Information On Business Segments (Total Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	$ 2,114,969	$ 2,547,769
Intercompany adjustments	(4,145)	(2,657)
Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	910,415	841,732
West [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	365,759	300,652
Mountain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	289,828	311,833
East [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	224,497	188,693
Other Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	30,331	40,554
Financial Services And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	115,176	135,286
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	$ 1,093,523	$ 1,573,408