Business Segments Business Segments - Valuation Adjustments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Total Of Valuation Adjustments And Write Offs	$ 697	$ 5,487	$ 823	$ 16,616
Midwest Homebuilding [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Total Of Valuation Adjustments And Write Offs	506	5,328	603	10,361
Southern Homebuilding [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Total Of Valuation Adjustments And Write Offs	103	130	110	5,997
Mid-Atlantic Homebuilding [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Total Of Valuation Adjustments And Write Offs	$ 88	$ 29	$ 110	$ 258