Supplemental Disclosure to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
Total cash and cash equivalents	$ 625,558	$ 307,375
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	5,872	31,334
Income taxes paid	120	174
Income taxes refunded	58	58
Supplemental disclosures of noncash activities:
Increase (decrease) in consolidated inventories not owned	4,842	(2,536)
Cost of inventories acquired through seller financing	27,600	0
Homebuilding
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
Total cash and cash equivalents	624,044	304,171
Financial Services
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
Total cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,514	$ 3,204