Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]
Insurance reserves (Note 1)	$ 50,459	$ 52,901
Warranty reserves (Note 1)	25,525	34,704
Accrued executive deferred compensation (Note 6)	24,136	20,956
Accrued interest payable	13,762	17,822
Accrued compensation and related expenses	12,339	22,659
Land development and home construction accruals	10,619	12,450
Legal reserves	9,360	14,230
Customer and escrow deposits	5,468	4,523
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits (Note 7)	3,303	55,850
Mortgage loan loss reserves (Note 10)	442	6,881	9,641	1,142
Other accrued liabilities	15,860	17,843
Total	$ 171,273	$ 260,819