]	$109,977	[4]
[1]	Data does not include interest incurred by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries.
[2]	Other interest expensed consists of interest that does not qualify for interest capitalization because our assets that qualify for interest capitalization (inventory under development) do not exceed our debt. Interest on completed homes and land in planning, which does not qualify for capitalization, is expensed.
[3]	Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest, is the sum of other interest expensed, as defined above, and interest paid by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries adjusted for the change in accrued interest, which is calculated as follows:
[4]	Capitalized interest amounts are shown gross before allocating any portion of impairments to capitalized interest.

Note_3_Interest_Details_Cash_P

Note 3 - Interest (Details) - Cash Paid for Interest, Net of Capitalized Interest (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014		Jul. 31, 2013		Jul. 31, 2014		Jul. 31, 2013
Cash Paid for Interest, Net of Capitalized Interest [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Other interest expensed	$19,880	[1],[2]	$21,949	[1],[2]	$66,685	[1],[2]	$68,581	[1],[2]
Interest paid by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries	379		731		1,524		2,239
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest	5,245		5,018		1,234		-4,802
Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest	$25,504		$27,698		$69,443		$66,018
[1]	Other interest expensed consists of interest that does not qualify for interest capitalization because our assets that qualify for interest capitalization (inventory under development) do not exceed our debt. Interest on completed homes and land in planning, which does not qualify for capitalization, is expensed.
[2]	Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest, is the sum of other interest expensed, as defined above, and interest paid by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries adjusted for the change in accrued interest, which is calculated as follows:

Note_4_Depreciation_Details

Note 4 - Depreciation (Details) (Homebuilding [Member], USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Note 4 - Depreciation (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	$76.60	$75.20

Note_5_Reduction_of_Inventory_2

Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Lots [Member]

Model Homes [Member]

Land Parcels [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]

Mid-Atlantic [Member]

Mid-Atlantic [Member]

Mid-Atlantic [Member]

Mid-Atlantic [Member]

Southeast [Member]

Southeast [Member]

Southeast [Member]

Southeast [Member]

Midwest [Member]

Midwest [Member]

Midwest [Member]

Midwest [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Real Estate Inventory [Member]

Real Estate Inventory [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]

Real Estate Inventory [Member]

Real Estate Inventory [Member]

Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16.80%

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18.00%

18.80%

Number Of Communities Evaluated For Impairment

492

'

492

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Communities Performed Detailed Impairment Calculations

9

'

9

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Carrying Value Of Communities Tested For Impairment

$24,500,000

'

$24,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number Of Communities Tested For Impairment For Which Undiscounted Future Cash Flow Only Exceeded Carrying Amount By Less Than 20%

4

'

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Carrying Value Of Communities Tested For Impairment For Which Undiscounted Future Cash Flow Only Exceeded Carrying Amount By Less Than 20%

23,100,000

'

23,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage Undiscounted Cash Flow Exceeds Carrying Amount

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment of Real Estate

100,000

100,000

200,000

1,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000

[1]

'

'

'

17,000

[1]

100,000

'

100,000

'

[1]

100,000

100,000

200,000

1,600,000

[1]

'

'

'

Land Option Write-offs

600,000

500,000

1,700,000

1,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

100,000

[2]

'

[1],[2]

200,000

23,000

[1],[2]

200,000

[2]

100,000

[1],[2]

500,000

200,000

[1],[2]

100,000

[2]

38,000

[1],[2]

200,000

38,000

[1],[2]

600,000

[2]

500,000

[1],[2]

1,700,000

1,900,000

[1],[2]

'

'

'

Number of Communities Mothballed During the Period

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Mothballed Communities Reactivated

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Mothball Communities Sold

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Communities Mothballed

46

'

46

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Inventory, Real Estate, Mothballed Communities

104,100,000

'

104,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Inventory, Real Estate, Mothballed Communities, Accumulated Impairment Charges

413,700,000

'

413,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Inventory Real Estate Specific Performance Options

'

'

'

'

3,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,900,000

'

3,900,000

'

792,000

[3]

'

'

Liabilities From Inventory Real Estate Not Owned

3,700,000

'

3,700,000

'

'

69,500,000

28,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

102,096,000

'

102,096,000

'

87,866,000

[3]

'

'

Inventory Real Estate Other Options

'

'

'

'

'

$74,500,000

$47,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$122,332,000

'

$122,332,000

'

$100,071,000

[3]

'

'

[1]

During the nine months ended July 31, 2013, the Mid-Atlantic had an impairment totaling $2 thousand and the Southeast had an impairment totaling $17 thousand.

[2]

Represents carrying value, net of prior period impairments, if any, at the time of recording the applicable period's impairments.

[3]

Derived from the audited balance sheet as of October 31, 2013.

