Capitalized Interest Capitalized Interest (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Capitalized Interest [Abstract]
Capitalized interest, beginning of period	$ 17,967	$ 19,758	$ 18,869	$ 20,075
Interest capitalized to inventory	2,574	2,773	7,128	7,613
Capitalized interest charged to cost of sales	(3,755)	(2,515)	(9,211)	(7,672)
Capitalized interest, end of period	16,786	20,016	16,786	20,016
Interest incurred - net	$ 6,573	$ 6,157	$ 19,194	$ 18,497

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of interest costs that were capitalized to properties under development during the land development and construction period of a project, and which are included in inventory.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 34

-Paragraph 21

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450988&loc=d3e26243-108391

Name:	us-gaap_RealEstateInventoryCapitalizedInterestCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant