Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Balance Sheet Components [Abstract]
Warranty reserves	$ 25,076	$ 25,525	$ 33,615	$ 34,704
Accrued interest payable	10,182	13,698
Accrued executive deferred compensation	24,971	24,136
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits	3,333	3,303
Legal accruals	1,750	9,360
Land development and home construction accruals	9,964	10,619
Accrued compensation and related expenses	8,209	11,350
Customer and escrow deposits	7,369	5,468
Other accrued liabilities	13,751	15,729
Total accrued liabilities	$ 104,605	$ 119,188