Financial Information for Reportable Segments - Revenues (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 132,468	$ 114,934	$ 238,071	$ 188,993
Corporate
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Revenues	250	268	493	525
Homebuilding
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Revenues	132,218	114,666	237,578	188,468
Homebuilding | Southern California
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Revenues	30,104	25,820	56,484	45,593
Homebuilding | San Diego
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Revenues	10,180	14,145	24,287	19,906
Homebuilding | Northern California
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Revenues	30,438	26,558	56,396	42,413
Homebuilding | Mountain West
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Revenues	33,211	23,715	51,806	36,869
Homebuilding | South West
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Revenues	26,700	23,257	46,215	41,425
Homebuilding | Other Areas
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,585	$ 1,171	$ 2,390	$ 2,262