Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 374,649	$ 772,972
Marketable securities	12,006	52,508
Restricted cash	22,401	32,036
Inventory	6,593,804	4,650,412
Property, construction and office equipment, net	131,509	131,320
Receivables, prepaid expenses and other assets	252,516	229,295
Mortgage loans receivable	98,535	113,517
Customer deposits held in escrow	55,820	46,888
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	443,285	403,133
Investments in distressed loans	4,251	36,374
Investments in foreclosed real estate	79,319	72,972
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances	263,821	286,032
Total assets	8,331,916	6,827,459
Liabilities:
Loans Payable	636,126	107,222
Senior notes	2,654,666	2,321,442
Mortgage company warehouse loan	87,830	75,000
Customer deposits	254,187	212,669
Accounts payable	226,734	167,787
Accrued expenses	536,670	522,987
Income taxes payable	128,881	81,188
Total liabilities	4,525,094	3,488,295
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, none issued	0	0
Common stock, 177,892 and 169,353 shares issued at July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively	1,779	1,694
Additional paid-in capital	700,337	441,677
Retained earnings	3,100,511	2,892,003
Treasury stock, at cost - 0 shares at July 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively	(2)	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,050)	(2,387)
Total stockholders' equity	3,800,575	3,332,987
Noncontrolling interest	6,247	6,177
Total equity	3,806,822	3,339,164
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	8,331,916	6,827,459
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
ASSETS
Mortgage loans receivable	$ 98,535	$ 113,517