Statement of Shareholders' Equity (Statement) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings	Noncontrolling Interest
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Additional Paid in Capital	$ 291,299
Treasury Stock, Value	$ 981
Treasury Stock, Common, Shares	136,756
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	50,719,884
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized; 51,053,858 and 50,879,949 issued and 50,661,919 and 50,488,010 outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively	$ 507
Treasury Stock, Value	$ 981
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	50,719,884
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized; 51,053,858 and 50,879,949 issued and 50,661,919 and 50,488,010 outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively	$ 507
Treasury Stock, Common, Shares	136,756
Additional Paid in Capital	$ 291,299
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	177,526
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	468,351
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	17,281
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 485,632
Shares Issued, Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture	219,181
Shares Issued, Value, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture	$ 1,466	$ 1,463	$ 3
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Decrease for Tax Withholding Obligation	$ 544	543	(1)
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Shares Withheld for Tax Withholding Obligation	59,116
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition	$ 354
Temporary Equity, Accretion to Redemption Value, Adjustment		(1,677)
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders	10,993
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	1,490
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	44,226
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Increase for Cost Recognition	215
Temporary Equity, Accretion to Redemption Value, Adjustment		(1,677)
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Decrease for Tax Withholding Obligation	544	543	(1)
Shares Issued, Value, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture	$ 1,466	1,463	3
Shares Issued, Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture	219,181
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Shares Withheld for Tax Withholding Obligation	59,116
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition	$ 354
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders	10,993
Net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc.	42,736
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	1,490
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	$ 44,226
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	(255,183)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	$ (2,186)
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Increase for Cost Recognition	215
Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Operating Activities	1,332
Additional Paid in Capital	289,739
Treasury Stock, Value	$ 1,369
Treasury Stock, Common, Shares	183,938
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	50,879,949
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized; 51,053,858 and 50,879,949 issued and 50,661,919 and 50,488,010 outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively	$ 509
Treasury Stock, Value	$ 1,369
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	50,879,949
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized; 51,053,858 and 50,879,949 issued and 50,661,919 and 50,488,010 outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively	$ 509
Treasury Stock, Common, Shares	183,938
Additional Paid in Capital	$ 289,739
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	204,591
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	493,470
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	5,173
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	498,643
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition		136
Temporary Equity, Accretion to Redemption Value, Adjustment		1,163
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	2,605
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	18,276
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Increase for Cost Recognition	73	73
Temporary Equity, Accretion to Redemption Value, Adjustment		1,163
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition		136
Net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc.	15,671
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	2,605
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	$ 18,276
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	(208,001)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	$ (1,798)
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Increase for Cost Recognition	73	73
Additional Paid in Capital	291,111	291,111
Treasury Stock, Value	$ 3,167
Treasury Stock, Common, Shares	391,939
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	50,879,949
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized; 51,053,858 and 50,879,949 issued and 50,661,919 and 50,488,010 outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively	$ 509		509
Treasury Stock, Value	$ 3,167
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	50,879,949
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized; 51,053,858 and 50,879,949 issued and 50,661,919 and 50,488,010 outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively	$ 509		509
Treasury Stock, Common, Shares	391,939
Additional Paid in Capital	$ 291,111	291,111
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	220,262
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	508,715
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	7,778
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	516,493
Additional Paid in Capital	290,799
Treasury Stock, Value	$ 3,167
Treasury Stock, Common, Shares	391,939
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	500,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 7.49
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	50,879,949
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized; 51,053,858 and 50,879,949 issued and 50,661,919 and 50,488,010 outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively	$ 509
Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock	290,799
Treasury Stock, Value	$ 3,167
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	50,879,949
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized; 51,053,858 and 50,879,949 issued and 50,661,919 and 50,488,010 outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively	$ 509
Treasury Stock, Common, Shares	391,939
Additional Paid in Capital	$ 290,799
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	235,027
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	523,168
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	13,227
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 536,395
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 29 days
Shares Issued, Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture	249,617
Shares Issued, Value, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture	$ 1,601	1,598	3
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Decrease for Tax Withholding Obligation	$ 592	591	(1)
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Shares Withheld for Tax Withholding Obligation	75,708
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition	$ 357
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders	5,251
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	1,381
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	$ 85,764
Granted (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 29 days
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Decrease for Tax Withholding Obligation	$ 592	591	(1)
Shares Issued, Value, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture	$ 1,601	1,598	$ 3
Shares Issued, Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture	249,617
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Shares Withheld for Tax Withholding Obligation	75,708
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition	$ 357
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders	5,251
Net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc.	84,383
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	1,381
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	85,764
Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value	225	225
Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Operating Activities	5,267
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Purchase of Interest by Parent	937			$ 937	$ (937)
Additional Paid in Capital	292,887
Treasury Stock, Value	$ 3,167
Treasury Stock, Common, Shares	391,939
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	51,053,858
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized; 51,053,858 and 50,879,949 issued and 50,661,919 and 50,488,010 outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively	$ 511
Treasury Stock, Value	$ 3,167
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	51,053,858
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized; 51,053,858 and 50,879,949 issued and 50,661,919 and 50,488,010 outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively	$ 511
Treasury Stock, Common, Shares	391,939
Additional Paid in Capital	$ 292,887
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	285,528
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	575,759
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	8,186
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	583,945
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition	139
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	634
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	35,453
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition	139
Net income attributable to Green Brick Partners, Inc.	34,819
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	634
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	35,453
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination	400
Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value		$ (638)
Additional Paid in Capital	292,388
Treasury Stock, Value	$ 3,167
Treasury Stock, Common, Shares	391,939
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	500,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 7.49
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 4,305
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	500,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 7.49
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	$ 4,305
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	51,053,858
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized; 51,053,858 and 50,879,949 issued and 50,661,919 and 50,488,010 outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively	$ 511
Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock	292,388
Treasury Stock, Value	$ 3,167
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	51,053,858
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized; 51,053,858 and 50,879,949 issued and 50,661,919 and 50,488,010 outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively	$ 511
Treasury Stock, Common, Shares	391,939
Additional Paid in Capital	$ 292,388
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	320,347
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	610,079
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	8,820
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 618,899