Supplemental Disclosure to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010	Nov. 30, 2009
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period:
Total	$ 418,074	$ 908,430	$ 1,177,961
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	48,038	71,647	55,892
Income taxes paid	335	807	7,145
Income taxes refunded	213	196,868	242,418
Supplemental disclosures of noncash activities:
Increase in inventories in connection with consolidation of joint ventures	0	72,300	97,550
Increase in secured debt in connection with consolidation of joint ventures	0		133,051
Increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in connection with consolidation of joint ventures	0	38,861
Stock appreciation rights exchanged for stock options	0	2,348
Reclassification from inventory to operating properties	0		72,548
Reclassification from accounts payable to investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	0		50,626
Cost of inventories acquired through seller financing	0	55,244	16,240
Increase (decrease) in consolidated inventories not owned	8,354	(41,626)	(45,340)
Acquired property securing note receivable	40,000
Homebuilding [Member]
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period:
Total	415,050	904,401	1,174,715
Financial services [Member]
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period:
Total	$ 3,024	$ 4,029	$ 3,246