Inventory Impairment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012 Project		Jun. 30, 2011 Project		Jun. 30, 2012 Project		Jun. 30, 2011 Project
Inventory Disclosure [Line Items]
Inventory impairment	$ 0		$ 9,684		$ 0		$ 10,302
Remaining carrying value of inventory impaired at end of period	$ 0		$ 8,810		$ 0		$ 9,840
Projects impaired	0		2		0		3
Projects evaluated for impairment	132	[1]	150	[1]	132	[1]	150	[1]

[1] Large land parcels not subdivided into communities are counted as one project. Once parcels are subdivided, the project count will increase accordingly.