Variable Interest Entities ("VIE") (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Lot Option Purchase Disclosures
Consolidated inventory not owned	$ 47,302,000	$ 51,400,000
Noncontrolling interest	30,260,000	34,223,000
Primary variable interest | Lot option purchase contracts
Lot Option Purchase Disclosures
Consolidated inventory not owned	47,300,000	51,400,000
Cash deposits	17,000,000	17,200,000
Noncontrolling interest	30,300,000	34,200,000
Not primary variable interest | Lot option purchase contracts
Lot Option Purchase Disclosures
Cash deposits and/or letters of credit	23,800,000	22,300,000
Aggregate purchase price	$ 232,600,000	$ 208,500,000