Variable Interest Entities and Joint Ventures - Total Risk Related to Lot Options (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Contract land deposits	$ 243,189		$ 202,263
Loss reserve on contract land deposits	(69,785)		(70,333)
Contract land deposits, net	173,404		131,930
Contingent obligations in the form of letters of credit	2,815		3,228
Contingent specific performance obligations	7,199	[1]	8,526	[1]
Total risk of loss	$ 183,418		$ 143,684

[1] At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company was committed to purchase 74 and 92 finished lots under specific performance obligations, respectively.