Segment Disclosures (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets
Assets	$ 1,799,616	$ 2,260,061
Consolidated variable interest entity	21,802	22,371
Cash and cash equivalents	492,331	1,190,731
Deferred taxes	171,737	184,930
Intangible assets	48,927	48,927
Loss reserve on contract land deposits	(69,777)	(73,517)
Consolidation adjustments and other	38,646	40,916
Reconciling items sub-total	703,666	1,414,358
Homebuilding Mid Atlantic [Member]
Assets
Assets	660,327	492,148
Reportable Segment [Member]
Assets
Assets	1,095,950	845,703
Homebuilding North East [Member]
Assets
Assets	56,986	35,827
Homebuilding Mid East [Member]
Assets
Assets	111,766	78,246
Homebuilding South East [Member]
Assets
Assets	57,860	43,041
Mortgage Banking [Member]
Assets
Assets	216,358	203,788
Mortgage Banking	209,011	196,441
Intangible assets	$ 7,347	$ 7,347

Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all mortgage banking assets that are recognized excluding reorganization value in excess of amounts allocable to identifiable assets. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.

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- Definition

Includes homebuilding currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits are not generally reported as cash and cash equivalents. Includes cash and cash equivalents associated with the entity's continuing operations. Excludes cash and cash equivalents associated with the disposal group (and discontinued operation).

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The net change during the reporting period in the reserve account established to account for expected but unspecified losses related to contract land deposits.

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Reconciliation Of Assets From Segment To Consolidated.

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Total amount of items in the reconciliation of total assets from reportable segments to the entity's consolidated assets.

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Amount of an item in the reconciliation of total assets from reportable segments to the entity's consolidated assets.

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Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.

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The aggregate tax effects as of the balance sheet date of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; net of deducting the allocated valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value.

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Amount of reorganization value in excess of amounts allocable to identifiable assets at the balance sheet date after fresh-start adjustments.

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Statement of Position (SOP)

-Number 90-7

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-Glossary Reorganization Value

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The carrying amount of the consolidated Variable Interest Entity's assets included in the reporting entity's statement of financial position.

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