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           Organization and Basis of Presentation (Details 1) (USD $) 
        In Thousands, unless otherwise specified  | 
        
           Mar. 31, 2013 
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           Dec. 31, 2012 
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|---|---|---|
| Sureties: | ||
| Outstanding | $ 117,994 | $ 87,392 | 
| Estimated work remaining to complete | 59,194 | 39,023 | 
| Letters of Credit ("LOCs"): | ||
| Total LOCs | 34,502 | 37,466 | 
| 
           Sureties related to joint ventures [Member] 
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        ||
| Sureties: | ||
| Outstanding | 87 | 87 | 
| Estimated work remaining to complete | 87 | 87 | 
| 
           Sureties related to owned projects and lots under contract [Member] 
         | 
        ||
| Sureties: | ||
| Outstanding | 117,907 | 87,305 | 
| Estimated work remaining to complete | 59,107 | 38,936 | 
| 
           LOCs for land development [Member] 
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        ||
| Letters of Credit ("LOCs"): | ||
| Total LOCs | 28,026 | 32,475 | 
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           LOCs for general corporate operations [Member] 
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        ||
| Letters of Credit ("LOCs"): | ||
| Total LOCs | $ 6,476 | $ 4,991 | 
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- Details 
          
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- Definition 
          The outstanding amount of off-balance sheet obligations related to surety bonds issued related to certain development agreements. No definition available. 
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- Definition 
          The estimated dollar amount remaining to complete the project for which the Company maintains a surety bond obligation. No definition available. 
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- Definition 
          The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date. No definition available. 
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