Supplemental Disclosure to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 541,206	$ 317,961	$ 525,688
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	30,246	28,711
Income taxes paid	542	647
Income taxes refunded	61	4,376
Supplemental disclosures of noncash activities:
Increase (decrease) in consolidated inventories not owned	4,842	(3,611)
Cost of inventories acquired through seller financing	27,600	0
Homebuilding
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
Cash and cash equivalents	538,571	314,258	524,765
Financial Services
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,635	$ 3,703	$ 923