Segment Reporting - Reconciliation of Pretax Operating Income from Segments to Consolidated (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	$ 38,012	$ 9,655	$ 60,598	$ 11,780
Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	29,789	2,977	44,636	240
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | West [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	16,779	2,678	27,390	2,844
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	14,142	4,636	27,138	6,795
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | East [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	4,523	136	6,051	2,236
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	(5,655)	(4,473)	(15,943)	(11,635)
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	29,789	2,977	44,636	240
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Mortgage operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	6,855	5,749	12,854	9,088
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Other Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	1,368	929	3,108	2,452
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	$ 8,223	$ 6,678	$ 15,962	$ 11,540