Segment Disclosures - Corporate Capital Allocation Charge (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Corporate Capital Allocation	$ 31,297	$ 24,712	$ 86,588	$ 66,239
Operating Segments [Member] | Homebuilding Mid Atlantic [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Corporate Capital Allocation	19,320	15,592	54,036	43,109
Operating Segments [Member] | Homebuilding North East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Corporate Capital Allocation	2,487	2,203	6,834	6,024
Operating Segments [Member] | Homebuilding Mid East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Corporate Capital Allocation	6,137	4,371	16,868	10,619
Operating Segments [Member] | Homebuilding South East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Corporate Capital Allocation	$ 3,353	$ 2,546	$ 8,850	$ 6,487