Segment Disclosures (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Corporate capital allocation charge
Corporate Capital Allocation	$ 22,555	$ 17,897	$ 41,527	$ 33,320
Homebuilding Mid Atlantic [Member]
Corporate capital allocation charge
Corporate Capital Allocation	14,837	12,105	27,517	22,936
Homebuilding North East [Member]
Corporate capital allocation charge
Corporate Capital Allocation	1,999	1,566	3,821	2,729
Homebuilding Mid East [Member]
Corporate capital allocation charge
Corporate Capital Allocation	3,506	2,840	6,248	5,044
Homebuilding South East [Member]
Corporate capital allocation charge
Corporate Capital Allocation	$ 2,213	$ 1,386	$ 3,941	$ 2,611