Note_5_Reduction_of_Inventory_3

Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Inventory Impairments by Homebuilding Segment (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014		Jul. 31, 2013		Jul. 31, 2014		Jul. 31, 2013
Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Inventory Impairments by Homebuilding Segment [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Dollar Amount of Impairment	$100		$100		$200		$1,600
Homebuilding [Member] | Northeast [Member]	'		'		'		'
Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Inventory Impairments by Homebuilding Segment [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Number of Communities	'		1		1		3
Dollar Amount of Impairment	'		100		100		1,600	[1]
Pre-Impairment Value	'	[2]	400	[2]	200	[2]	5,600	[2]
Homebuilding [Member] | Mid-Atlantic [Member]	'		'		'		'
Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Inventory Impairments by Homebuilding Segment [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Number of Communities	'		'		'		1
Dollar Amount of Impairment	'		'		'		2	[1]
Pre-Impairment Value	'	[2]	'	[2]	'	[2]	100	[2]
Homebuilding [Member] | Midwest [Member]	'		'		'		'
Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Inventory Impairments by Homebuilding Segment [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Number of Communities	1		'		1		'
Dollar Amount of Impairment	100		'		100		'	[1]
Pre-Impairment Value	500	[2]	'	[2]	500	[2]	'	[2]
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]	'		'		'		'
Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Inventory Impairments by Homebuilding Segment [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Number of Communities	'		'		'		1
Dollar Amount of Impairment	'		'		'		17	[1]
Pre-Impairment Value	'	[2]	'	[2]	'	[2]	400	[2]
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]	'		'		'		'
Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Inventory Impairments by Homebuilding Segment [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Dollar Amount of Impairment	'		'		'		'	[1]
Pre-Impairment Value	'	[2]	'	[2]	'	[2]	'	[2]
Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]	'		'		'		'
Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Inventory Impairments by Homebuilding Segment [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Dollar Amount of Impairment	'		'		'		'	[1]
Pre-Impairment Value	'	[2]	'	[2]	'	[2]	'	[2]
Homebuilding [Member]	'		'		'		'
Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Inventory Impairments by Homebuilding Segment [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Number of Communities	1		1		2		5
Dollar Amount of Impairment	100		100		200		1,600	[1]
Pre-Impairment Value	$500	[2]	$400	[2]	$700	[2]	$6,100	[2]
[1]	During the nine months ended July 31, 2013, the Mid-Atlantic had an impairment totaling $2 thousand and the Southeast had an impairment totaling $17 thousand.
[2]	Represents carrying value, net of prior period impairments, if any, at the time of recording the applicable period's impairments.

Note_5_Reduction_of_Inventory_4

Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-Offs and Lots Walked Away From (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014		Jul. 31, 2013		Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-Offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Dollar Amount of Write-Offs	$600		$500		$1,700	$1,900
Homebuilding [Member] | Northeast [Member]	'		'		'	'
Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-Offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Number of Walk-Away Lots	'		73		239	373
Dollar Amount of Write-Offs	100	[1]	200	[1],[2]	600	400	[1],[2]
Homebuilding [Member] | Mid-Atlantic [Member]	'		'		'	'
Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-Offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Number of Walk-Away Lots	276		'		797	164
Dollar Amount of Write-Offs	100	[1]	'	[1],[2]	200	23	[1],[2]
Homebuilding [Member] | Midwest [Member]	'		'		'	'
Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-Offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Number of Walk-Away Lots	105		13		508	13
Dollar Amount of Write-Offs	100	[1]	38	[1],[2]	200	38	[1],[2]
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]	'		'		'	'
Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-Offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Number of Walk-Away Lots	472		113		1,397	113
Dollar Amount of Write-Offs	200	[1]	100	[1],[2]	500	200	[1],[2]
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]	'		'		'	'
Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-Offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Number of Walk-Away Lots	312		12		654	246
Dollar Amount of Write-Offs	100	[1]	200	[1],[2]	200	1,300	[1],[2]
Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]	'		'		'	'
Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-Offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Dollar Amount of Write-Offs	'	[1]	'	[1],[2]	'	'	[1],[2]
Homebuilding [Member]	'		'		'	'
Note 5 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-Offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Number of Walk-Away Lots	1,165		211		3,595	909
Dollar Amount of Write-Offs	$600	[1]	$500	[1],[2]	$1,700	$1,900	[1],[2]
[1]	Represents carrying value, net of prior period impairments, if any, at the time of recording the applicable period's impairments.
[2]	During the nine months ended July 31, 2013, the Mid-Atlantic had an impairment totaling $2 thousand and the Southeast had an impairment totaling $17 thousand.

Note_6_Warranty_Costs_Details

Note 6 - Warranty Costs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Cash Received From Subcontractors For Owner Controlled Insurance Program	'	'	$1.70	$1.60
General Liability Insurance, Deductible	20	20	20	20
Bodily Injury Insurance, Deductible	0.25	0.25	0.25	0.25
Bodily Injury Insurance, Limit	5	5	5	5
Aggregate Retention for Construction Defects, Warranty and Bodily Injury Claims	21	21	21	21
Payments by Insurance Companies for Claims	$1	$0.10	$5.20	$8.60

Note_6_Warranty_Costs_Details_

Note 6 - Warranty Costs (Details) - Warranty and General Liability Reserve (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Note 6 - Warranty Costs (Details) - Warranty and General Liability Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance	$134,865	$125,274	$131,028	$121,149
Charges incurred during the period	-3,683	-6,691	-13,025	-17,283
Changes to pre-existing reserves	-4,220	0	-4,220	'
Balance	135,195	127,457	135,195	127,457
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Note 6 - Warranty Costs (Details) - Warranty and General Liability Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Additions	4,659	5,956	13,710	14,362
Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Note 6 - Warranty Costs (Details) - Warranty and General Liability Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Additions	$3,574	$2,918	$7,702	$9,229

Note_7_Commitments_and_Conting1

Note 7 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) (DAndrea VHovnanian [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	15-May-14	Dec. 14, 2011
DAndrea VHovnanian [Member]	'	'
Note 7 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs	'	1,065
Litigation Settlement, Amount	$21	'

Note_8_Restricted_Cash_and_Dep1

Note 8 - Restricted Cash and Deposits (Details) (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Note 8 - Restricted Cash and Deposits (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	$25,900,000	$31,900,000
Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Note 8 - Restricted Cash and Deposits (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	0	0
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	12,596,000	10,286,000	[1]
Financial Services [Member]	'	'
Note 8 - Restricted Cash and Deposits (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	0	0
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	13,272,000	21,557,000	[1]
Customer Deposits [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Note 8 - Restricted Cash and Deposits (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	7,000,000	5,100,000
Customer Deposits [Member] | Financial Services [Member]	'	'
Note 8 - Restricted Cash and Deposits (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	$13,300,000	$21,600,000
[1]	Derived from the audited balance sheet as of October 31, 2013.

