Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details 2)

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Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details 2) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Financial information related to unconsolidated joint ventures, Operations    
Revenue $ 6,741us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationRevenue $ 5,309us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationRevenue
Costs and expenses (3,195)mth_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationCostsAndExpenses (2,753)mth_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationCostsAndExpenses
Net earnings of unconsolidated entities 3,546us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNetIncomeLoss 2,556us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNetIncomeLoss
Meritage's share of pre-tax earnings $ 2,421us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments [1],[2] $ 2,032us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments [1],[2]
[1] Balance represents Meritage’s interest, as reflected in the financial records of the respective joint ventures. This balance may differ from the balance reflected in our consolidated financial statements due to the following reconciling items: (i) timing differences for revenue and distributions recognition, (ii) step-up basis and corresponding amortization, (iii) capitalization of interest on qualified assets, (iv) income deferrals as discussed in Note (2) below and (v) the cessation of allocation of losses from joint ventures in which we have previously written down our investment balance to zero and where we have no commitment to fund additional losses.
[2] Our share of pre-tax earnings is recorded in Earnings from financial services unconsolidated entities and other, net and Loss from other unconsolidated entities, net on our consolidated income statements and excludes joint venture profit related to lots we purchased from the joint ventures. Such profit is deferred until homes are delivered by us and title passes to a homebuyer.