Fair Value Measurements - Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory	$ 2,735	$ 24,421
West [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory		19,421
Mountain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory		1,466
East [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory	2,735	3,534
Land and Land Under Development [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory	1,100	15,129
Land and Land Under Development [Member] | West [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory		12,904
Land and Land Under Development [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory		1,000
Land and Land Under Development [Member] | East [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory	1,100	1,225
Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory	1,635	9,292
Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member] | West [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory		6,517
Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory		466
Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member] | East [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory	$ 1,635	$ 2,309