Financial Services (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 386,465	$ 525,688	$ 423,124	$ 418,074
Receivables	72,345	64,821
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	126,549	123,674
Other assets	101,247	95,050
Total assets	2,964,841	2,561,698
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	526,913	458,889
Total liabilities	2,865	3,188
Financial services [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	3,151	923	2,732
Receivables	1,336	1,859
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	5,496	1,630
Other assets	52	43
Total assets	10,035	4,455
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 2,865	$ 3,188