Financial Information Relating to Reportable Segments - Loss Before Income Taxes (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]
(Loss) Income before income taxes	$ (11,272)	$ (101,432)	$ (12,222)	$ (109,973)
Corporate
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
(Loss) Income before income taxes	(10,429)	(88,748)	(8,898)	(87,868)
Homebuilding
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
(Loss) Income before income taxes	(843)	(12,684)	(3,324)	(22,105)
Homebuilding | Southern California
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
(Loss) Income before income taxes	3,302	(363)	5,276	(2,688)
Homebuilding | San Diego
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
(Loss) Income before income taxes	(1,502)	(9,790)	(1,500)	(11,089)
Homebuilding | Northern California
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
(Loss) Income before income taxes	612	(335)	1,429	(2,063)
Homebuilding | Mountain West
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
(Loss) Income before income taxes	(1,786)	(1,936)	(5,154)	(3,717)
Homebuilding | South West
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
(Loss) Income before income taxes	(1,494)	(799)	(3,150)	(2,833)
Homebuilding | Other Areas
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
(Loss) Income before income taxes	$ 25	$ 539	$ (225)	$ 285