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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions |  |  | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Jun. 06, 2011 USD ($) | Dec. 09, 2010 lender | Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) joint_venture | Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) | Aug. 25, 2011 USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Rent expense |  |  |  | $ 7.8 | $ 6.6 | $ 6.5 |
Sublease income |  |  |  | $ 0.6 | $ 0.5 | $ 0.6 |
South Edge [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of co-venturers liable to Meritage | joint_venture |  |  |  | 4 |  |  |
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A. v. South Edge LLC, Case No. 10-32968-bam [Member] | Pending Litigation [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of lenders filing petition for involuntary bankruptcy | lender |  | 3 |  |  |  |  |
Amount requested in demand for arbitration related to alleged breaches | $ 13.2 |  |  |  |  |  |
Litigation judgment amount with interest |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 16.6
Incremental charges |  |  | $ 4.1 |  |  |  |
South Edge Guarantee [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest in joint venture |  |  |  | 3.53% |  |  |

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