Financial Information for Reportable Segments - Inventory (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Inventory	$ 794,761	$ 783,810
Homebuilding | Southern California
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Inventory	145,715	142,877
Homebuilding | San Diego
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Inventory	116,269	105,595
Homebuilding | Northern California
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Inventory	212,172	204,901
Homebuilding | Mountain West
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Inventory	238,149	256,685
Homebuilding | South West
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Inventory	78,902	71,289
Homebuilding | Other Areas
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Inventory	$ 3,554	$ 2,463