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Inventory Impairments and Land Option Contract Abandonments (Details Textual) (USD $)
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
May 31, 2012
Property
May 31, 2011
Lots
Property
May 31, 2012
Property
May 31, 2011
Lots
Property
Nov. 30, 2011
Property
Inventory Impairments and Land Option Contract Abandonments (Textual) [Abstract]          
Number of land parcels or communities evaluated for recoverability 39 33 76 64  
Pretax, noncash inventory impairment charges $ 9,937,000 $ 20,094,000 $ 16,509,000 $ 21,086,000 $ 22,700,000
Post impairment fair value 15,200,000 27,600,000 27,400,000 28,800,000  
Charges related to adjustment to fair value of real estate   18,100,000      
Number of land parcels or communities associated with non cash inventory impairment charges 5 5 7 8  
Land option contract abandonment charges   497,000   1,259,000  
Number of lots on which abandonment charges are recognized   117   258  
Aggregate carrying value of inventory impacted by pretax, noncash inventory impairment charges $ 351,200,000   $ 351,200,000   $ 338,500,000
Number of communities and various other land parcels impacted by pretax, noncash inventory impairment charges 50   50   53
Remaining useful life in addition to specified useful lives     1 year    
Specified period of remaining useful lives     10 years    
Expected realization period of inventory maximum     5 years