Financial Information for Reportable Segments - Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets	$ 1,285,942	$ 1,328,116
Corporate
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets	320,381	342,961
Homebuilding
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets	965,561	985,155
Homebuilding | Southern California
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets	191,308	176,999
Homebuilding | San Diego
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets	135,530	127,438
Homebuilding | Northern California
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets	229,485	219,734
Homebuilding | Mountain West
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets	307,411	351,050
Homebuilding | South West
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets	95,770	105,621
Homebuilding | Other Areas
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets	$ 6,057	$ 4,313