Segment Reporting (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 150,813	$ 160,675	$ 439,349	$ 456,038
Depreciation and amortization	18,985	18,910	57,165	55,694
Operating income (loss)	20,520	21,573	83,943	82,628
Capital expenditures	29,833	23,595	55,134	74,744
Total assets	1,940,054	1,880,491	1,940,054	1,880,491
Equity investments	78,744	33,768	78,744	33,768
Motorsports Event
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	140,685	151,173	415,318	429,644
Depreciation and amortization	17,188	16,678	51,795	49,262
Operating income (loss)	20,263	21,690	83,013	83,783
Capital expenditures	21,964	21,681	44,371	53,605
Total assets	1,642,727	1,618,676	1,642,727	1,618,676
All Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	10,128	9,502	24,031	26,394
Depreciation and amortization	1,797	2,232	5,370	6,432
Operating income (loss)	257	(117)	(1,070)	(1,155)
Capital expenditures	7,869	1,914	10,763	21,139
Total assets	297,327	261,815	297,327	261,815
Equity investments	$ 78,744	$ 33,768	$ 78,744	$ 33,768