KB Home (KBH) 10-Q 10 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	KB Home
Entity Central Index Key	795266
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Aug-13
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding	83,716,101

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013		31-May-13	Feb. 28, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012		31-May-12	Feb. 29, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012
Total revenues	$548,974				$424,504				$1,478,599		$981,914
Homebuilding:
Revenues	545,800				421,555				1,470,404		974,055
Construction and land costs	-446,381				-351,356				-1,232,644		-836,229
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-63,456				-59,332				-192,652		-173,644
Operating income (loss)	35,963				10,867				45,108		-35,818
Interest income	193				117				629		363
Interest expense	-11,326	[1]			-23,060	[1]			-41,073	[1]	-53,815	[1]
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures									-577		2,171
Total pretax income (loss)	26,578				-7,439				10,047		-81,477
Financial services:
Revenues	3,174				2,949				8,195		7,859
Expenses	-764				-709				-2,235		-2,237
Income tax benefit	700				10,700				1,800		14,800
Net income (loss)	27,278				3,261				11,847		-66,677
Earnings Per Share, Basic, in dollars per share	$0.32				$0.04				$0.14		($0.86)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, in dollars per share	$0.30				$0.04				$0.14		($0.86)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	83,714				77,127				82,261		77,107
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	94,047				77,358				84,289		77,107
Cash dividends declared per common share	$0.03		$0.03	$0.03	$0.03		$0.03	$0.06	$0.08		$0.11
Homebuilding [Member]
Total revenues	545,800				421,555				1,470,404		974,055
Homebuilding:
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	-656				278				-1,658		-37
Total pretax income (loss)	24,174				-11,798				3,006		-89,307
Financial services [Member]
Total revenues	3,174				2,949				8,195		7,859
Homebuilding:
Operating income (loss)	2,410				2,240				5,960		5,622
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	-6				2,119				1,081		2,208
Total pretax income (loss)	$2,404				$4,359				$7,041		$7,830
[1]	Amounts for the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2012 include losses on the early extinguishment of debt of $8.3 million and $10.3 million, respectively.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	$386,465	$525,688
Restricted cash	41,631	42,362
Receivables	72,345	64,821
Inventories	2,229,720	1,706,571
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	126,549	123,674
Other assets	101,247	95,050
Total assets	2,964,841	2,561,698
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Accounts payable	146,147	118,544
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	380,766	340,345
Mortgages and notes payable	1,937,057	1,722,815
Financial services	2,865	3,188
Common stock	115,293	115,178
Paid-in capital	787,388	888,579
Retained earnings	455,867	450,292
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-27,958	-27,958
Grantor stock ownership trust, at cost	-114,540	-115,149
Treasury stock, at cost	-718,044	-934,136
Total stockholders’ equity	498,006	376,806
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,964,841	2,561,698
Homebuilding [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	383,314	524,765
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	126,549	123,674
Total assets	2,954,806	2,557,243
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Total Liabilities Homebuilding	2,463,970	2,181,704
Financial services [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,151	923
Receivables	1,336	1,859
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	5,496	1,630
Other assets	52	43
Total assets	$10,035	$4,455

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$11,847	($66,677)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint venture	577	-2,171
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	1,638	3,316
Amortization of discounts and issuance costs	3,811	2,150
Depreciation and amortization	1,405	1,147
Provision for deferred income taxes	0	1,152
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	10,278
Stock-based compensation	3,596	4,684
Inventory impairments and land option contract abandonments	284	22,912
Change in assets and liabilities:
Receivables	-7,001	-4,502
Inventories	-491,002	-10,562
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	72,315	-31,266
Other, net	1,071	-6,261
Net cash used in operating activities	-401,459	-75,800
Cash flows from investing activities:
Return of investments in (contributions to) unconsolidated joint ventures	-10,056	2,865
Purchases of property and equipment, net	-1,359	-1,052
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-11,415	1,813
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in restricted cash	731	18,368
Proceeds from issuance of debt	230,000	694,831
Payment of debt issuance costs	-10,086	-12,195
Repayment of senior notes	0	-592,645
Payments on mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans	-44,405	-21,099
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	109,503	0
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans	2,147	451
Payments of cash dividends	-6,272	-8,674
Stock repurchases	-7,967	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	273,651	79,037
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-139,223	5,050
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	525,688	418,074
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$386,465	$423,124

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. for interim financial information and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted.
	In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly our consolidated financial position as of August 31, 2013, the results of our consolidated operations for the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2013 and 2012, and our consolidated cash flows for the nine months ended August 31, 2013 and 2012. The results of our consolidated operations for the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year due to seasonal variations in operating results and other factors. The consolidated balance sheet at November 30, 2012 has been taken from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended November 30, 2012, which are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for that period.
	Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms “we,” “our,” and “us” used in this report refer to KB Home, a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries.
	Use of Estimates. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP and, therefore, include amounts based on informed estimates and judgments of management. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash. We consider all highly liquid short-term investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Our cash equivalents totaled $260.8 million at August 31, 2013 and $396.3 million at November 30, 2012. The majority of our cash and cash equivalents were invested in money market funds and interest-bearing bank deposit accounts.
	Restricted cash of $41.6 million at August 31, 2013 and $42.4 million at November 30, 2012 consisted of cash deposited with various financial institutions that was required as collateral for our cash-collateralized letter of credit facilities (“LOC Facilities”).
	Earnings (Loss) Per Share. Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Nine Months Ended August 31,						Three Months Ended August 31,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	11,847		$	(66,677	)	$	27,278		$	3,261
	Less: Distributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock	(18		)	—			(6		)	(8		)
	Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock	(16		)	—			(73		)	(5		)
	Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share	11,813			(66,677		)	27,199			3,248
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs associated with convertible senior notes, net of taxes	—			—			667			—
	Add: Undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock	16			—			73			5
	Less: Undistributed earnings reallocated to nonvested restricted stock	(14		)	—			(65		)	(4		)
	Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	11,815		$	(66,677	)	$	27,874		$	3,249
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share — basic average shares outstanding	82,261			77,107			83,714			77,127
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Share-based payments	2,028			—			1,931			231
	Convertible senior notes	—			—			8,402			—
	Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share — diluted average shares outstanding	84,289			77,107			94,047			77,358
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.14		$	(.86	)	$	0.32		$	0.04
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.14		$	(.86	)	$	0.3		$	0.04
	We compute earnings (loss) per share using the two-class method in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Standards Topic No. 260, “Earnings Per Share.” The two-class method is an allocation of earnings between the holders of common stock and a company’s participating security holders. Our outstanding nonvested shares of restricted stock contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and, therefore, are considered participating securities for purposes of computing earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. We had no other participating securities at August 31, 2013 or 2012.
	In the first quarter of 2013, we issued $230.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 1.375% convertible senior notes due 2019 (the “$230 Million Convertible Senior Notes”), which are initially convertible into shares of our common stock at a conversion rate of 36.5297 shares for each $1,000 principal amount of the notes. The impact of the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes was excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the nine months ended August 31, 2013 because the effect would have been antidilutive.
	Outstanding stock options to purchase 5.2 million shares of common stock were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2013 and outstanding stock options to purchase 8.5 million shares of common stock were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three months ended August 31, 2012 because their effect would have been antidilutive. All outstanding stock options were excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation for the nine months ended August 31, 2012 because their effect would have been antidilutive or decreased the loss per share. Contingently issuable shares associated with outstanding performance-based restricted stock units (each a “PSU”) issued in November 2012 were not included in the earnings per share calculations for the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2013 as the vesting conditions had not been satisfied.
	Comprehensive Income (Loss). Our comprehensive income for the three months ended August 31, 2013 and 2012 was $27.3 million and $3.3 million, respectively. For the nine months ended August 31, 2013, our comprehensive income was $11.8 million. For the nine months ended August 31, 2012, our comprehensive loss was $66.7 million. Our comprehensive income (loss) for each of the three-month and nine-month periods ended August 31, 2013 and 2012 was equal to our net income (loss) for the same periods. The accumulated other comprehensive loss in our consolidated balance sheets as of August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012 was comprised solely of adjustments recorded directly to accumulated other comprehensive loss in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 715, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits” (“ASC 715”). Such adjustments are made annually as of November 30, when our benefit plan obligations are remeasured. ASC 715 requires an employer to recognize the funded status of defined postretirement benefit plans as an asset or liability on the balance sheet and requires any unrecognized prior service costs and actuarial gains/losses to be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
	Revisions/Reclassifications. Effective December 1, 2012, we elected to reclassify closing cost allowances given to certain homebuyers from selling, general and administrative expenses to construction and land costs in our consolidated statements of operations. These allowances are used to cover a portion of non-recurring third-party fees, such as escrow fees, title costs, recording fees, finance processing fees, and prepaid property taxes and insurance costs that are charged to a homebuyer in connection with the closing of the sale of a home. This reclassification reduced both our housing gross profits and selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended August 31, 2013 and 2012 by $2.6 million and $3.4 million, respectively, which represented .5% and .8% of housing revenues, respectively. For the nine months ended August 31, 2013 and 2012, the reclassification reduced both our housing gross profits and selling, general and administrative expenses by $6.9 million and $11.3 million, respectively, which represented .5% and 1.2% of housing revenues, respectively. The reclassification had no impact on the homebuilding operating income (loss) or net income (loss) amounts previously reported. All prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2013 presentation.
	The format of the condensed consolidating financial statements presented in Note 19. Supplemental Guarantor Information has been revised for the periods previously reported in our annual and quarterly reports to reflect (a) the transfer of certain of our subsidiaries from non-guarantor subsidiaries to guarantor subsidiaries as a result of such subsidiaries becoming guarantor subsidiaries during the second quarter of 2013 as further discussed in Note 12. Mortgages and Notes Payable, and (b) an elective reclassification of guarantor and non-guarantor intercompany receivables and payables with corresponding offsets in the consolidating adjustments column. These intercompany receivables and payables had previously been presented on a net basis. This revised presentation of the condensed consolidating financial statements in Note 19. Supplemental Guarantor Information had no impact or effect on our consolidated financial statements for any periods presented, including our consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	We measure and recognize compensation expense associated with our grant of equity-based awards in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 718, “Compensation — Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”). ASC 718 requires that companies measure and recognize compensation expense at an amount equal to the fair value of share-based payments granted under compensation arrangements over the vesting period.
	Stock Options. In accordance with ASC 718, we estimate the grant-date fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which takes into account assumptions regarding an expected dividend yield, a risk-free interest rate, an expected volatility factor for the market price of our common stock and an expected term of the stock options. The following table summarizes stock option transactions for the nine months ended August 31, 2013:
		Options		Weighted
				Average Exercise
				Price
	Options outstanding at beginning of period	10,105,546		$	21.27
	Granted	—		—
	Exercised	(115,208	)	13.51
	Cancelled	—		—
	Options outstanding at end of period	9,990,338		$	21.36
	Options exercisable at end of period	8,476,681		$	23.81
	As of August 31, 2013, the weighted average remaining contractual life of stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable was 5.6 years and 5.2 years, respectively. There was $.5 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock option awards as of August 31, 2013. For the three months ended August 31, 2013 and 2012, stock-based compensation expense associated with stock options totaled $.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively. For the nine months ended August 31, 2013 and 2012, stock-based compensation expense associated with stock options totaled $1.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding was $24.7 million at August 31, 2013. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable was $11.9 million at August 31, 2013. (The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of a share of the underlying common stock exceeds the exercise price of the stock option.)
	Other Stock-Based Awards. From time to time, we grant restricted stock, PSUs and phantom shares to various employees. We recognized total compensation expense of $1.1 million for the three months ended August 31, 2013 and $.4 million for the three months ended August 31, 2012 related to restricted stock, PSUs and phantom shares. We recognized total compensation expense of $2.4 million for the nine months ended August 31, 2013 and $1.2 million for the nine months ended August 31, 2012 related to these stock-based awards.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information
	As of August 31, 2013, we had identified five reporting segments, comprised of four homebuilding reporting segments and one financial services reporting segment, within our consolidated operations in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 280, “Segment Reporting.” As of August 31, 2013, our homebuilding reporting segments conducted ongoing operations in the following states:
	West Coast: California
	Southwest: Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico
	Central: Colorado and Texas
	Southeast: Florida, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia
	Our homebuilding reporting segments are engaged in the acquisition and development of land primarily for residential purposes and offer a wide variety of homes that are designed to appeal to first-time, move-up and active adult homebuyers.
	Our homebuilding reporting segments were identified based primarily on similarities in economic and geographic characteristics, product types, regulatory environments, methods used to sell and construct homes and land acquisition characteristics. We evaluate segment performance primarily based on segment pretax results.
	Our financial services reporting segment offers insurance services to our homebuyers in the same markets as our homebuilding reporting segments and provides title services in the majority of our markets within our Central and Southeast homebuilding reporting segments. In addition, since the third quarter of 2011, this segment has earned revenues pursuant to the terms of a marketing services agreement with a preferred mortgage lender that offers mortgage banking services, including residential consumer mortgage loan (“mortgage loan”) originations, to our homebuyers who elect to use the lender. Our homebuyers are under no obligation to use our preferred mortgage lender and may select any lender of their choice to obtain mortgage financing for the purchase of a home. We make available to our homebuyers marketing materials and other information regarding our preferred mortgage lender’s financing options and mortgage loan products, and are compensated solely for the fair market value of these services. We have had no affiliation with our preferred mortgage lender or its affiliates. Except as discussed below, we have had no ownership, joint venture or other interests in or with these entities, or with respect to the revenues or income that may have been generated from their provision of mortgage banking services to, or origination of mortgage loans for, our homebuyers.
	On January 21, 2013, we entered into an agreement with our current preferred mortgage lender, Nationstar Mortgage LLC (“Nationstar”), to form Home Community Mortgage, LLC (“Home Community Mortgage”), a mortgage banking company that will offer mortgage banking services to our homebuyers. We have a 49.9% ownership interest and Nationstar has a 50.1% ownership interest in Home Community Mortgage, with Nationstar providing management oversight of Home Community Mortgage’s operations. Nationstar will continue as our preferred mortgage lender until Home Community Mortgage begins offering mortgage banking services, which is expected in the first quarter of 2014. We made initial capital contributions of $5.0 million to Home Community Mortgage during the second quarter of 2013. Home Community Mortgage is accounted for as an unconsolidated joint venture within our financial services reporting segment.
	Our reporting segments follow the same accounting policies used for our consolidated financial statements. Operational results of each segment are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred had the segment been an independent, stand-alone entity during the periods presented, nor are they indicative of the results to be expected in future periods.
	The following tables present financial information relating to our reporting segments (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended August 31,						Three Months Ended August 31,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues:
	West Coast	$	746,232		$	445,123		$	266,638		$	207,239
	Southwest	126,515			95,127			47,437			35,634
	Central	381,342			285,129			154,545			117,099
	Southeast	216,315			148,676			77,180			61,583
	Total homebuilding revenues	1,470,404			974,055			545,800			421,555
	Financial services	8,195			7,859			3,174			2,949
	Total	$	1,478,599		$	981,914		$	548,974		$	424,504
	Pretax income (loss):
	West Coast	$	75,469		$	(29,019	)	$	37,607		$	4,435
	Southwest	2,026			(10,616		)	1,185			(3,434		)
	Central	11,569			(3,152		)	9,085			986
	Southeast	(35,012		)	5,494			(9,920		)	5,174
	Corporate and other (a)	(51,046		)	(52,014		)	(13,783		)	(18,959		)
	Total homebuilding pretax income (loss)	3,006			(89,307		)	24,174			(11,798		)
	Financial services	7,041			7,830			2,404			4,359
	Total	$	10,047		$	(81,477	)	$	26,578		$	(7,439	)
	(a)    Corporate and other includes corporate general and administrative expenses.
		Nine Months Ended August 31,						Three Months Ended August 31,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures:
	West Coast	$	(109	)	$	(129	)	$	(36	)	$	(52	)
	Southwest	(1,919		)	(458		)	(755		)	(241		)
	Central	—			—			—			—
	Southeast	370			550			135			571
	Total	$	(1,658	)	$	(37	)	$	(656	)	$	278
	Inventory impairments:
	West Coast	$	—		$	14,040		$	—		$	933
	Southwest	—			2,135			—			—
	Central	—			1,267			—			—
	Southeast	—			5,470			—			5,470
	Total	$	—		$	22,912		$	—		$	6,403
	Land option contract abandonments:
	West Coast	$	284		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Southwest	—			—			—			—
	Central	—			—			—			—
	Southeast	—			—			—			—
	Total	$	284		$	—		$	—		$	—
		August 31,			November 30,
		2013			2012
	Assets:
	West Coast	$	1,236,984		$	930,450
	Southwest	387,654			319,863
	Central	449,870			369,294
	Southeast	431,270			341,460
	Corporate and other	449,028			596,176
	Total homebuilding assets	2,954,806			2,557,243
	Financial services	10,035			4,455
	Total	$	2,964,841		$	2,561,698
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
West Coast	$	39,575		$	38,372
Southwest	77,721			75,920
Central	—			—
Southeast	9,253			9,382
Total	$	126,549		$	123,674

Financial_Services

Financial Services	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Financial Services	Financial Services
	The following tables present financial information relating to our financial services reporting segment (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended August 31,						Three Months Ended August 31,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues
	Insurance commissions	$	4,677		$	4,594		$	1,887		$	1,840
	Title services	2,165			1,535			836			657
	Marketing services fees	1,350			1,725			450			450
	Interest income	3			5			1			2
	Total	8,195			7,859			3,174			2,949
	Expenses
	General and administrative	(2,235		)	(2,237		)	(764		)	(709		)
	Operating income	5,960			5,622			2,410			2,240
	Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	1,081			2,208			(6		)	2,119
	Pretax income	$	7,041		$	7,830		$	2,404		$	4,359
		August 31,			November 30,
		2013			2012
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,151		$	923
	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
	Total liabilities	$	2,865		$	3,188

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
		August 31,			November 30,
		2013			2012
	Homes under construction	$	629,341		$	454,108
	Land under development	953,694			567,470
	Land held for future development	646,685			684,993
	Total	$	2,229,720		$	1,706,571
	Homes under construction is comprised of costs associated with homes in various stages of construction and includes direct construction and related land acquisition and land development costs. Land under development primarily consists of land acquisition and land development costs, capitalized interest and real estate taxes associated with land undergoing improvement activity. Land held for future development principally reflects land acquisition and land development costs related to land where development activity has been suspended or has not yet begun, but is expected to occur in the future. These assets held for future development are located in various submarkets where conditions do not presently support further investment or development, or are subject to a building permit moratorium or other regulatory restrictions, or are portions of larger land parcels that we plan to build out over several years and/or that have not yet been entitled. We may also suspend development activity if we believe it will result in greater returns and/or maximize the economic performance of a community.
	Our interest costs are as follows (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended August 31,						Three Months Ended August 31,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Capitalized interest at beginning of period	$	217,684		$	233,461		$	215,577		$	235,032
	Interest incurred (a)	102,256			99,552			34,345			39,532
	Interest expensed (a)	(41,073		)	(53,815		)	(11,326		)	(23,060		)
	Interest amortized to construction and land costs	(62,943		)	(48,909		)	(22,672		)	(21,215		)
	Capitalized interest at end of period (b)	$	215,924		$	230,289		$	215,924		$	230,289
	(a)	Amounts for the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2012 include losses on the early extinguishment of debt of $8.3 million and $10.3 million, respectively.
	(b)	Inventory impairment charges are recognized against all inventory costs of a community, such as land acquisition, land development, cost of home construction and capitalized interest. Capitalized interest amounts presented in the table reflect the gross amount of capitalized interest as impairment charges recognized are not generally allocated to specific components of inventory.

Inventory_Impairments_and_Land

Inventory Impairments and Land Option Contract Abandonments	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Inventory Impairments and Land Option Contract Abandonments [Abstract]
Inventory Impairments and Land Option Contract Abandonments	Inventory Impairments and Land Option Contract Abandonments
	Each community or land parcel in our owned inventory is assessed to determine if indicators of potential impairment exist. Impairment indicators are assessed separately for each community or land parcel on a quarterly basis and include, but are not limited to, the following: significant decreases in net orders, average selling prices, volume of homes delivered, gross profit margins on homes delivered or projected gross profit margins on homes in backlog or future housing sales; significant increases in budgeted land development and home construction costs or cancellation rates; or projected losses on expected future land sales. If indicators of potential impairment exist for a community or land parcel, the identified asset is evaluated for recoverability in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment” (“ASC 360”). We evaluated 16 and 33 communities or land parcels for recoverability during the three months ended August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We evaluated 54 and 109 communities or land parcels for recoverability during the nine months ended August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Some of the communities or land parcels evaluated during the nine months ended August 31, 2013 and 2012 were evaluated in more than one quarterly period.
	When an indicator of potential impairment is identified for a community or land parcel, we test the asset for recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. The undiscounted future net cash flows are impacted by then-current conditions and trends in the market in which the asset is located as well as factors known to us at the time the cash flows are calculated. With the undiscounted future net cash flows, we also consider recent trends in our orders, backlog, cancellation rates and volume of homes delivered, as well as our expectations related to the following: product offerings; market supply and demand, including estimated average selling prices and related price appreciation; and land development, home construction and overhead costs to be incurred and related cost inflation. With respect to both the nine months ended August 31, 2013 and 2012, these expectations reflected our experience that notwithstanding fluctuations in our company-wide net orders, backlog levels, homes delivered and housing gross profit margin, on a year-over-year basis, market conditions for each of our assets in inventory where impairment indicators were identified have been generally stable or improved in 2012 and 2013, with no significant deterioration identified as to revenue and cost drivers that would prevent or otherwise impact recoverability. Based on this experience, and taking into account the signs of stability and improvement in many markets for new home sales, our inventory assessments as of August 31, 2013 considered an expected steady overall sales pace and average selling price performance for the remainder of 2013 and into 2014 relative to the generally improving pace and performance in recent quarters.
	Given the inherent challenges and uncertainties in forecasting future results, our inventory assessments at the time they are made take into consideration whether a community or land parcel is active, meaning it is open for sales and/or undergoing development, or whether it is being held for future development. For active communities and land parcels, due to their short-term nature as compared to land held for future development, our inventory assessments generally assume the continuation of then-current market conditions, subject to identifying information suggesting significant sustained changes in such conditions. These assessments, at the time made, generally anticipate net orders, average selling prices, volume of homes delivered and costs to continue at or near then-current levels through the particular asset’s estimated remaining life. Inventory assessments for our land held for future development consider then-current market conditions as well as subjective forecasts regarding the timing and costs of land development and home construction and related cost inflation; the product(s) to be offered; and the net orders, volume of homes delivered, and selling prices and related price appreciation of the offered product(s) when an associated community is expected to open for sales. We evaluate various factors to develop these forecasts, including the availability of and demand for homes and finished lots within the relevant marketplace; historical, current and expected future sales trends for the marketplace; and third-party data, if available. These various estimates, trends, expectations and assumptions used in each of our inventory assessments are specific to each community or land parcel based on what we believe are reasonable forecasts for performance and may vary among communities or land parcels and may vary over time.
	We record an inventory impairment charge when the carrying value of a real estate asset is greater than the undiscounted future net cash flows the asset is expected to generate. These real estate assets are written down to fair value, which is primarily based on the estimated future net cash flows discounted for inherent risk associated with each such asset. Inputs used in our calculation of estimated discounted future net cash flows are specific to each affected community or land parcel and are based on our expectations for each such asset as of the applicable measurement date, including, among others, expectations related to average selling prices and delivery rates. The discount rates we used were impacted by the following at the time each calculation was made: the risk-free rate of return; expected risk premium based on estimated land development, home construction and delivery timelines; market risk from potential future price erosion; cost uncertainty due to land development or home construction cost increases; and other risks specific to the affected asset or conditions in the market in which the asset was located.
	The following table summarizes ranges for significant quantitative unobservable inputs we utilized in our fair value measurements with respect to the impaired communities or land parcels written down to fair value during the periods presented:
			Nine Months Ended August 31,				Three Months Ended August 31,
	Unobservable Input (a)		2013			2012	2013			2012
	Average selling price		$	—		$115,200 - $497,900	$	—		$152,000 - $246,200
	Deliveries per month		—			6-Jan	—			4-Feb
	Discount rate		—		%	17% - 20%	—		%	17% - 20%
	(a)	The ranges of inputs used primarily reflect the underlying variability among the various housing markets where each of the impacted communities or land parcels are located, rather than changes in prevailing market conditions.
	Based on the results of our evaluations, we recognized no inventory impairment charges in the three months or nine months ended August 31, 2013. In the three months ended August 31, 2012, we recognized inventory impairment charges of $6.4 million associated with four communities with a post-impairment fair value of $3.2 million. In the nine months ended August 31, 2012, we recognized $22.9 million of such charges associated with 11 communities with a post-impairment fair value of $30.6 million. The charges we recognized in the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2012 reflected challenging economic and housing market conditions in the relevant markets at the time, and were partly due to our efforts to accelerate our return on investment in those communities. Inventory impairment charges are included in construction and land costs in our consolidated statements of operations.
	As of August 31, 2013, the aggregate carrying value of our inventory that had been impacted by inventory impairment charges was $306.7 million, representing 42 communities and various other land parcels. As of November 30, 2012, the aggregate carrying value of our inventory that had been impacted by inventory impairment charges was $307.2 million, representing 46 communities and various other land parcels.
	Our inventory controlled under land option contracts and other similar contracts is assessed to determine whether it continues to meet our internal investment and marketing standards. Assessments are made separately for each optioned land parcel on a quarterly basis and are affected by the following factors relative to the market in which the asset is located, among others: current and/or anticipated net orders, average selling prices and volume of homes delivered; estimated land development and home construction costs; and projected profitability on expected future housing or land sales. When a decision is made not to exercise certain land option contracts and other similar contracts due to market conditions and/or changes in our marketing strategy, we write off the related inventory costs, including non-refundable deposits and unrecoverable pre-acquisition costs. Based on the results of our assessments, we recognized no land option contract abandonment charges for the three months ended August 31, 2013 and $.3 million of such charges corresponding to 82 lots for the nine months ended August 31, 2013. We had no such charges for the three months or nine months ended August 31, 2012.
	The estimated remaining life of each community or land parcel in our inventory depends on various factors, such as the total number of lots remaining; the expected timeline to acquire and entitle land and develop lots to build homes; the anticipated future net order and cancellation rates; and the expected timeline to build and deliver homes sold. While it is difficult to determine a precise timeframe for any particular inventory asset, we estimate our inventory assets’ remaining operating lives under current and expected future market conditions to range generally from one year to in excess of 10 years. Based on current market conditions and anticipated delivery timelines, we expect to realize, on an overall basis, the majority of our current inventory balance within five years.
	Due to the judgment and assumptions applied in the estimation process with respect to inventory impairments, land option contract abandonments, the remaining operating lives of our inventory assets and the realization of our inventory balances, it is possible that actual results could differ substantially from those estimated.

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures

9 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures

Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” provides a framework for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities under GAAP, and establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The fair value hierarchy can be summarized as follows:

Level 1

Fair value determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2

Fair value determined using significant observable inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data, by correlation or other means.

Level 3

Fair value determined using significant unobservable inputs, such as pricing models, discounted cash flows, or similar techniques.

Fair value measurements are used for inventories on a nonrecurring basis when events and circumstances indicate the carrying value is not recoverable. The following table presents the fair value hierarchy and our assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis for the nine months ended August 31, 2013 and the year ended November 30, 2012 (in thousands):

Fair Value

Description

Hierarchy

August 31,

November 30,

2013

2012

Long-lived assets held and used (a)

Level 3

$

—

$

39,851

(a)

Amounts represent the aggregate fair value for communities or land parcels where we recognized inventory impairment charges during the period, as of the date that the fair value measurements were made. The carrying value for these communities or land parcels may have subsequently increased or decreased from the fair value reflected due to activity that has occurred since the measurement date.

We had no inventory impairment charges in the three months or nine months ended August 31, 2013. During the year ended November 30, 2012, long-lived assets held and used with a carrying value of $68.0 million were written down to their fair value of $39.9 million, resulting in inventory impairment charges of $28.1 million.

The fair values for long-lived assets held and used that were determined using Level 3 inputs were primarily based on the estimated future net cash flows discounted for inherent risk associated with each asset as described in Note 6. Inventory Impairments and Land Option Contract Abandonments. The discount rates we used were impacted by the following at the time the calculation was made: the risk-free rate of return; expected risk premium based on estimated land development, home construction and delivery timelines; market risk from potential future price erosion; cost uncertainty due to land development or home construction cost increases; and other risks specific to the affected asset or conditions in the market in which the asset was located. These factors were specific to each affected community or land parcel and may have varied among communities or land parcels.

Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, senior notes, the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes, and mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans. Fair value measurements of financial instruments are determined by various market data and other valuation techniques as appropriate. When available, we use quoted market prices in active markets to determine fair value.

The following table presents the fair value hierarchy, carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments, except those for which the carrying values approximate fair values (in thousands):

August 31, 2013

November 30, 2012

Fair Value

Carrying

Estimated

Carrying

Estimated

Hierarchy

Value

Fair Value

Value

Fair Value

Financial Liabilities:

Senior notes

Level 2

$

1,671,551

$

1,797,980

$

1,670,504

$

1,831,596

Convertible senior notes due February 1, 2019 at 1.375%

Level 2

230,000

220,386

—

—

The fair values of our senior notes and $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes are generally estimated based on quoted market prices for these instruments. The carrying values reported for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans approximate fair values.

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities
	We participate in joint ventures from time to time that conduct land acquisition, land development and/or other homebuilding activities in various markets where our homebuilding operations are located. Our investments in these joint ventures may create a variable interest in a variable interest entity (“VIE”), depending on the contractual terms of the arrangement. We analyze our joint ventures in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 810, “Consolidation” (“ASC 810”), to determine whether they are VIEs and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary. All of our joint ventures at August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012 were determined under the provisions of ASC 810 to be unconsolidated joint ventures and were accounted for under the equity method, either because they were not VIEs and we did not have a controlling financial interest or, if they were VIEs, we were not the primary beneficiary of the VIEs.
	In the ordinary course of our business, we enter into land option contracts and other similar contracts to acquire rights to land for the construction of homes. The use of such land option contracts and other similar contracts generally allows us to reduce the market risks associated with direct land ownership and development, and to reduce our capital and financial commitments, including interest and other carrying costs. Under such contracts, we typically pay a specified option or earnest money deposit in consideration for the right to purchase land in the future, usually at a predetermined price. Under the requirements of ASC 810, certain of these contracts may create a variable interest for us, with the land seller being identified as a VIE.
	In compliance with ASC 810, we analyze our land option contracts and other similar contracts to determine whether the corresponding land sellers are VIEs and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary. Although we do not have legal title to the underlying land, ASC 810 requires us to consolidate a VIE if we are determined to be the primary beneficiary. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary, we consider, among other things, whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance. Such activities would include, among other things, determining or limiting the scope or purpose of the VIE, selling or transferring property owned or controlled by the VIE, or arranging financing for the VIE. As a result of our analyses, we determined that as of August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012 we were not the primary beneficiary of any VIEs from which we have acquired rights to land under land option contracts and other similar contracts.
	The following table presents a summary of our interests in land option contracts and other similar contracts (in thousands):
		31-Aug-13				November 30, 2012
		Cash		Aggregate		Cash		Aggregate
		Deposits		Purchase Price		Deposits		Purchase Price
	Unconsolidated VIEs	$	15,359	$	488,635	$	8,463	$	327,196
	Other land option contracts and other similar contracts	28,684		336,392		17,219		298,139
	Total	$	44,043	$	825,027	$	25,682	$	625,335
	In addition to the cash deposits presented in the table above, our exposure to loss related to our land option contracts and other similar contracts with third parties and unconsolidated entities consisted of pre-acquisition costs of $27.1 million at August 31, 2013 and $25.4 million at November 30, 2012. These pre-acquisition costs and cash deposits were included in inventories in our consolidated balance sheets. We also had outstanding letters of credit of $.1 million at August 31, 2013 and $.5 million at November 30, 2012 in lieu of cash deposits under certain land option contracts and other similar contracts.
	We also evaluate our land option contracts and other similar contracts for financing arrangements in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 470, “Debt” (“ASC 470”), and, as a result of our evaluations, increased inventories, with a corresponding increase to accrued expenses and other liabilities, in our consolidated balance sheets by $8.9 million at August 31, 2013 and $4.1 million at November 30, 2012.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
	We have investments in unconsolidated joint ventures that conduct land acquisition, land development and/or other homebuilding activities in various markets where our homebuilding operations are located. Our partners in these unconsolidated joint ventures are unrelated homebuilders and/or land developers and other real estate entities, or commercial enterprises. These investments are designed primarily to reduce market and development risks and to increase the number of lots we own or control. In some instances, participating in unconsolidated joint ventures has enabled us to acquire and develop land that we might not otherwise have had access to due to a project’s size, financing needs, duration of development or other circumstances. While we consider our participation in unconsolidated joint ventures as potentially beneficial to our homebuilding activities, we do not view such participation as essential.
	We typically have obtained rights to acquire portions of the land held by the unconsolidated joint ventures in which we currently participate. When an unconsolidated joint venture sells land to our homebuilding operations, we defer recognition of our share of such unconsolidated joint venture’s earnings until a home sale is closed and title passes to a homebuyer, at which time we account for those earnings as a reduction of the cost of purchasing the land from the unconsolidated joint venture.
	We and our unconsolidated joint venture partners make initial and/or ongoing capital contributions to these unconsolidated joint ventures, typically on a pro rata basis, equal to our respective equity interests. The obligations to make capital contributions are governed by each such unconsolidated joint venture’s respective operating agreement and related governing documents.
	Each unconsolidated joint venture is obligated to maintain financial statements in accordance with GAAP. We share in the profits and losses of these unconsolidated joint ventures generally in accordance with our respective equity interests. In some instances, we recognize profits and losses related to our investment in an unconsolidated joint venture that differ from our equity interest in the unconsolidated joint venture. This may arise from impairments that we recognize related to our investment that differ from the impairments the unconsolidated joint venture recognizes with respect to the unconsolidated joint venture’s assets; differences between our basis in assets we have transferred to the unconsolidated joint venture and the unconsolidated joint venture’s basis in those assets; our deferral of the unconsolidated joint venture earnings from land sales to us; or other items.
	With respect to our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, our equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures included no impairment charges for the nine months ended August 31, 2013 or the nine months ended August 31, 2012.
	The following table presents combined condensed information from the statements of operations of our unconsolidated joint ventures (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended August 31,						Three Months Ended August 31,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues	$	11,908		$	27,859		$	5,552		$	27,859
	Construction and land costs	(7,391		)	(19,303		)	(3,463		)	(19,309		)
	Other expenses, net	(3,074		)	(1,189		)	(1,183		)	(442		)
	Income	$	1,443		$	7,367		$	906		$	8,108
	Combined revenues, construction and land costs, and income from our unconsolidated joint ventures for the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2013 and 2012 primarily reflected land sales completed by an unconsolidated joint venture in Maryland.
	The following table presents combined condensed balance sheet information for our unconsolidated joint ventures (in thousands):
		August 31,			November 30,
		2013			2012
	Assets
	Cash	$	22,332		$	29,721
	Receivables	7,763			6,104
	Inventories	359,180			352,791
	Other assets	1,183			1,175
	Total assets	$	390,458		$	389,791
	Liabilities and equity
	Accounts payable and other liabilities	$	85,722		$	88,027
	Equity	304,736			301,764
	Total liabilities and equity	$	390,458		$	389,791
	The following table presents information relating to our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures (dollars in thousands):
		August 31,			November 30,
		2013			2012
	Number of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	8			8
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$	126,549		$	123,674
	Our unconsolidated joint ventures finance land and inventory investments for a project through a variety of arrangements, and certain of our unconsolidated joint ventures have obtained loans from third-party lenders that are secured by the underlying property and related project assets. However, none of our unconsolidated joint ventures had outstanding debt at August 31, 2013 or November 30, 2012.

Other_Assets

Other Assets	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Other Assets [Abstract]
Other Assets	Other Assets
	Other assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		August 31,		November 30,
		2013		2012
	Cash surrender value of insurance contracts	$	65,973	$	64,757
	Debt issuance costs (a)	21,885		14,563
	Property and equipment, net	7,880		7,920
	Prepaid expenses	5,509		7,810
	Total	$	101,247	$	95,050
	(a)	The increase in debt issuance costs as of August 31, 2013 compared to November 30, 2012 primarily reflected the costs associated with our underwritten public issuance of the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes during the first quarter of 2013 and our entry into a $200.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) during the second quarter of 2013.

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Lia

Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities	Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		August 31,		November 30,
		2013		2012
	Construction defect and other litigation liabilities	$	104,808	$	107,111
	Employee compensation and related benefits	104,145		97,189
	Accrued interest payable	53,563		47,392
	Warranty liability	50,485		47,822
	Liabilities related to inventories not owned	8,932		4,100
	Real estate and business taxes	7,185		8,453
	Other	51,648		28,278
	Total	$	380,766	$	340,345

Mortgages_and_Notes_Payable

Mortgages and Notes Payable	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Mortgages and Notes Payable	Mortgages and Notes Payable
	Mortgages and notes payable consisted of the following (in thousands):
		August 31,		November 30,
		2013		2012
	Mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans	$	35,506	$	52,311
	Senior notes due February 1, 2014 at 5 3/4%	75,949		75,911
	Senior notes due January 15, 2015 at 5 7/8%	102,058		101,999
	Senior notes due June 15, 2015 at 6 1/4%	236,848		236,826
	Senior notes due September 15, 2017 at 9.10%	261,888		261,430
	Senior notes due June 15, 2018 at 7 1/4%	299,227		299,129
	Senior notes due March 15, 2020 at 8.00%	345,581		345,209
	Senior notes due September 15, 2022 at 7.50%	350,000		350,000
	Convertible senior notes due February 1, 2019 at 1.375%	230,000		—
	Total	$	1,937,057	$	1,722,815
	Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility. On March 12, 2013, we entered into the Credit Facility with a syndicate of financial institutions. The Credit Facility will mature on March 12, 2016, or on September 15, 2014 if the aggregate principal amount of our senior notes that mature in 2015 is greater than $200.0 million on that date. The Credit Facility contains an uncommitted accordion feature under which its aggregate principal amount can be increased to up to $300.0 million under certain conditions and the availability of additional bank commitments, as well as a sublimit of $100.0 million for the issuance of letters of credit, which may be utilized in combination with or to replace our LOC Facilities. Interest on amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility is payable quarterly in arrears at a rate based on either the London Interbank Offered Rate or a base rate, plus a spread that depends on our debt rating and consolidated leverage ratio (“Leverage Ratio”), as defined under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility also requires the payment of a commitment fee ranging from .50% to .75% of the unused commitment, based on our debt rating and Leverage Ratio. Under the terms of the Credit Facility, we are required, among other things, to maintain compliance with various covenants, including financial covenants relating to our consolidated tangible net worth, the Leverage Ratio, and an interest coverage ratio or a minimum level of liquidity, each as defined therein. The amount of the Credit Facility available for cash borrowings or the issuance of letters of credit depends on the total cash borrowings and letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility and the maximum available amount under the terms of the Credit Facility. As of August 31, 2013, we had no cash borrowings or letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility and we had $200.0 million available for cash borrowings, with up to $100.0 million available for the issuance of letters of credit.
	Borrowings under the Credit Facility are required to be unconditionally guaranteed jointly and severally by certain of our subsidiaries (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”) that meet the definition of a “significant subsidiary” as defined by Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X (as in effect on June 1, 1996) using a 5% rather than a 10% threshold; provided that the assets of our non-guarantor subsidiaries do not in the aggregate exceed 10% of an adjusted measure of our consolidated total assets. The Guarantor Subsidiaries include certain subsidiaries that previously guaranteed our senior notes and the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes and 12 additional subsidiaries identified in our Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 12, 2013 (the “Additional Guarantors”). On March 12, 2013, the Additional Guarantors also agreed to become guarantors under the indenture governing our senior notes and the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes and to guaranty on a senior basis the prompt payment when due of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on debt securities issued by us pursuant to the indenture. Each of the Guarantor Subsidiaries (including the Additional Guarantors) is a 100% owned subsidiary of ours. We may also cause other subsidiaries of ours to become Guarantor Subsidiaries if we believe it to be in our or the relevant subsidiary’s best interests.
	Letter of Credit Facilities. We maintain the LOC Facilities with various financial institutions to obtain letters of credit in the ordinary course of operating our business. As of August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012, $41.1 million and $41.9 million, respectively, of letters of credit were outstanding under our LOC Facilities. Our LOC Facilities require us to deposit and maintain cash with the issuing financial institutions as collateral for our letters of credit outstanding. We may maintain, revise or, if necessary or desirable, enter into additional or expanded letter of credit facilities, or other similar facility arrangements, with the same or other financial institutions.
	Mortgages and Land Contracts Due to Land Sellers and Other Loans. As of August 31, 2013, inventories having a carrying value of $80.0 million were pledged to collateralize mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans.
	Senior Notes. All of our senior notes outstanding at August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012 represent senior unsecured obligations, rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future indebtedness and are unconditionally guaranteed jointly and severally by the Guarantor Subsidiaries on a senior unsecured basis. Interest on each of these senior notes is payable semi-annually. At our option, these notes may be redeemed, in whole at any time or from time to time in part, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (a) 100% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed and (b) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes being redeemed discounted to the redemption date at a defined rate, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest on the notes being redeemed to the applicable redemption date.
	On February 7, 2012, pursuant to our universal shelf registration statement filed with the SEC on September 20, 2011 (the “2011 Shelf Registration”), we issued $350.0 million of 8.00% senior notes due 2020 (the “$350 Million 8.00% Senior Notes”). We used substantially all of the net proceeds from this issuance to purchase, pursuant to the terms of tender offers that were initially made on January 19, 2012 (the “January 2012 Tender Offers”), $340.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our senior notes due 2014 and 2015. The total amount paid to purchase these senior notes was $340.5 million. We incurred a loss of $2.0 million in the first quarter of 2012 related to the early redemption of debt due to a premium paid under the January 2012 Tender Offers and the unamortized original issue discount. The loss on early redemption of debt was included in interest expense in our consolidated statements of operations.
	On July 31, 2012, pursuant to the 2011 Shelf Registration, we issued $350.0 million of 7.50% senior notes due 2022 (the “$350 Million 7.50% Senior Notes”). We used $252.2 million of the net proceeds from the issuance of the $350 Million 7.50% Senior Notes to purchase, pursuant to the terms of tender offers that were initially made on July 11, 2012 (the “July 2012 Tender Offers”), $244.9 million in aggregate principal amount of our senior notes due 2014 and 2015. We used the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes. We incurred a loss of $8.3 million in the third quarter of 2012 related to the early redemption of debt due to a premium paid under the July 2012 Tender Offers and the unamortized original issue discount. The loss on early redemption of debt was included in interest expense in our consolidated statements of operations.
	Convertible Senior Notes. On January 29, 2013 and February 4, 2013, pursuant to the 2011 Shelf Registration, we issued in an underwritten public offering the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes at 100% of the principal amount of the notes. The issuance on February 4, 2013 was made pursuant to the exercise of an option granted to the underwriters to purchase such notes to cover over-allotments. Interest on the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes, which represent senior unsecured obligations of ours and rank equally in right of payment with all of our other senior unsecured indebtedness, is payable semi-annually in arrears on February 1 and August 1, commencing on August 1, 2013. We will also pay interest on November 1, 2018. The $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes will mature on February 1, 2019, unless converted earlier by the holders, at their option, or redeemed by us, or purchased by us at the option of the holders following the occurrence of a fundamental change, as defined in the instruments governing the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes.
	At any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert all or any portion of their $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes. The $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes are initially convertible into shares of our common stock at a conversion rate of 36.5297 shares for each $1,000 principal amount of the notes, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $27.37 per share and a conversion premium of approximately 47% based on the closing price of our common stock on January 29, 2013, which was $18.62 per share. This initial conversion rate equates to 8,401,831 shares of our common stock. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, including: subdivisions and combinations of our common stock; the issuance of stock dividends, or certain rights, options or warrants, capital stock, indebtedness, assets or cash dividends to all or substantially all holders of our common stock; and certain issuer tender or exchange offers. The conversion rate will not, however, be adjusted for other events, such as a third party tender or exchange offer or an issuance of common stock for cash or an acquisition, that may adversely affect the trading price of the notes or our common stock. On conversion, holders of the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes will not be entitled to receive cash in lieu of shares of our common stock, except for cash in lieu of fractional shares.
	We may not redeem the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes prior to November 6, 2018. On or after November 6, 2018, and prior to the stated maturity date, we may at our option redeem all or part of the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes for a cash price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the redemption date. If a fundamental change, as defined in the instruments governing the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes, occurs prior to the stated maturity date, the holders may require us to purchase for cash all or any portion of their $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes at 100% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, to, but not including, the fundamental change purchase date.
	The $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed jointly and severally by the Guarantor Subsidiaries. In the nine months ended August 31, 2013, we used the $222.7 million in total net proceeds from the issuance of the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes together with the total net proceeds from a concurrent underwritten public offering of our common stock, which is described in Note 15. Stockholders’ Equity, for general corporate purposes, including for investments in land and land development.
	The indenture governing the senior notes and the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes does not contain any financial covenants. Subject to specified exceptions, the indenture contains certain restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to incur secured indebtedness, or engage in sale-leaseback transactions involving property or assets above a certain specified value. Unlike our other senior notes, the terms governing the $265.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 9.10% senior notes due 2017 (the “$265 Million Senior Notes”), the $350 Million 8.00% Senior Notes, the $350 Million 7.50% Senior Notes, and the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes contain certain limitations related to mergers, consolidations, and sales of assets.
	As of August 31, 2013, we were in compliance with the applicable terms of all our covenants under the Credit Facility, the senior notes, the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes, the indenture, and the mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans. Our ability to access the Credit Facility for cash borrowings and letters of credit and our ability to secure future debt financing depends in part on our ability to remain in such compliance.
	Principal payments on the senior notes, the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes, the mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans are due as follows: 2013 – $22.5 million; 2014 – $83.0 million; 2015 – $342.4 million; 2016 – $2.5 million; 2017 – $261.9 million; and thereafter – $1.22 billion.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and contingencies include typical obligations of homebuilders for the completion of contracts and those incurred in the ordinary course of business.
	Warranty. We provide a limited warranty on all of our homes. The specific terms and conditions of these limited warranties vary depending upon the market in which we do business. We generally provide a structural warranty of 10 years, a warranty on electrical, heating, cooling, plumbing and certain other building systems each varying from two to five years based on geographic market and state law, and a warranty of one year for other components of the home. Our limited warranty program is ordinarily how we respond to and account for homeowners’ requests to local division offices seeking repairs, including claims where we could have liability under applicable state statutes or tort law for a defective condition in or damages to a home. We estimate the costs that may be incurred under each limited warranty and record a liability in the amount of such costs at the time the revenue associated with the sale of each home is recognized. Our primary assumption in estimating the amounts we accrue for warranty costs is that historical claims experience is a strong indicator of future claims experience. Factors that affect our warranty liability include the number of homes delivered, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims, and cost per claim. We periodically assess the adequacy of our accrued warranty liability, which is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets, and adjust the amount as necessary based on our assessment. Our assessment includes the review of our actual warranty costs incurred to identify trends and changes in our warranty claims experience, and considers our home construction quality and customer service initiatives and outside events. While we believe the warranty liability currently reflected in our consolidated balance sheets to be adequate, unanticipated changes or developments in the legal environment, local weather, land or environmental conditions, quality of materials or methods used in the construction of homes, or customer service practices could have a significant impact on our actual warranty costs in future periods and such amounts could differ from our current estimates.
	The changes in our warranty liability are as follows (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended August 31,						Three Months Ended August 31,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	47,822		$	67,693		$	53,475		$	50,866
	Warranties issued	10,052			5,263			3,733			2,290
	Payments	(30,867		)	(14,609		)	(12,654		)	(5,906		)
	Adjustments	23,478			(11,021		)	5,931			76
	Balance at end of period	$	50,485		$	47,326		$	50,485		$	47,326
	Central and Southwest Florida Claims. During 2012, we received claims from homeowners in certain of our communities in central and southwest Florida that primarily involved framing, stucco, roofing and/or sealant matters on homes we delivered between 2003 and 2009, many of which have resulted in water intrusion-related issues. While we initially believed these issues were isolated, after additional investigation we determined in the fourth quarter of 2012 that more homes and communities may have been affected. Throughout 2013, we have continued our investigations in an effort to identify the scope of the issues, to fully understand the causes and to address them as quickly and completely as possible. During the nine months ended August 31, 2013, through our continued efforts to identify, examine and repair homes that may have been impacted by these issues, the number of identified affected homes and our estimate of the total repair costs associated with those homes were revised upward. However, due to the range and varied and complex nature of the water intrusion-related issues we encountered, prior to the second quarter of 2013, we were unable to estimate the number of affected homes likely to be identified in the future and the repair costs associated with those homes. As our assessment process progressed during the second and third quarters of 2013, we believed we had accumulated adequate experience with these water intrusion-related issues to be able to reasonably estimate as of the end of each respective period the number of homes that are likely to be identified in the future and the probable repair costs associated with such homes, in addition to revising our estimate of the repair costs associated with homes already identified. Based on the status of our ongoing investigations and repair efforts, our overall warranty liability at August 31, 2013 included $23.7 million for estimated remaining repair costs associated with homes in central and southwest Florida that have been identified as having water intrusion-related issues and estimated repair costs associated with similarly affected homes in central and southwest Florida that we believe are likely to be identified in the future. As of August 31, 2013, as further described below, this amount encompasses what we believe is the probable overall cost of the repair effort remaining before insurance and other recoveries.
	As of August 31, 2013, we had identified a total of 1,341 affected homes requiring more than minor repairs and resolved repairs on 583 of them. During the nine months ended August 31, 2013, we paid $21.4 million to repair such homes. As of August 31, 2013, we had paid $25.4 million of the total estimated repair costs of $49.1 million associated with the affected homes that have been identified and the homes that we believe are likely to be identified in the future. Approximately half of the total estimated repair costs as of August 31, 2013 related to two attached-home communities. We consider warranty-related repairs for homes to be resolved when all repairs are complete and all repair costs are fully paid. We anticipate resolving repairs on homes affected by the water intrusion-related issues by the end of 2014.
	As discussed below, largely due to the evolving scope of these water intrusion-related issues encountered, we recorded charges, net of estimated probable recoveries as applicable, during each of the first three quarters of 2013 to increase our overall warranty liability for all of our previously delivered homes that are covered under our limited warranty, including affected homes in central and southwest Florida. In addition to reflecting the remaining estimated repair costs associated with homes in central and southwest Florida that have been identified as having water intrusion-related issues, the charges recorded in the second and third quarters of 2013 included estimated repair costs associated with similarly affected homes in central and southwest Florida that we believe are likely to be identified in the future. Our investigations and repair efforts in central and southwest Florida remain ongoing. While we have been able to make a determination of the probable overall cost of the repair effort, depending on the number of additional affected homes that are identified and the actual costs we incur to repair identified affected homes in future periods, we may revise the estimated amount of our liability with respect to this matter, which could result in an increase or decrease in our overall warranty liability.
	As of August 31, 2013, based on our investigation into the central and southwest Florida water intrusion-related issues, we believe it is probable that we will recover a portion of our total estimated repair costs associated with affected homes from various sources, including subcontractors involved with the original construction of the homes and their insurers. Our investigation into the water intrusion-related issues, including the process of determining potentially responsible parties and our efforts to obtain recoveries, is ongoing, and as a result, our estimate of probable recoveries may change as additional information is obtained.
	Other Claims. With respect to potential recoveries on claims regarding other homes previously delivered, we have tendered claims with responsible liability insurance carriers, seeking reimbursement of costs we have incurred to make repairs and to handle claims. We intend to continue to undertake efforts, including legal proceedings, to obtain reimbursement from various sources, including subcontractors, suppliers and their insurers, for the costs we have incurred or expect to incur to investigate and complete repairs and to defend ourselves in litigation. We have not recorded any amounts for potential future recoveries as of August 31, 2013 related to these claims regarding other homes previously delivered.
	Global Settlement Regarding Allegedly Defective Drywall Material. As of August 31, 2013, we were a defendant in eight lawsuits relating to allegedly defective drywall manufactured in China. Seven of the lawsuits are “omnibus” class actions purportedly filed on behalf of numerous homeowners asserting claims for damages against drywall manufacturers, homebuilders and other parties in the supply chain of the allegedly defective drywall material. These class actions are now in the process of being dismissed pursuant to a final global settlement of claims approved in February 2013 by the federal court judge overseeing a multidistrict litigation case — In re: Chinese Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litigation (MDL-2047). We were also a defendant in one lawsuit brought in Florida state court by individual homeowners. Except for the Florida state court case, the global settlement resolved all current claims against us, including the seven omnibus class actions in which we were named as a defendant, and bars any future claims against all participating defendants, including us.  Our total obligation as a participating defendant under the global settlement was $.3 million, which we paid on March 25, 2013.  We also expect to receive certain amounts under the global settlement in 2014 based on repairs we made to homes of certain settlement class members. The plaintiffs in the Florida state court case opted out of the global settlement, and we settled the case with the plaintiffs.
	Overall Warranty Liability Assessment. In assessing our overall warranty liability at a reporting date, we evaluate the costs for warranty-related items on a combined basis for all of our previously delivered homes that are under our limited warranty, which would include any such homes in central and southwest Florida that have been identified as having water intrusion-related issues and similarly affected homes in central and southwest Florida that we believe are likely to be identified in the future. During the three months ended August 31, 2013, based on our assessment of our overall warranty liability, we recorded an adjustment to increase our overall warranty liability by $5.9 million with a corresponding charge to construction and land costs in our consolidated statement of operations. This adjustment was largely related to one attached-home community in Florida where our assessment of water intrusion-related repair efforts during the three months ended August 31, 2013 led us to increase our estimate of the costs to resolve repairs at the community. In particular, we determined that additional, previously unanticipated, repair work would need to be undertaken, and that the costs for certain items, including framing material and labor, stucco and windows, would be significantly higher than previously expected. To a lesser extent, the adjustment for the three months ended August 31, 2013 also reflected the identification of 201 additional affected homes at other communities in central and southwest Florida, and a slight increase in our estimate of the total number of affected homes that are likely to be identified in the future. The increases in the number of homes identified and likely to be identified in the future were partly offset by a reduction in our estimate of the repair costs per home at these other communities in central and southwest Florida.
	For the nine months ended August 31, 2013, we recorded adjustments to increase our warranty liability by $23.5 million with a corresponding charge to construction and land costs in our consolidated statements of operations. The aggregate adjustment for the nine months ended August 31, 2013 reflected the remaining estimated repair costs associated with homes in central and southwest Florida that have been identified as having water intrusion-related issues and the estimated repair costs associated with similarly affected homes in central and southwest Florida that we believe are likely to be identified in the future, net of estimated probable recoveries of such repair costs and other adjustments. As noted above, prior to the three months ended May 31, 2013, we were unable to estimate the repair costs associated with affected homes in central and southwest Florida that are likely to be identified in the future.
	Depending on the number of additional homes in central and southwest Florida that are identified as having water intrusion-related issues, and the actual costs we incur in future periods to repair homes identified and homes that will be identified, and/or homes affected by other issues, including costs to provide affected homeowners with temporary housing, we may revise the amount of our estimated liability, which could result in an increase or decrease in our overall warranty liability. Based on our investigations of the water intrusion-related issues in central and southwest Florida, we believe that our warranty liability is adequate to cover the estimated probable total repair costs on these affected homes and on homes affected by other issues, though we believe it is reasonably possible that our loss in this matter could exceed the amount accrued as of August 31, 2013 by up to $10 million.
	Guarantees. In the normal course of our business, we issue certain representations, warranties and guarantees related to our home sales and land sales that may be affected by Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 460, “Guarantees.” Based on historical evidence, we do not believe any potential liability with respect to these representations, warranties or guarantees would be material to our consolidated financial statements.
	Insurance. We maintain, and require the majority of our subcontractors to maintain, general liability insurance (including construction defect and bodily injury coverage) and workers’ compensation insurance. These insurance policies protect us against a portion of our risk of loss from claims related to our homebuilding activities, subject to certain self-insured retentions, deductibles and other coverage limits. We self-insure a portion of our overall risk through the use of a captive insurance subsidiary. We also maintain certain other insurance policies. In Arizona, California, Colorado and Nevada, our subcontractors’ general liability insurance primarily takes the form of a wrap-up policy, where eligible subcontractors are enrolled as insureds on each project. Enrolled subcontractors contribute toward the cost of the insurance and agree to pay a contractual amount in the future in the event of a claim related to their work. For those enrolled subcontractors, we absorb their general liability associated with the work performed on our homes within the applicable projects as part of our overall general liability insurance and our self-insurance through our captive insurance subsidiary.
	We record expenses and liabilities based on the estimated costs required to cover our self-insured retention and deductible amounts under our insurance policies, and the estimated costs of potential claims and claim adjustment expenses that are above our coverage limits or that are not covered by our insurance policies. These estimated costs are based on an analysis of our historical claims and include an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. Our estimated liabilities for such items were $92.1 million at August 31, 2013 and $93.3 million at November 30, 2012. These amounts are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Our expenses associated with self-insurance totaled $2.1 million for the three months ended August 31, 2013 and $1.2 million for the three months ended August 31, 2012. For the nine months ended August 31, 2013 and 2012, our expenses associated with self-insurance totaled $5.5 million and $5.8 million, respectively. These expenses were largely offset by contributions from subcontractors participating in the wrap-up policy.
	Performance Bonds and Letters of Credit. We are often required to provide to various municipalities and other government agencies performance bonds and/or letters of credit to secure the completion of our projects and/or in support of obligations to build community improvements such as roads, sewers, water systems and other utilities, and to support similar development activities by certain of our unconsolidated joint ventures. At August 31, 2013, we had $364.7 million of performance bonds and $41.1 million of letters of credit outstanding. At November 30, 2012, we had $286.1 million of performance bonds and $41.9 million of letters of credit outstanding. If any such performance bonds or letters of credit are called, we would be obligated to reimburse the issuer of the performance bond or letter of credit. We do not believe that a material amount of any currently outstanding performance bonds or letters of credit will be called. Performance bonds do not have stated expiration dates. Rather, we are released from the performance bonds as the underlying performance obligations are completed. The expiration dates of some letters of credit issued in connection with community improvements coincide with the expected completion dates of the related projects or obligations. Most letters of credit, however, are issued with an initial term of one year and are typically extended on a year-to-year basis until the related performance obligations are completed.
	Land Option Contracts. In the ordinary course of business, we enter into land option contracts and other similar contracts to acquire rights to land for the construction of homes. At August 31, 2013, we had total deposits of $44.1 million, comprised of $44.0 million of cash deposits and $.1 million of letters of credit, to purchase land having an aggregate purchase price of $825.0 million. Our land option contracts and other similar contracts generally do not contain provisions requiring our specific performance.

Legal_Matters

Legal Matters	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Legal Matters	Legal Matters
	Nevada Development Contract Litigation. KB HOME Nevada Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ours (“KB Nevada”), is a defendant in a case in the Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County, Nevada entitled Las Vegas Development Associates, LLC, Essex Real Estate Partners, LLC, et al. v. KB HOME Nevada Inc. In 2007, Las Vegas Development Associates, LLC (“LVDA”) agreed to purchase from KB Nevada approximately 83 acres of land located near Las Vegas, Nevada. LVDA subsequently assigned its rights to Essex Real Estate Partners, LLC (“Essex”). KB Nevada and Essex entered into a development agreement relating to certain major infrastructure improvements. LVDA’s and Essex’s complaint, initially filed in 2008, alleged that KB Nevada breached the development agreement, and also alleged that KB Nevada fraudulently induced them to enter into the purchase and development agreements. LVDA’s and Essex’s lenders subsequently filed related actions that were consolidated into the LVDA/Essex matter. The consolidated plaintiffs sought rescission of the agreements or, in the alternative, compensatory damages of $55 million plus unspecified punitive damages and other damages, and interest charges in excess of $41 million (the “Claimed Damages”). KB Nevada has denied the allegations, and believes it has meritorious defenses to the consolidated plaintiffs’ claims. At a November 19, 2012 hearing, the court denied all of the consolidated plaintiffs’ motions for summary judgment on their claims. In addition, the court granted several of KB Nevada’s motions for summary judgment, eliminating, among other of the consolidated plaintiffs’ claims, all claims for fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and punitive damages. With the court’s decisions, the only remaining claims against KB Nevada are for contract damages and rescission. In August 2013, the court granted motions that further narrowed the scope of the Claimed Damages. While the ultimate outcome is uncertain — we believe it is reasonably possible based on the court’s decisions in the case that the loss in this matter could range from zero to approximately $55 million plus prejudgment interest, which could be material to our consolidated financial statements — KB Nevada believes it will be successful in defending against the consolidated plaintiffs’ remaining claims and that the consolidated plaintiffs will not be awarded rescission or damages. The non-jury trial, originally set for September 2012, was recently continued again from October 15, 2013 until May 20, 2014.
	Southern California Project Development Case. On December 27, 2011, the jury in a case entitled Estancia Coastal, LLC v. KB HOME Coastal Inc. et al. returned a verdict against KB HOME Coastal Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ours, and us for $9.8 million, excluding legal fees and interest. The case related to a land option contract and a construction agreement between KB HOME Coastal Inc. and the plaintiff. Based on pre-trial analysis, the verdict was not expected, and we and KB HOME Coastal Inc. jointly filed a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict and a motion for a new trial, which were heard on May 18, 2012. On May 23, 2012, the trial court denied the motions and on June 4, 2012 entered a judgment in favor of the plaintiff in the amount of $9.2 million plus pre-judgment interest of approximately $.9 million. The judgment entered reflects an earlier payment by us to the plaintiff of a portion of the jury’s award and does not include legal fees and costs and post-judgment interest. We had established an accrual for this matter based on our pre-judgment estimate of the probable loss. However, as a result of the trial court’s decision and probable legal fees and costs award, we recorded a charge of $8.8 million in the second quarter of 2012 to increase the accrual for this matter to $11.7 million. On September 14, 2012, following a hearing, the trial court awarded legal fees and costs to the plaintiff of approximately $1.4 million. In the nine months ended August 31, 2013, we recorded charges of $1.0 million to reflect additional post-judgment interest. The charges recorded in 2013 and 2012 were included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations for the applicable periods. In the second quarter of 2013, we also made a partial payment of $3.0 million, which reduced our accrual for this matter. Our accrual of approximately $9.7 million at August 31, 2013 reflects our view of the probable outcome based on the current state of the judgment in the matter. However, we and KB HOME Coastal Inc. have appealed the entry of judgment.
	Other Matters. In addition to the specific proceedings described above, we are involved in other litigation and regulatory proceedings incidental to our business that are in various procedural stages. We believe that the accruals we have recorded for probable and reasonably estimable losses with respect to these proceedings are adequate and that, as of August 31, 2013, it was not reasonably possible that an additional material loss had been incurred in an amount in excess of the estimated amounts already recognized in our consolidated financial statements. We evaluate our accruals for litigation and regulatory proceedings at least quarterly and, as appropriate, adjust them to reflect (a) the facts and circumstances known to us at the time, including information regarding negotiations, settlements, rulings and other relevant events and developments; (b) the advice and analyses of counsel; and (c) the assumptions and judgment of management. Similar factors and considerations are used in establishing new accruals for proceedings as to which losses have become probable and reasonably estimable at the time an evaluation is made. Based on our experience, we believe that the amounts that may be claimed or alleged against us in these proceedings are not a meaningful indicator of our potential liability. The outcome of any of these proceedings, including the defense and other litigation-related costs and expenses we may incur, however, is inherently uncertain and could differ significantly from the estimate reflected in a related accrual, if made. Therefore, it is possible that the ultimate outcome of any proceeding, if in excess of a related accrual or if no accrual had been made, could be material to our consolidated financial statements.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders’ Equity	Stockholders’ Equity
	A summary of changes in stockholders’ equity is presented below (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended August 31, 2013
		Common Stock		Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Grantor Stock Ownership Trust			Treasury Stock			Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Balance at November 30, 2012	$	115,178	$	888,579		$	450,292		$	(27,958	)	$	(115,149	)	$	(934,136	)	$	376,806
	Net income	—		—			11,847			—			—			—			11,847
	Dividends on common stock	—		—			(6,272		)	—			—			—			(6,272		)
	Employee stock options/other	115		1,443			—			—			—			—			1,558
	Issuance of stock under stock-based compensation plans	—		412			—			—			—			7,934			8,346
	Restricted stock awards	—		(325		)	—			—			325			—			—
	Restricted stock amortization	—		2,382			—			—			—			—			2,382
	Stock-based compensation	—		1,214			—			—			—			—			1,214
	Issuance of common stock	—		(106,622		)	—			—			—			216,125			109,503
	Grantor stock ownership trust	—		305			—			—			284			—			589
	Stock repurchases	—		—			—			—			—			(7,967		)	(7,967		)
	Balance at August 31, 2013	$	115,293	$	787,388		$	455,867		$	(27,958	)	$	(114,540	)	$	(718,044	)	$	498,006
		Nine Months Ended August 31, 2012
		Common Stock		Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Grantor Stock Ownership Trust			Treasury Stock			Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Balance at November 30, 2011	$	115,171	$	884,190		$	519,844		$	(26,152	)	$	(118,059	)	$	(932,337	)	$	442,657
	Net loss	—		—			(66,677		)	—			—			—			(66,677		)
	Dividends on common stock	—		—			(8,674		)	—			—			—			(8,674		)
	Restricted stock amortization	—		1,232			—			—			—			—			1,232
	Stock-based compensation	—		3,452			—			—			—			—			3,452
	Grantor stock ownership trust	—		(173		)	—			—			624			—			451
	Balance at August 31, 2012	$	115,171	$	888,701		$	444,493		$	(26,152	)	$	(117,435	)	$	(932,337	)	$	372,441
	On January 29, 2013, pursuant to the 2011 Shelf Registration, we issued 6,325,000 shares of our common stock, par value $1.00 per share, in an underwritten public offering at a price of $18.25 per share (the “Common Stock Offering”). We used 6,325,000 shares of treasury stock for the issuance and received net proceeds of $109.5 million after underwriting discounts, commissions and transaction expenses.
	In connection with the issuance of the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes, which is discussed in Note 12. Mortgages and Notes Payable, we established a common stock reserve account with our transfer agent to reserve the maximum number of shares of our common stock potentially deliverable upon conversion to holders of the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes based on the terms of the instruments governing these notes. Accordingly, the common stock reserve account had a balance of 12,602,735 shares at August 31, 2013. The maximum number of shares would potentially be deliverable to holders only in certain limited circumstances as set forth in the instruments governing the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes.
	Effective July 18, 2013, our board of directors amended the Amended and Restated KB Home Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan (the “Director Plan”) to provide directors with a one-time opportunity to irrevocably elect to receive an equivalent value of shares of our common stock in lieu of the cash payments that are otherwise due upon the settlement of their outstanding stock units under the terms of the Director Plan. At that date, there were a total of 481,554 outstanding stock units. Concurrent with the amendment of the Director Plan, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of no more than 482,000 shares of our common stock solely as necessary for director elections in respect of outstanding stock units. During the three months ended August 31, 2013, following the amendment of the Director Plan, directors made irrevocable elections to receive an aggregate of 478,294 shares of our common stock upon the respective settlement of their outstanding stock units, and we repurchased through open market transactions such shares pursuant to the authorization at an aggregate price of $7.9 million. We do not anticipate any additional repurchases of our common stock pursuant to this board of directors authorization. The repurchased shares were apportioned to directors per their respective elections, and the shares are subject to transfer restrictions to the directors until the respective settlement of their applicable outstanding stock units, which, in most cases, will occur upon their leaving the board of directors. The director elections changed only the method of settlement of the outstanding stock units and did not change any of the other terms of these awards or impact the value to the directors. As a result of the directors’ elections, the relevant outstanding stock units became stock-settled awards, which are accounted for as equity awards, instead of cash-settled liability awards, thereby reducing the degree of variability in the expense associated with such stock units in future quarters.
	As of August 31, 2013, we were authorized to repurchase 4,000,000 shares of our common stock under a share repurchase program approved by our board of directors several years ago. We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock under this program in the nine months ended August 31, 2013. We have not repurchased shares pursuant to this common stock repurchase plan for the past several years and any resumption of such stock repurchases will be at the discretion of our board of directors.
	During the three months ended August 31, 2013, our board of directors declared a cash dividend of $.0250 per share of common stock, which was paid on August 15, 2013 to stockholders of record on August 1, 2013. During the three months ended May 31, 2013, our board of directors declared a cash dividend of $.0250 per share of common stock, which was paid on May 16, 2013 to stockholders of record on May 2, 2013. During the three months ended February 28, 2013, our board of directors declared a cash dividend of $.0250 per share of common stock, which was paid on February 21, 2013 to stockholders of record on February 7, 2013. A cash dividend of $.0250 per share of common stock was declared and paid during the three-month periods ended August 31, 2012 and May 31, 2012, and a cash dividend of $.0625 per share of common stock was declared and paid during the three months ended February 29, 2012.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2011-05”), which allows an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both instances, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The amendments in ASU 2011-05 do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. However, in December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-12, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05” (“ASU 2011-12”), which deferred the guidance on whether to require entities to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement where net income is presented and the statement where other comprehensive income is presented for both interim and annual financial statements. ASU 2011-12 reinstated the requirements for the presentation of reclassifications that were in place prior to the issuance of ASU 2011-05 and did not change the effective date for ASU 2011-05. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2011-05 and ASU 2011-12 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, and should be applied retrospectively. Our adoption of this guidance, which is related to disclosure only, as of February 28, 2013 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2013-02”), which requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, ASU 2013-02 requires an entity to present, either on the face of the income statement or in the notes to financial statements, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The amendments in ASU 2013-02 do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2013-02 are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Our adoption of this guidance, which is related to disclosure only, as of May 31, 2013 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)” (“ASU 2013-11”), which states that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except as follows. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 applies to all entities that have unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date. The amendments in ASU 2013-11 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. We believe the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Our income tax benefit totaled $.7 million for the three months ended August 31, 2013 and $10.7 million for the three months ended August 31, 2012. The income tax benefit for the three months ended August 31, 2013 was due to the recognition of unrecognized tax benefits associated with the expiration of a state statute of limitation. The income tax benefit for the three months ended August 31, 2012 primarily reflected the resolution of a federal tax audit, which resulted in an income tax benefit of $10.8 million and the realization of $1.1 million of deferred tax assets. For the nine months ended August 31, 2013, our income tax benefit totaled $1.8 million, compared to $14.8 million for the nine months ended August 31, 2012. The income tax benefit for the nine months ended August 31, 2013 primarily reflected the resolution of a state tax audit in the second quarter of 2013, which resulted in a refund receivable of $1.4 million, as well as the recognition of unrecognized tax benefits of $.9 million. The income tax benefit recognized for the nine months ended August 31, 2012 primarily resulted from the resolution of the federal tax audit described above and a $4.1 million state income tax refund received in the second quarter of 2012 in connection with the resolution of a state tax audit. Due to the effects of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance and changes in our unrecognized tax benefits, our effective tax rates for the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2013 and August 31, 2012 are not meaningful items as our income tax amounts are not directly correlated to the amount of our pretax results for those periods.
	In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”), we evaluate our deferred tax assets quarterly to determine if adjustments to the valuation allowance are required. ASC 740 requires that companies assess whether a valuation allowance should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard with respect to whether deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets depends primarily on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which the differences become deductible. The value of our deferred tax assets will depend on applicable income tax rates. Our deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $879.7 million remained unchanged during the three months ended August 31, 2013. During the nine months ended August 31, 2013, we reduced our deferred tax asset valuation allowance by $.4 million to account for adjustments to our deferred tax assets associated with the vesting of equity-based awards. For the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2012, we recorded valuation allowances of $7.1 million and $35.1 million, respectively, against the net deferred tax assets generated from the losses for those periods.
	We had no net deferred tax assets at August 31, 2013 or November 30, 2012 as we maintained a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. The deferred tax asset valuation allowance decreased to $879.7 million at August 31, 2013 from $880.1 million at November 30, 2012, reflecting the $.4 million valuation allowance adjustment recorded during the nine months ended August 31, 2013.
	During the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2013, our total gross unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $.9 million. The total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, that would affect the effective tax rate was $.4 million as of August 31, 2013. We anticipate that total unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by an amount ranging from $.1 million to $.4 million during the twelve months from this reporting date due to various state tax filings associated with the resolution of a federal tax audit.
	The benefits of our net operating losses (“NOL”), built-in losses and tax credits would be reduced or potentially eliminated if we experienced an “ownership change” under Internal Revenue Code Section 382 (“Section 382”). Based on our analysis performed as of August 31, 2013, we do not believe we have experienced an ownership change as defined by Section 382, and, therefore, the NOLs, built-in losses and tax credits we have generated should not be subject to a Section 382 limitation as of this reporting date.

Supplemental_Disclosure_to_Con

Supplemental Disclosure to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosure to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	The following are supplemental disclosures to the consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended August 31,
		2013		2012
	Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
	Homebuilding	$	383,314	$	420,392
	Financial services	3,151		2,732
	Total	$	386,465	$	423,124
	Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
	Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	$	34,902	$	53,359
	Income taxes paid	623		723
	Income taxes refunded	61		6,217
	Supplemental disclosures of noncash activities:
	Increase (decrease) in consolidated inventories not owned	$	4,831	$	(3,861	)
	Cost of inventories acquired through seller financing	27,600		53,625
	Issuance of stock under stock-based compensation plans	8,346		—

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa

Supplemental Guarantor Information	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Guarantees [Abstract]
Supplemental Guarantor Information	Supplemental Guarantor Information
	Our obligations to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest under our senior notes and the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes and borrowings, if any, under the Credit Facility are guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the Guarantor Subsidiaries. The guarantees are full and unconditional and the Guarantor Subsidiaries are 100% owned by us. Pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing our senior notes and the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes, and the terms of the Credit Facility, if any of the Guarantor Subsidiaries ceases to be a “significant subsidiary” as defined by Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X (as in effect on June 1, 1996) using a 5% rather than a 10% threshold (provided that the assets of our non-guarantor subsidiaries do not in the aggregate exceed 10% of an adjusted measure of our consolidated total assets), it will be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged from its guaranty of our senior notes, the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes and the Credit Facility so long as all guarantees by such Guarantor Subsidiary of any other of our or our subsidiaries’ indebtedness are terminated at or prior to the time of such release. We have determined that separate, full financial statements of the Guarantor Subsidiaries would not be material to investors and, accordingly, supplemental financial information for the Guarantor Subsidiaries is presented.
	The supplemental financial information for all periods presented below reflects the relevant subsidiaries that were Guarantor Subsidiaries as of August 31, 2013 and the revisions/reclassifications discussed in Note 1. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
	Nine Months Ended August 31, 2013 (in thousands)
		KB Home			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Total
		Corporate			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Revenues	$	—		$	1,306,981		$	171,618		$	—		$	1,478,599
	Homebuilding:
	Revenues	$	—		$	1,306,981		$	163,423		$	—		$	1,470,404
	Construction and land costs	—			(1,092,603		)	(140,041		)	—			(1,232,644		)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	(45,355		)	(122,817		)	(24,480		)	—			(192,652		)
	Operating income (loss)	(45,355		)	91,561			(1,098		)	—			45,108
	Interest income	607			17			5			—			629
	Interest expense	49,253			(85,644		)	(4,682		)	—			(41,073		)
	Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures	—			(1,656		)	(2		)	—			(1,658		)
	Homebuilding pretax income (loss)	4,505			4,278			(5,777		)	—			3,006
	Financial services pretax income	—			—			7,041			—			7,041
	Total pretax income	4,505			4,278			1,264			—			10,047
	Income tax benefit	800			800			200			—			1,800
	Equity in net income of subsidiaries	6,542			—			—			(6,542		)	—
	Net income	$	11,847		$	5,078		$	1,464		$	(6,542	)	$	11,847
	Revised Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
	Nine Months Ended August 31, 2012 (in thousands)
		KB Home			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Total
		Corporate			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Revenues	$	—		$	869,357		$	112,557		$	—		$	981,914
	Homebuilding:
	Revenues	$	—		$	869,357		$	104,698		$	—		$	974,055
	Construction and land costs	—			(746,456		)	(89,773		)	—			(836,229		)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	(45,480		)	(107,471		)	(20,693		)	—			(173,644		)
	Operating income (loss)	(45,480		)	15,430			(5,768		)	—			(35,818		)
	Interest income	332			5			26			—			363
	Interest expense	37,026			(86,597		)	(4,244		)	—			(53,815		)
	Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures	—			(36		)	(1		)	—			(37		)
	Homebuilding pretax loss	(8,122		)	(71,198		)	(9,987		)	—			(89,307		)
	Financial services pretax income	—			—			7,830			—			7,830
	Total pretax loss	(8,122		)	(71,198		)	(2,157		)	—			(81,477		)
	Income tax benefit	1,600			12,800			400			—			14,800
	Equity in net loss of subsidiaries	(60,155		)	—			—			60,155			—
	Net loss	$	(66,677	)	$	(58,398	)	$	(1,757	)	$	60,155		$	(66,677	)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
	Three Months Ended August 31, 2013 (in thousands)
		KB Home			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Total
		Corporate			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Revenues	$	—		$	480,069		$	68,905		$	—		$	548,974
	Homebuilding:
	Revenues	$	—		$	480,069		$	65,731		$	—		$	545,800
	Construction and land costs	—			(390,567		)	(55,814		)	—			(446,381		)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	(11,203		)	(43,691		)	(8,562		)	—			(63,456		)
	Operating income (loss)	(11,203		)	45,811			1,355			—			35,963
	Interest income	178			15			—			—			193
	Interest expense	19,646			(28,778		)	(2,194		)	—			(11,326		)
	Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	—			(657		)	1			—			(656		)
	Homebuilding pretax income (loss)	8,621			16,391			(838		)	—			24,174
	Financial services pretax income	—			—			2,404			—			2,404
	Total pretax income	8,621			16,391			1,566			—			26,578
	Income tax benefit	200			500			—			—			700
	Equity in net income of subsidiaries	18,457			—			—			(18,457		)	—
	Net income	$	27,278		$	16,891		$	1,566		$	(18,457	)	$	27,278
	Revised Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
	Three Months Ended August 31, 2012 (in thousands)
		KB Home			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Total
		Corporate			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
Revenues	$	—		$	380,165		$	44,339		$	—		$	424,504
Homebuilding:
Revenues	$	—		$	380,165		$	41,390		$	—		$	421,555
Construction and land costs	—			(313,469		)	(37,887		)	—			(351,356		)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(16,546		)	(37,705		)	(5,081		)	—			(59,332		)
Operating income (loss)	(16,546		)	28,991			(1,578		)	—			10,867
Interest income	107			(1,925		)	1,935			—			117
Interest expense	6,096			(27,616		)	(1,540		)	—			(23,060		)
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	—			277			1			—			278
Homebuilding pretax loss	(10,343		)	(273		)	(1,182		)	—			(11,798		)
Financial services pretax income	—			—			4,359			—			4,359
Total pretax income (loss)	(10,343		)	(273		)	3,177			—			(7,439		)
Income tax benefit (expense)	14,900			400			(4,600		)	—			10,700
Equity in net loss of subsidiaries	(1,296		)	—			—			1,296			—
Net income (loss)	$	3,261		$	127		$	(1,423	)	$	1,296		$	3,261
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
August 31, 2013 (in thousands)
	KB Home			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Total
	Corporate			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
Assets
Homebuilding:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	306,955		$	63,968		$	12,391		$	—		$	383,314
Restricted cash	41,631			—			—			—			41,631
Receivables	167			70,719			1,459			—			72,345
Inventories	—			2,046,106			183,614			—			2,229,720
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	—			124,049			2,500			—			126,549
Other assets	91,083			8,718			1,446			—			101,247
	439,836			2,313,560			201,410			—			2,954,806
Financial services	—			—			10,035			—			10,035
Intercompany receivables	2,037,313			—			—			(2,037,313		)	—
Investments in subsidiaries	33,771			—			—			(33,771		)	—
Total assets	$	2,510,920		$	2,313,560		$	211,445		$	(2,071,084	)	$	2,964,841
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Homebuilding:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	$	136,473		$	258,175		$	132,265		$	—		$	526,913
Mortgages and notes payable	1,876,441			60,616			—			—			1,937,057
	2,012,914			318,791			132,265			—			2,463,970
Financial services	—			—			2,865			—			2,865
Intercompany payables	—			1,978,378			58,935			(2,037,313		)	—
Stockholders’ equity	498,006			16,391			17,380			(33,771		)	498,006
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,510,920		$	2,313,560		$	211,445		$	(2,071,084	)	$	2,964,841
Revised Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
November 30, 2012 (in thousands)
	KB Home			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Total
	Corporate			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
Assets
Homebuilding:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	457,007		$	52,933		$	14,825		$	—		$	524,765
Restricted cash	42,362			—			—			—			42,362
Receivables	121			63,600			1,100			—			64,821
Inventories	—			1,572,999			133,572			—			1,706,571
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	—			114,292			9,382			—			123,674
Other assets	85,901			15,638			(6,489		)	—			95,050
	585,391			1,819,462			152,390			—			2,557,243
Financial services	—			—			4,455			—			4,455
Intercompany receivables	1,559,712			—			—			(1,559,712		)	—
Investments in subsidiaries	11,411			—			—			(11,411		)	—
Total assets	$	2,156,514		$	1,819,462		$	156,845		$	(1,571,123	)	$	2,561,698
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Homebuilding:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	$	134,314		$	207,641		$	116,934		$	—		$	458,889
Mortgages and notes payable	1,645,394			77,421			—			—			1,722,815
	1,779,708			285,062			116,934			—			2,181,704
Financial services	—			—			3,188			—			3,188
Intercompany payables	—			1,534,400			25,312			(1,559,712		)	—
Stockholders’ equity	376,806			—			11,411			(11,411		)	376,806
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,156,514		$	1,819,462		$	156,845		$	(1,571,123	)	$	2,561,698
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended August 31, 2013 (in thousands)
	KB Home			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Total
	Corporate			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	11,847		$	5,078		$	1,464		$	(6,542	)	$	11,847
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated joint ventures	—			1,655			(1,078		)	—			577
Land option contract abandonments	—			284			—			—			284
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(46		)	(7,119		)	164			—			(7,001		)
Inventories	—			(445,791		)	(45,211		)	—			(491,002		)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	10,505			50,534			11,276			—			72,315
Other, net	9,893			1,304			324			—			11,521
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	32,199			(394,055		)	(33,061		)	(6,542		)	(401,459		)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Contributions to unconsolidated joint ventures	—			(5,064		)	(4,992		)	—			(10,056		)
Purchases of property and equipment, net	(346		)	(735		)	(278		)	—			(1,359		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(346		)	(5,799		)	(5,270		)	—			(11,415		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in restricted cash	731			—			—			—			731
Proceeds from issuance of debt	230,000			—			—			—			230,000
Payment of debt issuance costs	(10,086		)	—			—			—			(10,086		)
Payments on mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans	—			(44,405		)	—			—			(44,405		)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	109,503			—			—			—			109,503
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans	2,147			—			—			—			2,147
Payments of cash dividends	(6,272		)	—			—			—			(6,272		)
Stock repurchases	(7,967		)	—			—			—			(7,967		)
Intercompany	(499,961		)	455,294			38,125			6,542			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(181,905		)	410,889			38,125			6,542			273,651
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(150,052		)	11,035			(206		)	—			(139,223		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	457,007			52,933			15,748			—			525,688
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	306,955		$	63,968		$	15,542		$	—		$	386,465
Revised Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended August 31, 2012 (in thousands)
	KB Home			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Total
	Corporate			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(66,677	)	$	(58,398	)	$	(1,757	)	$	60,155		$	(66,677	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated joint ventures	—			35			(2,206		)	—			(2,171		)
Inventory impairments	—			22,912			—			—			22,912
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(26,660		)	(1,577		)	23,735			—			(4,502		)
Inventories	—			10,157			(20,719		)	—			(10,562		)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(347		)	(17,309		)	(13,610		)	—			(31,266		)
Other, net	9,796			539			6,131			—			16,466
Net cash used in operating activities	(83,888		)	(43,641		)	(8,426		)	60,155			(75,800		)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Return of investments in (contributions to) unconsolidated joint ventures	—			3,801			(936		)	—			2,865
Sales (purchases) of property and equipment, net	(65		)	(989		)	2			—			(1,052		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(65		)	2,812			(934		)	—			1,813
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in restricted cash	18,368			—			—			—			18,368
Proceeds from issuance of debt	694,831			—			—			—			694,831
Payment of debt issuance costs	(12,195		)	—			—			—			(12,195		)
Repayment of senior notes	(592,645		)	—			—			—			(592,645		)
Payments on mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans	—			(21,099		)	—			—			(21,099		)
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans	451			—			—			—			451
Payments of cash dividends	(8,674		)	—			—			—			(8,674		)
Intercompany	3,687			58,590			(2,122		)	(60,155		)	—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	103,823			37,491			(2,122		)	(60,155		)	79,037
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	19,870			(3,338		)	(11,482		)	—			5,050
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	340,957			46,375			30,742			—			418,074
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	360,827		$	43,037		$	19,260		$	—		$	423,124

