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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] |  |  |
Joint venture impairments | $ 0 | $ 0.3 | $ 2.8

X
- Definition The charge against earnings in the period to reduce the carrying amount of joint venture investments to fair value. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mth_JointVentureImpairments
Namespace Prefix: | mth_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration