Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

COVER PAGE

v3.20.4
COVER PAGE - USD ($)
$ in Billions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Feb. 08, 2021
Jun. 30, 2020
Cover [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2020    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity File Number 1-9977    
Entity Registrant Name Meritage Homes Corporation    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code MD    
Entity Tax Identification Number 86-0611231    
Entity Address, Address Line One 8800 E. Raintree Drive    
Entity Address, Address Line Two Suite 300    
Entity Address, City or Town Scottsdale    
Entity Address, State or Province AZ    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 85260    
City Area Code 480    
Local Phone Number 515-8100    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock $.01 par value    
Trading Symbol MTH    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 2.8
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   37,512,127  
Entity Central Index Key 0000833079    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2020    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31