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Organization and Basis of Presentation (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013
--- | --- | ---
Sureties: |  |
Outstanding | $ 216,686 | $ 191,829
Estimated work remaining to complete | 88,737 | 86,202
Letters of Credit ("LOCs"): |  |
Total LOCs | 35,598 | 42,068
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 | 216,599 | 191,742
Estimated work remaining to complete | 88,650 | 86,115
Letter of Credit in lieu of deposit for contracted lots [Member] [Domain] |  |
Letters of Credit ("LOCs"): |  |
Total LOCs | 1,685 | 1,685
LOCs for land development [Member] |  |
Letters of Credit ("LOCs"): |  |
Total LOCs | 29,413 | 35,883
LOCs for general corporate operations [Member] |  |
Letters of Credit ("LOCs"): |  |
Total LOCs | $ 4,500 | $ 4,500

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