SEGMENTS (Details 4) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Reconciliation of Segment Basis Revenues to GAAP Revenues
Total segment revenues									$ 376,886	$ 357,470	$ 294,308
Less: The Woodlands revenues										81,781	151,590
Total revenues	108,367	94,815	93,939	79,765	85,094	86,673	50,821	53,101	376,886	275,689	142,718
Master Planned Communities
Reconciliation of Segment Basis Revenues to GAAP Revenues
Total segment revenues									207,039	184,037	151,131
Operating Assets
Reconciliation of Segment Basis Revenues to GAAP Revenues
Total segment revenues									165,091	148,573	140,494
Strategic Developments
Reconciliation of Segment Basis Revenues to GAAP Revenues
Total segment revenues									$ 4,756	$ 24,860	$ 2,683