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Inventory And Land Held For Sale (Policy)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Inventory, Interest Capitalization Policy
We capitalize interest cost into inventory during the active development and construction of our communities. Each layer of capitalized interest is amortized over a period that approximates the average life of communities under development. Interest expense is recorded based on the cyclical timing of home closings.
Inventory Impairment Policy
Impairment of inventory
In accordance with ASC 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment” (“ASC 360”), we record valuation adjustments on land inventory and related communities under development when events and circumstances indicate that they may be impaired and when the cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than their carrying amounts. Such indicators include gross margin or sales paces significantly below expectations, construction costs or land development costs significantly in excess of budgeted amounts, significant delays or changes in the planned development for the community, and other known qualitative factors. For communities that are not yet active, a significant additional consideration includes an evaluation of the probability, timing, and cost of obtaining necessary approvals from local municipalities and any potential concessions that may be necessary in order to obtain such approvals. We also consider potential changes to the product offerings in a community and any alternative strategies for the land, such as the sale of the land either in whole or in parcels. Communities that demonstrate potential impairment indicators are tested for impairment. We compare the expected undiscounted cash flows for these communities to their carrying value. For those communities whose carrying values exceed the expected undiscounted cash flows, we calculate the fair value of the community in accordance with ASC 360. Impairment charges are required to be recorded if the fair value of the community's inventory is less than its carrying value.
We determine the fair value of a community's inventory using a combination of market comparable land transactions, where available, and discounted cash flow models. These estimated cash flows are significantly impacted by estimates related to expected average selling prices, expected sales paces, expected land development and construction timelines, and anticipated land development, construction, and overhead costs. The assumptions used in the discounted cash flow models are specific to each community tested for impairment and typically do not assume improvements in market conditions in the near term. Due to uncertainties in the estimation process, the significant volatility in demand for new housing, and the long life cycles of many communities, actual results could differ significantly from such estimates. Our determination of fair value also requires discounting the estimated cash flows at a rate commensurate with the inherent risks associated with each of the assets and related estimated cash flow streams. The discount rate used in determining each community's fair value depends on the stage of development of the community and other specific factors that increase or decrease the inherent risks associated with the community's cash flow streams. For example, communities that are entitled and near completion will generally be assigned a lower discount rate than communities that are not entitled and consist of multiple phases spanning several years of development and construction activity.
Impairment of Land Held for Sale Policy
 Land held for sale is valued at the lower of carrying value or net realizable value (fair value less costs to sell). In determining the net realizable value of land held for sale, we consider recent offers received, prices for land in recent comparable sales transactions, and other factors. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we recognized net realizable value adjustments of $0.6 million. There were no net realizable value adjustments during the three months ended March 31, 2011. We record these net realizable value adjustments within Homebuilding land sale cost of revenues.
Write-Off of Deposits and Pre-Acquisition Costs
We write off deposits and pre-acquisition costs related to land option contracts when it becomes probable that we will not go forward with the project or recover the capitalized costs. Such decisions take into consideration changes in local market conditions, the willingness of land sellers to modify terms of the related purchase agreements, the timing of required land takedowns, the availability and best use of necessary incremental capital, and other factors. We wrote off (net of recoveries) deposits and pre-acquisition costs in the amount of $0.7 million and $0.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We record these write-offs of deposits and pre-acquisition costs within other expense (income), net.