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%