Meritage Homes Corporation Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Senior, Senior Subordinated, Convertible Senior Notes (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Components of senior and senior subordinated notes
Senior, senior subordinated, convertible senior notes	$ 722,797	$ 606,409
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	0
6.25% senior notes due 2015 [Member]
Components of senior and senior subordinated notes
Senior, senior subordinated, convertible senior notes	0	284,549
7.731% senior subordinated notes due 2017 [Member]
Components of senior and senior subordinated notes
Senior, senior subordinated, convertible senior notes	99,825	125,875
7.15% senior notes due 2020 [Member]
Components of senior and senior subordinated notes
Senior, senior subordinated, convertible senior notes	196,472	195,985
7.00% senior notes due 2022 [Member]
Components of senior and senior subordinated notes
Senior, senior subordinated, convertible senior notes	300,000	0
1.875% convertible senior notes due 2032 [Member]
Components of senior and senior subordinated notes
Senior, senior subordinated, convertible senior notes	126,500	0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Components of senior and senior subordinated notes
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	$ 0	$ 0