Segment Disclosures - Corporate Capital Allocation Charge (Detail) (Corporate Capital Allocation [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment reporting reconciling item for operating profit	$ 42,220	$ 31,297	$ 105,697	$ 86,588
Homebuilding Mid Atlantic [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment reporting reconciling item for operating profit	27,187	19,320	67,085	54,036
Homebuilding North East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment reporting reconciling item for operating profit	3,151	2,487	8,333	6,834
Homebuilding Mid East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment reporting reconciling item for operating profit	7,202	6,137	18,680	16,868
Homebuilding South East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment reporting reconciling item for operating profit	$ 4,680	$ 3,353	$ 11,599	$ 8,850