Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 2,265	$ (19,879)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Stock-based compensation expense	2,611	3,121
Depreciation and amortization	1,307	1,590
Inventory impairments and write-offs of land option deposits	82	1,061
Amortization of (premium) discount on marketable debt securities	(152)	436
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	(413)	1
Trade and other receivables	(11,062)	(782)
Mortgage loans held-for-sale	23,345	27,417
Housing completed or under construction	(45,875)	26,972
Land and land under development	17,000	(73,507)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	3,394	844
Accounts payable	7,792	(11,845)
Accrued liabilities	(19,107)	(13,130)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(18,813)	(57,701)
Investing Activities:
Purchase of marketable securities	(185,610)	(75,426)
Sale of marketable securities	182,021	74,950
Purchase of property and equipment	(364)	(483)
Purchases of held-to-maturity debt securities		(40,000)
Maturities of held-to-maturity debt securities		146,000
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(3,953)	105,041
Financing Activities:
Payments on mortgage repurchase facility	(53,625)	(25,434)
Advances on mortgage repurchase facility	30,763	6,736
Dividend payments	(11,994)	(11,824)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(34,856)	(30,522)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(57,622)	16,818
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	343,361	572,225
End of period	$ 285,739	$ 589,043