Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION

v3.10.0.1
DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION - USD ($)
$ in Billions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Feb. 13, 2019
Jun. 29, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name Meritage Homes CORP    
Entity Central Index Key 0000833079    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2018    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 1.7
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   38,129,299  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Shell Company false