Fair Value Measurements Assets Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis (Details) (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Adjusted basis of inventory	$ 0	$ 2,015
Impairments	0	900
Initial basis of inventory	$ 0	$ 2,915

The charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of land, terminated options/purchase contracts and related pre acquisition costs, and real estate from their carrying value to their fair value.

No definition available.

Name:	mho_RealEstateRelatedImpairments
Namespace Prefix:	mho_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration