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Operating and Reporting Segments Operating and Reporting Segments (Details 2) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Impairment Of Real Estate And Joint Venture And Other Real Estate Related Impairments | $ 987 | $ 2,009 | $ 15,324
West [Member] |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Impairment Of Real Estate And Joint Venture And Other Real Estate Related Impairments | 514 | 1,618 | 11,333
Central [Member] |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Impairment Of Real Estate And Joint Venture And Other Real Estate Related Impairments | 235 | 219 | 2,896
East [Member] |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |
Impairment Of Real Estate And Joint Venture And Other Real Estate Related Impairments | $ 238 | $ 172 | $ 1,095

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- Definition The charge against earnings in the period to reduce the carrying amount of real property, joint venture investment balances and other real estate related capitalized costs to fair value. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mth_ImpairmentOfRealEstateAndJointVentureAndOtherRealEstateRelatedImpairments
Namespace Prefix: | mth_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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- Details
Name: | us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration