Supplemental Disclosure to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 354,879	$ 299,008	$ 358,768	$ 532,523
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	5,017	312
Income taxes paid	2,915	1,537
Supplemental disclosures of noncash activities:
Increase (decrease) in consolidated inventories not owned	86,211	(4,931)
Cost of inventories acquired through seller financing	16,730	52,561
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost	0	6,455
Homebuilding
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
Cash and cash equivalents	352,952	297,058	356,366
Financial Services
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
Cash and cash equivalents	1,927	1,950	$ 2,402
Inspirada Builders LLC [Member]
Supplemental disclosures of noncash activities:
Increase in inventories due to distribution of land from unconsolidated joint venture	12,416	81,670
Tax Increment Financing Entities (TIFE)	0	33,197
Water Intrusion [Member]
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Loss Contingency, Receivable	$ 8,164	$ 12,794