Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Feb. 28, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures including pretax, noncash impairment charges	$ 0

Noncash impairment charges included in equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures.

No definition available.

Name:	kbh_NoncashImpairmentChargesIncludedInEquityInLossOfUnconsolidatedJointVentures
Namespace Prefix:	kbh_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration