Shea Homes Limited Partnership 10-Q 12 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'
Document Type	'10-Q
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1
Entity Registrant Name	'SHEA HOMES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Entity Central Index Key	'0001531744
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	0

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$104,775	$206,205	$251,478	$279,756
Restricted cash	996	1,189	'	'
Accounts and other receivables, net	153,845	147,499	'	'
Receivables from related parties, net	21,988	32,350	'	'
Inventory	1,132,196	1,013,272	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	52,535	47,748	'	'
Other assets, net	57,112	57,070	'	'
Total assets	1,523,447	1,505,333	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Notes payable	752,092	751,708	'	'
Payables to related parties	5,599	21	'	'
Accounts payable	44,605	62,346	'	'
Other liabilities	288,551	245,801	'	'
Total liabilities	1,090,847	1,059,876	'	'
SHLP equity:	'	'	'	'
Owners' equity	427,235	440,268	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	4,967	4,788	'	'
Total SHLP equity	432,202	445,056	'	'
Non-controlling interests	398	401	'	'
Total equity	432,600	445,457	326,214	319,247
Total liabilities and equity	$1,523,447	$1,505,333	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues	$180,115		$134,960
Cost of sales	-135,258		-103,424
Gross margin	44,857		31,536
Selling expenses	-11,740		-10,154
General and administrative expenses	-15,304		-11,957
Equity in income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures	406		-632
Gain on reinsurance transaction	1,345		648
Interest expense	-118	[1]	-3,433	[1]
Other income (expense), net	-473		770
Income before income taxes	18,973		6,778
Income tax benefit (expense)	-7,678		59
Net income	11,295		6,837
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	3		1
Net income attributable to SHLP	$11,298		$6,838
[1]	For the three-months ended March 31, 2014, qualifying assets exceeded debt, therefore no interest on the Secured Notes was expensed; interest expense represents fees charged on the unused revolving credit facility that is not considered a cost of borrowing and is not capitalized. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, assets qualifying for interest capitalization were less than debt; therefore, non-qualifying interest was expensed.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net income	$11,295	$6,837
Other comprehensive income, before tax	'	'
Unrealized investment holding gains during the year	296	250
Less: Reclassification adjustments for investment gains included in net income	0	-37
Comprehensive income, before tax	11,591	7,050
Income tax expense	-117	-83
Comprehensive income, net of tax	11,474	6,967
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests	3	1
Comprehensive income attributable to SHLP	$11,477	$6,968

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (USD $)		Total	Members Equity	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Parent	Noncontrolling Interest	Limited Partner	Limited Partner	Limited Partner	General Partner
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified							Series B Preferred Stock	Series D Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Common Stock
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012		$319,247	$314,321	$4,517	$318,838	$409	$173,555	$138,413	$1,863	$490
Comprehensive income (loss):		'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)		6,837	6,838	0	6,838	-1	0	6,838	0	0
Change in unrealized gains on investments, net		130	0	130	130	0	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income, net of tax		6,967	'	'	6,968	-1	'	'	'	'
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2013		326,214	321,159	4,647	325,806	408	173,555	145,251	1,863	490
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013		445,457	440,268	4,788	445,056	401	216,934	177,866	35,996	9,472
Comprehensive income (loss):		'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)		11,295	11,298	0	11,298	-3	475	1,006	7,772	2,045
Change in unrealized gains on investments, net		179	0	179	179	0	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income, net of tax		11,474	'	'	11,477	-3	'	'	'	'
Contributions from owners	[1]	945	945	0	945	0	0	0	748	197
Distributions to owners	[2]	-25,276	-25,276	0	-25,276	0	0	0	-20,010	-5,266
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2014		$432,600	$427,235	$4,967	$432,202	$398	$217,409	$178,872	$24,506	$6,448
[1]	In February 2014, the Company sold property to a related party under common control and, in accordance with GAAP, $0.9 million of consideration received in excess of the net book value was recorded as an equity contribution from its owners.
[2]	In January 2014, the Company acquired property and related liabilities from a related party under common control for $4.4 million cash, assumption of a $1.3 million liability, and estimated future revenue participation payments of $19.6 million. The $25.3 million of consideration was recorded as an equity distribution to its owners.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Equity distribution to owners	$25,300,000
Partners	'
Payment for acquisition of property	4,400,000
Payment for acquisition of liability	1,300,000
Partners | Future revenue participation payments	'
Future payment for acquisition of property	$19,600,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating activities	'	'
Net income	$11,295	$6,837
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Equity in (income) loss from unconsolidated joint ventures	-406	632
Gain on reinsurance transaction	-1,345	-648
Net gain on sale of available-for-sale investments	0	-10
Depreciation and amortization expense	1,923	1,759
Net interest capitalized on investment in joint ventures	-875	-257
Distributions of earnings from joint ventures	1,130	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Restricted cash	193	10,343
Receivables and other assets	-6,395	-4,755
Inventory	-118,924	-44,743
Payables and other liabilities	10,742	2,879
Net cash used in operating activities	-102,662	-27,963
Investing activities	'	'
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investments	86	3,069
Net collections on promissory notes from related parties	10,461	385
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	-4,452	-4,028
Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures	0	500
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	6,095	-74
Financing activities	'	'
Principal payments to financial institutions and others	-1,423	-241
Contributions from owners	945	0
Distributions to owners	-4,385	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-4,863	-241
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-101,430	-28,278
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	206,205	279,756
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$104,775	$251,478

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation	'
	1. Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Shea Homes Limited Partnership (“SHLP”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including Shea Homes, Inc. (“SHI”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company consolidates all joint ventures in which it has a controlling interest or other ventures in which it is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). Material intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these consolidated financial statements do not include all information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the year ended December 31, 2013. Adjustments, consisting of normal, recurring accruals and loss reserves, considered necessary for a fair presentation, are included.
	Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “we”, “us”, “our” and “the Company” refer to SHLP, its subsidiaries and its consolidated joint ventures.
	Organization
	SHLP, a California limited partnership, was formed January 4, 1989, pursuant to an agreement of partnership (the “Agreement”), as most recently amended August 6, 2013, by and between J.F. Shea, G.P., a Delaware general partnership, as general partner, and the Company’s limited partners who are comprised of entities and trusts, including J.F. Shea Co., Inc. (“JFSCI”), that are under the common control of Shea family members (collectively, the “Partners”). J.F. Shea, G.P. is 96% owned by JFSCI.
	Nature of Operations
	Our principal business purpose is homebuilding, which includes acquiring and developing land and constructing and selling new residential homes thereon. To a lesser degree, we develop lots and sell them to other homebuilders. Our principal markets are California, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Nevada, Florida, Virginia and Texas.
	We own a captive insurance company, Partners Insurance Company, Inc. (“PIC”), which provided warranty, general liability, workers’ compensation and completed operations insurance for related companies and third-party subcontractors. Effective for the policy years commencing in 2007, PIC ceased issuing policies for these coverages (see Note 11).
	Seasonality
	Historically, the homebuilding industry experiences seasonal fluctuations. We typically experience the highest home sales order activity in spring and summer, although this activity is also highly dependent on the number of active selling communities, timing of community openings and other market factors. Since it typically takes three to eight months to construct a home, we close more homes in the second half of the year as spring and summer home sales orders convert to home closings. Because of this seasonality, home starts, construction costs and related cash outflows are historically highest from April to October, and the majority of cash receipts from home closings occur during the second half of the year. Therefore, operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of results expected for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Use of Estimates
	Preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates primarily relate to valuation of certain real estate and reserves for self-insured risks. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Inventory
	We capitalize preacquisition, land, development and other allocated costs, including interest during development and home construction. Applicable costs incurred after development or construction is substantially complete are charged to selling, general and administrative, and other expenses as appropriate. Preacquisition costs, including non-refundable land deposits, are expensed to other income (expense), net when we determine continuation of the respective project is not probable.
	Land, development and other indirect costs are typically allocated to inventory using a methodology that approximates the relative-sales-value method. Home construction costs are recorded using the specific identification method. Cost of sales for homes closed includes the specific construction costs of each home and all applicable land acquisition, land development and related costs (both incurred and estimated to be incurred) based upon the total number of homes expected to close in each community. Changes to estimated total development costs subsequent to initial home closings in a community are generally allocated on a relative-sales-value method to remaining homes in the community.
	Inventory is stated at cost, unless the carrying amount is determined not to be recoverable, in which case inventory is adjusted to fair value or fair value less cost to sell. Quarterly, we review our real estate assets at each community for indicators of impairment. Real estate assets include projects actively selling, under development, held for future development or held for sale. Indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to, significant decreases in local housing market values and prices of comparable homes, significant decreases in gross margins and sales absorption rates, costs in excess of budget, and actual or projected cash flow losses.
	If there are indications of impairment, we analyze the budgets and cash flows of our real estate assets and compare the estimated remaining undiscounted future cash flows of the community to the asset’s carrying value. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the asset’s carrying value, no impairment adjustment is required. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the asset’s carrying value, the asset is deemed impaired and adjusted to fair value. For land held for sale, if the fair value less costs to sell exceed the asset’s carrying value, no impairment adjustment is required. These impairment evaluations require use of estimates and assumptions regarding future conditions, including timing and amounts of development costs and sales prices of real estate assets, to determine if estimated future undiscounted cash flows will be sufficient to recover the asset’s carrying value.
	When estimating undiscounted cash flows of a community, various assumptions are made, including: (i) the number of homes available and the expected prices and incentives offered by us or builders in other communities, and future price adjustments based on market and economic trends; (ii) expected sales pace and cancellation rates based on local housing market conditions, competition and historical trends; (iii) costs expended to date and expected to be incurred, including, but not limited to, land and land development, home construction, interest, indirect construction and overhead, and selling and marketing costs; (iv) alternative product offerings that could impact sales pace, sales price and/or building costs; and (v) alternative uses for the property.
	Many assumptions are interdependent and a change in one may require a corresponding change to other assumptions. For example, increasing or decreasing sales rates have a direct impact on the estimated price of a home, the level of time sensitive costs (such as indirect construction, overhead and interest), and selling and marketing costs (such as model maintenance and advertising). Depending on the underlying objective of the community, assumptions could have a significant impact on the projected cash flows. For example, if our objective is to preserve operating margins, our cash flows will be different than if the objective is to increase sales. These objectives may vary significantly by community over time.
	If assets are considered impaired, the impairment charge is the amount the asset’s carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined based on estimated future cash flows discounted for inherent risks associated with real estate assets or other valuation techniques. These discounted cash flows are impacted by expected risk based on estimated land development, construction and delivery timelines; market risk of price erosion; uncertainty of development or construction cost increases; and other risks specific to the asset or market conditions where the asset is located when the assessment is made. These factors are specific to each community and may vary among communities. The discount rate used in determining each asset’s fair value depends on the community’s projected life and development stage.
	Completed Operations Claim Costs
	We maintain, and require our subcontractors to maintain, general liability insurance which includes coverage for completed operations losses and damages. Most subcontractors carry this insurance through our “rolling wrap-up” insurance program, where our risks and risks of participating subcontractors are insured through a common set of master policies.
	Completed operations claims reserves primarily represent claims for property damage to completed homes and projects outside of our one-to-two year warranty period. Specific terms and conditions of completed operations warranties vary depending on the market in which homes are closed and can range up to 12 years from the closing of a home.
	We record expenses and liabilities for estimated costs of potential completed operations claims based upon aggregated loss experience, which includes an estimate of completed operations claims incurred but not reported and is actuarially estimated using individual case-basis valuations and statistical analysis. These estimates make up our entire reserve and are subject to a high degree of variability due to uncertainties such as trends in completed operations claims related to our markets and products built, changes in claims reporting and settlement patterns, third party recoveries, insurance industry practices, insurance regulations and legal precedent. Because state regulations vary, completed operations claims are reported and resolved over an extended period, sometimes exceeding 12 years. As a result, actual costs may differ significantly from estimates.
	The actuarial analyses that determine these incurred but not reported claims consider various factors, including frequency and severity of losses, which are based on our historical claims experience supplemented by industry data. The actuarial analyses of these claims and reserves also consider historical third party recovery rates and claims management expenses. Due to inherent uncertainties related to each of these factors, periodic changes to such factors based on updated relevant information could result in actual costs differing significantly from estimates.
	In accordance with our underlying completed operations insurance policies, completed operations claims costs are recoverable from our subcontractors or insurance carriers. Completed operations claims through July 31, 2009 are insured or reinsured with third-party insurance carriers and completed operations claims commencing August 1, 2009 are insured with third-party and affiliate insurance carriers.
	Revenues
	In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360, revenues from housing and other real estate sales are recognized when the respective units close. Housing and other real estate sales close when all conditions of escrow are met, including delivery of the home or other real estate asset, title passage, appropriate consideration is received or collection of associated receivables, if any, is reasonably assured and when we have no other continuing involvement in the asset. Sales incentives are a reduction of revenues when the respective unit is closed.
	Income Taxes
	SHLP is treated as a partnership for income tax purposes. As a limited partnership, SHLP is subject to certain minimal state taxes and fees; however, taxes on income realized by SHLP are generally the obligation of the Partners and their owners.
	SHI and PIC are C corporations. Federal and state income taxes are provided for these entities in accordance with ASC 740. The provision for, or benefit from, income taxes is calculated using the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect the year in which differences are expected to reverse.
	Deferred tax assets are evaluated to determine whether a valuation allowance should be established based on our determination of whether it is more likely than not some or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets depends primarily on generation of future taxable income during periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The assessment of a valuation allowance includes giving appropriate consideration to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax asset. This assessment considers, among other things, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses over recent years, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, our experience with operating loss and tax credit carryforwards before they expire, and tax planning alternatives. Judgment is required in determining future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements and/or tax returns. Differences between anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	We follow certain accounting guidance with respect to how uncertain tax positions should be accounted for and disclosed in the consolidated financial statements. The guidance requires the assessment of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the tax returns and to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained upon examination by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not criteria would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. We are required to assess open tax years, as defined by the statute of limitations, for all major jurisdictions, including federal and certain states. Open tax years are those that are open for examination by taxing authorities. We have examinations in progress but believe there are no uncertain tax positions that do not meet the more-likely-than-not level of authority (see Note 13).

Restricted_Cash

Restricted Cash	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restricted Cash	'
	3. Restricted Cash
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, restricted cash included cash customer deposits temporarily restricted in accordance with regulatory requirements and cash used in lieu of bonds. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, restricted cash was $1.0 million and $1.2 million, respectively.

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures	'
	4. Fair Value Disclosures
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, as required by ASC 825, the following presents net book values and estimated fair values of notes payable.
		March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Net Book		Estimated		Net Book		Estimated
		Value		Fair Value		Value		Fair Value
		(In thousands)
	$750,000 senior secured notes	$	750,000	$	825,000	$	750,000	$	830,625
	Secured promissory notes	$	2,092	$	2,092	$	1,708	$	1,708
	The $750.0 million 8.625% senior secured notes due May 2019 (the “Secured Notes”) are level 2 financial instruments in which fair value was based on quoted market prices in an inactive market at the end of the period.
	Other financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts and other receivables, accounts payable and other liabilities and secured promissory notes. Book values of these financial instruments approximate fair value due to their relatively short-term nature. In addition, included in other assets are available-for-sale marketable securities, which are recorded at fair value.

