Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 33,046	$ 247,425
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	9,412
Stock-based compensation expense	2,550	5,214
Depreciation and amortization	1,933	2,072
Loss (gain) on sale of marketable securities	(6,356)
Amortization of discount / premiums on marketable debt securities	422	1,423
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	19,554	(187,643)
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	7	(820)
Trade and other receivables	(8,409)	(8,566)
Mortgage loans held-for-sale	34,201	27,490
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(9,615)	(7,884)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	12,097	(30,358)
Net cash used in operating activities	(96,272)	(146,243)
Investing Activities:
Purchases of marketable securities	(382,279)	(312,095)
Maturities of marketable securities	159,789	87,015
Sales of marketable securities	306,769	137,067
Purchases of property and equipment	(1,354)	(998)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	82,925	(89,011)
Financing Activities:
Payments on mortgage repurchase facility, net	(30,876)	(27,479)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes	248,375	346,938
Repayment of senior notes	(259,118)
Advances on revolving credit facility, net	10,000
Dividend payments	(24,412)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	71	5,118
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(55,960)	324,577
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(69,307)	89,323
Beginning of period	199,338	160,095
End of period	130,031	249,418
Housing Completed Or Under Construction [Member]
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Land and Housing Inventories	(122,368)	(56,087)
Land And Land Under Development [Member]
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Land and Housing Inventories	$ (62,746)	$ (138,509)