Supplemental Disclosure to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2014	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2014 Inspirada Builders LLC [Member]	May 31, 2013 Inspirada Builders LLC [Member]
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 487,270	$ 541,206
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest capitalized, net of amounts paid	(2,061)
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized		30,246
Income taxes paid	1,419	542
Income taxes refunded	44	61
Supplemental disclosures of noncash activities:
Increase (decrease) in consolidated inventories not owned	(3,958)	4,842
Increase in inventories due to distribution of land from unconsolidated joint venture			70,642	0
Tax Increment Financing Entities (TIFE)			33,197	0
Cost of inventories acquired through seller financing	$ 29,277	$ 27,600