Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 601,451	$ 906,340
Marketable securities	275,928	233,572
Restricted cash	47,008	19,760
Inventory	3,784,705	3,416,723
Property, construction and office equipment, net	101,216	99,712
Receivables, prepaid expenses and other assets	132,967	105,576
Mortgage loans receivable	72,544	63,175
Customer deposits held in escrow	30,731	14,859
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	311,481	126,355
Investments in non-performing loan portfolios and foreclosed real estate	98,241	69,174
Total assets	5,456,272	5,055,246
Liabilities:
Loans payable	106,399	106,556
Senior notes	1,792,453	1,490,972
Mortgage company warehouse loan	63,128	57,409
Customer deposits	141,523	83,824
Accounts payable	106,517	96,817
Accrued expenses	464,722	521,051
Income taxes payable	79,724	106,066
Total liabilities	2,754,466	2,462,695
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, 168,689 and 168,675 shares issued at July 31, 2012 and October 31, 2011, respectively	1,687	1,687
Additional paid-in capital	397,302	400,382
Retained earnings	2,309,980	2,234,251
Treasury stock, at cost --707 shares and 2,946 shares at July 31, 2012 and October 31, 2011, respectively	(10,211)	(47,065)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,137)	(2,902)
Total stockholders' equity	2,695,621	2,586,353
Noncontrolling interest	6,185	6,198
Total equity	2,701,806	2,592,551
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	5,456,272	5,055,246
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
ASSETS
Mortgage loans receivable	$ 72,544	$ 63,175