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Organization and Basis of Presentation (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Sep. 30, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
--- | --- | ---
Sureties: |  |
Outstanding | $ 165,939 | $ 87,392
Estimated work remaining to complete | 85,915 | 39,023
Letters of Credit ("LOCs"): |  |
Total LOCs | 40,474 | 37,466
Sureties related to joint ventures [Member] |  |
Sureties: |  |
Outstanding | 87 | 87
Estimated work remaining to complete | 87 | 87
Sureties related to owned projects and lots under contract [Member] |  |
Sureties: |  |
Outstanding | 165,852 | 87,305
Estimated work remaining to complete | 85,828 | 38,936
Letter of Credit in lieu of deposit for contracted lots [Member] [Domain] |  |
Letters of Credit ("LOCs"): |  |
Total LOCs | 1,685 | 0
LOCs for land development [Member] |  |
Letters of Credit ("LOCs"): |  |
Total LOCs | 34,289 | 32,475
LOCs for general corporate operations [Member] |  |
Letters of Credit ("LOCs"): |  |
Total LOCs | $ 4,500 | $ 4,991

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