Note_9_Mortgage_Loans_Held_for2

Note 9 - Mortgage Loans Held for Sale (Details) (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]	'	'	'
Loans Pledged as Collateral	$55.50	$94.10	'
Number of Loans Reserved For	200	'	167

Note_9_Mortgage_Loans_Held_for3

Note 9 - Mortgage Loans Held for Sale (Details) - Loan Origination Reserves (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Loan Origination Reserves [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Loan origination reserves, beginning of period	$11,057	$9,766	$11,036	$9,334
Provisions for losses during the period	1,899	345	2,766	1,680
Adjustments to pre-existing provisions for losses from changes in estimates	-1,682	260	-2,304	7
Payments/settlements	'	'	-224	-650
Loan origination reserves, end of period	$11,274	$10,371	$11,274	$10,371

Note_10_Mortgages_and_Notes_Pa1

Note 10 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) (USD $)

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Mar. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

27-May-14

27-May-14

Jul. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

27-May-14

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]

Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]

Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]

Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Homebuilding [Member]

Master Repurchase Agreement [Member]

Master Repurchase Agreement [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

JP Morgan Chase Bank [Member]

JP Morgan Chase Bank [Member]

JP Morgan Chase Bank [Member]

Customers Bank [Member]

Customers Bank [Member]

Customers Bank [Member]

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Capital LLC [Member]

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Capital LLC [Member]

Comerica Master Repurchase Agreement [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Mortgages [Member]

Mortgages [Member]

Mortgages [Member]

Mortgages [Member]

Mortgages [Member]

Mortgages [Member]

Mortgages [Member]

Mortgages [Member]

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Capital LLC [Member]

Comerica Master Repurchase Agreement [Member]

Citi Bank [Member]

Citi Bank [Member]

JP Morgan Chase Bank [Member]

Comerica Master Repurchase Agreement [Member]

Comerica Master Repurchase Agreement [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Capital LLC [Member]

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Capital LLC [Member]

Nonrecourse Mortgages [Member]

Nonrecourse Mortgages [Member]

Nonrecourse Mortgages [Member]

Nonrecourse Mortgages [Member]

Customers Bank [Member]

Customers Bank [Member]

Note 10 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Secured Debt

'

'

$16,900,000

$17,700,000

'

'

$98,338,000

$62,903,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate

'

'

'

'

7.00%

7.00%

'

'

5.40%

5.80%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two

'

'

'

'

1,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three

'

'

'

'

1,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four

'

'

'

'

1,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five

'

'

'

'

11,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

35,000,000

75,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

'

'

37,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Basis Spread On Variable Rate Number Of Business Days Prior To First Day Of Interest Period Spread Determined

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Line of Credit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,500,000

5,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

25,900,000

31,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,596,000

10,286,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

5,600,000

5,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Variable Rate Basis Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.16%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.85%

2.63%

'

2.75%

5.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.25%

2.75%

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.88%

'

'

Warehouse Agreement Borrowings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,900,000

'

$33,600,000

$6,600,000

'

$30,700,000

$35,700,000

$27,400,000

$7,800,000

'

'

Debt Instrument Variable Rate Basis Effective Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.46%

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Variable Rate Basis Floor Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Derived from the audited balance sheet as of October 31, 2013.

Note_11_Senior_Secured_Senior_2

Note 11 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2014

Feb. 15, 2014

Jan. 10, 2014

Jan. 10, 2014

Jan. 10, 2014

Jan. 10, 2014

Jan. 10, 2014

Jan. 10, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jan. 10, 2014

Jan. 10, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Feb. 09, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]

Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]

Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]

Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]

Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member]

Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Redemption With Net Cash Proceeds From Certain Equity Offerings [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

The 5.0% 2021 Notes [Member]

The 5.0% 2021 Notes [Member]

The 2.0% 2021 Notes [Member]

The 2.0% 2021 Notes [Member]

The 7.25% 2020 Notes [Member]

The 7.25% 2020 Notes [Member]

The 9.125% 2020 Notes [Member]

The 9.125% 2020 Notes [Member]

The 7.25% 2020 Notes and 9.125% 2020 Notes [Member]

The 7.25% 2020 Notes and 9.125% 2020 Notes [Member]

The 2.0% 2021 Notes Member and 5.0% 2021 Notes [Member]

The 2.0% 2021 Notes Member and 5.0% 2021 Notes [Member]

The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]

The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]

The 6.25% 2015 Notes [Member]

The 6.25% 2015 Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]

The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]

The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]

The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]

The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Secured Group [Member]

The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Note 11 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

7.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

5.00%

2.00%

2.00%

7.25%

7.25%

9.13%

9.13%

'

'

'

'

'

7.00%

'

6.25%

'

Debt Covenant Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Minimum

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage

7.63%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Collateral (in Dollars)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$651,500,000

'

$118,200,000

'

'

'

'

$73,600,000

Cash Collateral for Borrowed Securities (in Dollars)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,600,000

108,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures (in Dollars)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

55,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,000,000

'

'

'

Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt (in Dollars)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

147,800,000

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage

'

'

107.00%

100.00%

'

103.50%

101.75%

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed

'

'

'

'

35.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,400,000

'

Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt (in Dollars)

($1,155,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($1,200,000)

'

'

Note_11_Senior_Secured_Senior_3

Note 11 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) - Senior Secured, Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
The 7.25% 2020 Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	$577,000	$577,000
The 9.125% 2020 Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	220,000	220,000
The 2.0% 2021 Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	53,126	53,119
The 5.0% 2021 Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	129,473	128,492
The 6.25% 2015 Notes [Member] | Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	'	21,438
The 11.875% 2015 Notes [Member] | Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	60,317	60,044
The 6.25% 2016 Notes [Member] | Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	172,398	172,153
The 7.5% 2016 Notes [Member] | Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	86,532	86,532
The 8.625% 2017 Notes [Member] | Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	121,043	121,043
The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member] | Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	150,000	'
The 11.0% 2017 Amortizing Note [Member] | Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	17,049	20,857
Senior Exchangeable Notes Due 2017 [Member] | Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	69,215	66,615
The 7.25% Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member] | Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	'	2,152
Senior Secured Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	979,599	978,611
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	$590,290	$461,210

