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Fair Value Disclosures (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Jun. 30, 2012 | Jun. 30, 2011 | Jun. 30, 2012 | Jun. 30, 2011
Summary of long lived real estate assets |  |  |  |
Impairments |  |  | $ 1,156 | $ 1,254
Real Estate [Member] | Level 3 [Member] |  |  |  |
Summary of long lived real estate assets |  |  |  |
Adjusted Basis of Long-Lived Real Estate Assets | 9,399 | 12,556 | 11,688 | 13,949
Impairments | 863 | 590 | 1,156 | 1,254
Initial Basis of Long-Lived Real Estate Assets | $ 10,262 | $ 13,146 | $ 12,844 | $ 15,203

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- Definition Long lived assets initial basis. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mth_LongLivedAssetsInitialBasis
Namespace Prefix: | mth_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The fair value of long lived real estate assets that are held by the entity and are expected to provide future economic benefit, that were impaired during the reporting period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mth_LongLivedRealEstateAssetsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | mth_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of land, terminated options/purchase contracts and related pre acquisition costs, and real estate from their carrying value to their fair value. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mth_RealEstateRelatedImpairments
Namespace Prefix: | mth_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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