Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents - discontinued operations	$ 498	$ 56	$ 64	$ 39

Represents the cash and cash equivalents associated with discontinued operations.

No definition available.

Name:	ryl_CashAndCashEquivalentsDiscontinuedOperations
Namespace Prefix:	ryl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant