Supplemental Disclosure to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period:
Total	$ 480,273	$ 923,607
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	23,159	72,113
Income taxes paid	278	523
Income taxes refunded	182	191,345
Supplemental disclosures of noncash activities:
Increase in inventories in connection with consolidation of joint ventures		72,300
Increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in connection with consolidation of joint ventures		38,861
Stock appreciation rights exchanged for stock options		1,816
Cost of inventories acquired through seller financing		53,125
Increase (decrease) in consolidated inventories not owned	9,596	(37,633)
Acquired property securing note receivable	40,000
Homebuilding [Member]
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period:
Total	477,406	919,851
Financial services [Member]
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period:
Total	$ 2,867	$ 3,756