Segment Reporting (Total Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	$ 1,825,571	$ 1,858,725
Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	1,709,509	1,716,864
West [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	363,724	346,442
Mountain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	273,619	262,787
East [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	238,168	223,606
Other Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	29,193	31,468
Intercompany Adjustments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Intercompany adjustments	22	(96)
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	$ 804,783	$ 852,657