M.D.C. (MDC) 10-K 28 Jan 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	MDC HOLDINGS INC
Document Type	10-K
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	48,831,639
Entity Public Float		$1,200,000,000
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Central Index Key	773141
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Cash and cash equivalents	$153,825,000		$199,338,000
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net	13,600,000		25,900,000
Housing completed or under construction	732,692,000		636,700,000
Land and land under development	935,268,000		774,961,000
Total inventories	1,667,960,000		1,411,661,000
Property and equipment, net	30,491,000		31,248,000
Deferred tax asset, net	140,486,000		176,262,000
Prepaid and other assets	67,996,000		53,525,000
Total Assets	2,358,438,000		2,595,449,000
Total Liabilities	1,130,102,000		1,382,200,000
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding	0		0
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 48,831,639 and 48,788,887 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	488,000		488,000
Additional paid-in-capital	909,974,000		908,090,000
Retained earnings	307,419,000		293,096,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income	10,455,000	[1]	11,575,000	[1]
Total Stockholders' Equity	1,228,336,000		1,213,249,000
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	2,358,438,000		2,595,449,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	57,268,000		55,639,000
Homebuilding [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	122,642,000		148,634,000
Marketable securities	140,878,000		569,021,000
Restricted cash	2,816,000		2,195,000
Trade and other receivables	28,555,000		23,407,000
Housing completed or under construction	732,692,000		636,700,000
Land and land under development	935,268,000		774,961,000
Total inventories	1,667,960,000		1,411,661,000
Property and equipment, net	30,491,000		31,248,000
Deferred tax asset, net	140,486,000		176,262,000
Metropolitan district bond securities (related party)	18,203,000		12,729,000
Prepaid and other assets	67,996,000		53,525,000
Total Assets	2,220,027,000		2,428,682,000
Accounts payable	35,445,000		15,046,000
Accrued liabilities	115,117,000		152,821,000
Revolving credit facility	15,000,000
Senior notes, net	846,450,000		1,095,620,000
Total Liabilities	1,012,012,000		1,263,487,000
Financial Services [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	31,183,000		50,704,000
Marketable securities	15,262,000		19,046,000
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net	88,392,000		92,578,000
Other assets	3,574,000		4,439,000
Total Assets	138,411,000		166,767,000
Total Liabilities	118,090,000		118,713,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	57,268,000		55,639,000
Mortgage repurchase facility	$60,822,000		$63,074,000
[1]	All amounts net-of-tax.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Preferred stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	48,831,639	48,788,887
Common stock, shares outstanding	48,831,639	48,788,887

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventory impairments	($1,800)		($1,100)
Interest expense	-685	-1,726	-808
Losses from early extinguishments of debt	-18,153
Other-than-temporary impairment of marketable securities	-4,293
Income (loss) before income taxes	100,475	129,825	61,115
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	-37,332	184,560	1,584
Net income	63,143	314,385	62,699
Other comprehensive income (loss) related to available-for-sale securities, net of tax	-1,120	6,737	12,078
Comprehensive income	62,023	321,122	74,777
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$1.29	$6.39	$1.29
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$1.29	$6.34	$1.29
Basic (in Shares)	48,615,541	48,453,119	47,660,629
Diluted (in Shares)	48,817,566	48,831,785	47,834,156
Homebuilding [Member]
Home sale revenues	1,647,398	1,626,707	1,150,998
Land sale revenues	3,233	2,468	5,144
Total home and land sale revenues	1,650,631	1,629,175	1,156,142
Home cost of sales	-1,365,621	-1,336,978	-973,120
Land cost of sales	-2,559	-1,961	-4,823
Inventory impairments	-1,760	-919	-1,105
Total cost of sales	-1,369,940	-1,339,858	-979,048
Gross margin	280,691	289,317	177,094
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-203,253	-213,283	-167,295
Interest and other income	26,310	29,798	24,998
Interest expense	-685	-1,726	-808
Other expense	-4,813	-3,783	-1,372
Losses from early extinguishments of debt	-18,153
Other-than-temporary impairment of marketable securities	-4,293
Income (loss) before income taxes	75,804	100,323	32,617
Financial Services [Member]
Income (loss) before income taxes	24,671	29,502	28,498
Revenues	43,953	51,259	46,881
Expenses	-22,334	-25,271	-21,645
Interest and other income	$3,052	$3,514	$3,262

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at December 31 at Dec. 31, 2011	$480	$863,128	$12,927	($7,240)	($659)	$868,636
Balance at December 31 (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	48,017,108				-59,912
Net Income			62,699			62,699
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax				12,078		12,078
Total comprehensive income						74,777
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options and awards of restricted stock	8	16,616				16,624
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options and awards of restricted stock (in Shares)	752,855
Dividends declared			-96,915			-96,915
Stock-based compensation expense		16,225				16,225
Reversal of uncertain tax positions due to statute of limitations		1,551				1,551
Retirement of treasury stock	-1	-659			659	-1
Retirement of treasury stock (in Shares)	-62,230				62,230
Forfeiture of restricted stock (in Shares)	-8,976				-2,318
Balance at December 31 at Dec. 31, 2012	487	896,861	-21,289	4,838		880,897
Balance at December 31 (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	48,698,757
Net Income			314,385			314,385
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax				6,737		6,737
Total comprehensive income						321,122
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options and awards of restricted stock	2	5,116				5,118
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options and awards of restricted stock (in Shares)	178,737
Stock-based compensation expense		9,652				9,652
Forfeiture of restricted stock	-1	1
Forfeiture of restricted stock (in Shares)	-88,607
Net income tax deficiency from share-based compensation		-3,540				-3,540
Balance at December 31 at Dec. 31, 2013	488	908,090	293,096	11,575		1,213,249
Balance at December 31 (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	48,788,887
Net Income			63,143			63,143
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax				-1,120		-1,120
Total comprehensive income						62,023
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options and awards of restricted stock	0	374				374
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options and awards of restricted stock (in Shares)	57,021
Dividends declared			-48,820			-48,820
Stock-based compensation expense		5,979				5,979
Forfeiture of restricted stock	0	0				0
Forfeiture of restricted stock (in Shares)	-14,269
Net income tax deficiency from share-based compensation		-4,469				-4,469
Balance at December 31 at Dec. 31, 2014	$488	$909,974	$307,419	$10,455		$1,228,336
Balance at December 31 (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	48,831,639

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Activities:
Net income	$63,143	$314,385	$62,699
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Losses from early extinguishments of debt	18,153
Stock-based compensation expense	5,978	9,652	16,225
Depreciation and amortization	3,928	3,864	4,766
Inventory impairments	1,760	919	1,105
Other-than-temporary impairment of marketable securities	4,293
Net loss on sale of marketable securities	-7,310
Amortization of discount / premiums on marketable debt securities	566	219	596
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	34,226	-187,171
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	-26	-391
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	-621	-336	-1,192
Trade and other receivables	-6,638	4,186	-6,223
Mortgage loans held-for-sale	4,186	27,375	-41,618
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-11,873	-13,562	4,388
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-16,013	-19,408	47,275
Net cash used in operating activities	-163,647	-269,549	-108,819
Investing Activities:
Purchases of marketable securities	-428,709	-404,965	-478,701
Maturities of marketable securities	167,339	159,592	108,250
Sales of marketable securities	687,692	216,756	349,938
Purchases of property and equipment	-3,242	-1,785	-1,268
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	423,080	-30,402	-21,781
Financing Activities:
Advances (payments) on mortgage repurchase facility, net	-2,252	-13,253	27,625
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes	248,375	346,938
Repayment of senior notes	-517,650
Advances on revolving credit facility, net	15,000
Dividend payments	-48,820		-96,915
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	26	391
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	375	5,118	16,624
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-304,946	339,194	-52,666
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-45,513	39,243	-183,266
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	199,338	160,095	343,361
End of period	153,825	199,338	160,095
Housing Completed Or Under Construction [Member]
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Land and Housing Inventories	-96,936	-124,211	-212,154
Land And Land Under Development [Member]
Net changes in assets and liabilities:
Land and Housing Inventories	($160,463)	($285,070)	$15,314

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	1.             Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Principles of Consolidation.  The Consolidated Financial Statements of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. ("MDC," “the Company," “we,” “us,” or “our” which refers to M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries) include the accounts of MDC and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
	Description of Business.  We have homebuilding operations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, (which includes Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey), Nevada, Utah, Virginia and Washington. The primary functions of our homebuilding operations include land acquisition and development, home construction, purchasing, marketing, merchandising, sales and customer service. We build and sell primarily single-family detached homes, which are designed and built to meet local customer preferences. We are the general contractor for all of our projects and retain subcontractors for site development and home construction.
	Our financial services operations consist of HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation (“HomeAmerican”), which originates mortgage loans, primarily for our homebuyers, American Home Insurance Agency, Inc. (“American Home Insurance”), which offers third-party insurance products to our homebuyers, and American Home Title and Escrow Company (“American Home Title”), which provides title agency services to the Company and our homebuyers in Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Nevada and Virginia. The financial services operations also include Allegiant Insurance Company, Inc., A Risk Retention Group (“Allegiant”), which provides insurance coverage primarily to our homebuilding subsidiaries and certain subcontractors for homes sold by our homebuilding subsidiaries and for work performed in completed subdivisions, and StarAmerican Insurance Ltd. (“StarAmerican”), a wholly owned subsidiary of MDC, which is a re-insurer of Allegiant claims.
	Presentation.  Our balance sheet presentation is unclassified due to the fact that certain assets and liabilities have both short and long-term characteristics.
	Use of Accounting Estimates.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents.  The Company periodically invests funds in highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, such as commercial paper, money market funds and time deposits, which are included in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows.
	Marketable Securities. We have marketable debt and equity securities and as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, all of our marketable securities were treated as available-for-sale investments. As such, we have recorded all of our marketable securities at fair value with changes in fair value being recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”). When a security is sold, we use the first-in first-out method to determine the cost of the security sold or the amount reclassified out of AOCI.
	Restricted Cash.  We receive cash earnest money deposits from our customers who enter into home sale contracts. In certain states we are restricted from using such deposits for general purposes, unless we take measures to release state imposed restrictions on such deposits received from homebuyers, which may include posting blanket surety bonds. We had $2.8 million and $2.2 million in restricted cash related to homebuyer deposits at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Home Sale Receivables.  Home sale receivables primarily consist of cash to be received from title companies or outside brokers associated with closed homes. Generally, we will receive cash from title companies and outside brokers within a few days of the home being closed.
	Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale, net.  Mortgage loans held-for-sale are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and estimated market prices received from an outside third-party. Using fair value allows an offset of the changes in fair values of the mortgage loans and the derivative instruments used to hedge them without the burden of complying with the requirements for hedge accounting.
	Inventories. Our inventories are primarily associated with communities where we intend to construct and sell homes, including models and speculative homes. Costs capitalized to land and land under development primarily include: (1) land costs; (2) land development costs; (3) entitlement costs; (4) capitalized interest; (5) engineering fees; and (6) title insurance, real property taxes and closing costs directly related to the purchase of the land parcel. Components of housing completed or under construction primarily include: (1) land costs transferred from land and land under development; (2) direct construction costs associated with a house; (3) real property taxes, engineering fees, permits and other fees; (4) capitalized interest; and (5) indirect construction costs, which include field construction management salaries and benefits, utilities and other construction related costs. Land costs are transferred from land and land under development to housing completed or under construction at the point in time that construction of a home on an owned lot begins.
	In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment (“ASC 360”), homebuilding inventories are carried at cost unless events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the underlying subdivision may not be recoverable. We evaluate inventories for impairment at each quarter end on a subdivision level basis as each such subdivision represents the lowest level of identifiable cash flows. In making this determination, we review, among other things, the following for each subdivision:
		•	actual and trending “Operating Margin” (which is defined as home sale revenues less home cost of sales and all direct incremental costs associated with the home closing, including sales commissions) for homes closed;
		•	estimated future undiscounted cash flows and Operating Margin;
		•	forecasted Operating Margin for homes in backlog;
		•	actual and trending net and gross home orders;
		•	base sales price and home sales incentive information for homes closed, homes in backlog and homes available for sale;
		•	market information for each sub-market, including competition levels, home foreclosure levels, the size and style of homes currently being offered for sale and lot size; and
		•	known or probable events indicating that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
	If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our inventory may not be recoverable, assets are reviewed for impairment by comparing the undiscounted estimated future cash flows from an individual subdivision (including capitalized interest) to its carrying value. If the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the subdivision’s carrying value, the carrying value of the subdivision is written down to its then estimated fair value. We generally determine the estimated fair value of each subdivision by determining the present value of the estimated future cash flows at discount rates that are commensurate with the risk of the subdivision under evaluation.
	Property and Equipment, net.   Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from 2 to 29 years. Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment was $3.8 million, $3.7 million and $4.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The following table sets forth the cost and carrying value of our property and equipment by major asset category.
					Accumulated
					Depreciation and		Carrying
			Cost		Amortization		Value
	December 31, 2014:		(Dollars in thousands)
	Airplane		$	28,997	$	7,152	$	21,845
	Computer software and equipment			20,594		14,084		6,510
	Leasehold improvements			9,617		7,590		2,027
	Other			1,989		1,880		109
	Total		$	61,197	$	30,706	$	30,491
	December 31, 2013:
	Airplane		$	28,997	$	6,604	$	22,393
	Computer software and equipment			18,436		11,780		6,656
	Leasehold improvements			8,793		6,787		2,006
	Other			2,048		1,855		193
	Total		$	58,274	$	27,026	$	31,248
	Deferred Tax Asset, net.   Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between (1) the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and (2) the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using current enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded against a deferred tax asset if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
	Deferred Marketing Costs. Certain marketing costs related to model homes and sales offices are capitalized as they are: (1) reasonably expected to be recovered from the sale of the project; and (2) incurred for (a) tangible assets that are used directly throughout the selling period to aid in the sale of the project or (b) services that have been performed to obtain regulatory approval of sales. Capitalized marketing costs are included in prepaid and other assets in the homebuilding section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the associated amortization expense is included in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) in the homebuilding section of the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as the homes in the related subdivision are delivered. We allocate all capitalized marketing costs equally to each house within a subdivision and record expense as homes close over the life of a subdivision. All other marketing costs are expensed as incurred.
	Variable Interest Entities.  In accordance with ASC Topic 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”), we analyze our land option contracts and other contractual arrangements to determine whether the corresponding land sellers are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary. Although we do not have legal title to the optioned land, ASC 810 requires a company to consolidate a VIE if the company is determined to be the primary beneficiary. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary, we consider, among other things, whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact VIE’s economic performance, including, but not limited to, determining or limiting the scope or purpose of the VIE, selling or transferring property owned or controlled by the VIE, or arranging financing for the VIE. We also consider whether we have the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. We have concluded that, as of December 31, 2014, we were not the primary beneficiary of any VIEs from which we are purchasing land under land option contracts.
	Related Party Assets. Our related party assets are debt security bonds acquired from a quasi-municipal corporation in the state of Colorado. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Goodwill. In accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles–Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), we evaluate goodwill for possible impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. We use a three step process to assess the realizability of goodwill. The first step is a qualitative assessment that analyzes current economic indicators associated with a particular reporting unit. For example, we analyze changes in economic, market and industry conditions, business strategy, cost factors, and financial performance, among others, to determine if there would be a significant decline to the fair value of a particular reporting unit. If the qualitative assessment indicates a stable or improved fair value, no further testing is required.
	If a qualitative assessment indicates that a significant decline to fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not, or if a reporting unit’s fair value has historically been closer to its carrying value, we will proceed to the second step where we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on discounted future probability-weighted cash flows. If this step indicates that the carrying value of a reporting unit is in excess of its fair value, we will proceed to the third step where the fair value of the reporting unit will be allocated to assets and liabilities as they would in a business combination. Impairment occurs when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value calculated in the third step.
	Based on our analysis, we have concluded as of December 31, 2014, our goodwill was not impaired.
	Liability for Unrecognized Tax Benefits. ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, regarding liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits provides guidance for the recognition and measurement in financial statements of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.
	The evaluation of a tax position is a two-step process, the first step being recognition. We determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon tax examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation, based on the technical merits of the position. The technical merits of a tax position derive from both statutory and judicial authority (legislation and statutes, legislative intent, regulations, rulings, and case law) and their applicability to the facts and circumstances of the tax position. If a tax position does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the benefit of that position is not recognized in the financial statements.
	The second step is measurement. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate resolution with a taxing authority. Once the gross unrecognized tax benefit is determined, we also accrue for any interest and penalties, as well as any offsets expected from resultant amendments to federal or state tax returns. We record the aggregate effect of these items in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. To the extent this tax position would be offset against a similar deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed, the liability is treated as a reduction to the related deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward. Otherwise, we record the corresponding liability in accrued liabilities in the homebuilding section of our consolidated balance sheets.
	Warranty Accrual. Our homes are sold with limited third-party warranties. Under our agreement with the issuer of the third-party warranties, we are responsible for performing all of the work for the first two years of the warranty coverage and paying for substantially all of the work required to be performed during years three through ten of the warranties. We record accruals for general and structural warranty claims, as well as accruals for known, unusual warranty-related expenditures. Warranty accrual is recorded based upon historical payment experience in an amount estimated to be adequate to cover expected costs of materials and outside labor during warranty periods. The determination of the warranty accrual rate for closed homes and the evaluation of our warranty accrual balance at period end are based on an internally developed analysis that includes known facts and interpretations of circumstances, including, among other things, our trends in historical warranty payment levels and warranty payments for claims not considered to be normal and recurring.
	Warranty payments are recorded against the warranty accrual. Additional reserves may be established for known, unusual warranty-related expenditures not covered through the independent warranty accrual analysis performed by us. Warranty payments incurred for an individual house may differ from the related reserve established for the home at the time it was closed. The actual disbursements for warranty claims are evaluated in the aggregate to determine if an adjustment to the historical warranty accrual should be recorded.
	We assess the reasonableness and adequacy of the reserve and the per-unit reserve amount originally included in home cost of sales, as well as the timing of the reversal of any excess reserve on a quarterly basis, using historical payment data and other relevant information. Warranty accrual is included in accrued liabilities in the homebuilding section of our consolidated balance sheets and adjustments to our warranty accrual is recorded as an increase or reduction to home cost of sales in the homebuilding section of our consolidated statements of operations.
	Insurance Reserves. The establishment of reserves for estimated losses associated with insurance policies issued by Allegiant and re-insurance agreements issued by StarAmerican are based on actuarial developed studies that include known facts and interpretations of circumstances, including our experience with similar cases and historical trends involving claim payment patterns, pending levels of unpaid claims, product mix or concentration, claim severity, frequency patterns depending on the business conducted, and changing regulatory and legal environments.
	Mortgage Loan Loss Reserves.  In the normal course of business, we establish reserves for potential losses associated with HomeAmerican’s sale of mortgage loans to third-parties. These reserves are created to address repurchase and indemnity claims by third-party purchasers of the mortgage loans, which claims arise primarily out of, but not limited to, allegations of homebuyer fraud at the time of origination of the loan, missing documentation, loan processing defects or defective appraisals. These reserves are based upon, among other matters: (1) pending claims received from third-party purchasers associated with previously sold mortgage loans; (2) a current assessment of the potential exposure associated with future claims of loan processing defects or homebuyer fraud in mortgage loans originated in prior periods; and (3) historical loss experience.
	In addition to reserves established for mortgage loans previously sold to third-parties, we establish reserves for loans that we have repurchased if we believe the loss is likely and estimable. Our mortgage loan reserves are reflected as a component of accrued liabilities in the financial services section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and the associated expenses are included in expenses in the financial services section of the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Litigation Reserves. We and certain of our subsidiaries have been named as defendants in various cases. We reserve for estimated exposure with respect to these cases based upon currently available information on each case. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Derivative Financial Instruments. The derivative instruments we utilize in the normal course of business are interest rate lock commitments and forward sales of mortgage-backed securities, both of which typically are short-term in nature. Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities are utilized to hedge changes in fair value of our interest rate lock commitments as well as mortgage loans held-for-sale not under commitments to sell. For forward sales of securities, as well as interest rate lock commitments that are still outstanding at the end of a reporting period, we record the changes in fair value of the derivatives in revenues in the financial services section of our consolidated statements of operations with an offset to prepaid expenses and other assets or accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the financial services section of our accompanying consolidated balance sheets, depending on the nature of the change.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had interest rate lock commitments with aggregate principal balances of approximately $42.8 million and $69.8 million, respectively, at average interest rates of 3.69% and 4.13%, respectively. In addition, we had $13.6 million and $25.9 million of mortgage loans held-for-sale at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that had not yet been committed to a mortgage purchaser. In order to hedge the changes in fair value of our interest rate lock commitments and mortgage loans held-for-sale which had not yet been committed to a mortgage purchaser, we had forward sales of securities totaling $41.0 million and $74.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded net gains (losses) on our derivatives of $(0.8) million, $(0.1) million and $1.1 million, respectively. For further discussion of our policies regarding interest rate lock commitments, see our “Revenue Recognition for HomeAmerican” accounting policy section below.
	Revenue Recognition for Homebuilding Segments.  Revenue from home closings and land sales is recognized when the closing has occurred, title has passed, adequate initial and continuing investment by the buyer is received, possession and other attributes of ownership have been transferred to the buyer and we are not obligated to perform significant additional activities after closing and delivery. If the buyer has provided sufficient initial and continuing investment, and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met, revenue is recognized on the date of closing. Revenue from a home closing includes the base sales price and any purchased options and upgrades and is reduced for any sales price incentives.
	We defer Operating Margin related to the sale of a home if all of the following criteria are present: (1) HomeAmerican originates the mortgage loan; (2) HomeAmerican has not sold the mortgage loan, or loans, as of the end of the pertinent reporting period; and (3) the homebuyer’s down payment does not meet the initial or continuing investment criteria. The deferral is subsequently recognized at the time HomeAmerican sells the homebuyer’s mortgage loan, or loans, to a third-party purchaser. In the event the Operating Margin is a loss, we recognize such loss at the time the home is closed. We did not have any homes that closed during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012 that failed to meet the continuing investment criteria.
	Revenue Recognition for HomeAmerican.  Revenues recorded by HomeAmerican primarily include origination fees and the corresponding sale of a loan and either the release or retention of a loan’s servicing rights. Origination fees are recognized when a loan is originated. When an interest rate lock commitment is made to a customer, we record the expected gain on sale of the mortgage including servicing rights, adjusted for a pull-through percentage (which is defined as the likelihood that an interest rate lock commitment will be originated), as revenue. As the interest rate lock commitment gets closer to being originated, the expected gain on the sale of that loan plus its servicing rights is updated to reflect current market value and the increase or decrease in the fair value of that interest rate lock commitment is recorded through revenues. At the same time, the expected pull-through percentage of the interest rate lock commitment to be originated is updated (typically an increase as the interest lock commitment gets closer to origination) and, if there has been a change, revenues are adjusted as necessary. After origination, our mortgage loans, generally including their servicing rights, are sold to third-party purchasers in accordance with sale agreements entered into by us with a third-party purchaser of the loans. We make representations and warranties with respect to the status of loans transferred in the sale agreements. The sale agreements generally include statements acknowledging the transfer of the loans is intended by both parties to constitute a sale. Sale of a mortgage loan has occurred when the following criteria, among others, have been met: (1) fair consideration has been paid for transfer of the loan by a third party in an arms-length transaction, (2) all the usual risks and rewards of ownership that are in substance a sale have been transferred by us to the third party purchaser; and (3) we do not have a substantial continuing involvement with the mortgage loan.
	We measure mortgage loans held-for-sale at fair value with the changes in fair value being reported in earnings at each reporting date. The impact of recording changes in fair value to earnings did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012. Gains on sales of mortgage loans, net, were $15.5 million, $28.7 million and $21.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and are included as a component of revenues in the financial services section of the consolidated statements of operations.
	Home Cost of Sales. Home cost of sales 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, warranty costs and finance and closing costs, including closing cost incentives. We use the specific identification method for the purpose of accumulating home construction costs and allocate costs to each lot within a subdivision associated with land acquisition and land development based upon relative fair value of the lots prior to home construction. Lots within a subdivision typically have comparable fair values, and, as such, we generally allocate costs equally to each lot within a subdivision. We record all home cost of sales when a home is closed on a house-by-house basis.
	When a home is closed, we generally have not yet paid and recorded all costs necessary to complete the construction of the home and certain land development costs. At the time of a home closing, we compare the home construction budgets to actual recorded costs to determine the additional costs remaining to be paid on each closed home. For amounts not incurred or paid as of the time of closing a home, we record an estimated accrual associated with certain home construction and land development costs. Generally, these accruals are established based upon contracted work which has yet to be paid, open work orders not paid at the time of home closing, as well as land completion costs more likely than not to be incurred, and represent estimates believed to be adequate to cover the expected remaining home construction and land development costs. We monitor the adequacy of these accruals on a house-by-house basis and in the aggregate on a subdivision-by-subdivision basis. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had $10.1 million and $9.6 million, respectively, of land development and home construction accruals for closed homes. Actual results could differ from such estimates.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense. Stock-based compensation expense for all share-based payment awards is based on the grant date fair value. The grant date fair value for stock option awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the grant date fair value for restricted stock awards is based upon the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. We recognize these compensation costs net of estimated forfeitures. For stock option awards with service conditions only, we recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is currently the vesting term of up to seven years. For our stock option awards with performance conditions, we recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis for each performance criteria tranche (if applicable) over the period between the date that it is determined the performance conditions related to each tranche (if applicable) are probable to be met and the date the option vests.
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share. For purposes of calculating earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”), a company that has participating security holders (for example, unvested restricted stock that has nonforfeitable dividend rights) is required to utilize the two-class method for calculating earnings per share unless the treasury stock method results in lower EPS. The two-class method is an allocation of earnings/(loss) between the holders of common stock and a company’s participating security holders. Under the two-class method, earnings/(loss) for the reporting period are allocated between common shareholders and other security holders based on their respective rights to receive distributed earnings (i.e., dividends) and undistributed earnings (i.e., net income/(loss)). Currently, we have one class of security and we have participating security holders consisting of shareholders of unvested restricted stock. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing income or loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. To calculate diluted EPS, basic EPS is further adjusted to include the effect of potential dilutive stock options outstanding.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards. In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists ("ASU 2013-11"). This update requires companies to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, unless certain conditions exist. ASU 2013-11 was effective for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"), which is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model. Under ASU 2014-09, a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for our interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and is to be applied retrospectively, with early application not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the pronouncement will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11, Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures ("ASU 2014-11"), which makes limited amendments to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 860, "Transfers and Servicing." ASU 2014-11 requires entities to account for repurchase-to-maturity transactions as secured borrowings, eliminates accounting guidance on linked repurchase financing transactions, and expands disclosure requirements related to certain transfers of financial assets. ASU 2014-11 is effective for our fiscal periods beginning January 1, 2015 and interim periods beginning April 1, 2015. Early adoption is not permitted. This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Note_2_Supplemental_Cash_Flow_

