Variable Interest Entities and Joint Ventures - Total Risk Related to Lot Options (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Contract land deposits	$ 256,577	$ 202,263
Loss reserve on contract land deposits	(65,039)	(70,333)	(73,517)
Contract land deposits, net	191,538	131,930
Contingent obligations in the form of letters of credit	3,338	3,228
Contingent specific performance obligations	7,047	8,526
Total risk of loss	$ 201,923	$ 143,684