Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Single-family lots, land and land development costs (a) (b)	$ 53,754	$ 49,987
Other assets	5,499	2,917
Total assets	59,253	52,904
Notes payable	7,025	12,153
Other liabilities	2,190	2,887
Total liabilities	9,215	15,040
Company’s equity (a) (b)	24,367	18,728
Other equity	25,671	19,136
Total partners’ equity	50,038	37,864
Total liabilities and partners’ equity	59,253	52,904
Reduction of impairment relating to unconsolidated joint ventures	4,825	5,992
Company's investment in joint development or similar agreements	$ 17,425	$ 15,033