Variable Interest Entities and Joint Ventures - Total Risk Related to Lot Options (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Contract land deposits	$ 257,247	$ 256,577
Loss reserve on contract land deposits	(64,031)	(65,039)
Contract land deposits, net	193,216	191,538
Contingent obligations in the form of letters of credit	2,894	3,338
Contingent specific performance obligations	4,496	7,047
Total risk of loss	$ 200,606	$ 201,923