Segment Reporting - Reconciliation of Pretax Operating (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	$ 29,851	$ 19,484	$ 9,655	$ 2,125	$ (19,776)	$ (34,189)	$ (29,803)	$ (23,704)	$ 61,115	$ (107,472)	$ (70,601)
West [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									27,076	(16,889)	9,910
Mountain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									24,302	1,397	1,060
East [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									11,011	(7,195)	(3,048)
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									(29,772)	(87,941)	(88,818)
Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									32,617	(110,628)	(80,896)
Mortgage operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									23,939	394	10,979
Other Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									4,559	2,762	(684)
Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									$ 28,498	$ 3,156	$ 10,295