Warranties

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Warranties and Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Warranties

10. Warranties

Homes are generally warranted against manufacturing defects for a period of one year commencing at the time of sale to the retail customer. Estimated costs relating to home warranties are provided at the date of sale. The Company has recorded a liability for estimated future warranty costs relating to homes sold based upon management’s assessment of historical experience factors, an estimate of the amount of homes in the distribution channel and current industry trends. Activity in the liability for estimated warranties was as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended
	March 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Balance at beginning of period	$	9,371		$	13,891		$	5,902
Liability assumed with asset purchase transactions		1,932			—			11,184
Charged to costs and expenses		11,415			3,660			4,205
Payments and deductions		(13,262	)		(8,180	)		(7,400	)
Balance at end of period	$	9,456		$	9,371		$	13,891