Note 2 - Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	2.             Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure
	The table below sets forth supplemental disclosures of cash flow information and non-cash investing and financing activities.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Cash paid for:
	Interest, net of interest capitalized	$	1,843		$	-	$	1,083
	Income taxes	$	2,793		$	5,161	$	577
	Non-cash investing and financing activities:
	Unrealized holding gains (losses) on marketable securities	$	(1,120	)	$	6,737	$	12,078

Note_3_Segment_Reporting

Note 3 - Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	3. Segment Reporting
	Our operating segments are defined as a component of an enterprise for which discrete financial information is available and is reviewed regularly by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), or decision-making group, to evaluate performance and make operating decisions. We have identified our CODM as two key executives—the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Operating Officer.
	We have identified each homebuilding division as an operating segment. Our operating segments have been aggregated into the reportable segments noted below because they are similar in the following regards: (1) economic characteristics; (2) housing products; (3) class of homebuyer; (4) regulatory environments; and (5) methods used to construct and sell homes. Our homebuilding reportable segments are as follows:
		●	West (Arizona, California, Nevada and Washington)
		●	Mountain (Colorado and Utah)
		●	East (Virginia, Florida, Illinois and Maryland, which includes Pennsylvania and New Jersey)
	Our financial services business consists of the operations of the following operating segments: (1)  HomeAmerican; (2) Allegiant; (3) StarAmerican; (4) American Home Insurance Agency, Inc.; and (5) American Home Title and Escrow Company. Due to its contributions to consolidated pretax income we consider HomeAmerican to be a reportable segment, mortgage operations. The remaining operating segments have been aggregated into one reportable segment, other, because they do not individually exceed 10 percent of: (1) consolidated revenue; (2) the greater of (A) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or (B) the positive value of the combined reported loss of all operating segments that reported losses; or (3) consolidated assets.
	Corporate is a non-operating segment that develops and implements strategic initiatives and supports our operating divisions by centralizing key administrative functions such as finance and treasury, information technology, insurance and risk management, litigation and human resources. Corporate also provides the necessary administrative functions to support MDC as a publicly traded company. A portion of the expenses incurred by Corporate are allocated to the homebuilding operating segments based on their respective percentages of assets, and to a lesser degree, a portion of Corporate expenses are allocated to the financial services segments. A majority of Corporate’s personnel and resources are primarily dedicated to activities relating to the homebuilding segments, and, therefore, the balance of any unallocated Corporate expenses is included in the homebuilding segment.
	The following table summarizes home and land sale revenues for our homebuilding operations and revenues for our financial services operations.
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Homebuilding
	West		$	770,051		$	671,278		$	516,079
	Mountain			534,244			546,801			355,368
	East			346,336			411,096			284,695
	Total home and land sale revenues		$	1,650,631		$	1,629,175		$	1,156,142
	Financial Services
	Mortgage operations		$	25,887		$	34,976		$	35,123
	Other			18,066			16,283			11,758
	Total financial services revenues		$	43,953		$	51,259		$	46,881
	Total revenues		$	1,694,584		$	1,680,434		$	1,203,023
	The following table summarizes pretax income (loss) for our homebuilding and financial services operations.
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Homebuilding
	West		$	63,071		$	65,672		$	27,076
	Mountain			39,343			52,392			24,302
	East			10,730			19,590			11,011
	Corporate			(37,340	)		(37,331	)		(29,772	)
	Total homebuilding pretax income		$	75,804		$	100,323		$	32,617
	Financial Services
	Mortgage operations		$	14,034		$	21,608		$	23,939
	Other			10,637			7,894			4,559
	Total financial services pretax income		$	24,671		$	29,502		$	28,498
	Total pretax income		$	100,475		$	129,825		$	61,115
	The following table summarizes total assets for our homebuilding and financial services operations. The assets in our West, Mountain and East segments consist primarily of inventory while the assets in our Corporate segment primarily include cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and our deferred tax asset. The assets in our financial services segment consist mostly of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and mortgage loans held-for-sale.
			December 31,
			2014			2013
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Homebuilding assets
	West		$	893,970		$	760,450
	Mountain			516,971			418,796
	East			343,718			297,627
	Corporate			465,368			951,809
	Total homebuilding assets		$	2,220,027		$	2,428,682
	Financial services assets
	Mortgage operations		$	94,265		$	99,065
	Other			44,146			67,702
	Total financial services assets		$	138,411		$	166,767
	Total assets		$	2,358,438		$	2,595,449

Note_4_Earnings_Per_Share

Note 4 - Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	4.             Earnings Per Share
	The following table shows our basic and diluted EPS calculations:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Numerator
	Net income	$	63,143		$	314,385		$	62,699
	Less: distributed earnings allocated to participating securities		(196	)		-			(1,101	)
	Less: undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities		(60	)		(4,917	)		-
	Net income attributable to common stockholders (numerator for basic earnings per share)		62,887			309,468			61,598
	Add back: undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities		60			4,917			-
	Less: undistributed earnings reallocated to participating securities		(60	)		(4,879	)		-
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share under two class method	$	62,887		$	309,506		$	61,598
	Denominator
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding		48,615,541			48,453,119			47,660,629
	Add: dilutive effect of stock options		202,025			378,666			173,527
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share under two class method		48,817,566			48,831,785			47,834,156
	Basic Earnings Per Common Share	$	1.29		$	6.39		$	1.29
	Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	$	1.29		$	6.34		$	1.29
	Diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 excluded options to purchase approximately 4.3 million, 3.8 million and 4.7 million shares, respectively, of common stock because the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

Note_5_Accumulated_Other_Compr

Note 5 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	5.             Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The following table sets forth our changes in accumulated other comprehensive income:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale marketable securities (1) :
	Beginning balance		$	7,655		$	4,838		$	(7,240	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(3,025	)		3,255			12,473
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI (2)			(1,855	)		(438	)		(395	)
	Ending balance		$	2,775		$	7,655		$	4,838
	Unrealized gains on available-for-sale metropolitan district bond securities (1) :
	Beginning balance		$	3,920		$	-		$	-
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			3,760			3,920			-
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI			-			-			-
	Ending balance		$	7,680		$	3,920		$	-
	Total ending AOCI		$	10,455		$	11,575		$	4,838
	_______________________
		(1)	All amounts net-of-tax.
		-2	See separate table below for details about these reclassifications.
	The following table sets forth the activity related to reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to available for sale securities:
			Year Ended December 31,
	Affected Line Item in the Statements of Operations		2014			2013			2012
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Homebuilding interest and other income		$	7,210		$	580		$	823
	Other-than-temporary impairment of marketable securities			(4,293	)		-			-
	Financial services interest and other income			100			133			(181	)
	Income before income taxes			3,017			713			642
	Benefit from (provision for) income taxes			(1,162	)		(275	)		(247	)
	Net income		$	1,855		$	438		$	395

Note_6_Fair_Value_Measurements

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	6.             Fair Value Measurements
	ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements (“ASC 820”), defines fair value, establishes guidelines for measuring fair value and expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.
	The following table sets forth the fair values and methods used for measuring the fair values of financial instruments on a recurring basis:
				Fair Value
	Financial Instrument	Hierarchy		31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
				(Dollars in thousands)
	Marketable securities (available-for-sale)
	Equity securities	Level 1		$	129,560			$	389,323
	Debt securities - maturity less than 1 year	Level 2			1,511				72,577
	Debt securities - maturity 1 to 5 years	Level 2			7,643				106,566
	Debt securities - maturity greater than 5 years	Level 2			17,426				19,601
	Total available-for-sale securities			$	156,140			$	588,067
	Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net	Level 2		$	88,392			$	92,578
	Metropolitan district bond securities (related party) (available-for-sale)	Level 3		$	18,203			$	12,729
	The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments.
	Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade and other receivables, prepaid and other assets, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities. Fair value approximates carrying value.
	Marketable Securities.  We have marketable debt and equity securities. Our equity securities consist of holdings in mutual fund securities, which invest in debt securities and holdings in corporate equities. Our debt securities consist primarily of fixed and floating rate interest earning debt securities, which may include, among others, United States government and government agency debt and corporate debt. We measure the fair value of our debt securities using a third party pricing service that either provides quoted prices in less active markets for identical or similar securities or uses observable inputs for their pricing, both of which are level 2 inputs. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, all of our marketable securities were treated as available-for-sale investments and, as such, we have recorded all of our marketable securities at fair value with changes in fair value being recorded as a component AOCI.
	Each quarter we assess all of our securities in an unrealized loss position for potential other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). Our assessment includes a consideration of many factors, both qualitative and quantitative, including the amount of the unrealized loss, the period of time the security has been in a loss position, the financial condition of the issuer and whether we have the intent and ability to hold the securities, among other factors. During third quarter of 2014, we recorded a pre-tax OTTI of $4.3 million for certain of our mutual funds that were in a loss position as of quarter end. The OTTI is included in other-than-temporary impairment of marketable securities in the homebuilding section of our consolidated statements of operations.
	The following tables set forth the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our available-for-sale marketable securities.
		31-Dec-14								31-Dec-13
		Amortized				Fair Value				Amortized			Fair Value
		Cost								Cost
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Homebuilding:
	Equity securities	$	116,009			$	120,274			$	375,142		$	385,303
	Debt securities		20,660				20,604				181,635			183,718
	Total homebuilding available-for-sale marketable securities	$	136,669			$	140,878			$	556,777		$	569,021
	Financial Services:
	Equity securities	$	9,028			$	9,286			$	4,000		$	4,020
	Debt securities		5,930				5,976				14,721			15,026
	Total financial services available-for-sale marketable securities	$	14,958			$	15,262			$	18,721		$	19,046
	Total available-for-sale marketable securities	$	151,627			$	156,140			$	575,498		$	588,067
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our marketable securities were in a net unrealized gain position totaling $4.5 millionand $12.6 million, respectively. Our marketable securities which were in unrealized loss positions aggregated to unrealized losses of $3.1 million and $1.1 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The table below sets forth the debt and equity securities that were in an aggregate loss position. We do not believe that the aggregate unrealized loss related to our debt or equity securities as of December 31, 2014 is material to our operations.
		31-Dec-14											31-Dec-13
		Number of Securities in Loss Position				Aggregate Loss Position				Aggregate Fair Value of Securities in a Loss Position			Number of Securities in Loss Position		Aggregate Loss Position			Aggregate Fair Value of Securities in a Loss Position
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Type of Investment
	Debt		52			$	(359	)		$	14,536			72	$	(430	)	$	46,440
	Equity		6				(2,738	)			74,999			7		(713	)		14,174
	Total		58			$	(3,097	)		$	89,535			79	$	(1,143	)	$	60,614
	The following tables set forth gross realized gains and losses from the sale of available-for-sale marketable securities, which were included in either interest and other income in the homebuilding section or interest and other income in the financial services section of our consolidated statements of operations.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities
	Equity securities	$	7,719			$	1,251			$	-
	Debt securities		2,432				83				608
	Total	$	10,151			$	1,334			$	608
	Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities
	Equity securities	$	(6,183	)		$	-			$	-
	Debt securities		(952	)			(3,794	)			(1,287	)
	Total	$	(7,135	)		$	(3,794	)		$	(1,287	)
	Net realized gain (loss) on sales of available-for-sale securities	$	3,016			$	(2,460	)		$	(679	)
	Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale, Net.  As of December 31, 2014, the primary components of our mortgage loans held-for-sale that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis are: (1) mortgage loans held-for-sale under commitments to sell; and (2) mortgage loans held-for-sale not under commitments to sell. At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had $72.3 million and $65.1 million, respectively, of mortgage loans held-for-sale under commitments to sell for which fair value was based upon Level 2 inputs, which were the quoted market prices for those mortgage loans. At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had $13.6 million and $25.9 million, respectively, of mortgage loans held-for-sale that were not under commitments to sell. The fair value for those loans was primarily based upon the estimated market price received from an outside party, which is a Level 2 fair value input.
	Metro District Bond Securities (Related Party).  The Metro District Bond Securities (“Metro Bonds”) are included in the homebuilding section of our accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Cash flows received by the Company from these securities reflect principal and interest payments from the quasi-municipal corporation in the state of Colorado (the “Metro District”) that are supported by an annual levy on the taxable value of real estate and personal property within the Metro District’s boundaries and a one-time fee assessed on permits obtained by MDC in the Metro District. The stated year of maturity for the Metro Bonds is 2037. However, if the unpaid principal and all accrued interest are not paid off by the year 2037, the Company will continue to receive principal and interest payments in perpetuity until the unpaid principal and accrued interest is paid in full. Since 2007 and through the first quarter of 2013, we accounted for these securities under the cost recovery method and they were not carried at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality (“ASC 310-30”).
	In the second quarter of 2013, we determined that these securities no longer were required to be accounted for under the cost recovery method due to an increase in the number of new homes delivered in the community coupled with the stabilization of property values within the Metro District. In accordance with ASC 310-30, we now adjust the bond principal balance on a prospective basis using an interest accretion model that utilizes future cash flows expected to be collected. Furthermore, as this investment is accounted for as an available-for-sale asset, we update its fair value on a quarterly basis, with the adjustment being recorded through AOCI. The fair value is based upon a discounted future cash flow model, which uses Level 3 inputs. The two primary unobservable inputs used in our discounted cash flow model are the forecasted number of homes to be closed, as they drive any increases to the tax base for the Metro District, and the discount rate. The table below provides quantitative data, as of December 31, 2014, regarding each unobservable input and the sensitivity of fair value to potential changes in those unobservable inputs.
		Quantitative Data							Sensitivity Analysis
	Unobservable Input	Range				Weighted Average			Movement in		Movement in
									Fair Value from		Fair Value from
									Increase in Input		Decrease in Input
	Number of homes closed per year		0 to 123				93		Increase		Decrease
	Discount rate		5.2% to 14%				10.20%		Decrease		Increase
	The table set forth below summarizes the activity for our Metro Bonds.
		Year Ended December 31,
	2014				2013
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	12,729			$	5,818
Increase in fair value (recorded in other comprehensive income)		6,114				6,373
Change due to accretion of principal		1,405				1,192
Cash receipts		(2,045	)			(654	)
Balance at end of period	$	18,203			$	12,729
Mortgage Repurchase Facility. The debt associated with our Mortgage Repurchase Facility (see Note 16 for further discussion) is at floating rates or at fixed rates that approximate current market rates and have relatively short-term maturities, generally within 30 days. The fair value approximates carrying value and is based on Level 2 inputs.
Senior Notes. The estimated values of the senior notes in the following table are based on Level 2 inputs, including market prices of other homebuilder bonds.
	31-Dec-14								31-Dec-13
	Carrying				Fair Value				Carrying			Fair Value
	Amount								Amount
	(Dollars in thousands)
5⅜% Senior Notes due December 2014, net	$	-			$	-			$	249,814		$	258,750
5⅜% Senior Notes due July 2015, net		-				-				249,935			262,562
5⅝% Senior Notes due February 2020, net		246,450				257,950				245,871			259,688
5½% Senior Notes due January 2024		250,000				242,608				-			-
6% Senior Notes due January 2043		350,000				296,555				350,000			305,083
Total	$	846,450			$	797,113			$	1,095,620		$	1,086,083
Inventories.  The table below sets forth the carrying value, at each year end, of all inventories that were impaired during each year presented.
	Carrying Value of
	Impaired Inventory at
	31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)
West	$	-			$	-
Mountain		4,378				-
East		2,331				4,187
Total	$	6,709			$	4,187
Inventories with carrying values prior to impairment of $10.7 million and $5.8 million were determined to be impaired during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The carrying value for some of these inventories at their respective year ends may not represent the fair value they were impaired to due to activities that occurred subsequent to the measurement date. The fair values of impaired inventories were determined using Level 3 inputs. We generally determine the estimated fair value of each subdivision by determining the present value of the estimated future cash flows at discount rates that are commensurate with the risk of the subdivision under evaluation.

Note_7_Inventories

Note 7 - Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	7.             Inventories
	The following table sets forth, by reportable segment, information relating to our homebuilding inventories:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Housing Completed or Under Construction:
	West	$	343,134	$	270,778
	Mountain		220,489		194,101
	East		169,069		171,821
	Subtotal		732,692		636,700
	Land and Land Under Development:
	West		507,252		459,512
	Mountain		277,583		211,526
	East		150,433		103,923
	Subtotal		935,268		774,961
	Total Inventories	$	1,667,960	$	1,411,661
	In accordance with ASC 360, homebuilding inventories are carried at cost unless events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the underlying subdivision may not be recoverable. We evaluate inventories for impairment at each quarter end. Please see “Inventories” in Note 1 and the discussion below for more detail on the methods and assumptions that were used to estimate the fair value of our inventories.
	Inventory impairments recognized by segment for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are shown in the table below:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Housing Completed or Under Construction:
	West	$	-	$	-	$	-
	Mountain		234		-		-
	East		1,000		802		295
	Subtotal		1,234		802		295
	Land and Land Under Development:
	West		-		-		-
	Mountain		526		-		-
	East		-		117		810
	Subtotal		526		117		810
	Total Inventories	$	1,760	$	919	$	1,105
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded $1.8 million of inventory impairments related to four projects; three in our Maryland division in our East segment and one in our Colorado division in our Mountain segment. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded $0.9 million of inventory impairments related to three projects in Maryland. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded $1.1 million of inventory impairments related to two projects in Maryland. These communities were all impaired based on their slow sales absorption rates experienced during each of 2014, 2013 and 2012 as well as the estimated or actual sales price reductions required to sell the remaining lots and houses.
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we used discount rates ranging from 10% to 18% for the subdivisions that were impaired.

Note_8_Capitalization_of_Inter

Note 8 - Capitalization of Interest	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Capitalization Disclosure [Abstract]
Capitalization Disclosure [Text Block]	8.             Capitalization of Interest
	We capitalize interest to inventories during the period of development in accordance with ASC Topic 835, Interest (“ASC 835”). Homebuilding interest capitalized as a cost of inventories is included in cost of sales as related units or lots are sold. To the extent our homebuilding debt exceeds our qualified assets as defined in ASC 835, we expense a portion of the interest incurred. Qualified homebuilding assets consist of all lots and homes, excluding finished unsold homes or finished models, within projects that are actively selling or under development. The table set forth below summarizes homebuilding interest activity.
	The homebuilding interest expensed in the table below relates to the portion of interest incurred where our homebuilding debt exceeded our qualified inventory for such periods in accordance with ASC 835.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Homebuilding interest incurred	$	66,269		$	61,634		$	42,315
	Less: Interest capitalized		(65,584	)		(59,908	)		(41,507	)
	Homebuilding interest expensed	$	685		$	1,726		$	808
	Interest capitalized, beginning of period	$	74,155		$	68,508		$	58,107
	Plus: Interest capitalized during period		65,584			59,908			41,507
	Less: Previously capitalized interest included in home cost of sales		(60,508	)		(54,261	)		(31,106	)
	Interest capitalized, end of period	$	79,231		$	74,155		$	68,508

Note_9_Homebuilding_Prepaid_Ex

Note 9 - Homebuilding Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	9.             Homebuilding Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
	The following table sets forth the components of homebuilding prepaid and other assets.
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Land option deposits	$	12,895	$	15,221
	Deferred marketing costs		29,231		15,830
	Prepaid expenses		5,104		4,349
	Goodwill		6,008		6,008
	Deferred debt issuance costs, net		13,004		11,527
	Other		1,754		590
	Total	$	67,996	$	53,525
	We experienced a significant increase in our deferred marking costs from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014 due primarily to the increase in our active community count between those two years.

Note_10_Homebuilding_Accrued_L

Note 10 - Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities and Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	10.          Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities and Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
	The following table sets forth information relating to homebuilding accrued liabilities.
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Accrued compensation and related expenses	$	27,541	$	35,990
	Accrued interest		23,234		24,198
	Warranty accrual		18,346		22,238
	Customer and escrow deposits		16,728		10,759
	Land development and home construction accruals		10,108		9,592
	Accrued executive deferred compensation		-		30,796
	Other accrued liabilities		19,160		19,248
	Total accrued liabilities	$	115,117	$	152,821
	The following table sets forth information relating to financial services accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Insurance reserves	$	50,470	$	49,637
	Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities		6,798		6,002
	Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	57,268	$	55,639

Note_11_Warranty_Accrual

Note 11 - Warranty Accrual	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block]	11.          Warranty Accrual
	The table set forth below summarizes accrual, adjustment and payment activity related to our warranty accrual for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. As a result of favorable warranty payment experience relative to our estimates at the time of home closing, we reduced our warranty accrual by $2.6 million in 2014. We had no adjustments during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. Additionally, from time to time, we change our warranty accrual rates based on payment trends. Any changes made to those rates did not materially affect our warranty expense or gross margin from home sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of period	$	22,238		$	23,151		$	25,525
	Expense provisions		4,834			5,562			4,216
	Cash payments		(6,126	)		(6,475	)		(6,590	)
	Adjustments		(2,600	)		-			-
	Balance at end of period	$	18,346		$	22,238		$	23,151

Note_12_Insurance_Reserves

Note 12 - Insurance Reserves	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance Loss Reserves [Abstract]
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims Disclosure [Text Block]	12.           Insurance Reserves
	The following table summarizes the insurance reserve activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The insurance reserve is included as a component of accrued liabilities in the financial services section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of period	$	49,637		$	47,852		$	49,376
	Expense provisions		6,316			7,065			4,565
	Cash payments, net of recoveries		(5,483	)		(5,280	)		(8,020	)
	Adjustments		-			-			1,931
	Balance at end of period	$	50,470		$	49,637		$	47,852
	The $1.9 million adjustment to increase our insurance reserve during the year ended December 31, 2012 primarily resulted from an increase in the severity and frequency of insurance claim experience relative to prior period estimates. No such adjustments were required for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	In the ordinary course of business, we make payments from our insurance reserves to settle litigation claims arising primarily from our homebuilding activities. These payments are irregular in both their timing and their magnitude. As a result, the cash payments, net of recoveries shown for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, are not necessarily indicative of what future cash payments will be for subsequent periods.