Note_11_Senior_Secured_Senior_4

Note 11 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) - Senior Secured, Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes (Parentheticals)

Feb. 15, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 02, 2012

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Feb. 09, 2011

The 7.25% 2020 Notes [Member]

The 7.25% 2020 Notes [Member]

The 9.125% 2020 Notes [Member]

The 9.125% 2020 Notes [Member]

The 2.0% 2021 Notes [Member]

The 2.0% 2021 Notes [Member]

The 5.0% 2021 Notes [Member]

The 5.0% 2021 Notes [Member]

The 6.25% 2015 Notes [Member]

The 6.25% 2015 Notes [Member]

The 11.875% 2015 Notes [Member]

The 11.875% 2015 Notes [Member]

The 6.25% 2016 Notes [Member]

The 6.25% 2016 Notes [Member]

The 7.5% 2016 Notes [Member]

The 7.5% 2016 Notes [Member]

The 8.625% 2017 Notes [Member]

The 8.625% 2017 Notes [Member]

The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]

The 11.0% 2017 Amortizing Note [Member]

The 11.0% 2017 Amortizing Note [Member]

The 11.0% 2017 Amortizing Note [Member]

The 7.25% Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]

The 7.25% Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]

The 7.25% Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Stated Interest Rate

7.25%

7.25%

7.25%

9.13%

9.13%

2.00%

2.00%

5.00%

5.00%

6.25%

6.25%

11.88%

11.88%

6.25%

6.25%

7.50%

7.50%

8.63%

8.63%

7.00%

11.00%

11.00%

11.00%

7.25%

7.25%

7.25%

Note_12_Tangible_Equity_Units_

Note 12 - Tangible Equity Units (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Feb. 18, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Feb. 15, 2014

Feb. 14, 2011

Feb. 09, 2011

Feb. 18, 2014

Feb. 18, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Feb. 15, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Feb. 09, 2011

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Common Class A [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]

The 7.25% Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]

The 7.25% Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]

The 7.25% Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]

The 7.25% Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]

Note 12 - Tangible Equity Units (Details) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tangible Equity Units, Units Issued

'

'

'

450,000

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

7.25%

'

'

'

'

7.25%

'

7.25%

7.25%

'

'

Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Issuance Of Prepaid Common Stock Purchase Contracts

'

'

'

$68,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tangible Equity Units, Cash Installment, Per Note

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.45

'

'

'

'

Tangible Equity Units, Stated Amount

'

'

25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tangible Equity Units, Annual Interest Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12.07%

'

'

'

'

Prepaid Stock Purchase Contracts Shares Settled

'

'

'

'

'

6,085,224

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase Contracts Settled

1,276,933

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tangible Equity Units, Number of Shares Upon Conversion, Per Unit

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.7655

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prepaid Stock Purchase Contracts Outstanding

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior Notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$2,152,000

[1]

[1]

Derived from the audited balance sheet as of October 31, 2013.

Note_13_Senior_Exchangeable_No1

Note 13 - Senior Exchangeable Notes (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2013

Feb. 15, 2014

Oct. 02, 2012

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 02, 2012

Oct. 02, 2012

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 02, 2012

Oct. 02, 2012

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 02, 2012

Jun. 01, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 02, 2012

Common Class A [Member]

Exchangeable Note Units [Member]

Senior Exchangeable Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]

The 6.00% Exchangeable Note Units [Member]

Senior Exchangeable Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Senior Exchangeable Notes Due 2017 [Member]

The 6.00% Exchangeable Note Units [Member]

The 11.0% 2017 Amortizing Note [Member]

The 11.0% 2017 Amortizing Note [Member]

The 11.0% 2017 Amortizing Note [Member]

Note 13 - Senior Exchangeable Notes (Details) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exchangeable Note Unit Face Amount (in Dollars)

'

'

$100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

7.25%

'

'

6.00%

'

'

'

6.00%

11.00%

11.00%

11.00%

'

'

'

Note Units Number

'

'

'

'

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Note Units Stated Amount

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

Number of Coupons

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Note Units Initial Principal Amount Exchangeable Note

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

768.51

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Note Units Principal Amount At Maturity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Note Units Initial Principal Amount Senior Amortizing Note

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

231.49

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.17%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible Debt Shares Issued Upon Conversion

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

185.5288

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share Price For Exchangeable Note Conversion

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.39

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior exchangeable notes exchanged for Class A Common Stock (in Shares)

18,305

'

'

'

'

'

18,305

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued (in Shares)

'

'

'

3,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Interest (in Dollars)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$39.83

$30

'

Note_14_Per_Share_Calculation_1

Note 14 - Per Share Calculation (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Note 14 - Per Share Calculation (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Prepaid Stock Purchase Contracts, Shares Included in Basic Earnings Per Share	'	'	6.1	'
Tangible Equity Units, Rate	7.25%	'	7.25%	'
Exchangeable Note Unit Rate Stated Percentage	6.00%	'	6.00%	'
Non-Vested Stock and Outstanding Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Note 14 - Per Share Calculation (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	'	'	1.3	1.6
Out of the Money Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Note 14 - Per Share Calculation (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	3	2.2	2.1	2.2
Exchangeable Debt [Member]	'	'	'	'
Note 14 - Per Share Calculation (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	'	'	15.2	16.1

Note_14_Per_Share_Calculation_2

Note 14 - Per Share Calculation (Details) - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Hovnanian	$17,105	$8,466	($15,320)	($1,524)
Less: undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested shares	-386	-15	'	'
Numerator for basic earnings per share	16,719	8,451	-15,320	-1,524
Plus: undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested shares	386	15	'	'
Less: undistributed earnings reallocated to nonvested shares	-386	-15	'	'
Plus: interest on Senior Exchangeable Notes	879	893	'	'
Numerator for diluted earnings per share	$17,598	$9,344	($15,320)	($1,524)
Denominator for basic earnings per share (in Shares)	146,365	146,056	146,223	144,840
Share-based payments (in Shares)	756	1,610	'	'
Denominator for diluted earnings per share b weighted-average shares outstanding (in Shares)	162,278	162,823	146,223	144,840
Basic earnings per share (in Dollars per share)	$0.11	$0.06	($0.10)	($0.01)
Diluted earnings per share (in Dollars per share)	$0.11	$0.06	($0.10)	($0.01)
Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Senior Exchangeable Notes (in Shares)	15,157	15,157	'	'

Note_15_Preferred_Stock_Detail

Note 15 - Preferred Stock (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013		Jul. 12, 2005	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 12, 2005
				Preferred Class A [Member]	Preferred Class A [Member]	Preferred Class A [Member]	Preferred Class A [Member]	Preferred Class A [Member]	Preferred Class A [Member]
Note 15 - Preferred Stock (Details) [Line Items]	'	'		'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued (in Shares)	5,600	5,600	[1]	'	'	'	'	'	5,600
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	7.63%	'		7.63%	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share (in Dollars per share)	'	'		'	'	'	'	'	$25,000
Dividends, Preferred Stock	'	'		'	$0	$0	$0	$0	'
[1]	Derived from the audited balance sheet as of October 31, 2013.

Note_16_Common_Stock_Details

Note 16 - Common Stock (Details) (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014	Aug. 04, 2008	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Dec. 05, 2008	Aug. 15, 2008	Jul. 03, 2001	Jul. 31, 2014	Aug. 04, 2008
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Common Class A [Member]	Common Class A [Member]	Common Class A [Member]	Common Class A [Member]	Common Class A [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Minimum [Member]
Note 16 - Common Stock (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common Stock Voting Rights Votes Per Share Number	'	'	'	1	'	'	'	10	'
Common Stock Dividends, Percent of Increase from Class A to Class B	110.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shareholder Ownership Percentage	'	'	'	'	'	4.90%	'	'	5.00%
Shareholder Ownership, Percentage of Increase	'	50.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Rights	'	'	'	'	'	1	'	'	'
Shareholder, Percent of Stock Acquired	'	'	'	'	'	4.90%	'	'	'
Shareholders, Pre-existing Ownership Percentage	'	'	'	'	5.00%	'	'	'	'
Shareholders, Current Ownership Percentage	'	'	'	'	5.00%	'	'	'	'
Shareholders Ownership Percentage on Transfers	'	'	'	'	5.00%	'	'	'	'
Shareholders, Ownership Percentage Threshold	'	'	'	'	5.00%	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased (in Shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	4	'	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares (in Shares)	'	'	0	0	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount (in Dollars)	'	'	$0.50	$0.50	'	'	'	'	'

Note_17_Income_Taxes_Details

Note 17 - Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($1,733,000)	$1,922,000	($496,000)	($10,155,000)	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$933,300,000	'	$933,300,000	'	$927,100,000

Note_18_Operating_and_Reportin2

Note 18 - Operating and Reporting Segments (Details) (Homebuilding [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Homebuilding [Member]	'
Note 18 - Operating and Reporting Segments (Details) [Line Items]	'
Number of Reportable Segments	6

Note_18_Operating_and_Reportin3

Note 18 - Operating and Reporting Segments (Details) - Financial Information Relating to Segment Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$551,009	$478,357	$1,364,986	$1,259,566
Income (loss) before income taxes:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	15,372	10,388	-15,816	-11,679
Homebuilding [Member] | Excluding Corporate And Unallocated [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Revenues	539,953	465,549	1,336,499	1,224,489
Income (loss) before income taxes:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	43,910	37,268	77,746	64,755
Homebuilding [Member] | Northeast [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Revenues	60,531	67,214	179,529	176,285
Income (loss) before income taxes:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	-1,971	1,028	-10,791	-8,510
Homebuilding [Member] | Mid-Atlantic [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Revenues	90,123	89,365	219,378	200,489
Income (loss) before income taxes:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	5,397	8,036	9,772	12,305
Homebuilding [Member] | Midwest [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Revenues	55,423	38,478	147,884	110,204
Income (loss) before income taxes:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	4,971	1,941	10,687	5,420
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Revenues	55,449	35,731	146,613	101,884
Income (loss) before income taxes:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	2,244	276	6,990	3,585
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Revenues	201,906	182,699	495,116	476,136
Income (loss) before income taxes:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	22,178	22,230	48,259	46,871
Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Revenues	76,521	52,062	147,979	159,491
Income (loss) before income taxes:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	11,091	3,757	12,829	5,084
Financial Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Revenues	11,106	12,878	28,612	35,219
Income (loss) before income taxes:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	3,894	6,238	8,021	14,014
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Revenues	-50	-70	-125	-142
Income (loss) before income taxes:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	($32,432)	($33,118)	($101,583)	($90,448)

Note_18_Operating_and_Reportin4

Note 18 - Operating and Reporting Segments (Details) - Financial Information Relating to Segment Financial Position (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'
Assets	$1,893,728	$1,759,130	[1]
Homebuilding [Member] | Excluding Corporate And Unallocated [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets	1,531,155	1,206,067
Homebuilding [Member] | Northeast [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets	327,384	323,152
Homebuilding [Member] | Mid-Atlantic [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets	313,962	240,486
Homebuilding [Member] | Midwest [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets	155,324	104,596
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets	134,998	101,410
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets	438,194	305,878
Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets	161,293	130,545
Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets	1,795,267	1,610,277	[1]
Financial Services [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets	98,461	148,853	[1]
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets	$264,112	$404,210
[1]	Derived from the audited balance sheet as of October 31, 2013.