Accounts_and_Other_Receivables

Accounts and Other Receivables, net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounts and Other Receivables, net	'
	5. Accounts and Other Receivables, net
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, accounts and other receivables, net were as follows:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Insurance receivables	$	137,644		$	138,610
	Escrow receivables		7,154			586
	Notes receivables		4,308			3,155
	Development receivables		1,932			3,093
	Other receivables		4,718			4,031
	Reserve		(1,911	)		(1,976	)
	Total accounts and other receivables, net	$	153,845		$	147,499
	Insurance receivables are from insurance carriers for reimbursable claims pertaining to resultant damage from construction defects on closed homes (see Note 11). Closed homes for policy years August 1, 2001 to July 31, 2009 are insured or reinsured with third-party insurance carriers, and closed homes for policy years commencing August 1, 2009 are insured with third-party and affiliate insurance carriers. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, insurance receivables from affiliate insurance carriers were $47.2 million and $44.0 million, respectively.
	We reserve for uncollectible receivables that are specifically identified.

Inventory

Inventory	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory	'
	6. Inventory
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, inventory was as follows:
			March 31,			December 31,
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Model homes		$	104,549		$	87,728
	Completed homes for sale			34,237			20,285
	Homes under construction			299,579			257,662
	Lots available for construction			354,471			342,622
	Land under development			154,801			122,257
	Land held for future development			80,413			70,618
	Land held for sale, including water system connection rights			82,595			79,102
	Land deposits and preacquisition costs			21,551			32,998
	Total inventory		$	1,132,196		$	1,013,272
	Model homes, completed homes for sale and homes under construction include all costs associated with home construction, including land, development, indirects, permits, and vertical construction. Lots available for construction include costs incurred prior to home construction such as land, development, indirects and permits. Land under development includes costs incurred during site development such as land, development, indirects and permits. Land under development transfers to lots available for construction once site development is complete and is ready for vertical construction. Land is classified as held for future development if no significant development has occurred. Land held for sale, including water system connection rights, represents residential and commercial land designated for sale, as well as water system connection rights held that will be transferred to homebuyers upon closing of their home, transferred upon sale of land to the respective buyer, sold or otherwise leased.
	Impairment
	Inventory, including the captions above, are stated at cost, unless the carrying amount is determined to be unrecoverable, in which case inventories are adjusted to fair value or fair value less costs to sell (see Note 2).
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no inventory impairment charges.
	Interest Capitalization
	Interest is capitalized to inventory and investments in unconsolidated joint ventures during development and other qualifying activities. Interest capitalized as a cost of inventory is included in cost of sales when related units close. Interest capitalized to investments in unconsolidated joint ventures is included in equity in income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures when related units in the joint ventures close.
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, interest incurred, capitalized and expensed was as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Interest incurred		$	16,929		$	16,768
	Interest expensed (a)		$	118		$	3,433
	Interest capitalized as a cost of inventory during the period		$	15,936		$	13,078
	Interest previously capitalized as a cost of inventory, included in cost of sales		$	(10,844	)	$	(9,511	)
	Interest capitalized in ending inventory (b)		$	107,192		$	106,416
	Interest capitalized as a cost of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures during the period		$	875		$	257
	Interest previously capitalized as a cost of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, included in equity in income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures		$	(267	)	$	(257	)
	Interest capitalized in ending investments in unconsolidated joint ventures		$	1,697		$	0
	(a)	For the three-months ended March 31, 2014, qualifying assets exceeded debt, therefore no interest on the Secured Notes was expensed; interest expense represents fees charged on the unused revolving credit facility that is not considered a cost of borrowing and is not capitalized. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, assets qualifying for interest capitalization were less than debt; therefore, non-qualifying interest was expensed.
	(b)	Inventory impairment charges were recorded against total inventory of the respective community in prior periods. Capitalized interest reflects the gross amount of capitalized interest as impairment charges recognized were generally not allocated to specific components of inventory.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	'
	7. Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
	Unconsolidated joint ventures, which we do not control but have significant influence through ownership interests generally up to 50%, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. These joint ventures are generally involved in real property development and house construction and sales. Earnings and losses are allocated in accordance with terms of joint venture agreements.
	Losses and distributions from joint ventures in excess of the carrying amount of our investment (“Deficit Distributions”) are included in other liabilities. We record Deficit Distributions since we are liable for this deficit to respective joint ventures. Deficit Distributions are offset by future earnings of, or future contributions to, the joint ventures. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Deficit Distributions were $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no impairments on investments in unconsolidated joint ventures.
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, total unconsolidated joint ventures’ notes payable was as follows:
			March 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
			(In thousands)
	Bank and seller notes payable:
	Guaranteed (subject to remargin obligations)		$	49,663	$	52,515
	Non-Guaranteed			11,010		10,073
	Total bank and seller notes payable (a)			60,673		62,588
	Partner notes payable (b):
	Unsecured			15,844		16,001
	Total unconsolidated joint venture notes payable		$	76,517	$	78,589
	Other unconsolidated joint venture notes payable (c)		$	12,051	$	55,441
	(a)	All bank seller notes were secured by real property.
	(b)	No guarantees were provided on partner notes payable. In January 2014, a $3.2 million partner note from one joint venture was paid off.
	(c)	Through indirect effective ownership in two joint ventures of 12.3% and 0.0003%, respectively, that had bank notes payable secured by real property in which we have not provided any guarantee.
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, remargin obligations and guarantees provided on debt of our unconsolidated joint ventures were on a joint and/or several basis and include, but are not limited to, project completion, interest and carry, and loan-to-value maintenance guarantees.
	For a joint venture, RRWS, LLC (“RRWS”), we have a remargin obligation which is limited to the lesser of 50% of the outstanding balance or $35.0 million in total for all of the joint venture loans, which outstanding loan balances at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were $42.2 million and $47.7 million, respectively. Consequently, our maximum remargin obligation at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $21.1 million and $23.8 million, respectively. We also have an indemnification agreement where we could potentially recover a portion of any remargin payments made by the Company. However, we cannot provide assurance we could collect under this indemnity agreement.
	For a second joint venture, Polo Estates Ventures, LLC (“Polo”), we have a joint and several remargin guarantee on loan obligations which, in total, at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were $7.4 million and $4.8 million, respectively. At both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, total maximum borrowings permitted on these loans was $21.6 million. We also have reimbursement rights where we could potentially recover a portion of any remargin payments made by the Company. However, we cannot provide assurance we could collect such reimbursements.
	No liabilities were recorded for these guarantees at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 as the fair value of the secured real estate assets exceeded the threshold at which a remargin payment would be required.
	Our ability to make joint venture and other restricted payments and investments is governed by the Indenture governing the Secured Notes (the “Indenture”). We are permitted to make restricted payments under (i) a $70.0 million revolving basket available solely for joint venture investments and (ii) a broader restricted payment basket available as long as our Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Indenture) is at least 2.0 to 1.0. The aggregate amount of restricted payments made under this broader restricted payment basket cannot exceed 50% of our cumulative Consolidated Net Income (as defined in the Indenture) generated from and including October 1, 2013, plus the aggregate net cash proceeds of, and the fair market value of, any property or other asset received by the Company as a capital contribution or upon the issuance of indebtedness or certain securities by the Company from and including October 1, 2013, plus, to the extent not included in Consolidated Net Income, certain amounts received in connection with dispositions, distributions or repayments of restricted investments, plus the value of any unrestricted subsidiary which is redesignated as a restricted subsidiary under the Indenture. We have joint ventures which have used, and are expected to use, capacity under these restricted payment baskets. In 2013, we entered into a joint venture in Southern California and committed to contribute up to $45.0 million of capital. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we made aggregate capital contributions of $15.1 million and $15.1 million, respectively, to this joint venture.

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entities	'
	8. Variable Interest Entities
	ASC 810 requires a VIE to be consolidated in the financial statements of a company if it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. Accordingly, the primary beneficiary has the power to direct activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and the obligation to absorb its losses or the right to receive its benefits. All VIEs with which we were involved at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were evaluated to determine the primary beneficiary.
	Joint Ventures
	We enter into joint ventures for homebuilding and land development activities. Investments in these joint ventures may create a variable interest in a VIE, depending on contractual terms of the venture. We analyze our joint ventures in accordance with ASC 810 to determine whether they are VIEs and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, these joint ventures were not consolidated in our consolidated financial statements since they were not VIEs, or if they were VIEs, we were not the primary beneficiary.
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had a variable interest in an unconsolidated joint venture determined to be a VIE. The joint venture, RRWS, was formed in December 2012 and is owned 50% by the Company and 50% by a third-party real estate developer (the “RRWS Partner”). Several acquisition, development and construction loans were entered into by RRWS, each with two-year terms and options to extend for one year, subject to certain conditions. Each loan is cross collateralized and cross defaulted with the other loan. The Company and RRWS Partner each executed limited completion, interest and carry guarantees and environmental indemnities on a joint and several basis. In addition, the Company and RRWS Partner executed loan-to-value maintenance agreements for each loan on a joint and several basis. The Company has a maximum aggregate liability under the re-margin arrangements of the lesser of 50% of the outstanding balances or $35.0 million in total. Obligations of the Company and RRWS Partner under the re-margin arrangements are limited during the first two years of the loans. In addition to re-margin arrangements, the RRWS Partner, and several of its principals, executed repayment guarantees with no limit on their liability. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, outstanding bank notes payable were $42.2 million and $47.7 million, respectively, of which the Company has a maximum remargin obligation of $21.1 million and $23.8 million, respectively. The Company also has an indemnification agreement from the Partner, under which the Company could potentially recover a portion of any remargin payments made by the Company. However, the Company cannot provide assurance it could collect under this indemnity agreement.
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had a variable interest in a second unconsolidated joint venture determined to be a VIE. The joint venture, Polo, was formed in November 2012 and is owned 50% by the Company and 50% by a third-party investor (“Polo Partner”). Polo entered into acquisition, development and construction loans in July 2013 with two-year terms and options to extend for one year, subject to certain conditions. Each loan is cross collateralized and cross defaulted with the other loan. The Company and Polo Partner each executed loan-to-value maintenance arrangements for each loan on a joint and several basis. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, outstanding bank notes payable were $7.4 million and $4.8 million, respectively, and total maximum borrowings permitted on these loans were $21.6 million and $21.6 million, respectively. The Company also has reimbursement rights where the Company could potentially recover a portion of any remargin payments made by the Company. However, the Company cannot provide assurance it could collect such reimbursements.
	In accordance with ASC 810, we determined we were not the primary beneficiary of RRWS and Polo because we did not have the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of RRWS and Polo, such as determining or limiting the scope or purpose of the respective entity, selling or transferring property owned or controlled by the respective entity, and arranging financing for the respective entity.
	Land Option Contracts
	We enter into land option contracts to procure land for home construction. Use of land option and similar contracts allows us to reduce market risks associated with direct land ownership and development, reduces capital and financial commitments, including interest and other carrying costs, and minimizes land inventory. Under these contracts, we pay a specified deposit for the right to purchase land, usually at a predetermined price. Under the requirements of ASC 810, certain contracts may create a variable interest with the land seller.
	In accordance with ASC 810, we analyzed our land option and similar contracts to determine if respective land sellers are VIEs and, if so, if we are the primary beneficiary. Although we do not have legal title to the optioned land, ASC 810 requires us to consolidate a VIE if we are the primary beneficiary. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we determined we were not the primary beneficiary of such VIEs because we did not have the power to direct activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, such as selling, transferring or developing land owned by the VIE.
	At March 31, 2014, we had $1.1 million of refundable and non-refundable cash deposits associated with land option contracts with unconsolidated VIEs, having a $29.8 million remaining purchase price. We also had $18.6 million of refundable and non-refundable cash deposits associated with land option contracts that were not with VIEs, having a $342.8 million remaining purchase price.
	Our loss exposure on land option contracts consists of non-refundable deposits, which were $19.0 million and $6.9 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and capitalized preacquisition costs of $1.9 million and $12.0 million, respectively, which were included in inventory in the consolidated balance sheets.

Other_Assets_Net

Other Assets, Net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Assets, Net	'
	9. Other Assets, Net
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, other assets were as follows:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Income tax receivable	$	0	$	2,199
	Deferred tax asset (see Note 13)		15,898		16,337
	Investments		9,648		9,439
	Property and equipment, net		4,476		4,103
	Capitalized loan origination fees		8,152		11,089
	Prepaid bank fees		38		152
	Deposits in lieu of bonds and letters of credit		10,815		10,294
	Prepaid insurance		3,549		2,460
	Other		4,536		997
	Total other assets, net	$	57,112	$	57,070
	Investments
	Investments consist of available-for-sale securities, primarily private debt obligations, and are measured at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices or cash flow models. Accordingly, unrealized gains and temporary losses on investments, net of tax, are reported as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Realized gains and losses are determined using the specific identification method.
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no realized gains on available-for-sale securities.
	Capitalized Loan Origination Fees
	In accordance with ASC 470, loan origination fees are capitalized and amortized as interest over the term of the related debt.
	Deposits in Lieu of Bonds and Letters of Credit
	We make cash deposits in lieu of bonds with various agencies for some homebuilding projects. These deposits may be returned as the collateral requirements decrease or replaced with new bonds.

Notes_Payable

Notes Payable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Notes Payable	'
	10. Notes Payable
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, notes payable were as follows:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	$750.0 million 8.625% senior secured notes (the “Secured Notes”), due May 2019	$	750,000	$	750,000
	$125.0 million secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”), interest currently at the Eurodollar rate plus 2.75%, matures March 1, 2016		0		0
	Promissory notes, interest ranging from 1% to 6%, maturing through 2014, secured by deeds of trust on inventory		2,092		1,708
	Total notes payable	$	752,092	$	751,708
	On May 10, 2011, our Secured Notes were issued at $750.0 million, bear interest at 8.625% paid semi-annually on May 15 and November 15, and do not require principal payments until maturity on May 15, 2019. The Secured Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the Company’s option beginning on May 15, 2015 at a price of 104.313 per bond, reducing to 102.156 on May 15, 2016 and are redeemable at par beginning on May 15, 2017. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, accrued interest was $24.3 million and $8.1 million, respectively.
	The indenture governing the Secured Notes contains covenants that limit, among other things, our ability to incur additional indebtedness (including the issuance of certain preferred stock), pay dividends and distributions on our equity interests, repurchase our equity interests, retire unsecured or subordinated notes more than one year prior to their maturity, make investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures that are not restricted subsidiaries that guarantee the Secured Notes, sell certain assets, incur liens, merge with or into other companies, expand unto unrelated businesses, and enter in certain transaction with our affiliates. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with these covenants.
	In February 2014, the Company replaced its $75.0 million letter of credit facility with a the Revolver, which bears interest, at the Company’s option, either at (i) a daily eurocurrency base rate as defined in the credit agreement governing the Revolver (the “Credit Agreement”), plus a margin of 2.75%, or (ii) a eurocurrency rate as defined in the Credit Agreement, plus a margin of 2.75%, and matures March 1, 2016. Borrowing availability is determined by a borrowing base formula and the Company is subject to financial covenants, including minimum net worth and leverage and interest coverage ratios. If the Company does not maintain compliance with these financial covenants, the Revolver converts to an 18-month amortizing term loan. At March 31, 2014, we were in compliance with these covenants.

Other_Liabilities

Other Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Liabilities	'
	11. Other Liabilities
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, other liabilities were as follows:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Completed operations	$	137,644		$	138,610
	Warranty reserves		21,181			20,648
	Income tax payable		3,942			0
	Accrued profit and revenue participation arrangements (see Note 12)		21,124			678
	Deferred revenue/gain		28,182			29,358
	Provisions for closed homes/communities		9,322			10,591
	Deposits (primarily homebuyer)		17,034			14,281
	Legal reserves		4,748			4,576
	Accrued interest		24,258			8,086
	Accrued compensation and benefits		9,902			9,389
	Distributions payable		2,441			2,531
	Deficit Distributions (see Note 7)		536			351
	Other		8,237			6,702
	Total other liabilities	$	288,551		$	245,801
	Completed Operations
	Reserves for completed operations primarily represent claims for property damage to completed homes and projects outside of our one-to-two year warranty period. Specific terms and conditions of completed operations claims vary depending on the market in which homes close and can range to 12 years from the close of a home. Expenses and liabilities are recorded for potential completed operations claims based upon aggregated loss experience, which includes an estimate of completed operations claims incurred but not reported, and is actuarially estimated using individual case-based valuations and statistical analysis. For policy years from August 1, 2001 through the present, completed operations claims are insured or reinsured through a combination of third-party and affiliate insurance carriers.
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, changes in completed operations reserves were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Balance, beginning of the period	$	138,610		$	131,519
	Reserves provided		3,413			1,972
	Claims paid		(4,379	)		(2,241	)
	Balance, end of the period	$	137,644		$	131,250
	Reserves provided for completed operations are generally fully offset by changes in insurance receivables (see Note 5); however, premiums paid for completed operations insurance policies are included in cost of sales. For actual completed operations claims and estimates of completed operations claims incurred but not reported, we estimate and record corresponding insurance receivables under applicable policies when recovery is probable. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, insurance receivables were $137.6 million and $138.6 million, respectively.
	Expenses, liabilities and receivables related to these claims are subject to a high degree of variability due to uncertainties such as trends in completed operations claims related to our markets and products built, claim settlement patterns and insurance industry practices. Although considerable variability is inherent in such estimates, we believe reserves for completed operations claims are adequate.
	Warranty Reserve
	We offer a limited one or two year warranty for our homes. Specific terms and conditions of these warranties vary depending on the market in which homes close. We estimate warranty costs to be incurred and record a liability and a charge to cost of sales when home revenue is recognized. We also include in our warranty reserve the uncovered losses related to completed operations coverage, which approximates 12.5% of the total property damage estimate. Factors affecting warranty liability include number of homes closed, historical and anticipated warranty claims, and cost per claim history and trends. We periodically assess adequacy of our warranty liabilities and adjust amounts as necessary.
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, changes in warranty liability were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Balance, beginning of the period	$	20,648		$	17,749
	Provision for warranties		3,309			1,745
	Warranty costs paid		(2,776	)		(1,567	)
	Balance, end of the period	$	21,181		$	17,927
	Deferred Revenue/Gain
	Deferred revenue/gain represents deferred revenues or profit on transactions in which an insufficient down payment was received or a future performance, passage of time or event is required. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, deferred revenue/gain primarily represents the PIC Transaction described below.
	Completed operations claims were insured through PIC for policy years August 1, 2001 to July 31, 2007. In December 2009, PIC entered into a series of novation and reinsurance transactions (the “PIC Transaction”).
	First, PIC entered into a novation agreement with JFSCI to novate its deductible reimbursement obligations related to its workers’ compensation and general liability risks at September 30, 2009 for policy years August 1, 2001 to July 31, 2007, and its completed operations risks from August 1, 2005 to July 31, 2007. Concurrently, JFSCI entered into insurance arrangements with unrelated third party insurance carriers to insure these policies. As a result of this novation, a $19.2 million gain was deferred and will be recognized as income when related claims are paid. In addition, the deferred gain may increase or decrease based on changes in actuarial estimates. Changes to the deferred gain are recognized as current period income or expense. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the unamortized deferred gain was $18.7 million and $18.9 million, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we recognized $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of this deferral as income, which was included in gain on reinsurance transaction, and represents the impact of income recognized from claims paid.
	Second, PIC entered into reinsurance agreements with various unrelated reinsurers that reinsured 100% of its expected completed operations risks from August 1, 2001 to July 31, 2005. As a result of the reinsurance, a $15.6 million gain was deferred and will be recognized as income when the related claims are paid. In addition, the deferred gain may increase or decrease based on changes in actuarial estimates. Changes to the deferred gain are recognized as current period income or expense. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the unamortized deferred gain was $6.6 million and $7.8 million, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we recognized $1.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of this deferral as income, which was included in gain on reinsurance transaction, and represents the impact of income recognized from claims paid.
	As a result of the PIC Transaction, if the estimated ultimate loss to be paid under these policies exceeds the policy limits under the novation and reinsurance transactions, the shortfall is expected to be funded by JFSCI for the policies novated to JFSCI and by PIC for the policies it reinsured.
	Distributions Payable
	In December 2011, our consolidated joint venture, Vistancia, LLC, sold its remaining interest in an unconsolidated joint venture (the “Vistancia Sale”). As a result of the Vistancia Sale, no other assets of Vistancia, LLC economically benefit the former non-controlling member of Vistancia, LLC and the Company recorded the remaining $3.3 million distribution payable to this member, which is paid $0.1 million quarterly. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the remaining distribution payable was $2.4 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions	'
	12. Related Party Transactions
	Related Party Receivables and Payables
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, receivables from related parties, net were as follows:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Note receivable from JFSCI	$	13,378		$	21,588
	Notes receivable from unconsolidated joint ventures		1,370			1,037
	Notes receivable from related parties		16,256			18,822
	Reserves for note receivables from related parties		(12,860	)		(12,842	)
	Receivables from related parties		3,844			3,745
	Total receivables from related parties, net	$	21,988		$	32,350
	In May 2011, concurrent with issuance of the Secured Notes, the previous unsecured receivable from JFSCI was partially paid down and the balance converted to a $38.9 million unsecured term note receivable, bearing 4% interest, payable in equal quarterly installments and maturing May 15, 2019. In 2014 and 2013, JFSCI elected to make prepayments, including accrued interest, of $8.4 million and $3.8 million, respectively, and applied these prepayments to future installments such that JFSCI would not be required to make a payment until November 2016. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the note receivable from JFSCI, including accrued interest, was $13.4 million and $21.6 million, respectively. Quarterly, we evaluate collectability of the note receivable from JFSCI, which includes consideration of JFSCI’s payment history, operating performance and future payment requirements under the note. Based on these criteria, and as JFSCI applied prepayments under the note to defer future installments until November 2016, we do not anticipate collection risks on the note receivable from JFSCI.
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, notes receivable from unconsolidated joint ventures, including accrued interest, were $1.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively. These notes receivable bear interest ranging from 8% to 12% and mature in 2020. Further, the note bearing 8% interest can earn additional interest to achieve a 17.5% internal rate of return, subject to available cash flows of the joint venture, and can be repaid prior to 2020. Quarterly, we evaluate collectability of these notes receivable, which includes consideration of prior payment history, operating performance and future payment requirements under the applicable note receivable. Based on these criteria, we do not anticipate collection risks on these notes receivable.
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, notes receivable from other related parties, including accrued interest, were $3.4 million and $6.0 million, respectively, net of related reserves of $12.9 million and $12.8 million, respectively. These notes are unsecured and mature from August 2016 through April 2021. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, these notes bore interest ranging from Prime less .75% (2.5%) to Prime plus 1% (4.25%). Quarterly, we evaluate collectability of these notes which includes consideration of prior payment history, operating performance and future payment requirements under the applicable notes. Based on these criteria, two notes receivable were deemed uncollectible and fully reserved. We do not anticipate collection risks on the other notes.
	The Company, entities under common control and certain unconsolidated joint ventures also engage in transactions on behalf of the other, such as payment of invoices and payroll. Amounts resulting from these transactions are recorded in receivables from related parties or payables to related parties, are non-interest bearing, due on demand and generally paid monthly. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, these receivables were $3.8 million and $3.7 million, respectively, and these payables were $5.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
	Real Property and Joint Venture Transactions
	In January 2014, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement and acquired undeveloped land in Northern California. Consideration includes $4.4 million cash, assumption of a $1.3 million liability, and future revenue participation payments (the “RAPA”). The RAPA is calculated at 11% of gross revenues from home closings, payable quarterly and capped at $19.6 million. The RAPA liability, based on a third-party real estate appraisal, is estimated to be $19.6 million, which is included in other liabilities (see Note 11). As the transaction is with a related party under common control, the $25.3 million of consideration was recorded as an equity distribution to its owners.
	In February 2014, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement to sell land in Southern California for $1.0 million to a related party under common control. The $0.9 million of net sales proceeds received in excess of the net book value of the land sold was recorded as an equity contribution.
	At March 31, 2014 and 2013, we were the managing member for ten and nine, respectively, unconsolidated joint ventures and received management fees from these joint ventures as reimbursement for direct and overhead costs incurred on behalf of the joint ventures and other associated costs. Fees representing cost reimbursement are recorded as an offset to general and administrative expenses; fees in excess of our costs are recorded as revenues. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, $2.1 million of management fees were offset to general and administrative expenses, and $0.3 million of management fees were included in revenues. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, $1.6 million of management fees were offset to general and administrative expenses, and $0.1 million of management fees were included in revenues.
	Other Related Party Transactions
	JFSCI provides corporate services to us, including management, legal, tax, information technology, risk management, facilities, accounting, treasury and human resources. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, general and administrative expenses included $6.3 million and $5.2 million, respectively, for corporate services provided by JFSCI.
	We lease office space from related parties under non-cancelable operating leases with terms up to ten years that generally provide renewal options for terms up to an additional five years. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, related party rental expense was $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
	We obtain workers compensation insurance, commercial general liability insurance and insurance for completed operations losses and damages with respect to our homebuilding operations from affiliate and unrelated third party insurance providers. These policies are purchased by affiliate entities and we pay premiums to these affiliates for the coverage provided by these third party and affiliate insurance providers. Policies covering these risks are written at various coverage levels but include a large self-insured retention or deductible. We have retention liability insurance from affiliated entities to insure these large retentions or deductibles. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, amounts paid to affiliates for this retention insurance coverage were $5.1 million and $3.9 million, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Taxes	'
	13. Income Taxes
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014, income tax expense was $7.7 million. At March 31, 2014, the net deferred tax asset was $15.9 million, which primarily related to available loss carryforwards, inventory and investment impairments, and housing inventory and land basis differences. The $0.5 million deferred tax asset valuation allowance relates to capital losses that expire in 2016 and 2017, and the impairment of debt securities that mature in 2021 and 2022. We continue to monitor industry and economic conditions, and our ability to generate taxable income to determine the recoverability of the net deferred tax assets .
	In 2009, we filed a petition with the United States Tax Court (the “Tax Court”) regarding our position on the completed contract method (“CCM”) of accounting for our homebuilding operations. During 2010 and 2011, we engaged in formal and informal discovery with the IRS and the Tax Court heard trial testimony in July 2012 and ordered the Company and the IRS to exchange briefs, which were filed. On February 12, 2014, the Tax Court ruled in favor of the Company (the “Tax Court Decision”). Pursuant to the ruling, the Company is permitted to continue to report income and loss from the sale of homes in its planned developments using CCM. As a result, no additional tax, interest or penalties are currently due and owing by the Company or the Partners. The Tax Court Decision is subject to appeal by the IRS to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and any appeal must be made before July 21, 2014.
	If the Tax Court Decision is appealed, we believe our position would prevail and, accordingly, have not recorded a liability for related taxes or interest for SHI. Furthermore, as a limited partnership, income taxes, interest or penalties imposed on SHLP are the Partners’ responsibility and are not reflected in the tax provision in these consolidated financial statements. However, if the Tax Court Decision is overturned, SHI could be obligated to pay the IRS and applicable state taxing authorities up to $66 million and, under the Tax Distribution Agreement, SHLP could be obligated to make a distribution to the Partners up to $109 million to fund their related payments to the IRS and applicable state taxing authorities. However, the Indenture provides the amount we may pay on behalf of SHI and distribute to the Partners of SHLP for the matter may not exceed $70.0 million. Any potential shortfall would be absorbed by the SHLP Partners.
	The Company anticipates filing Form 3115 with the IRS during the fourth quarter 2014 to change its tax accounting method of how it records certain expenses on its income tax returns. As the Company believes it is more-likely-than-not the change will be approved by the IRS, the Company reflected this new tax accounting method in preparing the tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2014. As a result, the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was not materially higher.

Owners_Equity

Owners' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Owners' Equity	'
	14. Owners’ Equity
	Owners’ equity consists of partners’ preferred and common capital. Common capital is comprised of limited partners with a collective 78.38% ownership and a general partner with a 20.62% ownership. Preferred capital is comprised of limited partners with either series B (“Series B”) or series D (“Series D”) classification. Series B holders have no ownership interest but earn a preferred return at 1.2% through December 31, 2016, 2.25% from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020, and Prime less 2.05% from January 1, 2021 and thereafter on unreturned capital balances. Series D holders have a 1% ownership interest and earn a preferred return at 2.0% through December 31, 2016, 12.75% from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020, and 7.0% from January 1, 2021 and thereafter on unreturned capital balances. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, accumulated undistributed preferred returns for Series B holders were $23.2 million and $22.7 million, respectively. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, accumulated undistributed preferred returns for Series D holders were $57.5 million and $56.6 million, respectively.
	Net income is allocated to Partners in a priority order that considers previously allocated net losses and preferred return considerations and, thereafter, in proportion to their respective ownership interests. Net loss is allocated in a priority order to Partners generally in proportion to their ownership interests and adjusted capital account balances, and, thereafter, to the general partner.
	The general partner, in its sole discretion, may make additional capital contributions or accept additional capital contributions from the limited partners. Cash distributions are made to Partners in proportion to their unpaid preferred returns, unreturned capital and, thereafter, in proportion to their ownership interests. Distributions to Partners are made at the discretion of the general partner, including payment of personal income taxes related to the Company. In addition, distributions to Partners from other entities under control of Shea family members, such as JFSCI, can be used for payment of personal incomes taxes related to the Company and other uses.

