Product Warranty (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2011	Feb. 29, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Feb. 28, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010
Product Warranty [Line Items]
Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued	$ 8,106	$ 6,599	$ 14,961	$ 11,338
Chinese drywall number of homes	1,000		1,000
Chinese drywall percentage of homes			1.20%
Chinese drywall accrual	82,200		82,200
Warranty reserve, net of payments	84,488	91,177	84,488	91,177	85,717	88,120	103,976	109,179
Payments received	300	1,100	300	2,400
Chinese Drywall [Member]
Product Warranty [Line Items]
Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued	0		0
Warranty reserve, net of payments	$ 5,400		$ 5,400			$ 9,100