Segment Information (Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	$ (1,130)	$ (4,059)	$ (3,296)
Northeast [Member]
Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	(58)	(4)	15
Southeast [Member]
Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	0	0	0
Florida [Member]
Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	(4)	0	0
Texas [Member]
Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	0	0	0
North [Member]
Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	(608)	(1,497)	(121)
Southwest [Member]
Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	(678)	(1,137)	(2,561)
Other Homebuilding [Member]
Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	355	(1,235)	(527)
Homebuilding [Member]
Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	(993)	(3,873)	(3,194)
Financial Services [Member]
Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	$ (137)	$ (186)	$ (102)