Business Segments Business Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments		12
Revenue	$ 566,424	$ 761,905	$ 566,424	$ 616,377
Operating income (loss):		28,830	(18,897)	(9,611)
Interest	15,005	16,071	15,005	9,415
Other loss (b)		0	0	(8,378)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(33,902)	12,759	(33,902)	(27,404)
Depreciation and amortization:		9,742	7,574	5,194
Midwest Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Homebuilding revenue		281,959	228,191	295,096
Operating income (loss):		11,443	(6,396)	3,294
Interest		5,502	6,154	3,689
Depreciation and amortization:		2,834	1,179	1,036
Southern Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Homebuilding revenue		189,714	123,061	89,896
Operating income (loss):		14,530	(5,314)	(3,593)
Interest		3,742	2,798	1,520
Depreciation and amortization:		968	601	498
Mid-Atlantic Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Homebuilding revenue		266,976	200,706	217,148
Operating income (loss):		15,130	7,039	7,004
Interest		5,406	5,099	3,262
Depreciation and amortization:		975	844	763
Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Financial services revenue		23,256	14,466	14,237
Operating income (loss):		12,436	6,641	6,508
Interest		1,421	954	944
Depreciation and amortization:		140	282	390
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Less: Corporate selling, general and administrative expenses		(24,709)	(20,867)	(22,824)
Depreciation and amortization:		$ 4,825	$ 4,668	$ 2,507