Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	May 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011
Stockholders' Equity:
Total consolidated VIEs assets	$ 2,136,900	$ 2,317,400
Total consolidated VIEs liabilities	742,800	902,300
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock, par value	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	169,675,010	169,099,760
Treasury stock, shares	11,702,017	12,000,017
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity:
Common Stock, par value	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	90,000,000	90,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	32,982,815	32,982,815
Treasury stock, shares	1,679,620	1,679,620
Lennar Homebuilding Consolidated VIEs [Member]
Stockholders' Equity:
Cash and cash equivalents	17,100	19,600
Consolidated Vies Restricted Cash	1,300
Receivables, net	6,900	5,300
Finished homes and construction in progress	17,000	100
Land and land under development	511,200	538,200
Consolidated inventory not owned	65,500	71,600
Investments in unconsolidated entities	43,800	43,400
Other assets	218,900	219,600
Accounts payable	7,600	12,700
Liabilities related to consolidated inventory not owned	36,700	43,600
Senior notes and other debts payable	171,900	175,300
Other liabilities	35,300	16,700
Rialto Investments Consolidated VIEs [Member]
Stockholders' Equity:
Cash and cash equivalents	92,300	80,000
Defeasance cash to retire notes payable	138,700	219,400
Investments in unconsolidated entities	600	600
Other assets	8,100	10,600
Consolidated VIEs Notes Payable And Other Liabilities	491,300	654,000
Loans receivable	464,100	565,600
Real estate owned, held for sale	91,000	115,400
Real estate owned held-and-used, net	$ 460,400	$ 428,000