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Organization and Basis of Presentation (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Sep. 30, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
--- | --- | ---
Sureties: |  |
Outstanding | $ 83,356 | $ 67,515
Estimated work remaining to complete | 51,196 | 37,284
Letters of Credit ("LOCs"): |  |
Total LOCs | 14,740 | 11,411
Sureties related to joint ventures [Member] |  |
Sureties: |  |
Outstanding | 1,950 | 1,594
Estimated work remaining to complete | 1,950 | 32
Sureties related to owned projects and lots under contract [Member] |  |
Sureties: |  |
Outstanding | 81,406 | 65,921
Estimated work remaining to complete | 49,246 | 37,252
LOCs for land development [Member] |  |
Letters of Credit ("LOCs"): |  |
Total LOCs | 9,749 | 6,451
LOCs for general corporate operations [Member] |  |
Letters of Credit ("LOCs"): |  |
Total LOCs | $ 4,991 | $ 4,960

X
- Details
Name: | mth_LetterOfCreditAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | mth_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | mth_SuretiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | mth_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The outstanding amount of off-balance sheet obligations related to surety bonds issued related to certain development agreements. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mth_SuretiesOutstanding
Namespace Prefix: | mth_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The estimated dollar amount remaining to complete the project for which the Company maintains a surety bond obligation. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mth_SuretiesRelatedToUncompletedContracts
Namespace Prefix: | mth_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant