Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 314,385		$ 62,699		$ (98,390)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash (used in) operating activities:
Loss on extinguishment of senior notes					38,795
Stock-based compensation expense	9,652		16,225		15,432
Depreciation and amortization	3,864		4,766		6,371
Inventory impairments	919		1,105		12,965
Amortization of discount (premiums) on marketable debt securities	219		596		1,271
Deferred income tax benefit	(187,171)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(391)
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	(336)		(1,192)		(247)
Trade and other receivables	4,186		(6,223)		12,078
Mortgage loans held-for-sale	27,375		(41,618)		(13,221)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(13,562)		4,388		17,163
Accounts payable	(58,142)		47,473		(9,012)
Accrued liabilities	38,734		(198)		(56,585)
Net cash used in operating activities	(269,549)		(108,819)		(80,284)
Investing Activities:
Purchases of marketable securities	(404,965)		(478,701)		(330,968)
Maturities of marketable securities	159,592		108,250		492,051
Sales of marketable securities	216,756		349,938		275,038
Purchases of property and equipment	(1,785)		(1,268)		(31,857)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(30,402)		(21,781)		404,264
Financing Activities:
Extinguishment of senior notes					(537,724)
Payments on mortgage repurchase facility	(234,671)		(196,402)		(91,372)
Advances on mortgage repurchase facility	221,418		224,027		114,640
Dividend payments			(96,915)		(47,432)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	391
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes	346,938
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	5,118		16,624		9,044
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	339,194		(52,666)		(552,844)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	39,243		(183,266)		(228,864)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	160,095	[1]	343,361		572,225
End of period	199,338		160,095	[1]	343,361
Housing Completed Or Under Construction [Member]
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Land and Housing Inventories	(124,211)		(212,154)		86,477
Land And Land Under Development [Member]
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Land and Housing Inventories	$ (285,070)		$ 15,314		$ (93,381)

[1] As a result of our Richmond American Homes of Washington, Inc. subsidiary becoming a guarantor subsidiary in 2013, cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of 2013 in the guarantor and non-guarantor columns will not equal the cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2012 in the Supplemental Condensed Combining Balance Sheet.