Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Interest expense	$ (808)	$ (20,842)	$ (38,157)
Income (loss) before income taxes	61,115	(107,472)	(70,601)
Benefit from income taxes	1,584	9,082	5,831
Net income (loss)	62,699	(98,390)	(64,770)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) related to available-for-sale securities	12,078	(12,124)	4,884
Comprehensive income (loss)	74,777	(110,514)	(59,886)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$ 1.29	$ (2.12)	$ (1.40)
Diluted	$ 1.28	$ (2.12)	$ (1.40)
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic	47,660,629	46,796,334	46,627,815
Diluted	48,064,839	46,796,334	46,627,815
Dividends declared per share	$ 2.00	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Homebuilding [Member]
Home sale revenues	1,150,998	805,164	921,022
Land sale revenues	5,144	11,859	5,883
Revenues	1,156,142	817,023	926,905
Home cost of sales	(973,120)	(686,661)	(745,085)
Land cost of sales	(4,823)	(10,796)	(5,366)
Inventory impairments	(1,105)	(12,965)	(21,195)
Total cost of sales	(979,048)	(710,422)	(771,646)
Gross margin	177,094	106,601	155,259
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(167,295)	(179,105)	(219,685)
Interest income	23,398	26,068	23,960
Interest expense	(808)	(20,842)	(38,157)
Other income (expense)	228	(43,350)	(2,273)
Income (loss) before income taxes	32,617	(110,628)	(80,896)
Financial Services [Member]
Revenues	46,881	26,086	30,473
Expenses	(21,645)	(26,306)	(23,351)
Interest and other income	3,262	3,376	3,173
Income (loss) before income taxes	$ 28,498	$ 3,156	$ 10,295