Business Segments Business Segments - Valuation Adjustments (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
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Total Of Valuation Adjustments And Write Offs	$ 2,136	$ 1,309	$ 4,237	$ 2,132
Midwest Homebuilding [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Total Of Valuation Adjustments And Write Offs	2,136	1,309	4,237	1,912
Southern Homebuilding [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Total Of Valuation Adjustments And Write Offs	0	0	0	110
Mid-Atlantic Homebuilding [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Total Of Valuation Adjustments And Write Offs	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 110