Business Segments Business Segments - Valuation Adjustments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Total Of Valuation Adjustments And Write Offs	$ 900	$ 126
Midwest Homebuilding [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Total Of Valuation Adjustments And Write Offs	900	97
Southern Homebuilding [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Total Of Valuation Adjustments And Write Offs	0	7
Mid-Atlantic Homebuilding [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Total Of Valuation Adjustments And Write Offs	$ 0	$ 22