Segment Information, Nature of Operations, and Certain Concentrations (Details Textual) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 JointVenture MetropolitanArea	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Forfeiture Estimate Adjustment		$ 7,000
Segment Information Nature of Operations, and Certain Concentrations (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of metropolitan areas Ryan Homes product are sold	25
Revenue derived from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD metropolitan areas	46.00%
Pre-tax reversal of stock-based compensation expense attributable to forfeiture estimate	$ 0
Number of consolidated joint ventures	1
Maximum bonus opportunity payout	50.00%
Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable business segments	4
Mortgage Banking [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable business segments	1