Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 709,038	$ 906,340
Marketable securities	218,434	233,572
Restricted cash	47,398	19,760
Inventory	3,767,877	3,416,723
Property, construction and office equipment, net	100,724	99,712
Receivables, prepaid expenses and other assets	143,857	105,576
Mortgage loans receivable	50,527	63,175
Customer deposits held in escrow	31,068	14,859
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	200,292	126,355
Investments in non-performing loan portfolios and foreclosed real estate	95,870	69,174
Total assets	5,365,085	5,055,246
Liabilities:
Loans payable	103,880	106,556
Senior notes	1,791,942	1,490,972
Mortgage company warehouse loan	45,397	57,409
Customer deposits	128,921	83,824
Accounts payable	106,747	96,817
Accrued expenses	457,274	521,051
Income taxes payable	99,107	106,066
Total liabilities	2,733,268	2,462,695
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, 168,689 and 168,675 shares issued at April 30, 2012 and October 31, 2011, respectively	1,687	1,687
Additional paid-in capital	399,382	400,382
Retained earnings	2,248,337	2,234,251
Treasury stock, at cost --1,370 shares and 2,946 shares at April 30, 2012 and October 31, 2011, respectively	(20,395)	(47,065)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,382)	(2,902)
Total stockholders' equity	2,625,629	2,586,353
Noncontrolling interest	6,188	6,198
Total equity	2,631,817	2,592,551
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	5,365,085	5,055,246
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
ASSETS
Mortgage loans receivable	$ 50,527	$ 63,175