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v2.4.1.9

Senior, Senior Subordinated, Convertible Senior Notes (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013
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Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Senior Notes | $ 904,486 us-gaap_SeniorNotes | $ 905,055 us-gaap_SeniorNotes
4.50% senior notes due 2018 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Senior Notes | 175,000 us-gaap_SeniorNotes / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = mth_SeniorNotesDueTwoThousandEighteenMemberDomain | 175,000 us-gaap_SeniorNotes / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = mth_SeniorNotesDueTwoThousandEighteenMemberDomain
7.15% senior notes due 2020 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Senior Notes | 302,986 us-gaap_SeniorNotes / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = mth_SeniorNotesDueTwoThousandTwentyMember | 303,555 us-gaap_SeniorNotes / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = mth_SeniorNotesDueTwoThousandTwentyMember
7.00% senior notes due 2022 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Senior Notes | 300,000 us-gaap_SeniorNotes / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = mth_SeniorNotesDueTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember | 300,000 us-gaap_SeniorNotes / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = mth_SeniorNotesDueTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember
1.875% convertible senior notes due 2032 [Member] |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |
Senior Notes | $ 126,500 us-gaap_SeniorNotes / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = mth_ConvertibleSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandThirtyTwoMemberMember | $ 126,500 us-gaap_SeniorNotes / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = mth_ConvertibleSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandThirtyTwoMemberMember

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- Definition Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer). Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.16) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 9 + Details
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