Note_19_Variable_Interest_Enti1

Note 19 - Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entities Disclosure [Text Block] [Abstract]	'
Deposits Associated with Land and Lot Options of Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities	$75,100,000
Purchase Price Associated with Land and Lot Options of Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities	$1,300,000,000

Note_20_Investments_in_Unconso2

Note 20 - Investments in Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Note 20 - Investments in Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Joint Venture Financing, Percent of Assets	50.00%	'	50.00%	'	'
Joint Venture, Average Debt to Capitalization Ratio	21.00%	'	21.00%	'	'
Homebuilding [Member] | Corporate Joint Venture [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Note 20 - Investments in Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Advances to Affiliate	$3,700,000	'	$3,700,000	'	$4,600,000
Joint Venture, Average Debt to Capitalization Ratio	21.00%	'	21.00%	'	20.00%
Homebuilding [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Note 20 - Investments in Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	62,294,000	'	62,294,000	'	51,438,000	[1]
Management Fees Revenue	$1,300,000	$3,400,000	$5,000,000	$9,000,000	'
[1]	Derived from the audited balance sheet as of October 31, 2013.

Note_20_Investments_in_Unconso3

Note 20 - Investments in Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures (Details) - Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Equity of:	'	'	'	'	'
Debt to capitalization ratio	21.00%	'	21.00%	'	'
Our share of net income	$211	$3,690	$3,849	$6,806	'
Homebuilding [Member] | Homebuilding Venture [Member] | Corporate Joint Venture [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	17,621	'	17,621	'	30,102
Inventories	202,204	'	202,204	'	101,735
Other assets	9,361	'	9,361	'	6,868
Total assets	229,186	'	229,186	'	138,705
Liabilities and equity:	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	28,726	'	28,726	'	28,016
Notes payable	43,962	'	43,962	'	23,904
Total liabilities	72,688	'	72,688	'	51,920
Equity of:	'	'	'	'	'
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.	55,779	'	55,779	'	44,141
Others	100,719	'	100,719	'	42,644
Total equity	156,498	'	156,498	'	86,785
Total liabilities and equity	229,186	'	229,186	'	138,705
Debt to capitalization ratio	22.00%	'	22.00%	'	22.00%
Revenues	29,283	76,842	114,304	211,408	'
Cost of sales and expenses	-27,631	-67,526	-105,409	-194,667	'
Joint venture net income	1,652	9,316	8,895	16,741	'
Our share of net income	201	3,654	3,780	4,372	'
Homebuilding [Member] | Land Development Venture [Member] | Corporate Joint Venture [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	92	'	92	'	639
Inventories	11,336	'	11,336	'	11,080
Total assets	11,428	'	11,428	'	11,719
Liabilities and equity:	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	4,177	'	4,177	'	4,047
Total liabilities	4,177	'	4,177	'	4,047
Equity of:	'	'	'	'	'
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.	2,834	'	2,834	'	2,703
Others	4,417	'	4,417	'	4,969
Total equity	7,251	'	7,251	'	7,672
Total liabilities and equity	11,428	'	11,428	'	11,719
Debt to capitalization ratio	0.00%	'	0.00%	'	0.00%
Revenues	612	2,992	5,881	12,468	'
Cost of sales and expenses	-534	-3,300	-5,619	-7,755	'
Joint venture net income	78	-308	262	4,713	'
Our share of net income	39	-154	131	2,356	'
Homebuilding [Member] | Corporate Joint Venture [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	17,713	'	17,713	'	30,741
Inventories	213,540	'	213,540	'	112,815
Other assets	9,361	'	9,361	'	6,868
Total assets	240,614	'	240,614	'	150,424
Liabilities and equity:	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	32,903	'	32,903	'	32,063
Notes payable	43,962	'	43,962	'	23,904
Total liabilities	76,865	'	76,865	'	55,967
Equity of:	'	'	'	'	'
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.	58,613	'	58,613	'	46,844
Others	105,136	'	105,136	'	47,613
Total equity	163,749	'	163,749	'	94,457
Total liabilities and equity	240,614	'	240,614	'	150,424
Debt to capitalization ratio	21.00%	'	21.00%	'	20.00%
Revenues	29,895	79,834	120,185	223,876	'
Cost of sales and expenses	-28,165	-70,826	-111,028	-202,422	'
Joint venture net income	1,730	9,008	9,157	21,454	'
Our share of net income	$240	$3,500	$3,911	$6,728	'

Note_22_Fair_Value_of_Financia2

Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Loan Origination Commitments [Member]

Loan Origination Commitments [Member]

Interest Rate Committed [Member]

Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]

Seven Percent Senior Note Due Twenty Nineteen [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loans Held for Sale, Mortgages, Unpaid Principal

$73,600,000

'

$73,600,000

'

$107,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loan Applications in Process

'

'

'

'

'

497,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest Rate Committed Loan Applications

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

58,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Days in Commitment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'60 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Commitment

20,500,000

'

20,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment of Real Estate

100,000

100,000

200,000

1,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$466,600,000

$493,400,000

$0

$17,000,000

$20,900,000

$2,200,000

$150,800,000

$1,000,000,000

$1,000,000,000

$81,500,000

$86,800,000

Note_22_Fair_Value_of_Financia3

Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member], Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014		Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member]	'		'
Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Fair Value	($137)		$369
Forward Contracts [Member]	'		'
Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative Fair Value	58		-1,155
Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member]	'		'
Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage loans held for sale (1)	76,252	[1]	113,739	[1]
	$76,173		$112,953
[1]	The aggregate unpaid principal balance was $73.6 million and $107.7 million at July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively.

