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

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current taxes:
Federal		$ 43,675	$ (589)	$ 0
State		1,345	122	730
Current income taxes		45,020	(467)	730
Deferred taxes:
Federal		10,232	(62,581)	0
State		(2,044)	(13,261)	0
Deferred income taxes		8,188	(75,842)	0
Income tax expense (benefit)	8,400	53,208	(76,309)	730
Income tax expense/(benefit)	$ 8,400	$ 53,208	$ (76,309)	$ 730

Amount of current federal tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations.

Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to taxable income (loss) from continuing operations.

Amount of current state and local tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations.

Amount of deferred federal income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations.

Amount of deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations.

Amount of deferred state and local tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations.