Segment Information Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013 segment	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information
Home sale revenues		$ 5,424,309,000	$ 4,552,412,000	$ 3,950,743,000
Number of reportable segments		6
Loss on debt retirements	32,100,000	26,930,000	32,071,000	5,638,000
Charges related to contractual dispute		41,200,000
Detached single-family homes [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Home sale revenues		4,500,000,000	3,600,000,000	3,100,000,000
Attached homes [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Home sale revenues		939,000,000	925,400,000	841,300,000
Home Office Relocation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Costs associated with the relocation of corporate headquarters		15,400,000
Home Office Relocation [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information
Costs associated with the relocation of corporate headquarters		$ 15,000,000