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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2009
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract] |  |  |
Cash related to a consolidated variable interest entity | $ 462 | $ 358 |
Pre-tax charges related to impairment of contract land deposits | 11,200 | 4,300 |
Pre-tax recovery of contract land deposits |  |  | 6,500
Contract land deposit asset impairment valuation allowance | 70,300 | 73,500 |
Impairment of excess reorganization value | 0 |  |
Typical length of days loans sold into secondary market | 30 to 60 days |  |
Antidilutive stock options and restricted share units | 467,367 | 443,565 | 134,405
Uncertain tax position threshold for tax benefit | 50.00% |  |
Rate Lock Commitments [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Notional or Principal Amount | 126,929 |  |
Notional of open forward delivery contracts [Member] |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |
Notional or Principal Amount | 353,555 |  |
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Average | 2 |  |
Office facilities and other equipment [Member] |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Maximum | 10 |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum | 3 |  |
Manufacturing Facility [Member] |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] |  |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Maximum | 40 |  |
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum | 5 |  |
Homebuilding [Member] |  |  |
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] |  |  |
Restricted Cash | 19,119 | 22,889 |
Mortgage Banking [Member] |  |  |
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items] |  |  |
Restricted Cash | $ 1,373 | $ 555 |

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