Business Segments Business Segments - Valuation Adjustments (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
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Total Of Valuation Adjustments And Write Offs	$ 1,309	$ 1,837	$ 2,132	$ 18,453
Midwest Homebuilding [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Total Of Valuation Adjustments And Write Offs	1,309	1,224	1,912	11,585
Southern Homebuilding [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Total Of Valuation Adjustments And Write Offs	0	613	110	6,610
Mid-Atlantic Homebuilding [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Total Of Valuation Adjustments And Write Offs	$ 0	$ 0	$ 110	$ 258