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Operating and Reporting Segments (Details Textual) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Sep. 30, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2011
Operating and Reporting Segments (Textual) [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Land Sales Revenue | $ 7,763 | $ 0 | $ 8,846 | $ 100
West [Member] |  |  |  |
Operating and Reporting Segments (Textual) [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Land Sales Revenue | 4,400 |  | 4,400 |
Central [Member] |  |  |  |
Operating and Reporting Segments (Textual) [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Land Sales Revenue | 2,600 |  | 3,600 | 100
East [Member] |  |  |  |
Operating and Reporting Segments (Textual) [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Land Sales Revenue | $ 800 |  | $ 800 |

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- Details
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Namespace Prefix: | mth_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
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- Definition Revenue from the sale of land in the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1(e)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LandSales
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration