Segment Reporting - Reconciliation of Pretax Operating Income from Segments to Consolidated (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	$ 22,586	$ 2,125
West [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	10,611	166
Mountain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	12,996	2,159
East [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	1,528	2,100
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	(10,288)	(7,162)
Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	14,847	(2,737)
Mortgage operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	5,999	3,339
Other Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	1,740	1,523
Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	$ 7,739	$ 4,862