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           Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $) 
        In Thousands, unless otherwise specified  | 
        3 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
| 
           Mar. 31, 2014 
         | 
        
           Mar. 31, 2013 
         | 
      |
| Cash paid during the period for: | ||
| Interest, net of interest capitalized | $ 4,081 | $ 6,349 | 
| Income taxes | 17,190 | 2 | 
| Non-cash operating activities: | ||
| Change in Real Estate Not Owned | (241) | 0 | 
| Change in Real Estate Acquired Through Notes Payable | $ 116 | $ 0 | 
| X | ||||||||||
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- Details 
          
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition 
          This item represents the total net increase or decrease in real estate acquired through notes payable. No definition available. 
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition 
          This item represents the total net increase or decrease in consolidated inventory not owned related to land options. No definition available. 
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition 
          The amount of cash paid during the current period to foreign, federal, state, and local authorities as taxes on income. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef 
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition 
          The amount of cash paid for interest during the period net of cash paid for interest that is capitalized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef 
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details 
          
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