Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 703,101	$ 778,824
Marketable securities	232,899	439,068
Restricted cash	33,801	47,276
Inventory	4,367,217	3,761,187
Property, construction and office equipment, net	125,289	109,971
Receivables, prepaid expenses and other assets	165,745	144,558
Mortgage loans receivable	66,538	86,386
Customer deposits held in escrow	45,304	29,579
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	357,532	330,617
Investments in distressed loans	48,707	37,169
Investments in foreclosed real estate	71,458	58,353
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances	341,014	358,056
Total assets	6,558,605	6,181,044
Liabilities:
Loans Payable	96,572	99,817
Senior notes	2,322,397	2,080,463
Mortgage company warehouse loan	58,526	72,664
Customer deposits	205,821	142,977
Accounts payable	149,601	99,911
Accrued expenses	469,233	476,350
Income taxes payable	84,157	80,991
Total liabilities	3,386,307	3,053,173
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, none issued
Common stock, 169,268 and 168,690 shares issued at April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2012, respectively	1,693	1,687
Additional paid-in capital	418,844	404,418
Retained earnings	2,750,503	2,721,397
Treasury stock, at cost --2 shares and 53 shares at April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2012, respectively	(78)	(983)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(4,861)	(4,819)
Total stockholders' equity	3,166,101	3,121,700
Noncontrolling interest	6,197	6,171
Total equity	3,172,298	3,127,871
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	6,558,605	6,181,044
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
ASSETS
Mortgage loans receivable	$ 66,538	$ 86,386