Inventories - Summary of Impairment of Inventory (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Inventories [Line Items]
Asset impairment	$ 1,105	$ 811	$ 4,692	$ 9,119	$ 279	$ 1,105	$ 12,965	$ 21,195
Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member] | West [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Asset impairment							7,270	14,808
Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Asset impairment							1,850	555
Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member] | East [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Asset impairment						295	1,804	542
Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member] | Subtotal [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Asset impairment						295	10,924	15,905
Land and Land Under Development [Member] | West [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Asset impairment							1,499	3,163
Land and Land Under Development [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Asset impairment							449	964
Land and Land Under Development [Member] | East [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Asset impairment						810	93	1,163
Land and Land Under Development [Member] | Subtotal [Member]
Inventories [Line Items]
Asset impairment						$ 810	$ 2,041	$ 5,290