Name:	ryl_CashDeposits
Namespace Prefix:	ryl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

This element represents cash deposits and/or letters of credit provided to the selling party in accordance with the terms of a lot option purchase contract that was determined to be a variable interest entity; however, the entity does not have the primary variable interest in the VIE.

No definition available.

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

Consolidation of inventory relating to land and lot option purchase contracts, and/or homebuilding joint ventures, where it has been determined that the entity has the primary variable interest.

No definition available.

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

Noncontrolling interest represents the selling entities' ownership interest in land and lot option purchase contracts, which have been reported as consolidated inventory not owned.

No definition available.

Name:	ryl_NoncontrollingInterestLandAndLotOptionContracts
Namespace Prefix:	ryl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

This element represents the aggregate purchase price of lots expected to be purchased in accordance with executed lot option purchase contracts that were determined to be variable interest entities; however, the entity does not have the primary variable interest in the VIEs.

No definition available.