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign1

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Earnings (Loss) Per Share. Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Nine Months Ended August 31,						Three Months Ended August 31,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	11,847		$	(66,677	)	$	27,278		$	3,261
	Less: Distributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock	(18		)	—			(6		)	(8		)
	Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock	(16		)	—			(73		)	(5		)
	Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share	11,813			(66,677		)	27,199			3,248
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs associated with convertible senior notes, net of taxes	—			—			667			—
	Add: Undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock	16			—			73			5
	Less: Undistributed earnings reallocated to nonvested restricted stock	(14		)	—			(65		)	(4		)
	Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	11,815		$	(66,677	)	$	27,874		$	3,249
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share — basic average shares outstanding	82,261			77,107			83,714			77,127
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Share-based payments	2,028			—			1,931			231
	Convertible senior notes	—			—			8,402			—
	Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share — diluted average shares outstanding	84,289			77,107			94,047			77,358
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.14		$	(.86	)	$	0.32		$	0.04
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.14		$	(.86	)	$	0.3		$	0.04
	We compute earnings (loss) per share using the two-class method in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Standards Topic No. 260, “Earnings Per Share.” The two-class method is an allocation of earnings between the holders of common stock and a company’s participating security holders. Our outstanding nonvested shares of restricted stock contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and, therefore, are considered participating securities for purposes of computing earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. We had no other participating securities at August 31, 2013 or 2012.
	In the first quarter of 2013, we issued $230.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 1.375% convertible senior notes due 2019 (the “$230 Million Convertible Senior Notes”), which are initially convertible into shares of our common stock at a conversion rate of 36.5297 shares for each $1,000 principal amount of the notes. The impact of the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes was excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the nine months ended August 31, 2013 because the effect would have been antidilutive.
	Outstanding stock options to purchase 5.2 million shares of common stock were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2013 and outstanding stock options to purchase 8.5 million shares of common stock were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three months ended August 31, 2012 because their effect would have been antidilutive. All outstanding stock options were excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation for the nine months ended August 31, 2012 because their effect would have been antidilutive or decreased the loss per share. Contingently issuable shares associated with outstanding performance-based restricted stock units (each a “PSU”) issued in November 2012 were not included in the earnings per share calculations for the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2013 as the vesting conditions had not been satisfied.
Use of Estimates	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP and, therefore, include amounts based on informed estimates and judgments of management. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	We consider all highly liquid short-term investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Our cash equivalents totaled $260.8 million at August 31, 2013 and $396.3 million at November 30, 2012. The majority of our cash and cash equivalents were invested in money market funds and interest-bearing bank deposit accounts.
	Restricted cash of $41.6 million at August 31, 2013 and $42.4 million at November 30, 2012 consisted of cash deposited with various financial institutions that was required as collateral for our cash-collateralized letter of credit facilities (“LOC Facilities”).
Presentation of Comprehensive Income	Our comprehensive income for the three months ended August 31, 2013 and 2012 was $27.3 million and $3.3 million, respectively. For the nine months ended August 31, 2013, our comprehensive income was $11.8 million. For the nine months ended August 31, 2012, our comprehensive loss was $66.7 million. Our comprehensive income (loss) for each of the three-month and nine-month periods ended August 31, 2013 and 2012 was equal to our net income (loss) for the same periods. The accumulated other comprehensive loss in our consolidated balance sheets as of August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012 was comprised solely of adjustments recorded directly to accumulated other comprehensive loss in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 715, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits” (“ASC 715”). Such adjustments are made annually as of November 30, when our benefit plan obligations are remeasured. ASC 715 requires an employer to recognize the funded status of defined postretirement benefit plans as an asset or liability on the balance sheet and requires any unrecognized prior service costs and actuarial gains/losses to be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
	In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2011-05”), which allows an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both instances, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The amendments in ASU 2011-05 do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. However, in December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-12, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05” (“ASU 2011-12”), which deferred the guidance on whether to require entities to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement where net income is presented and the statement where other comprehensive income is presented for both interim and annual financial statements. ASU 2011-12 reinstated the requirements for the presentation of reclassifications that were in place prior to the issuance of ASU 2011-05 and did not change the effective date for ASU 2011-05. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2011-05 and ASU 2011-12 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, and should be applied retrospectively. Our adoption of this guidance, which is related to disclosure only, as of February 28, 2013 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2013-02”), which requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, ASU 2013-02 requires an entity to present, either on the face of the income statement or in the notes to financial statements, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The amendments in ASU 2013-02 do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2013-02 are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Our adoption of this guidance, which is related to disclosure only, as of May 31, 2013 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements
Homebuyer Closing Cost Allowances Reclassification	Effective December 1, 2012, we elected to reclassify closing cost allowances given to certain homebuyers from selling, general and administrative expenses to construction and land costs in our consolidated statements of operations. These allowances are used to cover a portion of non-recurring third-party fees, such as escrow fees, title costs, recording fees, finance processing fees, and prepaid property taxes and insurance costs that are charged to a homebuyer in connection with the closing of the sale of a home. This reclassification reduced both our housing gross profits and selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended August 31, 2013 and 2012 by $2.6 million and $3.4 million, respectively, which represented .5% and .8% of housing revenues, respectively. For the nine months ended August 31, 2013 and 2012, the reclassification reduced both our housing gross profits and selling, general and administrative expenses by $6.9 million and $11.3 million, respectively, which represented .5% and 1.2% of housing revenues, respectively. The reclassification had no impact on the homebuilding operating income (loss) or net income (loss) amounts previously reported. All prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2013 presentation.
Stock-Based Compensation (ASC 718)	We measure and recognize compensation expense associated with our grant of equity-based awards in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 718, “Compensation — Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”). ASC 718 requires that companies measure and recognize compensation expense at an amount equal to the fair value of share-based payments granted under compensation arrangements over the vesting period.
Accounting Standards Codification Topic No.280, Segment Reporting	As of August 31, 2013, we had identified five reporting segments, comprised of four homebuilding reporting segments and one financial services reporting segment, within our consolidated operations in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 280, “Segment Reporting.” As of August 31, 2013, our homebuilding reporting segments conducted ongoing operations in the following states:
	West Coast: California
	Southwest: Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico
	Central: Colorado and Texas
	Southeast: Florida, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia
	Our homebuilding reporting segments are engaged in the acquisition and development of land primarily for residential purposes and offer a wide variety of homes that are designed to appeal to first-time, move-up and active adult homebuyers.
	Our homebuilding reporting segments were identified based primarily on similarities in economic and geographic characteristics, product types, regulatory environments, methods used to sell and construct homes and land acquisition characteristics. We evaluate segment performance primarily based on segment pretax results.
	Our financial services reporting segment offers insurance services to our homebuyers in the same markets as our homebuilding reporting segments and provides title services in the majority of our markets within our Central and Southeast homebuilding reporting segments. In addition, since the third quarter of 2011, this segment has earned revenues pursuant to the terms of a marketing services agreement with a preferred mortgage lender that offers mortgage banking services, including residential consumer mortgage loan (“mortgage loan”) originations, to our homebuyers who elect to use the lender. Our homebuyers are under no obligation to use our preferred mortgage lender and may select any lender of their choice to obtain mortgage financing for the purchase of a home. We make available to our homebuyers marketing materials and other information regarding our preferred mortgage lender’s financing options and mortgage loan products, and are compensated solely for the fair market value of these services. We have had no affiliation with our preferred mortgage lender or its affiliates. Except as discussed below, we have had no ownership, joint venture or other interests in or with these entities, or with respect to the revenues or income that may have been generated from their provision of mortgage banking services to, or origination of mortgage loans for, our homebuyers.
	On January 21, 2013, we entered into an agreement with our current preferred mortgage lender, Nationstar Mortgage LLC (“Nationstar”), to form Home Community Mortgage, LLC (“Home Community Mortgage”), a mortgage banking company that will offer mortgage banking services to our homebuyers. We have a 49.9% ownership interest and Nationstar has a 50.1% ownership interest in Home Community Mortgage, with Nationstar providing management oversight of Home Community Mortgage’s operations. Nationstar will continue as our preferred mortgage lender until Home Community Mortgage begins offering mortgage banking services, which is expected in the first quarter of 2014. We made initial capital contributions of $5.0 million to Home Community Mortgage during the second quarter of 2013. Home Community Mortgage is accounted for as an unconsolidated joint venture within our financial services reporting segment.
	Our reporting segments follow the same accounting policies used for our consolidated financial statements. Operational results of each segment are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred had the segment been an independent, stand-alone entity during the periods presented, nor are they indicative of the results to be expected in future periods.
Property, Plant and Equipment (ASC 360)	Each community or land parcel in our owned inventory is assessed to determine if indicators of potential impairment exist. Impairment indicators are assessed separately for each community or land parcel on a quarterly basis and include, but are not limited to, the following: significant decreases in net orders, average selling prices, volume of homes delivered, gross profit margins on homes delivered or projected gross profit margins on homes in backlog or future housing sales; significant increases in budgeted land development and home construction costs or cancellation rates; or projected losses on expected future land sales. If indicators of potential impairment exist for a community or land parcel, the identified asset is evaluated for recoverability in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment” (“ASC 360”). We evaluated 16 and 33 communities or land parcels for recoverability during the three months ended August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We evaluated 54 and 109 communities or land parcels for recoverability during the nine months ended August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures	Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” provides a framework for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities under GAAP, and establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The fair value hierarchy can be summarized as follows:
	Level 1		Fair value determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2		Fair value determined using significant observable inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data, by correlation or other means.
	Level 3		Fair value determined using significant unobservable inputs, such as pricing models, discounted cash flows, or similar techniques.
Long-Lived Assets (ASC 360)	We had no inventory impairment charges in the three months or nine months ended August 31, 2013. During the year ended November 30, 2012, long-lived assets held and used with a carrying value of $68.0 million were written down to their fair value of $39.9 million, resulting in inventory impairment charges of $28.1 million.
Accounting Standards Codification Topic No.810, Consolidation (ASC 810)	We participate in joint ventures from time to time that conduct land acquisition, land development and/or other homebuilding activities in various markets where our homebuilding operations are located. Our investments in these joint ventures may create a variable interest in a variable interest entity (“VIE”), depending on the contractual terms of the arrangement. We analyze our joint ventures in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 810, “Consolidation” (“ASC 810”), to determine whether they are VIEs and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary. All of our joint ventures at August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012 were determined under the provisions of ASC 810 to be unconsolidated joint ventures and were accounted for under the equity method, either because they were not VIEs and we did not have a controlling financial interest or, if they were VIEs, we were not the primary beneficiary of the VIEs.
	In the ordinary course of our business, we enter into land option contracts and other similar contracts to acquire rights to land for the construction of homes. The use of such land option contracts and other similar contracts generally allows us to reduce the market risks associated with direct land ownership and development, and to reduce our capital and financial commitments, including interest and other carrying costs. Under such contracts, we typically pay a specified option or earnest money deposit in consideration for the right to purchase land in the future, usually at a predetermined price. Under the requirements of ASC 810, certain of these contracts may create a variable interest for us, with the land seller being identified as a VIE.
	In compliance with ASC 810, we analyze our land option contracts and other similar contracts to determine whether the corresponding land sellers are VIEs and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary. Although we do not have legal title to the underlying land, ASC 810 requires us to consolidate a VIE if we are determined to be the primary beneficiary. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary, we consider, among other things, whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance. Such activities would include, among other things, determining or limiting the scope or purpose of the VIE, selling or transferring property owned or controlled by the VIE, or arranging financing for the VIE. As a result of our analyses, we determined that as of August 31, 2013 and November 30, 2012 we were not the primary beneficiary of any VIEs from which we have acquired rights to land under land option contracts and other similar contracts.
Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 470, Debt (ASC 470)	We also evaluate our land option contracts and other similar contracts for financing arrangements in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 470, “Debt” (“ASC 470”), and, as a result of our evaluations, increased inventories, with a corresponding increase to accrued expenses and other liabilities, in our consolidated balance sheets by $8.9 million at August 31, 2013 and $4.1 million at November 30, 2012.
Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 460, Guarantees	Guarantees. In the normal course of our business, we issue certain representations, warranties and guarantees related to our home sales and land sales that may be affected by Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 460, “Guarantees.” Based on historical evidence, we do not believe any potential liability with respect to these representations, warranties or guarantees would be material to our consolidated financial statements.
Income Taxes (ASC 740)	In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”), we evaluate our deferred tax assets quarterly to determine if adjustments to the valuation allowance are required. ASC 740 requires that companies assess whether a valuation allowance should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard with respect to whether deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets depends primarily on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which the differences become deductible. The value of our deferred tax assets will depend on applicable income tax rates.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign2

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share	Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Nine Months Ended August 31,						Three Months Ended August 31,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	11,847		$	(66,677	)	$	27,278		$	3,261
	Less: Distributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock	(18		)	—			(6		)	(8		)
	Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock	(16		)	—			(73		)	(5		)
	Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share	11,813			(66,677		)	27,199			3,248
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs associated with convertible senior notes, net of taxes	—			—			667			—
	Add: Undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock	16			—			73			5
	Less: Undistributed earnings reallocated to nonvested restricted stock	(14		)	—			(65		)	(4		)
	Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	11,815		$	(66,677	)	$	27,874		$	3,249
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share — basic average shares outstanding	82,261			77,107			83,714			77,127
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Share-based payments	2,028			—			1,931			231
	Convertible senior notes	—			—			8,402			—
	Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share — diluted average shares outstanding	84,289			77,107			94,047			77,358
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.14		$	(.86	)	$	0.32		$	0.04
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.14		$	(.86	)	$	0.3		$	0.04

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Outstanding and Exercisable Stock Options	The following table summarizes stock option transactions for the nine months ended August 31, 2013:
		Options		Weighted
				Average Exercise
				Price
	Options outstanding at beginning of period	10,105,546		$	21.27
	Granted	—		—
	Exercised	(115,208	)	13.51
	Cancelled	—		—
	Options outstanding at end of period	9,990,338		$	21.36
	Options exercisable at end of period	8,476,681		$	23.81

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Financial Information Relating to Company Reporting Segments	The following tables present financial information relating to our reporting segments (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended August 31,						Three Months Ended August 31,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues:
	West Coast	$	746,232		$	445,123		$	266,638		$	207,239
	Southwest	126,515			95,127			47,437			35,634
	Central	381,342			285,129			154,545			117,099
	Southeast	216,315			148,676			77,180			61,583
	Total homebuilding revenues	1,470,404			974,055			545,800			421,555
	Financial services	8,195			7,859			3,174			2,949
	Total	$	1,478,599		$	981,914		$	548,974		$	424,504
	Pretax income (loss):
	West Coast	$	75,469		$	(29,019	)	$	37,607		$	4,435
	Southwest	2,026			(10,616		)	1,185			(3,434		)
	Central	11,569			(3,152		)	9,085			986
	Southeast	(35,012		)	5,494			(9,920		)	5,174
	Corporate and other (a)	(51,046		)	(52,014		)	(13,783		)	(18,959		)
	Total homebuilding pretax income (loss)	3,006			(89,307		)	24,174			(11,798		)
	Financial services	7,041			7,830			2,404			4,359
	Total	$	10,047		$	(81,477	)	$	26,578		$	(7,439	)
	(a)    Corporate and other includes corporate general and administrative expenses.
		Nine Months Ended August 31,						Three Months Ended August 31,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures:
	West Coast	$	(109	)	$	(129	)	$	(36	)	$	(52	)
	Southwest	(1,919		)	(458		)	(755		)	(241		)
	Central	—			—			—			—
	Southeast	370			550			135			571
	Total	$	(1,658	)	$	(37	)	$	(656	)	$	278
	Inventory impairments:
	West Coast	$	—		$	14,040		$	—		$	933
	Southwest	—			2,135			—			—
	Central	—			1,267			—			—
	Southeast	—			5,470			—			5,470
	Total	$	—		$	22,912		$	—		$	6,403
	Land option contract abandonments:
	West Coast	$	284		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Southwest	—			—			—			—
	Central	—			—			—			—
	Southeast	—			—			—			—
	Total	$	284		$	—		$	—		$	—
		August 31,			November 30,
		2013			2012
	Assets:
	West Coast	$	1,236,984		$	930,450
	Southwest	387,654			319,863
	Central	449,870			369,294
	Southeast	431,270			341,460
	Corporate and other	449,028			596,176
	Total homebuilding assets	2,954,806			2,557,243
	Financial services	10,035			4,455
	Total	$	2,964,841		$	2,561,698
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
	West Coast	$	39,575		$	38,372
	Southwest	77,721			75,920
	Central	—			—
	Southeast	9,253			9,382
	Total	$	126,549		$	123,674

Financial_Services_Tables

Financial Services (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Schedule of Financial Services Income (Loss)	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
	Nine Months Ended August 31, 2013 (in thousands)
		KB Home			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Total
		Corporate			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Revenues	$	—		$	1,306,981		$	171,618		$	—		$	1,478,599
	Homebuilding:
	Revenues	$	—		$	1,306,981		$	163,423		$	—		$	1,470,404
	Construction and land costs	—			(1,092,603		)	(140,041		)	—			(1,232,644		)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	(45,355		)	(122,817		)	(24,480		)	—			(192,652		)
	Operating income (loss)	(45,355		)	91,561			(1,098		)	—			45,108
	Interest income	607			17			5			—			629
	Interest expense	49,253			(85,644		)	(4,682		)	—			(41,073		)
	Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures	—			(1,656		)	(2		)	—			(1,658		)
	Homebuilding pretax income (loss)	4,505			4,278			(5,777		)	—			3,006
	Financial services pretax income	—			—			7,041			—			7,041
	Total pretax income	4,505			4,278			1,264			—			10,047
	Income tax benefit	800			800			200			—			1,800
	Equity in net income of subsidiaries	6,542			—			—			(6,542		)	—
	Net income	$	11,847		$	5,078		$	1,464		$	(6,542	)	$	11,847
	Revised Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
	Nine Months Ended August 31, 2012 (in thousands)
		KB Home			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Total
		Corporate			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Revenues	$	—		$	869,357		$	112,557		$	—		$	981,914
	Homebuilding:
	Revenues	$	—		$	869,357		$	104,698		$	—		$	974,055
	Construction and land costs	—			(746,456		)	(89,773		)	—			(836,229		)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	(45,480		)	(107,471		)	(20,693		)	—			(173,644		)
	Operating income (loss)	(45,480		)	15,430			(5,768		)	—			(35,818		)
	Interest income	332			5			26			—			363
	Interest expense	37,026			(86,597		)	(4,244		)	—			(53,815		)
	Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures	—			(36		)	(1		)	—			(37		)
	Homebuilding pretax loss	(8,122		)	(71,198		)	(9,987		)	—			(89,307		)
	Financial services pretax income	—			—			7,830			—			7,830
	Total pretax loss	(8,122		)	(71,198		)	(2,157		)	—			(81,477		)
	Income tax benefit	1,600			12,800			400			—			14,800
	Equity in net loss of subsidiaries	(60,155		)	—			—			60,155			—
	Net loss	$	(66,677	)	$	(58,398	)	$	(1,757	)	$	60,155		$	(66,677	)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
	Three Months Ended August 31, 2013 (in thousands)
		KB Home			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Total
		Corporate			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Revenues	$	—		$	480,069		$	68,905		$	—		$	548,974
	Homebuilding:
	Revenues	$	—		$	480,069		$	65,731		$	—		$	545,800
	Construction and land costs	—			(390,567		)	(55,814		)	—			(446,381		)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	(11,203		)	(43,691		)	(8,562		)	—			(63,456		)
	Operating income (loss)	(11,203		)	45,811			1,355			—			35,963
	Interest income	178			15			—			—			193
	Interest expense	19,646			(28,778		)	(2,194		)	—			(11,326		)
	Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	—			(657		)	1			—			(656		)
	Homebuilding pretax income (loss)	8,621			16,391			(838		)	—			24,174
	Financial services pretax income	—			—			2,404			—			2,404
	Total pretax income	8,621			16,391			1,566			—			26,578
	Income tax benefit	200			500			—			—			700
	Equity in net income of subsidiaries	18,457			—			—			(18,457		)	—
	Net income	$	27,278		$	16,891		$	1,566		$	(18,457	)	$	27,278
	Revised Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
	Three Months Ended August 31, 2012 (in thousands)
		KB Home			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Total
		Corporate			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Revenues	$	—		$	380,165		$	44,339		$	—		$	424,504
	Homebuilding:
	Revenues	$	—		$	380,165		$	41,390		$	—		$	421,555
Construction and land costs	—			(313,469		)	(37,887		)	—			(351,356		)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(16,546		)	(37,705		)	(5,081		)	—			(59,332		)
Operating income (loss)	(16,546		)	28,991			(1,578		)	—			10,867
Interest income	107			(1,925		)	1,935			—			117
Interest expense	6,096			(27,616		)	(1,540		)	—			(23,060		)
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	—			277			1			—			278
Homebuilding pretax loss	(10,343		)	(273		)	(1,182		)	—			(11,798		)
Financial services pretax income	—			—			4,359			—			4,359
Total pretax income (loss)	(10,343		)	(273		)	3,177			—			(7,439		)
Income tax benefit (expense)	14,900			400			(4,600		)	—			10,700
Equity in net loss of subsidiaries	(1,296		)	—			—			1,296			—
Net income (loss)	$	3,261		$	127		$	(1,423	)	$	1,296		$	3,261
Schedule of Financial Services Assets and Liabilities
		August 31,			November 30,
		2013			2012
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,151		$	923
	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
	Total liabilities	$	2,865		$	3,188
Financial services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Schedule of Financial Services Income (Loss)	The following tables present financial information relating to our financial services reporting segment (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended August 31,						Three Months Ended August 31,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues
	Insurance commissions	$	4,677		$	4,594		$	1,887		$	1,840
	Title services	2,165			1,535			836			657
	Marketing services fees	1,350			1,725			450			450
	Interest income	3			5			1			2
	Total	8,195			7,859			3,174			2,949
	Expenses
	General and administrative	(2,235		)	(2,237		)	(764		)	(709		)
	Operating income	5,960			5,622			2,410			2,240
	Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	1,081			2,208			(6		)	2,119
	Pretax income	$	7,041		$	7,830		$	2,404		$	4,359

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
		August 31,			November 30,
		2013			2012
	Homes under construction	$	629,341		$	454,108
	Land under development	953,694			567,470
	Land held for future development	646,685			684,993
	Total	$	2,229,720		$	1,706,571
Schedule of Capitalized Interest Costs	Our interest costs are as follows (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended August 31,						Three Months Ended August 31,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Capitalized interest at beginning of period	$	217,684		$	233,461		$	215,577		$	235,032
	Interest incurred (a)	102,256			99,552			34,345			39,532
	Interest expensed (a)	(41,073		)	(53,815		)	(11,326		)	(23,060		)
	Interest amortized to construction and land costs	(62,943		)	(48,909		)	(22,672		)	(21,215		)
	Capitalized interest at end of period (b)	$	215,924		$	230,289		$	215,924		$	230,289
	(a)	Amounts for the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2012 include losses on the early extinguishment of debt of $8.3 million and $10.3 million, respectively.
	(b)	Inventory impairment charges are recognized against all inventory costs of a community, such as land acquisition, land development, cost of home construction and capitalized interest. Capitalized interest amounts presented in the table reflect the gross amount of capitalized interest as impairment charges recognized are not generally allocated to specific components of inventory.

Inventory_Impairments_and_Land1

Inventory Impairments and Land Option Contract Abandonments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Inventory Impairments and Land Option Contract Abandonments [Abstract]
Summary of Quantitative Unobservable Inputs Utilized in Determining the Fair Value of Communities	The following table summarizes ranges for significant quantitative unobservable inputs we utilized in our fair value measurements with respect to the impaired communities or land parcels written down to fair value during the periods presented:
			Nine Months Ended August 31,				Three Months Ended August 31,
	Unobservable Input (a)		2013			2012	2013			2012
	Average selling price		$	—		$115,200 - $497,900	$	—		$152,000 - $246,200
	Deliveries per month		—			6-Jan	—			4-Feb
	Discount rate		—		%	17% - 20%	—		%	17% - 20%
	(a)	The ranges of inputs used primarily reflect the underlying variability among the various housing markets where each of the impacted communities or land parcels are located, rather than changes in prevailing market conditions.

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Tables

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Assets Measured at Fair Value on Nonrecurring Basis

The following table presents the fair value hierarchy and our assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis for the nine months ended August 31, 2013 and the year ended November 30, 2012 (in thousands):

Fair Value

Description

Hierarchy

August 31,

November 30,

2013

2012

Long-lived assets held and used (a)

Level 3

$

—

$

39,851

(a)

Amounts represent the aggregate fair value for communities or land parcels where we recognized inventory impairment charges during the period, as of the date that the fair value measurements were made. The carrying value for these communities or land parcels may have subsequently increased or decreased from the fair value reflected due to activity that has occurred since the measurement date.

Schedule of Fair Value Hierarchy, Carrying Values, and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The following table presents the fair value hierarchy, carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments, except those for which the carrying values approximate fair values (in thousands):

August 31, 2013

November 30, 2012

Fair Value

Carrying

Estimated

Carrying

Estimated

Hierarchy

Value

Fair Value

Value

Fair Value

Financial Liabilities:

Senior notes

Level 2

$

1,671,551

$

1,797,980

$

1,670,504

$

1,831,596

Convertible senior notes due February 1, 2019 at 1.375%

Level 2

230,000

220,386

—

—

Variable_Interest_Entities_Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Summary of Interests in Land Option Contracts	The following table presents a summary of our interests in land option contracts and other similar contracts (in thousands):
		31-Aug-13				November 30, 2012
		Cash		Aggregate		Cash		Aggregate
		Deposits		Purchase Price		Deposits		Purchase Price
	Unconsolidated VIEs	$	15,359	$	488,635	$	8,463	$	327,196
	Other land option contracts and other similar contracts	28,684		336,392		17,219		298,139
	Total	$	44,043	$	825,027	$	25,682	$	625,335

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_1

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	The following table presents combined condensed information from the statements of operations of our unconsolidated joint ventures (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended August 31,						Three Months Ended August 31,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues	$	11,908		$	27,859		$	5,552		$	27,859
	Construction and land costs	(7,391		)	(19,303		)	(3,463		)	(19,309		)
	Other expenses, net	(3,074		)	(1,189		)	(1,183		)	(442		)
	Income	$	1,443		$	7,367		$	906		$	8,108
Balance Sheets of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	The following table presents combined condensed balance sheet information for our unconsolidated joint ventures (in thousands):
		August 31,			November 30,
		2013			2012
	Assets
	Cash	$	22,332		$	29,721
	Receivables	7,763			6,104
	Inventories	359,180			352,791
	Other assets	1,183			1,175
	Total assets	$	390,458		$	389,791
	Liabilities and equity
	Accounts payable and other liabilities	$	85,722		$	88,027
	Equity	304,736			301,764
	Total liabilities and equity	$	390,458		$	389,791
Information Related Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	The following table presents information relating to our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures (dollars in thousands):
		August 31,			November 30,
		2013			2012
	Number of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	8			8
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$	126,549		$	123,674

Other_Assets_Tables

Other Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Other Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Assets	Other assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		August 31,		November 30,
		2013		2012
	Cash surrender value of insurance contracts	$	65,973	$	64,757
	Debt issuance costs (a)	21,885		14,563
	Property and equipment, net	7,880		7,920
	Prepaid expenses	5,509		7,810
	Total	$	101,247	$	95,050
	(a)	The increase in debt issuance costs as of August 31, 2013 compared to November 30, 2012 primarily reflected the costs associated with our underwritten public issuance of the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes during the first quarter of 2013 and our entry into a $200.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) during the second quarter of 2013.

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Lia1

Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities	Accrued expenses and other liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		August 31,		November 30,
		2013		2012
	Construction defect and other litigation liabilities	$	104,808	$	107,111
	Employee compensation and related benefits	104,145		97,189
	Accrued interest payable	53,563		47,392
	Warranty liability	50,485		47,822
	Liabilities related to inventories not owned	8,932		4,100
	Real estate and business taxes	7,185		8,453
	Other	51,648		28,278
	Total	$	380,766	$	340,345

Mortgages_and_Notes_Payable_Ta

Mortgages and Notes Payable (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Mortgages and Notes Payable	Mortgages and notes payable consisted of the following (in thousands):
		August 31,		November 30,
		2013		2012
	Mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans	$	35,506	$	52,311
	Senior notes due February 1, 2014 at 5 3/4%	75,949		75,911
	Senior notes due January 15, 2015 at 5 7/8%	102,058		101,999
	Senior notes due June 15, 2015 at 6 1/4%	236,848		236,826
	Senior notes due September 15, 2017 at 9.10%	261,888		261,430
	Senior notes due June 15, 2018 at 7 1/4%	299,227		299,129
	Senior notes due March 15, 2020 at 8.00%	345,581		345,209
	Senior notes due September 15, 2022 at 7.50%	350,000		350,000
	Convertible senior notes due February 1, 2019 at 1.375%	230,000		—
	Total	$	1,937,057	$	1,722,815

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in the Warranty Liability	The changes in our warranty liability are as follows (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended August 31,						Three Months Ended August 31,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	47,822		$	67,693		$	53,475		$	50,866
	Warranties issued	10,052			5,263			3,733			2,290
	Payments	(30,867		)	(14,609		)	(12,654		)	(5,906		)
	Adjustments	23,478			(11,021		)	5,931			76
	Balance at end of period	$	50,485		$	47,326		$	50,485		$	47,326

Stockholders_Equity_Stockholde

Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity	A summary of changes in stockholders’ equity is presented below (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended August 31, 2013
		Common Stock		Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Grantor Stock Ownership Trust			Treasury Stock			Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Balance at November 30, 2012	$	115,178	$	888,579		$	450,292		$	(27,958	)	$	(115,149	)	$	(934,136	)	$	376,806
	Net income	—		—			11,847			—			—			—			11,847
	Dividends on common stock	—		—			(6,272		)	—			—			—			(6,272		)
	Employee stock options/other	115		1,443			—			—			—			—			1,558
	Issuance of stock under stock-based compensation plans	—		412			—			—			—			7,934			8,346
	Restricted stock awards	—		(325		)	—			—			325			—			—
	Restricted stock amortization	—		2,382			—			—			—			—			2,382
	Stock-based compensation	—		1,214			—			—			—			—			1,214
	Issuance of common stock	—		(106,622		)	—			—			—			216,125			109,503
	Grantor stock ownership trust	—		305			—			—			284			—			589
	Stock repurchases	—		—			—			—			—			(7,967		)	(7,967		)
	Balance at August 31, 2013	$	115,293	$	787,388		$	455,867		$	(27,958	)	$	(114,540	)	$	(718,044	)	$	498,006
		Nine Months Ended August 31, 2012
		Common Stock		Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Grantor Stock Ownership Trust			Treasury Stock			Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Balance at November 30, 2011	$	115,171	$	884,190		$	519,844		$	(26,152	)	$	(118,059	)	$	(932,337	)	$	442,657
	Net loss	—		—			(66,677		)	—			—			—			(66,677		)
	Dividends on common stock	—		—			(8,674		)	—			—			—			(8,674		)
	Restricted stock amortization	—		1,232			—			—			—			—			1,232
	Stock-based compensation	—		3,452			—			—			—			—			3,452
	Grantor stock ownership trust	—		(173		)	—			—			624			—			451
	Balance at August 31, 2012	$	115,171	$	888,701		$	444,493		$	(26,152	)	$	(117,435	)	$	(932,337	)	$	372,441

Supplemental_Disclosure_to_Con1

Supplemental Disclosure to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	The following are supplemental disclosures to the consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended August 31,
		2013		2012
	Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
	Homebuilding	$	383,314	$	420,392
	Financial services	3,151		2,732
	Total	$	386,465	$	423,124
	Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
	Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	$	34,902	$	53,359
	Income taxes paid	623		723
	Income taxes refunded	61		6,217
	Supplemental disclosures of noncash activities:
	Increase (decrease) in consolidated inventories not owned	$	4,831	$	(3,861	)
	Cost of inventories acquired through seller financing	27,600		53,625
	Issuance of stock under stock-based compensation plans	8,346		—

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa1

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Guarantees [Abstract]
Schedule of Financial Services Income (Loss)	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
	Nine Months Ended August 31, 2013 (in thousands)
		KB Home			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Total
		Corporate			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Revenues	$	—		$	1,306,981		$	171,618		$	—		$	1,478,599
	Homebuilding:
	Revenues	$	—		$	1,306,981		$	163,423		$	—		$	1,470,404
	Construction and land costs	—			(1,092,603		)	(140,041		)	—			(1,232,644		)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	(45,355		)	(122,817		)	(24,480		)	—			(192,652		)
	Operating income (loss)	(45,355		)	91,561			(1,098		)	—			45,108
	Interest income	607			17			5			—			629
	Interest expense	49,253			(85,644		)	(4,682		)	—			(41,073		)
	Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures	—			(1,656		)	(2		)	—			(1,658		)
	Homebuilding pretax income (loss)	4,505			4,278			(5,777		)	—			3,006
	Financial services pretax income	—			—			7,041			—			7,041
	Total pretax income	4,505			4,278			1,264			—			10,047
	Income tax benefit	800			800			200			—			1,800
	Equity in net income of subsidiaries	6,542			—			—			(6,542		)	—
	Net income	$	11,847		$	5,078		$	1,464		$	(6,542	)	$	11,847
	Revised Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
	Nine Months Ended August 31, 2012 (in thousands)
		KB Home			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Total
		Corporate			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Revenues	$	—		$	869,357		$	112,557		$	—		$	981,914
	Homebuilding:
	Revenues	$	—		$	869,357		$	104,698		$	—		$	974,055
	Construction and land costs	—			(746,456		)	(89,773		)	—			(836,229		)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	(45,480		)	(107,471		)	(20,693		)	—			(173,644		)
	Operating income (loss)	(45,480		)	15,430			(5,768		)	—			(35,818		)
	Interest income	332			5			26			—			363
	Interest expense	37,026			(86,597		)	(4,244		)	—			(53,815		)
	Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures	—			(36		)	(1		)	—			(37		)
	Homebuilding pretax loss	(8,122		)	(71,198		)	(9,987		)	—			(89,307		)
	Financial services pretax income	—			—			7,830			—			7,830
	Total pretax loss	(8,122		)	(71,198		)	(2,157		)	—			(81,477		)
	Income tax benefit	1,600			12,800			400			—			14,800
	Equity in net loss of subsidiaries	(60,155		)	—			—			60,155			—
	Net loss	$	(66,677	)	$	(58,398	)	$	(1,757	)	$	60,155		$	(66,677	)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
	Three Months Ended August 31, 2013 (in thousands)
		KB Home			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Total
		Corporate			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Revenues	$	—		$	480,069		$	68,905		$	—		$	548,974
	Homebuilding:
	Revenues	$	—		$	480,069		$	65,731		$	—		$	545,800
	Construction and land costs	—			(390,567		)	(55,814		)	—			(446,381		)
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	(11,203		)	(43,691		)	(8,562		)	—			(63,456		)
	Operating income (loss)	(11,203		)	45,811			1,355			—			35,963
	Interest income	178			15			—			—			193
	Interest expense	19,646			(28,778		)	(2,194		)	—			(11,326		)
	Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	—			(657		)	1			—			(656		)
	Homebuilding pretax income (loss)	8,621			16,391			(838		)	—			24,174
	Financial services pretax income	—			—			2,404			—			2,404
	Total pretax income	8,621			16,391			1,566			—			26,578
	Income tax benefit	200			500			—			—			700
	Equity in net income of subsidiaries	18,457			—			—			(18,457		)	—
	Net income	$	27,278		$	16,891		$	1,566		$	(18,457	)	$	27,278
	Revised Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
	Three Months Ended August 31, 2012 (in thousands)
		KB Home			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Total
		Corporate			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Revenues	$	—		$	380,165		$	44,339		$	—		$	424,504
	Homebuilding:
	Revenues	$	—		$	380,165		$	41,390		$	—		$	421,555
Construction and land costs	—			(313,469		)	(37,887		)	—			(351,356		)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(16,546		)	(37,705		)	(5,081		)	—			(59,332		)
Operating income (loss)	(16,546		)	28,991			(1,578		)	—			10,867
Interest income	107			(1,925		)	1,935			—			117
Interest expense	6,096			(27,616		)	(1,540		)	—			(23,060		)
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	—			277			1			—			278
Homebuilding pretax loss	(10,343		)	(273		)	(1,182		)	—			(11,798		)
Financial services pretax income	—			—			4,359			—			4,359
Total pretax income (loss)	(10,343		)	(273		)	3,177			—			(7,439		)
Income tax benefit (expense)	14,900			400			(4,600		)	—			10,700
Equity in net loss of subsidiaries	(1,296		)	—			—			1,296			—
Net income (loss)	$	3,261		$	127		$	(1,423	)	$	1,296		$	3,261
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	August 31, 2013 (in thousands)
		KB Home			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Total
		Corporate			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Assets
	Homebuilding:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	306,955		$	63,968		$	12,391		$	—		$	383,314
	Restricted cash	41,631			—			—			—			41,631
	Receivables	167			70,719			1,459			—			72,345
	Inventories	—			2,046,106			183,614			—			2,229,720
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	—			124,049			2,500			—			126,549
	Other assets	91,083			8,718			1,446			—			101,247
		439,836			2,313,560			201,410			—			2,954,806
	Financial services	—			—			10,035			—			10,035
	Intercompany receivables	2,037,313			—			—			(2,037,313		)	—
	Investments in subsidiaries	33,771			—			—			(33,771		)	—
	Total assets	$	2,510,920		$	2,313,560		$	211,445		$	(2,071,084	)	$	2,964,841
	Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
	Homebuilding:
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	$	136,473		$	258,175		$	132,265		$	—		$	526,913
	Mortgages and notes payable	1,876,441			60,616			—			—			1,937,057
		2,012,914			318,791			132,265			—			2,463,970
	Financial services	—			—			2,865			—			2,865
	Intercompany payables	—			1,978,378			58,935			(2,037,313		)	—
	Stockholders’ equity	498,006			16,391			17,380			(33,771		)	498,006
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,510,920		$	2,313,560		$	211,445		$	(2,071,084	)	$	2,964,841
	Revised Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	November 30, 2012 (in thousands)
		KB Home			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Total
		Corporate			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Assets
	Homebuilding:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	457,007		$	52,933		$	14,825		$	—		$	524,765
	Restricted cash	42,362			—			—			—			42,362
	Receivables	121			63,600			1,100			—			64,821
	Inventories	—			1,572,999			133,572			—			1,706,571
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	—			114,292			9,382			—			123,674
	Other assets	85,901			15,638			(6,489		)	—			95,050
		585,391			1,819,462			152,390			—			2,557,243
	Financial services	—			—			4,455			—			4,455
	Intercompany receivables	1,559,712			—			—			(1,559,712		)	—
	Investments in subsidiaries	11,411			—			—			(11,411		)	—
	Total assets	$	2,156,514		$	1,819,462		$	156,845		$	(1,571,123	)	$	2,561,698
	Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
	Homebuilding:
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	$	134,314		$	207,641		$	116,934		$	—		$	458,889
	Mortgages and notes payable	1,645,394			77,421			—			—			1,722,815
		1,779,708			285,062			116,934			—			2,181,704
	Financial services	—			—			3,188			—			3,188
	Intercompany payables	—			1,534,400			25,312			(1,559,712		)	—
	Stockholders’ equity	376,806			—			11,411			(11,411		)	376,806
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,156,514		$	1,819,462		$	156,845		$	(1,571,123	)	$	2,561,698
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	Nine Months Ended August 31, 2013 (in thousands)
		KB Home			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Total
		Corporate			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income	$	11,847		$	5,078		$	1,464		$	(6,542	)	$	11,847
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
	Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated joint ventures	—			1,655			(1,078		)	—			577
	Land option contract abandonments	—			284			—			—			284
	Changes in assets and liabilities:
	Receivables	(46		)	(7,119		)	164			—			(7,001		)
	Inventories	—			(445,791		)	(45,211		)	—			(491,002		)
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	10,505			50,534			11,276			—			72,315
	Other, net	9,893			1,304			324			—			11,521
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	32,199			(394,055		)	(33,061		)	(6,542		)	(401,459		)
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Contributions to unconsolidated joint ventures	—			(5,064		)	(4,992		)	—			(10,056		)
	Purchases of property and equipment, net	(346		)	(735		)	(278		)	—			(1,359		)
	Net cash used in investing activities	(346		)	(5,799		)	(5,270		)	—			(11,415		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Change in restricted cash	731			—			—			—			731
	Proceeds from issuance of debt	230,000			—			—			—			230,000
	Payment of debt issuance costs	(10,086		)	—			—			—			(10,086		)
	Payments on mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans	—			(44,405		)	—			—			(44,405		)
	Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	109,503			—			—			—			109,503
	Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans	2,147			—			—			—			2,147
	Payments of cash dividends	(6,272		)	—			—			—			(6,272		)
	Stock repurchases	(7,967		)	—			—			—			(7,967		)
	Intercompany	(499,961		)	455,294			38,125			6,542			—
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(181,905		)	410,889			38,125			6,542			273,651
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(150,052		)	11,035			(206		)	—			(139,223		)
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	457,007			52,933			15,748			—			525,688
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	306,955		$	63,968		$	15,542		$	—		$	386,465
	Revised Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	Nine Months Ended August 31, 2012 (in thousands)
		KB Home			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Total
		Corporate			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net loss	$	(66,677	)	$	(58,398	)	$	(1,757	)	$	60,155		$	(66,677	)
	Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
	Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated joint ventures	—			35			(2,206		)	—			(2,171		)
	Inventory impairments	—			22,912			—			—			22,912
	Changes in assets and liabilities:
	Receivables	(26,660		)	(1,577		)	23,735			—			(4,502		)
	Inventories	—			10,157			(20,719		)	—			(10,562		)
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(347		)	(17,309		)	(13,610		)	—			(31,266		)
	Other, net	9,796			539			6,131			—			16,466
	Net cash used in operating activities	(83,888		)	(43,641		)	(8,426		)	60,155			(75,800		)
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Return of investments in (contributions to) unconsolidated joint ventures	—			3,801			(936		)	—			2,865
	Sales (purchases) of property and equipment, net	(65		)	(989		)	2			—			(1,052		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(65		)	2,812			(934		)	—			1,813
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Change in restricted cash	18,368			—			—			—			18,368
	Proceeds from issuance of debt	694,831			—			—			—			694,831
	Payment of debt issuance costs	(12,195		)	—			—			—			(12,195		)
	Repayment of senior notes	(592,645		)	—			—			—			(592,645		)
	Payments on mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans	—			(21,099		)	—			—			(21,099		)
	Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans	451			—			—			—			451
	Payments of cash dividends	(8,674		)	—			—			—			(8,674		)
	Intercompany	3,687			58,590			(2,122		)	(60,155		)	—
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	103,823			37,491			(2,122		)	(60,155		)	79,037
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	19,870			(3,338		)	(11,482		)	—			5,050
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	340,957			46,375			30,742			—			418,074
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	360,827		$	43,037		$	19,260		$	—		$	423,124

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign3

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$27,278,000	$3,261,000	$11,847,000	($66,677,000)
Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings	-6,000	-8,000	-18,000	0
Undistributed Earnings Allocated to Participating Securities	-73,000	-5,000	-16,000	0
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	27,199,000	3,248,000	11,813,000	-66,677,000
Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax	667,000	0	0	0
Undistributed Earnings Reallocated To Participating Securities	-65,000	-4,000	-14,000	0
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted	$27,874,000	$3,249,000	$11,815,000	($66,677,000)
Denominator:
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	83,714	77,127	82,261	77,107
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements	1,931	231	2,028	0
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Debt Securities	8,402	0	0	0
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	94,047	77,358	84,289	77,107
Earnings Per Share, Basic, in dollars per share	$0.32	$0.04	$0.14	($0.86)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, in dollars per share	$0.30	$0.04	$0.14	($0.86)

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign4

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012
		Rate	Rate	Rate	Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued	36.5297
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount		5,200,000	8,500,000	5,200,000
Cash equivalents		$260,800,000		$260,800,000		$396,300,000
Restricted cash		41,631,000		41,631,000		42,362,000
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent		27,300,000	3,300,000	11,800,000	-66,700,000
Homebuyer Closing Costs Allowances		2,600,000	3,400,000	6,900,000	11,300,000
Homebuyer Closing Costs Allowances Percentage of Housing Revenues		0.50%	0.80%	0.50%	1.20%
Convertible senior notes due February 1, 2019 at 1.375%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	230,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.38%

StockBased_Compensation_Outsta

Stock-Based Compensation (Outstanding and Exercisable Stock Options) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Options
Options outstanding at beginning of period, options	10,105,546
Granted, options	0
Exercised, options	-115,208
Cancelled, options	0
Options outstanding at end of period, options	9,990,338
Options exercisable at end of period	8,476,681
Weighted Average Exercise Price in dollars per share
Options outstanding at beginning of period, weighted average exercise price in dollars per share	$21.27
Granted, weighted average exercise price in dollars per share	$0
Exercised, weighted average exercise price in dollars per share	$13.51
Cancelled, weighted average exercise price in dollars per share	$0
Options outstanding at end of period, weighted average exercise price in dollars per share	$21.36
Options exercisable at end of period	$23.81

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining contractual life of stock options outstanding (in years)			5 years 7 months 0 days
Weighted average remaining contractual life of stock options exercisable (in years)			5 years 2 months 0 days
Intrinsic value of stock options outstanding	$24.70		$24.70
Intrinsic value of stock options exercisable	11.9		11.9
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost, total	0.5		0.5
Stock-based compensation expense (income) associated with stock options, total	0.4	1.1	1.2	3.5
Restricted Stock, Performance Unit sand Phantom Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense (income) associated with stock options, total	$1.10	$0.40	$2.40	$1.20

Segment_Information_Narratives

Segment Information (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Jul. 18, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
	segment	Home Community Mortgage, LLC	Home Community Mortgage, LLC	Home Community Mortgage, LLC	Homebuilding [Member]	Financial services [Member]
				Nationstar Mortgage, LLC	segment	segment
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of reporting segments	5				4	1
Ownership interest in the venture		49.90%		50.10%
Initial Capital Contribution to Joint Venture			$5

Segment_Information_Segment_Fi

Segment Information (Segment Financial Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012		Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012		Nov. 30, 2012
Revenues:
Total revenues	$548,974		$424,504		$1,478,599		$981,914
Pretax income (loss):
Total pretax income (loss)	26,578		-7,439		10,047		-81,477
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures:
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures					-577		2,171
Inventory impairments:
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	0		6,400		0		22,900		28,100
Land option contract abandonments:
Land Option Contract Abandonment Charges	0		0		284		0
Assets:
Total assets	2,964,841				2,964,841				2,561,698
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	126,549				126,549				123,674
West Coast [Member]
Land option contract abandonments:
Land Option Contract Abandonment Charges	0		0		284		0
Southwest [Member]
Land option contract abandonments:
Land Option Contract Abandonment Charges	0		0		0		0
Central [Member]
Land option contract abandonments:
Land Option Contract Abandonment Charges	0		0		0		0
Southeast [Member]
Land option contract abandonments:
Land Option Contract Abandonment Charges	0		0		0		0
Homebuilding [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	545,800		421,555		1,470,404		974,055
Pretax income (loss):
Total pretax income (loss)	24,174		-11,798		3,006		-89,307
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures:
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	-656		278		-1,658		-37
Inventory impairments:
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	0		6,403		0		22,912
Assets:
Total assets	2,954,806				2,954,806				2,557,243
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	126,549				126,549				123,674
Financial services [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	3,174		2,949		8,195		7,859
Pretax income (loss):
Total pretax income (loss)	2,404		4,359		7,041		7,830
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures:
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	-6		2,119		1,081		2,208
Assets:
Total assets	10,035				10,035				4,455
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	5,496				5,496				1,630
West Coast [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	266,638		207,239		746,232		445,123
Pretax income (loss):
Total pretax income (loss)	37,607		4,435		75,469		-29,019
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures:
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	-36		-52		-109		-129
Inventory impairments:
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	0		933		0		14,040
Assets:
Total assets	1,236,984				1,236,984				930,450
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	39,575				39,575				38,372
Southwest [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	47,437		35,634		126,515		95,127
Pretax income (loss):
Total pretax income (loss)	1,185		-3,434		2,026		-10,616
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures:
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	-755		-241		-1,919		-458
Inventory impairments:
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	0		0		0		2,135
Assets:
Total assets	387,654				387,654				319,863
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	77,721				77,721				75,920
Central [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	154,545		117,099		381,342		285,129
Pretax income (loss):
Total pretax income (loss)	9,085		986		11,569		-3,152
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures:
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	0		0		0		0
Inventory impairments:
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	0		0		0		1,267
Assets:
Total assets	449,870				449,870				369,294
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	0				0				0
Southeast [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	77,180		61,583		216,315		148,676
Pretax income (loss):
Total pretax income (loss)	-9,920		5,174		-35,012		5,494
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures:
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	135		571		370		550
Inventory impairments:
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	0		5,470		0		5,470
Assets:
Total assets	431,270				431,270				341,460
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	9,253				9,253				9,382
Corporate and Other [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Pretax income (loss):
Total pretax income (loss)	-13,783	[1]	-18,959	[1]	-51,046	[1]	-52,014	[1]
Assets:
Total assets	$449,028				$449,028				$596,176
[1]

Financial_Services_Schedule_of

Financial Services (Schedule of Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Revenues
Insurance commissions	$1,887	$1,840	$4,677	$4,594
Title services	836	657	2,165	1,535
Marketing services fees	450	450	1,350	1,725
Interest income	1	2	3	5
Total	3,174	2,949	8,195	7,859
Expenses
General and administrative	-764	-709	-2,235	-2,237
Operating income (loss)	35,963	10,867	45,108	-35,818
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures			-577	2,171
Total pretax income (loss)	26,578	-7,439	10,047	-81,477
Financial services [Member]
Expenses
Operating income (loss)	2,410	2,240	5,960	5,622
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	-6	2,119	1,081	2,208
Total pretax income (loss)	$2,404	$4,359	$7,041	$7,830

Financial_Services_Schedule_of1

Financial Services (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
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

Inventories_Schedule_of_Invent

Inventories (Schedule of Inventories) (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories
Homes under construction	$629,341	$454,108
Land under development	953,694	567,470
Land held for future development	646,685	684,993
Total	$2,229,720	$1,706,571

Inventories_Schedule_of_Capita

Inventories (Schedule of Capitalized Interest Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012		Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012
Interest Costs
Capitalized interest at beginning of period	$215,577		$235,032		$217,684		$233,461
Interest incurred	34,345	[1]	39,532	[1]	102,256	[1]	99,552	[1]
Interest Expense	-11,326	[1]	-23,060	[1]	-41,073	[1]	-53,815	[1]
Interest amortized to construction and land costs	-22,672		-21,215		-62,943		-48,909
Capitalized interest at end of period	215,924	[2]	230,289	[2]	215,924	[2]	230,289	[2]
Loss on early extinguishment of debt			($8,300)		$0		($10,278)
[1]	Amounts for the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2012 include losses on the early extinguishment of debt of $8.3 million and $10.3 million, respectively.
[2]	Inventory impairment charges are recognized against all inventory costs of a community, such as land acquisition, land development, cost of home construction and capitalized interest. Capitalized interest amounts presented in the table reflect the gross amount of capitalized interest as impairment charges recognized are not generally allocated to specific components of inventory.

Inventory_Impairments_and_Land2

Inventory Impairments and Land Option Contract Abandonments (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012
	property	property	property	property	property
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Number of land parcels or communities evaluated for recoverability	16	33	54	109
Pretax, noncash inventory impairment charges	$0	$6,400,000	$0	$22,900,000	$28,100,000
Number of land parcels or communities associated with non cash inventory impairment charges		4		11
Aggregate carrying value of inventory impacted by pretax, noncash inventory impairment charges	306,700,000		306,700,000		307,200,000
Number of communities and various other land parcels impacted by pretax, noncash inventory impairment charges	42		42		46
Land option contract abandonment charges	0	0	284,000	0
Remaining useful life in addition to specified useful lives (in years)			1 year
Specified period of remaining useful lives (in years)			10 years
Expected Realization Period of Inventory (in years)			5 years
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Post impairment fair value		$3,200,000		$30,600,000	$39,900,000

Inventory_Impairments_and_Land3

Inventory Impairments and Land Option Contract Abandonments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012		Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012		Nov. 30, 2012
					lot
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	$0		($6,400,000)		$0		($22,900,000)		($28,100,000)
Land Option Contract Abandonment Charges	0		0		284,000		0
Lot Option Contract Abandonments					82
Minimum [Member]
Unobservable Input
Average selling price	0	[1]	115,000	[1]	0	[1]	115,200	[1]
Deliveries per month	0	[1]	2	[1]	0	[1]	1	[1]
Discount rate	0.00%	[1]	17.00%	[1]	0.00%	[1]	17.00%	[1]
Maximum [Member]
Unobservable Input
Average selling price	0	[1]	246,200	[1]	0	[1]	497,900	[1]
Deliveries per month	0	[1]	4	[1]	0	[1]	6	[1]
Discount rate	0.00%	[1]	20.00%	[1]	0.00%	[1]	20.00%	[1]
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Post Impairment Fair Value			$3,200,000				$30,600,000		$39,900,000
[1]	The ranges of inputs used primarily reflect the underlying variability among the various housing markets where each of the impacted communities or land parcels are located, rather than changes in prevailing market conditions.

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Assets_

Fair Value Disclosures (Assets Measured at Fair Value on Nonrecurring Basis) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring, Level 3, USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013		Nov. 30, 2012
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Level 3
Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis
Post Impairment Fair Value	$0	[1]	$39,851	[1]
[1]	Amounts represent the aggregate fair value for communities or land parcels where we recognized inventory impairment charges during the period, as of the date that the fair value measurements were made. The carrying value for these communities or land parcels may have subsequently increased or decreased from the fair value reflected due to activity that has occurred since the measurement date.

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Narrati

Fair Value Disclosures (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	$0	$6,400,000	$0	$22,900,000	$28,100,000
Long-lived assets held and used, carrying value					68,000,000
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Post Impairment Fair Value		$3,200,000		$30,600,000	$39,900,000

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Fair_Va

Fair Value Disclosures (Fair Value Hierarchy, Carrying Values, and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 29, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
	Convertible senior notes due February 1, 2019 at 1.375%	Carrying Value	Carrying Value	Carrying Value	Carrying Value	Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
		Level 2	Level 2	Level 2	Level 2	Level 2	Level 2	Level 2	Level 2
				Senior Notes [Member]	Senior Notes [Member]			Senior Notes [Member]	Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value				$1,671,551,000	$1,670,504,000			$1,797,980,000	$1,831,596,000
Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures		230,000,000	0			220,386,000	0
Debt instrument, face amount	$230,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.38%

Variable_Interest_Entities_Det

Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash Deposits	$44,043,000	$25,682,000
Aggregate Purchase Price	825,027,000	625,335,000
Pre-acquisition costs related to land option contracts and other similar contracts	27,100,000	25,400,000
Outstanding letters of credit	100,000	500,000
Increase in inventories and accrued expenses and other liabilities	8,900,000	4,100,000
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash Deposits	15,359,000	8,463,000
Aggregate Purchase Price	488,635,000	327,196,000
Non-VIE Other land option contracts and other similar contracts [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash Deposits	28,684,000	17,219,000
Aggregate Purchase Price	$336,392,000	$298,139,000

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures including pretax, noncash impairment charges	$0	$0

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_3

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Financial Information for Unconsolidated Joint Ventures) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012
Statements of operations of unconsolidated joint venture
Revenues	$5,552	$27,859	$11,908	$27,859
Construction and land costs	-3,463	-19,309	-7,391	-19,303
Other expenses, net	-1,183	-442	-3,074	-1,189
Income (loss)	906	8,108	1,443	7,367
Assets
Cash	22,332		22,332		29,721
Receivables	7,763		7,763		6,104
Inventories	359,180		359,180		352,791
Other assets	1,183		1,183		1,175
Total assets	390,458		390,458		389,791
Liabilities and equity
Accounts payable and other liabilities	85,722		85,722		88,027
Equity	304,736		304,736		301,764
Total liabilities and equity	$390,458		$390,458		$389,791

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_4

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Information for Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures) (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	joint_venture	joint_venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	8	8
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	$126,549	$123,674
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures with Debt
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0

Other_Assets_Details

Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2013		Mar. 12, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012		Jan. 29, 2013
						Convertible senior notes due February 1, 2019 at 1.375%
Other Assets [Abstract]
Cash surrender value of insurance contracts	$65,973,000			$64,757,000
Debt issuance costs	21,885,000	[1]		14,563,000	[1]
Property and equipment, net	7,880,000			7,920,000
Prepaid expenses	5,509,000			7,810,000
Total	101,247,000			95,050,000
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount						230,000,000
Unsecured revolving credit facility, current borrowing capacity			$200,000,000
[1]	The increase in debt issuance costs as of August 31, 2013 compared to November 30, 2012 primarily reflected the costs associated with our underwritten public issuance of the $230 Million Convertible Senior Notes during the first quarter of 2013 and our entry into a $200.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) during the second quarter of 2013.

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Lia2

Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	31-May-12	Nov. 30, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Employee compensation and related benefits	$104,145		$97,189
Construction defect and other litigation liabilities	104,808		107,111
Warranty liability	50,485	53,475	47,822	47,326	50,866	67,693
Accrued interest payable	53,563		47,392
Liabilities related to inventory not owned	8,932		4,100
Real estate and business taxes	7,185		8,453
Other	51,648		28,278
Total	$380,766		$340,345

Mortgages_and_Notes_Payable_Sc

Mortgages and Notes Payable (Schedule Mortgages and Notes Payable) (Details) (USD $)

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Jan. 29, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Feb. 07, 2012

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Aug. 31, 2013

Convertible senior notes due February 1, 2019 at 1.375%

Mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans

Mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Convertible Notes Payable [Member]

Convertible Notes Payable [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Senior notes due February 1, 2014 at 5 3/4%

Senior notes due February 1, 2014 at 5 3/4%

Senior notes due January 15, 2015 at 5 7/8%

Senior notes due January 15, 2015 at 5 7/8%

Senior notes due June 15, 2015 at 6 1/4%

Senior notes due June 15, 2015 at 6 1/4%

Senior notes due September 15, 2017 at 9.10%

Senior notes due September 15, 2017 at 9.10%

Senior notes due June 15, 2018 at 7 1/4%

Senior notes due June 15, 2018 at 7 1/4%

Senior notes due March 15, 2020 at 8.00%

Senior notes due March 15, 2020 at 8.00%

Senior notes due March 15, 2020 at 8.00%

Senior notes due September 15, 2022 at 7.50%

Senior notes due September 15, 2022 at 7.50%

Senior notes due September 15, 2022 at 7.50%

Convertible senior notes due February 1, 2019 at 1.375%

Convertible senior notes due February 1, 2019 at 1.375%

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

$0

Senior notes, rate

1.38%

5.75%

5.75%

5.88%

5.88%

6.25%

6.25%

9.10%

9.10%

7.25%

7.25%

8.00%

8.00%

8.00%

7.50%

7.50%

7.50%

1.38%

Mortgages and notes payable

$1,937,057,000

$1,722,815,000

$35,506,000

$52,311,000

$75,949,000

$75,911,000

$102,058,000

$101,999,000

$236,848,000

$236,826,000

$261,888,000

$261,430,000

$299,227,000

$299,129,000

$345,581,000

$345,209,000

$350,000,000

$350,000,000

$230,000,000

$0

Mortgages_and_Notes_Payable_Na

Mortgages and Notes Payable (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Jan. 29, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Mar. 12, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Aug. 31, 2013

Mar. 12, 2013

Mar. 12, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Mar. 12, 2013

Mar. 12, 2013

Jan. 29, 2013

Jul. 31, 2012

Jan. 29, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 07, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Feb. 07, 2012

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Letter of Credit [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Convertible senior notes due February 1, 2019 at 1.375%

Senior Notes [Member]

Convertible Notes Payable [Member]

Convertible Notes Payable [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Convertible senior notes due February 1, 2019 at 1.375%

Convertible senior notes due February 1, 2019 at 1.375%

Senior notes due March 15, 2020 at 8.00%

Senior notes due March 15, 2020 at 8.00%

Senior notes due March 15, 2020 at 8.00%

Senior notes due September 15, 2017 at 9.10%

Senior notes due September 15, 2017 at 9.10%

Senior notes due September 15, 2022 at 7.50%

Senior notes due September 15, 2022 at 7.50%

Senior notes due September 15, 2022 at 7.50%

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Early Repayment of Senior Debt

$252,200,000

$340,500,000

Extinguishment of Debt, Amount

244,900,000

340,000,000

Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio

0.0365297

Unsecured revolving credit facility, current borrowing capacity

200,000,000

Unsecured revolving credit facility, expiration date

12-Mar-16

Unsecured revolving credit facility, contingent expiration date

15-Sep-14

Unsecured revolving credit facility, contingent expiration, senior notes threshold