Note_22_Fair_Value_of_Financia4

Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Changes in Fair Values Included in Income (Loss) (Financial Services Revenue Line Item [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Loans Held For Sale [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Changes in fair value included in net income (loss) all reflected in financial services revenues	($236)	($1,253)	($2,136)	($515)
Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Changes in fair value included in net income (loss) all reflected in financial services revenues	-308	-157	-506	115
Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Changes in fair value included in net income (loss) all reflected in financial services revenues	$526	$1,127	$1,213	($337)

Note_22_Fair_Value_of_Financia5

Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Losses	($100)	($100)	($200)	($1,600)
Sold and Unsold Homes and Lots Under Development [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]	'	'	'	'
Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Pre-Impairment Amount	469	'	469	5,243
Total Losses	-70	'	-70	-1,479
Fair Value	399	'	399	3,764
Land and Land Options Held for Future Development or Sale [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]	'	'	'	'
Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Pre-Impairment Amount	'	439	236	924
Total Losses	'	-118	-82	-136
Fair Value	'	$321	$154	$788

Note_23_Financial_Information_2

Note 23 - Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]

Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Subsidiary Issuer [Member]

Subsidiary Issuer [Member]

Subsidiary Issuer [Member]

Subsidiary Issuer [Member]

Note 23 - Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors (Details) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Wholly Owned Subsidiaries

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

'

$992,000,000

'

'

$591,100,000

'

'

$17,000,000

'

'

$69,200,000

'

'

Senior Notes

'

$979,600,000

$979,599,000

$978,611,000

[1]

$590,300,000

$590,290,000

$461,210,000

[1]

'

$17,049,000

$20,857,000

[1]

'

$69,215,000

$66,615,000

[1]

Exchangeable Note Unit Rate Stated Percentage

6.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct or Indirect Ownership in Guarantor Subsidiaries Percentage

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Derived from the audited balance sheet as of October 31, 2013.

Note_23_Financial_Information_3

Note 23 - Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors (Details) - Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS:	'	'
Assets	$1,893,728	$1,759,130	[1]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:	'	'
Liability	2,336,848	2,191,929	[1]
Notes payable	1,683,180	1,557,706	[1]
Income taxes payable (receivable)	2,711	3,301	[1]
Stockholdersb (deficit) equity	-443,120	-433,226	[1]
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures	'	427	[1]
Total liabilities and equity	1,893,728	1,759,130	[1]
Homebuilding [Member] | Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'
ASSETS:	'	'
Assets	-14,202	'
Homebuilding [Member] | Parent Company [Member]	'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:	'	'
Liability	2,685	3,798
Homebuilding [Member] | Subsidiary Issuer [Member]	'	'
ASSETS:	'	'
Assets	133,018	277,800
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:	'	'
Liability	73	491
Homebuilding [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
ASSETS:	'	'
Assets	1,335,404	1,020,435
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:	'	'
Liability	514,778	437,767
Homebuilding [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
ASSETS:	'	'
Assets	341,047	312,042
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:	'	'
Liability	55,722	64,329
Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
ASSETS:	'	'
Assets	1,795,267	1,610,277	[1]
Investments in and amounts due to and from consolidated subsidiaries	62,294	51,438	[1]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:	'	'
Liability	573,258	506,385	[1]
Financial Services [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
ASSETS:	'	'
Assets	8,937	14,570
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:	'	'
Liability	8,837	14,789
Financial Services [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
ASSETS:	'	'
Assets	89,524	134,283
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:	'	'
Liability	68,862	109,748
Financial Services [Member]	'	'
ASSETS:	'	'
Assets	98,461	148,853	[1]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:	'	'
Liability	77,699	124,537	[1]
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'
ASSETS:	'	'
Assets	-1,598,317	-1,334,588
Intercompany receivable	-1,364,433	-1,108,395
Investments in and amounts due to and from consolidated subsidiaries	-219,682	-226,193
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:	'	'
Intercompany payable	-1,409,081	-1,132,036
Stockholdersb (deficit) equity	-189,236	-202,552
Total liabilities and equity	-1,598,317	-1,334,588
Parent Company [Member]	'	'
ASSETS:	'	'
Assets	-78,621	-62,298
Investments in and amounts due to and from consolidated subsidiaries	-78,621	-62,298
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:	'	'
Intercompany payable	323,179	326,262
Income taxes payable (receivable)	38,635	40,868
Stockholdersb (deficit) equity	-443,120	-433,226
Total liabilities and equity	-78,621	-62,298
Subsidiary Issuer [Member]	'	'
ASSETS:	'	'
Assets	1,436,200	1,373,981
Intercompany receivable	1,337,515	1,093,906
Investments in and amounts due to and from consolidated subsidiaries	-34,333	2,275
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:	'	'
Notes payable	1,679,668	1,555,336
Stockholdersb (deficit) equity	-243,541	-181,846
Total liabilities and equity	1,436,200	1,373,981
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
ASSETS:	'	'
Assets	1,676,977	1,321,221
Investments in and amounts due to and from consolidated subsidiaries	332,636	286,216
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:	'	'
Notes payable	3,243	2,276
Intercompany payable	1,085,902	805,774
Income taxes payable (receivable)	-35,924	-37,567
Stockholdersb (deficit) equity	100,141	98,182
Total liabilities and equity	1,676,977	1,321,221
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
ASSETS:	'	'
Assets	457,489	460,814
Intercompany receivable	26,918	14,489
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:	'	'
Notes payable	269	94
Stockholdersb (deficit) equity	332,636	286,216
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures	'	427
Total liabilities and equity	$457,489	$460,814
[1]	Derived from the audited balance sheet as of October 31, 2013.

