Segment Reporting - Total Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	$ 2,142,334	$ 1,945,441
West [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	518,143	459,807
Mountain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	328,712	332,939
East [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	280,659	274,199
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	858,269	692,500
Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	1,985,783	1,759,445
Mortgage operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	91,565	122,941
Other Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	64,986	63,055
Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	$ 156,551	$ 185,996