Contingencies_and_Commitments

Contingencies and Commitments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Contingencies and Commitments	'
	15. Contingencies and Commitments
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, certain unrecorded contingent liabilities and commitments were as follows:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Tax Court CCM case (capped at $70.0 million, see Note 13)	$	70,000	$	70,000
	Remargin obligations and guarantees for unconsolidated joint ventures (see Note 7)		28,554		28,684
	Costs to complete on surety bonds for Company projects		79,258		77,276
	Costs to complete on surety bonds for joint venture projects		22,807		22,845
	Costs to complete on surety bonds for related party projects		1,614		1,614
	Water system connection rights purchase obligation		30,506		30,506
	Total unrecorded contingent liabilities and commitments	$	232,739	$	230,925
	Legal Claims
	Lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been and will likely be instituted or asserted against us in the normal course of business, including actions brought on behalf of various classes of claimants. We are also subject to local, state and federal laws and regulations related to land development activities, house construction standards, sales practices, employment practices and environmental protection. As a result, we are subject to periodic examinations or inquiry by agencies administering these laws and regulations.
	We record a reserve for potential legal claims and regulatory matters when the specific facts and circumstances indicate that they are probable of occurring and a potential loss is reasonably estimable, and we revise these estimates when necessary. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had reserves of $4.7 million and $4.6 million, respectively, net of expected recoveries, relating to these claims and matters, and while their outcome cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe we have appropriately reserved for them. However, if the liability arising from their resolution exceeds their recorded reserves, we could incur additional charges that could be significant.
	Due to the inherent difficulty of predicting outcomes of legal claims and related contingencies, we generally cannot predict their ultimate resolution, related timing or eventual loss. If our evaluations indicate loss contingencies that could be material are not probable, but are reasonably possible, we will disclose their nature with an estimate of possible range of losses or a statement that such loss is not reasonably estimable. Other than the Tax Court Decision discussed in Note 13, at March 31, 2014, the range of reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued was not material.
	Letters of Credit, Surety Bonds and Project Obligations
	On May 10, 2011, we entered into a $75.0 million letter of credit facility. At December 31, 2013, there were no letters of credit outstanding. In February 2014, this facility was replaced with the new $125.0 million Revolver (see Note 10), under which up to $62.5 million of letters of credit may be issued. At March 31, 2014, there were no outstanding letters of credit against the Revolver.
	We provide surety bonds that guarantee completion of certain infrastructure serving our homebuilding projects. At March 31, 2014, there was $79.3 million of costs to complete in connection with $169.5 million of surety bonds issued. At December 31, 2013, there was $77.3 million of costs to complete in connection with $169.7 million of surety bonds issued.
	We also provide indemnification for bonds issued by certain unconsolidated joint ventures and other related party projects in which we have no ownership interest. At March 31, 2014, there was $22.8 million of costs to complete in connection with $63.3 million of surety bonds issued for unconsolidated joint venture projects, and $1.6 million of costs to complete in connection with $4.9 million of surety bonds issued for related party projects. At December 31, 2013, there was $22.8 million of costs to complete in connection with $63.7 million of surety bonds issued for unconsolidated joint venture projects, and $1.6 million of costs to complete in connection with $4.9 million of surety bonds issued for related party projects.
	Certain of our homebuilding projects utilize community facility district, metro-district and other local government bond financing programs to fund acquisition or construction of infrastructure improvements. Interest and principal on these bonds are typically paid from taxes and assessments levied on landowners and/or homeowners following the closing of new homes in the project. Occasionally, we enter into credit support arrangements requiring us to pay interest and principal on these bonds if taxes and assessments levied on homeowners are insufficient to cover such obligations. Furthermore, reimbursement of these payments to us is dependent on the district or local government’s ability to generate sufficient tax and assessment revenues from the new homes. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, in connection with a credit support arrangement, there was $8.8 million and $8.6 million, respectively, reimbursable to us from certain agencies in Colorado and, accordingly, were recorded in inventory as a recoverable project cost.
	We also pay certain fees and costs associated with the construction of infrastructure improvements in homebuilding projects that utilize these district bond financing programs. These fees and costs are typically reimbursable to us from, and therefore dependent on, bond proceeds or taxes and assessments levied on homeowners. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, in connection with certain funding arrangements, there was $13.1 million and $13.1 million, respectively, reimbursable to us from certain agencies, including $11.9 million and $11.9 million, respectively, from metro-districts in Colorado and, accordingly, were recorded in inventory as a recoverable project cost.
	Until bond proceeds or tax and assessment revenues are sufficient to cover our obligations and/or reimburse us, our responsibility to make interest and principal payments on these bonds or pay fees and costs associated with the construction of infrastructure improvements could be prolonged and significant. In addition, if the bond proceeds or tax and assessment revenues are not sufficient to cover our obligations and/or reimburse us, these amounts might not be recoverable.
	As a condition of the Vistancia Sale, and the purchase of the non-controlling member’s remaining interest in Vistancia, LLC, the Company effectively remains a 10% guarantor on certain community facility district bond obligations to which the Company must meet a minimum calculated tangible net worth; otherwise, the Company is required to fund collateral to the bond issuer. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company exceeded the minimum tangible net worth requirement.
	At a consolidated homebuilding project in Colorado, we have contractual obligations to purchase and receive water system connection rights which, at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, had an estimated market value in excess of their contractual purchase price of $30.5 million. These water system connection rights are held, then transferred to homebuyers upon closing of their home, transferred upon sale of land to the respective buyer, sold or leased.

Supplemental_Disclosure_to_Con

Supplemental Disclosure to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Supplemental Disclosure to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	'
	16. Supplemental Disclosure to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
	Supplemental disclosures to the consolidated statements of cash flows were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
	Income taxes paid	$	207		$	25
	Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	$	0		$	109
	Supplemental disclosure of noncash activities
	Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments, net	$	179		$	130
	Reclassification of Deficit Distributions to unconsolidated joint ventures from other liabilities	$	184		$	0
	Purchase of land in exchange for note payable	$	1,807		$	929
	Distribution to Owners for assumption of liability and revenue participation payments for land purchased from a related party under common control	$	(20,891	)	$	0

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Information	'
	17. Segment Information
	Our homebuilding business, which is responsible for most of our operating results, constructs and sells single-family attached and detached homes designed to appeal to first-time, move-up and active lifestyle homebuyers. Our homebuilding business also provides management services to joint ventures and other related and unrelated parties. We manage each homebuilding community as an operating segment and have aggregated these communities into reportable segments based on geography as follows:
		•		Southern California, comprised of communities in Los Angeles, Ventura and Orange Counties, and the Inland Empire;
		•		San Diego, comprised of communities in San Diego County, California;
		•		Northern California, comprised of communities in northern and central California, and the central coast of California;
		•		Mountain West, comprised of communities in Colorado and Washington;
		•		South West, comprised of communities in Arizona, Nevada and Texas: and
		•		East, comprised of communities in Florida and Virginia.
	In accordance with ASC 280, in determining the most appropriate aggregation of our homebuilding communities, we also considered similar economic and other characteristics, including product types, average selling prices, gross profits, production processes, suppliers, subcontractors, regulatory environments, land acquisition results, and underlying demand and supply.
	Our Corporate segment primarily provides management services to our operating segments, and includes results of our captive insurance provider, which primarily administers claims reinsured by third party carriers and the deductibles and retentions under those third party policies. Results of our insurance brokerage services business are also included in our Corporate segment.
	The reportable segments follow the same accounting policies as our consolidated financial statements described in Note 2. Operational results of each reportable segment are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been achieved had the reportable segment been an independent, stand-alone entity during the periods presented.
	Financial information relating to reportable segments was as follows:
			March 31,			December 31,
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Total assets:
	Southern California		$	387,270		$	316,339
	San Diego			170,484			160,593
	Northern California			299,867			286,513
	Mountain West			333,369			316,459
	South West			170,783			155,416
	East			5,710			5,096
	Total homebuilding assets			1,367,483			1,240,416
	Corporate			155,964			264,917
	Total assets		$	1,523,447		$	1,505,333
			March 31,			December 31,
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Inventory:
	Southern California		$	305,868		$	239,986
	San Diego			153,069			142,395
	Northern California			258,726			249,111
	Mountain West			265,643			247,294
	South West			146,046			132,484
	East			2,844			2,002
	Total inventory		$	1,132,196		$	1,013,272
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Revenues:
	Southern California		$	46,083		$	40,157
	San Diego			17,031			9,629
	Northern California			58,358			27,647
	Mountain West			18,902			22,306
	South West			39,531			33,533
	East			0			1,567
	Total homebuilding revenues			179,905			134,839
	Corporate			210			121
	Total revenues		$	180,115		$	134,960
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Income (loss) before income taxes:
	Southern California		$	4,678		$	7,891
	San Diego			1,754			(1,424	)
	Northern California			14,517			1,893
	Mountain West			(1,895	)		(2,784	)
	South West			575			1,055
	East			(1,497	)		(74	)
	Total homebuilding income (loss) before income taxes			18,132			6,557
	Corporate			841			221
Total income (loss) before income taxes		$	18,973		$	6,778

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa

Supplemental Guarantor Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Supplemental Guarantor Information	'
	18. Supplemental Guarantor Information
	The obligations under the Secured Notes are not guaranteed by any SHLP joint venture where SHLP Corp does not own 100% of the economic interest, including those that are consolidated, and the collateral securing the Secured Notes does not include a pledge of the capital stock of any subsidiary if such pledge would result in a requirement that SHLP Corp file separate financial statements with respect to such subsidiary pursuant to Rule 3-16 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act.
	Pursuant to the indenture governing the Secured Notes, a guarantor may be released from its guarantee obligations only under certain customary circumstances specified in the indenture, namely (1) upon the sale or other disposition (including by way of consolidation or merger) of such guarantor, (2) upon the sale or disposition of all or substantially all the assets of such guarantor, (3) upon the designation of such guarantor as an unrestricted subsidiary for covenant purposes in accordance with the terms of the indenture, (4) upon a legal defeasance or covenant defeasance pursuant, or (5) upon the full satisfaction of our obligations under the indenture.
	Presented herein are the condensed consolidated financial statements provided for in Rule 3-10(f) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act for the guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	March 31, 2014
			SHLP			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
			Corp (a)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
			(In thousands)
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	51,081		$	45,042		$	8,652		$	0		$	104,775
	Restricted cash			563			354			79			0			996
	Accounts and other receivables, net			123,040			30,548			24,398			(24,141	)		153,845
	Receivables from related parties, net			7,231			13,641			1,116			0			21,988
	Inventory			884,590			246,664			4,076			(3,134	)		1,132,196
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures			26,274			1,169			25,092			0			52,535
	Investments in subsidiaries			737,766			71,709			89,615			(899,090	)		0
	Other assets, net			25,984			30,997			131			0			57,112
	Intercompany			0			492,016			0			(492,016	)		0
	Total assets		$	1,856,529		$	932,140		$	153,159		$	(1,418,381	)	$	1,523,447
	Liabilities and equity
	Liabilities:
	Notes payable		$	752,092		$	0		$	0		$	0		$	752,092
	Payables to related parties			20			0			2			5,577			5,599
	Accounts payable			27,860			16,159			586			0			44,605
	Other liabilities			187,872			69,957			54,863			(24,141	)		288,551
	Intercompany			456,483			0			44,244			(500,727	)		0
	Total liabilities			1,424,327			86,116			99,695			(519,291	)		1,090,847
	Equity:
	SHLP equity:
	Owners’ equity			427,235			841,057			53,066			(894,123	)		427,235
	Accumulated other comprehensive income			4,967			4,967			0			(4,967	)		4,967
	Total SHLP equity			432,202			846,024			53,066			(899,090	)		432,202
	Non-controlling interests			0			0			398			0			398
	Total equity			432,202			846,024			53,464			(899,090	)		432,600
	Total liabilities and equity		$	1,856,529		$	932,140		$	153,159		$	(1,418,381	)	$	1,523,447
	(a)	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp., whose financial position at March 31, 2014 was not material.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	December 31, 2013
			SHLP			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
			Corp (b)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
			(In thousands)
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	153,794		$	43,803		$	8,608		$	0		$	206,205
	Restricted cash			695			354			140			0			1,189
	Accounts and other receivables, net			120,299			26,754			28,696			(28,250	)		147,499
	Receivables from related parties, net			9,251			22,027			796			276			32,350
	Inventory			749,832			263,213			3,361			(3,134	)		1,013,272
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures			22,068			1,091			24,589			0			47,748
	Investments in subsidiaries			748,326			69,755			90,484			(908,565	)		0
	Other assets, net			24,030			32,957			83			0			57,070
	Intercompany			0			465,706			0			(465,706	)		0
	Total assets		$	1,828,295		$	925,660		$	156,757		$	(1,405,379	)	$	1,505,333
	Liabilities and equity
	Liabilities:
	Notes payable		$	751,708		$	0		$	0		$	0		$	751,708
	Payables to related parties			20			0			1			0			21
	Accounts payable			36,594			25,334			418			0			62,346
	Other liabilities			171,470			41,370			61,211			(28,250	)		245,801
	Intercompany			423,447			0			45,117			(468,564	)		0
	Total liabilities			1,383,239			66,704			106,747			(496,814	)		1,059,876
	Equity:
	SHLP equity:
Owners’ equity			440,268			854,168			49,609			(903,777	)		440,268
Accumulated other comprehensive income			4,788			4,788			0			(4,788	)		4,788
Total SHLP equity			445,056			858,956			49,609			(908,565	)		445,056
Non-controlling interests			0			0			401			0			401
Total equity			445,056			858,956			50,010			(908,565	)		445,457
Total liabilities and equity		$	1,828,295		$	925,660		$	156,757		$	(1,405,379	)	$	1,505,333
(b)	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp., whose financial position at December 31, 2013 was not material.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		SHLP			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
		Corp (a)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(In thousands)
Revenues		$	87,594		$	89,108		$	3,413		$	0		$	180,115
Cost of sales			(70,738	)		(64,150	)		(370	)		0			(135,258	)
Gross margin			16,856			24,958			3,043			0			44,857
Selling expenses			(6,145	)		(3,904	)		(1,691	)		0			(11,740	)
General and administrative expenses			(10,544	)		(4,055	)		(705	)		0			(15,304	)
Equity in income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures, net			(501	)		32			875			0			406
Equity in income from subsidiaries			13,924			1,023			11			(14,958	)		0
Gain on reinsurance transaction			0			0			1,345			0			1,345
Interest expense			(118	)		0			0			0			(118	)
Other income (expense), net			(2,171	)		1,736			(38	)		0			(473	)
Income before income taxes			11,301			19,790			2,840			(14,958	)		18,973
Income tax expense			(3	)		(7,658	)		(17	)		0			(7,678	)
Net income			11,298			12,132			2,823			(14,958	)		11,295
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests			0			0			3			0			3
Net income attributable to SHLP		$	11,298		$	12,132		$	2,826		$	(14,958	)	$	11,298
Comprehensive income		$	11,477		$	12,311		$	2,823		$	(15,137	)	$	11,474
(a)	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp.; no significant activity occurred in 2014.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
		SHLP			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
		Corp (b)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(In thousands)
Revenues		$	69,965		$	59,175		$	5,820		$	0		$	134,960
Cost of sales			(55,780	)		(47,386	)		(353	)		95			(103,424	)
Gross margin			14,185			11,789			5,467			95			31,536
Selling expenses			(5,206	)		(3,390	)		(1,558	)		0			(10,154	)
General and administrative expenses			(7,571	)		(3,497	)		(889	)		0			(11,957	)
Equity in income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures, net			(663	)		(19	)		50			0			(632	)
Equity in income (loss) from subsidiaries			9,407			395			(533	)		(9,269	)		0
Gain on reinsurance transaction			0			0			648			0			648
Interest expense			(2,434	)		(999	)		0			0			(3,433	)
Other income (expense), net			(877	)		1,241			501			(95	)		770
Income before income taxes			6,841			5,520			3,686			(9,269	)		6,778
Income tax benefit (expense)			(3	)		70			(8	)		0			59
Net income			6,838			5,590			3,678			(9,269	)		6,837
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests			0			0			1			0			1
Net income attributable to SHLP		$	6,838		$	5,590		$	3,679		$	(9,269	)	$	6,838
Comprehensive income		$	6,968		$	5,720		$	3,678		$	(9,399	)	$	6,967
(b)	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp.; no significant activity occurred in 2013.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		SHLP			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
		Corp (a)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(In thousands)
Operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		$	(133,069	)	$	24,620		$	(66	)	$	5,853		$	(102,662	)
Investing activities
Net decrease (increase) in promissory notes from related parties			2,583			8,206			(328	)		0			10,461
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures			(4,172	)		(80	)		(200	)		0			(4,452	)
Other investing activities			0			86			0			0			86
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			(1,589	)		8,212			(528	)		0			6,095
Financing activities
Intercompany			36,808			(31,593	)		638			(5,853	)		0
Principal payments to financial institutions and others			(1,423	)		0			0			0			(1,423	)
Contributions from owners			945			0			0			0			945
Distributions to owners			(4,385	)		0			0			0			(4,385	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			31,945			(31,593	)		638			(5,853	)		(4,863	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			(102,713	)		1,239			44			0			(101,430	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			153,794			43,803			8,608			0			206,205
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	51,081		$	45,042		$	8,652		$	0		$	104,775
(a)	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp.; no significant activity occurred in 2014.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
		SHLP			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
		Corp (a)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
		(In thousands)
Operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		$	(16,223	)	$	(16,369	)	$	2,633		$	1,996		$	(27,963	)
Investing activities
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures			(4,011	)		(17	)		0			0			(4,028	)
Other investing activities			295			3,159			500			0			3,954
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			(3,716	)		3,142			500			0			(74	)
Financing activities
Principal payments to financial institutions and others			(241	)		0			0			0			(241	)
Intercompany			14,658			(20,279	)		7,617			(1,996	)		0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			14,417			(20,279	)		7,617			(1,996	)		(241	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			(5,522	)		(33,506	)		10,750			0			(28,278	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			216,914			48,895			13,947			0			279,756
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	211,392		$	15,389		$	24,697		$	0		$	251,478
(b)	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp.; no significant activity occurred in 2013.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory	'
	Inventory
	We capitalize preacquisition, land, development and other allocated costs, including interest during development and home construction. Applicable costs incurred after development or construction is substantially complete are charged to selling, general and administrative, and other expenses as appropriate. Preacquisition costs, including non-refundable land deposits, are expensed to other income (expense), net when we determine continuation of the respective project is not probable.
	Land, development and other indirect costs are typically allocated to inventory using a methodology that approximates the relative-sales-value method. Home construction costs are recorded using the specific identification method. Cost of sales for homes closed includes the specific construction costs of each home and all applicable land acquisition, land development and related costs (both incurred and estimated to be incurred) based upon the total number of homes expected to close in each community. Changes to estimated total development costs subsequent to initial home closings in a community are generally allocated on a relative-sales-value method to remaining homes in the community.
	Inventory is stated at cost, unless the carrying amount is determined not to be recoverable, in which case inventory is adjusted to fair value or fair value less cost to sell. Quarterly, we review our real estate assets at each community for indicators of impairment. Real estate assets include projects actively selling, under development, held for future development or held for sale. Indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to, significant decreases in local housing market values and prices of comparable homes, significant decreases in gross margins and sales absorption rates, costs in excess of budget, and actual or projected cash flow losses.
	If there are indications of impairment, we analyze the budgets and cash flows of our real estate assets and compare the estimated remaining undiscounted future cash flows of the community to the asset’s carrying value. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the asset’s carrying value, no impairment adjustment is required. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the asset’s carrying value, the asset is deemed impaired and adjusted to fair value. For land held for sale, if the fair value less costs to sell exceed the asset’s carrying value, no impairment adjustment is required. These impairment evaluations require use of estimates and assumptions regarding future conditions, including timing and amounts of development costs and sales prices of real estate assets, to determine if estimated future undiscounted cash flows will be sufficient to recover the asset’s carrying value.
	When estimating undiscounted cash flows of a community, various assumptions are made, including: (i) the number of homes available and the expected prices and incentives offered by us or builders in other communities, and future price adjustments based on market and economic trends; (ii) expected sales pace and cancellation rates based on local housing market conditions, competition and historical trends; (iii) costs expended to date and expected to be incurred, including, but not limited to, land and land development, home construction, interest, indirect construction and overhead, and selling and marketing costs; (iv) alternative product offerings that could impact sales pace, sales price and/or building costs; and (v) alternative uses for the property.
	Many assumptions are interdependent and a change in one may require a corresponding change to other assumptions. For example, increasing or decreasing sales rates have a direct impact on the estimated price of a home, the level of time sensitive costs (such as indirect construction, overhead and interest), and selling and marketing costs (such as model maintenance and advertising). Depending on the underlying objective of the community, assumptions could have a significant impact on the projected cash flows. For example, if our objective is to preserve operating margins, our cash flows will be different than if the objective is to increase sales. These objectives may vary significantly by community over time.
	If assets are considered impaired, the impairment charge is the amount the asset’s carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined based on estimated future cash flows discounted for inherent risks associated with real estate assets or other valuation techniques. These discounted cash flows are impacted by expected risk based on estimated land development, construction and delivery timelines; market risk of price erosion; uncertainty of development or construction cost increases; and other risks specific to the asset or market conditions where the asset is located when the assessment is made. These factors are specific to each community and may vary among communities. The discount rate used in determining each asset’s fair value depends on the community’s projected life and development stage.
Completed Operations Claim Costs	'
	Completed Operations Claim Costs
	We maintain, and require our subcontractors to maintain, general liability insurance which includes coverage for completed operations losses and damages. Most subcontractors carry this insurance through our “rolling wrap-up” insurance program, where our risks and risks of participating subcontractors are insured through a common set of master policies.
	Completed operations claims reserves primarily represent claims for property damage to completed homes and projects outside of our one-to-two year warranty period. Specific terms and conditions of completed operations warranties vary depending on the market in which homes are closed and can range up to 12 years from the closing of a home.
	We record expenses and liabilities for estimated costs of potential completed operations claims based upon aggregated loss experience, which includes an estimate of completed operations claims incurred but not reported and is actuarially estimated using individual case-basis valuations and statistical analysis. These estimates make up our entire reserve and are subject to a high degree of variability due to uncertainties such as trends in completed operations claims related to our markets and products built, changes in claims reporting and settlement patterns, third party recoveries, insurance industry practices, insurance regulations and legal precedent. Because state regulations vary, completed operations claims are reported and resolved over an extended period, sometimes exceeding 12 years. As a result, actual costs may differ significantly from estimates.
	The actuarial analyses that determine these incurred but not reported claims consider various factors, including frequency and severity of losses, which are based on our historical claims experience supplemented by industry data. The actuarial analyses of these claims and reserves also consider historical third party recovery rates and claims management expenses. Due to inherent uncertainties related to each of these factors, periodic changes to such factors based on updated relevant information could result in actual costs differing significantly from estimates.
	In accordance with our underlying completed operations insurance policies, completed operations claims costs are recoverable from our subcontractors or insurance carriers. Completed operations claims through July 31, 2009 are insured or reinsured with third-party insurance carriers and completed operations claims commencing August 1, 2009 are insured with third-party and affiliate insurance carriers.
Revenues	'
	Revenues
	In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360, revenues from housing and other real estate sales are recognized when the respective units close. Housing and other real estate sales close when all conditions of escrow are met, including delivery of the home or other real estate asset, title passage, appropriate consideration is received or collection of associated receivables, if any, is reasonably assured and when we have no other continuing involvement in the asset. Sales incentives are a reduction of revenues when the respective unit is closed.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	SHLP is treated as a partnership for income tax purposes. As a limited partnership, SHLP is subject to certain minimal state taxes and fees; however, taxes on income realized by SHLP are generally the obligation of the Partners and their owners.
	SHI and PIC are C corporations. Federal and state income taxes are provided for these entities in accordance with ASC 740. The provision for, or benefit from, income taxes is calculated using the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect the year in which differences are expected to reverse.
	Deferred tax assets are evaluated to determine whether a valuation allowance should be established based on our determination of whether it is more likely than not some or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets depends primarily on generation of future taxable income during periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The assessment of a valuation allowance includes giving appropriate consideration to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax asset. This assessment considers, among other things, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses over recent years, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, our experience with operating loss and tax credit carryforwards before they expire, and tax planning alternatives. Judgment is required in determining future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements and/or tax returns. Differences between anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	We follow certain accounting guidance with respect to how uncertain tax positions should be accounted for and disclosed in the consolidated financial statements. The guidance requires the assessment of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the tax returns and to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained upon examination by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not criteria would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. We are required to assess open tax years, as defined by the statute of limitations, for all major jurisdictions, including federal and certain states. Open tax years are those that are open for examination by taxing authorities. We have examinations in progress but believe there are no uncertain tax positions that do not meet the more-likely-than-not level of authority (see Note 13).

