Supplemental Disclosure to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period:
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 532,523	$ 525,688	$ 418,074
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	8,346	0	0
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	64,520	65,541	48,038
Income taxes paid	800	826	335
Income taxes refunded	61	22,342	213
Supplemental disclosures of noncash activities:
Cost of inventories acquired through seller financing	27,600	53,625	0
Increase (decrease) in consolidated inventories not owned	4,798	(19,803)	8,354
Acquired property securing note receivable	0	0	40,000
Homebuilding [Member]
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period:
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	530,095	524,765	415,050
Financial services [Member]
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period:
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 2,428	$ 923	$ 3,024