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Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
Financial information related to unconsolidated joint ventures, Operations |  |  |  |
Revenue | $ 34,553 |  | $ 38,230 | $ 19,881
Costs and expenses | (12,407) |  | (21,093) | (11,783)
Net earnings of unconsolidated entities | 22,146 |  | 17,137 | 8,098
Meritage's share of pre-tax earnings | 12,833 | [1],[2] | 10,441 | 5,849
JV Partners [Member] |  |  |  |
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information, Equity | 18,641 |  | 19,374 |
Meritage Homes [Member] |  |  |  |
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information, Equity | $ 10,332 |  | $ 9,631 |
[1] | Our share of pre-tax earnings is recorded in “Losses from unconsolidated entities, net” and "Earnings from financial services unconsolidated entities and other, net" on our consolidated statements of operations and excludes joint venture profit related to lots we purchased from the joint ventures. Such profit is deferred until homes are delivered by us and title passes to a homebuyer.
[2] | Balance represents Meritage's interest, as reflected in the financial records of the respective joint ventures. This balance may differ from the balance reflected in our consolidated balance sheets due to the following reconciling items: (i) timing differences for revenue and distributions recognition, (ii) step-up basis and corresponding amortization, (iii) income deferrals as discussed in Note (3) below and (iv) the cessation of allocation of losses from joint ventures in which we have previously impaired our investment balance to zero and where we have no commitment to fund additional losses.

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