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Tables

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Net Book Values and Estimated Fair Values of Notes Payable	'
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, as required by ASC 825, the following presents net book values and estimated fair values of notes payable.
		March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Net Book		Estimated		Net Book		Estimated
		Value		Fair Value		Value		Fair Value
		(In thousands)
	$750,000 senior secured notes	$	750,000	$	825,000	$	750,000	$	830,625
	Secured promissory notes	$	2,092	$	2,092	$	1,708	$	1,708

Accounts_and_Other_Receivables1

Accounts and Other Receivables, net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounts and Other Receivables	'
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, accounts and other receivables, net were as follows:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Insurance receivables	$	137,644		$	138,610
	Escrow receivables		7,154			586
	Notes receivables		4,308			3,155
	Development receivables		1,932			3,093
	Other receivables		4,718			4,031
	Reserve		(1,911	)		(1,976	)
	Total accounts and other receivables, net	$	153,845		$	147,499

Inventory_Tables

Inventory (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Summary of Inventory	'
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, inventory was as follows:
			March 31,			December 31,
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Model homes		$	104,549		$	87,728
	Completed homes for sale			34,237			20,285
	Homes under construction			299,579			257,662
	Lots available for construction			354,471			342,622
	Land under development			154,801			122,257
	Land held for future development			80,413			70,618
	Land held for sale, including water system connection rights			82,595			79,102
	Land deposits and preacquisition costs			21,551			32,998
	Total inventory		$	1,132,196		$	1,013,272
Interest Incurred, Capitalized and Expensed	'
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, interest incurred, capitalized and expensed was as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014			2013
			(In thousands)
	Interest incurred		$	16,929		$	16,768
	Interest expensed (a)		$	118		$	3,433
	Interest capitalized as a cost of inventory during the period		$	15,936		$	13,078
	Interest previously capitalized as a cost of inventory, included in cost of sales		$	(10,844	)	$	(9,511	)
	Interest capitalized in ending inventory (b)		$	107,192		$	106,416
	Interest capitalized as a cost of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures during the period		$	875		$	257
	Interest previously capitalized as a cost of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, included in equity in income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures		$	(267	)	$	(257	)
	Interest capitalized in ending investments in unconsolidated joint ventures		$	1,697		$	0
	(a)	For the three-months ended March 31, 2014, qualifying assets exceeded debt, therefore no interest on the Secured Notes was expensed; interest expense represents fees charged on the unused revolving credit facility that is not considered a cost of borrowing and is not capitalized. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, assets qualifying for interest capitalization were less than debt; therefore, non-qualifying interest was expensed.
	(b)	Inventory impairment charges were recorded against total inventory of the respective community in prior periods. Capitalized interest reflects the gross amount of capitalized interest as impairment charges recognized were generally not allocated to specific components of inventory.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_1

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments Summarized Notes Payable Information	'
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, total unconsolidated joint ventures’ notes payable was as follows:
			March 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
			(In thousands)
	Bank and seller notes payable:
	Guaranteed (subject to remargin obligations)		$	49,663	$	52,515
	Non-Guaranteed			11,010		10,073
	Total bank and seller notes payable (a)			60,673		62,588
	Partner notes payable (b):
	Unsecured			15,844		16,001
	Total unconsolidated joint venture notes payable		$	76,517	$	78,589
	Other unconsolidated joint venture notes payable (c)		$	12,051	$	55,441
	(a)	All bank seller notes were secured by real property.
	(b)	No guarantees were provided on partner notes payable. In January 2014, a $3.2 million partner note from one joint venture was paid off.
	(c)	Through indirect effective ownership in two joint ventures of 12.3% and 0.0003%, respectively, that had bank notes payable secured by real property in which we have not provided any guarantee.

Other_Assets_Net_Tables

Other Assets, Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Assets	'
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, other assets were as follows:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Income tax receivable	$	0	$	2,199
	Deferred tax asset (see Note 13)		15,898		16,337
	Investments		9,648		9,439
	Property and equipment, net		4,476		4,103
	Capitalized loan origination fees		8,152		11,089
	Prepaid bank fees		38		152
	Deposits in lieu of bonds and letters of credit		10,815		10,294
	Prepaid insurance		3,549		2,460
	Other		4,536		997
	Total other assets, net	$	57,112	$	57,070

Notes_Payable_Tables

Notes Payable (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Summary of Notes Payable	'
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, notes payable were as follows:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	$750.0 million 8.625% senior secured notes (the “Secured Notes”), due May 2019	$	750,000	$	750,000
	$125.0 million secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”), interest currently at the Eurodollar rate plus 2.75%, matures March 1, 2016		0		0
	Promissory notes, interest ranging from 1% to 6%, maturing through 2014, secured by deeds of trust on inventory		2,092		1,708
	Total notes payable	$	752,092	$	751,708

Other_Liabilities_Tables

Other Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Summary of Other Liabilities	'
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, other liabilities were as follows:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Completed operations	$	137,644		$	138,610
	Warranty reserves		21,181			20,648
	Income tax payable		3,942			0
	Accrued profit and revenue participation arrangements (see Note 12)		21,124			678
	Deferred revenue/gain		28,182			29,358
	Provisions for closed homes/communities		9,322			10,591
	Deposits (primarily homebuyer)		17,034			14,281
	Legal reserves		4,748			4,576
	Accrued interest		24,258			8,086
	Accrued compensation and benefits		9,902			9,389
	Distributions payable		2,441			2,531
	Deficit Distributions (see Note 7)		536			351
	Other		8,237			6,702
	Total other liabilities	$	288,551		$	245,801
Changes in Completed Operations Reserves	'
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, changes in completed operations reserves were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Balance, beginning of the period	$	138,610		$	131,519
	Reserves provided		3,413			1,972
	Claims paid		(4,379	)		(2,241	)
	Balance, end of the period	$	137,644		$	131,250
Changes in Warranty Liabilities	'
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, changes in warranty liability were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Balance, beginning of the period	$	20,648		$	17,749
	Provision for warranties		3,309			1,745
	Warranty costs paid		(2,776	)		(1,567	)
	Balance, end of the period	$	21,181		$	17,927

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Receivables from Related Parties	'
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, receivables from related parties, net were as follows:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Note receivable from JFSCI	$	13,378		$	21,588
	Notes receivable from unconsolidated joint ventures		1,370			1,037
	Notes receivable from related parties		16,256			18,822
	Reserves for note receivables from related parties		(12,860	)		(12,842	)
	Receivables from related parties		3,844			3,745
	Total receivables from related parties, net	$	21,988		$	32,350

Contingencies_and_Commitments_

Contingencies and Commitments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Contingent Liabilities and Commitments	'
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, certain unrecorded contingent liabilities and commitments were as follows:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Tax Court CCM case (capped at $70.0 million, see Note 13)	$	70,000	$	70,000
	Remargin obligations and guarantees for unconsolidated joint ventures (see Note 7)		28,554		28,684
	Costs to complete on surety bonds for Company projects		79,258		77,276
	Costs to complete on surety bonds for joint venture projects		22,807		22,845
	Costs to complete on surety bonds for related party projects		1,614		1,614
	Water system connection rights purchase obligation		30,506		30,506
	Total unrecorded contingent liabilities and commitments	$	232,739	$	230,925

Supplemental_Disclosure_to_Con1

Supplemental Disclosure to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosure	'
	Supplemental disclosures to the consolidated statements of cash flows were as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
	Income taxes paid	$	207		$	25
	Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	$	0		$	109
	Supplemental disclosure of noncash activities
	Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments, net	$	179		$	130
	Reclassification of Deficit Distributions to unconsolidated joint ventures from other liabilities	$	184		$	0
	Purchase of land in exchange for note payable	$	1,807		$	929
	Distribution to Owners for assumption of liability and revenue participation payments for land purchased from a related party under common control	$	(20,891	)	$	0

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Financial Information Related to Reportable Segments	'
	Financial information relating to reportable segments was as follows:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Total assets:
	Southern California	$	387,270		$	316,339
	San Diego		170,484			160,593
	Northern California		299,867			286,513
	Mountain West		333,369			316,459
	South West		170,783			155,416
	East		5,710			5,096
	Total homebuilding assets		1,367,483			1,240,416
	Corporate		155,964			264,917
	Total assets	$	1,523,447		$	1,505,333
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Inventory:
	Southern California	$	305,868		$	239,986
	San Diego		153,069			142,395
	Northern California		258,726			249,111
	Mountain West		265,643			247,294
	South West		146,046			132,484
	East		2,844			2,002
	Total inventory	$	1,132,196		$	1,013,272
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Revenues:
	Southern California	$	46,083		$	40,157
	San Diego		17,031			9,629
	Northern California		58,358			27,647
	Mountain West		18,902			22,306
	South West		39,531			33,533
	East		0			1,567
	Total homebuilding revenues		179,905			134,839
	Corporate		210			121
	Total revenues	$	180,115		$	134,960
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Income (loss) before income taxes:
	Southern California	$	4,678		$	7,891
	San Diego		1,754			(1,424	)
	Northern California		14,517			1,893
	Mountain West		(1,895	)		(2,784	)
	South West		575			1,055
	East		(1,497	)		(74	)
	Total homebuilding income (loss) before income taxes		18,132			6,557
	Corporate		841			221
	Total income (loss) before income taxes	$	18,973		$	6,778

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa1

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	'
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	March 31, 2014
			SHLP			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
			Corp (a)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
			(In thousands)
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	51,081		$	45,042		$	8,652		$	0		$	104,775
	Restricted cash			563			354			79			0			996
	Accounts and other receivables, net			123,040			30,548			24,398			(24,141	)		153,845
	Receivables from related parties, net			7,231			13,641			1,116			0			21,988
	Inventory			884,590			246,664			4,076			(3,134	)		1,132,196
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures			26,274			1,169			25,092			0			52,535
	Investments in subsidiaries			737,766			71,709			89,615			(899,090	)		0
	Other assets, net			25,984			30,997			131			0			57,112
	Intercompany			0			492,016			0			(492,016	)		0
	Total assets		$	1,856,529		$	932,140		$	153,159		$	(1,418,381	)	$	1,523,447
	Liabilities and equity
	Liabilities:
	Notes payable		$	752,092		$	0		$	0		$	0		$	752,092
	Payables to related parties			20			0			2			5,577			5,599
	Accounts payable			27,860			16,159			586			0			44,605
	Other liabilities			187,872			69,957			54,863			(24,141	)		288,551
	Intercompany			456,483			0			44,244			(500,727	)		0
	Total liabilities			1,424,327			86,116			99,695			(519,291	)		1,090,847
	Equity:
	SHLP equity:
	Owners’ equity			427,235			841,057			53,066			(894,123	)		427,235
	Accumulated other comprehensive income			4,967			4,967			0			(4,967	)		4,967
	Total SHLP equity			432,202			846,024			53,066			(899,090	)		432,202
	Non-controlling interests			0			0			398			0			398
	Total equity			432,202			846,024			53,464			(899,090	)		432,600
	Total liabilities and equity		$	1,856,529		$	932,140		$	153,159		$	(1,418,381	)	$	1,523,447
	(a)	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp., whose financial position at March 31, 2014 was not material.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	December 31, 2013
			SHLP			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
			Corp (b)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
			(In thousands)
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	153,794		$	43,803		$	8,608		$	0		$	206,205
	Restricted cash			695			354			140			0			1,189
	Accounts and other receivables, net			120,299			26,754			28,696			(28,250	)		147,499
	Receivables from related parties, net			9,251			22,027			796			276			32,350
	Inventory			749,832			263,213			3,361			(3,134	)		1,013,272
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures			22,068			1,091			24,589			0			47,748
	Investments in subsidiaries			748,326			69,755			90,484			(908,565	)		0
	Other assets, net			24,030			32,957			83			0			57,070
	Intercompany			0			465,706			0			(465,706	)		0
	Total assets		$	1,828,295		$	925,660		$	156,757		$	(1,405,379	)	$	1,505,333
	Liabilities and equity
	Liabilities:
	Notes payable		$	751,708		$	0		$	0		$	0		$	751,708
	Payables to related parties			20			0			1			0			21
	Accounts payable			36,594			25,334			418			0			62,346
	Other liabilities			171,470			41,370			61,211			(28,250	)		245,801
	Intercompany			423,447			0			45,117			(468,564	)		0
	Total liabilities			1,383,239			66,704			106,747			(496,814	)		1,059,876
	Equity:
	SHLP equity:
	Owners’ equity			440,268			854,168			49,609			(903,777	)		440,268
	Accumulated other comprehensive income			4,788			4,788			0			(4,788	)		4,788
	Total SHLP equity			445,056			858,956			49,609			(908,565	)		445,056
	Non-controlling interests			0			0			401			0			401
Total equity			445,056			858,956			50,010			(908,565	)		445,457
Total liabilities and equity		$	1,828,295		$	925,660		$	156,757		$	(1,405,379	)	$	1,505,333
(b)	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp., whose financial position at December 31, 2013 was not material.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive income (Loss)	'
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
			SHLP			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
			Corp (a)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
			(In thousands)
	Revenues		$	87,594		$	89,108		$	3,413		$	0		$	180,115
	Cost of sales			(70,738	)		(64,150	)		(370	)		0			(135,258	)
	Gross margin			16,856			24,958			3,043			0			44,857
	Selling expenses			(6,145	)		(3,904	)		(1,691	)		0			(11,740	)
	General and administrative expenses			(10,544	)		(4,055	)		(705	)		0			(15,304	)
	Equity in income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures, net			(501	)		32			875			0			406
	Equity in income from subsidiaries			13,924			1,023			11			(14,958	)		0
	Gain on reinsurance transaction			0			0			1,345			0			1,345
	Interest expense			(118	)		0			0			0			(118	)
	Other income (expense), net			(2,171	)		1,736			(38	)		0			(473	)
	Income before income taxes			11,301			19,790			2,840			(14,958	)		18,973
	Income tax expense			(3	)		(7,658	)		(17	)		0			(7,678	)
	Net income			11,298			12,132			2,823			(14,958	)		11,295
	Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests			0			0			3			0			3
	Net income attributable to SHLP		$	11,298		$	12,132		$	2,826		$	(14,958	)	$	11,298
	Comprehensive income		$	11,477		$	12,311		$	2,823		$	(15,137	)	$	11,474
	(a)	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp.; no significant activity occurred in 2014.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
			SHLP			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
			Corp (b)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
			(In thousands)
	Revenues		$	69,965		$	59,175		$	5,820		$	0		$	134,960
	Cost of sales			(55,780	)		(47,386	)		(353	)		95			(103,424	)
	Gross margin			14,185			11,789			5,467			95			31,536
	Selling expenses			(5,206	)		(3,390	)		(1,558	)		0			(10,154	)
	General and administrative expenses			(7,571	)		(3,497	)		(889	)		0			(11,957	)
	Equity in income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures, net			(663	)		(19	)		50			0			(632	)
	Equity in income (loss) from subsidiaries			9,407			395			(533	)		(9,269	)		0
	Gain on reinsurance transaction			0			0			648			0			648
	Interest expense			(2,434	)		(999	)		0			0			(3,433	)
	Other income (expense), net			(877	)		1,241			501			(95	)		770
	Income before income taxes			6,841			5,520			3,686			(9,269	)		6,778
	Income tax benefit (expense)			(3	)		70			(8	)		0			59
	Net income			6,838			5,590			3,678			(9,269	)		6,837
	Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests			0			0			1			0			1
	Net income attributable to SHLP		$	6,838		$	5,590		$	3,679		$	(9,269	)	$	6,838
	Comprehensive income		$	6,968		$	5,720		$	3,678		$	(9,399	)	$	6,967
	(b)	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp.; no significant activity occurred in 2013.
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	'
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
			SHLP			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
			Corp (a)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
			(In thousands)
	Operating activities
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		$	(133,069	)	$	24,620		$	(66	)	$	5,853		$	(102,662	)
	Investing activities
	Net decrease (increase) in promissory notes from related parties			2,583			8,206			(328	)		0			10,461
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures			(4,172	)		(80	)		(200	)		0			(4,452	)
	Other investing activities			0			86			0			0			86
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			(1,589	)		8,212			(528	)		0			6,095
	Financing activities
	Intercompany			36,808			(31,593	)		638			(5,853	)		0
	Principal payments to financial institutions and others			(1,423	)		0			0			0			(1,423	)
	Contributions from owners			945			0			0			0			945
	Distributions to owners			(4,385	)		0			0			0			(4,385	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			31,945			(31,593	)		638			(5,853	)		(4,863	)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			(102,713	)		1,239			44			0			(101,430	)
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			153,794			43,803			8,608			0			206,205
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	51,081		$	45,042		$	8,652		$	0		$	104,775
	(a)	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp.; no significant activity occurred in 2014.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
			SHLP			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Total
			Corp (a)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
			(In thousands)
	Operating activities
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		$	(16,223	)	$	(16,369	)	$	2,633		$	1,996		$	(27,963	)
	Investing activities
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures			(4,011	)		(17	)		0			0			(4,028	)
	Other investing activities			295			3,159			500			0			3,954
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			(3,716	)		3,142			500			0			(74	)
	Financing activities
	Principal payments to financial institutions and others			(241	)		0			0			0			(241	)
	Intercompany			14,658			(20,279	)		7,617			(1,996	)		0
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			14,417			(20,279	)		7,617			(1,996	)		(241	)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			(5,522	)		(33,506	)		10,750			0			(28,278	)
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			216,914			48,895			13,947			0			279,756
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	211,392		$	15,389		$	24,697		$	0		$	251,478
	(b)	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp.; no significant activity occurred in 2013.

Basis_of_Presentation_Addition

Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) (JFSCI)	Mar. 31, 2014
JFSCI	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Ownership Interest	96.00%

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Minimum	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Operations claims standard warranty period	'1 year
Maximum	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Operations claims standard warranty period	'2 years
Completed operations extended warranty period	'12 years

Restricted_Cash_Additional_Inf

Restricted Cash - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted cash	$1	$1.20

Net_Book_Values_and_Estimated_

Net Book Values and Estimated Fair Values of Notes Payable (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net Book Value	$752,092	$751,708
Senior Secured Notes Due	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net Book Value	750,000	750,000
Estimated Fair Value	825,000	830,625
Secured Promissory Notes	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net Book Value	2,092	1,708
Estimated Fair Value	$2,092	$1,708

Net_Book_Values_and_Estimated_1

Net Book Values and Estimated Fair Values of Notes Payable (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Senior Secured Notes Due, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	10-May-11
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Principal amount	$750,000	$750,000	$750,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Principal amount	$750,000	$750,000	'

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Additio

Fair Value Disclosures - Additional Information (Detail) (Senior Secured Notes Due, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate	8.63%	8.63%
Maturity period	'2019-05	'2019-05
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net Book Value	750	'
Interest rate	8.63%	'
Maturity period	'2019-05	'

Accounts_and_Other_Receivables2

Accounts and Other Receivables (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts and Other Receivables [Line Items]	'	'
Insurance receivables	$137,644	$138,610
Escrow receivables	7,154	586
Notes receivables	4,308	3,155
Development receivables	1,932	3,093
Other receivables	4,718	4,031
Reserve	-1,911	-1,976
Total accounts and other receivables, net	$153,845	$147,499

Accounts_and_Other_Receivables3

Accounts and Other Receivables, Net (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts and Other Receivables [Line Items]	'	'
Insurance receivables	$137,644	$138,610
Affiliate insurance carriers	'	'
Accounts and Other Receivables [Line Items]	'	'
Insurance receivables	$47,200	$44,000

Inventory_Detail

Inventory (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Homes under construction	$299,579	$257,662
Lots available for construction	354,471	342,622
Land under development	154,801	122,257
Land held for future development	80,413	70,618
Land held for sale, including water system connection rights	82,595	79,102
Land deposits and preacquisition costs	21,551	32,998
Total inventory	1,132,196	1,013,272
Model Homes	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Inventory finished homes	104,549	87,728
Completed Homes for Sale	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Inventory finished homes	$34,237	$20,285

Inventory_Additional_Informati

Inventory - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Inventory impairment charges	$0	$0

Interest_Incurred_Capitalized_

Interest Incurred, Capitalized and Expensed (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Capitalized Interest [Line Items]	'		'
Interest incurred	$16,929		$16,768
Interest expensed	118	[1]	3,433	[1]
Inventory	'		'
Capitalized Interest [Line Items]	'		'
Interest capitalized as a cost of inventory during the period	15,936		13,078
Interest previously capitalized as a cost of inventory, included in cost of sales	-10,844		-9,511
Interest capitalized in ending inventory	107,192	[2]	106,416	[2]
Investments In Joint Ventures	'		'
Capitalized Interest [Line Items]	'		'
Interest capitalized as a cost of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures during the period	875		257
Interest previously capitalized as a cost of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, included in equity in income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures	-267		-257
Interest capitalized in ending investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$1,697		$0
[1]	For the three-months ended March 31, 2014, qualifying assets exceeded debt, therefore no interest on the Secured Notes was expensed; interest expense represents fees charged on the unused revolving credit facility that is not considered a cost of borrowing and is not capitalized. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, assets qualifying for interest capitalization were less than debt; therefore, non-qualifying interest was expensed.
[2]	Inventory impairment charges were recorded against total inventory of the respective community in prior periods. Capitalized interest reflects the gross amount of capitalized interest as impairment charges recognized were generally not allocated to specific components of inventory.

Interest_Incurred_Capitalized_1

Interest Incurred, Capitalized and Expensed (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Capitalized Interest [Line Items]	'
Interest charged on unused revolving credit facility	$0

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Mar. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

RRWS,LLC

RRWS,LLC

Polo Estates Ventures, LLC

Polo Estates Ventures, LLC

Guarantee Provided

Guarantee Provided

Guarantee Provided

Guarantee Provided

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Fourth Unconsolidated Joint Venture

Fourth Unconsolidated Joint Venture

Fourth Unconsolidated Joint Venture

Impairment on investments in joint ventures

Impairment on investments in joint ventures

RRWS,LLC

RRWS,LLC

Polo Estates Ventures, LLC

Polo Estates Ventures, LLC

Maximum

Minimum

Investment [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership Interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deficit Distributions

$536,000

'

$351,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairments charges on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Indemnification agreement from joint ventures, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes payable outstanding

'

'

'

42,200,000

47,700,000

7,400,000

4,800,000

42,200,000

47,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum remargin obligation

70,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,100,000

23,800,000

7,400,000

4,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum liability (cap)

'

'

'

35,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity

'

125,000,000

'

'

'

21,600,000

21,600,000

'

'

21,600,000

21,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guaranty Liabilities

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving basket available for joint venture investment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

70,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of cumulative consolidated net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Committed capital contribution in joint venture

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

45,000,000

'

'

Aggregate capital contributions

$52,535,000

'

$47,748,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$15,100,000

$15,100,000

'

'

'

Total_Unconsolidated_Joint_Ven

Total Unconsolidated Joint Ventures' Note Payable (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	$752,092		$751,708
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	'		'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Joint venture debt	76,517		78,589
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures | Bank and Seller Financing Notes Payable	'		'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	60,673	[1]	62,588	[1]
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures | Bank and Seller Financing Notes Payable | Guarantee Provided	'		'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	49,663		52,515
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures | Bank and Seller Financing Notes Payable | Non Guaranteed Obligations	'		'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	11,010		10,073
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures | Partner Notes Payable | Unsecured Debt	'		'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Notes payable	15,844	[2]	16,001	[2]
Non-Direct Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	'		'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Joint venture debt	$12,051	[3]	$55,441	[3]
[1]	All bank seller notes were secured by real property.
[2]	No guarantees were provided on partner notes payable. In January 2014, a $3.2 million partner note from one joint venture was paid off.
[3]	Through indirect effective ownership in two joint ventures of 12.3% and 0.0003%, respectively, that had bank notes payable secured by real property in which we have not provided any guarantee.

