XML 26 R7.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.6

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

X

- Details

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