Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	$ 23,142	$ 25,960	$ 35,616
Income taxes paid (refunded), net	63	(551)	(3,308)
Non-Cash Transactions:
Transfer from operating properties to operating properties and related assets held for sale	1,866	0	0
Transfer from other assets to investment in joint venture	0	6,193	0
Transfer from land to operating properties	0	5,159	1,410
Decrease in land and notes payable due to foreclosure	0	3,374	0
Adjustments to property expenditures for amounts included in accounts payable	0	1,559	1,976
Change in fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	766	378
Issuance of common stock for payment of common dividends			95
Land collateral received from note receivable default	0	0	5,030
Increase in notes receivable for lease termination and land and lot sales	0	0	3,312
Retained Earnings [Member]
Non-Cash Transactions:
Change in fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests			1,144
Issuance of common stock for payment of common dividends	$ 0	$ 0	$ 24,282