Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 62,699	$ (98,390)	$ (64,770)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Loss on extinguishment of senior notes		38,795
Stock-based compensation expense	16,225	15,432	17,510
Depreciation and amortization	4,766	6,371	5,759
Inventory impairments and write-offs of land option deposits	1,843	20,009	24,297
Amortization of discount on marketable debt securities	596	1,271	2,557
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	(1,192)	(247)	56
Trade and other receivables	(6,223)	12,078	141,034
Mortgage loans held-for-sale	(41,618)	(13,221)	(2,799)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	3,650	10,119	(15,054)
Accounts payable	47,473	(9,012)	(1,069)
Accrued liabilities	(198)	(56,585)	(33,116)
Net cash used in operating activities	(108,819)	(80,284)	(209,081)
Investing Activities:
Purchase of marketable securities	(478,701)	(330,968)	(934,240)
Maturity of marketable securities	108,250	492,051	138,042
Sale of marketable securities	349,938	275,038	159,881
Purchase of property and equipment and other	(1,268)	(31,857)	(8,149)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(21,781)	404,264	(644,466)
Financing Activities:
Extinguishment of senior notes		(537,724)
Payments on mortgage repurchase facility	(196,402)	(91,372)	(152,951)
Advances on mortgage repurchase facility	224,027	114,640	149,270
Dividend payments	(96,915)	(47,432)	(47,140)
Proceeds from issuance of Senior notes			242,288
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	16,624	9,044	53
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(52,666)	(552,844)	191,520
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(183,266)	(228,864)	(662,027)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	343,361	572,225	1,234,252
End of period	160,095	343,361	572,225
Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member]
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Housing completed or under construction	(212,154)	86,477	(116,960)
Land and Land Under Development [Member]
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Housing completed or under construction	$ 15,314	$ (93,381)	$ (166,526)