Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 215,680	$ 160,095
Inventories:
Deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance of $238,795 and $248,306 at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively
Total assets	2,142,334	1,945,441
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	54,540	51,864
Accrued liabilities	115,139	118,456
Mortgage repurchase facility	41,500
Senior notes, net	995,032	744,842
Total Liabilities	1,227,891	1,064,544
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 48,869,726 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2013 and 48,698,757 issued and outstanding, respectively, at December 31, 2012	489	487
Additional paid-in-capital	905,354	896,861
Retained earnings	1,227	(21,289)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	7,373	4,838
Total Stockholders' Equity	914,443	880,897
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	2,142,334	1,945,441
Homebuilding [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	183,236	129,535
Marketable securities	626,707	519,465
Restricted cash	2,526	1,859
Trade and other receivables	31,885	28,163
Inventories:
Housing completed or under construction	521,661	512,949
Land and land under development	534,438	489,572
Total inventories	1,056,099	1,002,521
Property and equipment, net	33,056	33,125
Deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance of $238,795 and $248,306 at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively
Other assets	52,274	44,777
Total assets	1,985,783	1,759,445
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	21,712	73,055
Accrued liabilities	115,139	118,456
Senior notes, net	995,032	744,842
Total Liabilities	1,131,883	936,353
Financial Services [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	32,444	30,560
Marketable securities	33,292	32,473
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net	86,429	119,953
Inventories:
Other assets	4,386	3,010
Total assets	156,551	185,996
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	54,540	51,864
Mortgage repurchase facility	41,468	76,327
Total Liabilities	$ 96,008	$ 128,191