Guarantees and Indemnifications Warranty Rollforward (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Warranty Accrual Rollforward [Abstract]
Warranty accrual, beginning of period	$ 8,733	$ 7,835	$ 9,025	$ 8,335
Warranty expense on homes delivered during the period	1,646	1,131	4,021	3,100
Changes in estimates for pre-existing warranties	141	1,021	231	921
Settlements made during the period	(1,524)	(1,771)	(4,281)	(4,140)
Warranty accrual, end of period	$ 8,996	$ 8,216	$ 8,996	$ 8,216