Total_Unconsolidated_Joint_Ven1

Total Unconsolidated Joint Ventures' Note Payable (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Joint Venture One	Joint Venture One	Joint Venture Two
				Indirect	Indirect
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Notes payable	$752,092	$751,708	$3,200	'	'
Ownership Interest	'	'	'	12.30%	0.00%

Variable_Interest_Entities_Add

Variable Interest Entities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Feb. 28, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

RRWS,LLC

RRWS,LLC

Polo Estates Ventures, LLC

Polo Estates Ventures, LLC

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Third Party

Third Party

Land Option Contracts

Land Option Contracts

Land Option Contracts

Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities

RRWS,LLC

Polo Estates Ventures, LLC

RRWS,LLC

Polo Estates Ventures, LLC

Loss Exposure

Loss Exposure

Land Option Contracts

Variable Interest Entities and Non Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

VIEs ownership interest

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

50.00%

50.00%

50.00%

'

'

'

'

Notes payable outstanding

'

$42.20

$47.70

$7.40

$4.80

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum liability (cap)

'

35

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum aggregate liability

'

'The Company has a maximum aggregate liability under the re-margin arrangements of the lesser of 50% of the outstanding balances or $35.0 million in total. Obligations of the Company and RRWS Partner under the re-margin arrangements are limited during the first two years of the loans.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum remargin obligation

'

21.1

23.8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity

125

'

'

21.6

21.6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Refundable and non-refundable cash deposits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18.6

'

'

1.1

Remaining purchase price of cash deposits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

342.8

'

'

29.8

Non-refundable deposits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19

6.9

'

Capitalized preacquisition costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1.90

$12

'

Other_Assets_Detail

Other Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Income tax receivable	$0	$2,199
Deferred tax asset	15,898	16,337
Investments	9,648	9,439
Property and equipment, net	4,476	4,103
Capitalized loan origination fees	8,152	11,089
Prepaid bank fees	38	152
Deposits in lieu of bonds and letters of credit	10,815	10,294
Prepaid insurance	3,549	2,460
Other	4,536	997
Total other assets, net	$57,112	$57,070

Other_Assets_Net_Additional_In

Other Assets, Net - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale securities realized gains	$0	$0

Notes_Payable_Detail

Notes Payable (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	$752,092	$751,708
Senior Secured Notes Due	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	750,000	750,000
Secured Revolving Credit Facility Matures March 1, 2016	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	0	0
Secured Promissory Notes	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	$2,092	$1,708

Notes_Payable_Parenthetical_De

Notes Payable (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	10-May-11	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Senior Secured Notes Due	Senior Secured Notes Due	Senior Secured Notes Due	Secured Revolving Credit Facility Matures March 1, 2016	Secured Revolving Credit Facility Matures March 1, 2016	Secured Promissory Notes	Secured Promissory Notes	Secured Promissory Notes	Secured Promissory Notes	Secured Promissory Notes	Secured Promissory Notes
								Minimum	Minimum	Maximum	Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Principal amount	$750,000	$750,000	$750,000	$125,000	$125,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate	8.63%	8.63%	'	2.75%	2.75%	'	'	1.00%	1.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Maturity period	'2019-05	'2019-05	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maturity date	15-May-19	'	'	1-Mar-16	1-Mar-16	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maturity year	'	'	'	'	'	'2014	'2014	'	'	'	'

Notes_Payable_Additional_Infor

Notes Payable - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

10-May-11

Feb. 28, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Jan. 14, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

10-May-11

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Senior Secured Notes Due

Senior Secured Notes Due

Senior Secured Notes Due

Senior Secured Notes Due

Senior Secured Notes Due

Senior Secured Notes Due

Senior Secured Notes Due

Semi Annual Payment, First Payment

Semi Annual Payment, Second Payment

Redeem On Or After May 15, 2015

Redeem On Or After May 15, 2016

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest payment date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'May 15

'November 15

'

'

Maturity date

'

'

'

1-Mar-16

'

'

15-May-19

'

'

'

'

'

'

Note redemption price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$104.31

$102.16

Accrued interest

$24,258,000

$8,086,000

'

'

'

'

$24,300,000

$8,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

Principal amount of debt issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

750,000,000

750,000,000

750,000,000

'

'

'

'

Letters of credit, borrowing capacity

'

'

$75,000,000

'

'

$75,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description

'

'

'

'

'The Revolver, which bears interest, at the Company's option, either at (i) a daily eurocurrency base rate as defined in the credit agreement governing the Revolver (the "Credit Agreement"), plus a margin of 2.75%, or (ii) a eurocurrency rate as defined in the Credit Agreement, plus a margin of 2.75%, and matures March 1, 2016.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

'

'

'

2.75%

'

'

8.63%

8.63%

'

'

'

'

'

Amortizing period of term loan

'

'

'

'18 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other_Liabilities_Detail

Other Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Completed operations	$137,644	$138,610	'	'
Warranty reserves	21,181	20,648	17,927	17,749
Income tax payable	3,942	0	'	'
Accrued profit and revenue participation arrangements	21,124	678	'	'
Deferred revenue/gain	28,182	29,358	'	'
Provisions for closed homes/communities	9,322	10,591	'	'
Deposits (primarily homebuyer)	17,034	14,281	'	'
Legal reserves	4,748	4,576	'	'
Accrued interest	24,258	8,086	'	'
Accrued compensation and benefits	9,902	9,389	'	'
Distributions payable	2,441	2,531	'	'
Deficit Distributions	536	351	'	'
Other	8,237	6,702	'	'
Total other liabilities	$288,551	$245,801	'	'

Other_Liabilities_Additional_I

Other Liabilities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2009

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2009

Vistancia, LLC

Vistancia, LLC

Vistancia, LLC

Minimum

Maximum

JFSCI

JFSCI

JFSCI

JFSCI

PIC

PIC

PIC

PIC

Other Liabilities [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operations claims standard warranty period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Completed operations extended warranty period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'12 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Insurance receivables

$137,644,000

'

$138,610,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of uncovered losses related to completed operations

12.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred revenue on completed operation claims

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,700,000

'

18,900,000

19,200,000

6,600,000

'

7,800,000

15,600,000

Gain on reinsurance transaction

1,345,000

648,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

200,000

'

'

1,100,000

400,000

'

'

Distribution payable to non-controlling interest

2,441,000

'

2,531,000

3,300,000

2,400,000

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distributions payable

'

'

'

$100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Changes_in_Completed_Operation

Changes in Completed Operations Reserves (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Operations	Operations
Completed Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of the period	$137,644	$138,610	$138,610	$131,519
Reserves provided	'	'	3,413	1,972
Claims paid	'	'	-4,379	-2,241
Balance, end of the period	$137,644	$138,610	$137,644	$131,250

Changes_in_Warranty_Liabilitie

Changes in Warranty Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'	'
Balance, beginning of the period	$20,648	$17,749
Provision for warranties	3,309	1,745
Warranty costs paid	-2,776	-1,567
Balance, end of the period	$21,181	$17,927

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Note receivable from JFSCI	$13,378	$21,588
Notes receivable from unconsolidated joint ventures	1,370	1,037
Notes receivable from related parties	16,256	18,822
Reserves for note receivables from related parties	-12,860	-12,842
Receivables from related parties	3,844	3,745
Total receivables from related parties, net	$21,988	$32,350

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

31-May-11

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Maximum

Northern California

Southern California

Related Party Receivables and Payables

Related Party Receivables and Payables

Related Party Receivables and Payables

Related Party Receivables and Payables

Related Party Receivables and Payables

Related Party Receivables and Payables

Related Party Receivables and Payables

Related Party Receivables and Payables

Non Interest Bearing

Non Interest Bearing

Real Property and Joint Venture Transactions

Real Property and Joint Venture Transactions

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

JFSCI

JFSCI

JFSCI

JFSCI

JFSCI

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Other

Other

Other Real Property and Joint Venture Transactions

Other Real Property and Joint Venture Transactions

Related Party Receivables and Payables

Related Party Receivables and Payables

Related Party Receivables and Payables

General and Administrative Related Party Transactions

General and Administrative Related Party Transactions

Related Party Receivables and Payables

Related Party Receivables and Payables

Related Party Receivables and Payables

Related Party Receivables and Payables

Entity

Entity

Minimum

Maximum

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible notes receivable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$38,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Bearing interest from notes receivable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.50%

2.50%

4.25%

4.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.00%

12.00%

Receivable maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-May-19

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prepayment on notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,400,000

3,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Note receivables from related parties

16,256,000

'

18,822,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,400,000

6,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,400,000

21,600,000

'

'

1,400,000

1,000,000

'

'

Notes receivable, maturity year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2020

'

'

'

Internal rate of returns

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17.50%

'

'

'

Reserves for notes receivable from other related parties

12,860,000

'

12,842,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,900,000

12,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes receivable, maturity periods

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'August 2016 through April 2021

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued interest monthly based on Prime less

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.75%

0.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued interest monthly based on Prime plus

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Receivables from related parties

3,844,000

'

3,745,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,800,000

3,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payables to related parties

5,599,000

'

21,000

'

'

'

5,600,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Inventory

1,132,196,000

'

1,013,272,000

'

4,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liabilities assumed

'

'

'

'

1,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue participation payments, gross revenues from home closing percentage

'

'

'

'

11.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other liabilities

288,551,000

'

245,801,000

'

19,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Charges to equity

'

'

'

'

25,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sale of land

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net sales proceeds recorded as an equity contribution

'

'

'

'

'

900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of unconsolidated joint ventures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10

9

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

General and administrative expenses

15,304,000

11,957,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,100,000

1,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

6,300,000

5,200,000

'

'

'

'

Management fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leases

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Lease renewal option term

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Related party rental expense

200,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amounts paid to affiliates for insurance coverage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$5,100,000

$3,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2009
				SHI	SHI	SHLP
					Maximum	Maximum
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax benefit (expense)	($7,678,000)	$59,000	'	$7,700,000	'	'
Deferred tax asset, net	15,898,000	'	16,337,000	15,900,000	'	'
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	'	'	'	500,000	'	'
Amount company could be obligated to pay	'	'	'	'	66,000,000	109,000,000
Initial Maximum CCM Payment	$70,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rate	0.00%	0.00%	'	'	'	'

Owners_Equity_Additional_Infor

Owners' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Series B Preferred Stock	'	'
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated undistributed preferred returns	$23.20	$22.70
Series B Preferred Stock | January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2016	'	'
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'
Preferred return percentage earned on unreturned preferred capital	1.20%	'
Series B Preferred Stock | January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020	'	'
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'
Preferred return percentage earned on unreturned preferred capital	2.25%	'
Series B Preferred Stock | January 1, 2021 and thereafter	'	'
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate determination	2.05%	'
Series D Preferred Stock	'	'
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership Interest	1.00%	'
Accumulated undistributed preferred returns	$57.50	$56.60
Series D Preferred Stock | January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2016	'	'
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'
Preferred return percentage earned on unreturned preferred capital	2.00%	'
Series D Preferred Stock | January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020	'	'
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'
Preferred return percentage earned on unreturned preferred capital	12.75%	'
Series D Preferred Stock | January 1, 2021 and thereafter	'	'
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'
Preferred return percentage earned on unreturned preferred capital	7.00%	'
Limited Partner	'	'
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership Interest	78.38%	'
General Partner	'	'
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership Interest	20.62%	'

Contingent_Liabilities_And_Com

Contingent Liabilities And Commitments (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Water system connection rights purchase obligation	$30,506	$30,506
Total unrecorded contingent liabilities and commitments	232,739	230,925
Partner Notes Payable	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Guarantee obligations	28,554	28,684
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Exposure of surety bonds in connection with development of projects	22,800	22,800
Tax Court Member	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Guarantee obligations	70,000	70,000
Surety Bonds | Related Parties	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Exposure of surety bonds in connection with development of projects	1,614	1,614
Surety Bonds | Company	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Exposure of surety bonds in connection with development of projects	79,258	77,276
Surety Bonds | Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Exposure of surety bonds in connection with development of projects	$22,807	$22,845

Contingent_Liabilities_And_Com1

Contingent Liabilities And Commitments (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Guarantee obligations maximum exposure	$70	'
Tax Court Member	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Guarantee obligations maximum exposure	$70	$70

Contingencies_and_Commitments_1

Contingencies and Commitments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	10-May-11
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Legal reserves	'	$4,700,000	$4,600,000	'
Letters of credit, borrowing capacity	'	'	'	75,000,000
Letters of credit, outstanding amount	'	0	0	'
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	125,000,000	'	'	'
Letters of credit, Outstanding capacity	62,500,000	'	'	'
Letters of credit, termination period	'2014-02	'	'	'
Water system connection rights purchase obligation	'	30,506,000	30,506,000	'
Colorado	'	'	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Water system connection rights purchase obligation	'	30,500,000	30,500,000	'
Credit Support Agreement | Colorado	'	'	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Reimbursements	'	8,800,000	8,600,000	'
Funding Arrangements	'	'	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Reimbursements	'	13,100,000	13,100,000	'
Funding Arrangements | Colorado	'	'	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Reimbursements	'	11,900,000	11,900,000	'
Related Parties	'	'	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Exposure of surety bonds in connection with development of projects	'	1,600,000	1,600,000	'
Bonds issued for development of projects	'	4,900,000	4,900,000	'
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	'	'	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Exposure of surety bonds in connection with development of projects	'	22,800,000	22,800,000	'
Bonds issued for development of projects	'	63,300,000	63,700,000	'
Homebuilding Operations	'	'	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Exposure of surety bonds in connection with development of projects	'	79,300,000	77,300,000	'
Bonds issued for development of projects	'	$169,500,000	$169,700,000	'

Supplemental_Disclosures_to_Co

Supplemental Disclosures to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information	'	'
Income taxes paid	$207	$25
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	0	109
Supplemental disclosure of noncash activities	'	'
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments, net	179	130
Reclassification of Deficit Distributions to unconsolidated joint ventures from other liabilities	184	0
Purchase of land in exchange for note payable	1,807	929
Distribution to Owners for assumption of liability and revenue participation payments for land purchased from a related party under common control	($20,891)	$0

Financial_Information_for_Repo

Financial Information for Reportable Segments - Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$1,523,447	$1,505,333
Homebuilding	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	1,367,483	1,240,416
Homebuilding | Southern California	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	387,270	316,339
Homebuilding | San Diego	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	170,484	160,593
Homebuilding | Northern California	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	299,867	286,513
Homebuilding | Mountain West	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	333,369	316,459
Homebuilding | South West	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	170,783	155,416
Homebuilding | East	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	5,710	5,096
Corporate	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$155,964	$264,917

Financial_Information_for_Repo1

Financial Information for Reportable Segments - Inventory (Detail) (USD $)

