Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010	Nov. 30, 2009
Income tax benefit computed at the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate and income tax benefit (expense) provided in the consolidated statements of operations
Income tax benefit computed at statutory rate	$ 63,397	$ 26,729	$ 108,914
Increase (decrease) resulting from
State taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	4,691	4,010	11,079
Reserve and deferred income	(1,161)	1,204	(11,075)
Capitalized expenses	(3,589)
Basis in joint ventures	4,401	13,729	(3,336)
NOLs reconciliation	715	(24,749)	(36,941)
Recognition of federal tax benefits	2,600	1,621	16,411
Tax credits	5,477	5,384	203
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	(76,747)	(21,115)	128,813
Other, net	2,616	187	(4,668)
Income tax benefit (expense)	2,400	7,000	209,400
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the gross unrecognized benefits
Balance at beginning of year	11,308	11,024	18,332
Additions for tax positions related to prior years	5	1,720	4,230
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years	0	(1,183)	(270)
Reductions related to settlement	(264)
Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations	(2,476)	0	(1,277)
Reductions due to resolution of federal and state audits	(6,674)	(253)	(9,991)
Balance at the end of year	$ 1,899	$ 11,308	$ 11,024