Supplemental Disclosure to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 494,807	$ 337,722	$ 593,000	$ 560,341
Interest Paid	(17,111)	(13,512)
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Income taxes paid	3,464	3,208
Supplemental disclosures of noncash activities:
Increase (decrease) in consolidated inventories not owned	(22,018)	(59,144)
Cost of inventories acquired through seller financing	49,658	89,968
Homebuilding
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
Cash and cash equivalents	494,053	334,669	592,086
Financial Services
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
Cash and cash equivalents	754	3,053	$ 914
Inspirada Builders LLC [Member]
Supplemental disclosures of noncash activities:
Increase in inventories due to distribution of land from unconsolidated joint venture	5,198	4,331
Warranty Reserves [Member]
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Loss Contingency, Receivable, Period Increase (Decrease)	$ 0	$ 2,151