Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011
Deferred tax liabilities
Capitalized expenses	$ 76,112		$ 98,677
State taxes	64,577		61,550
Other	218		190
Total	140,907		160,417
Deferred tax assets:
Inventory impairments and land option contract abandonments	132,099		219,457
NOL from 2006 through 2012	442,621		412,901
Warranty, legal and other accruals	54,744		61,189
Employee benefits	68,644		57,699
Partnerships and joint ventures	132,851		83,693
Depreciation and amortization	7,467		13,577
Capitalized expenses	6,646		6,233
Tax credits	169,173		151,300
Deferred income	668		830
Other	6,107		2,517
Total	1,021,020		1,009,396
Valuation allowance	(880,113)		(847,827)
Total	140,907		161,569
Net deferred tax assets	$ 0	$ (1,200)	$ 1,152