Variable Interest Entities - Total Risk Related to Lot Options (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Contract land deposits	$ 337,954		$ 296,646
Loss reserve on contract land deposits	(54,375)		(59,761)
Contract land deposits, net	283,579		236,885
Contingent obligations in the form of letters of credit	5,719		2,459
Contingent specific performance obligations	1,505	[1]	1,707	[1]
Total risk of loss	$ 290,803		$ 241,051

[1] (1) At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company was committed to purchase 10 and 13 finished lots, respectively, under specific performance obligations.