Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$ 13,347	$ (33,877)	$ (26,269)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
Inventory valuation adjustments and abandoned land transaction write-offs	3,368	21,938	13,158
Impairment of investment in Unconsolidated LLCs	390	1,029	0
Bargain purchase gain	(1,219)	0	0
Mortgage loan originations	(520,708)	(376,132)	(416,498)
Proceeds from the sale of mortgage loans	505,368	365,234	406,944
Fair value adjustment of mortgage loans held for sale	1,494	(3,065)	1,220
Fair value adjustment of mortgage servicing rights	795	0	0
Depreciation	7,158	5,114	5,194
Amortization of intangibles, debt discount and debt issue costs	2,584	2,460	2,562
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, including transaction costs	0	0	8,378
Stock-based compensation expense	1,734	1,866	2,811
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	5,076	(12,950)	(10,797)
Deferred tax asset valuation (benefit) expense	(5,076)	12,950	10,797
Other	79	(233)	61
Change in assets and liabilities:
Cash held in escrow	(125)	3,155	(36)
Inventory	(73,874)	(33,014)	(44,996)
Other assets	(7,744)	1,524	34,351
Accounts payable	5,358	11,503	(9,232)
Customer deposits	5,867	1,118	(814)
Accrued compensation	6,421	(123)	(471)
Other liabilities	4,302	(2,458)	(13,665)
Net cash used in operating activities	(46,995)	(33,961)	(37,302)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Change in restricted cash	32,779	(2,566)	(19,585)
Purchase of property and equipment	(933)	(1,352)	(1,560)
Acquisition, net of cash acquired	(4,707)	(4,654)	0
Investment in Unconsolidated LLCs	(1,817)	(752)	(1,229)
Return of investment from Unconsolidated LLCs	0	0	13
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	25,322	(9,324)	(22,361)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayment of senior notes, including transaction costs	(41,443)	0	(166,088)
Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes	29,700	0	197,174
Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior subordinated notes	57,500	0	0
Proceeds (repayments) from bank borrowings - net	15,351	20,409	8,055
Proceeds from note payable-other and CDD bond obligations	5,304	(52)	(325)
Net proceeds from issuance of common shares	42,085	0	0
Debt issue costs	(5,881)	(220)	(7,874)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	4,762	1,500	12
Excess tax deficiency from stock-based payment arrangements	0	233	(13)
Net cash provided by financing activities	107,378	21,870	30,941
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	85,705	(21,415)	(28,722)
Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period	59,793	81,208	109,930
Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period	145,498	59,793	81,208
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest — net of amount capitalized	13,083	12,756	6,774
Income taxes	281	(372)	302
NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS DURING THE PERIOD:
Community development district infrastructure	(1,349)	(1,129)	(1,074)
Consolidated inventory not owned	16,161	2,476	(148)
Contingent consideration related to acquisition	$ 0	$ 329	$ 0