Hovnanian Enterprises (HOV) 10-K 19 Dec 14 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Dec. 15, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES INC
Document Type	10-K
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-21
Entity Public Float		$531,159,828
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Central Index Key	357294
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-Oct-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Common Class A [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			131,075,900
Common Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			14,805,695

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Cash	$261,898,000	$329,204,000
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	29,300,000	31,900,000
Consolidated inventory not owned:
Specific performance options	3,500,000
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	63,883,000	51,438,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	46,744,000	46,211,000
Income taxes receivable – including net deferred tax benefits (Note 12)	284,543,000
Total assets	2,289,930,000	1,759,130,000
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities from inventory not owned	3,400,000
Notes payable:
Accrued interest	32,222,000	28,261,000
Total notes payable	1,689,779,000	1,557,706,000
Income taxes payable		3,301,000
Total liabilities	2,407,729,000	2,191,929,000
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. stockholders' equity deficit:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 100,000 shares; issued and outstanding 5,600 shares with a liquidation preference of $140,000 at October 31, 2014 and 2013	135,299,000	135,299,000
Paid in capital - common stock	697,943,000	689,727,000
Accumulated deficit	-837,264,000	-1,144,408,000
Treasury stock - at cost	-115,360,000	-115,360,000
Total Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. stockholders' equity deficit	-117,799,000	-433,226,000
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures		427,000
Total equity deficit	-117,799,000	-432,799,000
Total liabilities and equity	2,289,930,000	1,759,130,000
Common Class A [Member]
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. stockholders' equity deficit:
Common stock	1,428,000	1,363,000
Common Class B [Member]
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. stockholders' equity deficit:
Common stock	155,000	153,000
Homebuilding [Member] | Nonrecourse Mortgages [Member] | Mortgages [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Secured debt	103,908,000	62,903,000
Homebuilding [Member] | Nonrecourse Mortgages Secured By Operating Properties [Member] | Mortgages [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Secured debt	16,619,000	17,733,000
Homebuilding [Member]
ASSETS
Cash	255,117,000	319,142,000
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	13,086,000	10,286,000
Inventories:
Sold and unsold homes and lots under development	961,994,000	752,749,000
Land and land options held for future development or sale	273,463,000	225,152,000
Consolidated inventory not owned:
Specific performance options	3,479,000	792,000
Other options	105,374,000	100,071,000
Total consolidated inventory not owned	108,853,000	100,863,000
Total inventories	1,344,310,000	1,078,764,000
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	63,883,000	51,438,000
Receivables, deposits and notes, net	92,546,000	45,085,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	46,744,000	46,211,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets	69,358,000	59,351,000
Total assets	1,885,044,000	1,610,277,000
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities from inventory not owned	92,381,000	87,866,000
Notes payable:
Total liabilities	618,753,000	506,385,000
Accounts payable and other liabilities	370,876,000	307,764,000
Customers’ deposits	34,969,000	30,119,000
Financial Services [Member]
ASSETS
Cash	6,781,000	10,062,000
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	16,236,000	21,557,000
Mortgage loans held for sale at fair value	95,338,000	112,953,000
Other assets	1,988,000	4,281,000
Consolidated inventory not owned:
Total assets	120,343,000	148,853,000
Notes payable:
Total liabilities	99,197,000	124,537,000
Accounts payable and other liabilities	22,278,000	32,874,000
Mortgage warehouse lines of credit	76,919,000	91,663,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Notes payable:
Senior notes	979,935,000	978,611,000
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]
Notes payable:
Senior notes	590,472,000	461,210,000
Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]
Notes payable:
Senior notes	17,049,000	20,857,000
Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]
Notes payable:
Senior notes	70,101,000	66,615,000
Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]
Notes payable:
Senior notes	$0	$2,152,000

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Oct. 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
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000	100,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	5,600	5,600
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in Dollars)	$140,000	$140,000
Preferred stock, outstanding	5,600	5,600
Common Class A [Member]
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	142,836,563	136,306,223
Common stock, shares held in Treasury	11,760,763	11,760,763
Common Class B [Member]
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	15,497,543	15,347,615
Common stock, shares held in Treasury	691,748	691,748

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014		Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012
Homebuilding:
Total revenues	$2,063,380		$1,851,253		$1,485,353
Homebuilding:
Inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs	5,224		4,965		12,530
Corporate general and administrative	63,375		54,357		48,232
Other interest	87,378	[1],[2]	91,344	[1],[2]	97,895	[1],[2]
Other operations	4,647		790		4,205
Total expenses	2,049,942		1,840,598		1,562,936
Loss on extinguishment of debt	-1,155		-760		-29,066
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures	7,897		12,040		5,401
Income (loss) before income taxes	20,180		21,935		-101,248
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision:
Tax provision (benefit)	-286,964		-9,360		-35,051
Net income (loss)	307,144		31,295		-66,197
Basic:
Income (loss) per common share (in Dollars per share)	$2.05		$0.22		($0.52)
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in Shares)	146,271		145,087		126,350
Assuming dilution:
Income (loss) per common share (in Dollars per share)	$1.87		$0.22		($0.52)
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in Shares)	162,441		162,329		126,350
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision:
Tax provision (benefit)	-12,452		518		-35,328
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding:
Sale of homes	2,013,013		1,784,327		1,405,580
Land sales and other revenues	7,953		19,199		41,038
Total homebuilding	2,020,966		1,803,526		1,446,618
Total revenues	2,021,128		1,803,657		1,446,591
Homebuilding:
Cost of sales, excluding interest	1,615,199		1,442,044		1,179,801
Cost of sales interest	53,966		52,230		54,538
Inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs	5,224		4,965		12,530
Total cost of sales	1,674,389		1,499,239		1,246,869
Selling, general and administrative	191,537		165,809		142,087
Total homebuilding expenses	1,865,926		1,665,048		1,388,956
Total expenses	2,021,326		1,811,539		1,539,288
Income (loss) before income taxes	139,336		135,489		47,005
Financial Services [Member]
Homebuilding:
Financial services	42,414		47,727		38,735
Total revenues	42,414		47,727		38,735
Homebuilding:
Financial services	28,616		29,059		23,648
Income (loss) before income taxes	13,798		18,668		15,087
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision:
Tax provision (benefit)	($274,512)		($9,878)		$277
[1]	Other interest expensed is comprised of interest that does not qualify for 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:

Consolidated_Statement_of_Equi

Consolidated Statement of Equity (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, 2011	$921		$153	$135,299	$591,696	($1,109,506)	($115,257)	$92	($496,602)
Balance (in Shares) at Oct. 31, 2011	80,446,772		14,560,464	5,600
Stock options, amortization and issuances					4,078				4,078
Stock options, amortization and issuances (in Shares)	6,250								6,250
Restricted stock amortization, issuances and forfeitures	2		1		2,763				2,766
Restricted stock amortization, issuances and forfeitures (in Shares)	172,941		117,399
Stock issuance	250				47,074				47,324
Stock issuance (in Shares)	25,000,000
Issuance of shares for debt	84				23,167				23,251
Issuance of shares for debt (in Shares)	8,443,713
Settlement of prepaid common stock purchase contracts	43				-43
Settlement of prepaid common stock purchase contracts (in Shares)	4,271,398
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock (in Shares)	19,510		-19,510
Changes in noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures								138	138
Treasury stock purchases							-103		-103
Treasury stock purchases (in Shares)	-66,043
Net income (loss)						-66,197			-66,197
Balance at Oct. 31, 2012	1,300		154	135,299	668,735	-1,175,703	-115,360	230	-485,345
Balance (in Shares) at Oct. 31, 2012	118,294,541		14,658,353	5,600
Stock options, amortization and issuances					4,169				4,169
Stock options, amortization and issuances (in Shares)	44,812								44,812
Restricted stock amortization, issuances and forfeitures	1				2,608				2,609
Restricted stock amortization, issuances and forfeitures (in Shares)	123,840
Settlement of prepaid common stock purchase contracts	27				-27
Settlement of prepaid common stock purchase contracts (in Shares)	2,683,679
Exchange of senior exchangeable notes for Class A Common Stock	34				14,242				14,276
Exchange of senior exchangeable notes for Class A Common Stock (in Shares)	3,396,102
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock	1		-1
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock (in Shares)	2,486		-2,486
Changes in noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures								197	197
Net income (loss)						31,295			31,295
Balance at Oct. 31, 2013	1,363		153	135,299	689,727	-1,144,408	-115,360	427	-432,799
Balance (in Shares) at Oct. 31, 2013	124,545,460		14,655,867	5,600
Stock options, amortization and issuances	1				3,700				3,701
Stock options, amortization and issuances (in Shares)	42,375								42,375
Restricted stock amortization, issuances and forfeitures	4		2		4,576				4,582
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)	1,990		-1,990
Changes in noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures								-427	-427
Net income (loss)						307,144			307,144
Balance at Oct. 31, 2014	$1,428		$155	$135,299	$697,943	($837,264)	($115,360)		($117,799)
Balance (in Shares) at Oct. 31, 2014	131,075,800		14,805,795	5,600

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$307,144	$31,295	($66,197)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	3,417	4,712	6,223
Compensation from stock options and awards	10,279	6,842	6,453
Amortization of bond discounts and deferred financing costs	10,320	7,843	7,436
Gain on sale and retirement of property and assets	-483	-4,696	-230
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures	-7,897	-12,040	-5,401
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	6,044	2,340	1,790
Loss on extinguishment of debt	1,155	760	29,066
Expenses related to the debt for debt exchange			4,694
Inventory impairment and land option write-offs	5,224	4,965	12,530
Deferred income tax benefit	-287,740
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Mortgage loans held for sale at fair value	17,615	4,071	-44,852
Restricted cash, receivables, prepaids, deposits and other assets	-48,908	52,940	3,680
Inventories	-270,770	-111,770	8,430
(Decrease) increase in liabilities:
State and federal income tax payable	-104	-3,581	-34,947
Customersb deposits	4,850	6,273	5,903
Accounts payable, accrued interest and other accrued liabilities	59,269	19,314	-1,576
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-190,585	9,268	-66,998
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of property and assets	515	7,369	3,206
Purchase of property, equipment, and other fixed assets and acquisitions	-3,423	-1,558	-5,059
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash related to mortgage company	-655	4,575
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	-21,699	-4,907	-4,743
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated joint ventures	11,107	24,806	5,096
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-14,155	30,285	-1,500
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from mortgages and notes	152,906	109,209	16,240
Payments related to mortgages and notes	-112,136	-76,142	-25,605
Proceeds from model sale leaseback financing programs	42,402	21,948	34,389
Payments related to model sale leaseback financing programs	-23,188	-9,193	-1,444
Proceeds from land bank financing program	24,696	36,233	50,927
Payments related to land bank financing program	-42,002	-39,669	-6,081
Net proceeds from senior secured notes			797,000
Net proceeds from Class A Common Stock			47,324
Net (payments) proceeds related to mortgage warehouse lines of credit	-14,744	-15,822	57,756
Deferred financing cost from land banking financing program and note issuances	-11,947	-5,071	-19,381
Principal payments and debt repurchases	-5,960	-6,231	-941,158
Payments related to the debt for debt exchange			-18,874
Purchase of treasury stock			-103
Net cash provided by financing activities	137,434	16,419	90,990
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-67,306	55,972	22,492
Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of year	329,204	273,232	250,740
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of year	261,898	329,204	273,232
Supplemental disclosures of cash flows:
Interest, net of capitalized interest (see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements)	85,386	86,257	101,460
Income taxes	538	-5,780	-103
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Loss on extinguishment of debt			-48,400
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from senior notes	150,000	41,581
Payments related to senior notes	-22,593	-40,424
Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from senior notes			$100,000

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Non

Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing Activities	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing activities:
	In 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 of our balance sheet.
	In fiscal 2013, 18,305 of our senior exchangeable notes were exchanged for 3,396,102 shares of Class A Common Stock.
	In 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.
	During fiscal 2012, we purchased our partners’ interest in one of our unconsolidated homebuilding joint ventures. The consolidation of this entity resulted in increases in inventory, other assets, nonrecourse land mortgages and accounts payables and other liabilities of $34.3 million, $5.0 million, $20.6 million and $15.8 million, respectively.
	In fiscal 2012, we completed several debt for equity exchanges and a debt for debt exchange. See Notes 9 and 10 for further information.

Note_1_Basis_of_Presentation

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting [Text Block]	1. Basis of Presentation
	Basis of Presentation - The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) and include our accounts and those of all wholly owned subsidiaries, after elimination of all intercompany balances and transactions. Our fiscal year ends October 31.

Note_2_Business

Note 2 - Business	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	2. Business
	Our operations consist of homebuilding, financial services, and corporate. Our homebuilding operations are made up of six reportable segments defined as Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Southeast, Southwest, and West. Homebuilding operations comprise the substantial part of our business, representing approximately 98% of consolidated revenues for the year ended October 31, 2014, and approximately 97% for each of the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012. We are a Delaware corporation, building and selling homes at October 31, 2014 in 201 consolidated new home communities in Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia. We offer a wide variety of homes that are designed to appeal to first-time buyers, first and second-time move-up buyers, luxury buyers, active adult buyers, and empty nesters. Our financial services operations, which are a reportable segment, provide mortgage banking and title services to the homebuilding operations’ customers. We do not typically retain or service the mortgages that we originate but rather sell the mortgages and related servicing rights to investors. Corporate primarily includes the operations of our corporate office whose primary purpose is to provide executive services, accounting, information services, human resources, management reporting, training, cash management, internal audit, risk management, and administration of process redesign, quality, and safety.
	See Note 11 “Operating and Reporting Segments” for further disclosure of our reportable segments.

Note_3_Summary_of_Significant_

Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US 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 financial statements.
	Income Recognition from Home and Land Sales - We are primarily engaged in the development, construction, marketing and sale of residential single-family and multi-family homes where the planned construction cycle is less than 12 months. For these homes, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360-20, “Property, Plant and Equipment - Real Estate Sales”, revenue is recognized when title is conveyed to the buyer, adequate initial and continuing investments have been received and there is no continued involvement. In situations where the buyer’s financing is originated by our mortgage subsidiary and the buyer has not made an adequate initial investment or continuing investment as prescribed by ASC 360-20, the profit on such sales is deferred until the sale of the related mortgage loan to a third-party investor has been completed.
	Income Recognition from Mortgage Loans - Our Financial Services segment originates mortgages, primarily for our homebuilding customers. We use mandatory investor commitments and forward sales of mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) to hedge our mortgage-related interest rate exposure on agency and government loans.
	We elected the fair value option for our mortgage loans held for sale in accordance with ASC 825, “Financial Instruments”, which permits us to measure our loans held for sale at fair value. 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.
	Substantially all of the mortgage loans originated are sold within a short period of time in the secondary mortgage market on a servicing released, nonrecourse basis, although the Company remains liable for certain limited representations, such as fraud, and warranties related to loan sales. Mortgage investors could seek to have us buy back loans or compensate them from losses incurred on mortgages we have sold based on claims that we breached our limited representations and warranties. We believe there continues to be an industry-wide issue with the number of purchaser claims in which purchasers purport to have found inaccuracies related to the sellers’ representations and warranties in particular loan sale agreements. We have established reserves for probable losses.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents – 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 October 31, 2014 and 2013, $15.4 million and $8.4 million, respectively, of the total cash and cash equivalents was in cash equivalents, the book value of which approximates fair value.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments - The fair value of financial instruments is determined by reference to various market data and other valuation techniques as appropriate. Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, receivables, deposits and notes, accounts payable and other liabilities, customer deposits, mortgage loans held for sale, nonrecourse and operating properties mortgages, mortgage warehouse lines of credit, accrued interest, and the senior secured notes, senior notes, senior amortizing notes, senior exchangeable notes and senior subordinated amortizing notes payable. The fair value of the senior secured notes, senior notes, senior amortizing notes, senior exchangeable notes and senior subordinated amortizing notes payable is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of the same remaining maturities.
	Inventories - Inventories consist of land, land development, home construction costs, capitalized interest, construction overhead and property taxes. Construction costs are accumulated during the period of construction and charged to cost of sales under specific identification methods. Land, land development, and common facility costs are allocated based on buildable acres to product types within each community, then charged to cost of sales equally based upon the number of homes to be constructed in each product type.
	We record inventories in our consolidated balance sheets at cost unless the inventory is determined to be impaired, in which case the inventory is written down to its fair value. Our inventories consist of the following three components: (1) sold and unsold homes and lots under development, which includes all construction, land, capitalized interest, and land development costs related to started homes and land under development in our active communities; (2) land and land options held for future development or sale, which includes all costs related to land in our communities in planning or mothballed communities; and (3) consolidated inventory not owned, which includes all costs related to specific performance options, variable interest entities, and other options, which consists primarily of model homes financed with an investor and inventory related to land banking arrangements accounted for as financings.
	We decide to mothball (or stop development on) certain communities when we determine that current market conditions do not justify further investment at that time. When we decide to mothball a community, the inventory is reclassified on our consolidated balance sheets from "Sold and unsold homes and lots under development" to "Land and land options held for future development or sale." As of October 31, 2014, the net book value associated with our 45 mothballed communities was $103.3 million, net of impairment charges recorded in prior periods of $412.4 million. We regularly review communities to determine if mothballing is appropriate. During fiscal 2014, we did not mothball any new communities, re-activated two mothballed communities and sold three mothballed communities.
	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 ASC 360-20-40-38, we are required to record this inventory on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of October 31, 2014, we had $3.5 million of specific performance options recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets to “Consolidated inventory not owned – specific performance options,” with a corresponding liability of $3.4 million recorded to “Liabilities from inventory not owned.” Consolidated inventory not owned also consists of other options that were included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with US 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 Consolidated Balance Sheet, at October 31, 2014, inventory of $70.4 million was recorded to “Consolidated inventory not owned – other options,” with a corresponding amount of $64.9 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 Consolidated Balance Sheet, at October 31, 2014, inventory of $35.0 million was recorded to “Consolidated inventory not owned – other options,” with a corresponding amount of $24.1 million recorded to “Liabilities from inventory not owned” for the amount of net cash received from the transactions.
	The recoverability of inventories and other long-lived assets is assessed in accordance with the provisions of ASC 360-10, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Overall,” ASC 360-10 requires long-lived assets, including inventories, held for development to be evaluated for impairment based on undiscounted future cash flows of the assets at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows. As such, we evaluate inventories for impairment at the individual community level, the lowest level of discrete cash flows that we measure.
	We evaluate inventories of communities under development and held for future development for impairment when indicators of potential impairment are present. Indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to, decreases in local housing market values, decreases in gross margins or sales absorption rates, decreases in net sales prices (base sales price net of sales incentives), or actual or projected operating or cash flow losses. The assessment of communities for indication of impairment is performed quarterly. As part of this process, we prepare detailed budgets for all of our communities at least semi-annually and identify those communities with a projected operating loss. For those communities with projected losses, we estimate the remaining undiscounted future cash flows and compare those to the carrying value of the community, to determine if the carrying value of the asset is recoverable.
	The projected operating profits, losses, or cash flows of each community can be significantly impacted by our estimates of the following:
		●	future base selling prices;
		●	future home sales incentives;
		●	future home construction and land development costs; and
		●	future sales absorption pace and cancellation rates.
	These estimates are dependent upon specific market conditions for each community. While we consider available information to determine what we believe to be our best estimates as of the end of a quarterly reporting period, these estimates are subject to change in future reporting periods as facts and circumstances change. Local market-specific conditions that may impact our estimates for a community include:
		●	the intensity of competition within a market, including available home sales prices and home sales incentives offered by our competitors;
		●	the current sales absorption pace for both our communities and competitor communities;
		●	community-specific attributes, such as location, availability of lots in the market, desirability and uniqueness of our community, and the size and style of homes currently being offered;
		●	potential for alternative product offerings to respond to local market conditions;
		●	changes by management in the sales strategy of the community;
		●	current local market economic and demographic conditions and related trends and forecasts; and
		●	existing home inventory supplies, including foreclosures and short sales.
	These and other local market-specific conditions that may be present are considered by management in preparing projection assumptions for each community. The sales objectives can differ between our communities, even within a given market. For example, facts and circumstances in a given community may lead us to price our homes with the objective of yielding a higher sales absorption pace, while facts and circumstances in another community may lead us to price our homes to minimize deterioration in our gross margins, although it may result in a slower sales absorption pace. In addition, the key assumptions included in our estimate of future undiscounted cash flows may be interrelated. For example, a decrease in estimated base sales price or an increase in homes sales incentives may result in a corresponding increase in sales absorption pace. Additionally, a decrease in the average sales price of homes to be sold and closed in future reporting periods for one community that has not been generating what management believes to be an adequate sales absorption pace may impact the estimated cash flow assumptions of a nearby community. Changes in our key assumptions, including estimated construction and development costs, absorption pace and selling strategies, could materially impact future cash flow and fair value estimates. Due to the number of possible scenarios that would result from various changes in these factors, we do not believe it is possible to develop a sensitivity analysis with a level of precision that would be meaningful to an investor.
	If the undiscounted cash flows are more than the carrying value of the community, then the carrying amount is recoverable, and no impairment adjustment is required. However, if the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount, then the community is deemed impaired and is written-down to its fair value. We determine the estimated fair value of each community by determining the present value of its estimated future cash flows at a discount rate commensurate with the risk of the respective community, or in limited circumstances, prices for land in recent comparable sale transactions, market analysis studies, which include the estimated price a willing buyer would pay for the land (other than in a forced liquidation sale), and recent bona fide offers received from outside third parties. Our discount rates used for all impairments recorded from October 31, 2012 to October 31, 2014 ranged from 16.8% to 19.3%. The estimated future cash flow assumptions are virtually the same for both our recoverability and fair value assessments. Should the estimates or expectations used in determining estimated cash flows or fair value, including discount rates, decrease or differ from current estimates in the future, we may be required to recognize additional impairments related to current and future communities. The impairment of a community is allocated to each lot on a relative fair value basis.
	From time to time, we write off deposits and approval, engineering and capitalized interest costs when we determine that it is no longer probable that we will exercise options to buy land in specific locations or when we redesign communities and/or abandon certain engineering costs. In deciding not to exercise a land option, we take into consideration changes in market conditions, the timing of required land takedowns, the willingness of land sellers to modify terms of the land option contract (including timing of land takedowns), and the availability and best use of our capital, among other factors. The write-off is recorded in the period it is deemed not probable that the optioned property will be acquired. In certain instances, we have been able to recover deposits and other pre-acquisition costs that were previously written off. These recoveries have not been significant in comparison to the total costs written off.
	Inventories held for sale are land parcels ready for sale in their current condition, where we have decided not to build homes but are instead actively marketing for sale. These land parcels represented $0.6 million and $2.7 million of our total inventories at October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. In determining fair value for land held for sale, management considers, among other things, prices for land in recent comparable sale transactions, market analysis studies, which include the estimated price a willing buyer would pay for the land (other than in a forced liquidation sale) and recent bona fide offers received from outside third parties.
	Post-Development Completion, Warranty Costs and Insurance Deductible Reserves - In those instances where a development is substantially completed and sold and we have additional construction work to be incurred, an estimated liability is provided to cover the cost of such work. 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. We do not have a deductible on our worker's compensation insurance. Reserves for estimated losses for construction defects, warranty, bodily injury and workers’ compensation claims have been established using the assistance of a third-party actuary. We engage a third-party actuary that uses our historical warranty and construction defect data and worker's compensation data to assist our management in estimating our unpaid claims, claim adjustment expenses, and incurred but not reported claims reserves for the risks that we are assuming under the general liability and worker's compensation programs. The estimates include provisions for inflation, claims handling and legal fees. These estimates are subject to a high degree of variability due to uncertainties such as trends in construction defect claims relative to our markets and the types of products we build, claim settlement patterns, insurance industry practices, and legal interpretations, among others. Because of the high degree of judgment required in determining these estimated liability amounts, actual future costs could differ significantly from our currently estimated amounts. 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. See Note 17 for additional information on the amount of warranty costs recognized in cost of goods sold and administrative expenses.
	Interest - Interest attributable to properties under development during the land development and home construction period is capitalized and expensed along with the associated cost of sales as the related inventories are sold. Interest incurred in excess of interest capitalized, which occurs when assets qualifying for interest capitalization are less than our outstanding debt balances, is expensed as incurred in “Other interest.”
	Interest costs incurred, expensed and capitalized were:
			Year Ended
	(Dollars in thousands)		31-Oct-14		31-Oct-13		31-Oct-12
	Interest capitalized at beginning of year		$105,093		$116,056		$121,441
	Plus interest incurred(1)		145,409		132,611		147,048
	Less cost of sales interest expensed		53,966		52,230		54,538
	Less other interest expensed(2)(3)		87,378		91,344		97,895
	Interest capitalized at end of year(4)		$109,158		$105,093		$116,056
	-1	Data does not include interest incurred by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries.
	-2	Other interest expensed is comprised of interest that does not qualify for 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:
			Year Ended
	(Dollars in thousands)		31-Oct-14		31-Oct-13		31-Oct-12
	Other interest expensed		$87,378		$91,344		$97,895
	Interest paid by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries		1,969		2,975		2,433
	(Increase) decrease in accrued interest		(3,961	)	(8,062	)	1,132
	Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest		$85,386		$86,257		$101,460
	-4	Capitalized interest amounts are shown gross before allocating any portion of inventory impairments to capitalized interest.
	Land Options - Costs incurred to obtain options to acquire improved or unimproved home sites are capitalized. Such amounts are either included as part of the purchase price if the land is acquired or charged to “Inventory impairments loss and land option write-offs” if we determine we will not exercise the option. If the options are with variable interest entities and we are the primary beneficiary, we record the land under option on the Consolidated Balance Sheets under “Consolidated inventory not owned” with an offset under “Liabilities from inventory not owned.” If the option obligation is to purchase under specific performance or has terms that require us to record it as financing, then we record the option on the Consolidated Balance Sheets under “Consolidated inventory not owned” with an offset under “Liabilities from inventory not owned”. In accordance with ASC 810-10 “Consolidation - Overall”, we record costs associated with other options on the Consolidated Balance Sheets under “Land and land options held for future development or sale.”
	Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures - Investments in unconsolidated homebuilding and land development joint ventures are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, we recognize our proportionate share of earnings and losses earned by the joint venture upon the delivery of lots or homes to third parties. Our ownership interests in the joint ventures vary but our voting interests are generally 50% or less. In determining whether or not we must consolidate joint ventures where we are the managing member of the joint venture, 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 significant operating and capital decisions of the partnership, including budgets, in the ordinary course of business. The evaluation of whether or not we control a venture can require significant judgment. In accordance with ASC 323-10, “Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures - Overall”, we assess our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures for recoverability, and if it is determined that a loss in value of the investment below its carrying amount is other than temporary, we write down the investment to its fair value. We evaluate our equity investments for impairment based on the joint venture’s projected cash flows. This process requires significant management judgment and estimates. There were no write-downs in fiscal 2012, 2013 or 2014.
	Deferred Bond Issuance Costs - Costs associated with the issuance of our senior secured, senior, senior amortizing, senior exchangeable and senior subordinated amortizing notes are capitalized and amortized over the term of each note’s issuance.
	Debt Issued At a Discount - Debt issued at a discount to the face amount is accreted up to its face amount utilizing the effective interest method over the term of the note and recorded as a component of interest on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Advertising Costs - Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. During the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, advertising costs expensed totaled to $21.5 million, $17.2 million and $18.2 million, respectively.
	Deferred Income Taxes - Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between amounts recorded for financial reporting and for income tax purposes. If the combination of future years’ income (or loss) combined with the reversal of the timing differences results in a loss, such losses can be carried back to prior years or carried forward to future years to recover the deferred tax assets. In accordance with ASC 740-10, “Income Taxes - Overall”, we evaluate our deferred tax assets quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required. ASC 740-10 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.
	In evaluating the exposures associated with our various tax filing positions, we recognize tax liabilities in accordance with ASC 740-10, for more likely than not exposures. We re-evaluate the exposures associated with our tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors such as changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, new audit activity, and effectively settled issues. Determining whether an uncertain tax position is effectively settled requires judgment. Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter for which we have established a liability is audited and fully resolved or clarified. We adjust our liability for unrecognized tax benefits and income tax provision in the period in which an uncertain tax position is effectively settled, or the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position or when more information becomes available. Due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a liability that is materially different from our current estimate. Any such changes will be reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense in the period in which they are determined.
	Depreciation - Property, plant and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets ranging from 3 to 40 years.
	Prepaid Expenses - Prepaid expenses which relate to specific housing communities (model setup, architectural fees, homeowner warranty program fees, etc.) are amortized to cost of sales as the applicable inventories are sold. All other prepaid expenses are amortized over a specific time period or as used and charged to overhead expense.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts – We regularly review our receivable balances, which are included in Receivables, deposits and notes on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, for collectability and record an allowance against a receivable when it is deemed that collectability is uncertain. These receivables include receivables from our insurance carriers, receivables from municipalities related to the development of utilities or other infrastructure, and other miscellaneous receivables. At October 31, 2014 and 2013, the balance for allowance for doubtful accounts was $13.8 million and $14.7 million, respectively. The balance at October 31, 2014 and 2013 primarily related to the allowance for receivables from our insurance carriers for certain warranty claims which may not be fully recoverable, allowances for receivables from municipalities, an allowance for a receivable for a prior year land sale and an allowance for a receivable related to a legal settlement. During fiscal 2014 and 2013, we recorded $0.4 million and $7.4 million, respectively, of additional reserves and $1.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in recoveries. In fiscal 2013, we also had $0.1 million in write-offs.
	Stock Options - We account for our stock options under ASC 718-10, “Compensation - Stock Compensation – Overall,” which requires the fair-value based method of accounting for stock awards granted to employees and measures and records the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. That cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award.
Compensation cost arising from nonvested stock granted to employees and from nonemployee stock awards is recognized as expense using the straight-line method over the vesting period.
Per Share Calculations - 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 included 6.1 million shares for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, and 8.8 million shares for the year ended October 31, 2012, related to Purchase Contracts (issued as part of our 7.25% Tangible Equity Units) which shares, as discussed in Note 10, 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”) are considered participating securities.
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 and 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 to 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, 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, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. We do not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2014-12 will have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, “Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern” (“ASU 2014-15”), which requires management to perform interim and annual assessments on whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued and to provide related disclosures, if required. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the Company for our fiscal year ending October 31, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We do not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2014-15 to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Note_4_Leases

Note 4 - Leases	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]	4. Leases
	We lease certain property under non-cancelable leases. Office leases are generally for terms of three to five years and generally provide renewal options. Model home leases are generally for shorter terms of approximately one to three years with renewal options on a month-to-month basis. In most cases, we expect that in the normal course of business, leases that will expire will be renewed or replaced by other leases. The future lease payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year are as follows:
	Years Ending October 31,	(In Thousands)
	2015	$10,295
	2016	8,741
	2017	4,424
	2018	1,242
	2019	1,150
	Thereafter	843
	Total	$26,695
	Net rental expense for the three years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, was $11.6 million, $10.8 million and $12.4 million, respectively. These amounts include rent expense for various month-to-month leases on model homes, furniture and equipment. These amounts also include abandoned lease cost accruals, as well as the amortization of those accruals over the lease term, for leased space that we have abandoned due to our reduction in size and consolidation of certain locations. Certain leases contain renewal or purchase options and generally provide that the Company shall pay for insurance, taxes and maintenance.

Note_5_Property_Plant_and_Equi

Note 5 - Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	5. Property, Plant and Equipment
	Homebuilding property, plant and equipment consists of land, land improvements, buildings, building improvements, furniture and equipment used to conduct day-to-day business and are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation.
	Property, plant and equipment balances as of October 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		October 31,
	(In thousands)	2014	2013
	Land and land improvements	$2,398	$2,398
	Buildings	66,871	66,859
	Building improvements	9,660	8,869
	Furniture	6,187	6,262
	Equipment	35,227	36,998
	Total	120,343	121,386
	Less accumulated depreciation	73,599	75,175
	Total	$46,744	$46,211

Note_6_Restricted_Cash_and_Dep

Note 6 - Restricted Cash and Deposits	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents Disclosure [Text Block]	6. Restricted Cash and Deposits
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents on the Consolidated Balance Sheets totaled to $29.3 million and $31.9 million as of October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which included cash collateralizing our letter of credit agreements and facilities and is discussed in Note 8. Also included in this balance were homebuilding and financial services customers’ deposits of $7.5 million and $15.8 million at October 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets. These liabilities are significantly more than the applicable periods’ restricted 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 these customer deposits to cash by pledging letters of credit and surety bonds.

Note_7_Mortgage_Loans_Held_for

Note 7 - Mortgage Loans Held for Sale	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]	7. 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 Consolidated Statements of Operations in “Revenues: Financial services.” We currently use forward sales of MBS, interest rate commitments from borrowers and mandatory and/or best efforts forward commitments to sell loans to third-party purchasers 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 Consolidated Statements of Operations in “Revenues: Financial services.”
	At October 31, 2014 and 2013, $78.6 million and $94.1 million, respectively, of mortgages held for sale were pledged against our mortgage warehouse lines of credit (see Note 8). 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of October 31, 2014 and 2013, we had reserves specifically for 130 and 187 identified mortgage loans, respectively, as well as reserves for an estimate for future losses on mortgages sold but not yet identified to us.
	The activity in our loan origination reserves in fiscal 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
			Year Ended
			October 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013
	Loan origination reserves, beginning of period		$11,036		$9,334
	Provisions for losses during the period		3,814		3,138
	Adjustments to pre-existing provisions for losses from changes in estimates		(2,574	)	(786	)
	Payments/settlements (1)		(4,924	)	(650	)
	Loan origination reserves, end of period		$7,352		$11,036
	-1	Includes the global settlement of all loans sold to one of our previously significant mortgage purchasers, which settlements covers all of our potential liability for such loans.

Note_8_Mortgages_and_Notes_Pay

Note 8 - Mortgages and Notes Payable	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Line Of Credit [Abstract]
Line Of Credit [Text Block]	8. Mortgages and Notes Payable
	We have nonrecourse mortgage loans for certain communities totaling $103.9 million and $62.9 million at October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which are secured by the related real property, including any improvements, with an aggregate book value of approximately $220.1 million and $132.4 million, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on these obligations was 5.0% and 5.8% at October 31, 2014 and 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 $16.6 million and $17.7 million at October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These loans had a weighted-average interest rate of 7.0% at both October 31, 2014 and 2013. As of October 31, 2014, these loans had installment obligations with annual principal maturities in the years ending October 31 of approximately: $1.1 million in 2015, $1.2 million in 2016, $1.3 million in 2017, $1.4 million in 2018, $1.5 million in 2019 and $10.1 million after 2019.
	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 8.0% Senior Notes due 2019, which are described in Note 9. 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 Offered 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 October 31, 2014, there were no borrowings and $26.5 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 and $5.1 million letters of credit outstanding at October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 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 October 31, 2014 and 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 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 October 31, 2014 plus the applicable margin of 2.85%. Therefore, at October 31, 2014, the interest rate was 3.0%. As of October 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings outstanding under the Chase Master Repurchase Agreement was $25.5 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 October 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings outstanding under the Customers Master Repurchase Agreement was $20.4 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 last amended on November 17, 2014, that is a short-term borrowing facility that provides up to $50.0 million through October 27, 2015. The facility also provides an additional $30.0 million which can be used between 10 calendar days prior to the end of a fiscal quarter through the 45th calendar day after a fiscal quarter end; provided that the amount outstanding may not exceed $50.0 million outside of this date range. 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 0.44% at October 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 October 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings outstanding under the Credit Suisse Master Repurchase Agreement was $19.7 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 October 31, 2014, the interest rate was 2.875% and the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings outstanding under the Comerica Master Repurchase Agreement was $11.3 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 October 31, 2014, we believe we were in compliance with the covenants under the Master Repurchase Agreements.

Note_9_Senior_Secured_Senior_S

Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	9. 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 October 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows:
		Year Ended
	(In thousands)	31-Oct-14	31-Oct-13
	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)	53,129	53,119
	5.0% Senior Secured Notes due November 1, 2021 (net of discount)	129,806	128,492
	Total Senior Secured Notes	$979,935	$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)	60,414	60,044
	6.25% Senior Notes due January 15, 2016 (net of discount)	172,483	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	$590,472	$461,210
	11.0% Senior Amortizing Notes due December 1, 2017	$17,049	$20,857
	Senior Exchangeable Notes due December 1, 2017	$70,101	$66,615
	7.25% Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes due February 15, 2014	$-	$2,152
	As of October 31, 2014, future maturities of our borrowings (assuming no exchange of our senior exchangeable notes), were as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year Ended October 31,	2014
	2015	$65,053
	2016	263,994
	2017	126,293
	2018	72,945
	2019	150,000
	Thereafter	992,000
	Total	$1,670,285
	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 October 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 October 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 continue to 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), 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 debt instruments or otherwise affect compliance with any of the covenants contained in the debt instruments.
	On November 3, 2003, K. Hovnanian issued $215.0 million 6.5% Senior Notes due 2014. The net proceeds of the issuance were used for general corporate purposes. These notes were the subject of a November 2011 exchange offer discussed below, and pursuant to the terms of the indenture, were subsequently redeemed in full as discussed below.
	On March 18, 2004, K. Hovnanian issued $150.0 million 6.375% Senior Notes due 2014. The net proceeds of the issuance were used to redeem all of our $150.0 million outstanding 9.125% Senior Notes due 2009, which occurred on May 3, 2004, and for general corporate purposes. These notes were the subject of a November 2011 exchange offer discussed below, and pursuant to the terms of the indenture, were subsequently redeemed in full, as discussed below.
	On November 30, 2004, K. Hovnanian issued $200.0 million 6.25% Senior Notes due 2015. The net proceeds of the issuance were used to repay the outstanding balance on our then existing revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes. These notes were the subject of a November 2011 exchange offer discussed below and were subsequently redeemed in full as discussed below.
	On August 8, 2005, K. Hovnanian issued $300.0 million 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016. The 6.25% Senior Notes were issued at a discount to yield 6.46% and have been reflected net of the unamortized discount in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option at 100% of their principal amount plus the payment of a make-whole amount. The net proceeds of the issuance were used to repay the outstanding balance under our then existing revolving credit facility as of August 8, 2005, and for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. These notes were the subject of a November 2011 exchange offer discussed below. On September 16, 2013, K. Hovnanian issued $41.6 million of additional 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016 at a price equal to 100% of their principal amount as discussed below.
	On February 27, 2006, K. Hovnanian issued $300.0 million of 7.5% Senior Notes due 2016. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option at 100% of their principal amount plus the payment of a make-whole amount. The net proceeds of the issuance were used to repay a portion of the outstanding balance under our then existing revolving credit facility as of February 27, 2006. These notes were the subject of a November 2011 exchange offer discussed below.
	On June 12, 2006, K. Hovnanian issued $250.0 million of 8.625% Senior Notes due 2017. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option at 100% of their principal amount plus the payment of a make-whole amount. The net proceeds of the issuance were used to repay a portion of the outstanding balance under our then existing revolving credit facility as of June 12, 2006. These notes were the subject of a November 2011 exchange offer discussed below.
	On October 20, 2009, K. Hovnanian issued $785.0 million ($770.9 million net of discount) of 10.625% Senior Secured Notes due October 15, 2016. The notes were secured, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions, by a first-priority lien on substantially all of the assets owned by us, K. Hovnanian and the guarantors. The net proceeds from this issuance, together with cash on hand, were used to fund certain cash tender offers for our then outstanding 11.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2013 and 18.0% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 and certain series of our unsecured notes. In May 2011, we issued $12.0 million of additional 10.625% Senior Secured Notes as discussed below. The 10.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2016 were the subject of a tender offer in October 2012, and the notes that were not tendered in the tender offer were redeemed, as discussed below.
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2012, we exchanged pursuant to agreements with bondholders approximately $3.1 million aggregate principal amount of our Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes for shares of our Class A Common Stock, as discussed in Note 10. These transactions resulted in a gain on extinguishment of debt of $0.2 million for the year ended October 31, 2012. The gain is included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as “Loss on extinguishment of debt.”
	On February 14, 2011, K. Hovnanian issued $155.0 million aggregate principal amount of 11.875% Senior Notes due 2015. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option at any time at 100% of their principal amount plus an applicable “Make-Whole Amount.” These notes were the subject of a November 2011 exchange offer discussed below.
	The net proceeds from the issuances of the 11.875% Senior Notes due 2015, an issuance of Class A Common Stock in February 2011 and 7.25% Tangible Equity Units (see Note 10) were approximately $286.2 million, a portion of which were used to fund the purchase through tender offers, on February 14, 2011, of the following series of K. Hovnanian’s then outstanding senior and senior subordinated notes: approximately $24.6 million aggregate principal amount of 8.0% Senior Notes due 2012, $44.1 million aggregate principal amount of 8.875% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012 and $29.2 million aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the “2013 Notes” and, together with the 2012 Senior Notes and the 2012 Senior Subordinated Notes, the “Tender Offer Notes”). On February 14, 2011, K. Hovnanian called for redemption on March 15, 2011 all Tender Offer Notes that were not tendered in the tender offers for an aggregate redemption price of approximately $60.1 million. Such redemptions were funded with proceeds from the offerings of the Class A Common Stock, the Tangible Equity Units and the 11.875% Senior Notes due 2015.
	On November 1, 2011, K. Hovnanian issued $141.8 million aggregate principal amount of 5.0% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 (the “5.0% 2021 Notes”) and $53.2 million aggregate principal amount of 2.0% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 (the “2.0% 2021 Notes” and, together with the 5.0% 2021 Notes, the “2021 Notes”) in exchange for $195.0 million of certain of K. Hovnanian's unsecured senior notes with maturities ranging from 2014 through 2017. Holders of the senior notes due 2014 and 2015 that were exchanged in the exchange offer also received an aggregate of approximately $14.2 million in cash payments and all holders of senior notes that were exchanged in the exchange offer received accrued and unpaid interest (in the aggregate amount of approximately $3.3 million). Costs associated with this transaction were $4.7 million.  The 5.0% 2021 Notes and the 2.0% 2021 Notes were issued as separate series under an indenture, but have substantially the same terms other than with respect to interest rate and related redemption provisions, and vote together as a single class. The 2021 Notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option at any time, at 100.0% of the principal amount plus the greater of 1% of the principal amount and an applicable “Make-Whole Amount.” Due to the then-existing financial condition of K. Hovnanian as determined in accordance with ASC 470-60 “Accounting by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructurings” and, because the holders of the senior notes that exchanged such notes for 2021 Notes granted K. Hovnanian a concession in the form of extended maturities and reduced interest rates, the accounting for the debt exchange was treated as a troubled debt restructuring. Under this accounting, the Company did not recognize any gain or loss on extinguishment of debt and the costs associated with the debt exchange were expensed as incurred in “Other operations” in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	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 October 31, 2014, the collateral securing the guarantees included (1) $92.1 million of cash and cash equivalents (subsequent to such date, cash uses include general business operations and real estate and other investments); (2) approximately $120.4 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 $59.1 million as of October 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 notes and senior secured notes, and thus have not guaranteed such indebtedness.
	In addition, on November 1, 2011, K. Hovnanian entered into a Second Supplemental Indenture (the “11.875% Notes Supplemental Indenture”), among K. Hovnanian, the Company, as guarantor, the other guarantors party thereto and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, amending and supplementing the Indenture dated February 14, 2011 (the “Base Indenture”) by and among K. Hovnanian, the Company, as guarantor, and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, as amended by the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 14, 2011 (the “First Supplemental Indenture”), by and among K. Hovnanian, the Company, as guarantor, the other guarantors party thereto and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee (the Base Indenture as amended by the First Supplemental Indenture, the “Existing Indenture”). The 11.875% Notes Supplemental Indenture was executed and delivered following the receipt by K. Hovnanian of consents from a majority of the holders of K. Hovnanian’s 11.875% Senior Notes due 2015. The 11.875% Notes Supplemental Indenture provides for the elimination of substantially all of the restrictive covenants and certain of the default provisions contained in the Existing Indenture and the 11.875% Senior Notes due 2015.
	On October 2, 2012, K. Hovnanian issued $577.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% senior secured first lien notes due 2020 (the "First Lien Notes") and $220.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.125% senior secured second lien notes due 2020 (the "Second Lien Notes" and, together with the First Lien Notes, the "2020 Secured Notes") in a private placement (the "2020 Secured Notes Offering"). The net proceeds from the 2020 Secured Notes Offering, together with the net proceeds of the Units offering discussed below, and cash on hand, were used to fund the tender offer and consent solicitation with respect to the Company’s then-outstanding 10.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2016 and the redemption of the remaining notes that were not purchased in the tender offer as described below.
	The First Lien Notes are secured by a first-priority lien and the Second Lien 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 October 31, 2014, the aggregate book value of the real property that constituted collateral securing the 2020 Secured Notes was approximately $673.1 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 collateral that secured the 2020 Secured Notes was $168.6 million as of October 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 First Lien Notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option at any time prior to October 15, 2015 at 100% of the principal amount plus an applicable “Make-Whole Amount.” We may also redeem some or all of the First Lien Notes at 105.438% of principal commencing October 15, 2015, at 103.625% of principal commencing October 15, 2016, at 101.813% of principal commencing October 15, 2017 and 100% of principal commencing October 15, 2018. In addition, we may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the First Lien Notes prior to October 15, 2015 with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings at 107.25% of principal.
	The Second Lien Notes are redeemable in whole or in part at our option at any time prior to November 15, 2015 at 100% of the principal amount plus an applicable “Make-Whole Amount.” We may also redeem some or all of the Second Lien Notes at 106.844% of principal commencing November 15, 2015, at 104.563% of principal commencing November 15, 2016, at 102.281% of principal commencing November 15, 2017 and 100% of principal commencing November 15, 2018. In addition, we may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Second Lien Notes prior to November 15, 2015 with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings at 109.125% of principal.
	Also 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 of 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 October 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. Following certain corporate events that 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.
	The net proceeds of the Units offering, along with the net proceeds from the 2020 Secured Notes Offering previously discussed, and cash on hand, were used to fund the tender offer and consent solicitation with respect to the Company’s then outstanding 10.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2016 and redemption of the remaining notes that were not purchased in the tender offer as described below.
	On October 2, 2012, pursuant to a cash tender offer and consent solicitation, we purchased in a fixed-price tender offer approximately $637.2 million aggregate principal amount of 10.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2016 for approximately $691.3 million, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Subsequently, all 10.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2016 that were not tendered in the tender offer (approximately $159.8 million) were redeemed for an aggregate redemption price of approximately $181.8 million. The tender offer and redemption resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $87.0 million, including the write-off of unamortized discounts and fees. The loss is included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as “(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt.”
	During the year ended October 31, 2012, we repurchased for cash in the open market and privately negotiated transactions $21.0 million principal amount of our 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016, $61.1 million principal amount of our 7.5% Senior Notes due 2016, $37.4 million principal amount of our 8.625% Senior Notes due 2017 and $2.0 million principal amount of our 11.875% Senior Notes due 2015. The aggregate purchase price for these repurchases was $72.2 million, plus accrued and unpaid interest. These repurchases resulted in a gain on extinguishment of debt of $48.4 million for the year ended October 31, 2012, net of the write-off of unamortized discounts and fees. The gain is included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as “(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt.” Certain of these repurchases were funded with the proceeds from our April 11, 2012 issuance of 25,000,000 shares of our Class A Common Stock (see Note 15).
	In addition, during the year ended October 31, 2012, pursuant to agreements with bondholders we exchanged $7.8 million principal amount of our 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016, $4.0 million principal amount of our 7.5% Senior Notes due 2016 and $18.3 million of our outstanding 8.625% Senior Notes due 2017 for shares of our Class A Common Stock, as discussed in Note 15. These transactions were treated as a substantial modification of debt, resulting in a gain on extinguishment of debt of $9.3 million for the year ended October 31, 2012. The gain is included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as “(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt.”
	On September 16, 2013, K. Hovnanian issued an aggregate principal amount of $41.6 million of its 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016. The Notes were issued as additional 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016 under the indenture dated as of August 8, 2005. The net proceeds from this offering were used to fund the redemption on October 15, 2013 of all of K. Hovnanian’s outstanding 6.5% Senior Notes due 2014 and 6.375% Senior Notes due 2014 and to pay related fees and expenses.
	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 Consolidated Statement of Operations as “Loss on extinguishment of debt” for fiscal 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 10 below for additional information.
	In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, K. Hovnanian solicited and obtained the requisite consent of holders of its 2020 Secured Notes to certain amendments to the indentures under which such notes were issued. K. Hovnanian paid an aggregate of $3.3 million to holders who consented thereunder.
	On November 5, 2014, K. Hovnanian issued $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.0% Senior Notes due 2019, resulting in net proceeds of $245.7 million. These proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including land acquisition and development.

Note_10_Tangible_Equity_Units

Note 10 - Tangible Equity Units	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Tangible Equity Units Disclosure [Abstract]
Tangible Equity Units Disclosure [Text Block]	10. 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”). 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.
	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 October 31, 2014, we had no Purchase Contracts or Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes outstanding.

Note_11_Operating_and_Reportin

Note 11 - Operating and Reporting Segments	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	11. 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. Our 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 typically 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 (loss) before income taxes”). Income (loss) before income taxes for the Homebuilding segments consist of revenues generated from the sales of homes and land, income (loss) from unconsolidated entities, management fees and other income, less the cost of homes and land sold, selling, general and administrative expenses, interest expense and non-controlling interest expense. Income before income taxes for the Financial Services segment consist 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 operations of our segments was as follows:
			Year Ended October 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013		2012
	Revenues:
	Northeast		$275,830		$282,855		$233,326
	Mid-Atlantic		332,719		289,303		273,080
	Midwest		226,174		163,485		106,719
	Southeast		204,671		147,570		128,684
	Southwest		751,426		697,358		518,931
	West		230,308		223,086		185,851
	Total homebuilding		2,021,128		1,803,657		1,446,591
	Financial services		42,414		47,727		38,735
	Corporate and unallocated		(162	)	(131	)	27
	Total revenues		$2,063,380		$1,851,253		$1,485,353
	Income (loss) before income taxes:
	Northeast		$(7,517	)	$1,519		$(4,683	)
	Mid-Atlantic		23,897		24,388		17,262
	Midwest		17,879		12,270		253
	Southeast		9,247		6,455		(4,828	)
	Southwest		74,527		76,459		42,178
	West		21,303		14,398		(3,177	)
	Total homebuilding		139,336		135,489		47,005
	Financial services		13,798		18,668		15,087
	Corporate and unallocated		(132,954	)	(132,222	)	(163,340	)
	Income (loss) before income taxes		$20,180		$21,935		$(101,248	)
			October 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013
	Assets:
	Northeast		$315,573		$323,152
	Mid-Atlantic		313,494		240,486
	Midwest		169,967		104,596
	Southeast		148,096		101,410
	Southwest		410,756		305,878
	West		143,245		130,545
	Total homebuilding		1,501,131		1,206,067
	Financial services		120,343		148,853
	Corporate and unallocated (1)		668,456		404,210
	Total assets		$2,289,930		$1,759,130
		-1	Includes $285.1 million related to the partial reversal of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance in fiscal 2014.
			October 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013
	Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures:
	Northeast		$6,987		$8,828
	Mid-Atlantic		36,285		33,052
	Midwest		806		1,661
	Southeast		4,787		3,412
	Southwest		-		-
	West		14,562		3,921
	Total homebuilding		63,427		50,874
Corporate and unallocated		456		564
Total investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures		$63,883		$51,438
		Year Ended October 31,
(In thousands)		2014		2013		2012
Homebuilding interest expense:
Northeast		$20,940		$26,163		$25,507
Mid-Atlantic		9,542		10,037		9,988
Midwest		5,354		3,737		2,994
Southeast		7,827		5,861		5,310
Southwest		20,543		16,071		15,880
West		12,619		12,960		14,416
Total homebuilding		76,825		74,829		74,095
Corporate and unallocated		64,519		68,745		78,338
Financial services interest expense (1)		(119	)	499		553
Total interest expense, net		$141,225		$144,073		$152,986
	-1	Financial services interest expenses are included in the Financial services lines on the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the respective revenues and expenses sections.
		Year Ended October 31,
(In thousands)		2014		2013		2012
Depreciation:
Northeast		$250		$245		$316
Mid-Atlantic		45		283		370
Midwest		355		528		517
Southeast		31		31		47
Southwest		131		163		217
West		33		148		302
Total homebuilding		845		1,398		1,769
Financial services		68		285		328
Corporate and unallocated		2,504		3,029		4,126
Total depreciation		$3,417		$4,712		$6,223
		Year Ended October 31,
(In thousands)		2014		2013		2012
Net additions to operating properties and equipment:
Northeast		$44		$388		$2,944
Mid-Atlantic		23		35		55
Midwest		927		279		218
Southeast		59		7		30
Southwest		39		44		-
West		170		19		-
Total homebuilding		1,262		772		3,247
Financial services		28		6		21
Corporate and unallocated		2,133		780		1,791
Total net additions to operating properties and equipment		$3,423		$1,558		$5,059
		Year Ended October 31,
(In thousands)		2014		2013		2012
Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated joint ventures:
Northeast		$(1,302	)	$3,738		$3,202
Mid-Atlantic		6,459		5,631		155
Midwest		17		1,045		598
Southeast		2,119		1,287		1,503
Southwest		-		-		-
West		604		339		(57	)
Total equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated joint ventures		$7,897		$12,040		$5,401

Note_12_Income_Taxes

Note 12 - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	12. Income Taxes
	Income taxes payable (receivable), including deferred benefits, consists of the following:
			Year Ended October 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013
	State income taxes:
	Current		$3,197		$3,301
	Deferred		(14,918	)	-
	Federal income taxes:
	Current		-		-
	Deferred		(272,822	)	-
	Total		$(284,543	)	$3,301
	The provision for income taxes is composed of the following charges (benefits):
			Year Ended October 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013		2012
	Current income tax (benefit) expense:
	Federal		$(1,690	)	$(9,878	)	$277
	State (1)		2,466		518		(35,328	)
	Total current income tax expense (benefit):		776		(9,360	)	(35,051	)
	Federal		(272,822	)	-		-
	State		(14,918	)	-		-
	Total deferred income tax (benefit):		(287,740	)	-		-
	Total		$(286,964	)	$(9,360	)	$(35,051	)
	-1	The current state income tax (benefit) expense is net of the use of state net operating losses totaling $24.5 million, $23.1 million, and $3.4 million for the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	The total income tax benefit of $287.0 recognized for the twelve months ended October 31, 2014 was primarily due to the reversal of a substantial portion of our valuation allowance previously recorded against our deferred tax assets plus a refund received for a loss carryback to a previously profitable year and the impact of state tax reserves for uncertain state tax positions, partially offset by state tax expenses. The total income tax benefit of $9.4 million recognized for the year ended October 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, partially offset by state tax expenses and state tax reserves for uncertain state tax positions. The total income tax benefit was $35.1 million for the year ended October 31, 2012 primarily due to the elimination of reserves for uncertain state tax positions consistent with past practices and precedents of the relevant taxing authorities in their dealings with the Company, offset slightly by state tax expenses.
	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.
	During the year ended October 31, 2014, we concluded that it was more likely than not that a substantial amount of our deferred tax assets (“DTA”) would be utilized. This conclusion was based on a detailed evaluation of all relevant evidence, both positive and negative. The positive evidence included factors such as positive earnings over the last 30 months and the expectation of continued earnings going forward and evidence of a sustained recovery in the housing markets in which we operate. Such evidence is supported by significant increases in key financial indicators over the last few years, including new orders, revenues, gross margin, backlog, community count and deliveries compared with the prior years. Economic data has also been affirming the housing market recovery. Housing starts, homebuilding volume and prices are increasing and forecasted to continue to increase. Historically low mortgage rates, affordable home prices, reduced foreclosures and a favorable home ownership to rental comparison are key factors in the recovery.
	Potentially offsetting this positive evidence, we are currently in a three year cumulative loss position as of October 31, 2014. As per ASC 740, cumulative losses are one of the most objectively verifiable forms of negative evidence. Thus, an entity that has suffered cumulative losses in recent years may find it difficult to support an assertion that a DTA could be realized if such an assertion is based on forecasts of future profitable results rather than an actual return to profitability. In other words, an entity that has cumulative losses generally should not use an estimate of future earnings to support a conclusion that realization of an existing DTA is more likely than not if such a forecast is not based on objectively verifiable information. An objectively verifiable estimate of future income in that instance would be based on operating results from the reporting entity's recent history.
	We determined that the positive evidence noted above, including our two years of sustained operating profitability, outweighs the existing negative evidence, and because of our current backlog, we expect to be in a three year cumulative income position in the early part of fiscal 2015. Given that ASC 740 suggests using recent historical operating results in the instance where a three year cumulative loss position still exists, we used our recent historical profit levels in projecting our pretax income over the future years in assessing the utilization of our existing DTAs. Therefore, we concluded that it is more likely than not that we will realize a substantial portion of our DTAs, and that a full valuation allowance is no longer necessary. This analysis, along with current year usage of net operating losses, resulted in a partial reversal of $285.1 million of our valuation allowance against DTAs, leaving a remaining valuation allowance of $642.0 million.
	Our valuation allowance decreased to $642.0 million at October 31, 2014 from $927.1 million at October 31, 2013. Our state net operating losses of approximately $2.2 billion expire between 2015 and 2034. Our federal net operating losses of $1.5 billion expire between 2028 and 2033.
	The deferred tax assets and liabilities have been recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
			Year Ended October 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Depreciation		$2,407		$2,345
	Inventory impairment loss		219,487		230,553
	Uniform capitalization of overhead		9,005		6,208
	Warranty and legal reserves		14,342		15,571
	Deferred income		547		551
	Acquisition intangibles		18,014		22,523
	Restricted stock bonus		7,121		5,781
	Rent on abandoned space		2,830		3,591
	Stock options		8,481		6,994
	Provision for losses		43,585		38,923
	Joint venture loss		5,633		5,360
	Federal net operating losses		524,879		542,409
	State net operating losses		176,225		182,940
	Other		19,516		16,350
	Total deferred tax assets		1,052,072		1,080,099
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Acquisition intangibles		395		351
	Debt repurchase income		121,934		152,450
	Other		-		164
	Total deferred tax liabilities		122,329		152,965
	Valuation allowance		(642,003	)	(927,134	)
	Net deferred income taxes		$287,740		$-
	The effective tax rate varied from the statutory federal income tax rate. The effective tax rate is affected by a number of factors, the most significant of which is the valuation allowance related to our deferred tax assets. Due to the effects of these factors, our effective tax rates for 2014, 2013 and 2012 are not correlated to the amount of our income or loss before income taxes. The sources of these factors were as follows:
			Year Ended October 31,
			2014		2013		2012
	Computed “expected” tax rate		35	%	35	%	35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		(3.5	)	14		(2.6	)
	Permanent differences, net		0.8		11.3		(0.3	)
	Deferred tax asset valuation allowance impact		(1,393.3	)	(66.2	)	(32.3	)
	Tax contingencies		(0.6	)	(36.8	)	34.8
	Adjustments to prior years’ tax accruals		(60.4	)	-		-
Effective tax rate		(1,422.0	)%	(42.7	)%	34.6	%
ASC 740-10 provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits.
Income tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date to be recognized upon the adoption of ASC 740-10 and in subsequent periods. This interpretation also provides guidance on measurement, derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
We recognize tax liabilities in accordance with ASC 740-10 and we adjust these liabilities when our judgment changes as a result of the evaluation of new information not previously available. Due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a liability that is materially different from our current estimate of the tax liabilities. These differences will be reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense in the period in which they are determined.
We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line in the consolidated balance sheet.
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the year (in millions) excluding interest and penalties:
		2014		2013
Unrecognized tax benefit—November 1,		$1.80		$9.90
Gross increases—tax positions in current period		0.2		1.2
Decrease related to tax positions taken during a prior period		-		(9.3	)
Lapse of statute of limitations		(0.3	)	-
Unrecognized tax benefit—October 31,		$1.70		$1.80
Related to the unrecognized tax benefits noted above, as of October 31, 2014 and 2013, we have recognized a liability for interest and penalties of $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively. For the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized $(30) thousand, $0.1 million and $(18.3) million, respectively, of interest and penalties in income tax benefit.
It is likely that, within the next twelve months, the amount of the Company's unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $0.2 million, excluding penalties and interest. This reduction is expected primarily due to the expiration of the statutes of limitation. The portion of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the Company’s effective tax rate (excluding any related impact to the valuation allowance) is $1.1 million and $1.2 million as of October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The recognition of unrecognized tax benefits could have an impact on the Company’s deferred tax assets and the valuation allowance.
There is an open federal audit for the year ended October 31, 2013. We are also subject to various income tax examinations in the states in which we do business. The outcome for a particular audit cannot be determined with certainty prior to the conclusion of the audit, appeal, and in some cases, litigation process. As each audit is concluded, adjustments, if any, are appropriately recorded in the period determined. To provide for potential exposures, tax reserves are recorded, if applicable, based on reasonable estimates of potential audit results. However, if the reserves are insufficient upon completion of an audit, there could be an adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations. The statute of limitations for our major tax jurisdictions remains open for examination for tax years 2010–2013.

Note_13_Reduction_of_Inventory

Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Inventory Impairments And Land Option Cost Write Offs [Abstract]
Inventory Impairments And Land Option Cost Write Offs [Text Block]	13.  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. For the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, our discount rates used for the impairments recorded ranged from 16.8% to 17.3%, 18.0% to 19.3% and 16.8% to 18.5%, respectively. 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 years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, we evaluated inventories of all 396 and 388 communities under development and held for future development, respectively, for impairment indicators through preparation and review of detailed budgets or other market indicators of impairment. We performed detailed impairment calculations during the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 for 12 and 33 of those communities (i.e., those with a projected operating loss or other impairment indicators), respectively, with an aggregate carrying value of $28.2 million and $85.0 million, respectively, (four and eight were in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively, with an aggregate carrying value of $7.1 million and $21.8 million, respectively). As impairment indicators are assessed on a quarterly basis, some of the communities evaluated during the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 were evaluated in more than one quarterly period. Of those communities tested for impairment during the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, both periods had four communities with an aggregate carrying value of $23.1 million and $4.5 million, respectively, had undiscounted future cash flows that only exceeded the carrying amount by less than 20%. As a result of our impairment analysis, we recorded impairment losses, which are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and deducted from inventory, of $1.2 million, $2.4 million and $9.8 million for the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The following table represents impairments by segment for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	(Dollars in millions)		Year Ended October 31, 2014
			Number of	Dollar	Pre-
			Communities	Amount of	Impairment
				Impairment	Value (1)
	Northeast		2	$0.30	$0.60
	Mid-Atlantic		-	-	-
	Midwest		3	0.9	3.8
	Southeast		-	-	-
	Southwest		-	-	-
	West		-	-	-
	Total		5	$1.20	$4.40
	(Dollars in millions)		Year Ended October 31, 2013
			Number of	Dollar	Pre-
			Communities	Amount of	Impairment
				Impairment (2)	Value (1)
	Northeast		4	$2.40	$7.70
	Mid-Atlantic		1	-	0.1
	Midwest		-	-	-
	Southeast		1	-	0.4
	Southwest		-	-	-
	West		-	-	-
	Total		6	$2.40	$8.20
	(Dollars in millions)		Year Ended October 31, 2012
			Number of	Dollar	Pre-
			Communities	Amount of	Impairment
				Impairment	Value (1)
	Northeast		10	$2.80	$19.60
	Mid-Atlantic		3	0.4	0.8
	Midwest		2	1.6	4.5
	Southeast		12	2.8	8.3
	Southwest		-	-	-
	West		5	2.2	4.9
	Total		32	$9.80	$38.10
	-1	Represents carrying value, net of prior period impairments, if any, at the time of recording the applicable period’s impairments.
	-2	During the year ended October 31, 2013, the Mid-Atlantic had an impairment totaling $2 thousand and the Southeast had an impairment totaling $17 thousand.
	The Consolidated Statements 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. The total aggregate write-offs were $4.0 million, $2.6 million and $2.7 million for the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 costs written off.
	The following table represents write-offs of such costs by segment for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012:
			Year Ended October 31,
	(In millions)		2014	2013	2012
	Northeast		$0.90	$0.70	$0.70
	Mid-Atlantic		0.2	0.1	0.6
	Midwest		1	0.2	0.2
	Southeast		0.7	0.2	0.7
	Southwest		1.2	1.4	0.4
	West		-	-	0.1
	Total		$4.00	$2.60	$2.70

Note_14_Per_Share_Calculation

Note 14 - Per Share Calculation	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	14. Per Share Calculations
	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 included 6.1 million shares for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 and 8.8 million shares for the year ended October 31, 2012 related to Purchase Contracts (issued as part of our 7.25% Tangible Equity Units) which shares, as discussed in Note 10, were 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:
		Year Ended October 31,
	(In thousands, except per share data)	2014		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Hovnanian	$307,144		$31,295		$(66,197	)
	Less: undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested shares	(7,107	)	(58	)	-
	Numerator for basic earnings per share	$300,037		$31,237		$(66,197	)
	Plus: undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested shares	7,107		58		-
	Less: undistributed earnings reallocated to nonvested shares	(7,127	)	(59	)	-
	Plus: interest on senior exchangeable notes	3,487		3,720		-
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share	$303,504		$34,956		$(66,197	)
	Denominator:	146,271		145,087		126,350
	Denominator for basic earnings per share
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Share-based payments	1,013		1,396		-
	Senior exchangeable notes	15,157		15,846		-
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share – weighted-average shares outstanding	162,441		162,329		126,350
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$2.05		$0.22		$(0.52	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$1.87		$0.22		$(0.52	)
	Incremental shares attributed to nonvested stock and outstanding options to purchase common stock of 0.2 million for the year ended October 31, 2012, 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, for the year ended October 31, 2012, 18.6 million shares of common stock issuable upon the exchange of our senior exchangeable notes (which were issued in fiscal 2012) 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 2.0 million, 2.2 million and 2.5 million for the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented.

Note_15_Capital_Stock

Note 15 - Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	15. Capital Stock
	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 March 12, 2013, the Company held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders at which the Company’s shareholders approved an increase in the Company’s authorized common stock from 200,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class A Common Stock”), to 400,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and from 30,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class B Common Stock”), to 60,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share.
	On April 11, 2012, we issued 25,000,000 shares of our Class A Common Stock at a price of $2.00 per share, resulting in net proceeds of $47.3 million. The net proceeds of the issuance, along with cash on hand, were used to purchase $75.4 million principal amount of our senior notes, as discussed in Note 9.
	Pursuant to agreements with bondholders, during the year ended October 31, 2012, we issued an aggregate of 8,443,713 shares of our Class A Common Stock in exchange for an aggregate of $33.2 million of our outstanding indebtedness, consisting of $7.8 million principal amount of our 6.25% Senior Notes due 2016, $4.0 million principal amount of our 7.5% Senior Notes due 2016, $18.3 million of our outstanding 8.625% Senior Notes due 2017 and approximately $3.1 million aggregate principal amount of our 12.072% senior subordinated amortizing notes (the “exchanges”). The exchanges were effected with existing bondholders, without any underwriters, and no commission or other remuneration was paid or given directly or indirectly for soliciting such exchanges. The exchanges resulted in a gain on extinguishment of debt of $9.5 million for the year ended October 31, 2012.
	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 year ended October 31, 2014. As of October 31, 2014, the maximum number of shares of Class A Common Stock that may yet be purchased under this program is 0.5 million.
	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.” In fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, we did not pay any dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock due to covenant restrictions in our debt instruments.
	Retirement Plan - In December 1982, we established a tax-qualified, defined contribution savings and investment retirement plan (a 401(k) plan). All associates are eligible to participate in the retirement plan, and employer contributions are based on a percentage of associate contributions and our operating results. In fiscal 2009, we suspended the employer match portion of the program. In fiscal 2013, the employer match portion of the program was reinstated. Plan costs charged to operations were $4.7 and $0.6 million for the years ended October 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively. There were no plan costs charged to operations in fiscal 2012, as forfeited unvested contributions were used to cover such costs.

Note_16_Stock_Plans

Note 16 - Stock Plans	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	16. Stock Plans
	The fair value of option awards is established at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for the years ended October 31, 2014, October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012: risk free interest rate of  2.60 %, 2.14% and 1.65%, respectively; dividend yield of zero; historical volatility factor of the expected market price of our common stock of 0.70 for the year ended 2014, 0.96 for the year ended 2013 and 0.97 for the year ended 2012; a weighted-average expected life of the option of 7.42 years for 2014, 7.30 years for 2013 and 7.37 years for 2012; and an estimated forfeiture rate of 14.59% for fiscal 2014, 18.17% for fiscal 2013 and 15.99% for fiscal 2012.
	For the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, total stock-based compensation expense was $10.3 million (pre and post tax), $6.8 million (pre and post tax) and $6.5 million (pre and post tax), respectively. Included in this total stock-based compensation expense was incremental expense for stock options of $3.9 million, $4.0 million and $4.1 million for the years ended October 31, 2014, October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012,  respectively.
	We have a stock incentive plan for certain officers and key employees and directors. Options are granted by a committee appointed by the Board of Directors or its delegee in accordance with the stock incentive plan. The exercise price of all stock options must be at least equal to the fair market value of the underlying shares on the date of the grant. Options granted before June 8, 2007 generally vest in four equal installments on the third, fourth, fifth and sixth anniversaries of the date of the grant. Options granted on or after June 8, 2007 generally vest in four equal installments on the second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the date of the grant. All options expire 10 years after the date of the grant. During the year ended October 31, 2014, each of the five non-employee directors of the Company were given the choice to receive stock options or a reduced number of shares of restricted stock. Four selected to receive restricted stock units, and one selected 50% restricted stock units and 50% stock options. Non-employee directors’ options or restricted stock vest in three equal installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of the grant. Stock option transactions are summarized as follows:
			October 31,			Weighted-Average Exercise Price		October 31,		Weighted-Average Exercise Price	October 31,	Weighted-Average Exercise Price
			2014					2013			2012
	Options outstanding at beginning of period		6,591,054			$5.74		6,019,070		$5.97	5,094,367	$7.05
	Granted		376,822			$4.41		887,500		$6.28	1,334,828	$2.59
	Exercised		42,375			$2.74		44,812		$2.67	6,250	$2.55
	Forfeited		56,375			$2.66		76,500		$3.06	94,808	$4.77
	Expired		148,875			$27.42		194,204		$16.92	309,067	$9.61
	Options outstanding at end of period		6,720,251			$5.23		6,591,054		$5.74	6,019,070	$5.97
	Options exercisable at end of period		4,100,413					3,161,952			2,467,170
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $105 thousand, $167 thousand and $8 thousand, respectively. The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option.
	At October 31, 2014, 2.2 million options outstanding and exercisable had an intrinsic value of $2.9 million. Exercise prices for options outstanding at October 31, 2014 ranged from $1.93 to $60.36.
	The weighted-average fair value of grants made in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $3.06 , $5.14 and $1.74 per share, respectively. Based on the fair value at the time they were granted, the weighted-average fair value of options vested in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $2.09, $2.72 and $3.61 per share, respectively.
	The following table summarizes the exercise price range and related number of options outstanding at October 31, 2014:
	Range of Exercise Prices				Number		Weighted-Average		Weighted- Average Remaining
					Outstanding		Exercise Price		Contractual
									Life
	$1.93	–	$5.00		4,672,501		$3.07		6.35
	$5.01	–	$10.00		1,690,250		$6.37		6.29
	$10.01	–	$20.00		-		$-		-
	$20.01	–	$30.00		218,375		$21.73		2.58
	$30.01	–	$40.00		104,125		$32.33		1.58
	$40.01	–	$50.00		-		$-		-
	$50.01	–	$60.00		30,000		$54.70		0.36
	$60.01	–	$70.00		5,000		$60.36		0.58
					6,720,251		$5.23		6.11
	The following table summarizes the exercise price range and related number of exercisable options at October 31, 2014:
	Range of Exercise Prices				Number		Weighted-Average		Weighted- Average Remaining
					Exercisable		Exercise Price		Contractual
									Life
	$1.93	–	$5.00		2,940,163		$3.02		5.55
	$5.01	–	$10.00		802,750		$6.46		3.67
	$10.01	–	$20.00		-		$-		-
	$20.01	–	$30.00		218,375		$21.73		2.58
	$30.01	–	$40.00		104,125		$32.33		1.58
	$40.01	–	$50.00		-		$-		-
	$50.01	–	$60.00		30,000		$54.70		0.36
	$60.01	–	$70.00		5,000		$60.36		0.58
					4,100,413		$5.88		4.88
	Officers and key associates who are eligible to receive equity grants may elect to receive either a stated number of stock options, or a reduced number of shares of restricted stock units, or a combination thereof. Shares underlying restricted stock units vest 25% each year beginning on the second anniversary of the grant date. Participants aged 60 years or older, or aged 58 with 15 years of service, are eligible to vest in their equity awards on an accelerated basis on their retirement (which in the case of the restricted stock units only applies to a retirement that is at least one year after the date of grant). During the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we granted 168,161 (including 85,035 shares to certain of our non-employee directors), 104,944 (including 63,694 shares to certain of our non-employee directors) and 133,855 (including 104,167 shares to certain of our non-employee directors) restricted stock units, respectively, and also issued 67,804, 46,393 and 32,112 shares, relating to awards granted in prior fiscal years, respectively. During the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 12,000, 500 and 9,845 restricted stock units were forfeited, respectively.
	Through fiscal 2008, for certain associates, a portion of their bonus was paid by issuing a deferred right to receive our common stock. The number of shares is calculated for each bonus year by dividing the portion of the bonus subject to the deferred right award by our average stock price for the year or the stock price at year-end, whichever is lower. Twenty-five percent of the deferred right award will vest and shares will be issued one year after the year end and then 25% a year for the next three years. Participants with 20 years of service or who were over 58 years of age vest immediately. No deferred rights in lieu of bonus payments were awarded during fiscal 2014, 2013 or 2012. During the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, we issued 68,390 and 258,228 shares relating to awards granted in prior fiscal years, respectively.
	For the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 total compensation cost recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the annual restricted stock unit grants, market share unit grants and the stock portion of the long term incentive plan was $6.2 million, $2.7 million and $2.4 million, respectively. In addition to nonvested share awards summarized in the following table, there were 534,143 vested share awards at October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 which were deferred at the associates' election.
	A summary of the Company’s nonvested share awards as of and for the year ended October 31, 2014, is as follows:
			Shares			Weighted-Average
						Grant Date
						Fair Value
	Nonvested at beginning of period		2,463,647			$5.10
	Granted		878,834			$4.36
	Vested		(874,343	)		$4.60
	Forfeited		(9,000	)		$1.93
	Nonvested at end of period		2,459,138			$5.02
	Included in the above table are awards for the share portion of a long term incentive plan for certain associates, which is a performance based plan. The awards included above for this plan are based on our current best estimate of the outcome for the performance criteria. The change in this estimate resulted in a decrease of 0.1 million shares, which is reflected in the granted row on the above table.
	Also included in the table above are 800,000 target Market Share Units (“MSUs”) which were granted to certain officers during 2014. Fifty percent of the MSUs will vest in four equal annual installments, commencing on the second anniversary of the grant date subject to stock price performance conditions, pursuant to which the actual number of shares issuable with respect to vested MSUs may range from 0% to 175% of the target number of shares covered by the MSU awards, generally depending on the growth in the 60-day average trading price of the Company’s shares during the period between the grant date and the relevant vesting dates. The remaining fifty percent of the MSUs are also subject to financial performance conditions in addition to the stock price performance conditions applicable to all MSUs. These additional performance-based MSUs vest in four equal installments with the first installment vesting on January 1, 2017 and the remaining annual installments commencing on the third anniversary of the grant date, except that no portion of the award will vest unless the Committee determines that the Company achieved specified total revenue growth goals in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2014.
	The fair value of the MSU grants is determined using the Monte-Carlo simulation model, which simulates a range of possible future stock prices and estimates the probabilities of the potential payouts. This model uses the average closing trading price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange over the 60 calendar day period ending on the grant date. This model also incorporates the following ranges of assumptions:
		●	The expected volatility is based on our stock’s historical volatility commensurate with the life of each vesting traunche (2 year, 2.5 year, 3 year, 4 year and 5 years).
		●	The risk –free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate assumption commensurate with the life of each vesting traunche from 2-5 years.
		●	The expected dividend yield is not applicable since we do not currently pay dividends.
	The following assumptions were used for fiscal 2014 MSU Grants: historical volatility factors of the expected market price of our common stock of 47.52%, 58.07%, 63.79%, 61.12% and 64.67% for the 2 year, 2.5 year, 3 year, 4 year and 5 year vesting traunches, respectively; risk free interest rates of  0.45%, 0.71%, 0.93%, 1.32% and 1.70% for each vesting traunche, respectively; and dividend yield of zero for all time periods.
	As of October 31, 2014, we had 5.5 million shares authorized for future issuance under our equity compensation plans. In addition, as of October 31, 2014, there were $12.4 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of two years.

Note_17_Warranty_Costs

Note 17 - Warranty Costs	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block]	17. 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 fiscal years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, we received $2.3 million and $2.2 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 fiscal years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Year Ended October 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Balance, beginning of period	$131,028		$121,149
	Additions – Selling, general and administrative	18,839		18,676
	Additions – Cost of sales	11,115		13,529
	Charges incurred during the period	(18,241	)	(22,511	)
	Changes to pre-existing reserves	(2,600	)	185
	Additional reserves where corresponding amounts are recorded as receivables from insurance carriers	37,867		-
	Balance, end of period	$178,008		$131,028
	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 $6.4 million and $9.7 million for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, for prior year deliveries. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014, we settled a construction defect claims relating to the Northeast and West segments which made up the majority of the payments. For the year ended October 31, 2013, payments were made up of a number of smaller construction defect claims, primarily in the Northeast. Additional reserves related to claims that are expected to be recovered from insurance carriers of $37.9 million were recorded in fiscal 2014, which were comprised of claims where we exceeded our deductible in those years. When reserves for claims are recorded, the portion that is probable for recovery from insurance carriers is recorded as a receivable. As a result, there was no impact to the Consolidated Statement of Operations for these reserves.

Note_18_Transactions_with_Rela

Note 18 - Transactions with Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	18. Transactions with Related Parties
	During the year ended October 31, 2003, we entered into an agreement (as subsequently amended) to purchase land in California for approximately $31.4 million from an entity that is owned by Hirair Hovnanian, a family relative of our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. We took ownership of the final lots in December 2013, and in accordance with ASC 810-10, we no longer have any balances consolidated under “Consolidated inventory not owned” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Neither the Company nor the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer has a financial interest in the relative’s company from whom the land was purchased.
	During the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, an engineering firm owned by Tavit Najarian, a relative of our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, provided services to the Company totaling $1.2 million, $0.8 million and $0.9 million, respectively. Neither the Company nor the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer has a financial interest in the relative’s company from whom the services were provided.
	In November 2012, one of our joint ventures in which the Company has a 50% interest, sold an option to acquire a parcel of land for approximately $5.5 million. The total cost to the buyer was approximately $11.1 million and on which the commission was paid. John Pellerito, the son of Mr. Pellerito, one of the Company’s executive officers, was employed by the brokerage firm that handled the transaction and received $145,710 as a commission in connection with the transaction. Mr. Pellerito did not have a financial interest in the brokerage firm involved in the transaction nor did he receive any portion of the commission paid to his son.
	Ms. Jovanna Pellerito, the daughter-in-law of Mr. Pellerito, one of our executive officers, was employed by the Company and, in fiscal 2014 and 2013, her total compensation, including salary, commissions and other benefits, totaled approximately $96,000 and $172,000, respectively. Her compensation was commensurate with that of similarly situated employees in her position. Ms. Pellerito left the employ of the Company in May 2014.
	The Company has a significant interest in the amount of estate tax liabilities and any necessary sales by the Estate of Kevork S. Hovnanian, deceased, and other members of the Hovnanian family of their assets (which includes a significant amount of shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock) to pay such liabilities because the benefit of federal net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) to the Company would be significantly reduced or eliminated if we were to experience an “ownership change” as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. Based on recent impairments and current financial performance, the Company has generated NOLs of approximately $1.5 billion through the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013, and may generate NOLs in future years. During fiscal 2013, an outside law firm was retained to advise the Executors of the Estate and other members of the Hovnanian family in connection with estate tax planning. The fees and other charges of such legal services were incurred in fiscal 2013 and totaled $249,653, of which (1) the Company and (2) the Estate and Hovnanian family each paid half. Kevork S. Hovnanian was the founder and former Chairman of our Company. Our current Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and other members of his immediate family are Executors and among the beneficiaries of the will of Kevork S. Hovnanian.

