Business Segments Business Segments - Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Deposits on real estate under option or contract	$ 16,910	$ 14,365
Inventory	706,717	676,570
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	44,847	35,266
Other assets	316,429	383,975
Total assets	1,084,903	1,110,176
Midwest Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Deposits on real estate under option or contract	2,040	2,003
Inventory	240,696	248,218
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	4,361	5,331
Other assets	11,115	10,571
Total assets	258,212	266,123
Southern Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Deposits on real estate under option or contract	9,353	7,107
Inventory	256,348	236,505
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	40,486	29,935
Other assets	16,268	982
Total assets	322,455	274,529
Mid-Atlantic Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Deposits on real estate under option or contract	5,517	5,255
Inventory	209,673	191,847
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0
Other assets	8,121	11,050
Total assets	223,311	208,152
Corporate, Financial Services and Unallocated [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Deposits on real estate under option or contract	0	0
Inventory	0	0
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0
Other assets	280,925	361,372
Total assets	$ 280,925	$ 361,372