Supplemental Disclosure to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 560,341	$ 358,768	$ 532,523	$ 525,688
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	22,486	13,037	64,520
Income taxes paid	3,612	1,619	800
Income taxes refunded	11	1,728	61
Supplemental disclosures of noncash activities:
Increase (decrease) in consolidated inventories not owned	106,807	(5,755)	4,798
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Inventory Acquired	20,291	61,553	27,600
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost	0	6,455	8,346
Homebuilding [Member]
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period:
Cash and cash equivalents	559,042	356,366	530,095
Financial services [Member]
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period:
Cash and cash equivalents	1,299	2,402	2,428
Inspirada Builders LLC [Member]
Supplemental disclosures of noncash activities:
Increase in Inventories Due to Distribution of Land From Equity Method Investments	12,705	90,115	0
Increase in Inventory and Inventory-Related Obligations Associated with TIFE	0	33,197	0
Water Intrusion [Member]
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period:
Loss Contingency, Receivable	$ 7,238	$ 18,110	$ 0