Note_19_Commitments_and_Contin

Note 19 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	19. 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, including those regulating the emission or discharge of materials into the environment, the management of stormwater runoff at construction sites, the handling, use, storage and disposal of hazardous substances, impacts to wetlands and other sensitive environments, and the remediation of contamination at properties that we have owned or developed or currently own or are developing (“environmental laws”). 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 addition, noncompliance with these laws and regulations could result in fines and penalties, obligations to remediate, permit revocations or other sanctions; and contamination or other environmental conditions at or in the vicinity of our developments may result in claims against us for personal injury, property damage or other losses.
	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 reliably predict the extent of any effect these requirements may have on us, 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. The settlement agreement is being negotiated and is subject to Court approval. The Company has fully reserved for its share of the settlement.

Note_20_Variable_Interest_Enti

Note 20 - Variable Interest Entities	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entities Disclosure [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities Disclosure [Text Block]	20. 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 October 31, 2014 and 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 October 31, 2014, we had total cash and letters of credit deposits amounting to $88.5 million to purchase land and lots with a total purchase price of $1.4 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_21_Investments_in_Unconso

Note 21 - Investments in Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]	21. 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 home buyers. 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.
		31-Oct-14
	(Dollars in thousands)	Homebuilding		Land		Total
				Development
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$22,415		$205		$22,620
	Inventories	208,620		16,194		224,814
	Other assets	11,986		-		11,986
	Total assets	$243,021		$16,399		$259,420
	Liabilities and equity:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$27,175		$1,039		$28,214
	Notes payable	45,506		5,650		51,156
	Total liabilities	72,681		6,689		79,370
	Equity of:
	Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.	59,106		2,990		62,096
	Others	111,234		6,720		117,954
	Total equity	170,340		9,710		180,050
	Total liabilities and equity	$243,021		$16,399		$259,420
	Debt to capitalization ratio	21	%	37	%	22	%
		31-Oct-13
	(Dollars in thousands)	Homebuilding		Land		Total
				Development
	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 October 31, 2014 and 2013, we had advances outstanding of approximately $1.8 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets our “Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures” amounted to $63.9 million and $51.4 million at October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
		For The Twelve Months Ended
		31-Oct-14
	(Dollars in thousands)	Homebuilding		Land		Total
				Development
	Revenues	$173,126		$7,888		$181,014
	Cost of sales and expenses	(158,233	)	(7,313	)	(165,546	)
	Joint venture net income	$14,893		$575		$15,468
	Our share of net income	$7,710		$287		$7,997
		For The Twelve Months Ended
		31-Oct-13
	(Dollars in thousands)	Homebuilding		Land		Total
				Development
	Revenues	$307,993		$14,659		$322,652
	Cost of sales and expenses	(276,795	)	(9,396	)	(286,191	)
	Joint venture net income	$31,198		$5,263		$36,461
	Our share of net income	$9,581		$2,631		$12,212
		For The Twelve Months Ended
		31-Oct-12
	(Dollars in thousands)	Homebuilding		Land		Total
				Development
	Revenues	$323,177		$11,531		$334,708
	Cost of sales and expenses	(300,892	)	(9,318	)	(310,210	)
	Joint venture net income	$22,285		$2,213		$24,498
	Our share of net income	$4,763		$1,108		$5,871
“Income from unconsolidated joint ventures” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations reflects our proportionate share of the loss or income of these unconsolidated homebuilding and land development joint ventures. The difference between our share of the income or loss from these unconsolidated joint ventures in the tables above compared to the Consolidated Statements of Operations 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 $7.5 million, $13.2 million and $15.2 million for the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are recorded in “Homebuilding: Selling, general and administrative” on the 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. Including the impact of impairments recorded by the joint ventures, the total debt to capitalization ratio of all our joint ventures is currently 22%. 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 have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary, and therefore we do not consolidate these entities.

Note_22_Fair_Value_of_Financia

Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 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:
		Level1:	Fair value determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
		Level2:	Fair value determined using significant other observable inputs.
		Level3:	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		Fair Value at		Fair Value at
			Hierarchy		31-Oct-14		31-Oct-13
	Mortgage loans held for sale (1)		Level 2		$95,643		$113,739
	Interest rate lock commitments		Level 2		15		369
	Forward contracts		Level 2		(320	)	(1,155	)
	Total				$95,338		$112,953
	-1	The aggregate unpaid principal balance is $91.2 million and $107.7 million at October 31, 2014 and 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 $428.5 million at October 31, 2014. Loans in process for which interest rates were committed to the borrowers totaled approximately $35.6 million as of October 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 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 October 31, 2014, the segment had open commitments amounting to $20.0 million to sell MBS with varying settlement dates through December 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:
			Year Ended October 31, 2014
	(In thousands)		Mortgage Loans		Interest Rate Lock Commitments		Forward
			Held for Sale				Contracts
	Changes in fair value included in net income (loss) all reflected in financial services revenues		$(1,518	)	$(354	)	$835
			Year Ended October 31, 2013
	(In thousands)		Mortgage Loans		Interest Rate Lock Commitments		Forward
			Held for Sale				Contracts
	Changes in fair value included in net income (loss) all reflected in financial services revenues		$1,604		$378		$(1,276	)
			Year Ended October 31, 2012
	(In thousands)		Mortgage Loans		Interest Rate Lock Commitments		Forward
			Held for Sale				Contracts
	Changes in fair value included in net income (loss) all reflected in financial services revenues		$(572	)	$(151	)	$1,216
	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 fiscal years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013. The assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are all within the Company's Homebuilding operations and are summarized below:
	Nonfinancial Assets
			Year Ended
			31-Oct-14
	(In thousands)		Fair Value		Pre-Impairment Amount		Total Losses		Fair Value
			Hierarchy
	Sold and unsold homes and lots under development		Level 3		$3,841		$(900	)	$2,941
	Land and land options held for future development or sale		Level 3		$572		$(278	)	$294
			Year Ended
			31-Oct-13
	(In thousands)		Fair Value		Pre-Impairment Amount		Total Losses		Fair Value
			Hierarchy
	Sold and unsold homes and lots under development		Level 3		$7,302		$(2,249	)	$5,053
	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 Consolidated Statements of Operations as “Inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs” and deducted from Inventory of $1.2 million, $2.4 million and $9.8 million for the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. See Note 13 for a further discussion of communities evaluated for impairment.
	The fair value of our cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents 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 $464.4 million as of October 31, 2014. As of October 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 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 $148.2 million, $1.0 billion, $17.0 million and $79.6 million, respectively, as of October 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	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 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 October 31, 2014, had issued and outstanding approximately $992.0 million of senior secured notes ($979.9 million, net of discount), $591.1 million senior notes ($590.5 million, net of discount) and $17.0 million senior amortizing notes and $70.1 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 9).
	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 9) are not, pursuant to the indentures under which such notes were issued, required to be registered. The 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 Consolidating Financial Statements). In lieu of providing separate financial statements for the Guarantor Subsidiaries of our registered notes, we have included the accompanying Consolidating Financial Statements. Therefore, separate financial statements and other disclosures concerning such Guarantor Subsidiaries are not presented.
	The following Consolidating Condensed 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.
	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
	31-Oct-14
	(In thousands)	Parent			Subsidiary			Guarantor			Nonguarantor		Eliminations			Consolidated
					Issuer			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Assets:
	Homebuilding	$-			$195,177			$1,336,716			$353,151		$-			$1,885,044
	Financial services							11,407			108,936					120,343
	Income taxes receivable	244,391						40,152								284,543
	Intercompany receivable (payable)				1,275,453						36,161		(1,311,614	)		-
	Investments in and amounts due from consolidated subsidiaries							338,044					(338,044	)		-
	Total assets	$244,391			$1,470,630			$1,726,319			$498,248		$(1,649,658	)		$2,289,930
	Liabilities and equity:
	Homebuilding	$2,842			$160			$544,088			$71,663		$-			$618,753
	Financial services							11,210			87,987					99,197
	Notes payable				1,685,892			3,336			551					1,689,779
	Intercompany payable (receivable)	308,700						1,002,914					(1,311,614	)		-
	Amounts due to consolidated subsidiaries	50,648			11,902								(62,550	)		-
	Stockholders’ (deficit) equity	(117,799	)		(227,324	)		164,771			338,047		(275,494	)		(117,799	)
	Noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures															-
	Total liabilities and equity	$244,391			$1,470,630			$1,726,319			$498,248		$(1,649,658	)		$2,289,930
	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
	31-Oct-13
	(In thousands)	Parent				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Nonguarantor				Eliminations			Consolidated
						Issuer				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	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	)
	Non-controlling 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
	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Parent			Subsidiary			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor		Eliminations			Consolidated
					Issuer			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Revenues:
	Homebuilding	$25			$-			$1,651,343			$369,598		$-			$2,020,966
	Financial services							9,572			32,842					42,414
	Intercompany income				100,878								(100,878	)		-
	Total revenues	25			100,878			1,660,915			402,440		(100,878	)		2,063,380
	Expenses:
	Homebuilding	3,286			131,730			1,549,659			336,651					2,021,326
	Financial services	20						6,832			21,764					28,616
	Intercompany charges							100,878					(100,878	)		-
	Total expenses	3,306			131,730			1,657,369			358,415		(100,878	)		2,049,942
	Loss on extinguishment of debt				(1,155	)										(1,155	)
	Income from unconsolidated joint ventures							94			7,803					7,897
	(Loss) income before income taxes	(3,281	)		(32,007	)		3,640			51,828		-			20,180
	State and federal income tax (benefit) provision	(298,775	)		(908	)		12,719								(286,964	)
	Equity in income (loss) from subsidiaries	11,650			(14,177	)		51,828					(49,301	)		-
	Net income (loss)	$307,144			$(45,276	)		$42,749			$51,828		$(49,301	)		$307,144
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2013
(In thousands)	Parent				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Non-				Eliminations			Consolidated
					Issuer				Subsidiaries			Guarantor
												Subsidiaries
Revenues:
Homebuilding		$3				$(235	)			$1,497,016			$311,730				$(4,988	)		$1,803,526
Financial services										9,386			38,341							47,727
Intercompany charges						81,816				(104,212	)		(2,325	)			24,721			-
Total revenues		3				81,581				1,402,190			347,746				19,733			1,851,253
Expenses:
Homebuilding		8,608				123,511				1,373,360			295,390				10,670			1,811,539
Financial services		17								6,721			22,321							29,059
Total expenses		8,625				123,511				1,380,081			317,711				10,670			1,840,598
(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt						(770,769	)			770,009										(760	)
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures										2,327			9,713							12,040
(Loss) income before income taxes		(8,622	)			(812,699	)			794,445			39,748				9,063			21,935
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision		(21,541	)							12,181										(9,360	)
Equity in income (loss) from subsidiaries		18,376				(11,514	)			39,748							(46,610	)		-
Net income (loss)		$31,295				$(824,213	)			$822,012			$39,748				$(37,547	)		$31,295
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2012
(In thousands)	Parent				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Non-				Eliminations			Consolidated
					Issuer				Subsidiaries			Guarantor
												Subsidiaries
Revenues:
Homebuilding		$9				$(270	)			$1,364,733			$87,124				$(4,978	)		$1,446,618
Financial services										8,082			30,653							38,735
Intercompany charges						98,805				(120,094	)		(3,590	)			24,879			-
Total revenues		9				98,535				1,252,721			114,187				19,901			1,485,353
Expenses:
Homebuilding		3,030				150,297				1,300,728			79,899				5,334			1,539,288
Financial services		(28	)							5,737			17,951				(12	)		23,648
Total expenses		3,002				150,297				1,306,465			97,850				5,322			1,562,936
Loss on extinguishment of debt						(29,066	)													(29,066	)
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures										561			4,840							5,401
(Loss) income before income taxes		(2,993	)			(80,828	)			(53,183	)		21,177				14,579			(101,248	)
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision		(17,495	)							(17,580	)		24							(35,051	)
Equity in (loss) income from subsidiaries		(80,699	)			(1,521	)			21,153							61,067			-
Net (loss) income		$(66,197	)			$(82,349	)			$(14,450	)		$21,153				$75,646			$(66,197	)
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2014
(In thousands)	Parent			Subsidiary			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor		Eliminations			Consolidated
				Issuer			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$307,144			$(45,276	)		$42,749			$51,828		$(49,301	)		$307,144
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(277,932	)		14,334			(303,507	)		20,075		49,301			(497,729	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	29,212			(30,942	)		(260,758	)		71,903		-			(190,585	)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of property and assets							467			48					515
Purchase of property, equipment, and other fixed assets and acquisitions							(3,395	)		(28	)				(3,423	)
(Increase) in restricted cash related to mortgage company										(655	)				(655	)
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures				(95	)		(831	)		(20,773	)				(21,699	)
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated joint ventures				203			3,787			7,117					11,107
Intercompany investing activities				(167,370	)							167,370			-
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-			(167,262	)		28			(14,291	)	167,370			(14,155	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from mortgages and notes							39,345			1,425					40,770
Net proceeds from model sale leaseback financing programs							17,232			1,982					19,214
Net payments from land bank financing programs							(8,297	)		(9,009	)				(17,306	)
Net proceeds from senior notes				121,447											121,447
Net payments related to mortgage warehouse lines of credit										(14,744	)				(14,744	)
Deferred financing cost from land banking financing program and note issuances				(7,205	)		(4,051	)		(691	)				(11,947	)
Intercompany financing activities	(29,212	)					218,254			(21,672	)	(167,370	)		-
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(29,212	)		114,242			262,483			(42,709	)	(167,370	)		137,434
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-			(83,962	)		1,753			14,903		-			(67,306	)
Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of period				243,470			(6,479	)		92,213					329,204
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period	$-			$159,508			$(4,726	)		$107,116		$-			$261,898
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2013
(In thousands)	Parent				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Non-				Eliminations			Consolidated
					Issuer				Subsidiaries			Guarantor
												Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)		$31,295				$(824,213	)			$822,012			$39,748				$(37,547	)		$31,295
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		29,653				797,892				(875,287	)		(11,832	)			37,547			(22,027	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		60,948				(26,321	)			(53,275	)		27,916				-			9,268
Net cash provided by investing activities						235				11,819			18,231				-			30,285
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities						(6,139	)			52,914			(30,356	)			-			16,419
Intercompany financing activities - net		(60,948	)			78,598				(15,920	)		(1,730	)			-			-
Net increase (decrease) in cash		-				46,373				(4,462	)		14,061				-			55,972
Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of period		-				197,097				(2,017	)		78,152				-			273,232
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period		$-				$243,470				$(6,479	)		$92,213				$-			$329,204
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2012
(In thousands)	Parent				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Non-				Eliminations			Consolidated
					Issuer				Subsidiaries			Guarantor
												Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income		$(66,197	)			$(82,349	)			$(14,450	)		$21,153				$75,646			$(66,197	)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities		37,030				53,114				124,875			(140,174	)			(75,646	)		(801	)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities		(29,167	)			(29,235	)			110,425			(119,021	)			-			(66,998	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		-				146				(3,260	)		1,614				-			(1,500	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		47,221				(79,976	)			49,670			74,075				-			90,990
Intercompany financing activities - net		(18,054	)			194,040				(153,863	)		(22,123	)			-			-
Net increase (decrease) in cash		-				84,975				2,972			(65,455	)			-			22,492
Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of period		-				112,122				(4,989	)		143,607				-			250,740
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period		$-				$197,097				$(2,017	)		$78,152				$-			$273,232

Note_24_Unaudited_Summarized_C

Note 24 - Unaudited Summarized Consolidated Quarterly Information	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	24. Unaudited Summarized Consolidated Quarterly Information
	Summarized quarterly financial information for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands, except per share data)	October 31,		July 31,		April 30,		January 31,
		2014		2014		2014		2014
	Revenues	$698,394		$551,009		$449,929		$364,048
	Expenses	663,149		535,107		456,617		389,845
	Inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs	3,297		741		522		664
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	-		-		(1,155	)	-
	Income from unconsolidated joint ventures	4,048		211		1,067		2,571
	Income (loss) before income taxes	35,996		15,372		(7,298	)	(23,890	)
	State and federal income tax (benefit) provision	(286,468	)	(1,733	)	604		633
	Net income (loss)	$322,464		$17,105		$(7,902	)	$(24,523	)
	Per share data:
	Basic:
	Income (loss) per common share	$2.15		$0.11		$(0.05	)	$(0.17	)
	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	146,413		146,365		146,325		145,982
	Assuming dilution:
	Income (loss) per common share	$1.95		$0.11		$(0.05	)	$(0.17	)
	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	161,720		162,278		146,325		145,982
		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands, except per share data)	October 31,		July 31,		April 30,		January 31,
		2013		2013		2013		2013
	Revenues	$591,687		$478,357		$422,998		$358,211
	Expenses	561,061		471,036		422,899		380,637
	Inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs	1,486		623		2,191		665
	(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt	(760	)	-		-		-
	Income from unconsolidated joint ventures	5,234		3,690		827		2,289
	Income (loss) before income taxes	33,614		10,388		(1,265	)	(20,802	)
	State and federal income tax provision (benefit)	795		1,922		(2,583	)	(9,494	)
	Net income (loss)	$32,819		$8,466		$1,318		$(11,308	)
	Per share data:
	Basic:
	Income (loss) per common share	$0.22		$0.06		$0.01		$(0.08	)
	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	145,821		146,056		145,948		141,725
	Assuming dilution:
	Income (loss) per common share	$0.21		$0.06		$0.01		$(0.08	)
	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	162,100		162,823		147,231		141,725

Note_25_Subsequent_Events

Note 25 - Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	25. Subsequent Events
	On November 5, 2014, K. Hovnanian issued $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.0% Senior Notes due 2019, resulting in net proceeds of $245.7 million. These proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including land acquisition and development. The notes will mature on November 1, 2019. The notes are redeemable in whole or in part at K. Hovnanian’s option at any time prior to August 1, 2019 at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount plus an applicable “Make-Whole Amount.” At any time and from time to time on or after August 1, 2019, K. Hovnanian may also redeem some or all of the notes to a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount.

