Financial Information Relating to Reportable Segments - Impairment (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]
Impairment	$ 0	$ 9,684	$ 0	$ 10,302
Homebuilding | Southern California
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Impairment	0	0	0	0
Homebuilding | San Diego
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Impairment	0	9,684	0	9,684
Homebuilding | Northern California
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Impairment	0	0	0	0
Homebuilding | Mountain West
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Impairment	0	0	0	0
Homebuilding | South West
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Impairment	0	0	0	618
Homebuilding | Other Areas
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Impairment	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0