Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities and Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities - Schedule of Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Servicing Liabilities at Fair Value [Line Items]
Accrued executive deferred compensation	$ 29,635	$ 28,475
Warranty reserves	23,098	23,151	25,076	25,525
Accrued interest payable	13,932	13,698
Accrued compensation and related expenses	11,828	16,864
Other accrued liabilities	14,141	17,310
Accrued liabilities current and non-current	115,139	118,456
Customer and Escrow Deposits [Member]
Servicing Liabilities at Fair Value [Line Items]
Accrued liabilities current and non-current	12,157	9,413
Land Development and Home Construction Accruals [Member]
Servicing Liabilities at Fair Value [Line Items]
Accrued liabilities current and non-current	$ 10,348	$ 9,545