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

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Narrative (Details)

v3.6.0.2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 06, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 09, 2010 lender	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) joint_venture	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Aug. 25, 2011 USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Rent expense				$ 7.8	$ 6.6	$ 6.5
Sublease income				$ 0.6	$ 0.5	$ 0.6
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	$ 13.2
Litigation judgment amount with interest							$ 16.6
Incremental charges			$ 4.1
South Edge Guarantee [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Interest in joint venture				3.53%

- Definition

Initial litigation judgment amount related to joint venture litigation on June 17, 2013 including pre-judgment interest on July 8, 2013

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Number of co ventures in the joint venture.

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The number of lenders who filed a petition seeking to place the venture into an involuntary bankruptcy.

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The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

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Amount charged against operating income increasing loss contingency liability, after adjustments to reduce previously estimated charges.

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The value (monetary amount) of the award the plaintiff seeks in the legal matter.

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The amount of revenue recognized for the period under subleasing arrangements.

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Rental expense for the reporting period incurred under operating leases, including minimum and any contingent rent expense, net of related sublease income.

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