Supplemental Guarantor Information (Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements Of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ (80,284)	$ (209,081)	$ 202,454
Net cash used in investing activities	404,264	(644,466)	(224,992)
Extinguishment of senior notes	(537,724)
Proceeds from senior notes issuance		242,288
Mortgage repurchase facility	23,268	(3,681)	(5,758)
Dividend payments	(47,432)	(47,140)	(46,925)
Other financing activities	9,044	53	4,745
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(552,844)	191,520	(47,938)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(228,864)	(662,027)	(70,476)
Beginning of year	572,225	1,234,252	1,304,728
End of year	343,361	572,225	1,234,252
M D C Holdings [Member]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(39,462)	36,971	81,228
Net cash used in investing activities	439,066	(613,377)	(224,947)
Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries	(44,961)	(293,883)	116,338
Extinguishment of senior notes	(537,724)
Proceeds from senior notes issuance		242,288
Dividend payments	(47,432)	(47,140)	(46,925)
Other financing activities	9,044	53	4,745
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(621,073)	(98,682)	74,158
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(221,469)	(675,088)	(69,561)
Beginning of year	535,035	1,210,123	1,279,684
End of year	313,566	535,035	1,210,123
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(26,663)	(275,822)	115,031
Net cash used in investing activities	(71)	(1,046)	(45)
Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries	25,218	277,897	(115,264)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	25,218	277,897	(115,264)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(1,516)	1,029	(278)
Beginning of year	4,287	3,258	3,536
End of year	2,771	4,287	3,258
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(33,125)	1,123	11,698
Net cash used in investing activities	(34,731)	(30,043)
Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries	38,709	44,633	(6,577)
Mortgage repurchase facility	23,268	(3,681)	(5,758)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	61,977	40,952	(12,335)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(5,879)	12,032	(637)
Beginning of year	32,903	20,871	21,508
End of year	27,024	32,903	20,871
Eliminating Entries [Member]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	18,966	28,647	(5,503)
Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries	(18,966)	(28,647)	5,503
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	$ (18,966)	$ (28,647)	$ 5,503