Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 351,821	$ 772,972
Marketable securities	13,000	52,508
Restricted cash	22,542	32,036
Inventory	6,548,024	4,650,412
Property, construction and office equipment, net	131,222	131,320
Receivables, prepaid expenses and other assets	249,934	229,295
Mortgage loans receivable	68,642	113,517
Customer deposits held in escrow	54,417	46,888
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	441,842	403,133
Investments in distressed loans	18,799	36,374
Investments in foreclosed real estate	76,652	72,972
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances	268,171	286,032
Total assets	8,245,066	6,827,459
Liabilities:
Loans Payable	747,088	107,222
Senior notes	2,654,438	2,321,442
Mortgage company warehouse loan	56,842	75,000
Customer deposits	254,621	212,669
Accounts payable	204,728	167,787
Accrued expenses	539,673	522,987
Income taxes payable	84,619	81,188
Total liabilities	4,542,009	3,488,295
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, none issued	0	0
Common stock, 177,761 and 169,353 shares issued at April 30, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively	1,778	1,694
Additional paid-in capital	694,335	441,677
Retained earnings	3,002,805	2,892,003
Treasury stock, at cost - 2 shares and 0 shares at April 30, 2014 and October 31, 2013, respectively	(79)	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,030)	(2,387)
Total stockholders' equity	3,696,809	3,332,987
Noncontrolling interest	6,248	6,177
Total equity	3,703,057	3,339,164
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	8,245,066	6,827,459
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
ASSETS
Mortgage loans receivable	$ 68,642	$ 113,517