200,000,000

Unsecured revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity

100,000,000

300,000,000

Line of credit facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage

0.50%

0.75%

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

0

Unsecured revolving credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity

100,000,000

200,000,000

Line of credit facility, significant subsidiary threshold, percent

5.00%

5.00%

Line of credit facility, non guarantor subsidiary threshold, percent

10.00%

10.00%

Number of addtional guarantor subsidiaries

12

Debt instrument, face amount

230,000,000

230,000,000

230,000,000

350,000,000

265,000,000

350,000,000

Senior notes, rate

1.38%

1.38%

8.00%

8.00%

8.00%

9.10%

9.10%

7.50%

7.50%

7.50%

Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt

8,300,000

0

10,278,000

2,000,000

Percentage of principal amount in relation to issued value of senior notes

100.00%

Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued

36.5297

Debt instrument, convertible, conversion price

$27.37

Debt instrument, convertible, conversion premium

47.00%

Share price

$18.62

Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Debt Securities

8,402,000

0

0

0

8,401,831

Percentage of principal amount in relation to redemption value of notes

100.00%

Percentage of principal amount for purchase of notes if change in control

100.00%

Proceeds from issuance of senior notes

222,700,000

Ownership share in guarantor subsidiaries (percent)

100.00%

Letters of credit outstanding

41,100,000

41,100,000

41,900,000

Inventories pledged to collateralize mortgages and land contracts, carrying value

80,000,000

80,000,000

Principal payments on senior notes, mortgages and land contracts

Principal payments on senior notes, mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans due 2013

22,500,000

22,500,000

Principal payments on senior notes, mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans due 2014

83,000,000

83,000,000

Principal payments on senior notes, mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans due 2015

342,400,000

342,400,000

Principal payments on senior notes, mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans due 2016

2,500,000

2,500,000

Principal payments on senior notes, mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans due 2017

261,900,000

261,900,000

Principal payments on senior notes, mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans due thereafter

$1,220,000,000

$1,220,000,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012	Mar. 12, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
						Damages from Product Defects [Member]	Damages from Product Defects [Member]	Water Intrusion [Member]	Florida State Court	Class Action Lawsuits [Member]
							Lawsuit	Home	Damages from Product Defects [Member]	Damages from Product Defects [Member]
									Lawsuit	Lawsuit
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Structural warranty provided by the company (in years)			10 years
Minimum warranty on electrical and other building systems (in years)			2 years
Maximum warranty on electrical and other building systems (in years)			5 years
Warranty for other components of a home (in years)			1 year
Warranty Liability Associated with Water Intrustion								$23,700,000
Number of Homes Affected by Water Intrusion								1,341
Accumulated number of affected homes on which repairs were resolved								583
Payments Made for Repair of Homes With Water Intrusion	12,654,000	5,906,000	30,867,000	14,609,000				21,400,000
Payments made as repair costs for homes with Water Intrusion								25,400,000
Estimated repair costs for homes with Water Intrusion								49,100,000
Number of lawsuits in which company is a defendant							8		1	7
Litigation settlement, expense						300,000
Adjustment to increase warranty liability	5,931,000	76,000	23,478,000	-11,021,000
Number Of Affected Homes, Period Increase (Decrease)								201
Estimated liabilities for construction defect	92,100,000		92,100,000		93,300,000
Expenses associated with self-insurance	2,100,000	1,200,000	5,500,000	5,800,000
Performance bonds	364,700,000		364,700,000		286,100,000
Letters of credit outstanding	41,100,000		41,100,000		41,900,000
Total deposits	44,100,000		44,100,000
Cash deposits	44,043,000		44,043,000		25,682,000
Letters of credit	100,000		100,000		500,000
Aggregate purchase price of land	825,027,000		825,027,000		625,335,000
Product Liability Contingency, Loss Exposure Not Accrued, Best Estimate								$10,000,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Changes in the Warranty Liability) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Changes in the Warranty Liability
Balance at beginning of period	$53,475	$50,866	$47,822	$67,693
Warranties issued	3,733	2,290	10,052	5,263
Payments	-12,654	-5,906	-30,867	-14,609
Adjustments	5,931	76	23,478	-11,021
Balance at end of period	$50,485	$47,326	$50,485	$47,326

Legal_Matters_Details

Legal Matters (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 14, 2012	Jun. 04, 2012	Dec. 27, 2011	31-May-13	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-12
Nevada Development Contract Litigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Acres of purchased land by LVDA						83
Expected compensatory damages						$55
Expected interest charges						41
Estancia Coastal Litigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Expected compensatory damages			9.8
Court judgment in favor of the plaintiff in the amount	1.4	9.2
Expected interest charges		0.9
Recorded charge to increase accrual					8.8	1
Loss contingency accrual, carrying value, payments				3
Loss contingency accrual, at carrying value						$9.70	$11.70

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended					9 Months Ended								9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011
					Common Stock	Common Stock	Common Stock	Paid-in Capital	Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Trust for Benefit of Employees [Member]	Trust for Benefit of Employees [Member]	Treasury Stock	Treasury Stock	Treasury Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$376,806	$442,657	$115,178	$115,171	$115,171	$888,579	$884,190	$450,292	$519,844	($27,958)	($27,958)	($26,152)	($26,152)	($115,149)	($118,059)	($934,136)	($932,337)	($932,337)
Net income (loss)	27,278	3,261	11,847	-66,677						11,847	-66,677
Dividends on common stock			-6,272	-8,674						-6,272	-8,674
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period			1,558		115			1,443
Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Excluding Stock Options			8,346					412										7,934
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures			0					-325								325
Restricted stock amortization			2,382	1,232				2,382	1,232
Stock-based compensation			1,214	3,452				1,214	3,452
Issuance of common stock			109,503					-106,622										216,125
Grantor stock ownership trust			589	451				305	-173							284	624
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method			-7,967															-7,967
Ending balance	$498,006	$372,441	$498,006	$372,441	$115,293	$115,171	$115,171	$787,388	$888,701	$455,867	$444,493	($27,958)	($27,958)	($26,152)	($26,152)	($114,540)	($117,435)	($718,044)	($932,337)	($932,337)

Stockholders_Equity_Narratives

Stockholders' Equity (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Feb. 28, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	31-May-12	Feb. 29, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Jan. 29, 2013	Jul. 18, 2013
										Convertible senior notes due February 1, 2019 at 1.375%	Director Stock Units [Domain]
Equity [Abstract]
Stock issued during period, shares	6,325,000
Common stock, par value per share	$1
Treasury stock acquired, average cost per share	$18.25
Stock issued during period, shares, treasury stock reissued	6,325,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	$109,500,000							$109,503,000	$0
Common stock reserve, shares		12,602,735						12,602,735
Dividend paid in each quarter (in dollars per share)		$0.03	$0.03	$0.03	$0.03	$0.03	$0.06	$0.08	$0.11
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount										230,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Number											481,554
Number of common stock, authorized, approved under a board approved stock repurchase program		4,000,000						4,000,000			482,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Cash											478,294
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method								$7,967,000			$7,900,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	31-May-13	Nov. 30, 2012	31-May-12
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax benefit	$700,000	$10,700,000	$1,800,000	$14,800,000
Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Settlements		10,800,000
Deferred tax assets		-1,100,000
Income Taxes Receivable, Current	1,400,000		1,400,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits					900,000
Income Tax Examination, Liability (Refund) Adjustment from Settlement with Taxing Authority							4,100,000
Net Increase (reduction) in valuation allowance		7,100,000	-400,000	35,100,000
Net deferred tax assets	0		0			0
Valuation allowance	879,700,000		879,700,000			880,100,000
Additions to gross unrecognized tax benefits	-900,000		900,000
Total amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties	400,000		400,000
Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	100,000		100,000
Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	$400,000		$400,000

Supplemental_Disclosure_to_Con2

Supplemental Disclosure to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
Cash and cash equivalents	$386,465	$423,124	$525,688
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	34,902	53,359
Income taxes paid	623	723
Income taxes refunded	61	6,217
Supplemental disclosures of noncash activities:
Increase (decrease) in consolidated inventories not owned	4,831	-3,861
Cost of inventories acquired through seller financing	27,600	53,625
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	8,346	0
Homebuilding
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
Cash and cash equivalents	383,314	420,392	524,765
Financial Services
Summary of cash and cash equivalents at end of period:
Cash and cash equivalents	$3,151	$2,732	$923

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa2

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Jan. 29, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Jan. 29, 2013
		Convertible senior notes due February 1, 2019 at 1.375%	Convertible Notes Payable [Member]	Convertible Notes Payable [Member]
			Convertible senior notes due February 1, 2019 at 1.375%	Convertible senior notes due February 1, 2019 at 1.375%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$230	$230	$230
Ownership share in guarantor subsidiaries (percent)	100.00%
Line of credit facility, significant subsidiary threshold, percent	5.00%
Line of credit facility, non guarantor subsidiary threshold, percent	10.00%

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa3

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012		Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Revenues	$548,974		$424,504		$1,478,599		$981,914
Homebuilding:
Revenues	545,800		421,555		1,470,404		974,055
Construction and land costs	-446,381		-351,356		-1,232,644		-836,229
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-63,456		-59,332		-192,652		-173,644
Operating income (loss)	35,963		10,867		45,108		-35,818
Interest income	193		117		629		363
Interest expense	-11,326	[1]	-23,060	[1]	-41,073	[1]	-53,815	[1]
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures					-577		2,171
Total pretax income (loss)	26,578		-7,439		10,047		-81,477
Income tax benefit	700		10,700		1,800		14,800
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Subsidiaries	0		0		0		0
Net income (loss)	27,278		3,261		11,847		-66,677
KB Home Corporate
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Revenues	0		0		0		0
Homebuilding:
Revenues	0		0		0		0
Construction and land costs	0		0		0		0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-11,203		-16,546		-45,355		-45,480
Operating income (loss)	-11,203		-16,546		-45,355		-45,480
Interest income	178		107		607		332
Interest expense	19,646		6,096		49,253		37,026
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures					0		0
Total pretax income (loss)	8,621		-10,343		4,505		-8,122
Income tax benefit	200		14,900		800		1,600
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Subsidiaries	18,457		-1,296		6,542		-60,155
Net income (loss)	27,278		3,261		11,847		-66,677
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Revenues	480,069		380,165		1,306,981		869,357
Homebuilding:
Revenues	480,069		380,165		1,306,981		869,357
Construction and land costs	-390,567		-313,469		-1,092,603		-746,456
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-43,691		-37,705		-122,817		-107,471
Operating income (loss)	45,811		28,991		91,561		15,430
Interest income	15		-1,925		17		5
Interest expense	-28,778		-27,616		-85,644		-86,597
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures					-1,655		-35
Total pretax income (loss)	16,391		-273		4,278		-71,198
Income tax benefit	500		400		800		12,800
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Subsidiaries	0		0		0		0
Net income (loss)	16,891		127		5,078		-58,398
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Revenues	68,905		44,339		171,618		112,557
Homebuilding:
Revenues	65,731		41,390		163,423		104,698
Construction and land costs	-55,814		-37,887		-140,041		-89,773
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-8,562		-5,081		-24,480		-20,693
Operating income (loss)	1,355		-1,578		-1,098		-5,768
Interest income	0		1,935		5		26
Interest expense	-2,194		-1,540		-4,682		-4,244
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures					1,078		2,206
Total pretax income (loss)	1,566		3,177		1,264		-2,157
Income tax benefit	0		-4,600		200		400
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Subsidiaries	0		0		0		0
Net income (loss)	1,566		-1,423		1,464		-1,757
Consolidating Adjustments
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Revenues	0		0		0		0
Homebuilding:
Revenues	0		0		0		0
Construction and land costs	0		0		0		0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	0		0		0		0
Operating income (loss)	0		0		0		0
Interest income	0		0		0		0
Interest expense	0		0		0		0
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures					0		0
Total pretax income (loss)	0		0		0		0
Income tax benefit	0		0		0		0
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Subsidiaries	-18,457		1,296		-6,542		60,155
Net income (loss)	-18,457		1,296		-6,542		60,155
Homebuilding [Member]
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Revenues	545,800		421,555		1,470,404		974,055
Homebuilding:
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	-656		278		-1,658		-37
Total pretax income (loss)	24,174		-11,798		3,006		-89,307
Homebuilding [Member] | KB Home Corporate
Homebuilding:
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	0		0		0		0
Total pretax income (loss)	8,621		-10,343		4,505		-8,122
Homebuilding [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries
Homebuilding:
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	-657		277		-1,656		-36
Total pretax income (loss)	16,391		-273		4,278		-71,198
Homebuilding [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Homebuilding:
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	1		1		-2		-1
Total pretax income (loss)	-838		-1,182		-5,777		-9,987
Homebuilding [Member] | Consolidating Adjustments
Homebuilding:
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	0		0		0		0
Total pretax income (loss)	0		0		0		0
Financial services [Member]
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Revenues	3,174		2,949		8,195		7,859
Homebuilding:
Operating income (loss)	2,410		2,240		5,960		5,622
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	-6		2,119		1,081		2,208
Total pretax income (loss)	2,404		4,359		7,041		7,830
Financial services [Member] | KB Home Corporate
Homebuilding:
Total pretax income (loss)	0		0		0		0
Financial services [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries
Homebuilding:
Total pretax income (loss)	0		0		0		0
Financial services [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Homebuilding:
Total pretax income (loss)	2,404		4,359		7,041		7,830
Financial services [Member] | Consolidating Adjustments
Homebuilding:
Total pretax income (loss)	$0		$0		$0		$0
[1]	Amounts for the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2012 include losses on the early extinguishment of debt of $8.3 million and $10.3 million, respectively.

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa4

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$386,465	$525,688	$423,124	$418,074
Restricted cash	41,631	42,362
Receivables	72,345	64,821
Inventories	2,229,720	1,706,571
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	126,549	123,674
Other assets	101,247	95,050
Intercompany Receivables	0	0
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Amount of Equity	0	0
Total assets	2,964,841	2,561,698
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	526,913	458,889
Mortgages and notes payable	1,937,057	1,722,815
Financial services	2,865	3,188
Intercompany	0	0
Stockholders' equity	498,006	376,806	372,441	442,657
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,964,841	2,561,698
KB Home Corporate
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	306,955	457,007	360,827	340,957
Restricted cash	41,631	42,362
Receivables	167	121
Inventories	0	0
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	0	0
Other assets	91,083	85,901
Intercompany Receivables	2,037,313	1,559,712
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Amount of Equity	33,771	11,411
Total assets	2,510,920	2,156,514
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	136,473	134,314
Mortgages and notes payable	1,876,441	1,645,394
Financial services	0	0
Intercompany	0	0
Stockholders' equity	498,006	376,806
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,510,920	2,156,514
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	63,968	52,933	43,037	46,375
Restricted cash	0	0
Receivables	70,719	63,600
Inventories	2,046,106	1,572,999
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	124,049	114,292
Other assets	8,718	15,638
Intercompany Receivables	0	0
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Amount of Equity	0	0
Total assets	2,313,560	1,819,462
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	258,175	207,641
Mortgages and notes payable	60,616	77,421
Financial services	0	0
Intercompany	1,978,378	1,534,400
Stockholders' equity	16,391	0
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,313,560	1,819,462
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	15,542	15,748	19,260	30,742
Restricted cash	0	0
Receivables	1,459	1,100
Inventories	183,614	133,572
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	2,500	9,382
Other assets	1,446	-6,489
Intercompany Receivables	0	0
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Amount of Equity	0	0
Total assets	211,445	156,845
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	132,265	116,934
Mortgages and notes payable	0	0
Financial services	2,865	3,188
Intercompany	58,935	25,312
Stockholders' equity	17,380	11,411
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	211,445	156,845
Consolidating Adjustments
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	0	0	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Receivables	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	0	0
Other assets	0	0
Intercompany Receivables	-2,037,313	-1,559,712
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Amount of Equity	-33,771	-11,411
Total assets	-2,071,084	-1,571,123
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	0	0
Mortgages and notes payable	0	0
Financial services	0	0
Intercompany	-2,037,313	-1,559,712
Stockholders' equity	-33,771	-11,411
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	-2,071,084	-1,571,123
Homebuilding [Member]
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	383,314	524,765	420,392
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	126,549	123,674
Total assets	2,954,806	2,557,243
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Total Liabilities Homebuilding	2,463,970	2,181,704
Homebuilding [Member] | KB Home Corporate
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	306,955	457,007
Total assets	439,836	585,391
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Total Liabilities Homebuilding	2,012,914	1,779,708
Homebuilding [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	63,968	52,933
Total assets	2,313,560	1,819,462
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Total Liabilities Homebuilding	318,791	285,062
Homebuilding [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	12,391	14,825
Total assets	201,410	152,390
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Total Liabilities Homebuilding	132,265	116,934
Homebuilding [Member] | Consolidating Adjustments
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Total Liabilities Homebuilding	0	0
Financial services [Member]
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	3,151	923	2,732
Receivables	1,336	1,859
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	5,496	1,630
Other assets	52	43
Total assets	10,035	4,455
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	2,865	3,188
Financial services [Member] | KB Home Corporate
Assets
Total assets	0	0
Financial services [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries
Assets
Total assets	0	0
Financial services [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Assets
Total assets	10,035	4,455
Financial services [Member] | Consolidating Adjustments
Assets
Total assets	$0	$0

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa5

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$11,847	($66,677)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	577	-2,171
Inventory impairments and land option contract abandonments	284	22,912
Change in assets and liabilities:
Receivables	-7,001	-4,502
Inventories	-491,002	-10,562
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	72,315	-31,266
Other, net	11,521	16,466
Net cash used in operating activities	-401,459	-75,800
Cash flows from investing activities:
Return of investments in (contributions to) unconsolidated joint ventures	-10,056	2,865
Purchases of property and equipment, net	-1,359	-1,052
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-11,415	1,813
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in restricted cash	731	18,368
Proceeds from issuance of debt	230,000	694,831
Payment of debt issuance costs	-10,086	-12,195
Repayment on senior notes		-592,645
Payments on mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans	-44,405	-21,099
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	109,503	0
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans	2,147	451
Payments of cash dividends	-6,272	-8,674
Stock repurchases	-7,967	0
Intercompany	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	273,651	79,037
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-139,223	5,050
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	525,688	418,074
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	386,465	423,124
KB Home Corporate
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	11,847	-66,677
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0
Inventory impairments and land option contract abandonments	0	0
Change in assets and liabilities:
Receivables	-46	-26,660
Inventories	0	0
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	10,505	-347
Other, net	9,893	9,796
Net cash used in operating activities	32,199	-83,888
Cash flows from investing activities:
Return of investments in (contributions to) unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0
Purchases of property and equipment, net	-346	-65
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-346	-65
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in restricted cash	731	18,368
Proceeds from issuance of debt	230,000	694,831
Payment of debt issuance costs	-10,086	-12,195
Repayment on senior notes		-592,645
Payments on mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	109,503
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans	2,147	451
Payments of cash dividends	-6,272	-8,674
Stock repurchases	-7,967
Intercompany	-499,961	3,687
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-181,905	103,823
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-150,052	19,870
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	457,007	340,957
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	306,955	360,827
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	5,078	-58,398
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	1,655	35
Inventory impairments and land option contract abandonments	284	22,912
Change in assets and liabilities:
Receivables	-7,119	-1,577
Inventories	-445,791	10,157
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	50,534	-17,309
Other, net	1,304	539
Net cash used in operating activities	-394,055	-43,641
Cash flows from investing activities:
Return of investments in (contributions to) unconsolidated joint ventures	-5,064	3,801
Purchases of property and equipment, net	-735	-989
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-5,799	2,812
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in restricted cash	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	0
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	0
Repayment on senior notes		0
Payments on mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans	-44,405	-21,099
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	0
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans	0	0
Payments of cash dividends	0	0
Stock repurchases	0
Intercompany	455,294	58,590
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	410,889	37,491
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	11,035	-3,338
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	52,933	46,375
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	63,968	43,037
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	1,464	-1,757
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	-1,078	-2,206
Inventory impairments and land option contract abandonments	0	0
Change in assets and liabilities:
Receivables	164	23,735
Inventories	-45,211	-20,719
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	11,276	-13,610
Other, net	324	6,131
Net cash used in operating activities	-33,061	-8,426
Cash flows from investing activities:
Return of investments in (contributions to) unconsolidated joint ventures	-4,992	-936
Purchases of property and equipment, net	-278	2
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-5,270	-934
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in restricted cash	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	0
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	0
Repayment on senior notes		0
Payments on mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	0
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans	0	0
Payments of cash dividends	0	0
Stock repurchases	0
Intercompany	38,125	-2,122
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	38,125	-2,122
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-206	-11,482
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	15,748	30,742
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	15,542	19,260
Consolidating Adjustments
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	-6,542	60,155
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0
Inventory impairments and land option contract abandonments	0	0
Change in assets and liabilities:
Receivables	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	0	0
Other, net	0	0
Net cash used in operating activities	-6,542	60,155
Cash flows from investing activities:
Return of investments in (contributions to) unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0
Purchases of property and equipment, net	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	0	0
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in restricted cash	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	0
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	0
Repayment on senior notes		0
Payments on mortgages and land contracts due to land sellers and other loans	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	0
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans	0	0
Payments of cash dividends	0	0
Stock repurchases	0
Intercompany	6,542	-60,155
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	6,542	-60,155
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$0	$0