Segment Disclosure (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Revenues:
Mortgage Banking	$ 14,297	$ 11,760
Revenues	600,492	514,504
Homebuilding Mid Atlantic [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	360,811	312,940
Homebuilding North East [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	52,200	39,193
Homebuilding Mid East [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	106,282	98,152
Homebuilding South East [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 66,902	$ 52,459