Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 778,824	$ 906,340
Marketable securities	439,068	233,572
Restricted cash	47,276	19,760
Inventory	3,761,187	3,416,723
Property, construction and office equipment, net	106,214	99,712
Receivables, prepaid expenses and other assets	148,315	105,576
Mortgage loans receivable	86,386	63,175
Customer deposits held in escrow	29,579	14,859
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	330,617	126,355
Investments in non-performing loan portfolios and foreclosed real estate	95,522	69,174
Deferred tax assets, net	358,056
Total assets	6,181,044	5,055,246
Liabilities:
Loans payable	99,817	106,556
Senior notes	2,080,463	1,490,972
Mortgage company warehouse loan	72,664	57,409
Customer deposits	142,977	83,824
Accounts payable	99,911	96,817
Accrued expenses	476,350	521,051
Income taxes payable	80,991	106,066
Total liabilities	3,053,173	2,462,695
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, none issued	0	0
Common stock, 168,690 and 168,675 shares issued at October 31, 2012 and October 31, 2011, respectively	1,687	1,687
Additional paid-in capital	404,418	400,382
Retained earnings	2,721,397	2,234,251
Treasury stock, at cost --53 shares and 2,946 shares at October 31, 2012 and October 31, 2011, respectively	(983)	(47,065)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(4,819)	(2,902)
Total stockholders' equity	3,121,700	2,586,353
Noncontrolling interest	6,171	6,198
Total equity	3,127,871	2,592,551
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	6,181,044	5,055,246
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
ASSETS
Mortgage loans receivable	$ 86,386	$ 63,175