Segment Disclosures - Corporate Capital Allocation Charge (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Corporate Capital Allocation	$ 29,673	$ 22,555	$ 55,291	$ 41,527
Operating Segments [Member] | Homebuilding Mid Atlantic [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Corporate Capital Allocation	18,609	14,837	34,716	27,517
Operating Segments [Member] | Homebuilding North East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Corporate Capital Allocation	2,353	1,999	4,347	3,821
Operating Segments [Member] | Homebuilding Mid East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Corporate Capital Allocation	5,716	3,506	10,731	6,248
Operating Segments [Member] | Homebuilding South East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Corporate Capital Allocation	$ 2,995	$ 2,213	$ 5,497	$ 3,941