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Northern California

Homebuilding

Homebuilding

Homebuilding

Homebuilding

Homebuilding

Homebuilding

Homebuilding

Homebuilding

Homebuilding

Homebuilding

Homebuilding

Homebuilding

Homebuilding

Homebuilding

Southern California

Southern California

San Diego

San Diego

Northern California

Northern California

Mountain West

Mountain West

South West

South West

East

East

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Inventory

$1,132,196

$1,013,272

$4,400

$1,132,196

$1,013,272

$305,868

$239,986

$153,069

$142,395

$258,726

$249,111

$265,643

$247,294

$146,046

$132,484

$2,844

$2,002

Financial_Information_for_Repo2

Financial Information for Reportable Segments - Revenues (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues	$180,115	$134,960
Homebuilding	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues	179,905	134,839
Homebuilding | Southern California	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues	46,083	40,157
Homebuilding | San Diego	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues	17,031	9,629
Homebuilding | Northern California	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues	58,358	27,647
Homebuilding | Mountain West	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues	18,902	22,306
Homebuilding | South West	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues	39,531	33,533
Homebuilding | East	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues	0	1,567
Corporate	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues	$210	$121

Financial_Information_Relating

Financial Information Relating to Reportable Segments - Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	$18,973	$6,778
Homebuilding	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	18,132	6,557
Homebuilding | Southern California	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	4,678	7,891
Homebuilding | San Diego	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	1,754	-1,424
Homebuilding | Northern California	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	14,517	1,893
Homebuilding | Mountain West	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	-1,895	-2,784
Homebuilding | South West	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	575	1,055
Homebuilding | East	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	-1,497	-74
Corporate	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	$841	$221

Condensed_Consolidating_Balanc

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'		'		'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$104,775		$206,205		$251,478		$279,756
Restricted cash	996		1,189		'		'
Accounts and other receivables, net	153,845		147,499		'		'
Receivables from related parties, net	21,988		32,350		'		'
Inventory	1,132,196		1,013,272		'		'
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	52,535		47,748		'		'
Other assets, net	57,112		57,070		'		'
Total assets	1,523,447		1,505,333		'		'
Liabilities:	'		'		'		'
Notes payable	752,092		751,708		'		'
Payables to related parties	5,599		21		'		'
Accounts payable	44,605		62,346		'		'
Other liabilities	288,551		245,801		'		'
Total liabilities	1,090,847		1,059,876		'		'
SHLP equity:	'		'		'		'
Owners' equity	427,235		440,268		'		'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	4,967		4,788		'		'
Total SHLP equity	432,202		445,056		'		'
Non-controlling interests	398		401		'		'
Total equity	432,600		445,457		326,214		319,247
Total liabilities and equity	1,523,447		1,505,333		'		'
SHLP Corp	'		'		'		'
Assets	'		'		'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	51,081	[1],[2]	153,794	[1],[3]	211,392	[4]	216,914	[4]
Restricted cash	563	[2]	695	[3]	'		'
Accounts and other receivables, net	123,040	[2]	120,299	[3]	'		'
Receivables from related parties, net	7,231	[2]	9,251	[3]	'		'
Inventory	884,590	[2]	749,832	[3]	'		'
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	26,274	[2]	22,068	[3]	'		'
Investments in subsidiaries	737,766	[2]	748,326	[3]	'		'
Other assets, net	25,984	[2]	24,030	[3]	'		'
Intercompany	0	[2]	0	[3]	'		'
Total assets	1,856,529	[2]	1,828,295	[3]	'		'
Liabilities:	'		'		'		'
Notes payable	752,092	[2]	751,708	[3]	'		'
Payables to related parties	20	[2]	20	[3]	'		'
Accounts payable	27,860	[2]	36,594	[3]	'		'
Other liabilities	187,872	[2]	171,470	[3]	'		'
Intercompany	456,483	[2]	423,447	[3]	'		'
Total liabilities	1,424,327	[2]	1,383,239	[3]	'		'
SHLP equity:	'		'		'		'
Owners' equity	427,235	[2]	440,268	[3]	'		'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	4,967	[2]	4,788	[3]	'		'
Total SHLP equity	432,202	[2]	445,056	[3]	'		'
Non-controlling interests	0	[2]	0	[3]	'		'
Total equity	432,202	[2]	445,056	[3]	'		'
Total liabilities and equity	1,856,529	[2]	1,828,295	[3]	'		'
Guarantor Subsidiaries	'		'		'		'
Assets	'		'		'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	45,042		43,803		15,389		48,895
Restricted cash	354		354		'		'
Accounts and other receivables, net	30,548		26,754		'		'
Receivables from related parties, net	13,641		22,027		'		'
Inventory	246,664		263,213		'		'
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	1,169		1,091		'		'
Investments in subsidiaries	71,709		69,755		'		'
Other assets, net	30,997		32,957		'		'
Intercompany	492,016		465,706		'		'
Total assets	932,140		925,660		'		'
Liabilities:	'		'		'		'
Notes payable	0		0		'		'
Payables to related parties	0		0		'		'
Accounts payable	16,159		25,334		'		'
Other liabilities	69,957		41,370		'		'
Intercompany	0		0		'		'
Total liabilities	86,116		66,704		'		'
SHLP equity:	'		'		'		'
Owners' equity	841,057		854,168		'		'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	4,967		4,788		'		'
Total SHLP equity	846,024		858,956		'		'
Non-controlling interests	0		0		'		'
Total equity	846,024		858,956		'		'
Total liabilities and equity	932,140		925,660		'		'
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'		'		'		'
Assets	'		'		'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	8,652		8,608		24,697		13,947
Restricted cash	79		140		'		'
Accounts and other receivables, net	24,398		28,696		'		'
Receivables from related parties, net	1,116		796		'		'
Inventory	4,076		3,361		'		'
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	25,092		24,589		'		'
Investments in subsidiaries	89,615		90,484		'		'
Other assets, net	131		83		'		'
Intercompany	0		0		'		'
Total assets	153,159		156,757		'		'
Liabilities:	'		'		'		'
Notes payable	0		0		'		'
Payables to related parties	2		1		'		'
Accounts payable	586		418		'		'
Other liabilities	54,863		61,211		'		'
Intercompany	44,244		45,117		'		'
Total liabilities	99,695		106,747		'		'
SHLP equity:	'		'		'		'
Owners' equity	53,066		49,609		'		'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	0		0		'		'
Total SHLP equity	53,066		49,609		'		'
Non-controlling interests	398		401		'		'
Total equity	53,464		50,010		'		'
Total liabilities and equity	153,159		156,757		'		'
Consolidation, Eliminations	'		'		'		'
Assets	'		'		'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0		0		0
Restricted cash	0		0		'		'
Accounts and other receivables, net	-24,141		-28,250		'		'
Receivables from related parties, net	0		276		'		'
Inventory	-3,134		-3,134		'		'
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	0		0		'		'
Investments in subsidiaries	-899,090		-908,565		'		'
Other assets, net	0		0		'		'
Intercompany	-492,016		-465,706		'		'
Total assets	-1,418,381		-1,405,379		'		'
Liabilities:	'		'		'		'
Notes payable	0		0		'		'
Payables to related parties	5,577		0		'		'
Accounts payable	0		0		'		'
Other liabilities	-24,141		-28,250		'		'
Intercompany	-500,727		-468,564		'		'
Total liabilities	-519,291		-496,814		'		'
SHLP equity:	'		'		'		'
Owners' equity	-894,123		-903,777		'		'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	-4,967		-4,788		'		'
Total SHLP equity	-899,090		-908,565		'		'
Non-controlling interests	0		0		'		'
Total equity	-899,090		-908,565		'		'
Total liabilities and equity	-1,418,381		-1,405,379		'		'
Total	'		'		'		'
Assets	'		'		'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	104,775		206,205		'		'
Restricted cash	996		1,189		'		'
Accounts and other receivables, net	153,845		147,499		'		'
Receivables from related parties, net	21,988		32,350		'		'
Inventory	1,132,196		1,013,272		'		'
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	52,535		47,748		'		'
Investments in subsidiaries	0		0		'		'
Other assets, net	57,112		57,070		'		'
Intercompany	0		0		'		'
Total assets	1,523,447		1,505,333		'		'
Liabilities:	'		'		'		'
Notes payable	752,092		751,708		'		'
Payables to related parties	5,599		21		'		'
Accounts payable	44,605		62,346		'		'
Other liabilities	288,551		245,801		'		'
Intercompany	0		0		'		'
Total liabilities	1,090,847		1,059,876		'		'
SHLP equity:	'		'		'		'
Owners' equity	427,235		440,268		'		'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	4,967		4,788		'		'
Total SHLP equity	432,202		445,056		'		'
Non-controlling interests	398		401		'		'
Total equity	432,600		445,457		'		'
Total liabilities and equity	$1,523,447		$1,505,333		'		'
[1]	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp.; no significant activity occurred in 2014.
[2]	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp., whose financial position at March 31, 2014 was not material.
[3]	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp., whose financial position at December 31, 2013 was not material.
[4]	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp.; no significant activity occurred in 2013.

Condensed_Consolidating_Statem

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	$180,115		$134,960
Cost of sales	-135,258		-103,424
Gross margin	44,857		31,536
Selling expenses	-11,740		-10,154
General and administrative expenses	-15,304		-11,957
Equity in income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures, net	406		-632
Equity in income (loss) from subsidiaries	0		0
Gain on reinsurance transaction	1,345		648
Interest expense	-118	[1]	-3,433	[1]
Other income (expense), net	-473		770
Income before income taxes	18,973		6,778
Income tax benefit (expense)	-7,678		59
Net income	11,295		6,837
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	3		1
Net income attributable to SHLP	11,298		6,838
Comprehensive income	11,474		6,967
SHLP Corp	'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	87,594	[2]	69,965	[3]
Cost of sales	-70,738	[2]	-55,780	[3]
Gross margin	16,856	[2]	14,185	[3]
Selling expenses	-6,145	[2]	-5,206	[3]
General and administrative expenses	-10,544	[2]	-7,571	[3]
Equity in income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures, net	-501	[2]	-663	[3]
Equity in income (loss) from subsidiaries	13,924	[2]	9,407	[3]
Gain on reinsurance transaction	0	[2]	0	[3]
Interest expense	-118	[2]	-2,434	[3]
Other income (expense), net	-2,171	[2]	-877	[3]
Income before income taxes	11,301	[2]	6,841	[3]
Income tax benefit (expense)	-3	[2]	-3	[3]
Net income	11,298	[2]	6,838	[3]
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	0	[2]	0	[3]
Net income attributable to SHLP	11,298	[2]	6,838	[3]
Comprehensive income	11,477	[2]	6,968	[3]
Guarantor Subsidiaries	'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	89,108		59,175
Cost of sales	-64,150		-47,386
Gross margin	24,958		11,789
Selling expenses	-3,904		-3,390
General and administrative expenses	-4,055		-3,497
Equity in income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures, net	32		-19
Equity in income (loss) from subsidiaries	1,023		395
Gain on reinsurance transaction	0		0
Interest expense	0		-999
Other income (expense), net	1,736		1,241
Income before income taxes	19,790		5,520
Income tax benefit (expense)	-7,658		70
Net income	12,132		5,590
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	0		0
Net income attributable to SHLP	12,132		5,590
Comprehensive income	12,311		5,720
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	3,413		5,820
Cost of sales	-370		-353
Gross margin	3,043		5,467
Selling expenses	-1,691		-1,558
General and administrative expenses	-705		-889
Equity in income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures, net	875		50
Equity in income (loss) from subsidiaries	11		-533
Gain on reinsurance transaction	1,345		648
Interest expense	0		0
Other income (expense), net	-38		501
Income before income taxes	2,840		3,686
Income tax benefit (expense)	-17		-8
Net income	2,823		3,678
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	3		1
Net income attributable to SHLP	2,826		3,679
Comprehensive income	2,823		3,678
Consolidation, Eliminations	'		'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	0		0
Cost of sales	0		95
Gross margin	0		95
Selling expenses	0		0
General and administrative expenses	0		0
Equity in income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures, net	0		0
Equity in income (loss) from subsidiaries	-14,958		-9,269
Gain on reinsurance transaction	0		0
Interest expense	0		0
Other income (expense), net	0		-95
Income before income taxes	-14,958		-9,269
Income tax benefit (expense)	0		0
Net income	-14,958		-9,269
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	0		0
Net income attributable to SHLP	-14,958		-9,269
Comprehensive income	($15,137)		($9,399)
[1]	For the three-months ended March 31, 2014, qualifying assets exceeded debt, therefore no interest on the Secured Notes was expensed; interest expense represents fees charged on the unused revolving credit facility that is not considered a cost of borrowing and is not capitalized. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, assets qualifying for interest capitalization were less than debt; therefore, non-qualifying interest was expensed.
[2]	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp.; no significant activity occurred in 2014.
[3]	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp.; no significant activity occurred in 2013.

Condensed_Consolidating_Statem1

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Operating activities	'		'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	($102,662)		($27,963)
Investing activities	'		'
Net decrease (increase) in promissory notes from related parties	10,461		385
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	-4,452		-4,028
Other investing activities	86		3,954
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	6,095		-74
Financing activities	'		'
Intercompany	0		0
Principal payments to financial institutions and others	-1,423		-241
Contributions from owners	945		0
Distributions to owners	-4,385		0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-4,863		-241
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-101,430		-28,278
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	206,205		279,756
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	104,775		251,478
SHLP Corp	'		'
Operating activities	'		'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-133,069	[1]	-16,223	[2]
Investing activities	'		'
Net decrease (increase) in promissory notes from related parties	2,583	[1]	'
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	-4,172	[1]	-4,011	[2]
Other investing activities	0	[1]	295	[2]
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-1,589	[1]	-3,716	[2]
Financing activities	'		'
Intercompany	36,808	[1]	14,658	[2]
Principal payments to financial institutions and others	-1,423	[1]	-241	[2]
Contributions from owners	945	[1]	'
Distributions to owners	-4,385	[1]	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	31,945	[1]	14,417	[2]
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-102,713	[1]	-5,522	[2]
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	153,794	[1],[3]	216,914	[2]
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	51,081	[1],[4]	211,392	[2]
Guarantor Subsidiaries	'		'
Operating activities	'		'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	24,620		-16,369
Investing activities	'		'
Net decrease (increase) in promissory notes from related parties	8,206		'
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	-80		-17
Other investing activities	86		3,159
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	8,212		3,142
Financing activities	'		'
Intercompany	-31,593		-20,279
Principal payments to financial institutions and others	0		0
Contributions from owners	0		'
Distributions to owners	0		'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-31,593		-20,279
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,239		-33,506
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	43,803		48,895
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	45,042		15,389
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'		'
Operating activities	'		'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-66		2,633
Investing activities	'		'
Net decrease (increase) in promissory notes from related parties	-328		'
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	-200		0
Other investing activities	0		500
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-528		500
Financing activities	'		'
Intercompany	638		7,617
Principal payments to financial institutions and others	0		0
Contributions from owners	0		'
Distributions to owners	0		'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	638		7,617
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	44		10,750
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	8,608		13,947
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	8,652		24,697
Consolidation, Eliminations	'		'
Operating activities	'		'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	5,853		1,996
Investing activities	'		'
Net decrease (increase) in promissory notes from related parties	0		'
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	0		0
Other investing activities	0		0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	0		0
Financing activities	'		'
Intercompany	-5,853		-1,996
Principal payments to financial institutions and others	0		0
Contributions from owners	0		'
Distributions to owners	0		'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-5,853		-1,996
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0		0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$0		$0
[1]	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp.; no significant activity occurred in 2014.
[2]	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp.; no significant activity occurred in 2013.
[3]	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp., whose financial position at December 31, 2013 was not material.
[4]	Includes Shea Homes Funding Corp., whose financial position at March 31, 2014 was not material.