Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (66,677)	$ (192,679)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated joint ventures	(2,171)	56,241
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	3,316	6,312
Loss on loan guaranty	0	37,330
Gain on sale of operating property	0	(8,825)
Amortization of discounts and issuance costs	2,150	1,660
Depreciation and amortization	1,147	1,636
Provision for deferred income taxes	1,152	0
Loss (gain) on early extinguishment of debt	10,278	(3,612)
Stock-based compensation expense	4,684	5,765
Inventory impairments and land option contract abandonments	22,912	23,507
Change in assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(4,502)	(10,940)
Inventories	(10,562)	(177,770)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(31,266)	(46,953)
Other, net	(6,261)	(1,611)
Net cash used in operating activities	(75,800)	(309,939)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Return of investment in (contributions to) unconsolidated joint ventures	2,865	(1,974)
Proceeds from sale of operating property	0	80,600
Purchases of property and equipment, net	(1,052)	(74)
Net cash provided by investing activities	1,813	78,552
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in restricted cash	18,368	2,291
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes	694,831	0
Payment of senior notes issuance costs	(12,195)	0
Repayment of senior notes	(592,645)	(100,000)
Payments on mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans	(21,099)	(86,064)
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans	451	1,426
Payments of cash dividends	(8,674)	(14,423)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	79,037	(196,770)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	5,050	(428,157)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	418,074	908,430
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 423,124	$ 480,273