Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 368,756	$ 778,824
Marketable securities	424,819	439,068
Restricted cash	33,757	47,276
Inventory	4,155,047	3,761,187
Property, construction and office equipment, net	112,877	109,971
Receivables, prepaid expenses and other assets	152,881	144,558
Mortgage loans receivable	49,400	86,386
Customer deposits held in escrow	31,301	29,579
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	321,851	330,617
Investments in distressed loans	42,832	37,169
Investments in foreclosed real estate	68,764	58,353
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances	355,966	358,056
Total assets	6,118,251	6,181,044
Liabilities:
Loans payable	93,314	99,817
Senior notes	2,021,897	2,080,463
Mortgage company warehouse loan	43,464	72,664
Customer deposits	156,758	142,977
Accounts payable	110,791	99,911
Accrued expenses	467,652	476,350
Income taxes payable	83,265	80,991
Total liabilities	2,977,141	3,053,173
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, 169,159 and 168,690 shares issued at January 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012, respectively	1,692	1,687
Additional paid-in capital	412,242	404,418
Retained earnings	2,725,829	2,721,397
Treasury stock, at cost --1 share and 53 shares at January 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012, respectively	(38)	(983)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(4,803)	(4,819)
Total stockholders' equity	3,134,922	3,121,700
Noncontrolling interest	6,188	6,171
Total equity	3,141,110	3,127,871
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	6,118,251	6,181,044
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
ASSETS
Mortgage loans receivable	$ 49,400	$ 86,386