Information On Business Segments (Depreciation And Amortization) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 16,540	$ 16,943	$ 14,457
Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	11,021	12,434	10,791
West [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	4,827	6,201	5,753
Mountain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	3,475	3,596	2,638
East [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	1,907	1,990	1,995
Other Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	812	647	405
Financial Services And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	642	679	758
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 4,877	$ 3,830	$ 2,908