Accounting_Policies_by_Policy_

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US 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 financial statements.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Recognition from Home and Land Sales - We are primarily engaged in the development, construction, marketing and sale of residential single-family and multi-family homes where the planned construction cycle is less than 12 months. For these homes, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360-20, “Property, Plant and Equipment - Real Estate Sales”, revenue is recognized when title is conveyed to the buyer, adequate initial and continuing investments have been received and there is no continued involvement. In situations where the buyer’s financing is originated by our mortgage subsidiary and the buyer has not made an adequate initial investment or continuing investment as prescribed by ASC 360-20, the profit on such sales is deferred until the sale of the related mortgage loan to a third-party investor has been completed.
	Income Recognition from Mortgage Loans - Our Financial Services segment originates mortgages, primarily for our homebuilding customers. We use mandatory investor commitments and forward sales of mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) to hedge our mortgage-related interest rate exposure on agency and government loans.
	We elected the fair value option for our mortgage loans held for sale in accordance with ASC 825, “Financial Instruments”, which permits us to measure our loans held for sale at fair value. 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.
	Substantially all of the mortgage loans originated are sold within a short period of time in the secondary mortgage market on a servicing released, nonrecourse basis, although the Company remains liable for certain limited representations, such as fraud, and warranties related to loan sales. Mortgage investors could seek to have us buy back loans or compensate them from losses incurred on mortgages we have sold based on claims that we breached our limited representations and warranties. We believe there continues to be an industry-wide issue with the number of purchaser claims in which purchasers purport to have found inaccuracies related to the sellers’ representations and warranties in particular loan sale agreements. We have established reserves for probable losses.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents – 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 October 31, 2014 and 2013, $15.4 million and $8.4 million, respectively, of the total cash and cash equivalents was in cash equivalents, the book value of which approximates fair value.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value of Financial Instruments - The fair value of financial instruments is determined by reference to various market data and other valuation techniques as appropriate. Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, receivables, deposits and notes, accounts payable and other liabilities, customer deposits, mortgage loans held for sale, nonrecourse and operating properties mortgages, mortgage warehouse lines of credit, accrued interest, and the senior secured notes, senior notes, senior amortizing notes, senior exchangeable notes and senior subordinated amortizing notes payable. The fair value of the senior secured notes, senior notes, senior amortizing notes, senior exchangeable notes and senior subordinated amortizing notes payable is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of the same remaining maturities.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories - Inventories consist of land, land development, home construction costs, capitalized interest, construction overhead and property taxes. Construction costs are accumulated during the period of construction and charged to cost of sales under specific identification methods. Land, land development, and common facility costs are allocated based on buildable acres to product types within each community, then charged to cost of sales equally based upon the number of homes to be constructed in each product type.
	We record inventories in our consolidated balance sheets at cost unless the inventory is determined to be impaired, in which case the inventory is written down to its fair value. Our inventories consist of the following three components: (1) sold and unsold homes and lots under development, which includes all construction, land, capitalized interest, and land development costs related to started homes and land under development in our active communities; (2) land and land options held for future development or sale, which includes all costs related to land in our communities in planning or mothballed communities; and (3) consolidated inventory not owned, which includes all costs related to specific performance options, variable interest entities, and other options, which consists primarily of model homes financed with an investor and inventory related to land banking arrangements accounted for as financings.
	We decide to mothball (or stop development on) certain communities when we determine that current market conditions do not justify further investment at that time. When we decide to mothball a community, the inventory is reclassified on our consolidated balance sheets from "Sold and unsold homes and lots under development" to "Land and land options held for future development or sale." As of October 31, 2014, the net book value associated with our 45 mothballed communities was $103.3 million, net of impairment charges recorded in prior periods of $412.4 million. We regularly review communities to determine if mothballing is appropriate. During fiscal 2014, we did not mothball any new communities, re-activated two mothballed communities and sold three mothballed communities.
	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 ASC 360-20-40-38, we are required to record this inventory on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of October 31, 2014, we had $3.5 million of specific performance options recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets to “Consolidated inventory not owned – specific performance options,” with a corresponding liability of $3.4 million recorded to “Liabilities from inventory not owned.” Consolidated inventory not owned also consists of other options that were included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with US 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 Consolidated Balance Sheet, at October 31, 2014, inventory of $70.4 million was recorded to “Consolidated inventory not owned – other options,” with a corresponding amount of $64.9 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 Consolidated Balance Sheet, at October 31, 2014, inventory of $35.0 million was recorded to “Consolidated inventory not owned – other options,” with a corresponding amount of $24.1 million recorded to “Liabilities from inventory not owned” for the amount of net cash received from the transactions.
	The recoverability of inventories and other long-lived assets is assessed in accordance with the provisions of ASC 360-10, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Overall,” ASC 360-10 requires long-lived assets, including inventories, held for development to be evaluated for impairment based on undiscounted future cash flows of the assets at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows. As such, we evaluate inventories for impairment at the individual community level, the lowest level of discrete cash flows that we measure.
	We evaluate inventories of communities under development and held for future development for impairment when indicators of potential impairment are present. Indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to, decreases in local housing market values, decreases in gross margins or sales absorption rates, decreases in net sales prices (base sales price net of sales incentives), or actual or projected operating or cash flow losses. The assessment of communities for indication of impairment is performed quarterly. As part of this process, we prepare detailed budgets for all of our communities at least semi-annually and identify those communities with a projected operating loss. For those communities with projected losses, we estimate the remaining undiscounted future cash flows and compare those to the carrying value of the community, to determine if the carrying value of the asset is recoverable.
	The projected operating profits, losses, or cash flows of each community can be significantly impacted by our estimates of the following:
		●	future base selling prices;
		●	future home sales incentives;
		●	future home construction and land development costs; and
		●	future sales absorption pace and cancellation rates.
	These estimates are dependent upon specific market conditions for each community. While we consider available information to determine what we believe to be our best estimates as of the end of a quarterly reporting period, these estimates are subject to change in future reporting periods as facts and circumstances change. Local market-specific conditions that may impact our estimates for a community include:
		●	the intensity of competition within a market, including available home sales prices and home sales incentives offered by our competitors;
		●	the current sales absorption pace for both our communities and competitor communities;
		●	community-specific attributes, such as location, availability of lots in the market, desirability and uniqueness of our community, and the size and style of homes currently being offered;
		●	potential for alternative product offerings to respond to local market conditions;
		●	changes by management in the sales strategy of the community;
		●	current local market economic and demographic conditions and related trends and forecasts; and
		●	existing home inventory supplies, including foreclosures and short sales.
	These and other local market-specific conditions that may be present are considered by management in preparing projection assumptions for each community. The sales objectives can differ between our communities, even within a given market. For example, facts and circumstances in a given community may lead us to price our homes with the objective of yielding a higher sales absorption pace, while facts and circumstances in another community may lead us to price our homes to minimize deterioration in our gross margins, although it may result in a slower sales absorption pace. In addition, the key assumptions included in our estimate of future undiscounted cash flows may be interrelated. For example, a decrease in estimated base sales price or an increase in homes sales incentives may result in a corresponding increase in sales absorption pace. Additionally, a decrease in the average sales price of homes to be sold and closed in future reporting periods for one community that has not been generating what management believes to be an adequate sales absorption pace may impact the estimated cash flow assumptions of a nearby community. Changes in our key assumptions, including estimated construction and development costs, absorption pace and selling strategies, could materially impact future cash flow and fair value estimates. Due to the number of possible scenarios that would result from various changes in these factors, we do not believe it is possible to develop a sensitivity analysis with a level of precision that would be meaningful to an investor.
	If the undiscounted cash flows are more than the carrying value of the community, then the carrying amount is recoverable, and no impairment adjustment is required. However, if the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount, then the community is deemed impaired and is written-down to its fair value. We determine the estimated fair value of each community by determining the present value of its estimated future cash flows at a discount rate commensurate with the risk of the respective community, or in limited circumstances, prices for land in recent comparable sale transactions, market analysis studies, which include the estimated price a willing buyer would pay for the land (other than in a forced liquidation sale), and recent bona fide offers received from outside third parties. Our discount rates used for all impairments recorded from October 31, 2012 to October 31, 2014 ranged from 16.8% to 19.3%. The estimated future cash flow assumptions are virtually the same for both our recoverability and fair value assessments. Should the estimates or expectations used in determining estimated cash flows or fair value, including discount rates, decrease or differ from current estimates in the future, we may be required to recognize additional impairments related to current and future communities. The impairment of a community is allocated to each lot on a relative fair value basis.
	From time to time, we write off deposits and approval, engineering and capitalized interest costs when we determine that it is no longer probable that we will exercise options to buy land in specific locations or when we redesign communities and/or abandon certain engineering costs. In deciding not to exercise a land option, we take into consideration changes in market conditions, the timing of required land takedowns, the willingness of land sellers to modify terms of the land option contract (including timing of land takedowns), and the availability and best use of our capital, among other factors. The write-off is recorded in the period it is deemed not probable that the optioned property will be acquired. In certain instances, we have been able to recover deposits and other pre-acquisition costs that were previously written off. These recoveries have not been significant in comparison to the total costs written off.
	Inventories held for sale are land parcels ready for sale in their current condition, where we have decided not to build homes but are instead actively marketing for sale. These land parcels represented $0.6 million and $2.7 million of our total inventories at October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. In determining fair value for land held for sale, management considers, among other things, prices for land in recent comparable sale transactions, market analysis studies, which include the estimated price a willing buyer would pay for the land (other than in a forced liquidation sale) and recent bona fide offers received from outside third parties.
Post-Development Completion, Warranty Costs and Insurance Deductible Reserves [Policy Text Block]	Post-Development Completion, Warranty Costs and Insurance Deductible Reserves - In those instances where a development is substantially completed and sold and we have additional construction work to be incurred, an estimated liability is provided to cover the cost of such work. 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. We do not have a deductible on our worker's compensation insurance. Reserves for estimated losses for construction defects, warranty, bodily injury and workers’ compensation claims have been established using the assistance of a third-party actuary. We engage a third-party actuary that uses our historical warranty and construction defect data and worker's compensation data to assist our management in estimating our unpaid claims, claim adjustment expenses, and incurred but not reported claims reserves for the risks that we are assuming under the general liability and worker's compensation programs. The estimates include provisions for inflation, claims handling and legal fees. These estimates are subject to a high degree of variability due to uncertainties such as trends in construction defect claims relative to our markets and the types of products we build, claim settlement patterns, insurance industry practices, and legal interpretations, among others. Because of the high degree of judgment required in determining these estimated liability amounts, actual future costs could differ significantly from our currently estimated amounts. 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. See Note 17 for additional information on the amount of warranty costs recognized in cost of goods sold and administrative expenses.
Inventory, Interest Capitalization Policy [Policy Text Block]	Interest - Interest attributable to properties under development during the land development and home construction period is capitalized and expensed along with the associated cost of sales as the related inventories are sold. Interest incurred in excess of interest capitalized, which occurs when assets qualifying for interest capitalization are less than our outstanding debt balances, is expensed as incurred in “Other interest.”
	Interest costs incurred, expensed and capitalized were:
			Year Ended
	(Dollars in thousands)		31-Oct-14		31-Oct-13		31-Oct-12
	Interest capitalized at beginning of year		$105,093		$116,056		$121,441
	Plus interest incurred(1)		145,409		132,611		147,048
	Less cost of sales interest expensed		53,966		52,230		54,538
	Less other interest expensed(2)(3)		87,378		91,344		97,895
	Interest capitalized at end of year(4)		$109,158		$105,093		$116,056
	-1	Data does not include interest incurred by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries.
	-2	Other interest expensed is comprised of interest that does not qualify for 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:
			Year Ended
	(Dollars in thousands)		31-Oct-14		31-Oct-13		31-Oct-12
	Other interest expensed		$87,378		$91,344		$97,895
	Interest paid by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries		1,969		2,975		2,433
	(Increase) decrease in accrued interest		(3,961	)	(8,062	)	1,132
	Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest		$85,386		$86,257		$101,460
	-4	Capitalized interest amounts are shown gross before allocating any portion of inventory impairments to capitalized interest.
Land under Option Arrangements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Land Options - Costs incurred to obtain options to acquire improved or unimproved home sites are capitalized. Such amounts are either included as part of the purchase price if the land is acquired or charged to “Inventory impairments loss and land option write-offs” if we determine we will not exercise the option. If the options are with variable interest entities and we are the primary beneficiary, we record the land under option on the Consolidated Balance Sheets under “Consolidated inventory not owned” with an offset under “Liabilities from inventory not owned.” If the option obligation is to purchase under specific performance or has terms that require us to record it as financing, then we record the option on the Consolidated Balance Sheets under “Consolidated inventory not owned” with an offset under “Liabilities from inventory not owned”. In accordance with ASC 810-10 “Consolidation - Overall”, we record costs associated with other options on the Consolidated Balance Sheets under “Land and land options held for future development or sale.
Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures - Investments in unconsolidated homebuilding and land development joint ventures are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, we recognize our proportionate share of earnings and losses earned by the joint venture upon the delivery of lots or homes to third parties. Our ownership interests in the joint ventures vary but our voting interests are generally 50% or less. In determining whether or not we must consolidate joint ventures where we are the managing member of the joint venture, 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 significant operating and capital decisions of the partnership, including budgets, in the ordinary course of business. The evaluation of whether or not we control a venture can require significant judgment. In accordance with ASC 323-10, “Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures - Overall”, we assess our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures for recoverability, and if it is determined that a loss in value of the investment below its carrying amount is other than temporary, we write down the investment to its fair value. We evaluate our equity investments for impairment based on the joint venture’s projected cash flows. This process requires significant management judgment and estimates. There were no write-downs in fiscal 2012, 2013 or 2014.
Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Deferred Bond Issuance Costs - Costs associated with the issuance of our senior secured, senior, senior amortizing, senior exchangeable and senior subordinated amortizing notes are capitalized and amortized over the term of each note’s issuance.
Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Debt Issued At a Discount - Debt issued at a discount to the face amount is accreted up to its face amount utilizing the effective interest method over the term of the note and recorded as a component of interest on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Advertising Costs - Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. During the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, advertising costs expensed totaled to $21.5 million, $17.2 million and $18.2 million, respectively.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Deferred Income Taxes - Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between amounts recorded for financial reporting and for income tax purposes. If the combination of future years’ income (or loss) combined with the reversal of the timing differences results in a loss, such losses can be carried back to prior years or carried forward to future years to recover the deferred tax assets. In accordance with ASC 740-10, “Income Taxes - Overall”, we evaluate our deferred tax assets quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required. ASC 740-10 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.
	In evaluating the exposures associated with our various tax filing positions, we recognize tax liabilities in accordance with ASC 740-10, for more likely than not exposures. We re-evaluate the exposures associated with our tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors such as changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, new audit activity, and effectively settled issues. Determining whether an uncertain tax position is effectively settled requires judgment. Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter for which we have established a liability is audited and fully resolved or clarified. We adjust our liability for unrecognized tax benefits and income tax provision in the period in which an uncertain tax position is effectively settled, or the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position or when more information becomes available. Due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a liability that is materially different from our current estimate. Any such changes will be reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense in the period in which they are determined.
Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization [Policy Text Block]	Depreciation - Property, plant and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets ranging from 3 to 40 years.
Prepaid Expenses [Policy Text Block]	Prepaid Expenses - Prepaid expenses which relate to specific housing communities (model setup, architectural fees, homeowner warranty program fees, etc.) are amortized to cost of sales as the applicable inventories are sold. All other prepaid expenses are amortized over a specific time period or as used and charged to overhead expense.
Receivables, Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts – We regularly review our receivable balances, which are included in Receivables, deposits and notes on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, for collectability and record an allowance against a receivable when it is deemed that collectability is uncertain. These receivables include receivables from our insurance carriers, receivables from municipalities related to the development of utilities or other infrastructure, and other miscellaneous receivables. At October 31, 2014 and 2013, the balance for allowance for doubtful accounts was $13.8 million and $14.7 million, respectively. The balance at October 31, 2014 and 2013 primarily related to the allowance for receivables from our insurance carriers for certain warranty claims which may not be fully recoverable, allowances for receivables from municipalities, an allowance for a receivable for a prior year land sale and an allowance for a receivable related to a legal settlement. During fiscal 2014 and 2013, we recorded $0.4 million and $7.4 million, respectively, of additional reserves and $1.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in recoveries. In fiscal 2013, we also had $0.1 million in write-offs.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Stock Options - We account for our stock options under ASC 718-10, “Compensation - Stock Compensation – Overall,” which requires the fair-value based method of accounting for stock awards granted to employees and measures and records the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. That cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award.
	Compensation cost arising from nonvested stock granted to employees and from nonemployee stock awards is recognized as expense using the straight-line method over the vesting period.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Per Share Calculations - 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 included 6.1 million shares for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, and 8.8 million shares for the year ended October 31, 2012, related to Purchase Contracts (issued as part of our 7.25% Tangible Equity Units) which shares, as discussed in Note 10, 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”) are considered participating securities.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 and 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 to 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, 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, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. We do not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2014-12 will have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, “Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern” (“ASU 2014-15”), which requires management to perform interim and annual assessments on whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued and to provide related disclosures, if required. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the Company for our fiscal year ending October 31, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We do not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2014-15 to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Note_3_Summary_of_Significant_1

Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule Of Real Estate Inventory Capitalized Interest Costs [Table Text Block]			Year Ended
	(Dollars in thousands)		31-Oct-14		31-Oct-13		31-Oct-12
	Interest capitalized at beginning of year		$105,093		$116,056		$121,441
	Plus interest incurred(1)		145,409		132,611		147,048
	Less cost of sales interest expensed		53,966		52,230		54,538
	Less other interest expensed(2)(3)		87,378		91,344		97,895
	Interest capitalized at end of year(4)		$109,158		$105,093		$116,056
	-1	Data does not include interest incurred by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries.
	-2	Other interest expensed is comprised of interest that does not qualify for 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 inventory impairments to capitalized interest.
Cash Paid for Interest, Net of Capitalized Interest [Table Text Block]			Year Ended
	(Dollars in thousands)		31-Oct-14		31-Oct-13		31-Oct-12
	Other interest expensed		$87,378		$91,344		$97,895
	Interest paid by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries		1,969		2,975		2,433
	(Increase) decrease in accrued interest		(3,961	)	(8,062	)	1,132
	Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest		$85,386		$86,257		$101,460

Note_4_Leases_Tables

Note 4 - Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	Years Ending October 31,	(In Thousands)
	2015	$10,295
	2016	8,741
	2017	4,424
	2018	1,242
	2019	1,150
	Thereafter	843
	Total	$26,695

Note_5_Property_Plant_and_Equi1

Note 5 - Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]		October 31,
	(In thousands)	2014	2013
	Land and land improvements	$2,398	$2,398
	Buildings	66,871	66,859
	Building improvements	9,660	8,869
	Furniture	6,187	6,262
	Equipment	35,227	36,998
	Total	120,343	121,386
	Less accumulated depreciation	73,599	75,175
	Total	$46,744	$46,211

Note_7_Mortgage_Loans_Held_for1

Note 7 - Mortgage Loans Held for Sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]		Year Ended
		October 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Loan origination reserves, beginning of period	$11,036		$9,334
	Provisions for losses during the period	3,814		3,138
	Adjustments to pre-existing provisions for losses from changes in estimates	(2,574	)	(786	)
	Payments/settlements (1)	(4,924	)	(650	)
	Loan origination reserves, end of period	$7,352		$11,036

Note_9_Senior_Secured_Senior_S1

Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]		Year Ended
	(In thousands)	31-Oct-14	31-Oct-13
	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)	53,129	53,119
	5.0% Senior Secured Notes due November 1, 2021 (net of discount)	129,806	128,492
	Total Senior Secured Notes	$979,935	$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)	60,414	60,044
	6.25% Senior Notes due January 15, 2016 (net of discount)	172,483	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	$590,472	$461,210
	11.0% Senior Amortizing Notes due December 1, 2017	$17,049	$20,857
	Senior Exchangeable Notes due December 1, 2017	$70,101	$66,615
	7.25% Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes due February 15, 2014	$-	$2,152
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	Fiscal Year Ended October 31,	2014
	2015	$65,053
	2016	263,994
	2017	126,293
	2018	72,945
	2019	150,000
	Thereafter	992,000
	Total	$1,670,285

Note_11_Operating_and_Reportin1

Note 11 - Operating and Reporting Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Note 11 - Operating and Reporting Segments (Tables) [Line Items]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]			October 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013
	Assets:
	Northeast		$315,573		$323,152
	Mid-Atlantic		313,494		240,486
	Midwest		169,967		104,596
	Southeast		148,096		101,410
	Southwest		410,756		305,878
	West		143,245		130,545
	Total homebuilding		1,501,131		1,206,067
	Financial services		120,343		148,853
	Corporate and unallocated (1)		668,456		404,210
	Total assets		$2,289,930		$1,759,130
			October 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013
	Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures:
	Northeast		$6,987		$8,828
	Mid-Atlantic		36,285		33,052
	Midwest		806		1,661
	Southeast		4,787		3,412
	Southwest		-		-
	West		14,562		3,921
	Total homebuilding		63,427		50,874
	Corporate and unallocated		456		564
	Total investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures		$63,883		$51,438
		-1	Includes $285.1 million related to the partial reversal of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance in fiscal 2014.
Operating Segments [Member]
Note 11 - Operating and Reporting Segments (Tables) [Line Items]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]			Year Ended October 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013		2012
	Revenues:
	Northeast		$275,830		$282,855		$233,326
	Mid-Atlantic		332,719		289,303		273,080
	Midwest		226,174		163,485		106,719
	Southeast		204,671		147,570		128,684
	Southwest		751,426		697,358		518,931
	West		230,308		223,086		185,851
	Total homebuilding		2,021,128		1,803,657		1,446,591
	Financial services		42,414		47,727		38,735
	Corporate and unallocated		(162	)	(131	)	27
	Total revenues		$2,063,380		$1,851,253		$1,485,353
	Income (loss) before income taxes:
	Northeast		$(7,517	)	$1,519		$(4,683	)
	Mid-Atlantic		23,897		24,388		17,262
	Midwest		17,879		12,270		253
	Southeast		9,247		6,455		(4,828	)
	Southwest		74,527		76,459		42,178
	West		21,303		14,398		(3,177	)
	Total homebuilding		139,336		135,489		47,005
	Financial services		13,798		18,668		15,087
	Corporate and unallocated		(132,954	)	(132,222	)	(163,340	)
	Income (loss) before income taxes		$20,180		$21,935		$(101,248	)
			Year Ended October 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013		2012
	Homebuilding interest expense:
	Northeast		$20,940		$26,163		$25,507
	Mid-Atlantic		9,542		10,037		9,988
	Midwest		5,354		3,737		2,994
	Southeast		7,827		5,861		5,310
	Southwest		20,543		16,071		15,880
	West		12,619		12,960		14,416
	Total homebuilding		76,825		74,829		74,095
	Corporate and unallocated		64,519		68,745		78,338
	Financial services interest expense (1)		(119	)	499		553
	Total interest expense, net		$141,225		$144,073		$152,986
			Year Ended October 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013		2012
	Depreciation:
	Northeast		$250		$245		$316
	Mid-Atlantic		45		283		370
	Midwest		355		528		517
	Southeast		31		31		47
	Southwest		131		163		217
	West		33		148		302
	Total homebuilding		845		1,398		1,769
	Financial services		68		285		328
	Corporate and unallocated		2,504		3,029		4,126
	Total depreciation		$3,417		$4,712		$6,223
			Year Ended October 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013		2012
	Net additions to operating properties and equipment:
	Northeast		$44		$388		$2,944
	Mid-Atlantic		23		35		55
	Midwest		927		279		218
	Southeast		59		7		30
	Southwest		39		44		-
	West		170		19		-
	Total homebuilding		1,262		772		3,247
	Financial services		28		6		21
	Corporate and unallocated		2,133		780		1,791
	Total net additions to operating properties and equipment		$3,423		$1,558		$5,059
			Year Ended October 31,
(In thousands)		2014		2013		2012
Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated joint ventures:
Northeast		$(1,302	)	$3,738		$3,202
Mid-Atlantic		6,459		5,631		155
Midwest		17		1,045		598
Southeast		2,119		1,287		1,503
Southwest		-		-		-
West		604		339		(57	)
Total equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated joint ventures		$7,897		$12,040		$5,401

Note_12_Income_Taxes_Tables

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Payable Receivable [Table Text Block]			Year Ended October 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013
	State income taxes:
	Current		$3,197		$3,301
	Deferred		(14,918	)	-
	Federal income taxes:
	Current		-		-
	Deferred		(272,822	)	-
	Total		$(284,543	)	$3,301
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]			Year Ended October 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013		2012
	Current income tax (benefit) expense:
	Federal		$(1,690	)	$(9,878	)	$277
	State (1)		2,466		518		(35,328	)
	Total current income tax expense (benefit):		776		(9,360	)	(35,051	)
	Federal		(272,822	)	-		-
	State		(14,918	)	-		-
	Total deferred income tax (benefit):		(287,740	)	-		-
	Total		$(286,964	)	$(9,360	)	$(35,051	)
	-1	The current state income tax (benefit) expense is net of the use of state net operating losses totaling $24.5 million, $23.1 million, and $3.4 million for the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]			Year Ended October 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Depreciation		$2,407		$2,345
	Inventory impairment loss		219,487		230,553
	Uniform capitalization of overhead		9,005		6,208
	Warranty and legal reserves		14,342		15,571
	Deferred income		547		551
	Acquisition intangibles		18,014		22,523
	Restricted stock bonus		7,121		5,781
	Rent on abandoned space		2,830		3,591
	Stock options		8,481		6,994
	Provision for losses		43,585		38,923
	Joint venture loss		5,633		5,360
	Federal net operating losses		524,879		542,409
	State net operating losses		176,225		182,940
	Other		19,516		16,350
	Total deferred tax assets		1,052,072		1,080,099
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Acquisition intangibles		395		351
	Debt repurchase income		121,934		152,450
	Other		-		164
	Total deferred tax liabilities		122,329		152,965
	Valuation allowance		(642,003	)	(927,134	)
	Net deferred income taxes		$287,740		$-
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]			Year Ended October 31,
			2014		2013		2012
	Computed “expected” tax rate		35	%	35	%	35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		(3.5	)	14		(2.6	)
	Permanent differences, net		0.8		11.3		(0.3	)
	Deferred tax asset valuation allowance impact		(1,393.3	)	(66.2	)	(32.3	)
	Tax contingencies		(0.6	)	(36.8	)	34.8
	Adjustments to prior years’ tax accruals		(60.4	)	-		-
	Effective tax rate		(1,422.0	)%	(42.7	)%	34.6	%
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]			2014		2013
	Unrecognized tax benefit—November 1,		$1.80		$9.90
	Gross increases—tax positions in current period		0.2		1.2
	Decrease related to tax positions taken during a prior period		-		(9.3	)
	Lapse of statute of limitations		(0.3	)	-
	Unrecognized tax benefit—October 31,		$1.70		$1.80

Note_13_Reduction_of_Inventory1

Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Inventory Impairments And Land Option Cost Write Offs [Abstract]
Inventory Impairment [Table Text Block]	(Dollars in millions)	Year Ended October 31, 2014
		Number of	Dollar	Pre-
		Communities	Amount of	Impairment
			Impairment	Value (1)
	Northeast	2	$0.30	$0.60
	Mid-Atlantic	-	-	-
	Midwest	3	0.9	3.8
	Southeast	-	-	-
	Southwest	-	-	-
	West	-	-	-
	Total	5	$1.20	$4.40
	(Dollars in millions)	Year Ended October 31, 2013
		Number of	Dollar	Pre-
		Communities	Amount of	Impairment
			Impairment (2)	Value (1)
	Northeast	4	$2.40	$7.70
	Mid-Atlantic	1	-	0.1
	Midwest	-	-	-
	Southeast	1	-	0.4
	Southwest	-	-	-
	West	-	-	-
	Total	6	$2.40	$8.20
	(Dollars in millions)	Year Ended October 31, 2012
		Number of	Dollar	Pre-
		Communities	Amount of	Impairment
			Impairment	Value (1)
	Northeast	10	$2.80	$19.60
	Mid-Atlantic	3	0.4	0.8
	Midwest	2	1.6	4.5
	Southeast	12	2.8	8.3
	Southwest	-	-	-
	West	5	2.2	4.9
	Total	32	$9.80	$38.10
Write-Offs and Lots Walked Away From [Table Text Block]		Year Ended October 31,
	(In millions)	2014	2013	2012
	Northeast	$0.90	$0.70	$0.70
	Mid-Atlantic	0.2	0.1	0.6
	Midwest	1	0.2	0.2
	Southeast	0.7	0.2	0.7
	Southwest	1.2	1.4	0.4
	West	-	-	0.1
	Total	$4.00	$2.60	$2.70

Note_14_Per_Share_Calculation_

Note 14 - Per Share Calculation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]		Year Ended October 31,
	(In thousands, except per share data)	2014		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Hovnanian	$307,144		$31,295		$(66,197	)
	Less: undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested shares	(7,107	)	(58	)	-
	Numerator for basic earnings per share	$300,037		$31,237		$(66,197	)
	Plus: undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested shares	7,107		58		-
	Less: undistributed earnings reallocated to nonvested shares	(7,127	)	(59	)	-
	Plus: interest on senior exchangeable notes	3,487		3,720		-
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share	$303,504		$34,956		$(66,197	)
	Denominator:	146,271		145,087		126,350
	Denominator for basic earnings per share
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Share-based payments	1,013		1,396		-
	Senior exchangeable notes	15,157		15,846		-
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share – weighted-average shares outstanding	162,441		162,329		126,350
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$2.05		$0.22		$(0.52	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$1.87		$0.22		$(0.52	)

Note_16_Stock_Plans_Tables

Note 16 - Stock Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]			October 31,			Weighted-Average Exercise Price		October 31,		Weighted-Average Exercise Price	October 31,	Weighted-Average Exercise Price
			2014					2013			2012
	Options outstanding at beginning of period		6,591,054			$5.74		6,019,070		$5.97	5,094,367	$7.05
	Granted		376,822			$4.41		887,500		$6.28	1,334,828	$2.59
	Exercised		42,375			$2.74		44,812		$2.67	6,250	$2.55
	Forfeited		56,375			$2.66		76,500		$3.06	94,808	$4.77
	Expired		148,875			$27.42		194,204		$16.92	309,067	$9.61
	Options outstanding at end of period		6,720,251			$5.23		6,591,054		$5.74	6,019,070	$5.97
	Options exercisable at end of period		4,100,413					3,161,952			2,467,170
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]	Range of Exercise Prices				Number		Weighted-Average		Weighted- Average Remaining
					Outstanding		Exercise Price		Contractual
									Life
	$1.93	–	$5.00		4,672,501		$3.07		6.35
	$5.01	–	$10.00		1,690,250		$6.37		6.29
	$10.01	–	$20.00		-		$-		-
	$20.01	–	$30.00		218,375		$21.73		2.58
	$30.01	–	$40.00		104,125		$32.33		1.58
	$40.01	–	$50.00		-		$-		-
	$50.01	–	$60.00		30,000		$54.70		0.36
	$60.01	–	$70.00		5,000		$60.36		0.58
					6,720,251		$5.23		6.11
	Range of Exercise Prices				Number		Weighted-Average		Weighted- Average Remaining
					Exercisable		Exercise Price		Contractual
									Life
	$1.93	–	$5.00		2,940,163		$3.02		5.55
	$5.01	–	$10.00		802,750		$6.46		3.67
	$10.01	–	$20.00		-		$-		-
	$20.01	–	$30.00		218,375		$21.73		2.58
	$30.01	–	$40.00		104,125		$32.33		1.58
	$40.01	–	$50.00		-		$-		-
	$50.01	–	$60.00		30,000		$54.70		0.36
	$60.01	–	$70.00		5,000		$60.36		0.58
					4,100,413		$5.88		4.88
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]			Shares			Weighted-Average
						Grant Date
						Fair Value
	Nonvested at beginning of period		2,463,647			$5.10
	Granted		878,834			$4.36
	Vested		(874,343	)		$4.60
	Forfeited		(9,000	)		$1.93
	Nonvested at end of period		2,459,138			$5.02

Note_17_Warranty_Costs_Tables

Note 17 - Warranty Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]		Year Ended October 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Balance, beginning of period	$131,028		$121,149
	Additions – Selling, general and administrative	18,839		18,676
	Additions – Cost of sales	11,115		13,529
	Charges incurred during the period	(18,241	)	(22,511	)
	Changes to pre-existing reserves	(2,600	)	185
	Additional reserves where corresponding amounts are recorded as receivables from insurance carriers	37,867		-
	Balance, end of period	$178,008		$131,028

Note_21_Investments_in_Unconso1

Note 21 - Investments in Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]		31-Oct-14
	(Dollars in thousands)	Homebuilding		Land		Total
				Development
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$22,415		$205		$22,620
	Inventories	208,620		16,194		224,814
	Other assets	11,986		-		11,986
	Total assets	$243,021		$16,399		$259,420
	Liabilities and equity:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$27,175		$1,039		$28,214
	Notes payable	45,506		5,650		51,156
	Total liabilities	72,681		6,689		79,370
	Equity of:
	Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.	59,106		2,990		62,096
	Others	111,234		6,720		117,954
	Total equity	170,340		9,710		180,050
	Total liabilities and equity	$243,021		$16,399		$259,420
	Debt to capitalization ratio	21	%	37	%	22	%
		31-Oct-13
	(Dollars in thousands)	Homebuilding		Land		Total
				Development
	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 Twelve Months Ended
		31-Oct-14
	(Dollars in thousands)	Homebuilding		Land		Total
				Development
	Revenues	$173,126		$7,888		$181,014
	Cost of sales and expenses	(158,233	)	(7,313	)	(165,546	)
	Joint venture net income	$14,893		$575		$15,468
	Our share of net income	$7,710		$287		$7,997
		For The Twelve Months Ended
		31-Oct-13
	(Dollars in thousands)	Homebuilding		Land		Total
				Development
	Revenues	$307,993		$14,659		$322,652
	Cost of sales and expenses	(276,795	)	(9,396	)	(286,191	)
	Joint venture net income	$31,198		$5,263		$36,461
	Our share of net income	$9,581		$2,631		$12,212
		For The Twelve Months Ended
		31-Oct-12
	(Dollars in thousands)	Homebuilding		Land		Total
				Development
	Revenues	$323,177		$11,531		$334,708
	Cost of sales and expenses	(300,892	)	(9,318	)	(310,210	)
	Joint venture net income	$22,285		$2,213		$24,498
	Our share of net income	$4,763		$1,108		$5,871

