Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010
Deferred tax liabilities
Capitalized expenses	$ 98,677	$ 106,800
State taxes	61,550	56,915
Other	190	177
Total	160,417	163,892
Deferred tax assets:
Inventory impairments and land option contract abandonments	219,457	275,640
2011, 2010 and 2009 NOLs	412,901	277,089
Warranty, legal and other accruals	61,189	103,359
Employee benefits	57,699	51,335
Partnerships and joint ventures	83,693	49,339
Depreciation and amortization	13,577	22,830
Capitalized expenses	6,233	5,927
Tax credits	151,300	145,643
Deferred Income	830	1,219
Other	2,517	3,743
Total	1,009,396	936,124
Valuation allowance	(847,827)	(771,080)
Total	161,569	165,044
Deferred tax assets	$ 1,152	$ 1,152