Valuation Adjustments and Write-offs Valuation Adjustments and Write-offs (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Total valuation adjustments and write-offs	$ 2,136	$ 1,309	$ 4,237	$ 2,132
Impairment of Operating Communities [Member]
Impairment of operating communities	481	0	481	10
Impairment of Future Communities [Member]
Impairment of future communities	1,655	1,309	2,465	1,771
Impairment of Land Held for Sale [Member]
Impairment of land held for sale	0	0	1,291	95
Option Deposits and Pre-Acquisition Write-Offs [Member]
Option deposits and pre-acquisition costs write-offs	0	0	0	256
Impairment of Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures [Member]
Impairment of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0	0	0
Midwest Homebuilding [Member] | Impairment of Operating Communities [Member]
Impairment of operating communities	481	0	481	10
Midwest Homebuilding [Member] | Impairment of Future Communities [Member]
Impairment of future communities	1,655	1,309	2,465	1,771
Midwest Homebuilding [Member] | Impairment of Land Held for Sale [Member]
Impairment of land held for sale	0	0	1,291	95
Midwest Homebuilding [Member] | Option Deposits and Pre-Acquisition Write-Offs [Member]
Option deposits and pre-acquisition costs write-offs	0	0	0	36
Midwest Homebuilding [Member] | Impairment of Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures [Member]
Impairment of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0	0	0
Southern Homebuilding [Member] | Impairment of Operating Communities [Member]
Impairment of operating communities	0	0	0	0
Southern Homebuilding [Member] | Impairment of Future Communities [Member]
Impairment of future communities	0	0	0	0
Southern Homebuilding [Member] | Impairment of Land Held for Sale [Member]
Impairment of land held for sale	0	0	0	0
Southern Homebuilding [Member] | Option Deposits and Pre-Acquisition Write-Offs [Member]
Option deposits and pre-acquisition costs write-offs	0	0	0	110
Southern Homebuilding [Member] | Impairment of Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures [Member]
Impairment of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0	0	0
Mid-Atlantic Homebuilding [Member] | Impairment of Operating Communities [Member]
Impairment of operating communities	0	0	0	0
Mid-Atlantic Homebuilding [Member] | Impairment of Future Communities [Member]
Impairment of future communities	0	0	0	0
Mid-Atlantic Homebuilding [Member] | Impairment of Land Held for Sale [Member]
Impairment of land held for sale	0	0	0	0
Mid-Atlantic Homebuilding [Member] | Option Deposits and Pre-Acquisition Write-Offs [Member]
Option deposits and pre-acquisition costs write-offs	0	0	0	110
Mid-Atlantic Homebuilding [Member] | Impairment of Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures [Member]
Impairment of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0