Note_22_Fair_Value_of_Financia1

Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	(In thousands)		Fair Value		Fair Value at		Fair Value at
			Hierarchy		31-Oct-14		31-Oct-13
	Mortgage loans held for sale (1)		Level 2		$95,643		$113,739
	Interest rate lock commitments		Level 2		15		369
	Forward contracts		Level 2		(320	)	(1,155	)
	Total				$95,338		$112,953
	-1	The aggregate unpaid principal balance is $91.2 million and $107.7 million at October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Table Text Block]			Year Ended October 31, 2014
	(In thousands)		Mortgage Loans		Interest Rate Lock Commitments		Forward
			Held for Sale				Contracts
	Changes in fair value included in net income (loss) all reflected in financial services revenues		$(1,518	)	$(354	)	$835
			Year Ended October 31, 2013
	(In thousands)		Mortgage Loans		Interest Rate Lock Commitments		Forward
			Held for Sale				Contracts
	Changes in fair value included in net income (loss) all reflected in financial services revenues		$1,604		$378		$(1,276	)
			Year Ended October 31, 2012
	(In thousands)		Mortgage Loans		Interest Rate Lock Commitments		Forward
			Held for Sale				Contracts
	Changes in fair value included in net income (loss) all reflected in financial services revenues		$(572	)	$(151	)	$1,216
Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]			Year Ended
			31-Oct-14
	(In thousands)		Fair Value		Pre-Impairment Amount		Total Losses		Fair Value
			Hierarchy
	Sold and unsold homes and lots under development		Level 3		$3,841		$(900	)	$2,941
	Land and land options held for future development or sale		Level 3		$572		$(278	)	$294
			Year Ended
			31-Oct-13
	(In thousands)		Fair Value		Pre-Impairment Amount		Total Losses		Fair Value
			Hierarchy
	Sold and unsold homes and lots under development		Level 3		$7,302		$(2,249	)	$5,053
	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)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	(In thousands)	Parent			Subsidiary			Guarantor			Nonguarantor		Eliminations			Consolidated
					Issuer			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Assets:
	Homebuilding	$-			$195,177			$1,336,716			$353,151		$-			$1,885,044
	Financial services							11,407			108,936					120,343
	Income taxes receivable	244,391						40,152								284,543
	Intercompany receivable (payable)				1,275,453						36,161		(1,311,614	)		-
	Investments in and amounts due from consolidated subsidiaries							338,044					(338,044	)		-
	Total assets	$244,391			$1,470,630			$1,726,319			$498,248		$(1,649,658	)		$2,289,930
	Liabilities and equity:
	Homebuilding	$2,842			$160			$544,088			$71,663		$-			$618,753
	Financial services							11,210			87,987					99,197
	Notes payable				1,685,892			3,336			551					1,689,779
	Intercompany payable (receivable)	308,700						1,002,914					(1,311,614	)		-
	Amounts due to consolidated subsidiaries	50,648			11,902								(62,550	)		-
	Stockholders’ (deficit) equity	(117,799	)		(227,324	)		164,771			338,047		(275,494	)		(117,799	)
	Noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures															-
	Total liabilities and equity	$244,391			$1,470,630			$1,726,319			$498,248		$(1,649,658	)		$2,289,930
	(In thousands)	Parent				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Nonguarantor				Eliminations			Consolidated
						Issuer				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	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	)
	Non-controlling 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]	(In thousands)	Parent			Subsidiary			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor		Eliminations			Consolidated
					Issuer			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Revenues:
	Homebuilding	$25			$-			$1,651,343			$369,598		$-			$2,020,966
	Financial services							9,572			32,842					42,414
	Intercompany income				100,878								(100,878	)		-
	Total revenues	25			100,878			1,660,915			402,440		(100,878	)		2,063,380
	Expenses:
	Homebuilding	3,286			131,730			1,549,659			336,651					2,021,326
	Financial services	20						6,832			21,764					28,616
	Intercompany charges							100,878					(100,878	)		-
	Total expenses	3,306			131,730			1,657,369			358,415		(100,878	)		2,049,942
	Loss on extinguishment of debt				(1,155	)										(1,155	)
	Income from unconsolidated joint ventures							94			7,803					7,897
	(Loss) income before income taxes	(3,281	)		(32,007	)		3,640			51,828		-			20,180
	State and federal income tax (benefit) provision	(298,775	)		(908	)		12,719								(286,964	)
	Equity in income (loss) from subsidiaries	11,650			(14,177	)		51,828					(49,301	)		-
	Net income (loss)	$307,144			$(45,276	)		$42,749			$51,828		$(49,301	)		$307,144
	(In thousands)	Parent				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Non-				Eliminations			Consolidated
						Issuer				Subsidiaries			Guarantor
													Subsidiaries
	Revenues:
	Homebuilding		$3				$(235	)			$1,497,016			$311,730				$(4,988	)		$1,803,526
	Financial services										9,386			38,341							47,727
	Intercompany charges						81,816				(104,212	)		(2,325	)			24,721			-
	Total revenues		3				81,581				1,402,190			347,746				19,733			1,851,253
	Expenses:
	Homebuilding		8,608				123,511				1,373,360			295,390				10,670			1,811,539
	Financial services		17								6,721			22,321							29,059
	Total expenses		8,625				123,511				1,380,081			317,711				10,670			1,840,598
	(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt						(770,769	)			770,009										(760	)
	Income from unconsolidated joint ventures										2,327			9,713							12,040
	(Loss) income before income taxes		(8,622	)			(812,699	)			794,445			39,748				9,063			21,935
	State and federal income tax (benefit) provision		(21,541	)							12,181										(9,360	)
	Equity in income (loss) from subsidiaries		18,376				(11,514	)			39,748							(46,610	)		-
	Net income (loss)		$31,295				$(824,213	)			$822,012			$39,748				$(37,547	)		$31,295
	(In thousands)	Parent				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Non-				Eliminations			Consolidated
						Issuer				Subsidiaries			Guarantor
													Subsidiaries
	Revenues:
	Homebuilding		$9				$(270	)			$1,364,733			$87,124				$(4,978	)		$1,446,618
	Financial services										8,082			30,653							38,735
	Intercompany charges						98,805				(120,094	)		(3,590	)			24,879			-
	Total revenues		9				98,535				1,252,721			114,187				19,901			1,485,353
	Expenses:
	Homebuilding		3,030				150,297				1,300,728			79,899				5,334			1,539,288
	Financial services		(28	)							5,737			17,951				(12	)		23,648
	Total expenses		3,002				150,297				1,306,465			97,850				5,322			1,562,936
	Loss on extinguishment of debt						(29,066	)													(29,066	)
	Income from unconsolidated joint ventures										561			4,840							5,401
	(Loss) income before income taxes		(2,993	)			(80,828	)			(53,183	)		21,177				14,579			(101,248	)
	State and federal income tax (benefit) provision		(17,495	)							(17,580	)		24							(35,051	)
	Equity in (loss) income from subsidiaries		(80,699	)			(1,521	)			21,153							61,067			-
	Net (loss) income		$(66,197	)			$(82,349	)			$(14,450	)		$21,153				$75,646			$(66,197	)
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]	(In thousands)	Parent			Subsidiary			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor		Eliminations			Consolidated
					Issuer			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income (loss)	$307,144			$(45,276	)		$42,749			$51,828		$(49,301	)		$307,144
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(277,932	)		14,334			(303,507	)		20,075		49,301			(497,729	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	29,212			(30,942	)		(260,758	)		71,903		-			(190,585	)
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Proceeds from sale of property and assets							467			48					515
	Purchase of property, equipment, and other fixed assets and acquisitions							(3,395	)		(28	)				(3,423	)
	(Increase) in restricted cash related to mortgage company										(655	)				(655	)
	Investment in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures				(95	)		(831	)		(20,773	)				(21,699	)
	Distributions of capital from unconsolidated joint ventures				203			3,787			7,117					11,107
	Intercompany investing activities				(167,370	)							167,370			-
	Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-			(167,262	)		28			(14,291	)	167,370			(14,155	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Net proceeds from mortgages and notes							39,345			1,425					40,770
	Net proceeds from model sale leaseback financing programs							17,232			1,982					19,214
	Net payments from land bank financing programs							(8,297	)		(9,009	)				(17,306	)
	Net proceeds from senior notes				121,447											121,447
	Net payments related to mortgage warehouse lines of credit										(14,744	)				(14,744	)
	Deferred financing cost from land banking financing program and note issuances				(7,205	)		(4,051	)		(691	)				(11,947	)
	Intercompany financing activities	(29,212	)					218,254			(21,672	)	(167,370	)		-
	Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(29,212	)		114,242			262,483			(42,709	)	(167,370	)		137,434
	Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-			(83,962	)		1,753			14,903		-			(67,306	)
	Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of period				243,470			(6,479	)		92,213					329,204
	Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period	$-			$159,508			$(4,726	)		$107,116		$-			$261,898
	(In thousands)	Parent				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Non-				Eliminations			Consolidated
						Issuer				Subsidiaries			Guarantor
													Subsidiaries
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income (loss)		$31,295				$(824,213	)			$822,012			$39,748				$(37,547	)		$31,295
	Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		29,653				797,892				(875,287	)		(11,832	)			37,547			(22,027	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		60,948				(26,321	)			(53,275	)		27,916				-			9,268
	Net cash provided by investing activities						235				11,819			18,231				-			30,285
	Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities						(6,139	)			52,914			(30,356	)			-			16,419
	Intercompany financing activities - net		(60,948	)			78,598				(15,920	)		(1,730	)			-			-
	Net increase (decrease) in cash		-				46,373				(4,462	)		14,061				-			55,972
	Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of period		-				197,097				(2,017	)		78,152				-			273,232
	Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period		$-				$243,470				$(6,479	)		$92,213				$-			$329,204
	(In thousands)	Parent				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Non-				Eliminations			Consolidated
						Issuer				Subsidiaries			Guarantor
													Subsidiaries
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net (loss) income		$(66,197	)			$(82,349	)			$(14,450	)		$21,153				$75,646			$(66,197	)
	Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities		37,030				53,114				124,875			(140,174	)			(75,646	)		(801	)
	Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities		(29,167	)			(29,235	)			110,425			(119,021	)			-			(66,998	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		-				146				(3,260	)		1,614				-			(1,500	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		47,221				(79,976	)			49,670			74,075				-			90,990
	Intercompany financing activities - net		(18,054	)			194,040				(153,863	)		(22,123	)			-			-
	Net increase (decrease) in cash		-				84,975				2,972			(65,455	)			-			22,492
	Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of period		-				112,122				(4,989	)		143,607				-			250,740
	Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of period		$-				$197,097				$(2,017	)		$78,152				$-			$273,232

Note_24_Unaudited_Summarized_C1

Note 24 - Unaudited Summarized Consolidated Quarterly Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands, except per share data)	October 31,		July 31,		April 30,		January 31,
		2014		2014		2014		2014
	Revenues	$698,394		$551,009		$449,929		$364,048
	Expenses	663,149		535,107		456,617		389,845
	Inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs	3,297		741		522		664
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	-		-		(1,155	)	-
	Income from unconsolidated joint ventures	4,048		211		1,067		2,571
	Income (loss) before income taxes	35,996		15,372		(7,298	)	(23,890	)
	State and federal income tax (benefit) provision	(286,468	)	(1,733	)	604		633
	Net income (loss)	$322,464		$17,105		$(7,902	)	$(24,523	)
	Per share data:
	Basic:
	Income (loss) per common share	$2.15		$0.11		$(0.05	)	$(0.17	)
	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	146,413		146,365		146,325		145,982
	Assuming dilution:
	Income (loss) per common share	$1.95		$0.11		$(0.05	)	$(0.17	)
	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	161,720		162,278		146,325		145,982
		Three Months Ended
	(In thousands, except per share data)	October 31,		July 31,		April 30,		January 31,
		2013		2013		2013		2013
	Revenues	$591,687		$478,357		$422,998		$358,211
	Expenses	561,061		471,036		422,899		380,637
	Inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs	1,486		623		2,191		665
	(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt	(760	)	-		-		-
	Income from unconsolidated joint ventures	5,234		3,690		827		2,289
	Income (loss) before income taxes	33,614		10,388		(1,265	)	(20,802	)
	State and federal income tax provision (benefit)	795		1,922		(2,583	)	(9,494	)
	Net income (loss)	$32,819		$8,466		$1,318		$(11,308	)
	Per share data:
	Basic:
	Income (loss) per common share	$0.22		$0.06		$0.01		$(0.08	)
	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	145,821		146,056		145,948		141,725
	Assuming dilution:
	Income (loss) per common share	$0.21		$0.06		$0.01		$(0.08	)
	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	162,100		162,823		147,231		141,725

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Non1

Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing Activities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing Activities (Details) [Line Items]
Note Foreclosure, Non-Recourse Liabilities Reduction	$9.50
Real Estate Owned, Transfer from Real Estate Owned	9.5
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	0.6
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Inventory Acquired		34.3
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Other Assets Acquired		5
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Nonrecourse Land Mortgages Assumed		20.6
Noncash rr Part Noncash Acquisition, Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities Assumed		$15.80
Common Class A [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing Activities (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities (in Shares)	3,396,102

Note_2_Business_Details

Note 2 - Business (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Note 2 - Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Communities	201
Homebuilding [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Segment Concentration Risk [Member]
Note 2 - Business (Details) [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	98.00%	97.00%	97.00%
Homebuilding [Member]
Note 2 - Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	6

Note_3_Summary_of_Significant_2

Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			36 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2014	Feb. 15, 2014
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Planned Construction Cycle	12 months
Cash Equivalents Policy, Number of Days	90 days
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$15,400,000	$8,400,000		15,400,000
Number of Communities Mothballed	45			45
Inventory, Real Estate, Mothballed Communities	103,300,000			103,300,000
Inventory, Real Estate, Mothballed Communities, Accumulated Impairment Charges	412,400,000			412,400,000
Number of Mothballed Communities Reactivated	2
Number of Mothball Communities Sold	3
Inventory Real Estate Specific Performance Options	3,500,000			3,500,000
Liabilities From Inventory Real Estate Not Owned	3,400,000			3,400,000
Inventory, Land Held-for-sale	600,000	2,700,000		600,000
General Liability Insurance, Deductible	20,000,000	20,000,000		20,000,000
Bodily Injury Insurance, Deductible	250,000	250,000		250,000
Bodily Injury Insurance, Limit	5,000,000	5,000,000		5,000,000
Aggregate Retention for Construction Defects, Warranty and Bodily Injury Claims	21,000,000	21,000,000		21,000,000
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	0	0	0
Advertising Expense	21,500,000	17,200,000	18,200,000
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	13,800,000	14,700,000		13,800,000
Provision for Doubtful Accounts	400,000	7,400,000
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Recoveries	1,300,000	800,000
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-offs		100,000
Prepaid Stock Purchase Contracts, Shares Included in Basic Earnings Per Share (in Shares)	6.1	6.1	8.8
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					7.25%
Model Sale Leaseback Financing Arrangements [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Liabilities From Inventory Real Estate Not Owned	64,900,000			64,900,000
Inventory Real Estate Other Options	70,400,000			70,400,000
Land Banking Arrangement [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Liabilities From Inventory Real Estate Not Owned	24,100,000			24,100,000
Inventory Real Estate Other Options	35,000,000			35,000,000
Homebuilding [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Real Estate Inventory [Member]
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	16.80%	18.00%	16.80%	16.80%
Homebuilding [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Real Estate Inventory [Member]
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	17.30%	19.30%	18.50%	19.30%
Homebuilding [Member]
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Inventory Real Estate Specific Performance Options	3,479,000	792,000		3,479,000
Liabilities From Inventory Real Estate Not Owned	92,381,000	87,866,000		92,381,000
Inventory Real Estate Other Options	$105,374,000	$100,071,000		105,374,000
Tangible Equity Units [Member]
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.25%			7.25%
The 6.00% Exchangeable Note Units [Member]
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.00%			6.00%
Minimum [Member]
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Joint Venture, Voting Interest Percentage	50.00%			50.00%
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years

Note_3_Summary_of_Significant_3

Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Interest Costs Incurred, Expensed and Capitalized (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014		Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012
Interest Costs Incurred, Expensed and Capitalized [Abstract]
Interest capitalized at beginning of year	$105,093	[1]	$116,056	[1]	$121,441
Plus interest incurred(1)	145,409	[2]	132,611	[2]	147,048	[2]
Less cost of sales interest expensed	53,966		52,230		54,538
Less other interest expensed(2)(3)	87,378	[3],[4]	91,344	[3],[4]	97,895	[3],[4]
Interest capitalized at end of year(4)	$109,158	[1]	$105,093	[1]	$116,056	[1]
[1]	Capitalized interest amounts are shown gross before allocating any portion of inventory impairments to capitalized interest.
[2]	Data does not include interest incurred by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries.
[3]	Other interest expensed is comprised of interest that does not qualify for 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.
[4]	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_3_Summary_of_Significant_4

Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Cash Paid for Interest, Net of Capitalized Interest (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014		Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012
Cash Paid for Interest, Net of Capitalized Interest [Abstract]
Other interest expensed	$87,378	[1],[2]	$91,344	[1],[2]	$97,895	[1],[2]
Interest paid by our mortgage and finance subsidiaries	1,969		2,975		2,433
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest	-3,961		-8,062		1,132
Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest	$85,386		$86,257		$101,460
[1]	Other interest expensed is comprised of interest that does not qualify for 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_Leases_Details

Note 4 - Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Note 4 - Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense (in Dollars)	$11.60	$10.80	$12.40
Model Homes [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 4 - Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	1 year
Model Homes [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 4 - Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	3 years
Minimum [Member]
Note 4 - Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Note 4 - Leases (Details) [Line Items]
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	5 years

Note_4_Leases_Details_Future_L

Note 4 - Leases (Details) - Future Lease Payments (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future Lease Payments [Abstract]
2015	$10,295
2016	8,741
2017	4,424
2018	1,242
2019	1,150
Thereafter	843
Total	$26,695

Note_5_Property_Plant_and_Equi2

Note 5 - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - Property, Plant, and Equipment (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$120,343	$121,386
Less accumulated depreciation	73,599	75,175
Total	46,744	46,211
Land and Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	2,398	2,398
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	66,871	66,859
Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	9,660	8,869
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	6,187	6,262
Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$35,227	$36,998

Note_6_Restricted_Cash_and_Dep1

Note 6 - Restricted Cash and Deposits (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 6 - Restricted Cash and Deposits (Details) [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	$29,300	$31,900
Customer Deposits [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Note 6 - Restricted Cash and Deposits (Details) [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	7,500	5,100
Customer Deposits [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Note 6 - Restricted Cash and Deposits (Details) [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	15,800	21,600
Homebuilding [Member]
Note 6 - Restricted Cash and Deposits (Details) [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	13,086	10,286
Financial Services [Member]
Note 6 - Restricted Cash and Deposits (Details) [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	$16,236	$21,557

Note_7_Mortgage_Loans_Held_for2

Note 7 - Mortgage Loans Held for Sale (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans Pledged as Collateral	$78.60	$94.10
Number of Loans Reserved For	130	187

Note_7_Mortgage_Loans_Held_for3

Note 7 - Mortgage Loans Held for Sale (Details) - Loan Origination Reserves (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014		Oct. 31, 2013
Loan Origination Reserves [Abstract]
Loan origination reserves, beginning of period	$11,036		$9,334
Provisions for losses during the period	3,814		3,138
Adjustments to pre-existing provisions for losses from changes in estimates	-2,574		-786
Payments/settlements (1)	-4,924	[1]	-650	[1]
Loan origination reserves, end of period	$7,352		$11,036
[1]	Includes the global settlement of all loans sold to one of our previously significant mortgage purchasers, which settlements covers all of our potential liability for such loans.

Note_8_Mortgages_and_Notes_Pay1

Note 8 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Note 8 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	65,053,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	263,994,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	126,293,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	72,945,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	150,000,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	992,000,000
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] | Mortgages [Member] | Nonrecourse Mortgages [Member]
Note 8 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Secured Debt	16,600,000	17,700,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	7.00%	7.00%
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] | Mortgages [Member]
Note 8 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	1,100,000
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	10,100,000
Homebuilding [Member] | Mortgages [Member] | Nonrecourse Mortgages [Member]
Note 8 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Secured Debt	103,908,000	62,903,000
Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount	220,100,000	132,400,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.00%	5.80%
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 7.25% 2020 Notes and 9.125% 2020 Notes [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member] | Restricted Cash [Member]
Note 8 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Cash Collateral for Borrowed Securities	5,600,000	5,200,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 7.25% 2020 Notes and 9.125% 2020 Notes [Member]
Note 8 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount	673,100,000
Cash Collateral for Borrowed Securities	168,600,000
Credit Suisse Master Repurchase Agreement [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 8 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.25%
Credit Suisse Master Repurchase Agreement [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 8 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.75%
Credit Suisse Master Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Note 8 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	50,000,000
Warehouse Agreement Borrowings	19,700,000	27,400,000
Line of Credit Facility, Additional Borrowing Capacity	30,000,000
Debt Instrument Variable Rate Basis Effective Rate	0.44%
Comerica Master Repurchase Agreement [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Note 8 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.63%
Debt Instrument Variable Rate Basis Floor Rate	0.25%
Comerica Master Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Note 8 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	35,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	2.88%
Warehouse Agreement Borrowings	11,300,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Citi Bank [Member]
Note 8 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Term	5 years
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			75,000,000
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	0
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	26,500,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Note 8 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	5,500,000	5,100,000
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Customers Bank [Member]
Note 8 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.75%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Customers Bank [Member]
Note 8 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	5.25%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | JP Morgan Chase Bank [Member]
Note 8 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Variable Rate Basis Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate LIBOR	0.16%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.85%
JP Morgan Chase Bank [Member]
Note 8 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	50,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	3.00%
Warehouse Agreement Borrowings	25,500,000	33,600,000
Customers Bank [Member]
Note 8 - Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	37,500,000
Warehouse Agreement Borrowings	20,400,000	$30,700,000

Note_9_Senior_Secured_Senior_S2

Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended					1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2011	Feb. 14, 2011	Apr. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jan. 10, 2014	Apr. 11, 2012	Nov. 05, 2014	Sep. 16, 2013	Aug. 08, 2005	Feb. 27, 2006	Jun. 12, 2006	Jun. 02, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2014	Feb. 15, 2014	Oct. 20, 2009	Oct. 02, 2012	Nov. 03, 2003	Mar. 18, 2004	3-May-04	Nov. 30, 2004	31-May-11	Feb. 09, 2014
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage																		7.25%
Debt Covenant Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Minimum					2												2
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage					7.63%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	100.00%
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt (in Dollars)			($1,155,000)	($760,000)	($1,155,000)	($760,000)	($29,066,000)
Tangible Equity Units, Rate		7.25%			7.25%												7.25%
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt (in Dollars)		286,200,000
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)		60,100,000					33,200,000
Cash Paid in Debt Exchange (in Dollars)	14,200,000
Interest Paid in Debt Exchange (in Dollars)	3,300,000
Debt Issuance Cost (in Dollars)	4,700,000
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures (in Dollars)				51,438,000	63,883,000	51,438,000											63,883,000
Senior Exchangeable Notes Exchanged for Class A Common Stock (in Shares)				18,305		18,305
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Redemption With Net Cash Proceeds From Certain Equity Offerings [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage								107.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Redemption With Net Cash Proceeds From Certain Equity Offerings [Member] | First Lien Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage					107.25%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Redemption With Net Cash Proceeds From Certain Equity Offerings [Member] | Second Lien Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage					109.13%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed								35.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage								100.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | First Lien Notes [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed					35.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | First Lien Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage					105.44%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Second Lien Notes [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed					35.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Second Lien Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage					106.84%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage								103.50%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] | First Lien Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage					103.63%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] | Second Lien Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage					104.56%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage								101.75%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] | First Lien Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage					101.81%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] | Second Lien Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage					102.28%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage								100.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member] | First Lien Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage					100.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member] | Second Lien Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage					100.00%
Common Class A [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues (in Shares)							25,000,000		25,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | 8.0% Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage										8.00%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)										250,000,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt (in Dollars)										245,700,000
Net of Discount [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 10.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)																			770,900,000
Portion Redeeemed [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 10.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)																				159,800,000
Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount (in Dollars)																				181,800,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 5.0% 2021 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.00%			5.00%	5.00%	5.00%											5.00%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)	141,800,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 2.0% 2021 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.00%			2.00%	2.00%	2.00%											2.00%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)	53,200,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 6.5% Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage																					6.50%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)																					215,000,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 6.375% Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage																						6.38%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)																						150,000,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 9.125 % Senior Notes Due 2009 [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage																							9.13%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)																							150,000,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 6.25% 2015 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage																								6.25%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)																								200,000,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 6.25% 2016 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage											6.25%	6.25%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)											41,600,000	300,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage												6.46%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage											100.00%	100.00%
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 7.5% 2016 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage													7.50%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)													300,000,000
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage													100.00%
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 8.625% 2017 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage														8.63%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)														250,000,000
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage														100.00%
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 10.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage																			10.63%	10.63%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)																			785,000,000						12,000,000
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt (in Dollars)							-87,000,000
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)																				637,200,000
Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount (in Dollars)																				691,300,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 11.5% Senior Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage																			11.50%
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 18% Senior Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage																			18.00%
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 11.875% 2015 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		11.88%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)		155,000,000
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		100.00%
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 8% Senior Notes Due 2012 [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		8.00%
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)		24,600,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 8.875% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)		44,100,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 2.0% 2021 Notes Member and 5.0% 2021 Notes [Member] | Secured Group [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures (in Dollars)					59,100,000												59,100,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 2.0% 2021 Notes Member and 5.0% 2021 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount (in Dollars)					120,400,000												120,400,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 7.25% 2020 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				7.25%	7.25%	7.25%											7.25%			7.25%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)																				577,000,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 9.125% 2020 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				9.13%	9.13%	9.13%											9.13%			9.13%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)																				220,000,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 7.25% 2020 Notes and 9.125% 2020 Notes [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member] | Restricted Cash [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Cash Collateral for Borrowed Securities (in Dollars)				5,200,000	5,600,000	5,200,000											5,600,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 7.25% 2020 Notes and 9.125% 2020 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount (in Dollars)					673,100,000												673,100,000
Cash Collateral for Borrowed Securities (in Dollars)					168,600,000												168,600,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt (in Dollars)							9,300,000
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 8.875% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		8.88%
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		7.75%
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)		29,200,000
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member] | The 6.25% 2015 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				6.25%	6.25%	6.25%											6.25%
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member] | The 6.25% 2016 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				6.25%	6.25%	6.25%	6.25%										6.25%
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)							21,000,000
Debt Instrument, Exchanged Face Amount (in Dollars)							7,800,000
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member] | The 7.5% 2016 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				7.50%	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%										7.50%
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)							61,100,000
Debt Instrument, Exchanged Face Amount (in Dollars)							4,000,000
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member] | The 8.625% 2017 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				8.63%	8.63%	8.63%	8.63%		8.63%								8.63%
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)							37,400,000
Debt Instrument, Exchanged Face Amount (in Dollars)							18,300,000		18,300,000
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member] | The 11.875% 2015 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				11.88%	11.88%	11.88%	11.88%										11.88%
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)							2,000,000
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member] | The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				7.00%	7.00%	7.00%											7.00%
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)	195,000,000
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt (in Dollars)							48,400,000
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)									75,400,000
Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount (in Dollars)							72,200,000
Senior Notes [Member] | The 6.25% 2015 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage																										6.25%
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt (in Dollars)					-1,200,000
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)																										21,400,000
Senior Notes [Member] | The 7.5% 2016 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage									7.50%
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)									4,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] | The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								7.00%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)								150,000,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt (in Dollars)								147,800,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Collateral (in Dollars)					92,100,000												92,100,000
First Lien Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage					100.00%
Second Lien Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage					100.00%
Exchangeable Note Units [Member] | The 6.00% Exchangeable Note Units [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage																				6.00%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)																				100,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage																				5.17%
Note Units Number																				100,000
Note Units Stated Amount (in Dollars per Item)																				1,000
Note Units Initial Principal Amount Exchangeable Note (in Dollars per Item)																				768.51
Note Units Principal Amount At Maturity (in Dollars per Item)																				1,000
Note Units Initial Principal Amount Senior Amortizing Note (in Dollars per Item)																				231.49
Convertible Debt Shares Issued Upon Conversion (in Dollars per Item)																				185.5288
Share Price For Exchangeable Note Conversion (in Dollars per Item)																				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
Senior Amortizing Notes [Member] | The 11.0% 2017 Amortizing Note [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				11.00%	11.00%	11.00%											11.00%			11.00%
Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Interest (in Dollars)					30										39.83
Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Conversion, Original Debt, Amount (in Dollars)																3,100,000
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt (in Dollars)							200,000
Additional and Make-Whole Amount [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	1.00%
11.875% Notes Supplemental Indenture [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	11.88%
The 7.25% 2020 Notes and 9.125% 2020 Notes [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount (in Dollars)																	$3,300,000
The 6.00% Exchangeable Note Units [Member]
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					6.00%												6.00%

Note_9_Senior_Secured_Senior_S3

Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) - Senior Secured, Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes (USD $)	Oct. 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	53,129	53,119
The 5.0% 2021 Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	129,806	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	60,414	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	172,483	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	70,101	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	979,935	978,611
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	$590,472	$461,210

Note_9_Senior_Secured_Senior_S4

Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) - Senior Secured, Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes (Parentheticals)

Feb. 15, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 02, 2012

Nov. 02, 2011

Nov. 30, 2004

Feb. 14, 2011

Oct. 31, 2012

Sep. 16, 2013

Aug. 08, 2005

Feb. 27, 2006

Jun. 12, 2006

Apr. 11, 2012

Feb. 09, 2011

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Stated Interest Rate

7.25%

The 7.25% 2020 Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Stated Interest Rate

7.25%

7.25%

7.25%

The 9.125% 2020 Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Stated Interest Rate

9.13%

9.13%

9.13%

The 2.0% 2021 Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Stated Interest Rate

2.00%

2.00%

2.00%

The 5.0% 2021 Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Stated Interest Rate

5.00%

5.00%

5.00%

The 6.25% 2015 Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Stated Interest Rate

6.25%

The 6.25% 2015 Notes [Member] | Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Stated Interest Rate

6.25%

6.25%

The 11.875% 2015 Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Stated Interest Rate

11.88%

The 11.875% 2015 Notes [Member] | Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Stated Interest Rate

11.88%

11.88%

11.88%

The 6.25% 2016 Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Stated Interest Rate

6.25%

6.25%

The 6.25% 2016 Notes [Member] | Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Stated Interest Rate

6.25%

6.25%

6.25%

The 7.5% 2016 Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Stated Interest Rate

7.50%

The 7.5% 2016 Notes [Member] | Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Stated Interest Rate

7.50%

7.50%

7.50%

The 8.625% 2017 Notes [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Stated Interest Rate

8.63%

The 8.625% 2017 Notes [Member] | Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Stated Interest Rate

8.63%

8.63%

8.63%

8.63%

The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member] | Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Stated Interest Rate

7.00%

7.00%

The 11.0% 2017 Amortizing Note [Member] | Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Stated Interest Rate

11.00%

11.00%

11.00%

The 7.25% Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member] | Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Stated Interest Rate

7.25%

7.25%

Note_9_Senior_Secured_Senior_S5

Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) - Future Maturities of Borrowings (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future Maturities of Borrowings [Abstract]
2015	$65,053
2016	263,994
2017	126,293
2018	72,945
2019	150,000
Thereafter	992,000
Total	$1,670,285

Note_10_Tangible_Equity_Units_

Note 10 - Tangible Equity Units (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Feb. 18, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Feb. 15, 2014	Feb. 14, 2011	Feb. 09, 2011	Oct. 31, 2013
Note 10 - Tangible Equity Units (Details) [Line Items]
Tangible Equity Units, Units Issued				450,000	3,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			7.25%
Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Issuance Of Prepaid Common Stock Purchase Contracts (in Dollars)				$68,100,000
Purchase Contracts Settled	1,276,933
Prepaid Stock Purchase Contracts Outstanding (in Dollars)		0
Common Class A [Member]
Note 10 - Tangible Equity Units (Details) [Line Items]
Prepaid Stock Purchase Contracts Shares Settled	6,085,224
Tangible Equity Units, Number of Shares Upon Conversion, Per Unit	4.7655
Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member] | The 7.25% Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]
Note 10 - Tangible Equity Units (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					7.25%	7.25%
Tangible Equity Units, Cash Installment, Per Note (in Dollars per share)			0.453125
Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]
Note 10 - Tangible Equity Units (Details) [Line Items]
Senior Notes (in Dollars)		$0				2,152,000

Note_11_Operating_and_Reportin2

Note 11 - Operating and Reporting Segments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014
Note 11 - Operating and Reporting Segments (Details) [Line Items]
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount	($285.10)
Homebuilding [Member]
Note 11 - Operating and Reporting Segments (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	6

Note_11_Operating_and_Reportin3

Note 11 - Operating and Reporting Segments (Details) - Financial Information Relating to Segment Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014		Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$698,394	$551,009	$449,929	$364,048	$591,687	$478,357	$422,998	$358,211	$2,063,380		$1,851,253		$1,485,353
Income (loss) before income taxes	35,996	15,372	-7,298	-23,890	33,614	10,388	-1,265	-20,802	20,180		21,935		-101,248
Total interest expense, net									141,225		144,073		152,986
Total depreciation									3,417		4,712		6,223
Total net additions to operating properties and equipment									3,423		1,558		5,059
Total equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated joint ventures	4,048	211	1,067	2,571	5,234	3,690	827	2,289	7,897		12,040		5,401
Homebuilding [Member] | Northeast [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									275,830		282,855		233,326
Income (loss) before income taxes									-7,517		1,519		-4,683
Total interest expense, net									20,940		26,163		25,507
Total depreciation									250		245		316
Total net additions to operating properties and equipment									44		388		2,944
Total equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated joint ventures									-1,302		3,738		3,202
Homebuilding [Member] | Mid-Atlantic [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									332,719		289,303		273,080
Income (loss) before income taxes									23,897		24,388		17,262
Total interest expense, net									9,542		10,037		9,988
Total depreciation									45		283		370
Total net additions to operating properties and equipment									23		35		55
Total equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated joint ventures									6,459		5,631		155
Homebuilding [Member] | Midwest [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									226,174		163,485		106,719
Income (loss) before income taxes									17,879		12,270		253
Total interest expense, net									5,354		3,737		2,994
Total depreciation									355		528		517
Total net additions to operating properties and equipment									927		279		218
Total equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated joint ventures									17		1,045		598
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									204,671		147,570		128,684
Income (loss) before income taxes									9,247		6,455		-4,828
Total interest expense, net									7,827		5,861		5,310
Total depreciation									31		31		47
Total net additions to operating properties and equipment									59		7		30
Total equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated joint ventures									2,119		1,287		1,503
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									751,426		697,358		518,931
Income (loss) before income taxes									74,527		76,459		42,178
Total interest expense, net									20,543		16,071		15,880
Total depreciation									131		163		217
Total net additions to operating properties and equipment									39		44
Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									230,308		223,086		185,851
Income (loss) before income taxes									21,303		14,398		-3,177
Total interest expense, net									12,619		12,960		14,416
Total depreciation									33		148		302
Total net additions to operating properties and equipment									170		19
Total equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated joint ventures									604		339		-57
Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									2,021,128		1,803,657		1,446,591
Income (loss) before income taxes									139,336		135,489		47,005
Total interest expense, net									76,825		74,829		74,095
Total depreciation									845		1,398		1,769
Total net additions to operating properties and equipment									1,262		772		3,247
Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									42,414		47,727		38,735
Income (loss) before income taxes									13,798		18,668		15,087
Total interest expense, net									-119	[1]	499	[1]	553	[1]
Total depreciation									68		285		328
Total net additions to operating properties and equipment									28		6		21
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									-162		-131		27
Income (loss) before income taxes									-132,954		-132,222		-163,340
Total interest expense, net									64,519		68,745		78,338
Total depreciation									2,504		3,029		4,126
Total net additions to operating properties and equipment									$2,133		$780		$1,791
[1]	Financial services interest expenses are included in the Financial services lines on the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the respectiverevenues and expenses sections.

Note_11_Operating_and_Reportin4

Note 11 - Operating and Reporting Segments (Details) - Financial Information Relating to Segment Financial Position (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014		Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$2,289,930		$1,759,130
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	63,883		51,438
Homebuilding [Member] | Excluding Corporate And Unallocated [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	1,501,131		1,206,067
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	63,427		50,874
Homebuilding [Member] | Northeast [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	315,573		323,152
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	6,987		8,828
Homebuilding [Member] | Mid-Atlantic [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	313,494		240,486
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	36,285		33,052
Homebuilding [Member] | Midwest [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	169,967		104,596
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	806		1,661
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	148,096		101,410
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	4,787		3,412
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	410,756		305,878
Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	143,245		130,545
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	14,562		3,921
Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	1,885,044		1,610,277
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	63,883		51,438
Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	120,343		148,853
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	668,456	[1]	404,210	[1]
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	$456		$564
[1]	Includes $285.1 million related to the partial reversal of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance in fiscal 2014.

Note_12_Income_Taxes_Details

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($286,468,000)	($1,733,000)	$604,000	$633,000	$795,000	$1,922,000	($2,583,000)	($9,494,000)	($286,964,000)	($9,360,000)	($35,051,000)
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount									-285,100,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	642,003,000				927,134,000				642,003,000	927,134,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards					1,500,000,000					1,500,000,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	400,000				500,000				400,000	500,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense									-30,000,000	100,000	-18,300,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease)									-200,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	1,100,000				1,200,000				1,100,000	1,200,000
Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Open Tax Year									2010
Latest Tax Year [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Open Tax Year									2013
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)									24,500,000	23,100,000	3,400,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									-12,452,000	518,000	-35,328,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards	2,200,000,000								2,200,000,000
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$1,500,000,000								$1,500,000,000

Note_12_Income_Taxes_Details_I

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Income Taxes Payable (Receivable) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Income Taxes Payable (Receivable) [Line Items]
Deferred income tax (receivable) payable	($287,740)
Total	-284,543	3,301
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Income Taxes Payable (Receivable) [Line Items]
Current income tax payable	3,197	3,301
Deferred income tax (receivable) payable	-14,918
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Income Taxes Payable (Receivable) [Line Items]
Deferred income tax (receivable) payable	($272,822)

Note_12_Income_Taxes_Details_P

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Provision for Income Taxes (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014		Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012
Provision for Income Taxes [Abstract]
Federal									($1,690)		($9,878)		$277
State (1)									2,466	[1]	518	[1]	-35,328	[1]
Total current income tax expense (benefit):									776		-9,360		-35,051
Federal									-272,822
State									-14,918
Total deferred income tax (benefit):									-287,740
Total	($286,468)	($1,733)	$604	$633	$795	$1,922	($2,583)	($9,494)	($286,964)		($9,360)		($35,051)
[1]	The current state income tax (benefit) expense is net of the use of state net operating losses totaling $24.5 million, $23.1 million, and $3.4million for the years ended October 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Note_12_Income_Taxes_Details_D

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Depreciation	$2,407	$2,345
Inventory impairment loss	219,487	230,553
Uniform capitalization of overhead	9,005	6,208
Warranty and legal reserves	14,342	15,571
Deferred income	547	551
Acquisition intangibles	18,014	22,523
Other	19,516	16,350
Total deferred tax assets	1,052,072	1,080,099
Acquisition intangibles	395	351
Debt repurchase income	121,934	152,450
Other		164
Total deferred tax liabilities	122,329	152,965
Valuation allowance	-642,003	-927,134
Net deferred income taxes	287,740
Joint venture loss	5,633	5,360
Federal net operating losses	524,879	542,409
State net operating losses	176,225	182,940
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	7,121	5,781
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	8,481	6,994
Rent on Abandoned Space [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Other	2,830	3,591
Provision for Losses [Member]
Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Other	$43,585	$38,923

Note_12_Income_Taxes_Details_E

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Effective Tax Rate	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Effective Tax Rate [Abstract]
Computed bexpectedb tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	-3.50%	14.00%	-2.60%
Permanent differences, net	0.80%	11.30%	-0.30%
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance impact	-1393.30%	-66.20%	-32.30%
Tax contingencies	-0.60%	-36.80%	34.80%
Adjustments to prior yearsb tax accruals	-60.40%
Effective tax rate	-1422.00%	-42.70%	34.60%

Note_12_Income_Taxes_Details_U

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details) - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefitbNovember 1,	$1.80	$9.90
Gross increasesbtax positions in current period	0.2	1.2
Decrease related to tax positions taken during a prior period		-9.3
Lapse of statute of limitations	-0.3
Unrecognized tax benefitbOctober 31,	$1.70	$1.80

Note_13_Reduction_of_Inventory2

Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				36 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2014
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Communities Evaluated For Impairment	396	388			396
Number of Communities Performed Detailed Impairment Calculations	12	33			12
Carrying Value Of Communities Tested For Impairment (in Dollars)	28,200,000	85,000,000			28,200,000
Number Of Communities Tested For Impairment For Which Undiscounted Future Cash Flow Only Exceeded Carrying Amount By Less Than 20%	4	4			4
Carrying Value Of Communities Tested For Impairment For Which Undiscounted Future Cash Flow Only Exceeded Carrying Amount By Less Than 20% (in Dollars)	23,100,000	4,500,000			23,100,000
Percentage Undiscounted Cash Flow Exceeds Carrying Amount	20.00%	20.00%
Impairment of Real Estate (in Dollars)	1,200,000	2,400,000		9,800,000
Land Option Write-offs (in Dollars)	4,000,000	2,600,000		2,700,000
Fourth Quarter [Member]
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Communities Performed Detailed Impairment Calculations	4	8			4
Carrying Value Of Communities Tested For Impairment (in Dollars)	7,100,000	21,800,000			7,100,000
Homebuilding [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Real Estate Inventory [Member]
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	16.80%	18.00%		16.80%	16.80%
Homebuilding [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Real Estate Inventory [Member]
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	17.30%	19.30%		18.50%	19.30%
Homebuilding [Member] | Mid-Atlantic [Member]
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) [Line Items]
Impairment of Real Estate (in Dollars)	0	2,000	[1]	400,000
Land Option Write-offs (in Dollars)	200,000	100,000		600,000
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) [Line Items]
Impairment of Real Estate (in Dollars)	0	17,000	[1]	2,800,000
Land Option Write-offs (in Dollars)	700,000	200,000		700,000
Homebuilding [Member]
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) [Line Items]
Impairment of Real Estate (in Dollars)	1,200,000	2,400,000	[1]	9,800,000
Land Option Write-offs (in Dollars)	4,000,000	2,600,000		2,700,000
[1]	During the year ended October 31, 2013, the Mid-Atlantic had an impairment totaling $2 thousand and the Southeast had an impairmenttotaling $17 thousand.

Note_13_Reduction_of_Inventory3

Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Inventory Impairments by Homebuilding Segment (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014		Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Inventory Impairments by Homebuilding Segment [Line Items]
Dollar Amount of Impairment	$1,200		$2,400		$9,800
Homebuilding [Member] | Northeast [Member]
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Inventory Impairments by Homebuilding Segment [Line Items]
Number of Communities	2		4		10
Dollar Amount of Impairment	300		2,400	[1]	2,800
Pre-Impairment Value	600	[2]	7,700	[2]	19,600	[2]
Homebuilding [Member] | Mid-Atlantic [Member]
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Inventory Impairments by Homebuilding Segment [Line Items]
Number of Communities	0		1		3
Dollar Amount of Impairment	0		2	[1]	400
Pre-Impairment Value	0	[2]	100	[2]	800	[2]
Homebuilding [Member] | Midwest [Member]
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Inventory Impairments by Homebuilding Segment [Line Items]
Number of Communities	3		0		2
Dollar Amount of Impairment	900		0	[1]	1,600
Pre-Impairment Value	3,800	[2]	0	[2]	4,500	[2]
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Inventory Impairments by Homebuilding Segment [Line Items]
Number of Communities	0		1		12
Dollar Amount of Impairment	0		17	[1]	2,800
Pre-Impairment Value	0	[2]	400	[2]	8,300	[2]
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Inventory Impairments by Homebuilding Segment [Line Items]
Number of Communities	0		0		0
Dollar Amount of Impairment	0		0	[1]	0
Pre-Impairment Value	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Inventory Impairments by Homebuilding Segment [Line Items]
Number of Communities	0		0		5
Dollar Amount of Impairment	0		0	[1]	2,200
Pre-Impairment Value	0	[2]	0	[2]	4,900	[2]
Homebuilding [Member]
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Inventory Impairments by Homebuilding Segment [Line Items]
Number of Communities	5		6		32
Dollar Amount of Impairment	1,200		2,400	[1]	9,800
Pre-Impairment Value	$4,400	[2]	$8,200	[2]	$38,100	[2]
[1]	During the year ended October 31, 2013, the Mid-Atlantic had an impairment totaling $2 thousand and the Southeast had an impairmenttotaling $17 thousand.
[2]	Represents carrying value, net of prior period impairments, if any, at the time of recording the applicable period's impairments.

Note_13_Reduction_of_Inventory4

Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-offs and Lots Walked Away From (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]
Amount of write-offs	$4	$2.60	$2.70
Homebuilding [Member] | Northeast [Member]
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]
Amount of write-offs	0.9	0.7	0.7
Homebuilding [Member] | Mid-Atlantic [Member]
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]
Amount of write-offs	0.2	0.1	0.6
Homebuilding [Member] | Midwest [Member]
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]
Amount of write-offs	1	0.2	0.2
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]
Amount of write-offs	0.7	0.2	0.7
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]
Amount of write-offs	1.2	1.4	0.4
Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]
Amount of write-offs			0.1
Homebuilding [Member]
Note 13 - Reduction of Inventory to Fair Value (Details) - Write-offs and Lots Walked Away From [Line Items]
Amount of write-offs	$4	$2.60	$2.70

Note_14_Per_Share_Calculation_1

Note 14 - Per Share Calculation (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Feb. 14, 2011
Note 14 - Per Share Calculation (Details) [Line Items]
Prepaid Stock Purchase Contracts, Shares Included in Basic Earnings Per Share	6.1	6.1	8.8
Tangible Equity Units, Rate	7.25%			7.25%
Exchangeable Note Unit Rate Stated Percentage	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			0.2
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	2	2.2	2.5
Exchangeable Debt [Member]
Note 14 - Per Share Calculation (Details) [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			18.6

Note_14_Per_Share_Calculation_2

Note 14 - Per Share Calculation (Details) - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Numerator:
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Hovnanian	$322,464	$17,105	($7,902)	($24,523)	$32,819	$8,466	$1,318	($11,308)	$307,144	$31,295	($66,197)
Less: undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested shares									-7,107	-58
Numerator for basic earnings per share									300,037	31,237	-66,197
Plus: undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested shares									7,107	58
Less: undistributed earnings reallocated to nonvested shares									-7,127	-59
Plus: interest on senior exchangeable notes									3,487	3,720
Numerator for diluted earnings per share									$303,504	$34,956	($66,197)
Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per share (in Shares)	146,413	146,365	146,325	145,982	145,821	146,056	145,948	141,725	146,271	145,087	126,350
Effect of dilutive securities:
Share-based payments (in Shares)									1,013	1,396
Denominator for diluted earnings per share b weighted-average shares outstanding (in Shares)	161,720	162,278	146,325	145,982	162,100	162,823	147,231	141,725	162,441	162,329	126,350
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in Dollars per share)	$2.15	$0.11	($0.05)	($0.17)	$0.22	$0.06	$0.01	($0.08)	$2.05	$0.22	($0.52)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in Dollars per share)	$1.95	$0.11	($0.05)	($0.17)	$0.21	$0.06	$0.01	($0.08)	$1.87	$0.22	($0.52)
Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]
Effect of dilutive securities:
Senior exchangeable notes (in Shares)									15,157	15,846

Note_15_Capital_Stock_Details

Note 15 - Capital Stock (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Apr. 11, 2012	Jul. 12, 2005	Feb. 15, 2014	Feb. 14, 2011	Aug. 04, 2008	Mar. 12, 2013	Mar. 11, 2013	Dec. 05, 2008	Aug. 15, 2008	Jul. 03, 2001
Note 15 - Capital Stock (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock Dividends, Percent of Increase from Class A to Class B			110.00%
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)					$33,200,000				$60,100,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								7.25%
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt (in Dollars)	-1,155,000	-760,000	-1,155,000	-760,000	-29,066,000
Shareholder Ownership, Percentage of Increase										50.00%
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued (in Shares)		5,600	5,600	5,600
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage			7.63%
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer (in Dollars)			4,700,000	600,000	0
Common Class A [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Note 15 - Capital Stock (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues (in Shares)					25,000,000	25,000,000
Share Price (in Dollars per share)						$2
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other (in Shares)					8,443,713
Common Class A [Member] | The 8.625% Notes due January 15, 2017 and the 7.25% Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]
Note 15 - Capital Stock (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other (in Shares)					8,443,713
Common Class A [Member]
Note 15 - Capital Stock (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock Voting Rights Votes Per Share Number			1
Common Stock, Shares Authorized (in Shares)		400,000,000	400,000,000	400,000,000							400,000,000	200,000,000
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in Dollars per share)		$0.01	$0.01	$0.01							$0.01	$0.01
Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity (in Dollars)						47,300,000
Shareholder Ownership Percentage														4.90%
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)															4,000,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares (in Shares)			0
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount (in Dollars)			500,000
Common Class B [Member]
Note 15 - Capital Stock (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock Voting Rights Votes Per Share Number			10
Common Stock, Shares Authorized (in Shares)		60,000,000	60,000,000	60,000,000							60,000,000	30,000,000
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in Dollars per share)		$0.01	$0.01	$0.01							$0.01	$0.01
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Note 15 - Capital Stock (Details) [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued (in Shares)							5,600
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage							7.63%
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share (in Dollars per share)							$25,000
Payments of Dividends (in Dollars)			0	0	0
The 6.25% 2016 Notes [Member] | Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]
Note 15 - Capital Stock (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)					21,000,000
Debt Instrument, Exchanged Face Amount (in Dollars)					7,800,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.25%	6.25%	6.25%	6.25%
The 7.5% 2016 Notes [Member] | Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]
Note 15 - Capital Stock (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)					61,100,000
Debt Instrument, Exchanged Face Amount (in Dollars)					4,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		7.50%	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%
The 7.5% 2016 Notes [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Note 15 - Capital Stock (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)						4,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage						7.50%
The 8.625% 2017 Notes [Member] | Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]
Note 15 - Capital Stock (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)					37,400,000
Debt Instrument, Exchanged Face Amount (in Dollars)					18,300,000	18,300,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		8.63%	8.63%	8.63%	8.63%	8.63%
The 12.072% Notes [Member] | Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]
Note 15 - Capital Stock (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)						3,100,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage						12.07%
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]
Note 15 - Capital Stock (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)						75,400,000
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt (in Dollars)					48,400,000
The 8.625% Notes due January 15, 2017 and the 7.25% Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member]
Note 15 - Capital Stock (Details) [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt (in Dollars)						$9,500,000
Minimum [Member]
Note 15 - Capital Stock (Details) [Line Items]
Shareholder Ownership Percentage										5.00%

Note_16_Stock_Plans_Details

Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	2.60%	2.14%	1.65%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	70.00%	96.00%	97.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	7 years 153 days	7 years 109 days	7 years 135 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Estimated Forfeitrure Rate	14.59%	18.17%	15.99%
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense (in Dollars)	$10,300,000	$6,800,000	$6,500,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax (in Dollars)	10,300,000	6,800,000	6,500,000
Number of Directors	5
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	105,000	167,000	8,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number (in Shares)	6,720,251	6,591,054	6,019,070	5,094,367
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit (in Dollars per share)	$1.93
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit (in Dollars per share)	$60.36
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$3.06	$5.14	$1.74
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$2.09	$2.72	$3.61
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Percent Vested	25.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period (in Shares)	9,000
Share-based Compensation (in Dollars)	10,279,000	6,842,000	6,453,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangment by Share-based Payment Award, Decrease in Shares Outstanding (in Shares)	100,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in Shares)	878,834
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in Shares)	5,500,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)	12,400,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years
Opions Outstanding and Exercisable [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number (in Shares)	2,200,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	2,900,000
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Before June 8, 2007 [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Installments	4
Employee Stock Option [Member] | After June 8, 2007 [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Installments	4
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Nonemployee Director [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Percentage of Awards	50.00%
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense (in Dollars)	3,900,000	4,000,000	4,100,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Restricted Stock [Member] | Prior Periods [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period (in Shares)	67,804	46,393	32,112
Restricted Stock [Member] | Age Requirement without Service [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Participants Age	60 years
Restricted Stock [Member] | Age Requirement with Service [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Participants Age	58 years
Restricted Stock [Member] | Nonemployee Director [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Percentage of Awards	50.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period (in Shares)	85,035	63,694	104,167
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Directors	4
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Participants, Years of Service	15 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period (in Shares)	168,161	104,944	133,855
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period (in Shares)	12,000	500	9,845
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested Number (in Shares)	534,143	534,143	534,143
Restricted Stock and Stock Options [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Directors	1
Deferred Right Award [Member] | Prior Periods [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period (in Shares)		68,390	258,228
Deferred Right Award [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Participants Age	58 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Participants, Years of Service	20 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period (in Shares)	0	0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	1 year
Awards Other than Options [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation (in Dollars)	$6,200,000	$2,700,000	$2,400,000
Market Stock Units [Member] | 2 Year [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	0.45%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	47.52%
Market Stock Units [Member] | 2.5 Year [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	0.71%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	58.07%
Market Stock Units [Member] | 3 Year [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	0.93%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	63.79%
Market Stock Units [Member] | 4 Year [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	1.32%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	61.12%
Market Stock Units [Member] | 5 Year [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	1.70%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	64.67%
Market Stock Units [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	0.00%
Market Stock Units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	175.00%
Market Stock Units [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Installments	4
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in Shares)	800,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	50.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Compensation Award, Fair Value Mearsurement Period	60 days
Performance Based MSUs [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Installments	4
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	50.00%
Nonemployee Director [Member]
Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Installments	3

