Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 899,341	$ 778,824
Marketable securities	122,527	439,068
Restricted cash	33,416	47,276
Inventory	4,517,008	3,761,187
Property, construction and office equipment, net	126,360	109,971
Receivables, prepaid expenses and other assets	174,960	144,558
Mortgage loans receivable	72,163	86,386
Customer deposits held in escrow	48,878	29,579
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	356,837	330,617
Investments in distressed loans	42,500	37,169
Investments in foreclosed real estate	72,912	58,353
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances	320,641	358,056
Total assets	6,787,543	6,181,044
Liabilities:
Loans Payable	97,679	99,817
Senior notes	2,425,806	2,080,463
Mortgage company warehouse loan	65,654	72,664
Customer deposits	231,493	142,977
Accounts payable	153,163	99,911
Accrued expenses	518,447	476,350
Income taxes payable	78,973	80,991
Total liabilities	3,571,215	3,053,173
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, none issued
Common stock, 169,330 and 168,690 shares issued at July 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012, respectively	1,693	1,687
Additional paid-in capital	430,191	404,418
Retained earnings	2,797,098	2,721,397
Treasury stock, at cost --461 shares and 53 shares at July 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012, respectively	(14,218)	(983)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(4,630)	(4,819)
Total stockholders' equity	3,210,134	3,121,700
Noncontrolling interest	6,194	6,171
Total equity	3,216,328	3,127,871
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	6,787,543	6,181,044
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
ASSETS
Mortgage loans receivable	$ 72,163	$ 86,386