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Fair Value Disclosures (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010
Summary of long lived real estate assets |  |  |  |  |
Impairments | $ 2,009 |  | $ 15,324 |  | $ 6,451
Real Estate [Member] | Level 3 [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Summary of long lived real estate assets |  |  |  |  |
Adjusted Basis of Long-Lived Real Estate Assets | 12,013 | [1] | 68,179 | [1],[2] |
Impairments | 2,009 |  | 15,324 |  |
Initial Basis of Long-Lived Real Estate Assets | 14,022 |  | 83,503 |  |
Other Assets [Member] | Level 2 [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Summary of long lived real estate assets |  |  |  |  |
Adjusted Basis of Long-Lived Real Estate Assets |  |  | 952 |  |
Impairments |  |  | 848 |  |
Initial Basis of Long-Lived Real Estate Assets |  |  | $ 1,800 |  |
[1] | The fair values in the table above represent only those real estate assets whose carrying values were adjusted in the respective period.
[2] | The carrying values for these real-estate assets may have subsequently increased or decreased from the fair value reported due to activities that have occurred since the measurement date.

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- Definition Long lived assets initial basis. + References No definition available. + Details
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Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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- 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
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- 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
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Namespace Prefix: | mth_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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- Details
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