Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Narrative (Details)

v3.3.1.900
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Narrative (Details)
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 06, 2011
USD ($)
Dec. 09, 2010
lender
Sep. 30, 2015
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2015
USD ($)
joint_venture
Dec. 31, 2014
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2013
USD ($)
Aug. 25, 2011
USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Rent expense       $ 6,600,000 $ 6,500,000 $ 6,400,000  
Sublease income       $ 500,000 $ 600,000 $ 1,600,000  
South Edge [Member]              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Number of co-venturers liable to Meritage | joint_venture       4      
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A. v. South Edge LLC, Case No. 10-32968-bam [Member] | Pending Litigation [Member]              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Number of lenders filing petition for involuntary bankruptcy | lender   3          
Amount requested in demand for arbitration related to alleged breaches $ 13,200,000            
Litigation judgment amount with interest             $ 16,630,585
Incremental charges     $ 4,100,000        
South Edge Guarantee [Member]              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Interest in joint venture       3.53%