Segment Information (Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	$ (8,408)	$ (1,130)	$ (4,059)
Northeast [Member]
Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	(4,733)	(58)	(4)
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	(7)	(4)	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	(2,417)	(608)	(1,497)
Southwest [Member]
Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	(486)	(678)	(1,137)
Other Homebuilding [Member]
Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	(583)	355	(1,235)
Homebuilding [Member]
Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	(8,226)	(993)	(3,873)
Financial Services [Member]
Equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	$ (182)	$ (137)	$ (186)