Supplemental Disclosure to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 442,088	$ 487,270	$ 358,768	$ 532,523
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	10,043	(2,061)
Income taxes paid	1,887	1,419
Supplemental disclosures of noncash activities:
Increase (decrease) in consolidated inventories not owned	45,613	(3,958)
Cost of inventories acquired through seller financing	0	29,277
Homebuilding
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
Cash and cash equivalents	439,920	484,472	356,366
Financial Services
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
Cash and cash equivalents	2,168	2,798	$ 2,402
Inspirada Builders LLC [Member]
Supplemental disclosures of noncash activities:
Increase in inventories due to distribution of land from unconsolidated joint venture	13,992	70,642
Tax Increment Financing Entities (TIFE)	0	33,197
Water Intrusion [Member]
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Loss Contingency, Receivable	$ 7,034	$ 5,609