Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Single-family lots, land and land development costs (a) (b)	$ 30,794	$ 53,754
Other assets	1,040	5,499
Total assets	31,834	59,253
Notes payable	1,287	7,025
Other liabilities	2,723	2,190
Total liabilities	4,010	9,215
Company’s equity (a) (b)	16,015	24,367
Other equity	11,809	25,671
Total partners’ equity	27,824	50,038
Total liabilities and partners’ equity	31,834	59,253
Reduction of impairment relating to unconsolidated joint ventures	536	4,825
Company's investment in joint development or similar agreements	$ 12,537	$ 17,425