Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) claim		Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) claim	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding		$ 196,900		$ 196,900			$ 212,100
Surety bonds outstanding		$ 1,000,000		$ 1,000,000			1,000,000
Maximum product warranty in years				10 years
Pending claims | claim		1,000		1,000
Self-insurance liabilities		$ 702,484		$ 702,484	$ 734,663	$ 700,133	$ 710,245	$ 746,446	$ 668,100
Incurred but not reported percentage of liability reserves		73.00%		73.00%			72.00%
Adjustment to self insurance reserves		$ (5,700)		$ (32,600)	$ 84,500
Northeast | Applecross v. Pulte Homes of PA, et al
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Reserve recorded	[2]	$ 20,000	[1]	$ 20,000

[1] Miscellaneous, net includes a charge of $20.0 million resulting from the Applecross matter for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015

[2] Northeast includes a charge of $20.0 million resulting from the Applecross matter for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015