Supplemental Disclosure to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014 Inspirada Builders LLC [Member]	Aug. 31, 2013 Inspirada Builders LLC [Member]
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 299,008	$ 386,465
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	312	34,902
Income taxes paid	1,537	623
Income taxes refunded	45	61
Supplemental disclosures of noncash activities:
Increase (decrease) in consolidated inventories not owned	(4,931)	4,831
Increase in inventories due to distribution of land from unconsolidated joint venture			81,670	0
Tax Increment Financing Entities (TIFE)			33,197	0
Cost of inventories acquired through seller financing	52,561	27,600
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost	$ 6,455	$ 8,346