Note_16_Stock_Plans_Details_St

Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) - Stock Option Activity (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Stock Option Activity [Abstract]
Options outstanding at beginning of period	6,591,054	6,019,070	5,094,367
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in Dollars per share)	$5.74	$5.97	$7.05
Granted	376,822	887,500	1,334,828
Granted (in Dollars per share)	$4.41	$6.28	$2.59
Exercised	42,375	44,812	6,250
Exercised (in Dollars per share)	$2.74	$2.67	$2.55
Forfeited	56,375	76,500	94,808
Forfeited (in Dollars per share)	$2.66	$3.06	$4.77
Expired	148,875	194,204	309,067
Expired (in Dollars per share)	$27.42	$16.92	$9.61
Options outstanding at end of period	6,720,251	6,591,054	6,019,070
Options outstanding at end of period (in Dollars per share)	$5.23	$5.74	$5.97
Options exercisable at end of period	4,100,413	3,161,952	2,467,170

Note_16_Stock_Plans_Details_St1

Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) - Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower limit exercise price	$1.93
Upper limit exercise price	$60.36
Number outstanding (in Shares)	6,720,251
Weighted-average exercise price - outstanding	$5.23
Weighted-average remaining contractual life - outstanding	6 years 40 days
Number exercisable (in Shares)	4,100,413
Weighted-average exercise price - exercisable	$5.88
Weighted-average remaining contractual life - exercisable	4 years 321 days
Range One [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower limit exercise price	$1.93
Upper limit exercise price	$5
Number outstanding (in Shares)	4,672,501
Weighted-average exercise price - outstanding	$3.07
Weighted-average remaining contractual life - outstanding	6 years 127 days
Number exercisable (in Shares)	2,940,163
Weighted-average exercise price - exercisable	$3.02
Weighted-average remaining contractual life - exercisable	5 years 200 days
Range Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower limit exercise price	$5.01
Upper limit exercise price	$10
Number outstanding (in Shares)	1,690,250
Weighted-average exercise price - outstanding	$6.37
Weighted-average remaining contractual life - outstanding	6 years 105 days
Number exercisable (in Shares)	802,750
Weighted-average exercise price - exercisable	$6.46
Weighted-average remaining contractual life - exercisable	3 years 244 days
Range Three [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower limit exercise price	$10.01
Upper limit exercise price	$20
Range Four [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower limit exercise price	$20.01
Upper limit exercise price	$30
Number outstanding (in Shares)	218,375
Weighted-average exercise price - outstanding	$21.73
Weighted-average remaining contractual life - outstanding	2 years 211 days
Number exercisable (in Shares)	218,375
Weighted-average exercise price - exercisable	$21.73
Weighted-average remaining contractual life - exercisable	2 years 211 days
Range Five [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower limit exercise price	$30.01
Upper limit exercise price	$40
Number outstanding (in Shares)	104,125
Weighted-average exercise price - outstanding	$32.33
Weighted-average remaining contractual life - outstanding	1 year 211 days
Number exercisable (in Shares)	104,125
Weighted-average exercise price - exercisable	$32.33
Weighted-average remaining contractual life - exercisable	1 year 211 days
Range Six [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower limit exercise price	$40.01
Upper limit exercise price	$50
Range Seven [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower limit exercise price	$50.01
Upper limit exercise price	$60
Number outstanding (in Shares)	30,000
Weighted-average exercise price - outstanding	$54.70
Weighted-average remaining contractual life - outstanding	131 days
Number exercisable (in Shares)	30,000
Weighted-average exercise price - exercisable	$54.70
Weighted-average remaining contractual life - exercisable	131 days
Range Eight [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Lower limit exercise price	$60.01
Upper limit exercise price	$70
Number outstanding (in Shares)	5,000
Weighted-average exercise price - outstanding	$60.36
Weighted-average remaining contractual life - outstanding	211 days
Number exercisable (in Shares)	5,000
Weighted-average exercise price - exercisable	$60.36
Weighted-average remaining contractual life - exercisable	211 days

Note_16_Stock_Plans_Details_No

Note 16 - Stock Plans (Details) - Nonvested Share Awards (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Nonvested Share Awards [Abstract]
Nonvested at beginning of period	2,463,647
Nonvested at beginning of period	$5.10
Granted	878,834
Granted	$4.36
Vested	-874,343
Vested	$4.60
Forfeited	-9,000
Forfeited	$1.93
Nonvested at end of period	2,459,138
Nonvested at end of period	$5.02

Note_17_Warranty_Costs_Details

Note 17 - Warranty Costs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Cash Received From Subcontractors For Owner Controlled Insurance Program	$2,300,000	$2,200,000
General Liability Insurance, Deductible	20,000,000	20,000,000
Bodily Injury Insurance, Deductible	250,000	250,000
Bodily Injury Insurance, Limit	5,000,000	5,000,000
Aggregate Retention for Construction Defects, Warranty and Bodily Injury Claims	21,000,000	21,000,000
Payments by Insurance Companies for Claims	6,400,000	9,700,000
Product Warranty Accrual, Insurance Recoveries	$37,867,000

Note_17_Warranty_Costs_Details1

Note 17 - Warranty Costs (Details) - Warranty and General Liability Reserve (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Note 17 - Warranty Costs (Details) - Warranty and General Liability Reserve [Line Items]
Balance	$131,028	$121,149
Charges incurred during the period	-18,241	-22,511
Changes to pre-existing reserves	-2,600	185
Additional reserves where corresponding amounts are recorded as receivables from insurance carriers	37,867
Balance	178,008	131,028
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Note 17 - Warranty Costs (Details) - Warranty and General Liability Reserve [Line Items]
Additions	18,839	18,676
Cost of Sales [Member]
Note 17 - Warranty Costs (Details) - Warranty and General Liability Reserve [Line Items]
Additions	$11,115	$13,529

Note_18_Transactions_with_Rela1

Note 18 - Transactions with Related Parties (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				1 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2003	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012
Note 18 - Transactions with Related Parties (Details) [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent					50.00%
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$1,500,000,000
Legal Fees for Related Party	249,653
Hirair Hovnanian [Member]
Note 18 - Transactions with Related Parties (Details) [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Agreement with Related Party		31,400,000
Tavit Najarian [Member]
Note 18 - Transactions with Related Parties (Details) [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction	800,000		1,200,000	900,000
Son of Chief Operating Officer [Member] | Commission Fees [Member]
Note 18 - Transactions with Related Parties (Details) [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction					145,710
Daughter-in-Law of Executive Officer [Member] | Commission Fees [Member]
Note 18 - Transactions with Related Parties (Details) [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction	172,000		96,000
Subsidiaries [Member]
Note 18 - Transactions with Related Parties (Details) [Line Items]
Sales Value of Option for Real Property					5,500,000
Purchase Options, Land, Total Cost to Buyer					$11,100,000

Note_19_Commitments_and_Contin1

Note 19 - 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 19 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Details) [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs		1,065
Litigation Settlement, Amount	$21

Note_20_Variable_Interest_Enti1

Note 20 - Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entities Disclosure [Abstract]
Deposits Associated with Land and Lot Options of Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities	$88,500,000
Purchase Price Associated with Land and Lot Options of Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities	$1,400,000,000

Note_21_Investments_in_Unconso2

Note 21 - Investments in Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Note 21 - Investments in Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures (Details) [Line Items]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	$63,883,000	$51,438,000
Joint Venture Financing, Percent of Assets	50.00%
Joint Venture, Average Debt to Capitalization Ratio	22.00%
Homebuilding [Member] | Corporate Joint Venture [Member]
Note 21 - Investments in Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures (Details) [Line Items]
Advances to Affiliate	1,800,000	4,600,000
Joint Venture, Average Debt to Capitalization Ratio	22.00%	20.00%
Homebuilding [Member]
Note 21 - Investments in Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures (Details) [Line Items]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	63,883,000	51,438,000
Management Fees Revenue	$7,500,000	$13,200,000	$15,200,000

Note_21_Investments_in_Unconso3

Note 21 - Investments in Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures (Details) - Unconsolidated Homebuilding and Land Development Joint Ventures (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Equity of:
Debt to capitalization ratio	22.00%								22.00%
Our share of net income	$4,048	$211	$1,067	$2,571	$5,234	$3,690	$827	$2,289	$7,897	$12,040	$5,401
Homebuilding [Member] | Homebuilding Venture [Member] | Corporate Joint Venture [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	22,415				30,102				22,415	30,102
Inventories	208,620				101,735				208,620	101,735
Other assets	11,986				6,868				11,986	6,868
Total assets	243,021				138,705				243,021	138,705
Liabilities and equity:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	27,175				28,016				27,175	28,016
Notes payable	45,506				23,904				45,506	23,904
Total liabilities	72,681				51,920				72,681	51,920
Equity of:
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.	59,106				44,141				59,106	44,141
Others	111,234				42,644				111,234	42,644
Total equity	170,340				86,785				170,340	86,785
Total liabilities and equity	243,021				138,705				243,021	138,705
Debt to capitalization ratio	21.00%				22.00%				21.00%	22.00%
Revenues									173,126	307,993	323,177
Cost of sales and expenses									-158,233	-276,795	-300,892
Joint venture net income									14,893	31,198	22,285
Our share of net income									7,710	9,581	4,763
Homebuilding [Member] | Land Development Venture [Member] | Corporate Joint Venture [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	205				639				205	639
Inventories	16,194				11,080				16,194	11,080
Total assets	16,399				11,719				16,399	11,719
Liabilities and equity:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,039				4,047				1,039	4,047
Notes payable	5,650								5,650
Total liabilities	6,689				4,047				6,689	4,047
Equity of:
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.	2,990				2,703				2,990	2,703
Others	6,720				4,969				6,720	4,969
Total equity	9,710				7,672				9,710	7,672
Total liabilities and equity	16,399				11,719				16,399	11,719
Debt to capitalization ratio	37.00%				0.00%				37.00%	0.00%
Revenues									7,888	14,659	11,531
Cost of sales and expenses									-7,313	-9,396	-9,318
Joint venture net income									575	5,263	2,213
Our share of net income									287	2,631	1,108
Homebuilding [Member] | Corporate Joint Venture [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	22,620				30,741				22,620	30,741
Inventories	224,814				112,815				224,814	112,815
Other assets	11,986				6,868				11,986	6,868
Total assets	259,420				150,424				259,420	150,424
Liabilities and equity:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	28,214				32,063				28,214	32,063
Notes payable	51,156				23,904				51,156	23,904
Total liabilities	79,370				55,967				79,370	55,967
Equity of:
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc.	62,096				46,844				62,096	46,844
Others	117,954				47,613				117,954	47,613
Total equity	180,050				94,457				180,050	94,457
Total liabilities and equity	259,420				150,424				259,420	150,424
Debt to capitalization ratio	22.00%				20.00%				22.00%	20.00%
Revenues									181,014	322,652	334,708
Cost of sales and expenses									-165,546	-286,191	-310,210
Joint venture net income									15,468	36,461	24,498
Our share of net income									$7,997	$12,212	$5,871

Note_22_Fair_Value_of_Financia2

Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Loans Held for Sale, Mortgages, Unpaid Principal	$91,200,000	$107,700,000
Other Commitment	20,000,000
Impairment of Real Estate	1,200,000	2,400,000	9,800,000
Loan Origination Commitments [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Days in Commitment	60 days
Loan Origination Commitments [Member]
Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Loan Applications in Process	428,500,000
Interest Rate Committed [Member]
Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Interest Rate Committed Loan Applications	35,600,000
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	464,400,000	493,400,000
Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure		2,200,000
The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	148,200,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Senior Amortizing Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	17,000,000	20,900,000
Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	$79,600,000	$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 $)	Oct. 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	$15		$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	-320		-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)	95,643	[1]	113,739	[1]
Total	$95,338		$112,953
[1]	The aggregate unpaid principal balance is $91.2 million and $107.7 million at October 31, 2014 and 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 $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
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	($1,518)	$1,604	($572)
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	-354	378	-151
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	$835	($1,276)	$1,216

Note_22_Fair_Value_of_Financia5

Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Note 22 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Losses	($1,200)	($2,400)	($9,800)
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	3,841	7,302
Total Losses	-900	-2,249
Fair Value	2,941	5,053
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	572	924
Total Losses	-278	-136
Fair Value	$294	$788

Note_23_Financial_Information_2

Note 23 - Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Nov. 02, 2011
Note 23 - Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Wholly Owned Subsidiaries	1
Exchangeable Note Unit Rate Stated Percentage	6.00%
Direct or Indirect Ownership in Guarantor Subsidiaries Percentage	100.00%
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Subsidiary Issuer [Member]
Note 23 - Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	992,000,000
Senior Notes	979,900,000
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Note 23 - Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors (Details) [Line Items]
Senior Notes	979,935,000	978,611,000
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member] | Subsidiary Issuer [Member]
Note 23 - Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	591,100,000
Senior Notes	590,500,000
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]
Note 23 - Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			195,000,000
Senior Notes	590,472,000	461,210,000
Senior Amortizing Notes [Member] | Subsidiary Issuer [Member]
Note 23 - Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	17,000,000
Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]
Note 23 - Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors (Details) [Line Items]
Senior Notes	17,049,000	20,857,000
Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member] | Subsidiary Issuer [Member]
Note 23 - Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	70,100,000
Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]
Note 23 - Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors (Details) [Line Items]
Senior Notes	70,101,000	$66,615,000

Note_23_Financial_Information_3

Note 23 - Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors (Details) - Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements - Balance Sheets (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Assets	$2,289,930	$1,759,130
Liability	2,407,729	2,191,929
Notes payable	1,689,779	1,557,706
Income taxes payable (receivable)		3,301
Stockholdersb (deficit) equity	-117,799	-433,226
Non-controlling interest in consolidated joint ventures		427
Total liabilities and equity	2,289,930	1,759,130
Income taxes receivable	284,543
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	63,883	51,438
Homebuilding [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Liability	2,842	3,798
Homebuilding [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Subsidiary Issuer [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Assets	195,177	277,800
Liability	160	491
Homebuilding [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Assets	1,336,716	1,020,435
Liability	544,088	437,767
Homebuilding [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Assets	353,151	312,042
Liability	71,663	64,329
Homebuilding [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Assets	1,885,044	1,610,277
Liability	618,753	506,385
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	63,883	51,438
Financial Services [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Assets	11,407	14,570
Liability	11,210	14,789
Financial Services [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Assets	108,936	134,283
Liability	87,987	109,748
Financial Services [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Assets	120,343	148,853
Liability	99,197	124,537
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Assets	244,391	-62,298
Intercompany payable (receivable)	308,700	326,262
Income taxes payable (receivable)		40,868
Amounts due to consolidated subsidiaries	50,648
Stockholdersb (deficit) equity	-117,799	-433,226
Total liabilities and equity	244,391	-62,298
Income taxes receivable	244,391
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures		-62,298
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Subsidiary Issuer [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Assets	1,470,630	1,373,981
Notes payable	1,685,892	1,555,336
Amounts due to consolidated subsidiaries	11,902
Stockholdersb (deficit) equity	-227,324	-181,846
Total liabilities and equity	1,470,630	1,373,981
Intercompany receivable (payable)	1,275,453	1,093,906
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures		2,275
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Assets	1,726,319	1,321,221
Notes payable	3,336	2,276
Intercompany payable (receivable)	1,002,914	805,774
Income taxes payable (receivable)		-37,567
Stockholdersb (deficit) equity	164,771	98,182
Total liabilities and equity	1,726,319	1,321,221
Income taxes receivable	40,152
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	338,044	286,216
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Assets	498,248	460,814
Notes payable	551	94
Stockholdersb (deficit) equity	338,047	286,216
Non-controlling interest in consolidated joint ventures		427
Total liabilities and equity	498,248	460,814
Intercompany receivable (payable)	36,161	14,489
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Assets	-1,649,658	-1,334,588
Intercompany payable (receivable)	-1,311,614	-1,132,036
Amounts due to consolidated subsidiaries	-62,550
Stockholdersb (deficit) equity	-275,494	-202,552
Total liabilities and equity	-1,649,658	-1,334,588
Intercompany receivable (payable)	-1,311,614	-1,108,395
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	($338,044)	($226,193)

Note_23_Financial_Information_4

Note 23 - Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors (Details) - Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements - Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Total revenues	$698,394	$551,009	$449,929	$364,048	$591,687	$478,357	$422,998	$358,211	$2,063,380	$1,851,253	$1,485,353
Total expenses	663,149	535,107	456,617	389,845	561,061	471,036	422,899	380,637	2,049,942	1,840,598	1,562,936
(Loss) Gain on Extinguishment of Debt			-1,155		-760				-1,155	-760	-29,066
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures	4,048	211	1,067	2,571	5,234	3,690	827	2,289	7,897	12,040	5,401
(Loss) income before income taxes	35,996	15,372	-7,298	-23,890	33,614	10,388	-1,265	-20,802	20,180	21,935	-101,248
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision	-286,468	-1,733	604	633	795	1,922	-2,583	-9,494	-286,964	-9,360	-35,051
Equity in (loss) income of consolidated subsidiaries											0
Net (loss) income	322,464	17,105	-7,902	-24,523	32,819	8,466	1,318	-11,308	307,144	31,295	-66,197
Homebuilding [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Homebuilding revenue									25	3	9
Total expenses									3,286	8,608	3,030
Homebuilding [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Subsidiary Issuer [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Homebuilding revenue										-235	-270
Total expenses									131,730	123,511	150,297
Homebuilding [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Homebuilding revenue									1,651,343	1,497,016	1,364,733
Total expenses									1,549,659	1,373,360	1,300,728
Homebuilding [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Homebuilding revenue									369,598	311,730	87,124
Total expenses									336,651	295,390	79,899
Homebuilding [Member] | Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Homebuilding revenue										-4,988	-4,978
Total expenses										10,670	5,334
Homebuilding [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Homebuilding revenue									2,020,966	1,803,526	1,446,618
Total revenues									2,021,128	1,803,657	1,446,591
Total expenses									2,021,326	1,811,539	1,539,288
(Loss) income before income taxes									139,336	135,489	47,005
Financial Services [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Financial services									20	17	-28
Financial Services [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Financial services									9,572	9,386	8,082
Financial services									6,832	6,721	5,737
Financial Services [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Financial services									32,842	38,341	30,653
Financial services									21,764	22,321	17,951
Financial Services [Member] | Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Financial services											-12
Financial Services [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Financial services									42,414	47,727	38,735
Total revenues									42,414	47,727	38,735
(Loss) income before income taxes									13,798	18,668	15,087
Financial services									28,616	29,059	23,648
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Total revenues									25	3	9
Total expenses									3,306	8,625	3,002
(Loss) income before income taxes									-3,281	-8,622	-2,993
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision									-298,775	-21,541	-17,495
Equity in (loss) income of consolidated subsidiaries									11,650	18,376	-80,699
Net (loss) income									307,144	31,295	-66,197
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Subsidiary Issuer [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Intercompany income									100,878
Total revenues									100,878	81,581	98,535
Total expenses									131,730	123,511	150,297
(Loss) Gain on Extinguishment of Debt									-1,155	-770,769	-29,066
(Loss) income before income taxes									-32,007	-812,699	-80,828
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision									-908
Equity in (loss) income of consolidated subsidiaries									-14,177	-11,514	-1,521
Net (loss) income									-45,276	-824,213	-82,349
Intercompany charges										81,816	98,805
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Total revenues									1,660,915	1,402,190	1,252,721
Total expenses									1,657,369	1,380,081	1,306,465
(Loss) Gain on Extinguishment of Debt										770,009
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures									94	2,327	561
(Loss) income before income taxes									3,640	794,445	-53,183
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision									12,719	12,181	-17,580
Equity in (loss) income of consolidated subsidiaries									51,828	39,748	21,153
Net (loss) income									42,749	822,012	-14,450
Intercompany charges									100,878	-104,212	-120,094
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Total revenues									402,440	347,746	114,187
Total expenses									358,415	317,711	97,850
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures									7,803	9,713	4,840
(Loss) income before income taxes									51,828	39,748	21,177
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision											24
Net (loss) income									51,828	39,748	21,153
Intercompany charges										-2,325	-3,590
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Intercompany income									-100,878
Total revenues									-100,878	19,733	19,901
Total expenses									-100,878	10,670	5,322
(Loss) income before income taxes										9,063	14,579
Equity in (loss) income of consolidated subsidiaries									-49,301	-46,610	61,067
Net (loss) income									-49,301	-37,547	75,646
Intercompany charges									($100,878)	$24,721	$24,879

Note_23_Financial_Information_5

Note 23 - Financial Information of Subsidiary Issuer and Subsidiary Guarantors (Details) - Consolidating Condensed Financial Statements - Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$307,144	$31,295	($66,197)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-497,729	-22,027	-801
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-190,585	9,268	-66,998
Proceeds from sale of property and assets	515	7,369	3,206
Purchase of property, equipment, and other fixed assets and acquisitions	-3,423	-1,558	-5,059
(Increase) in restricted cash related to mortgage company	-655	4,575
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	-21,699	-4,907	-4,743
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated joint ventures	11,107	24,806	5,096
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-14,155	30,285	-1,500
Net proceeds from mortgages and notes	40,770
Net proceeds from model sale leaseback financing programs	19,214
Net payments from land bank financing programs	-17,306
Net proceeds from senior notes	121,447
Net payments related to mortgage warehouse lines of credit	-14,744	-15,822	57,756
Deferred financing cost from land banking financing program and note issuances	-11,947	-5,071	-19,381
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	137,434	16,419	90,990
Net (decrease) increase in cash	-67,306	55,972	22,492
Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of year	329,204	273,232	250,740
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of year	261,898	329,204	273,232
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	307,144	31,295	-66,197
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-277,932	29,653	37,030
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	29,212	60,948	-29,167
Intercompany investing and financing activities b net	-29,212	-60,948	-18,054
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-29,212		47,221
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Subsidiary Issuer [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	-45,276	-824,213	-82,349
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	14,334	797,892	53,114
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-30,942	-26,321	-29,235
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	-95
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated joint ventures	203
Intercompany investing activities	-167,370
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-167,262	235	146
Net proceeds from senior notes	121,447
Deferred financing cost from land banking financing program and note issuances	-7,205
Intercompany investing and financing activities b net		78,598	194,040
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	114,242	-6,139	-79,976
Net (decrease) increase in cash	-83,962	46,373	84,975
Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of year	243,470	197,097	112,122
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of year	159,508	243,470	197,097
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	42,749	822,012	-14,450
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-303,507	-875,287	124,875
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-260,758	-53,275	110,425
Proceeds from sale of property and assets	467
Purchase of property, equipment, and other fixed assets and acquisitions	-3,395
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	-831
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated joint ventures	3,787
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	28	11,819	-3,260
Net proceeds from mortgages and notes	39,345
Net proceeds from model sale leaseback financing programs	17,232
Net payments from land bank financing programs	-8,297
Deferred financing cost from land banking financing program and note issuances	-4,051
Intercompany investing and financing activities b net	218,254	-15,920	-153,863
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	262,483	52,914	49,670
Net (decrease) increase in cash	1,753	-4,462	2,972
Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of year	-6,479	-2,017	-4,989
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of year	-4,726	-6,479	-2,017
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	51,828	39,748	21,153
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	20,075	-11,832	-140,174
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	71,903	27,916	-119,021
Proceeds from sale of property and assets	48
Purchase of property, equipment, and other fixed assets and acquisitions	-28
(Increase) in restricted cash related to mortgage company	-655
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	-20,773
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated joint ventures	7,117
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-14,291	18,231	1,614
Net proceeds from mortgages and notes	1,425
Net proceeds from model sale leaseback financing programs	1,982
Net payments from land bank financing programs	-9,009
Net payments related to mortgage warehouse lines of credit	-14,744
Deferred financing cost from land banking financing program and note issuances	-691
Intercompany investing and financing activities b net	-21,672	-1,730	-22,123
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-42,709	-30,356	74,075
Net (decrease) increase in cash	14,903	14,061	-65,455
Cash and cash equivalents balance, beginning of year	92,213	78,152	143,607
Cash and cash equivalents balance, end of year	107,116	92,213	78,152
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	-49,301	-37,547	75,646
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	49,301	37,547	-75,646
Intercompany investing activities	167,370
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	167,370
Intercompany investing and financing activities b net	-167,370
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	($167,370)

Note_24_Unaudited_Summarized_C2

Note 24 - Unaudited Summarized Consolidated Quarterly Information (Details) - Summarized Quarterly Financial Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Summarized Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Revenues	$698,394	$551,009	$449,929	$364,048	$591,687	$478,357	$422,998	$358,211	$2,063,380	$1,851,253	$1,485,353
Expenses	663,149	535,107	456,617	389,845	561,061	471,036	422,899	380,637	2,049,942	1,840,598	1,562,936
Inventory impairment loss and land option write-offs	3,297	741	522	664	1,486	623	2,191	665	5,224	4,965	12,530
Loss on extinguishment of debt			-1,155		-760				-1,155	-760	-29,066
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures	4,048	211	1,067	2,571	5,234	3,690	827	2,289	7,897	12,040	5,401
Income (loss) before income taxes	35,996	15,372	-7,298	-23,890	33,614	10,388	-1,265	-20,802	20,180	21,935	-101,248
State and federal income tax (benefit) provision	-286,468	-1,733	604	633	795	1,922	-2,583	-9,494	-286,964	-9,360	-35,051
Net income (loss)	$322,464	$17,105	($7,902)	($24,523)	$32,819	$8,466	$1,318	($11,308)	$307,144	$31,295	($66,197)
Basic:
Income (loss) per common share (in Dollars per share)	$2.15	$0.11	($0.05)	($0.17)	$0.22	$0.06	$0.01	($0.08)	$2.05	$0.22	($0.52)
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in Shares)	146,413	146,365	146,325	145,982	145,821	146,056	145,948	141,725	146,271	145,087	126,350
Assuming dilution:
Income (loss) per common share (in Dollars per share)	$1.95	$0.11	($0.05)	($0.17)	$0.21	$0.06	$0.01	($0.08)	$1.87	$0.22	($0.52)
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (in Shares)	161,720	162,278	146,325	145,982	162,100	162,823	147,231	141,725	162,441	162,329	126,350

Note_25_Subsequent_Events_Deta

Note 25 - Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Nov. 02, 2011	Nov. 05, 2014	Feb. 15, 2014
Note 25 - Subsequent Events (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			7.25%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	100.00%
August 1, 2019 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Subsidiary Issuer [Member]
Note 25 - Subsequent Events (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		100.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Subsidiary Issuer [Member]
Note 25 - Subsequent Events (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		250,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		8.00%
Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt		245,700,000