Information Related to Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Servicing Liabilities at Fair Value [Line Items]
Warranty reserves	$ 24,036	$ 25,076	$ 25,525	$ 31,200	$ 33,615	$ 34,704
Accrued interest payable	13,698		13,698
Accrued executive deferred compensation	25,806		24,136
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits	3,121		3,303
Legal accruals	1,750		9,360
Land development and home construction accruals	10,114		10,619
Accrued compensation and related expenses	12,504		11,350
Customer and escrow deposits	9,545		5,468
Other accrued liabilities	11,156		15,729
Total accrued liabilities	$ 111,730		$ 119,188