Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2011	May 31, 2011	Feb. 28, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	May 31, 2010	Feb. 28, 2010	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 367,316			$ 501,003			$ 835,994	$ 1,139,033
Homebuilding:
Revenues	364,532			498,821			829,816	1,133,846
Construction and land costs	(302,908)			(411,813)			(724,085)	(945,196)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(60,185)			(78,602)			(172,310)	(233,795)
Loss on loan guaranty		(14,600)	(22,800)				(37,330)	0
Operating income (loss)	1,439			8,406			(103,909)	(45,145)
Interest income	123			603			776	1,628
Interest Expense	(12,342)			(16,183)			(36,902)	(52,108)
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	64			(1,947)			(55,865)	(4,679)
Homebuilding pretax loss	(10,716)			(9,121)			(195,900)	(100,304)
Financial services:
Revenues	2,784			2,182			6,178	5,187
Expenses	(829)			(754)			(2,481)	(2,639)
Equity in income ( loss ) of unconsolidated joint venture	(888)			996			(376)	5,946
Financial services pretax income	1,067			2,424			3,321	8,494
Total pretax loss	(9,649)			(6,697)			(192,579)	(91,810)
Income tax benefit (expense)	0			5,300			(100)	5,000
Net loss	$ (9,649)			$ (1,397)			$ (192,679)	$ (86,810)
Basic and diluted loss per share	$ (0.13)			$ (0.02)			$ (2.50)	$ (1.13)
Basic and diluted average shares outstanding	77,047			76,909			77,004	76,866
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.0625	$ 0.0625	$ 0.0625	$ 0.0625	$ 0.0625	$ 0.0625	$ 0.1875	$ 0.1875