Note_23_Financial_Information_4

Note 23 - Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors (Details) - Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	$551,009	$478,357	$1,364,986	$1,259,566
Total expenses	535,848	471,659	1,383,496	1,278,051
(Loss) Gain on Extinguishment of Debt	'	'	-1,155	'
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures	211	3,690	3,849	6,806
(Loss) income before income taxes	15,372	10,388	-15,816	-11,679
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision	-1,733	1,922	-496	-10,155
Equity in (loss) income of consolidated subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	17,105	8,466	-15,320	-1,524
Homebuilding [Member] | Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Homebuilding revenue	'	-1,246	'	-3,741
Total expenses	-586	2,141	-3,338	4,554
Homebuilding [Member] | Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Homebuilding revenue	'	'	'	3
Total expenses	3,098	3,177	9,023	5,921
Homebuilding [Member] | Subsidiary Issuer [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Homebuilding revenue	-52	-76	-129	-175
Total expenses	32,751	30,389	96,769	90,088
Homebuilding [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Homebuilding revenue	436,085	372,416	1,085,275	1,033,927
Total expenses	406,479	351,903	1,045,419	994,979
Homebuilding [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Homebuilding revenue	103,870	94,385	251,228	194,333
Total expenses	86,894	77,409	215,032	161,304
Homebuilding [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Homebuilding revenue	539,903	465,479	1,336,374	1,224,347
Total expenses	528,636	465,019	1,362,905	1,256,846
Financial Services [Member] | Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Financial services	6	4	15	13
Financial Services [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Financial services	2,396	3,080	6,467	7,743
Financial services	1,699	2,052	4,918	5,742
Financial Services [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Financial services	8,710	9,798	22,145	27,476
Financial services	5,507	4,584	15,658	15,450
Financial Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Financial services	11,106	12,878	28,612	35,219
Total revenues	11,106	12,878	28,612	35,219
(Loss) income before income taxes	3,894	6,238	8,021	14,014
Financial services	7,212	6,640	20,591	21,205
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Intercompany charges	1,741	4,208	3,467	15,886
Total revenues	1,741	2,962	3,467	12,145
Total expenses	-586	2,141	-3,338	4,554
(Loss) Gain on Extinguishment of Debt	'	'	'	'
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures	'	'	'	'
(Loss) income before income taxes	2,327	821	6,805	7,591
Equity in (loss) income of consolidated subsidiaries	-23,750	-24,336	6,511	727
Net (loss) income	-21,423	-23,515	13,316	8,318
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	'	'	'	3
Total expenses	3,104	3,181	9,038	5,934
(Loss) Gain on Extinguishment of Debt	'	'	'	'
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures	'	'	'	'
(Loss) income before income taxes	-3,104	-3,181	-9,038	-5,931
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision	-4,213	-2,233	-10,041	-19,308
Equity in (loss) income of consolidated subsidiaries	15,996	9,414	-16,323	-14,901
Net (loss) income	17,105	8,466	-15,320	-1,524
Subsidiary Issuer [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Intercompany charges	26,411	20,760	72,966	61,167
Total revenues	26,359	20,684	72,837	60,992
Total expenses	32,751	30,389	96,769	90,088
(Loss) Gain on Extinguishment of Debt	'	'	-1,155	-770,009
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures	'	'	'	'
(Loss) income before income taxes	-6,392	-9,705	-25,087	-799,105
Equity in (loss) income of consolidated subsidiaries	-12,584	-10,887	-36,608	-33,606
Net (loss) income	-18,976	-20,592	-61,695	-832,711
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Intercompany charges	-28,110	-24,931	-76,391	-75,265
Total revenues	410,371	350,565	1,015,351	966,405
Total expenses	408,178	353,955	1,050,337	1,000,721
(Loss) Gain on Extinguishment of Debt	'	'	'	770,009
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures	10	34	70	2,293
(Loss) income before income taxes	2,203	-3,356	-34,916	737,986
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision	2,480	4,155	9,545	9,153
Equity in (loss) income of consolidated subsidiaries	20,338	25,809	46,420	47,780
Net (loss) income	20,061	18,298	1,959	776,613
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Intercompany charges	-42	-37	-42	-1,788
Total revenues	112,538	104,146	273,331	220,021
Total expenses	92,401	81,993	230,690	176,754
(Loss) Gain on Extinguishment of Debt	'	'	'	'
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures	201	3,656	3,779	4,513
(Loss) income before income taxes	20,338	25,809	46,420	47,780
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision	'	'	'	'
Equity in (loss) income of consolidated subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	$20,338	$25,809	$46,420	$47,780

Note_23_Financial_Information_5

Note 23 - Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors (Details) - Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	($15,320)	($1,524)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-244,223	-45,873
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-259,543	-47,397
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-9,315	18,776
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	123,375	-17,353
Net (decrease) increase in cash	-145,483	-45,974
Cash balance, beginning of period	329,204	273,232
Cash balance, end of period	183,721	227,258
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	13,316	8,318
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-13,316	-8,318
Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	-15,320	-1,524
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	2,080	20,418
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-13,240	18,894
Intercompany investing and financing activities b net	13,240	-18,894
Subsidiary Issuer [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	-61,695	-832,711
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	6,913	789,831
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-54,782	-42,880
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	'	298
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	118,599	-5,460
Intercompany investing and financing activities b net	-207,001	6,404
Net (decrease) increase in cash	-143,184	-41,638
Cash balance, beginning of period	243,470	197,097
Cash balance, end of period	100,286	155,459
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	1,959	776,613
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-251,746	-842,439
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-249,787	-65,826
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-1,009	12,357
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	45,442	48,090
Intercompany investing and financing activities b net	206,190	1,009
Net (decrease) increase in cash	836	-4,370
Cash balance, beginning of period	-6,479	-2,017
Cash balance, end of period	-5,643	-6,387
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	46,420	47,780
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	11,846	-5,365
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	58,266	42,415
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-8,306	6,121
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-40,666	-59,983
Intercompany investing and financing activities b net	-12,429	11,481
Net (decrease) increase in cash	-3,135	34
Cash balance, beginning of period	92,213	78,152
Cash balance, end of period	$89,078	$78,186

Note_24_Transactions_with_Rela1

Note 24 - Transactions with Related Parties (Details) (Tavit Najarian [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Tavit Najarian [Member]	'	'	'	'
Note 24 - Transactions with Related Parties (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction	$0.30	$0.20	$0.70	$0.60