Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities and Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities - Schedule of Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Servicing Liabilities at Fair Value [Line Items]
Warranty reserves	$ 23,151	$ 25,525	$ 34,704	$ 59,022
Accrued interest payable	13,698	13,698
Accrued executive deferred compensation (note 12)	28,475	24,136
Liability for unrecognized tax benefits	575	2,712	48,963	52,837
Accrued compensation and related expenses	16,864	11,350
Other accrued liabilities	14,225	15,729
Accrued liabilities current and non-current	118,456	119,188
Legal Accruals [Member]
Servicing Liabilities at Fair Value [Line Items]
Accrued liabilities current and non-current	2,250	9,360
Land Development and Home Construction Accruals [Member]
Servicing Liabilities at Fair Value [Line Items]
Accrued liabilities current and non-current	9,545	10,619
Customer and Escrow Deposits [Member]
Servicing Liabilities at Fair Value [Line Items]
Accrued liabilities current and non-current	$ 9,413	$ 5,468