Note_13_Deferred_Compensation_

Note 13 - Deferred Compensation Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	13.          Deferred Compensation Retirement Plans
	Effective August 1, 2008, the Company entered into amended and restated employment agreements (as amended on March 8, 2012, the “Employment Agreements”) with Larry A. Mizel, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and David D. Mandarich, President and Chief Operating Officer (collectively, the “Executive Officers”), which provided certain annual post-retirement pension benefits (the “Retirement Benefits”) depending on the year of retirement. In response to concerns expressed by significant institutional investors, and in accordance with the recommendation of an independent compensation consultant to the Company’s Compensation Committee, the Company announced that it had reached agreements (collectively, the “Second Amendments”) with the Executive Officers for the early termination, effective on October 18, 2013, of the Retirement Benefits contained in their respective Employment Agreements. Pursuant to the Second Amendments, on October 20, 2014, the Company paid each of Mr. Mizel and Mr. Mandarich a deferred lump sum in the amount of $14.8 million and $16.0 million, respectively, in full satisfaction of their past, present and future Retirement Benefits. The Company’s termination of the Retirement Benefits is irrevocable. As a result of the termination of the Retirement Benefits, the Company will no longer incur ongoing Retirement Benefit accruals.
	Because the Company believed that it was more likely than not that the Second Amendment payments would not be deductible for tax purposes under Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 162(m), we wrote off approximately $11.9 million of our deferred tax asset in 2013.

Note_14_Income_Taxes

Note 14 - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	14.           Income Taxes
	Our provision for (benefit from) income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Current tax provision (benefit)
	Federal	$	1,631		$	2,611		$	(374	)
	State		1,475			-			(1,210	)
	Total current		3,106			2,611			(1,584	)
	Deferred tax provision (benefit)
	Federal		28,630			(171,037	)		-
	State		5,596			(16,134	)		-
	Total deferred		34,226			(187,171	)		-
	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	37,332		$	(184,560	)	$	(1,584	)
	The provision for (benefit from) income taxes differs from the amount that would be computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes as a result of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Tax expense computed at federal statutory rate	$	35,166		$	45,439		$	21,390
	State income tax expense, net of federal benefit		3,340			4,544			2,139
	Permanent differences		(1,435	)		(358	)		1,771
	Expiration of state net operating loss		3,030			3,874			2,634
	Tax expense (benefit) related to an increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefits		559			(552	)		(1,857	)
	Write-off of deferred tax asset for deferred compensation retirement plans		-			11,856			-
	Charitable contributions statute expiration		181			-			-
	Federal energy credits		(1,131	)		(6,530	)		-
	Rate changes		866			-			-
	Change in valuation allowance		(1,665	)		(242,833	)		(27,661	)
	Other		(1,579	)		-			-
	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	37,332		$	(184,560	)	$	(1,584	)
	Effective tax (benefit) rate		37.20%			(142.2%	)		(2.6%	)
	We recorded income tax expense of $37.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 while we recorded income tax benefits of $184.6 million and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2013 was due primarily to a $187.6 million reversal of a portion of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance in the 2013 second quarter in addition to a $6.5 million benefit from energy credits relating to current and prior years. These amounts were slightly offset by an $11.9 million write-off of a deferred tax asset related to the termination of certain post-retirement pension benefits contained in the employment agreements of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer as discussed in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We concluded that the reversal of a portion of our valuation allowance during the 2013 second quarter was appropriate after determining that it was more likely than not, after our evaluation of all relevant positive and negative evidence, that we would be able to realize most of our deferred tax assets within the applicable carry forward periods.
	The income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2012 was due primarily to the release of reserves related to settlements with various taxing authorities.
	Due to the effects of the deferred tax valuation allowance and changes in unrecognized tax benefits, our effective tax rates in 2013 and 2012 were not meaningful as the income tax benefit is not directly correlated to the amount of pretax income or loss generated in such periods.
	At December 31, 2014 we had a valuation allowance of $13.0 million. $6.7 million of the total valuation allowance is related to various state net operating loss carryforwards where realization is more uncertain at this time due to the more limited carryforward periods that exist in certain states. The remaining $6.3 million is related to the amount by which the carrying value of our Metro Bonds for tax purposes exceeds our carrying value for book purposes that we believe realization is more uncertain at this time.
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The tax effects of significant temporary differences that give rise to the net deferred tax asset are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Federal net operating loss carryforwards	$	47,200		$	72,700
	State net operating loss carryforwards		36,100			38,082
	Alternative minimum tax and other tax credit carryforwards		27,582			24,196
	Stock-based compensation expense		22,545			26,651
	Warranty, litigation and other reserves		12,364			15,543
	Receivables from related party		10,273			12,132
	Accrued compensation		6,442			11,136
	Asset impairment charges		2,785			5,496
	Inventory, additional costs capitalized for tax purposes		3,257			1,700
	Other, net		1,806			3,446
	Total deferred tax assets		170,354			211,082
	Valuation allowance		(13,027	)		(14,669	)
	Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance		157,327			196,413
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, equipment and other assets		5,025			5,512
	Discount on notes receivable		4,149			4,204
	Deferred revenue		4,306			3,985
	Unrealized gain on marketable securities		1,737			4,915
	Other, net		1,624			1,535
	Total deferred tax liabilities		16,841			20,151
	Net deferred tax asset	$	140,486		$	176,262
	At December 31, 2014, we had $47.2 million in tax effected federal net operating loss carryforwards. These operating loss carryforwards, if unused, will begin to expire in 2030. Additionally, we had $36.1 million in tax-effected state net operating loss carryforwards and $0.2 million of these operating loss carryforwards are at risk to expire in 2015 if they remain unused. The remaining operating loss carryforwards, if unused, will begin to expire in 2018.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, our total liability for uncertain tax positions was $0.8 million and $0.3 million, respectively, which has been either included in accrued liabilities in the homebuilding section of our consolidated balance sheets or, in accordance with ASU 2013-11, offset against our state net operating loss carryforward deferred tax asset. The following table summarizes activity for the gross unrecognized tax benefit component of our total liability for uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	371		$	575		$	2,712
Increases related to prior year tax positions		633			124			63
Decreases related to prior year tax positions		(85	)		(53	)		(84	)
Increases related to current year tax positions		-			-			-
Decreases related to current year tax positions		-			-			-
Settlements with taxing authorities		-			-			-
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations		(14	)		(275	)		(2,116	)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	905		$	371		$	575
Our liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits was $0.9 million and $0.4 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, all of which, if recognized, would reduce our effective tax rate.
The net expense (benefit) for interest and penalties reflected in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $0.2 million, $0 and ($0.4) million, respectively. The corresponding liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets were $0.3 million and $0.3 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
We have taken positions in certain taxing jurisdictions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits may decrease within the next twelve months. The possible decrease could result from the expiration of various statutes of limitation and the finalization of various state income tax matters. The estimated range of the reasonably possible decrease is $0 to $0.2 million.
The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. We are subject to U.S. federal income tax examination for calendar tax years ending 2011 through 2014. Additionally, we are subject to various state income tax examinations for the 2010 through 2014 calendar tax years.

Note_15_Related_Party_Transact

Note 15 - Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	15.           Related Party Transactions
	We previously entered into a transaction (the “Transaction”) with the Villages at Castle Rock Metropolitan District No. 6 (the “District”). The District is a quasi-municipal corporation and political subdivision of the State of Colorado. The Board of Directors of the District currently is comprised of employees of the Company. The District was formed to provide funding for certain land development costs associated with the construction of homes in our Cobblestone subdivision. Pursuant to the terms of the Transaction, the District sold to the Company approximately $22.5 million in Limited Tax General Obligation Capital Appreciation Bonds Series 2007 (the “2007 Bonds”) and a $1.6 million Limited Tax General Obligation Subordinate Bond (the “Subordinate Bond”) in exchange for title to approximately $28.6 million in land development improvements to the District.
	We initially recorded the 2007 Bonds and Subordinate Bond at an estimated $8.9 million and $0 fair value, respectively, based upon discounted cash flows. During the year ended December 31, 2009, we updated our evaluation of the estimated fair value of the 2007 Bonds and through this evaluation, we determined there was a decrease in the estimated cash flows from this asset and, as a result, recorded a $1.0 million OTTI associated with the 2007 Bonds in 2009. As discussed in Note 6, in the second quarter of 2013 we determined the 2007 Bonds were no longer required to be accounted for under the cost recovery method. We adjusted the bond principal balance based on the valuation to $18.2 million as of December 31, 2014.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we received payments from the District in the amount of $2.0 million, $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively. In 2012, these payments were recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of the 2007 Bonds. As discussed in Note 6, the principal payments going forward are included in an interest accretion model with the appropriate interest income and increase or decrease to the carrying value being recorded. We recorded $1.4 million and $1.2 million in interest income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and these amounts are included in interest and other income in the homebuilding section of our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
	We contributed $1 million in cash to the MDC/Richmond American Homes Foundation (the “Foundation”) for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012. The Foundation is a Delaware non-profit corporation that was incorporated on September 30, 1999.
	The Foundation is a non-profit organization operated exclusively for charitable, educational and other purposes beneficial to social welfare within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The following Directors and/or officers of the Company are the trustees of the Foundation at December 31, 2014, all of whom serve without compensation:
	Name	MDC Title
	Larry A. Mizel	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
	David D. Mandarich	President
	Raymond T. Baker	Director
	Herbert T. Buchwald	Director

Note_16_Lines_of_Credit_and_To

Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	16.          Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations
	Revolving Credit Facility. On December 13, 2013, we entered into an unsecured revolving credit agreement (“Revolving Credit Facility”) with a group of lenders which may be used for general corporate purposes. This agreement was amended on December 17, 2014 to (1) increase the aggregate commitment amount by $100 million to $550 million (the “Commitment”) and (2) extend the maturity until December 13, 2019. Each lender may issue letters of credit in an amount up to 50% of its commitment. The facility permits an increase in the maximum Commitment amount to $1.0 billion upon our request, subject to receipt of additional commitments from existing or additional lenders and the consent of the designated agent and the co-administrative agent. Interest rates on outstanding borrowings are determined by reference to a specified London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), a specified federal funds effective rate or a specified prime rate, plus a margin that is determined based on our credit ratings and leverage ratio, as defined in the facility agreement. At any time at which our leverage ratio, as of the last day of the most recent calendar quarter, exceeds 55%, the aggregate principal amount of all consolidated senior debt borrowings outstanding may not exceed the borrowing base. There is no borrowing base requirement if our leverage ratio, as of the last day of the most recent calendar quarter, is 55% or less.
	The Revolving Credit Facility is fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by most of our homebuilding segment subsidiaries. The facility contains various representations, warranties and covenants that we believe are customary for agreements of this type. The financial covenants include a consolidated tangible net worth test and a leverage test, along with a consolidated tangible net worth covenant, all as defined in the facility agreement. A failure to satisfy the foregoing tests does not constitute an event of default, but can trigger a “term-out” of the facility. A breach of the consolidated tangible net worth covenant (but not the consolidated tangible net worth test) would result in an event of default.
	The Revolving Credit Facility is subject to acceleration upon certain specified events of default, including breach of the consolidated tangible net worth covenant, failure to make timely payments, breaches of certain representations or covenants, failure to pay other material indebtedness, or another person becoming beneficial owner of 50% or more of our outstanding common stock. We believe we were in compliance with the representations, warranties and covenants included in the Revolving Credit Facility as of December 31, 2014.
	We incur costs associated with unused commitment fees pursuant to the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were $10.5 million and $14.9 million, respectively, in letters of credit outstanding, which reduced the amounts available to be borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2014 we had $15.0 million in borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and no outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2014, availability under the Revolving Credit Facility was approximately $524.5 million.
	Mortgage Repurchase Facility. HomeAmerican has a Master Repurchase Agreement (the “Mortgage Repurchase Facility”) with U.S. Bank National Association (“USBNA”) that will expire on September 18, 2015. The Mortgage Repurchase Facility provides liquidity to HomeAmerican by providing for the sale of eligible mortgage loans to USBNA with an agreement by HomeAmerican to repurchase the mortgage loans at a future date. Until such mortgage loans are transferred back to HomeAmerican, the documents relating to such loans are held by USBNA, as custodian, pursuant to the Custody Agreement (“Custody Agreement”), dated as of November 12, 2008, by and between HomeAmerican and USBNA. The maximum aggregate commitment of the Mortgage Repurchase Facility was temporarily increased on December 29, 2014 from $50 million to $80 million, expiring on January 28, 2015. The Mortgage Repurchase Facility also had a temporary increase in the maximum aggregate commitment from $50 million to $80 million from December 31, 2013 through January 30, 2014. At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had $60.8 million and $63.1 million, respectively, of mortgage loans that we were obligated to repurchase under our Mortgage Repurchase Facility. Mortgage loans that we are obligated to repurchase under the Mortgage Repurchase Facility are accounted for as a debt financing arrangement and are reported as mortgage repurchase facility in the consolidated balance sheets. Advances under the Mortgage Repurchase Facility carry a price range that is LIBOR-based. The Mortgage Repurchase Facility contains various representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants that we believe are customary for agreements of this type. The negative covenants include, among others, (i) a minimum Adjusted Tangible Net Worth requirement, (ii) a maximum Adjusted Tangible Net Worth Ratio, (iii) a minimum Adjusted Net Income requirement, and (iv) a minimum Liquidity requirement. The foregoing terms are defined in the Mortgage Repurchase Facility. We believe we were in compliance with the representations, warranties and covenants included in the Mortgage Repurchase Facility as of December 31, 2014.
	Senior Notes. Our senior notes are not secured and, while the senior note indentures contain some restrictions on secured debt and other transactions, they do not contain financial covenants. Our senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured basis, jointly and severally, by most of our homebuilding segment subsidiaries. We believe that we are in compliance with the representations, warranties and covenants in the senior note indentures.
	On January 15, 2014, we issued $250 million of 5½% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “5½% Notes”). The 5½% Notes, which pay interest semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, with payments commencing July 15, 2014, are general unsecured obligations of MDC and rank equally and ratably with our other general unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. We received proceeds of $248.4 million, net of underwriting fees of $1.6 million.
	During the 2014 first quarter, we redeemed our 5⅜% Senior Notes due December 2014 and, in the 2014 fourth quarter, we redeemed our 5⅜% Senior Notes due July 2015. As a result of these transactions, we paid $517.7 million to extinguish $500 million in debt principal and recorded a total of $18.2 million in losses on early extinguishments of debt.
	On January 10, 2013, we issued $250 million of 6% Senior Notes due 2043. On May 8, 2013, we issued an additional $100 million of 6% Senior Notes due 2043, which are of the same series and have the same terms as the notes issued on January 10, 2013 (collectively the “6% Notes”). The 6% Notes, which pay interest semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, commencing July 15, 2013, are general unsecured obligations of MDC and rank equally and ratably with our other general unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. We received total proceeds of $346.9 million, net of underwriting fees of $3.1 million.
	Our debt obligations at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	5⅜% Senior Notes due December 2014, net	$	-	$	249,814
	5⅜% Senior Notes due July 2015, net		-		249,935
	5⅝% Senior Notes due February 2020, net		246,450		245,871
	5½% Senior Notes due January 2024		250,000		-
	6% Senior Notes due January 2043		350,000		350,000
	Total	$	846,450	$	1,095,620

Note_17_Commitments_and_Contin

Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	17.          Commitments and Contingencies
	Surety Bonds and Letter of Credit Facilities. We are required to obtain surety bonds and letters of credit in support of our obligations for land development and subdivision improvements, homeowner association dues, warranty work, contractor license fees and earnest money deposits. At December 31, 2014, we had issued and outstanding surety bonds and letters of credit totaling $145.2 millionand $26.8 million, respectively, including $16.3 in letters of credit issued by HomeAmerican. The estimated cost to complete obligations related to these bonds and letters of credit was approximately $56.1 million and $6.1 million, respectively. The letters of credit as of December 31, 2014, excluding those issued by HomeAmerican, were outstanding under our unsecured revolving credit facility (see Note 16 for further discussion of the revolving credit facility). We expect that the obligations secured by these performance bonds and letters of credit generally will be performed in the ordinary course of business and in accordance with the applicable contractual terms. To the extent that the obligations are performed, the related performance bonds and letters of credit should be released and we should not have any continuing obligations. However, in the event any such performance bonds or letters of credit are called, our indemnity obligations could require us to reimburse the issuer of the performance bond or letter of credit.
	We have made no material guarantees with respect to third-party obligations.
	Mortgage Loan Loss Reserves.  In the normal course of business, we establish reserves for potential losses associated with HomeAmerican’s sale of mortgage loans to third-parties. These reserves are created to address repurchase and indemnity claims by third-party purchasers of the mortgage loans, which claims arise primarily out of, but not limited to, allegations of homebuyer fraud at the time of origination of the loan, missing documentation, loan processing defects or defective appraisals. These reserves are based upon, among other things: (1) pending claims received from third-party purchasers associated with previously sold mortgage loans; (2) a current assessment of the potential exposure associated with future claims of homebuyer fraud in mortgage loans originated in prior periods; and (3) historical loss experience. In addition to reserves established for mortgage loans previously sold to third-parties, we establish reserves for loans that we have been required to repurchase. Our mortgage loan reserves are reflected as a component of accrued liabilities in the financial services section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and the associated expenses are included in expenses in the financial services section of the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
	The following table summarizes the mortgage loan loss reserve activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of year	$	1,370		$	976		$	830
	Expense provisions		298			1,172			437
	Cash payments		-			(734	)		(226	)
	Adjustments		(858	)		(44	)		(65	)
	Balance at end of year	$	810		$	1,370		$	976
	Legal Reserves. Because of the nature of the homebuilding business, we have been named as defendants in various claims, complaints and other legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, including product liability claims and claims associated with the sale and financing of homes. In the opinion of management, the outcome of these ordinary course matters will not have a material adverse effect upon our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, we had $3.1 million and $5.9 million of legal accruals.
	For the year ended December 31, 2012, we had various significant legal recoveries totaling $9.8 million that were included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the homebuilding section of our consolidated statements of operations. These recoveries were realized primarily from prior claims we had made in connection with various construction defect cases. We did not have any material legal recoveries during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	Operating Leases.  We have non-cancelable operating leases primarily associated with our office facilities. Rent expense under cancelable and non-cancelable operating leases totaled $4.9 million, $5.2 million and $6.6 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is included in either selling, general and administrative expenses in the homebuilding section or expenses in the financial services section of our consolidated statements of operations. The table below shows the future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2014.
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		(Dollars in
		thousands)
	2015	$	4,922
	2016		4,493
	2017		5,067
	2018		4,617
	2019		4,246
	Thereafter		29,677
	Total	$	53,022

Note_18_Concentration_of_Third

Note 18 - Concentration of Third-Party Mortgage Purchasers	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]	18. Concentration of Third-Party Mortgage Purchasers
	The following table sets forth the percent of mortgage loans sold by HomeAmerican to its primary third party purchasers during 2014, 2013 and 2012. No other third parties purchased greater than 10 percent of our mortgage loans during 2014, 2013 or 2012.
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Wells Fargo Funding, Inc.		37	%		40	%		58	%
	PennyMac Loan Services, LLC		23	%		7	%		0	%
	JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.		20	%		46	%		36	%
	Fannie Mae		10	%		4	%		4	%

Note_19_Stockholders_Equity

Note 19 - Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	19. Stockholders' Equity
	Common Stock Repurchase Program. At December 31, 2014, we were authorized to repurchase up to 4,000,000 shares of our common stock. We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012. We did not hold any treasury stock at December 31, 2014.

