Meritage Homes Corporation Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Valuation allowance against deferred tax assets
Total Valuation Allowance	$ 87,323	$ 94,125
Federal [Member]
Valuation allowance against deferred tax assets
Total Valuation Allowance	68,105	70,228
State [Member]
Valuation allowance against deferred tax assets
Total Valuation Allowance	$ 19,218	$ 23,897

Amount of deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.