Corporate Capital Allocation Charge (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Corporate Capital Allocation	$ 24,712	$ 19,182	$ 66,239	$ 52,502
Homebuilding Mid Atlantic [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Corporate Capital Allocation	15,592	13,117	43,109	36,053
Homebuilding North East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Corporate Capital Allocation	2,203	1,423	6,024	4,152
Homebuilding Mid East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Corporate Capital Allocation	4,371	3,149	10,619	8,193
Homebuilding South East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Corporate Capital Allocation	$ 2,546	$ 1,493	$ 6,487	$ 4,104