Note_20_Equity_Incentive_and_E

Note 20 - Equity Incentive and Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Incentive Plans [Abstract]
Equity Incentive Plans [Text Block]	20.      Equity Incentive and Employee Benefit Plans
	A summary of our equity incentive plans follows.
	Employee Equity Incentive Plans. Effective March 2001, we adopted the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2001 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2001 Equity Incentive Plan”). Non-qualified option awards previously granted generally vested over periods of up to seven years and expire ten years after the date of grant. Restricted stock awards generally were granted with vesting terms of up to five years. On March 26, 2011, the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan terminated and all stock option grants and restricted stock awards outstanding at the time of the plan termination may continue to be exercised, or become free of restrictions, in accordance with their terms. A total of 2.5 millionshares of MDC common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2014.
	On April 27, 2011, our shareholders approved the M.D.C Holdings, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Equity Incentive Plan”), which provides for the grant of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other equity awards to employees of the Company. Stock options granted under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan have an exercise price that is at least equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date the stock option is granted, generally vest in periods up to five years and expire ten years after the date of grant. At December 31, 2014, a total of 2.5 million shares of MDC common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, of which 1.1 million shares remained available for grant under this plan as of December 31, 2014.
	Director Equity Incentive Plans. Effective March 2001, we adopted the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2001 Director Stock Option Plan”). Each option granted under the Director Stock Option Plan vested immediately and expires ten years from the date of grant. The 2001 Director Stock Option Plan terminated on May 21, 2012 and stock options outstanding at the time of plan termination may continue to be exercised in accordance with their terms. A total of 0.7 millionshares of MDC common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2001 Director Stock Option Plan as of December 31, 2014.
	Effective April 27, 2011, our shareholders approved the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 2011 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2011 Director Stock Option Plan”). Under the 2011 Director Stock Option Plan, non-employee directors of the Company are granted non-qualified stock options. Pursuant to the 2011 Director Stock Option Plan, on August 1 of each year, each non-employee director is granted options to purchase 25,000 shares of MDC common stock. Each option granted under the 2011 Director Stock Option Plan vests immediately, becomes exercisable six months after grant, and expires ten years from the date of grant. The option exercise price must be equal to the fair market value (as defined in the plan) of our common stock on the date of grant of the option. At December 31, 2014, a total of 0.8 million shares of MDC common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2011 Director Stock Option Plan and 0.4 million shares remained available for grant under this plan as of December 31, 2014.
	Employee Benefit Plan. We have a defined contribution plan pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code where each employee may elect to make before-tax contributions up to the current tax limits. We match employee contributions on a discretionary basis and, as of December 31, 2014 we had accrued $0.9 million related to the match that is expected to be contributed in the first quarter of 2015 for 2014 activity. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 we contributed $0.9 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

Note_21_Stock_Based_Compensati

Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	21.      Stock Based Compensation
	Determining Fair Value of Share-Based Payment Awards. We examine our historical pattern of option exercises in an effort to determine if there are any discernable activity patterns based on certain employee and non-employee populations. Based upon this evaluation, we have identified three distinct populations: (1) executives currently consisting of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and General Counsel (collectively, the “Executives”); (2) Non-Executive employees (“Non-Executives”); and (3) non-employee members of our board of directors (“Directors”). Accordingly, during 2014, 2013 and 2012 the Company used separate Black-Scholes option pricing model assumptions for each of the aforementioned employee and non-employee populations. The fair values for stock options granted for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions.
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014				2013			2012
	Expected lives of options (in years)		4				4			7.8
	Expected volatility		43.20%				45.30%			44.60%
	Risk free interest rate		1.30%				0.80%			1.70%
	Dividend yield rate		3.50%				3.00%			4.00%
	Based on calculations using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, the weighted-average grant date fair values of stock options granted during 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $7.48, $9.75 and $7.54, respectively. No stock options were granted to our CEO and COO during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. As a result, the weighted average expected life of our options are higher in 2012 when compared to 2014 and 2013 as options were granted to our CEO and COO in 2012.
	The expected life of employee stock options represents the weighted-average period for which the stock options are expected to remain outstanding and are derived primarily from historical exercise patterns. The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility in the price of our common stock over the most recent period commensurate with the estimated expected life of our stock options. The risk-free interest rate assumption is determined based upon observed interest rates appropriate for the expected term of our employee stock options. The dividend yield assumption is based on our history of dividend payouts.
	An annual forfeiture rate is estimated at the time of grant for all share-based payment awards with service conditions only. That rate is revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if the actual forfeiture rate differs from our estimate. For grants made in the year ended December 31, 2014, we estimated a forfeiture rate between 30% and 45% for those share-based payment awards granted to Non-Executives. We estimate the annual forfeiture rate to be 0% for share-based payment awards with service conditions only granted to our Executives. Additionally, we estimate the annual forfeiture rate to be 0% for share-based payment awards granted to our Directors as those grants vest immediately upon grant.
	Stock Option Award Activity.  Stock option activity under our option plans for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows.
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014							2013							2012
							Weighted-							Weighted-							Weighted-
							Average							Average							Average
			Number of				Exercise			Number of				Exercise			Number of				Exercise
			Shares				Price			Shares				Price			Shares				Price
	Outstanding Stock Option Activity
	Outstanding, beginning of year			5,282,366			$	40.83			5,879,573			$	41.29			5,306,506			$	42.69
	Granted (1)			257,500				28.18			237,500				33.82			1,382,500				25.33
	Exercised			(18,000	)			20.82			(153,665	)			32.94			(704,242	)			23.69
	Forfeited			(23,750	)			25.16			(10,000	)			37.25			(55,710	)			27.46
	Cancelled			(642,200	)			62.43			(671,042	)			44.25			(49,481	)			44.75
	Outstanding, end of year			4,855,916			$	37.45			5,282,366			$	40.83			5,879,573			$	41.29
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014							2013							2012
							Weighted-							Weighted-							Weighted-
			Number of				Average			Number of				Average			Number of				Average
			Shares				Fair Value			Shares				Fair Value			Shares				Fair Value
	Unvested Stock Option Activity
	Outstanding, beginning of year			838,541			$	9.5			2,045,000			$	8.63			1,251,328			$	10.74
	Granted (1)			257,500				7.48			237,500				9.75			1,382,500				7.54
	Vested			(604,583	)			7.77			(1,433,959	)			8.28			(533,118	)			8.61
	Forfeited			(23,750	)			7.6			(10,000	)			12.72			(55,710	)			8.45
	Unvested, end of year			467,708			$	9.51			838,541			$	9.5			2,045,000			$	8.63
	___________________________
		-1	Total shares granted in 2012 include 1,000,000 performance based options granted to our CEO and COO. See further discussion regarding these grants in the “Performance Based Stock Award Activity” section below.
	The total intrinsic value of options (difference between price per share as of the exercise date and the strike price, times the number of options outstanding) exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $0.1 million, $1.1 million and $7.0 million, respectively.
	The following table provides data for our stock options that are vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2014.
	Exercisable or expected to vest
	Number outstanding			4,810,204
	Weighted-average exercise price		$	37.51
	Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)		$	2,780
	Weighted-average remaining contractual term (years)			4.49
	Exercisable
	Number outstanding			4,129,875
	Weighted-average exercise price		$	38.74
	Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)		$	2,173
	Weighted-average remaining contractual term (years)			4.59
	The aggregate intrinsic values in the tables above represent the total pretax intrinsic values (the difference between the closing price of MDC’s common stock on the last trading day of fiscal 2014 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money stock option shares) that would have been received by the option holders had all in-the-money outstanding stock options been exercised on December 31, 2014.
	The following table summarizes information associated with outstanding and exercisable stock options at December 31, 2014.
						Options Outstanding										Options Exercisable
									Weighted-											Weighted-
									Average											Average
									Remaining				Weighted-							Remaining			Weighted-
									Contractual				Average							Contractual			Average
		Range of				Number			Life (in				Exercise			Number				Life (in			Exercise
		Exercise Price				Outstanding			years)				Price			Outstanding				years)			Price
		$	15.84 - $ 23.77				142,500			7			$	20.94			42,500				6.79		$	21.83
		$	23.78 - $ 39.61				3,230,416			6.14				29.61			2,912,708				6.01			29.51
		$	39.62 - $ 47.53				578,000			2.88				42.88			528,000				2.39			43.17
		$	55.45 - $ 63.38				600,000			1.65				60.49			600,000				1.65			60.49
		$	63.39 - $ 71.30				180,000			1				68.18			180,000				1			68.18
	$	71.31 - $ 100				125,000			0.75				78.89			125,000				0.75			78.89
	Total					4,855,916			4.89			$	37.45			4,388,208				4.63		$	38.31
Total compensation expense relating to stock options was $3.3 million, $5.6 million and $10.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Our recognized tax benefit from this expense for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $1.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively. We did not have any recognized tax benefits from compensation expense for stock options for the year ended December 31, 2012 as we were in a full valuation allowance position.
As of December 31, 2014, $2.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options was expected to be recognized as an expense by the Company in the future over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.1 years.
Our realized tax benefit from stock options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $0, $0.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
Performance Based Stock Award Activity. On March 8, 2012, we granted a long term performance-based non-qualified stock option to each of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Operating Officer for 500,000 shares of common stock under our 2011 Equity Incentive Plan. In accordance with ASC 718, the performance-based awards were assigned a fair value of $7.42 per share on the date of grant and, as of December 31, 2012, all performance targets had been achieved. Therefore, $6.2 million of compensation expense was recognized related to the grant of these awards during the year ended December 31, 2012 with the remaining balance of the unamortized stock-based compensation expense being amortized during the first two months of 2013, based on a vesting date of March 1, 2013.
Restricted and Unrestricted Stock Award Activity. Non-vested restricted stock awards at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and changes during those years were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014							2013							2012
						Weighted-							Weighted-							Weighted-
						Average							Average							Average
		Number of				Grant Date			Number of				Grant Date			Number of				Grant Date
		Shares				Fair Value			Shares				Fair Value			Shares				Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of year			298,991			$	32.87			507,367			$	31.69			667,849			$	33.19
Granted			39,021			$	30.85			25,072				37.52			48,613				27.85
Vested			(141,454	)		$	33.08			(144,841	)			31.88			(197,801	)			35.88
Forfeited			(12,717	)		$	33.05			(88,607	)			29.02			(11,294	)			30.62
Unvested, end of year			183,841			$	32.27			298,991			$	32.87			507,367			$	31.69
Total compensation expense relating to restricted stock awards was $2.7 million, $4.0 million and $5.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Our recognized tax benefit from this expense for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $1.0 million $1.6 million, respectively. We did not have any recognized tax benefits from compensation expense for restricted stock awards for the year ended December 31, 2012 as we were in a full valuation allowance position.
At December 31, 2014, there was $3.4 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock awards that is expected to be recognized as an expense by us in the future over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.1 years. The total intrinsic value of unvested restricted stock awards (the closing price of MDC’s common stock on the last trading day of fiscal 2014 multiplied by the number of unvested awards) at December 31, 2014 was $4.7 million. The total intrinsic value of restricted stock which vested during each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $4.2 million, $5.5 million and $5.9 million, respectively.

Note_22_Results_of_Quarterly_O

Note 22 - Results of Quarterly Operations (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	22.      Results of Quarterly Operations (Unaudited)
		Quarter
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
	2014
	Total revenue	$	327,757		$	442,752		$	418,403		$	505,672
	Home sales revenue	$	318,534		$	430,743		$	405,051		$	493,070
	Asset impairments	$	-		$	(850	)	$	-		$	(910	)
	Gross margin from home sales (including impairments)		18.5	%		17.1	%		16.5	%		16.3	%
	Homebuilding selling, general and administrative expenses	$	48,341		$	49,798		$	50,512		$	54,602
	Income before income taxes	$	18,640		$	34,026		$	23,924		$	23,885
	Net income	$	11,504		$	21,542		$	15,458		$	14,639
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	$	0.24		$	0.44		$	0.32		$	0.3
	Diluted	$	0.23		$	0.44		$	0.32		$	0.3
	2013
	Total revenue	$	344,254		$	416,018		$	448,000		$	472,162
	Home sales revenue	$	331,748		$	400,327		$	433,693		$	460,939
	Asset impairments	$	-		$	-		$	(350	)	$	(569	)
	Gross margin from home sales (including impairments)		17.4	%		18.1	%		18.1	%		17.4	%
	Homebuilding selling, general and administrative expenses	$	48,201		$	51,908		$	57,753		$	55,421
	Income before income taxes	$	22,586		$	38,012		$	34,909		$	34,318
	Net income	$	22,516		$	224,909		$	36,251		$	30,709
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	$	0.46		$	4.6		$	0.73		$	0.62
	Diluted	$	0.45		$	4.56		$	0.73		$	0.62

Note_23_Supplemental_Guarantor

Note 23 - Supplemental Guarantor Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Guarantor Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Guarantor Information [Text Block]	23.           Supplemental Guarantor Information
	Our senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured basis, jointly and severally, by the following subsidiaries (collectively, the "Guarantor Subsidiaries"), which are 100%-owned subsidiaries of the Company.
		●	M.D.C. Land Corporation
		●	RAH of Florida, Inc.
		●	Richmond American Construction, Inc.
		●	Richmond American Homes of Arizona, Inc.
		●	Richmond American Homes of Colorado, Inc.
		●	Richmond American Homes of Delaware, Inc.
		●	Richmond American Homes of Florida, LP
		●	Richmond American Homes of Illinois, Inc.
		●	Richmond American Homes of Maryland, Inc.
		●	Richmond American Homes of Nevada, Inc.
		●	Richmond American Homes of New Jersey, Inc.
		●	Richmond American Homes of Pennsylvania, Inc.
		●	Richmond American Homes of Utah, Inc.
		●	Richmond American Homes of Virginia, Inc.
		●	Richmond American Homes of Washington, Inc.
	The senior note indentures do not provide for a suspension of the guarantees, but do provide that any Guarantor may be released from its guarantee so long as (1) no default or event of default exists or would result from release of such guarantee, (2) the Guarantor being released has consolidated net worth of less than 5% of the Company’s consolidated net worth as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter, (3) the Guarantors released from their guarantees in any year-end period comprise in the aggregate less than 10% (or 15% if and to the extent necessary to permit the cure of a default) of the Company’s consolidated net worth as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter, (4) such release would not have a material adverse effect on the homebuilding business of the Company and its subsidiaries and (5) the Guarantor is released from its guarantee(s) under all Specified Indebtedness (other than by reason of payment under its guarantee of Specified Indebtedness). Upon delivery of an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel stating that all conditions precedent provided for in the indenture relating to such transactions have been complied with and the release is authorized, the guarantee will be automatically and unconditionally released. “Specified Indebtedness” means indebtedness under the senior notes, the Company’s Indenture dated as of December 3, 2002, the Revolving Credit Facility, and any refinancing, extension, renewal or replacement of any of the foregoing.
	We have determined that separate, full financial statements of the Guarantor Subsidiaries would not be material to investors and, accordingly, supplemental financial information for the Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries is presented below. As a result of our Richmond American Homes of Washington, Inc. subsidiary becoming a guarantor subsidiary in 2013, we have revised the 2012 Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Operations and Cash Flows to reflect this subsidiary’s results in the guarantor column.
	M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.
	Supplemental CondensedCombining Balance Sheet
			31-Dec-14
									Non-
						Guarantor			Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
			MDC			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			MDC
			Dollars in thousands
	ASSETS
	Homebuilding:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	119,951		$	2,691		$	-		$	-		$	122,642
	Marketable securities			140,878			-			-			-			140,878
	Restricted cash			-			2,816			-			-			2,816
	Trade and other receivables			6,573			24,449			-			(2,467	)		28,555
	Inventories:
	Housing completed or under construction			-			732,692			-			-			732,692
	Land and land under development			-			935,268			-			-			935,268
	Total inventories			-			1,667,960			-			-			1,667,960
	Intercompany receivables			1,418,705			2,854			5,295			(1,426,854	)		-
	Investment in subsidiaries			260,874			-			-			(260,874	)		-
	Deferred tax asset, net			137,529			-			-			2,957			140,486
	Metropolitan district bond securities (related party)			18,203			-			-			-			18,203
	Other assets			41,743			56,744			-			-			98,487
	Total Homebuilding Assets			2,144,456		$	1,757,514			5,295			(1,687,238	)		2,220,027
	Financial Services:
	Cash and cash equivalents			-			-			31,183			-			31,183
	Marketable securities			-			-			15,262			-			15,262
	Intercompany receivables			-			-			39,513			(39,513	)		-
	Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net			-			-			88,392			-			88,392
	Other assets			-			-			6,531			(2,957	)		3,574
	Total Financial Services Assets			-			-			180,881			(42,470	)		138,411
	Total Assets		$	2,144,456		$	1,757,514		$	186,176		$	(1,729,708	)	$	2,358,438
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Homebuilding:
	Accounts payable		$	-		$	35,445		$	-		$	-		$	35,445
	Accrued liabilities			7,007			105,529			67			2,514			115,117
	Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries			47,663			1,392,111			23,809			(1,463,583	)		-
	Revolving credit facility			15,000			-			-			-			15,000
	Senior notes, net			846,450			-			-			-			846,450
	Total Homebuilding Liabilities			916,120			1,533,085			23,876			(1,461,069	)		1,012,012
	Financial Services:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			-			-			62,249			(4,981	)		57,268
	Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries			-			-			2,784			(2,784	)		-
	Mortgage repurchase facility			-			-			60,822			-			60,822
	Total Financial Services Liabilities			-			-			125,855			(7,765	)		118,090
	Total Liabilities			916,120			1,533,085			149,731			(1,468,834	)		1,130,102
Equity:
Total Stockholders' Equity			1,228,336			224,429			36,445			(260,874	)		1,228,336
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity		$	2,144,456		$	1,757,514		$	186,176		$	(1,729,708	)	$	2,358,438
M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.
Supplemental CondensedCombining Balance Sheet
		31-Dec-13
								Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		MDC			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			MDC
		(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Homebuilding:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	145,180		$	3,454		$	-		$	-		$	148,634
Marketable securities			569,021			-			-			-			569,021
Restricted cash			-			2,195			-			-			2,195
Trade and other receivables			915			27,951			-			(5,459	)		23,407
Inventories:
Housing completed or under construction			-			636,700			-			-			636,700
Land and land under development			-			774,961			-			-			774,961
Total inventories			-			1,411,661			-			-			1,411,661
Intercompany receivables			1,144,292			2,576			1,899			(1,148,767	)		-
Investment in subsidiaries			335,870			-			-			(335,870	)		-
Deferred tax asset, net			172,975			-			-			3,287			176,262
Metropolitan district bond securities (related party)			12,729			-			-			-			12,729
Other assets, net			41,204			43,569			-			-			84,773
Total Homebuilding Assets			2,422,186			1,491,406			1,899			(1,486,809	)		2,428,682
Financial Services:
Cash and cash equivalents			-			-			50,704			-			50,704
Marketable securities			-			-			19,046			-			19,046
Intercompany receivables			-			-			11,216			(11,216	)		-
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net			-			-			92,578			-			92,578
Other assets, net			-			-			7,726			(3,287	)		4,439
Total Financial Services Assets			-			-			181,270			(14,503	)		166,767
Total Assets		$	2,422,186		$	1,491,406		$	183,169		$	(1,501,312	)	$	2,595,449
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Homebuilding:
Accounts payable		$	13		$	15,033		$	-		$	-		$	15,046
Accrued liabilities			97,612			56,334			82			(1,207	)		152,821
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries			15,692			1,121,581			19,668			(1,156,941	)		-
Senior notes, net			1,095,620			-			-			-			1,095,620
Total Homebuilding Liabilities			1,208,937			1,192,948			19,750			(1,158,148	)		1,263,487
Financial Services:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			-			-			59,891			(4,252	)		55,639
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries			-			-			3,042			(3,042	)		-
Mortgage repurchase facility			-			-			63,074			-			63,074
Total Financial Services Liabilities			-			-			126,007			(7,294	)		118,713
Total Liabilities			1,208,937			1,192,948			145,757			(1,165,442	)		1,382,200
Equity:
Total Stockholders' Equity			1,213,249			298,458			37,412			(335,870	)		1,213,249
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity		$	2,422,186		$	1,491,406		$	183,169		$	(1,501,312	)	$	2,595,449
M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.
Supplemental CondensedCombining Statement of Comprehensive Income
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
								Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		MDC			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			MDC
		(Dollars in thousands)
Homebuilding:
Revenues		$	-		$	1,650,631		$	-		$	-		$	1,650,631
Cost of Sales			-			(1,368,140	)		(40	)		-			(1,368,180	)
Inventory impairments			-			(1,760	)		-			-			(1,760	)
Gross margin			-			280,731			(40	)		-			280,691
Selling, general, and administrative expenses			(38,290	)		(164,287	)		-			(676	)		(203,253	)
Equity income of subsidiaries			86,223			-			-			(86,223	)		-
Interest and other income			24,824			1,517			15			(46	)		26,310
Interest expense			(685	)		-			-			-			(685	)
Other expense			(8	)		(4,805	)		-			-			(4,813	)
Losses from early extinguishments of debt			(18,153	)		-			-			-			(18,153	)
Other-than-temporary impairment of marketable securities			(4,293	)		-			-			-			(4,293	)
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)			49,618			113,156			(25	)		(86,945	)		75,804
Financial Services:
Financial services pretax income			-			-			23,949			722			24,671
Income before income taxes			49,618			113,156			23,924			(86,223	)		100,475
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes			13,525			(42,044	)		(8,813	)		-			(37,332	)
Net income		$	63,143		$	71,112		$	15,111		$	(86,223	)	$	63,143
Other comprehensive income related to available-for-sale securities, net of tax			(1,120	)		-			(22	)		22			(1,120	)
Comprehensive income		$	62,023		$	71,112		$	15,089		$	(86,201	)	$	62,023
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
								Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		MDC			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			MDC
		(Dollars in thousands)
Homebuilding:
Revenues		$	-		$	1,630,423		$	-		$	(1,248	)	$	1,629,175
Cost of Sales			-			(1,340,187	)		-			1,248			(1,338,939	)
Inventory impairments			-			(919	)		-			-			(919	)
Gross margin			-			289,317			-			-			289,317
Selling, general, and administrative expenses			(63,506	)		(149,424	)		-			(353	)		(213,283	)
Equity income of subsidiaries			163,157			-			-			(163,157	)		-
Interest and other income			28,329			1,503			14			(48	)		29,798
Interest expense			(1,726	)		-			-			-			(1,726	)
Other expense			(14	)		(3,769	)		-			-			(3,783	)
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)			126,240			137,627			14			(163,558	)		100,323
Financial Services:
Financial services pretax income			-			-			29,101			401			29,502
Income before income taxes			126,240			137,627			29,115			(163,157	)		129,825
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes			188,145			7,507			(11,092	)		-			184,560
Net income		$	314,385		$	145,134		$	18,023		$	(163,157	)	$	314,385
Other comprehensive income related to available-for-sale securities, net of tax			6,737			-			(119	)		119			6,737
Comprehensive income		$	321,122		$	145,134		$	17,904		$	(163,038	)	$	321,122
M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.
Supplemental CondensedCombining Statement of Comprehensive Income
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
								Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		MDC			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			MDC
		(Dollars in thousands)
Homebuilding:
Revenues		$	-		$	1,162,676		$	-		$	(6,534	)	$	1,156,142
Cost of Sales			-			(984,477	)		-			6,534			(977,943	)
Inventory impairments			-			(1,105	)		-			-			(1,105	)
Gross margin			-			177,094			-			-			177,094
Selling, general, and administrative expenses			(52,880	)		(119,135	)		4,720			-			(167,295	)
Equity income of subsidiaries			81,836			-			-			(81,836	)		-
Interest and other income			24,035			949			14			-			24,998
Interest expense			(778	)		(30	)		-			-			(808	)
Other expense			(126	)		(1,239	)		(7	)		-			(1,372	)
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)			52,087			57,639			4,727			(81,836	)		32,617
Financial Services:
Financial services pretax income			-			-			28,498			-			28,498
Income before income taxes			52,087			57,639			33,225			(81,836	)		61,115
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes			10,612			1,435			(10,463	)		-			1,584
Net income		$	62,699		$	59,074		$	22,762		$	(81,836	)	$	62,699
Other comprehensive income related to available-for-sale securities, net of tax			12,078			-			100			(100	)		12,078
Comprehensive income		$	74,777		$	59,074		$	22,862		$	(81,936	)	$	74,777
M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.
Supplemental Condensed Combining Statement of Cash Flows
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
								Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		MDC			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			MDC
		(Dollars in thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		$	(62,289	)		(124,317	)		22,959			-		$	(163,647	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			339,754			(1,093	)		3,692			80,727			423,080
Financing activities:
Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries			-			124,647			(43,920	)		(80,727	)		-
Advances on mortgage repurchase facility, net			-			-			(2,252	)		-			(2,252	)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes			248,375			-			-			-			248,375
Repayment of senior notes			(517,650	)		-			-			-			(517,650	)
Advances on revolving credit facility, net			15,000			-			-			-			15,000
Dividend payments			(48,820	)		-			-			-			(48,820	)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation			26			-			-			-			26
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			375			-			-			-			375
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			(302,694	)		124,647			(46,172	)		(80,727	)		(304,946	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			(25,229	)		(763	)		(19,521	)		-			(45,513	)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period			145,180			3,454			50,704			-			199,338
End of period		$	119,951		$	2,691		$	31,183		$	-		$	153,825
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
								Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		MDC			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			MDC
		(Dollars in thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		$	11,994		$	(324,812	)	$	43,269		$	-		$	(269,549	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			(345,165	)		(1,260	)		13,151			302,872			(30,402	)
Financing activities:
Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries			-			325,895			(23,023	)		(302,872	)		-
Advances on mortgage repurchase facility, net			-			-			(13,253	)		-			(13,253	)
Excess tax benefit from share-based awards			391			-			-			-			391
Proceeds from the issuance of senior notes			346,938			-			-			-			346,938
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options			5,118			-			-			-			5,118
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			352,447			325,895			(36,276	)		(302,872	)		339,194
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			19,276			(177	)		20,144			-			39,243
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period			125,904			3,631			30,560			-			160,095
End of period		$	145,180		$	3,454		$	50,704		$	-		$	199,338
M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.
Supplemental Condensed Combining Statement of Cash Flows
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
								Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		MDC			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			MDC
		(Dollars in thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		$	1,961		$	(96,947	)	$	(13,833	)	$	-		$	(108,819	)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			(109,332	)		(841	)		2,059			86,333			(21,781	)
Financing activities:
Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries			-			98,567			(12,234	)		(86,333	)		-
Advances on mortgage repurchase facility, net			-			-			27,625			-			27,625
Dividend Payments			(96,915	)		-			-			-			(96,915	)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options			16,624			-			-			-			16,624
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			(80,291	)		98,567			15,391			(86,333	)		(52,666	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			(187,662	)		779			3,617			-			(183,266	)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period			313,566			2,852			26,943			-			343,361
End of period		$	125,904		$	3,631		$	30,560		$	-		$	160,095

Accounting_Policies_by_Policy_

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation.  The Consolidated Financial Statements of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. ("MDC," “the Company," “we,” “us,” or “our” which refers to M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries) include the accounts of MDC and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Presentation.  Our balance sheet presentation is unclassified due to the fact that certain assets and liabilities have both short and long-term characteristics.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Accounting Estimates.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents.  The Company periodically invests funds in highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, such as commercial paper, money market funds and time deposits, which are included in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows.
Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Marketable Securities. We have marketable debt and equity securities and as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, all of our marketable securities were treated as available-for-sale investments. As such, we have recorded all of our marketable securities at fair value with changes in fair value being recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”). When a security is sold, we use the first-in first-out method to determine the cost of the security sold or the amount reclassified out of AOCI.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Restricted Cash.  We receive cash earnest money deposits from our customers who enter into home sale contracts. In certain states we are restricted from using such deposits for general purposes, unless we take measures to release state imposed restrictions on such deposits received from homebuyers, which may include posting blanket surety bonds. We had $2.8 million and $2.2 million in restricted cash related to homebuyer deposits at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Home Sale Receivables.  Home sale receivables primarily consist of cash to be received from title companies or outside brokers associated with closed homes. Generally, we will receive cash from title companies and outside brokers within a few days of the home being closed.
Finance, Loan and Lease Receivables, Held-for-sale, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale, net.  Mortgage loans held-for-sale are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and estimated market prices received from an outside third-party. Using fair value allows an offset of the changes in fair values of the mortgage loans and the derivative instruments used to hedge them without the burden of complying with the requirements for hedge accounting.
Inventory, Real Estate, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories. Our inventories are primarily associated with communities where we intend to construct and sell homes, including models and speculative homes. Costs capitalized to land and land under development primarily include: (1) land costs; (2) land development costs; (3) entitlement costs; (4) capitalized interest; (5) engineering fees; and (6) title insurance, real property taxes and closing costs directly related to the purchase of the land parcel. Components of housing completed or under construction primarily include: (1) land costs transferred from land and land under development; (2) direct construction costs associated with a house; (3) real property taxes, engineering fees, permits and other fees; (4) capitalized interest; and (5) indirect construction costs, which include field construction management salaries and benefits, utilities and other construction related costs. Land costs are transferred from land and land under development to housing completed or under construction at the point in time that construction of a home on an owned lot begins.
	In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment (“ASC 360”), homebuilding inventories are carried at cost unless events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the underlying subdivision may not be recoverable. We evaluate inventories for impairment at each quarter end on a subdivision level basis as each such subdivision represents the lowest level of identifiable cash flows. In making this determination, we review, among other things, the following for each subdivision:
		•	actual and trending “Operating Margin” (which is defined as home sale revenues less home cost of sales and all direct incremental costs associated with the home closing, including sales commissions) for homes closed;
		•	estimated future undiscounted cash flows and Operating Margin;
		•	forecasted Operating Margin for homes in backlog;
		•	actual and trending net and gross home orders;
		•	base sales price and home sales incentive information for homes closed, homes in backlog and homes available for sale;
		•	market information for each sub-market, including competition levels, home foreclosure levels, the size and style of homes currently being offered for sale and lot size; and
		•	known or probable events indicating that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
	If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our inventory may not be recoverable, assets are reviewed for impairment by comparing the undiscounted estimated future cash flows from an individual subdivision (including capitalized interest) to its carrying value. If the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the subdivision’s carrying value, the carrying value of the subdivision is written down to its then estimated fair value. We generally determine the estimated fair value of each subdivision by determining the present value of the estimated future cash flows at discount rates that are commensurate with the risk of the subdivision under evaluation.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property and Equipment, net.   Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from 2 to 29 years. Depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment was $3.8 million, $3.7 million and $4.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The following table sets forth the cost and carrying value of our property and equipment by major asset category.
					Accumulated
					Depreciation and		Carrying
			Cost		Amortization		Value
	December 31, 2014:		(Dollars in thousands)
	Airplane		$	28,997	$	7,152	$	21,845
	Computer software and equipment			20,594		14,084		6,510
	Leasehold improvements			9,617		7,590		2,027
	Other			1,989		1,880		109
	Total		$	61,197	$	30,706	$	30,491
	December 31, 2013:
	Airplane		$	28,997	$	6,604	$	22,393
	Computer software and equipment			18,436		11,780		6,656
	Leasehold improvements			8,793		6,787		2,006
	Other			2,048		1,855		193
	Total		$	58,274	$	27,026	$	31,248
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Deferred Tax Asset, net.   Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between (1) the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and (2) the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using current enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded against a deferred tax asset if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Deferred Marketing Costs [Policy Text Block]	Deferred Marketing Costs. Certain marketing costs related to model homes and sales offices are capitalized as they are: (1) reasonably expected to be recovered from the sale of the project; and (2) incurred for (a) tangible assets that are used directly throughout the selling period to aid in the sale of the project or (b) services that have been performed to obtain regulatory approval of sales. Capitalized marketing costs are included in prepaid and other assets in the homebuilding section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the associated amortization expense is included in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) in the homebuilding section of the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as the homes in the related subdivision are delivered. We allocate all capitalized marketing costs equally to each house within a subdivision and record expense as homes close over the life of a subdivision. All other marketing costs are expensed as incurred.
Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Variable Interest Entities.  In accordance with ASC Topic 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”), we analyze our land option contracts and other contractual arrangements to determine whether the corresponding land sellers are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary. Although we do not have legal title to the optioned land, ASC 810 requires a company to consolidate a VIE if the company is determined to be the primary beneficiary. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary, we consider, among other things, whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact VIE’s economic performance, including, but not limited to, determining or limiting the scope or purpose of the VIE, selling or transferring property owned or controlled by the VIE, or arranging financing for the VIE. We also consider whether we have the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. We have concluded that, as of December 31, 2014, we were not the primary beneficiary of any VIEs from which we are purchasing land under land option contracts.
Related Party Assets [Policy Text Block]	Related Party Assets. Our related party assets are debt security bonds acquired from a quasi-municipal corporation in the state of Colorado. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill. In accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles–Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), we evaluate goodwill for possible impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. We use a three step process to assess the realizability of goodwill. The first step is a qualitative assessment that analyzes current economic indicators associated with a particular reporting unit. For example, we analyze changes in economic, market and industry conditions, business strategy, cost factors, and financial performance, among others, to determine if there would be a significant decline to the fair value of a particular reporting unit. If the qualitative assessment indicates a stable or improved fair value, no further testing is required.
	If a qualitative assessment indicates that a significant decline to fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not, or if a reporting unit’s fair value has historically been closer to its carrying value, we will proceed to the second step where we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on discounted future probability-weighted cash flows. If this step indicates that the carrying value of a reporting unit is in excess of its fair value, we will proceed to the third step where the fair value of the reporting unit will be allocated to assets and liabilities as they would in a business combination. Impairment occurs when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value calculated in the third step.
	Based on our analysis, we have concluded as of December 31, 2014, our goodwill was not impaired.
Income Tax Uncertainties, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Liability for Unrecognized Tax Benefits. ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, regarding liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits provides guidance for the recognition and measurement in financial statements of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.
	The evaluation of a tax position is a two-step process, the first step being recognition. We determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon tax examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation, based on the technical merits of the position. The technical merits of a tax position derive from both statutory and judicial authority (legislation and statutes, legislative intent, regulations, rulings, and case law) and their applicability to the facts and circumstances of the tax position. If a tax position does not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the benefit of that position is not recognized in the financial statements.
	The second step is measurement. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate resolution with a taxing authority. Once the gross unrecognized tax benefit is determined, we also accrue for any interest and penalties, as well as any offsets expected from resultant amendments to federal or state tax returns. We record the aggregate effect of these items in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. To the extent this tax position would be offset against a similar deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed, the liability is treated as a reduction to the related deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward. Otherwise, we record the corresponding liability in accrued liabilities in the homebuilding section of our consolidated balance sheets.
Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Warranty Accrual. Our homes are sold with limited third-party warranties. Under our agreement with the issuer of the third-party warranties, we are responsible for performing all of the work for the first two years of the warranty coverage and paying for substantially all of the work required to be performed during years three through ten of the warranties. We record accruals for general and structural warranty claims, as well as accruals for known, unusual warranty-related expenditures. Warranty accrual is recorded based upon historical payment experience in an amount estimated to be adequate to cover expected costs of materials and outside labor during warranty periods. The determination of the warranty accrual rate for closed homes and the evaluation of our warranty accrual balance at period end are based on an internally developed analysis that includes known facts and interpretations of circumstances, including, among other things, our trends in historical warranty payment levels and warranty payments for claims not considered to be normal and recurring.
	Warranty payments are recorded against the warranty accrual. Additional reserves may be established for known, unusual warranty-related expenditures not covered through the independent warranty accrual analysis performed by us. Warranty payments incurred for an individual house may differ from the related reserve established for the home at the time it was closed. The actual disbursements for warranty claims are evaluated in the aggregate to determine if an adjustment to the historical warranty accrual should be recorded.
	We assess the reasonableness and adequacy of the reserve and the per-unit reserve amount originally included in home cost of sales, as well as the timing of the reversal of any excess reserve on a quarterly basis, using historical payment data and other relevant information. Warranty accrual is included in accrued liabilities in the homebuilding section of our consolidated balance sheets and adjustments to our warranty accrual is recorded as an increase or reduction to home cost of sales in the homebuilding section of our consolidated statements of operations.
Liability Reserve Estimate, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Insurance Reserves. The establishment of reserves for estimated losses associated with insurance policies issued by Allegiant and re-insurance agreements issued by StarAmerican are based on actuarial developed studies that include known facts and interpretations of circumstances, including our experience with similar cases and historical trends involving claim payment patterns, pending levels of unpaid claims, product mix or concentration, claim severity, frequency patterns depending on the business conducted, and changing regulatory and legal environments.
Mortgage Loan Loss Reserves [Policy Text Block]	Mortgage Loan Loss Reserves.  In the normal course of business, we establish reserves for potential losses associated with HomeAmerican’s sale of mortgage loans to third-parties. These reserves are created to address repurchase and indemnity claims by third-party purchasers of the mortgage loans, which claims arise primarily out of, but not limited to, allegations of homebuyer fraud at the time of origination of the loan, missing documentation, loan processing defects or defective appraisals. These reserves are based upon, among other matters: (1) pending claims received from third-party purchasers associated with previously sold mortgage loans; (2) a current assessment of the potential exposure associated with future claims of loan processing defects or homebuyer fraud in mortgage loans originated in prior periods; and (3) historical loss experience.
	In addition to reserves established for mortgage loans previously sold to third-parties, we establish reserves for loans that we have repurchased if we believe the loss is likely and estimable. Our mortgage loan reserves are reflected as a component of accrued liabilities in the financial services section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and the associated expenses are included in expenses in the financial services section of the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Litigation Reserves. We and certain of our subsidiaries have been named as defendants in various cases. We reserve for estimated exposure with respect to these cases based upon currently available information on each case. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Derivative Financial Instruments. The derivative instruments we utilize in the normal course of business are interest rate lock commitments and forward sales of mortgage-backed securities, both of which typically are short-term in nature. Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities are utilized to hedge changes in fair value of our interest rate lock commitments as well as mortgage loans held-for-sale not under commitments to sell. For forward sales of securities, as well as interest rate lock commitments that are still outstanding at the end of a reporting period, we record the changes in fair value of the derivatives in revenues in the financial services section of our consolidated statements of operations with an offset to prepaid expenses and other assets or accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the financial services section of our accompanying consolidated balance sheets, depending on the nature of the change.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had interest rate lock commitments with aggregate principal balances of approximately $42.8 million and $69.8 million, respectively, at average interest rates of 3.69% and 4.13%, respectively. In addition, we had $13.6 million and $25.9 million of mortgage loans held-for-sale at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that had not yet been committed to a mortgage purchaser. In order to hedge the changes in fair value of our interest rate lock commitments and mortgage loans held-for-sale which had not yet been committed to a mortgage purchaser, we had forward sales of securities totaling $41.0 million and $74.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded net gains (losses) on our derivatives of $(0.8) million, $(0.1) million and $1.1 million, respectively. For further discussion of our policies regarding interest rate lock commitments, see our “Revenue Recognition for HomeAmerican” accounting policy section below.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition for Homebuilding Segments.  Revenue from home closings and land sales is recognized when the closing has occurred, title has passed, adequate initial and continuing investment by the buyer is received, possession and other attributes of ownership have been transferred to the buyer and we are not obligated to perform significant additional activities after closing and delivery. If the buyer has provided sufficient initial and continuing investment, and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met, revenue is recognized on the date of closing. Revenue from a home closing includes the base sales price and any purchased options and upgrades and is reduced for any sales price incentives.
	We defer Operating Margin related to the sale of a home if all of the following criteria are present: (1) HomeAmerican originates the mortgage loan; (2) HomeAmerican has not sold the mortgage loan, or loans, as of the end of the pertinent reporting period; and (3) the homebuyer’s down payment does not meet the initial or continuing investment criteria. The deferral is subsequently recognized at the time HomeAmerican sells the homebuyer’s mortgage loan, or loans, to a third-party purchaser. In the event the Operating Margin is a loss, we recognize such loss at the time the home is closed. We did not have any homes that closed during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012 that failed to meet the continuing investment criteria.
	Revenue Recognition for HomeAmerican.  Revenues recorded by HomeAmerican primarily include origination fees and the corresponding sale of a loan and either the release or retention of a loan’s servicing rights. Origination fees are recognized when a loan is originated. When an interest rate lock commitment is made to a customer, we record the expected gain on sale of the mortgage including servicing rights, adjusted for a pull-through percentage (which is defined as the likelihood that an interest rate lock commitment will be originated), as revenue. As the interest rate lock commitment gets closer to being originated, the expected gain on the sale of that loan plus its servicing rights is updated to reflect current market value and the increase or decrease in the fair value of that interest rate lock commitment is recorded through revenues. At the same time, the expected pull-through percentage of the interest rate lock commitment to be originated is updated (typically an increase as the interest lock commitment gets closer to origination) and, if there has been a change, revenues are adjusted as necessary. After origination, our mortgage loans, generally including their servicing rights, are sold to third-party purchasers in accordance with sale agreements entered into by us with a third-party purchaser of the loans. We make representations and warranties with respect to the status of loans transferred in the sale agreements. The sale agreements generally include statements acknowledging the transfer of the loans is intended by both parties to constitute a sale. Sale of a mortgage loan has occurred when the following criteria, among others, have been met: (1) fair consideration has been paid for transfer of the loan by a third party in an arms-length transaction, (2) all the usual risks and rewards of ownership that are in substance a sale have been transferred by us to the third party purchaser; and (3) we do not have a substantial continuing involvement with the mortgage loan.
	We measure mortgage loans held-for-sale at fair value with the changes in fair value being reported in earnings at each reporting date. The impact of recording changes in fair value to earnings did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012. Gains on sales of mortgage loans, net, were $15.5 million, $28.7 million and $21.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and are included as a component of revenues in the financial services section of the consolidated statements of operations.
Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Home Cost of Sales. Home cost of sales 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, warranty costs and finance and closing costs, including closing cost incentives. We use the specific identification method for the purpose of accumulating home construction costs and allocate costs to each lot within a subdivision associated with land acquisition and land development based upon relative fair value of the lots prior to home construction. Lots within a subdivision typically have comparable fair values, and, as such, we generally allocate costs equally to each lot within a subdivision. We record all home cost of sales when a home is closed on a house-by-house basis.
	When a home is closed, we generally have not yet paid and recorded all costs necessary to complete the construction of the home and certain land development costs. At the time of a home closing, we compare the home construction budgets to actual recorded costs to determine the additional costs remaining to be paid on each closed home. For amounts not incurred or paid as of the time of closing a home, we record an estimated accrual associated with certain home construction and land development costs. Generally, these accruals are established based upon contracted work which has yet to be paid, open work orders not paid at the time of home closing, as well as land completion costs more likely than not to be incurred, and represent estimates believed to be adequate to cover the expected remaining home construction and land development costs. We monitor the adequacy of these accruals on a house-by-house basis and in the aggregate on a subdivision-by-subdivision basis. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had $10.1 million and $9.6 million, respectively, of land development and home construction accruals for closed homes. Actual results could differ from such estimates.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Stock-Based Compensation Expense. Stock-based compensation expense for all share-based payment awards is based on the grant date fair value. The grant date fair value for stock option awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the grant date fair value for restricted stock awards is based upon the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. We recognize these compensation costs net of estimated forfeitures. For stock option awards with service conditions only, we recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is currently the vesting term of up to seven years. For our stock option awards with performance conditions, we recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis for each performance criteria tranche (if applicable) over the period between the date that it is determined the performance conditions related to each tranche (if applicable) are probable to be met and the date the option vests.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share. For purposes of calculating earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”), a company that has participating security holders (for example, unvested restricted stock that has nonforfeitable dividend rights) is required to utilize the two-class method for calculating earnings per share unless the treasury stock method results in lower EPS. The two-class method is an allocation of earnings/(loss) between the holders of common stock and a company’s participating security holders. Under the two-class method, earnings/(loss) for the reporting period are allocated between common shareholders and other security holders based on their respective rights to receive distributed earnings (i.e., dividends) and undistributed earnings (i.e., net income/(loss)). Currently, we have one class of security and we have participating security holders consisting of shareholders of unvested restricted stock. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing income or loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. To calculate diluted EPS, basic EPS is further adjusted to include the effect of potential dilutive stock options outstanding.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Issued Accounting Standards. In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists ("ASU 2013-11"). This update requires companies to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, unless certain conditions exist. ASU 2013-11 was effective for our interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"), which is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model. Under ASU 2014-09, a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for our interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and is to be applied retrospectively, with early application not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the pronouncement will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11, Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures ("ASU 2014-11"), which makes limited amendments to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 860, "Transfers and Servicing." ASU 2014-11 requires entities to account for repurchase-to-maturity transactions as secured borrowings, eliminates accounting guidance on linked repurchase financing transactions, and expands disclosure requirements related to certain transfers of financial assets. ASU 2014-11 is effective for our fiscal periods beginning January 1, 2015 and interim periods beginning April 1, 2015. Early adoption is not permitted. This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_1

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]				Accumulated
				Depreciation and		Carrying
		Cost		Amortization		Value
	December 31, 2014:	(Dollars in thousands)
	Airplane	$	28,997	$	7,152	$	21,845
	Computer software and equipment		20,594		14,084		6,510
	Leasehold improvements		9,617		7,590		2,027
	Other		1,989		1,880		109
	Total	$	61,197	$	30,706	$	30,491
	December 31, 2013:
	Airplane	$	28,997	$	6,604	$	22,393
	Computer software and equipment		18,436		11,780		6,656
	Leasehold improvements		8,793		6,787		2,006
	Other		2,048		1,855		193
	Total	$	58,274	$	27,026	$	31,248

Note_2_Supplemental_Cash_Flow_1

Note 2 - Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Cash paid for:
	Interest, net of interest capitalized	$	1,843		$	-	$	1,083
	Income taxes	$	2,793		$	5,161	$	577
	Non-cash investing and financing activities:
	Unrealized holding gains (losses) on marketable securities	$	(1,120	)	$	6,737	$	12,078

Note_3_Segment_Reporting_Table

Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Homebuilding
	West	$	770,051		$	671,278		$	516,079
	Mountain		534,244			546,801			355,368
	East		346,336			411,096			284,695
	Total home and land sale revenues	$	1,650,631		$	1,629,175		$	1,156,142
	Financial Services
	Mortgage operations	$	25,887		$	34,976		$	35,123
	Other		18,066			16,283			11,758
	Total financial services revenues	$	43,953		$	51,259		$	46,881
	Total revenues	$	1,694,584		$	1,680,434		$	1,203,023
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Homebuilding
	West	$	63,071		$	65,672		$	27,076
	Mountain		39,343			52,392			24,302
	East		10,730			19,590			11,011
	Corporate		(37,340	)		(37,331	)		(29,772	)
	Total homebuilding pretax income	$	75,804		$	100,323		$	32,617
	Financial Services
	Mortgage operations	$	14,034		$	21,608		$	23,939
	Other		10,637			7,894			4,559
	Total financial services pretax income	$	24,671		$	29,502		$	28,498
	Total pretax income	$	100,475		$	129,825		$	61,115
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Homebuilding assets
	West	$	893,970		$	760,450
	Mountain		516,971			418,796
	East		343,718			297,627
	Corporate		465,368			951,809
	Total homebuilding assets	$	2,220,027		$	2,428,682
	Financial services assets
	Mortgage operations	$	94,265		$	99,065
	Other		44,146			67,702
	Total financial services assets	$	138,411		$	166,767
	Total assets	$	2,358,438		$	2,595,449

Note_4_Earnings_Per_Share_Tabl

Note 4 - Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Numerator
	Net income	$	63,143		$	314,385		$	62,699
	Less: distributed earnings allocated to participating securities		(196	)		-			(1,101	)
	Less: undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities		(60	)		(4,917	)		-
	Net income attributable to common stockholders (numerator for basic earnings per share)		62,887			309,468			61,598
	Add back: undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities		60			4,917			-
	Less: undistributed earnings reallocated to participating securities		(60	)		(4,879	)		-
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share under two class method	$	62,887		$	309,506		$	61,598
	Denominator
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding		48,615,541			48,453,119			47,660,629
	Add: dilutive effect of stock options		202,025			378,666			173,527
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share under two class method		48,817,566			48,831,785			47,834,156
	Basic Earnings Per Common Share	$	1.29		$	6.39		$	1.29
	Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	$	1.29		$	6.34		$	1.29

Note_5_Accumulated_Other_Compr1

Note 5 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale marketable securities (1) :
	Beginning balance	$	7,655		$	4,838		$	(7,240	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(3,025	)		3,255			12,473
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI (2)		(1,855	)		(438	)		(395	)
	Ending balance	$	2,775		$	7,655		$	4,838
	Unrealized gains on available-for-sale metropolitan district bond securities (1) :
	Beginning balance	$	3,920		$	-		$	-
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		3,760			3,920			-
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		-			-			-
	Ending balance	$	7,680		$	3,920		$	-
	Total ending AOCI	$	10,455		$	11,575		$	4,838
	_______________________
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
	Affected Line Item in the Statements of Operations	2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Homebuilding interest and other income	$	7,210		$	580		$	823
	Other-than-temporary impairment of marketable securities		(4,293	)		-			-
	Financial services interest and other income		100			133			(181	)
	Income before income taxes		3,017			713			642
	Benefit from (provision for) income taxes		(1,162	)		(275	)		(247	)
	Net income	$	1,855		$	438		$	395

Note_6_Fair_Value_Measurements1

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]				Fair Value
	Financial Instrument	Hierarchy		31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
				(Dollars in thousands)
	Marketable securities (available-for-sale)
	Equity securities	Level 1		$	129,560			$	389,323
	Debt securities - maturity less than 1 year	Level 2			1,511				72,577
	Debt securities - maturity 1 to 5 years	Level 2			7,643				106,566
	Debt securities - maturity greater than 5 years	Level 2			17,426				19,601
	Total available-for-sale securities			$	156,140			$	588,067
	Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net	Level 2		$	88,392			$	92,578
	Metropolitan district bond securities (related party) (available-for-sale)	Level 3		$	18,203			$	12,729
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]		31-Dec-14								31-Dec-13
		Amortized				Fair Value				Amortized			Fair Value
		Cost								Cost
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Homebuilding:
	Equity securities	$	116,009			$	120,274			$	375,142		$	385,303
	Debt securities		20,660				20,604				181,635			183,718
	Total homebuilding available-for-sale marketable securities	$	136,669			$	140,878			$	556,777		$	569,021
	Financial Services:
	Equity securities	$	9,028			$	9,286			$	4,000		$	4,020
	Debt securities		5,930				5,976				14,721			15,026
	Total financial services available-for-sale marketable securities	$	14,958			$	15,262			$	18,721		$	19,046
	Total available-for-sale marketable securities	$	151,627			$	156,140			$	575,498		$	588,067
Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block]		31-Dec-14											31-Dec-13
		Number of Securities in Loss Position				Aggregate Loss Position				Aggregate Fair Value of Securities in a Loss Position			Number of Securities in Loss Position		Aggregate Loss Position			Aggregate Fair Value of Securities in a Loss Position
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Type of Investment
	Debt		52			$	(359	)		$	14,536			72	$	(430	)	$	46,440
	Equity		6				(2,738	)			74,999			7		(713	)		14,174
	Total		58			$	(3,097	)		$	89,535			79	$	(1,143	)	$	60,614
Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities
	Equity securities	$	7,719			$	1,251			$	-
	Debt securities		2,432				83				608
	Total	$	10,151			$	1,334			$	608
	Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities
	Equity securities	$	(6,183	)		$	-			$	-
	Debt securities		(952	)			(3,794	)			(1,287	)
	Total	$	(7,135	)		$	(3,794	)		$	(1,287	)
	Net realized gain (loss) on sales of available-for-sale securities	$	3,016			$	(2,460	)		$	(679	)
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block]		Quantitative Data							Sensitivity Analysis
	Unobservable Input	Range				Weighted Average			Movement in		Movement in
									Fair Value from		Fair Value from
									Increase in Input		Decrease in Input
	Number of homes closed per year		0 to 123				93		Increase		Decrease
	Discount rate		5.2% to 14%				10.20%		Decrease		Increase
Schedule Of Principal Amounts And Fair Values Of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of period	$	12,729			$	5,818
	Increase in fair value (recorded in other comprehensive income)		6,114				6,373
	Change due to accretion of principal		1,405				1,192
	Cash receipts		(2,045	)			(654	)
	Balance at end of period	$	18,203			$	12,729
Fair Value of Senior Notes [Table Text Block]		31-Dec-14								31-Dec-13
		Carrying				Fair Value				Carrying			Fair Value
		Amount								Amount
		(Dollars in thousands)
	5⅜% Senior Notes due December 2014, net	$	-			$	-			$	249,814		$	258,750
	5⅜% Senior Notes due July 2015, net		-				-				249,935			262,562
	5⅝% Senior Notes due February 2020, net		246,450				257,950				245,871			259,688
	5½% Senior Notes due January 2024		250,000				242,608				-			-
	6% Senior Notes due January 2043		350,000				296,555				350,000			305,083
	Total	$	846,450			$	797,113			$	1,095,620		$	1,086,083
Schedule Of Carrying Value Impaired Of Inventory [Table Text Block]		Carrying Value of
		Impaired Inventory at
		31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
		(Dollars in thousands)
	West	$	-			$	-
	Mountain		4,378				-
	East		2,331				4,187
	Total	$	6,709			$	4,187

Note_7_Inventories_Tables

Note 7 - Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Inventory [Table Text Block]		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Housing Completed or Under Construction:
	West	$	343,134	$	270,778
	Mountain		220,489		194,101
	East		169,069		171,821
	Subtotal		732,692		636,700
	Land and Land Under Development:
	West		507,252		459,512
	Mountain		277,583		211,526
	East		150,433		103,923
	Subtotal		935,268		774,961
	Total Inventories	$	1,667,960	$	1,411,661
Schedule Of Asset Impairment By Reportable Segment [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Housing Completed or Under Construction:
	West	$	-	$	-	$	-
	Mountain		234		-		-
	East		1,000		802		295
	Subtotal		1,234		802		295
	Land and Land Under Development:
	West		-		-		-
	Mountain		526		-		-
	East		-		117		810
	Subtotal		526		117		810
	Total Inventories	$	1,760	$	919	$	1,105

Note_8_Capitalization_of_Inter1

Note 8 - Capitalization of Interest (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Capitalization Disclosure [Abstract]
Capitalization Of Interest [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Homebuilding interest incurred	$	66,269		$	61,634		$	42,315
	Less: Interest capitalized		(65,584	)		(59,908	)		(41,507	)
	Homebuilding interest expensed	$	685		$	1,726		$	808
	Interest capitalized, beginning of period	$	74,155		$	68,508		$	58,107
	Plus: Interest capitalized during period		65,584			59,908			41,507
	Less: Previously capitalized interest included in home cost of sales		(60,508	)		(54,261	)		(31,106	)
	Interest capitalized, end of period	$	79,231		$	74,155		$	68,508

Note_9_Homebuilding_Prepaid_Ex1

Note 9 - Homebuilding Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Assets [Table Text Block]		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Land option deposits	$	12,895	$	15,221
	Deferred marketing costs		29,231		15,830
	Prepaid expenses		5,104		4,349
	Goodwill		6,008		6,008
	Deferred debt issuance costs, net		13,004		11,527
	Other		1,754		590
	Total	$	67,996	$	53,525

Note_10_Homebuilding_Accrued_L1

Note 10 - Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities and Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Accrued compensation and related expenses	$	27,541	$	35,990
	Accrued interest		23,234		24,198
	Warranty accrual		18,346		22,238
	Customer and escrow deposits		16,728		10,759
	Land development and home construction accruals		10,108		9,592
	Accrued executive deferred compensation		-		30,796
	Other accrued liabilities		19,160		19,248
	Total accrued liabilities	$	115,117	$	152,821
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Insurance reserves	$	50,470	$	49,637
	Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities		6,798		6,002
	Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	57,268	$	55,639

Note_11_Warranty_Accrual_Table

Note 11 - Warranty Accrual (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of period	$	22,238		$	23,151		$	25,525
	Expense provisions		4,834			5,562			4,216
	Cash payments		(6,126	)		(6,475	)		(6,590	)
	Adjustments		(2,600	)		-			-
	Balance at end of period	$	18,346		$	22,238		$	23,151

Note_12_Insurance_Reserves_Tab

Note 12 - Insurance Reserves (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance Loss Reserves [Abstract]
Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Table Text Block]		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of period	$	49,637		$	47,852		$	49,376
	Expense provisions		6,316			7,065			4,565
	Cash payments, net of recoveries		(5,483	)		(5,280	)		(8,020	)
	Adjustments		-			-			1,931
	Balance at end of period	$	50,470		$	49,637		$	47,852

Note_14_Income_Taxes_Tables

Note 14 - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Current tax provision (benefit)
	Federal	$	1,631		$	2,611		$	(374	)
	State		1,475			-			(1,210	)
	Total current		3,106			2,611			(1,584	)
	Deferred tax provision (benefit)
	Federal		28,630			(171,037	)		-
	State		5,596			(16,134	)		-
	Total deferred		34,226			(187,171	)		-
	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	37,332		$	(184,560	)	$	(1,584	)
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Tax expense computed at federal statutory rate	$	35,166		$	45,439		$	21,390
	State income tax expense, net of federal benefit		3,340			4,544			2,139
	Permanent differences		(1,435	)		(358	)		1,771
	Expiration of state net operating loss		3,030			3,874			2,634
	Tax expense (benefit) related to an increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefits		559			(552	)		(1,857	)
	Write-off of deferred tax asset for deferred compensation retirement plans		-			11,856			-
	Charitable contributions statute expiration		181			-			-
	Federal energy credits		(1,131	)		(6,530	)		-
	Rate changes		866			-			-
	Change in valuation allowance		(1,665	)		(242,833	)		(27,661	)
	Other		(1,579	)		-			-
	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	37,332		$	(184,560	)	$	(1,584	)
	Effective tax (benefit) rate		37.20%			(142.2%	)		(2.6%	)
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Federal net operating loss carryforwards	$	47,200		$	72,700
	State net operating loss carryforwards		36,100			38,082
	Alternative minimum tax and other tax credit carryforwards		27,582			24,196
	Stock-based compensation expense		22,545			26,651
	Warranty, litigation and other reserves		12,364			15,543
	Receivables from related party		10,273			12,132
	Accrued compensation		6,442			11,136
	Asset impairment charges		2,785			5,496
	Inventory, additional costs capitalized for tax purposes		3,257			1,700
	Other, net		1,806			3,446
	Total deferred tax assets		170,354			211,082
	Valuation allowance		(13,027	)		(14,669	)
	Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance		157,327			196,413
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, equipment and other assets		5,025			5,512
	Discount on notes receivable		4,149			4,204
	Deferred revenue		4,306			3,985
	Unrealized gain on marketable securities		1,737			4,915
	Other, net		1,624			1,535
	Total deferred tax liabilities		16,841			20,151
	Net deferred tax asset	$	140,486		$	176,262
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	371		$	575		$	2,712
	Increases related to prior year tax positions		633			124			63
	Decreases related to prior year tax positions		(85	)		(53	)		(84	)
	Increases related to current year tax positions		-			-			-
	Decreases related to current year tax positions		-			-			-
	Settlements with taxing authorities		-			-			-
	Lapse of applicable statute of limitations		(14	)		(275	)		(2,116	)
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	905		$	371		$	575

Note_16_Lines_of_Credit_and_To1

Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	5⅜% Senior Notes due December 2014, net	$	-	$	249,814
	5⅜% Senior Notes due July 2015, net		-		249,935
	5⅝% Senior Notes due February 2020, net		246,450		245,871
	5½% Senior Notes due January 2024		250,000		-
	6% Senior Notes due January 2043		350,000		350,000
	Total	$	846,450	$	1,095,620

Note_17_Commitments_and_Contin1

Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Mortgage Loan Loss Reserve Activity [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of year	$	1,370		$	976		$	830
	Expense provisions		298			1,172			437
	Cash payments		-			(734	)		(226	)
	Adjustments		(858	)		(44	)		(65	)
	Balance at end of year	$	810		$	1,370		$	976
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]		Year Ended
		December 31,
		(Dollars in
		thousands)
	2015	$	4,922
	2016		4,493
	2017		5,067
	2018		4,617
	2019		4,246
	Thereafter		29,677
	Total	$	53,022

Note_18_Concentration_of_Third1

Note 18 - Concentration of Third-Party Mortgage Purchasers (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Schedules of Concentration of Risk, by Risk Factor [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Wells Fargo Funding, Inc.		37	%		40	%		58	%
	PennyMac Loan Services, LLC		23	%		7	%		0	%
	JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.		20	%		46	%		36	%
	Fannie Mae		10	%		4	%		4	%

Note_21_Stock_Based_Compensati1

Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]			Year Ended December 31,
			2014				2013			2012
	Expected lives of options (in years)		4				4			7.8
	Expected volatility		43.20%				45.30%			44.60%
	Risk free interest rate		1.30%				0.80%			1.70%
	Dividend yield rate		3.50%				3.00%			4.00%
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]			Year Ended December 31,
			2014							2013							2012
							Weighted-							Weighted-							Weighted-
							Average							Average							Average
			Number of				Exercise			Number of				Exercise			Number of				Exercise
			Shares				Price			Shares				Price			Shares				Price
	Outstanding Stock Option Activity
	Outstanding, beginning of year			5,282,366			$	40.83			5,879,573			$	41.29			5,306,506			$	42.69
	Granted (1)			257,500				28.18			237,500				33.82			1,382,500				25.33
	Exercised			(18,000	)			20.82			(153,665	)			32.94			(704,242	)			23.69
	Forfeited			(23,750	)			25.16			(10,000	)			37.25			(55,710	)			27.46
	Cancelled			(642,200	)			62.43			(671,042	)			44.25			(49,481	)			44.75
	Outstanding, end of year			4,855,916			$	37.45			5,282,366			$	40.83			5,879,573			$	41.29
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]			Year Ended December 31,
			2014							2013							2012
							Weighted-							Weighted-							Weighted-
			Number of				Average			Number of				Average			Number of				Average
			Shares				Fair Value			Shares				Fair Value			Shares				Fair Value
	Unvested Stock Option Activity
	Outstanding, beginning of year			838,541			$	9.5			2,045,000			$	8.63			1,251,328			$	10.74
	Granted (1)			257,500				7.48			237,500				9.75			1,382,500				7.54
	Vested			(604,583	)			7.77			(1,433,959	)			8.28			(533,118	)			8.61
	Forfeited			(23,750	)			7.6			(10,000	)			12.72			(55,710	)			8.45
	Unvested, end of year			467,708			$	9.51			838,541			$	9.5			2,045,000			$	8.63
	___________________________
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding and Exercisable [Table Text Block]	Exercisable or expected to vest
	Number outstanding			4,810,204
	Weighted-average exercise price		$	37.51
	Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)		$	2,780
	Weighted-average remaining contractual term (years)			4.49
	Exercisable
	Number outstanding			4,129,875
	Weighted-average exercise price		$	38.74
	Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)		$	2,173
	Weighted-average remaining contractual term (years)			4.59
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]						Options Outstanding										Options Exercisable
									Weighted-											Weighted-
									Average											Average
									Remaining				Weighted-							Remaining			Weighted-
									Contractual				Average							Contractual			Average
		Range of				Number			Life (in				Exercise			Number				Life (in			Exercise
		Exercise Price				Outstanding			years)				Price			Outstanding				years)			Price
		$	15.84 - $ 23.77				142,500			7			$	20.94			42,500				6.79		$	21.83
		$	23.78 - $ 39.61				3,230,416			6.14				29.61			2,912,708				6.01			29.51
		$	39.62 - $ 47.53				578,000			2.88				42.88			528,000				2.39			43.17
		$	55.45 - $ 63.38				600,000			1.65				60.49			600,000				1.65			60.49
		$	63.39 - $ 71.30				180,000			1				68.18			180,000				1			68.18
		$	71.31 - $ 100				125,000			0.75				78.89			125,000				0.75			78.89
		Total					4,855,916			4.89			$	37.45			4,388,208				4.63		$	38.31
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]			Year Ended December 31,
			2014							2013							2012
							Weighted-							Weighted-							Weighted-
							Average							Average							Average
			Number of				Grant Date			Number of				Grant Date			Number of				Grant Date
			Shares				Fair Value			Shares				Fair Value			Shares				Fair Value
	Unvested, beginning of year			298,991			$	32.87			507,367			$	31.69			667,849			$	33.19
	Granted			39,021			$	30.85			25,072				37.52			48,613				27.85
	Vested			(141,454	)		$	33.08			(144,841	)			31.88			(197,801	)			35.88
	Forfeited			(12,717	)		$	33.05			(88,607	)			29.02			(11,294	)			30.62
	Unvested, end of year			183,841			$	32.27			298,991			$	32.87			507,367			$	31.69

Note_22_Results_of_Quarterly_O1

Note 22 - Results of Quarterly Operations (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]		Quarter
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
	2014
	Total revenue	$	327,757		$	442,752		$	418,403		$	505,672
	Home sales revenue	$	318,534		$	430,743		$	405,051		$	493,070
	Asset impairments	$	-		$	(850	)	$	-		$	(910	)
	Gross margin from home sales (including impairments)		18.5	%		17.1	%		16.5	%		16.3	%
	Homebuilding selling, general and administrative expenses	$	48,341		$	49,798		$	50,512		$	54,602
	Income before income taxes	$	18,640		$	34,026		$	23,924		$	23,885
	Net income	$	11,504		$	21,542		$	15,458		$	14,639
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	$	0.24		$	0.44		$	0.32		$	0.3
	Diluted	$	0.23		$	0.44		$	0.32		$	0.3
	2013
	Total revenue	$	344,254		$	416,018		$	448,000		$	472,162
	Home sales revenue	$	331,748		$	400,327		$	433,693		$	460,939
	Asset impairments	$	-		$	-		$	(350	)	$	(569	)
	Gross margin from home sales (including impairments)		17.4	%		18.1	%		18.1	%		17.4	%
	Homebuilding selling, general and administrative expenses	$	48,201		$	51,908		$	57,753		$	55,421
	Income before income taxes	$	22,586		$	38,012		$	34,909		$	34,318
	Net income	$	22,516		$	224,909		$	36,251		$	30,709
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	$	0.46		$	4.6		$	0.73		$	0.62
	Diluted	$	0.45		$	4.56		$	0.73		$	0.62

Note_23_Supplemental_Guarantor1

Note 23 - Supplemental Guarantor Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Guarantor Information [Abstract]
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]		31-Dec-14
								Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		MDC			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			MDC
		Dollars in thousands
	ASSETS
	Homebuilding:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	119,951		$	2,691		$	-		$	-		$	122,642
	Marketable securities		140,878			-			-			-			140,878
	Restricted cash		-			2,816			-			-			2,816
	Trade and other receivables		6,573			24,449			-			(2,467	)		28,555
	Inventories:
	Housing completed or under construction		-			732,692			-			-			732,692
	Land and land under development		-			935,268			-			-			935,268
	Total inventories		-			1,667,960			-			-			1,667,960
	Intercompany receivables		1,418,705			2,854			5,295			(1,426,854	)		-
	Investment in subsidiaries		260,874			-			-			(260,874	)		-
	Deferred tax asset, net		137,529			-			-			2,957			140,486
	Metropolitan district bond securities (related party)		18,203			-			-			-			18,203
	Other assets		41,743			56,744			-			-			98,487
	Total Homebuilding Assets		2,144,456		$	1,757,514			5,295			(1,687,238	)		2,220,027
	Financial Services:
	Cash and cash equivalents		-			-			31,183			-			31,183
	Marketable securities		-			-			15,262			-			15,262
	Intercompany receivables		-			-			39,513			(39,513	)		-
	Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net		-			-			88,392			-			88,392
	Other assets		-			-			6,531			(2,957	)		3,574
	Total Financial Services Assets		-			-			180,881			(42,470	)		138,411
	Total Assets	$	2,144,456		$	1,757,514		$	186,176		$	(1,729,708	)	$	2,358,438
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Homebuilding:
	Accounts payable	$	-		$	35,445		$	-		$	-		$	35,445
	Accrued liabilities		7,007			105,529			67			2,514			115,117
	Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries		47,663			1,392,111			23,809			(1,463,583	)		-
	Revolving credit facility		15,000			-			-			-			15,000
	Senior notes, net		846,450			-			-			-			846,450
	Total Homebuilding Liabilities		916,120			1,533,085			23,876			(1,461,069	)		1,012,012
	Financial Services:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		-			-			62,249			(4,981	)		57,268
	Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries		-			-			2,784			(2,784	)		-
	Mortgage repurchase facility		-			-			60,822			-			60,822
	Total Financial Services Liabilities		-			-			125,855			(7,765	)		118,090
	Total Liabilities		916,120			1,533,085			149,731			(1,468,834	)		1,130,102
	Equity:
	Total Stockholders' Equity		1,228,336			224,429			36,445			(260,874	)		1,228,336
	Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	2,144,456		$	1,757,514		$	186,176		$	(1,729,708	)	$	2,358,438
		31-Dec-13
								Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		MDC			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			MDC
		(Dollars in thousands)
	ASSETS
	Homebuilding:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	145,180		$	3,454		$	-		$	-		$	148,634
	Marketable securities		569,021			-			-			-			569,021
	Restricted cash		-			2,195			-			-			2,195
	Trade and other receivables		915			27,951			-			(5,459	)		23,407
	Inventories:
	Housing completed or under construction		-			636,700			-			-			636,700
	Land and land under development		-			774,961			-			-			774,961
	Total inventories		-			1,411,661			-			-			1,411,661
	Intercompany receivables		1,144,292			2,576			1,899			(1,148,767	)		-
	Investment in subsidiaries		335,870			-			-			(335,870	)		-
	Deferred tax asset, net		172,975			-			-			3,287			176,262
Metropolitan district bond securities (related party)		12,729			-			-			-			12,729
Other assets, net		41,204			43,569			-			-			84,773
Total Homebuilding Assets		2,422,186			1,491,406			1,899			(1,486,809	)		2,428,682
Financial Services:
Cash and cash equivalents		-			-			50,704			-			50,704
Marketable securities		-			-			19,046			-			19,046
Intercompany receivables		-			-			11,216			(11,216	)		-
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net		-			-			92,578			-			92,578
Other assets, net		-			-			7,726			(3,287	)		4,439
Total Financial Services Assets		-			-			181,270			(14,503	)		166,767
Total Assets	$	2,422,186		$	1,491,406		$	183,169		$	(1,501,312	)	$	2,595,449
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Homebuilding:
Accounts payable	$	13		$	15,033		$	-		$	-		$	15,046
Accrued liabilities		97,612			56,334			82			(1,207	)		152,821
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries		15,692			1,121,581			19,668			(1,156,941	)		-
Senior notes, net		1,095,620			-			-			-			1,095,620
Total Homebuilding Liabilities		1,208,937			1,192,948			19,750			(1,158,148	)		1,263,487
Financial Services:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		-			-			59,891			(4,252	)		55,639
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries		-			-			3,042			(3,042	)		-
Mortgage repurchase facility		-			-			63,074			-			63,074
Total Financial Services Liabilities		-			-			126,007			(7,294	)		118,713
Total Liabilities		1,208,937			1,192,948			145,757			(1,165,442	)		1,382,200
Equity:
Total Stockholders' Equity		1,213,249			298,458			37,412			(335,870	)		1,213,249
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	2,422,186		$	1,491,406		$	183,169		$	(1,501,312	)	$	2,595,449
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31, 2014
								Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		MDC			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			MDC
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Homebuilding:
	Revenues	$	-		$	1,650,631		$	-		$	-		$	1,650,631
	Cost of Sales		-			(1,368,140	)		(40	)		-			(1,368,180	)
	Inventory impairments		-			(1,760	)		-			-			(1,760	)
	Gross margin		-			280,731			(40	)		-			280,691
	Selling, general, and administrative expenses		(38,290	)		(164,287	)		-			(676	)		(203,253	)
	Equity income of subsidiaries		86,223			-			-			(86,223	)		-
	Interest and other income		24,824			1,517			15			(46	)		26,310
	Interest expense		(685	)		-			-			-			(685	)
	Other expense		(8	)		(4,805	)		-			-			(4,813	)
	Losses from early extinguishments of debt		(18,153	)		-			-			-			(18,153	)
	Other-than-temporary impairment of marketable securities		(4,293	)		-			-			-			(4,293	)
	Homebuilding pretax income (loss)		49,618			113,156			(25	)		(86,945	)		75,804
	Financial Services:
	Financial services pretax income		-			-			23,949			722			24,671
	Income before income taxes		49,618			113,156			23,924			(86,223	)		100,475
	Benefit from (provision for) income taxes		13,525			(42,044	)		(8,813	)		-			(37,332	)
	Net income	$	63,143		$	71,112		$	15,111		$	(86,223	)	$	63,143
	Other comprehensive income related to available-for-sale securities, net of tax		(1,120	)		-			(22	)		22			(1,120	)
	Comprehensive income	$	62,023		$	71,112		$	15,089		$	(86,201	)	$	62,023
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
								Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		MDC			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			MDC
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Homebuilding:
	Revenues	$	-		$	1,630,423		$	-		$	(1,248	)	$	1,629,175
	Cost of Sales		-			(1,340,187	)		-			1,248			(1,338,939	)
	Inventory impairments		-			(919	)		-			-			(919	)
	Gross margin		-			289,317			-			-			289,317
	Selling, general, and administrative expenses		(63,506	)		(149,424	)		-			(353	)		(213,283	)
	Equity income of subsidiaries		163,157			-			-			(163,157	)		-
	Interest and other income		28,329			1,503			14			(48	)		29,798
	Interest expense		(1,726	)		-			-			-			(1,726	)
	Other expense		(14	)		(3,769	)		-			-			(3,783	)
	Homebuilding pretax income (loss)		126,240			137,627			14			(163,558	)		100,323
	Financial Services:
	Financial services pretax income		-			-			29,101			401			29,502
	Income before income taxes		126,240			137,627			29,115			(163,157	)		129,825
	Benefit from (provision for) income taxes		188,145			7,507			(11,092	)		-			184,560
	Net income	$	314,385		$	145,134		$	18,023		$	(163,157	)	$	314,385
	Other comprehensive income related to available-for-sale securities, net of tax		6,737			-			(119	)		119			6,737
	Comprehensive income	$	321,122		$	145,134		$	17,904		$	(163,038	)	$	321,122
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
								Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		MDC			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			MDC
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Homebuilding:
	Revenues	$	-		$	1,162,676		$	-		$	(6,534	)	$	1,156,142
	Cost of Sales		-			(984,477	)		-			6,534			(977,943	)
	Inventory impairments		-			(1,105	)		-			-			(1,105	)
	Gross margin		-			177,094			-			-			177,094
	Selling, general, and administrative expenses		(52,880	)		(119,135	)		4,720			-			(167,295	)
	Equity income of subsidiaries		81,836			-			-			(81,836	)		-
	Interest and other income		24,035			949			14			-			24,998
	Interest expense		(778	)		(30	)		-			-			(808	)
	Other expense		(126	)		(1,239	)		(7	)		-			(1,372	)
	Homebuilding pretax income (loss)		52,087			57,639			4,727			(81,836	)		32,617
Financial Services:
Financial services pretax income		-			-			28,498			-			28,498
Income before income taxes		52,087			57,639			33,225			(81,836	)		61,115
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes		10,612			1,435			(10,463	)		-			1,584
Net income	$	62,699		$	59,074		$	22,762		$	(81,836	)	$	62,699
Other comprehensive income related to available-for-sale securities, net of tax		12,078			-			100			(100	)		12,078
Comprehensive income	$	74,777		$	59,074		$	22,862		$	(81,936	)	$	74,777
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]		Year Ended December 31, 2014
								Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		MDC			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			MDC
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(62,289	)		(124,317	)		22,959			-		$	(163,647	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		339,754			(1,093	)		3,692			80,727			423,080
	Financing activities:
	Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries		-			124,647			(43,920	)		(80,727	)		-
	Advances on mortgage repurchase facility, net		-			-			(2,252	)		-			(2,252	)
	Proceeds from issuance of senior notes		248,375			-			-			-			248,375
	Repayment of senior notes		(517,650	)		-			-			-			(517,650	)
	Advances on revolving credit facility, net		15,000			-			-			-			15,000
	Dividend payments		(48,820	)		-			-			-			(48,820	)
	Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		26			-			-			-			26
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options		375			-			-			-			375
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(302,694	)		124,647			(46,172	)		(80,727	)		(304,946	)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(25,229	)		(763	)		(19,521	)		-			(45,513	)
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Beginning of period		145,180			3,454			50,704			-			199,338
	End of period	$	119,951		$	2,691		$	31,183		$	-		$	153,825
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
								Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		MDC			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			MDC
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	11,994		$	(324,812	)	$	43,269		$	-		$	(269,549	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(345,165	)		(1,260	)		13,151			302,872			(30,402	)
	Financing activities:
	Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries		-			325,895			(23,023	)		(302,872	)		-
	Advances on mortgage repurchase facility, net		-			-			(13,253	)		-			(13,253	)
	Excess tax benefit from share-based awards		391			-			-			-			391
	Proceeds from the issuance of senior notes		346,938			-			-			-			346,938
	Proceeds from the exercise of stock options		5,118			-			-			-			5,118
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		352,447			325,895			(36,276	)		(302,872	)		339,194
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		19,276			(177	)		20,144			-			39,243
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Beginning of period		125,904			3,631			30,560			-			160,095
	End of period	$	145,180		$	3,454		$	50,704		$	-		$	199,338
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
								Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		MDC			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			MDC
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	1,961		$	(96,947	)	$	(13,833	)	$	-		$	(108,819	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(109,332	)		(841	)		2,059			86,333			(21,781	)
	Financing activities:
	Payments from (advances to) subsidiaries		-			98,567			(12,234	)		(86,333	)		-
	Advances on mortgage repurchase facility, net		-			-			27,625			-			27,625
	Dividend Payments		(96,915	)		-			-			-			(96,915	)
	Proceeds from the exercise of stock options		16,624			-			-			-			16,624
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(80,291	)		98,567			15,391			(86,333	)		(52,666	)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(187,662	)		779			3,617			-			(183,266	)
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Beginning of period		313,566			2,852			26,943			-			343,361
	End of period	$	125,904		$	3,631		$	30,560		$	-		$	160,095

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_2

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Earnest Money Deposits	$2,800,000	$2,200,000
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	3,800,000	3,700,000	4,400,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Mortgage Loans	13,600,000	25,900,000
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	-800,000	-100,000	1,100,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Mortgage Loans	15,500,000	28,700,000	21,700,000
Land Development And Home Construction Accruals Current And Noncurrent	10,100,000	9,600,000
Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	42,800,000	69,800,000
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	3.69%	4.13%
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	7 years
Forward Sales of Mortgage-backed Securities [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$41,000,000	$74,500,000
Minimum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	2 years
Maximum [Member]
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	29 years

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_3

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Cost and Carrying Value of Property and Equipment (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	$61,197	$58,274
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	30,706	27,026
Carrying Value	30,491	31,248
Airplane [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	28,997	28,997
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	7,152	6,604
Carrying Value	21,845	22,393
Computer Software And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	20,594	18,436
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	14,084	11,780
Carrying Value	6,510	6,656
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	9,617	8,793
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	7,590	6,787
Carrying Value	2,027	2,006
Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	1,989	2,048
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	1,880	1,855
Carrying Value	$109	$193

Note_2_Supplemental_Cash_Flow_2

Note 2 - Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure (Details) - Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information and Non-Cash Investing (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash paid for:
Interest, net of interest capitalized	$1,843		$1,083
Income taxes	2,793	5,161	577
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on marketable securities	($1,120)	$6,737	$12,078

Note_3_Segment_Reporting_Detai

Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) (Other Segments [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Segments [Member]
Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	1

Note_3_Segment_Reporting_Detai1

Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	$493,070	$405,051	$430,743	$318,534	$460,939	$433,693	$400,327	$331,748	$1,694,584	$1,680,434	$1,203,023
Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Homebuilding Revenues									770,051	671,278	516,079
Homebuilding [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Homebuilding Revenues									534,244	546,801	355,368
Homebuilding [Member] | East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Homebuilding Revenues									346,336	411,096	284,695
Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Homebuilding Revenues									1,650,631	1,629,175	1,156,142
Total revenues									1,650,631	1,629,175	1,156,142
Financial Services [Member] | Mortgage Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Financial Services Revenues									25,887	34,976	35,123
Financial Services [Member] | Other Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Financial Services Revenues									18,066	16,283	11,758
Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Financial Services Revenues									$43,953	$51,259	$46,881

Note_3_Segment_Reporting_Detai2

Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Reconciliation of Pretax Operating Income from Segments to Consolidated (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	$23,885	$23,924	$34,026	$18,640	$34,318	$34,909	$38,012	$22,586	$100,475	$129,825	$61,115
Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									63,071	65,672	27,076
Homebuilding [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									39,343	52,392	24,302
Homebuilding [Member] | East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									10,730	19,590	11,011
Homebuilding [Member] | Corporate Subsegment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									-37,340	-37,331	-29,772
Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									75,804	100,323	32,617
Financial Services [Member] | Mortgage Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									14,034	21,608	23,939
Financial Services [Member] | Other Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									10,637	7,894	4,559
Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									$24,671	$29,502	$28,498

Note_3_Segment_Reporting_Detai3

Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Total Assets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total Assets	$2,358,438	$2,595,449
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total Assets	893,970	760,450
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Homebuilding [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total Assets	516,971	418,796
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Homebuilding [Member] | East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total Assets	343,718	297,627
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Homebuilding [Member] | Corporate Subsegment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total Assets	465,368	951,809
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total Assets	2,220,027	2,428,682
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Financial Services [Member] | Mortgage Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total Assets	94,265	99,065
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Financial Services [Member] | Other Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total Assets	44,146	67,702
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total Assets	138,411	166,767
Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total Assets	2,220,027	2,428,682
Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total Assets	$138,411	$166,767

Note_4_Earnings_Per_Share_Deta

Note 4 - Earnings Per Share (Details) (Equity Option [Member])	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity Option [Member]
Note 4 - Earnings Per Share (Details) [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	4.3	3.8	4.7

Note_4_Earnings_Per_Share_Deta1

Note 4 - Earnings Per Share (Details) - Earnings Per Share - Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator
Net income	$14,639	$15,458	$21,542	$11,504	$30,709	$36,251	$224,909	$22,516	$63,143	$314,385	$62,699
Less: distributed earnings allocated to participating securities									-196		-1,101
Less: undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities									-60	-4,917
Net income attributable to common stockholders (numerator for basic earnings per share)									62,887	309,468	61,598
Add back: undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities									60	4,917
Less: undistributed earnings reallocated to participating securities									-60	-4,879
Numerator for diluted earnings per share under two class method									$62,887	$309,506	$61,598
Denominator
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in Shares)									48,615,541	48,453,119	47,660,629
Denominator for diluted earnings per share under two class method (in Shares)									48,817,566	48,831,785	47,834,156
Basic Earnings Per Common Share (in Dollars per share)	$0.30	$0.32	$0.44	$0.24	$0.62	$0.73	$4.60	$0.46	$1.29	$6.39	$1.29
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (in Dollars per share)	$0.30	$0.32	$0.44	$0.23	$0.62	$0.73	$4.56	$0.45	$1.29	$6.34	$1.29
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Denominator
Add: dilutive effect of stock options (in Shares)									202,025	378,666	173,527

Note_5_Accumulated_Other_Compr2

Note 5 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale marketable securities (1) :
Ending balance	$10,455	[1]	$11,575	[1]	$4,838	[1]
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] | Metropolitan District Bond Securities [Member]
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale marketable securities (1) :
Beginning balance	3,920	[1]		[1]		[1]
Ending balance	7,680	[1]	3,920	[1]		[1]
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	3,760	[1]	3,920	[1]		[1]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale marketable securities (1) :
Beginning balance	7,655	[1]	4,838	[1]	-7,240	[1]
Ending balance	2,775	[1]	7,655	[1]	4,838	[1]
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-3,025	[1]	3,255	[1]	12,473	[1]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	($1,855)	[1],[2]	($438)	[1],[2]	($395)	[1],[2]
[1]	All amounts net-of-tax.
[2]	See separate table below for details about these reclassifications.

Note_5_Accumulated_Other_Compr3

Note 5 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - Reclassifications out of AOCI (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment of marketable securities									($4,293)
Income before income taxes	23,885	23,924	34,026	18,640	34,318	34,909	38,012	22,586	100,475	129,825	61,115
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes									-37,332	184,560	1,584
Net income	14,639	15,458	21,542	11,504	30,709	36,251	224,909	22,516	63,143	314,385	62,699
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Homebuilding interest and other income									7,210	580	823
Other-than-temporary impairment of marketable securities									-4,293
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Financial services interest and other income									100	133	-181
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									3,017	713	642
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes									-1,162	-275	-247
Net income									1,855	438	395
Homebuilding [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Homebuilding interest and other income									26,310	29,798	24,998
Other-than-temporary impairment of marketable securities		-4,300							-4,293
Income before income taxes									75,804	100,323	32,617
Financial Services [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Financial services interest and other income									3,052	3,514	3,262
Income before income taxes									$24,671	$29,502	$28,498

Note_6_Fair_Value_Measurements2

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	$4,293,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) Accumulated in AOCI	4,500,000		12,600,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated in AOCI	3,100,000		1,100,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Mortgage Loans	13,600,000		25,900,000
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory	6,709,000		4,187,000
Under Commitment To Sell [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Mortgage Loans	72,300,000		65,100,000
Not Under Commitment To Sell [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Mortgage Loans	13,600,000		25,900,000
Homebuilding [Member]
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	4,293,000	4,300,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Mortgage Loans	88,392,000		92,578,000
Minimum [Member]
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) [Line Items]
Short Term Borrowings Maturity Period	30 days
Inventories [Member]
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory	$10,700,000		$5,800,000

Note_6_Fair_Value_Measurements3

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value Methods Used for Measuring Fair Values of Financial Instruments on Recurring Basis (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Marketable securities (available-for-sale)
Total available-for-sale securities	$156,140	$588,067
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net	13,600	25,900
Metropolitan District Bond Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Marketable securities (available-for-sale)
Metropolitan district bond securities (related party) (available-for-sale)	18,203	12,729
Metropolitan District Bond Securities [Member]
Marketable securities (available-for-sale)
Metropolitan district bond securities (related party) (available-for-sale)	18,203	12,729	5,818
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Marketable securities (available-for-sale)
Equity securities	129,560	389,323
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Marketable securities (available-for-sale)
Debt securities - maturity less than 1 year	1,511	72,577
Debt securities - maturity 1 to 5 years	7,643	106,566
Debt securities - maturity greater than 5 years	17,426	19,601
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net	$88,392	$92,578

Note_6_Fair_Value_Measurements4

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Marketable Securities (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$151,627	$575,498
Fair Value	156,140	588,067
Homebuilding [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	116,009	375,142
Fair Value	120,274	385,303
Amortized Cost	20,660	181,635
Fair Value	20,604	183,718
Amortized Cost	136,669	556,777
Fair Value	140,878	569,021
Financial Services [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	9,028	4,000
Fair Value	9,286	4,020
Amortized Cost	5,930	14,721
Fair Value	5,976	15,026
Amortized Cost	14,958	18,721
Fair Value	$15,262	$19,046

Note_6_Fair_Value_Measurements5

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Aggregate Fair Value of Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Type of Investment
Number of Securities in Loss Position	58	79
Aggregate Loss Position	($3,097)	($1,143)
Aggregate Fair Value of Securities in a Loss Position	89,535	60,614
Debt Securities [Member]
Type of Investment
Number of Securities in Loss Position	52	72
Aggregate Loss Position	-359	-430
Aggregate Fair Value of Securities in a Loss Position	14,536	46,440
Equity Securities [Member]
Type of Investment
Number of Securities in Loss Position	6	7
Aggregate Loss Position	-2,738	-713
Aggregate Fair Value of Securities in a Loss Position	$74,999	$14,174

Note_6_Fair_Value_Measurements6

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Gross Realized Gains and Gross Realized Losses (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities
Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities	$10,151	$1,334	$608
Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities
Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities	-7,135	-3,794	-1,287
Net realized gain (loss) on sales of available-for-sale securities	3,016	-2,460	-679
Equity Securities [Member]
Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities
Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities	7,719	1,251
Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities
Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities	-6,183
Debt Securities [Member]
Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities
Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities	2,432	83	608
Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities
Gross realized losses on sales of available-for-sale securities	($952)	($3,794)	($1,287)

Note_6_Fair_Value_Measurements7

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Quantitative Data Regarding Unobservable Inputs and Sensitivity Analysis	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Number of homes closed per year	93
Number of homes closed per year	Increase
Number of homes closed per year	Decrease
Discount rate	10.20%
Discount rate	Decrease
Discount rate	Increase
Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Number of homes closed per year	0
Discount rate	5.20%
Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Number of homes closed per year	123
Discount rate	14.00%

Note_6_Fair_Value_Measurements8

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Summary of Activity for Metro Bonds (Metropolitan District Bond Securities [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Metropolitan District Bond Securities [Member]
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Summary of Activity for Metro Bonds [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$12,729	$5,818
Increase in fair value (recorded in other comprehensive income)	6,114	6,373
Change due to accretion of principal	1,405	1,192
Cash receipts	-2,045	-654
Balance at end of period	$18,203	$12,729

Note_6_Fair_Value_Measurements9

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Estimated Fair Value of Senior Notes (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Estimated Fair Value of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	$846,450	$1,095,620
Fair Value	797,113	1,086,083
5.375% Senior Notes Due December 2014 [Member]
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Estimated Fair Value of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Carrying Amount		249,814
Fair Value		258,750
5.375% Senior Notes Due July 2015 [Member]
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Estimated Fair Value of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Carrying Amount		249,935
Fair Value		262,562
5.625% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Estimated Fair Value of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	246,450	245,871
Fair Value	257,950	259,688
5.5% Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Estimated Fair Value of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	250,000
Fair Value	242,608
6.000% Senior Notes Due January 2043 [Member]
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Estimated Fair Value of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	350,000	350,000
Fair Value	$296,555	$305,083

Recovered_Sheet1

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Estimated Fair Value of Senior Notes (Parentheticals)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 10, 2013
5.375% Senior Notes Due December 2014 [Member]
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Estimated Fair Value of Senior Notes (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Senior Notes, interest rate		5.38%
5.375% Senior Notes Due July 2015 [Member]
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Estimated Fair Value of Senior Notes (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Senior Notes, interest rate		5.38%
5.625% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Estimated Fair Value of Senior Notes (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Senior Notes, interest rate	5.63%	5.63%
5.5% Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Estimated Fair Value of Senior Notes (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Senior Notes, interest rate	5.50%
6.000% Senior Notes Due January 2043 [Member]
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Estimated Fair Value of Senior Notes (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Senior Notes, interest rate	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%

Recovered_Sheet2

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Carrying Value of Impaired Inventories (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Carrying Value of Impaired Inventories [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory	$6,709	$4,187
Mountain [Member]
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Carrying Value of Impaired Inventories [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory	4,378
East [Member]
Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Carrying Value of Impaired Inventories [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Impaired Inventory	$2,331	$4,187

Note_7_Inventories_Details

Note 7 - Inventories (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 7 - Inventories (Details) [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down (in Dollars)	1,800		1,100
Maryland Division [Member] | East [Member]
Note 7 - Inventories (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Projects		3
Maryland Division [Member]
Note 7 - Inventories (Details) [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down (in Dollars)		900
Number of Projects		3	2
Colorado Division [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Note 7 - Inventories (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Projects		1
Inventory Impairments [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 7 - Inventories (Details) [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Inventory Impairments [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 7 - Inventories (Details) [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	18.00%	18.00%	18.00%
Minimum [Member]
Note 7 - Inventories (Details) [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	5.20%
Maximum [Member]
Note 7 - Inventories (Details) [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	14.00%

Note_7_Inventories_Details_Sum

Note 7 - Inventories (Details) - Summary of Inventory (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Housing Completed or Under Construction:
Housing Completed or Under Construction	$732,692	$636,700
Land and Land Under Development:
Land and Land Under Development	935,268	774,961
Total Inventories	1,667,960	1,411,661
West [Member]
Housing Completed or Under Construction:
Housing Completed or Under Construction	343,134	270,778
Land and Land Under Development:
Land and Land Under Development	507,252	459,512
Mountain [Member]
Housing Completed or Under Construction:
Housing Completed or Under Construction	220,489	194,101
Land and Land Under Development:
Land and Land Under Development	277,583	211,526
East [Member]
Housing Completed or Under Construction:
Housing Completed or Under Construction	169,069	171,821
Land and Land Under Development:
Land and Land Under Development	$150,433	$103,923

Note_7_Inventories_Details_Sum1

Note 7 - Inventories (Details) - Summary of Inventory Impairments, by Segment (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Housing Completed or Under Construction:
Inventory Impairments	$1,760	$919	$1,105
Housing Completed Or Under Construction [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Housing Completed or Under Construction:
Inventory Impairments	234
Housing Completed Or Under Construction [Member] | East [Member]
Housing Completed or Under Construction:
Inventory Impairments	1,000	802	295
Housing Completed Or Under Construction [Member]
Housing Completed or Under Construction:
Inventory Impairments	1,234	802	295
Land And Land Under Development [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Housing Completed or Under Construction:
Inventory Impairments	526
Land And Land Under Development [Member] | East [Member]
Housing Completed or Under Construction:
Inventory Impairments		117	810
Land And Land Under Development [Member]
Housing Completed or Under Construction:
Inventory Impairments	$526	$117	$810

Note_8_Capitalization_of_Inter2

Note 8 - Capitalization of Interest (Details) - Interest Activity (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Interest Activity [Abstract]
Homebuilding interest incurred	$66,269	$61,634	$42,315
Less: Interest capitalized	-65,584	-59,908	-41,507
Homebuilding interest expensed	685	1,726	808
Interest capitalized, beginning of period	74,155	68,508	58,107
Plus: Interest capitalized during period	65,584	59,908	41,507
Less: Previously capitalized interest included in home cost of sales	-60,508	-54,261	-31,106
Interest capitalized, end of period	$79,231	$74,155	$68,508

Note_9_Homebuilding_Prepaid_Ex2

Note 9 - Homebuilding Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets (Details) - Summary of Homebuilding Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Homebuilding Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets [Abstract]
Land option deposits	$12,895	$15,221
Deferred marketing costs	29,231	15,830
Prepaid expenses	5,104	4,349
Goodwill	6,008	6,008
Deferred debt issuance costs, net	13,004	11,527
Other	1,754	590
Total	$67,996	$53,525

Note_10_Homebuilding_Accrued_L2

Note 10 - Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities and Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Details) - Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 10 - Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities and Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Details) - Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Warranty accrual	$18,346	$22,238	$23,151	$25,525
Homebuilding [Member] | Land Development And Home Construction Accruals [Member]
Note 10 - Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities and Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Details) - Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Accrued liabilities current and non-current	10,108	9,592
Homebuilding [Member]
Note 10 - Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities and Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Details) - Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Accrued compensation and related expenses	27,541	35,990
Accrued interest	23,234	24,198
Warranty accrual	18,346	22,238
Customer and escrow deposits	16,728	10,759
Accrued liabilities current and non-current	115,117	152,821
Accrued executive deferred compensation		30,796
Other accrued liabilities	$19,160	$19,248

Note_10_Homebuilding_Accrued_L3

Note 10 - Homebuilding Accrued Liabilities and Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Details) - Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial Services Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Insurance reserves	$50,470	$49,637	$47,852	$49,376
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	6,798	6,002
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$57,268	$55,639

Note_11_Warranty_Accrual_Detai

Note 11 - Warranty Accrual (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Product Warranty Accrual, Period Increase (Decrease)	($2,600)	$0	$0

Note_11_Warranty_Accrual_Detai1

Note 11 - Warranty Accrual (Details) - Warranty Accrual and Payment Activity (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Warranty Accrual and Payment Activity [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of period	$22,238	$23,151	$25,525
Expense provisions	4,834	5,562	4,216
Cash payments	-6,126	-6,475	-6,590
Adjustments	-2,600	0	0
Balance at end of period	$18,346	$22,238	$23,151

Note_12_Insurance_Reserves_Det

Note 12 - Insurance Reserves (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Insurance Loss Reserves [Abstract]
Increase (Decrease) in Self Insurance Reserve	$0	$0	$1,931,000

Note_12_Insurance_Reserves_Det1

Note 12 - Insurance Reserves (Details) - Insurance Reserves (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Insurance Reserves [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of period	$49,637,000	$47,852,000	$49,376,000
Balance at end of period	50,470,000	49,637,000	47,852,000
Expense provisions	6,316,000	7,065,000	4,565,000
Cash payments, net of recoveries	-5,483,000	-5,280,000	-8,020,000
Adjustments	$0	$0	$1,931,000

Note_13_Deferred_Compensation_1

Note 13 - Deferred Compensation Retirement Plans (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 20, 2014
Note 13 - Deferred Compensation Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$13,027,000	$14,669,000
Termination of Retirement Benefits [Member]
Note 13 - Deferred Compensation Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance		11,900,000
Chairman Of The Board And Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Note 13 - Deferred Compensation Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Distributions Paid			14,800,000
President And Chief Operating Officer [Member]
Note 13 - Deferred Compensation Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Distributions Paid			$16,000,000

Note_14_Income_Taxes_Details

Note 14 - Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 14 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent		35.00%
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		$37,332,000	($184,560,000)	($1,584,000)
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount	187,600,000		11,900,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance		13,027,000	14,669,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic		47,200,000	72,700,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local		36,100,000	38,082,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration		200,000
Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Current		800,000	300,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate		900,000	400,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense		200,000	0	-400,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued		300,000	300,000
Significant (Increase) Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Lower Bound		0
Significant (Increase) Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Upper Bound		200,000
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 14 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Open Tax Year		2011
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 14 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Open Tax Year		2014
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 14 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Open Tax Year		2010
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 14 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Open Tax Year		2014
Energy Credits [Member]
Note 14 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Other Tax Expense (Benefit)			-6,500,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Member]
Note 14 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance		6,700,000
Metropolitan District Bond Securities [Member]
Note 14 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance		$6,300,000

Note_14_Income_Taxes_Details_S

Note 14 - Income Taxes (Details) - Summary of Income Tax Expense Benefit (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current tax provision (benefit)
Federal	$1,631	$2,611	($374)
State	1,475		-1,210
Total current	3,106	2,611	-1,584
Deferred tax provision (benefit)
Federal	28,630	-171,037
State	5,596	-16,134
Total deferred	34,226	-187,171
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$37,332	($184,560)	($1,584)

Note_14_Income_Taxes_Details_S1

Note 14 - Income Taxes (Details) - Summary of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Tax expense computed at federal statutory rate	$35,166	$45,439	$21,390
State income tax expense, net of federal benefit	3,340	4,544	2,139
Permanent differences	-1,435	-358	1,771
Expiration of state net operating loss	3,030	3,874	2,634
Tax expense (benefit) related to an increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefits	559	-552	-1,857
Write-off of deferred tax asset for deferred compensation retirement plans		11,856
Charitable contributions statute expiration	181
Federal energy credits	-1,131	-6,530
Rate changes	866
Change in valuation allowance	-1,665	-242,833	-27,661
Other	-1,579
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$37,332	($184,560)	($1,584)
Effective tax (benefit) rate	37.20%	-142.20%	-2.60%

Note_14_Income_Taxes_Details_C

Note 14 - Income Taxes (Details) - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	$47,200	$72,700
State net operating loss carryforwards	36,100	38,082
Alternative minimum tax and other tax credit carryforwards	27,582	24,196
Stock-based compensation expense	22,545	26,651
Warranty, litigation and other reserves	12,364	15,543
Receivables from related party	10,273	12,132
Accrued compensation	6,442	11,136
Asset impairment charges	2,785	5,496
Inventory, additional costs capitalized for tax purposes	3,257	1,700
Other, net	1,806	3,446
Total deferred tax assets	170,354	211,082
Valuation allowance	-13,027	-14,669
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	157,327	196,413
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, equipment and other assets	5,025	5,512
Discount on notes receivable	4,149	4,204
Deferred revenue	4,306	3,985
Unrealized gain on marketable securities	1,737	4,915
Other, net	1,624	1,535
Total deferred tax liabilities	16,841	20,151
Net deferred tax asset	$140,486	$176,262

Note_14_Income_Taxes_Details_L

Note 14 - Income Taxes (Details) - Liability Associated with Unrecognized Tax Benefits (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Liability Associated with Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Abstract]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$371	$575	$2,712
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	905	371	575
Increases related to prior year tax positions	633	124	63
Decreases related to prior year tax positions	-85	-53	-84
Increases related to current year tax positions	0	0	0
Decreases related to current year tax positions	0	0	0
Settlements with taxing authorities	0	0	0
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations	($14)	($275)	($2,116)

Note_15_Related_Party_Transact1

Note 15 - Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2007
Note 15 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Investment Income, Interest	$1,400,000	$1,200,000
Cash Contribution Committed To Charitable Foundation	1,000,000	1,000,000	1,000,000
District [Member] | Capital Appreciation Bonds [Member]
Note 15 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Special Assessment Bond	22,500,000
District [Member] | Subordinate Bond [Member]
Note 15 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Special Assessment Bond	1,600,000
District [Member]
Note 15 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Bond Receivable Amount In Exchange Of Land Development Improvement	28,600,000
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Related Party Debt	2,000,000	700,000	800,000
Subordinate Bond [Member]
Note 15 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Financial Instruments, Owned, State and Municipal Government Obligations, at Fair Value					0
Bonds 2007 [Member]
Note 15 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Financial Instruments, Owned, State and Municipal Government Obligations, at Fair Value					8,900,000
Cost-method Investments, Other than Temporary Impairment				1,000,000
Municipal Debt Securities, at Carrying Value	$18,200,000

Note_16_Lines_of_Credit_and_To2

Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 15, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	8-May-13	Jan. 10, 2013	Dec. 17, 2014	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014	Jan. 30, 2014
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$26,800,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt	248,375,000	346,938,000
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	-18,153,000
Upon Request [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	1,000,000,000
Borrowing Base is Required [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Leverage Ratio	55.00%
Borrowing Base Is Not Required [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Leverage Ratio	55.00%
Subject to Acceleration [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
5.5% Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			250,000,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt			248,400,000
Debt Issuance Cost			1,600,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.50%
5.375% Senior Notes Due December 2014 [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				500,000,000
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount				517,700,000
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt				18,200,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.38%
5.375% Senior Notes Due July 2015 [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.38%
6.000% Senior Notes Due January 2043 [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					100,000,000	250,000,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt		346,900,000
Debt Issuance Cost		3,100,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.00%	6.00%				6.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		100,000,000					550,000,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	13-Dec-19
Long-term Line of Credit	15,000,000	0
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	524,500,000
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Percentage	50.00%
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	10,500,000	14,900,000
Mortgage Repurchase Facility [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		50,000,000						80,000,000	50,000,000	80,000,000
Long-term Line of Credit	$60,800,000	$63,100,000

Note_16_Lines_of_Credit_and_To3

Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) - Carrying Amount of Senior Notes (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) - Carrying Amount of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Carrying Amount	$846,450	$1,095,620
5.375% Senior Notes Due December 2014 [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) - Carrying Amount of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Carrying Amount		249,814
5.375% Senior Notes Due July 2015 [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) - Carrying Amount of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Carrying Amount		249,935
5.625% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) - Carrying Amount of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Carrying Amount	246,450	245,871
5.5% Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) - Carrying Amount of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Carrying Amount	250,000
6.000% Senior Notes Due January 2043 [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) - Carrying Amount of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Carrying Amount	$350,000	$350,000

Note_16_Lines_of_Credit_and_To4

Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) - Carrying Amount of Senior Notes (Parentheticals)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 10, 2013
5.375% Senior Notes Due December 2014 [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) - Carrying Amount of Senior Notes (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate		5.38%
5.375% Senior Notes Due July 2015 [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) - Carrying Amount of Senior Notes (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate		5.38%
5.625% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) - Carrying Amount of Senior Notes (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate	5.63%	5.63%
5.5% Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) - Carrying Amount of Senior Notes (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate	5.50%
6.000% Senior Notes Due January 2043 [Member]
Note 16 - Lines of Credit and Total Debt Obligations (Details) - Carrying Amount of Senior Notes (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Senior notes, interest rate	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%

Note_17_Commitments_and_Contin2

Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Surety Bonds Issued And Outstanding	$145,200,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	26,800,000
Estimated Cost Related To Bonds	56,100,000
Estimated Cost Related To Letters Of Credit	6,100,000
Estimated Litigation Liability	3,100,000	5,900,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Legal Recoveries	0	0	9,800,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	4,900,000	5,200,000	6,600,000
Homeamerican [Member]
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$16,300,000

Note_17_Commitments_and_Contin3

Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Mortgage Loan Loss Reserve Activity (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Mortgage Loan Loss Reserve Activity [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$1,370	$976	$830
Expense provisions	298	1,172	437
Cash payments		-734	-226
Adjustments	-858	-44	-65
Balance at end of year	$810	$1,370	$976

Note_17_Commitments_and_Contin4

Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Summary of Non-Cancelable Operating Leases (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Non-Cancelable Operating Leases [Abstract]
2015	$4,922
2016	4,493
2017	5,067
2018	4,617
2019	4,246
Thereafter	29,677
Total	$53,022

Note_18_Concentration_of_Third2

Note 18 - Concentration of Third-Party Mortgage Purchasers (Details) - Percent of Mortgage Loans Sold to Third-Party Purchasers (Customer Concentration Risk [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Wells Fargo Funding Inc [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Customer	37.00%	40.00%	58.00%
PennyMac Loan Services, LLC [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Customer	23.00%	7.00%	0.00%
JP Morgan Chase Bank NA [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Customer	20.00%	46.00%	36.00%
Fannie Mae [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Customer	10.00%	4.00%	4.00%

Note_19_Stockholders_Equity_De

Note 19 - Stockholders' Equity (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	4,000,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	0	0	0
Treasury Stock, Number of Shares Held	0

Note_20_Equity_Incentive_and_E1

Note 20 - Equity Incentive and Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 20 - Equity Incentive and Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$0.90
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount		$0.90	$0.20
Restricted Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Equity Incentive Plan 2001 [Member]
Note 20 - Equity Incentive and Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	5 years
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 20 - Equity Incentive and Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	7 years
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Two Thousand Eleven Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 20 - Equity Incentive and Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	5 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Equity Incentive Plan 2001 [Member]
Note 20 - Equity Incentive and Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	7 years
Equity Incentive Plan 2001 [Member]
Note 20 - Equity Incentive and Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	2,500,000
Two Thousand Eleven Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 20 - Equity Incentive and Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	2,500,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,100,000
Director Stock Option Plan 2001 [Member]
Note 20 - Equity Incentive and Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	700,000
Director Stock Option Plan 2011 [Member]
Note 20 - Equity Incentive and Employee Benefit Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	800,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	400,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Number of Shares Per Employee	25,000
ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardExercisablePeriod	6 months

Note_21_Stock_Based_Compensati2

Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended						0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Mar. 08, 2012
Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$7.48	[1]	$9.75	[1]	$7.54	[1]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross (in Shares)	257,500	[1]	237,500	[1]	1,382,500	[1]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value	$100,000		$1,100,000		$7,000,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options	2,700,000
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	3,300,000		5,600,000		10,600,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	1,300,000		2,200,000		0
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 36 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options	0		400,000		1,700,000
Performance Shares [Member] | 2011 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense					6,200,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	2,700,000		4,000,000		5,600,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	1,000,000		1,600,000		0
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 36 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$3,400,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Intrinsic Value, Amount Per Share (in Dollars per share)	$4,700,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Intrinsic Value, Amount Per Share (in Dollars per share)	$4,200,000		$5,500,000		$5,900,000
Minimum [Member] | Non-Executives [Member]
Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Annual Forfeiture Rate	30.00%
Maximum [Member] | Non-Executives [Member]
Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Annual Forfeiture Rate	45.00%
Executives [Member]
Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Annual Forfeiture Rate	0.00%
Director [Member]
Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Annual Forfeiture Rate	0.00%
CEO and COO [Member]
Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross (in Shares)					1,000,000
Chief Executive Officer [Member] | 2011 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross (in Shares)							500,000
Chief Operating Officer [Member] | 2011 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross (in Shares)							500,000
2011 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)							7.42
[1]	Total shares granted in 2012 include 1,000,000 performance based options granted to our CEO and COO. See further discussion regarding these grants in the "Performance Based Stock Award Activity" section below.

Note_21_Stock_Based_Compensati3

Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation (Details) - Fair Value of Share-Based Payment Awards	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value of Share-Based Payment Awards [Abstract]
Expected lives of options (in years)	4 years	4 years	7 years 292 days
Expected volatility	43.20%	45.30%	44.60%
Risk free interest rate	1.30%	0.80%	1.70%
Dividend yield rate	3.50%	3.00%	4.00%

Note_21_Stock_Based_Compensati4

Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation (Details) - Stock Option Award Activity (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Outstanding Stock Option Activity
Outstanding, beginning of year	5,282,366		5,879,573		5,306,506
Outstanding, beginning of year	$40.83		$41.29		$42.69
Outstanding, end of year	4,855,916		5,282,366		5,879,573
Outstanding, end of year	$37.45		$40.83		$41.29
Granted (1)	257,500	[1]	237,500	[1]	1,382,500	[1]
Granted (1)	$28.18	[1]	$33.82	[1]	$25.33	[1]
Exercised	-18,000		-153,665		-704,242
Exercised	$20.82		$32.94		$23.69
Forfeited	-23,750		-10,000		-55,710
Forfeited	$25.16		$37.25		$27.46
Cancelled	-642,200		-671,042		-49,481
Cancelled	$62.43		$44.25		$44.75
[1]	Total shares granted in 2012 include 1,000,000 performance based options granted to our CEO and COO. See further discussion regarding these grants in the "Performance Based Stock Award Activity" section below.

Note_21_Stock_Based_Compensati5

Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation (Details) - Unvested Stock Award Activity (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Unvested Stock Option Activity
Outstanding, beginning of year	838,541		2,045,000		1,251,328
Outstanding, beginning of year	$9.50		$8.63		$10.74
Unvested, end of year	467,708		838,541		2,045,000
Unvested, end of year	$9.51		$9.50		$8.63
Granted (1)	257,500	[1]	237,500	[1]	1,382,500	[1]
Granted (1)	$7.48	[1]	$9.75	[1]	$7.54	[1]
Vested	-604,583		-1,433,959		-533,118
Vested	$7.77		$8.28		$8.61
Forfeited	-23,750		-10,000		-55,710
Forfeited	$7.60		$12.72		$8.45
[1]	Total shares granted in 2012 include 1,000,000 performance based options granted to our CEO and COO. See further discussion regarding these grants in the "Performance Based Stock Award Activity" section below.

Note_21_Stock_Based_Compensati6

Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation (Details) - Options Vested and Expected to Vest (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Exercisable or expected to vest
Number outstanding	4,810,204
Weighted-average exercise price	$37.51
Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)	$2,780
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (years)	4 years 178 days
Exercisable
Number outstanding	4,129,875
Weighted-average exercise price	$38.74
Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)	$2,173
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (years)	4 years 215 days

Note_21_Stock_Based_Compensati7

Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation (Details) - Outstanding and Exercisable Stock Options (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding (in Shares)	4,855,916
Options Outstanding - Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 324 days
Options Outstanding - Weighted-average Exercise Price	$37.45
Options Exercisable - Number Outstanding (in Shares)	4,388,208
Options Exercisable - Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 229 days
Options Exercisable - Weighted-average Exercise Price	$38.31
Range 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Price - Minimum	$15.84
Range of Exercise Price - Maximum	$23.77
Options Outstanding (in Shares)	142,500
Options Outstanding - Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Life	7 years
Options Outstanding - Weighted-average Exercise Price	$20.94
Options Exercisable - Number Outstanding (in Shares)	42,500
Options Exercisable - Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 288 days
Options Exercisable - Weighted-average Exercise Price	$21.83
Range 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Price - Minimum	$23.78
Range of Exercise Price - Maximum	$39.61
Options Outstanding (in Shares)	3,230,416
Options Outstanding - Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 51 days
Options Outstanding - Weighted-average Exercise Price	$29.61
Options Exercisable - Number Outstanding (in Shares)	2,912,708
Options Exercisable - Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 3 days
Options Exercisable - Weighted-average Exercise Price	$29.51
Range 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Price - Minimum	$39.62
Range of Exercise Price - Maximum	$47.53
Options Outstanding (in Shares)	578,000
Options Outstanding - Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Life	2 years 321 days
Options Outstanding - Weighted-average Exercise Price	$42.88
Options Exercisable - Number Outstanding (in Shares)	528,000
Options Exercisable - Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Life	2 years 142 days
Options Exercisable - Weighted-average Exercise Price	$43.17
Range 4 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Price - Minimum	$55.45
Range of Exercise Price - Maximum	$63.38
Options Outstanding (in Shares)	600,000
Options Outstanding - Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Life	1 year 237 days
Options Outstanding - Weighted-average Exercise Price	$60.49
Options Exercisable - Number Outstanding (in Shares)	600,000
Options Exercisable - Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Life	1 year 237 days
Options Exercisable - Weighted-average Exercise Price	$60.49
Range 5 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Price - Minimum	$63.39
Range of Exercise Price - Maximum	$71.30
Options Outstanding (in Shares)	180,000
Options Outstanding - Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Life	1 year
Options Outstanding - Weighted-average Exercise Price	$68.18
Options Exercisable - Number Outstanding (in Shares)	180,000
Options Exercisable - Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Life	1 year
Options Exercisable - Weighted-average Exercise Price	$68.18
Range 6 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Price - Minimum	$71.31
Range of Exercise Price - Maximum	$100
Options Outstanding (in Shares)	125,000
Options Outstanding - Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Life	9 months
Options Outstanding - Weighted-average Exercise Price	$78.89
Options Exercisable - Number Outstanding (in Shares)	125,000
Options Exercisable - Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Life	9 months
Options Exercisable - Weighted-average Exercise Price	$78.89

Note_21_Stock_Based_Compensati8

Note 21 - Stock Based Compensation (Details) - Restricted and Unrestricted Stock Award Activity (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted and Unrestricted Stock Award Activity [Abstract]
Unvested, beginning of year	298,991	507,367	667,849
Unvested, beginning of year	$32.87	$31.69	$33.19
Granted	39,021	25,072	48,613
Granted	$30.85	$37.52	$27.85
Vested	-141,454	-144,841	-197,801
Vested	$33.08	$31.88	$35.88
Forfeited	-12,717	-88,607	-11,294
Forfeited	$33.05	$29.02	$30.62
Unvested, end of year	183,841	298,991	507,367
Unvested, end of year	$32.27	$32.87	$31.69

Note_22_Results_of_Quarterly_O2

Note 22 - Results of Quarterly Operations (Unaudited) (Details) - Results of Quarterly Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
2014
Total revenue	$505,672	$418,403	$442,752	$327,757	$472,162	$448,000	$416,018	$344,254
Home sales revenue	493,070	405,051	430,743	318,534	460,939	433,693	400,327	331,748	1,694,584	1,680,434	1,203,023
Asset impairments	-910		-850		-569	-350
Gross margin from home sales (including impairments)	16.30%	16.50%	17.10%	18.50%	17.40%	18.10%	18.10%	17.40%
Homebuilding selling, general and administrative expenses	54,602	50,512	49,798	48,341	55,421	57,753	51,908	48,201
Income before income taxes	23,885	23,924	34,026	18,640	34,318	34,909	38,012	22,586	100,475	129,825	61,115
Net income	$14,639	$15,458	$21,542	$11,504	$30,709	$36,251	$224,909	$22,516	$63,143	$314,385	$62,699
Earnings per share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$0.30	$0.32	$0.44	$0.24	$0.62	$0.73	$4.60	$0.46	$1.29	$6.39	$1.29
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$0.30	$0.32	$0.44	$0.23	$0.62	$0.73	$4.56	$0.45	$1.29	$6.34	$1.29

Note_23_Supplemental_Guarantor2

Note 23 - Supplemental Guarantor Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Note 23 - Supplemental Guarantor Information (Details) [Line Items]
Maximum Percentage of Consolidated Net Worth of Guarantor for Suspension of Guarantee	5.00%
Maximum Aggregate Percentage of Consolidated Net Worth of all Guarantors for Suspension of Guarantee	10.00%
Maximum Aggregate Percentage of Consolidated Net Worth of all Guarantors for Suspension of Guarantee to Permit Cure of Default	15.00%
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Note 23 - Supplemental Guarantor Information (Details) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	100.00%

Note_23_Supplemental_Guarantor3

Note 23 - Supplemental Guarantor Information (Details) - Supplemental Condensed Combining Balance Sheet (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$153,825,000	$199,338,000	$160,095,000	$343,361,000
Housing completed or under construction	732,692,000	636,700,000
Land and land under development	935,268,000	774,961,000
Total inventories	1,667,960,000	1,411,661,000
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net	13,600,000	25,900,000
Deferred tax asset	140,486,000	176,262,000
Total Assets	2,358,438,000	2,595,449,000
Total Liabilities	1,130,102,000	1,382,200,000
Total Stockholderbs Equity	1,228,336,000	1,213,249,000
Total Liabilities and Stockholdersb Equity	2,358,438,000	2,595,449,000
Accounts payable and other liabilities	57,268,000	55,639,000
Homebuilding [Member] | Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Trade Receivables	-2,467,000	-5,459,000
Intercompany receivables	-1,426,854,000	-1,148,767,000
Investment in subsidiaries	-260,874,000	-335,870,000
Deferred tax asset	2,957,000	3,287,000
Total Assets	-1,687,238,000	-1,486,809,000
Accrued liabilities	2,514,000	-1,207,000
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries	-1,463,583,000	-1,156,941,000
Total Liabilities	-1,461,069,000	-1,158,148,000
Homebuilding [Member] | MDC Holdings [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	119,951,000	145,180,000
Marketable securities	140,878,000	569,021,000
Trade Receivables	6,573,000	915,000
Intercompany receivables	1,418,705,000	1,144,292,000
Investment in subsidiaries	260,874,000	335,870,000
Deferred tax asset	137,529,000	172,975,000
Metropolitan district bond securities (related party)	18,203,000	12,729,000
Other assets, net	41,743,000	41,204,000
Total Assets	2,144,456,000	2,422,186,000
Accounts payable		13,000
Accrued liabilities	7,007,000	97,612,000
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries	47,663,000	15,692,000
Revolving credit facility	15,000,000
Senior notes, net	846,450,000	1,095,620,000
Total Liabilities	916,120,000	1,208,937,000
Homebuilding [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	2,691,000	3,454,000
Restricted cash	2,816,000	2,195,000
Trade Receivables	24,449,000	27,951,000
Housing completed or under construction	732,692,000	636,700,000
Land and land under development	935,268,000	774,961,000
Total inventories	1,667,960,000	1,411,661,000
Intercompany receivables	2,854,000	2,576,000
Other assets, net	56,744,000	43,569,000
Total Assets	1,757,514,000	1,491,406,000
Accounts payable	35,445,000	15,033,000
Accrued liabilities	105,529,000	56,334,000
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries	1,392,111,000	1,121,581,000
Total Liabilities	1,533,085,000	1,192,948,000
Homebuilding [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Intercompany receivables	5,295,000	1,899,000
Total Assets	5,295,000	1,899,000
Accrued liabilities	67,000	82,000
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries	23,809,000	19,668,000
Total Liabilities	23,876,000	19,750,000
Homebuilding [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	122,642,000	148,634,000
Marketable securities	140,878,000	569,021,000
Restricted cash	2,816,000	2,195,000
Trade Receivables	28,555,000	23,407,000
Housing completed or under construction	732,692,000	636,700,000
Land and land under development	935,268,000	774,961,000
Total inventories	1,667,960,000	1,411,661,000
Deferred tax asset	140,486,000	176,262,000
Metropolitan district bond securities (related party)	18,203,000	12,729,000
Other assets, net	98,487,000	84,773,000
Total Assets	2,220,027,000	2,428,682,000
Accounts payable	35,445,000	15,046,000
Accrued liabilities	115,117,000	152,821,000
Revolving credit facility	15,000,000
Senior notes, net	846,450,000	1,095,620,000
Total Liabilities	1,012,012,000	1,263,487,000
Financial Services [Member] | Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Intercompany receivables	-39,513,000	-11,216,000
Other assets, net	-2,957,000	-3,287,000
Total Assets	-42,470,000	-14,503,000
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries	-2,784,000	-3,042,000
Total Liabilities	-7,765,000	-7,294,000
Accounts payable and other liabilities	-4,981,000	-4,252,000
Financial Services [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	31,183,000	50,704,000
Marketable securities	15,262,000	19,046,000
Intercompany receivables	39,513,000	11,216,000
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net	88,392,000	92,578,000
Other assets, net	6,531,000	7,726,000
Total Assets	180,881,000	181,270,000
Advances and notes payable to parent and subsidiaries	2,784,000	3,042,000
Mortgage repurchase facility	60,822,000	63,074,000
Total Liabilities	125,855,000	126,007,000
Accounts payable and other liabilities	62,249,000	59,891,000
Financial Services [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	31,183,000	50,704,000
Marketable securities	15,262,000	19,046,000
Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net	88,392,000	92,578,000
Other assets, net	3,574,000	4,439,000
Total Assets	138,411,000	166,767,000
Mortgage repurchase facility	60,822,000	63,074,000
Total Liabilities	118,090,000	118,713,000
Accounts payable and other liabilities	57,268,000	55,639,000
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Total Assets	-1,729,708,000	-1,501,312,000
Total Liabilities	-1,468,834,000	-1,165,442,000
Total Stockholderbs Equity	-260,874,000	-335,870,000
Total Liabilities and Stockholdersb Equity	-1,729,708,000	-1,501,312,000
MDC Holdings [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	119,951,000	145,180,000	125,904,000	313,566,000
Total Assets	2,144,456,000	2,422,186,000
Total Liabilities	916,120,000	1,208,937,000
Total Stockholderbs Equity	1,228,336,000	1,213,249,000
Total Liabilities and Stockholdersb Equity	2,144,456,000	2,422,186,000
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	2,691,000	3,454,000	3,631,000	2,852,000
Total Assets	1,757,514,000	1,491,406,000
Total Liabilities	1,533,085,000	1,192,948,000
Total Stockholderbs Equity	224,429,000	298,458,000
Total Liabilities and Stockholdersb Equity	1,757,514,000	1,491,406,000
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	31,183,000	50,704,000	30,560,000	26,943,000
Total Assets	186,176,000	183,169,000
Total Liabilities	149,731,000	145,757,000
Total Stockholderbs Equity	36,445,000	37,412,000
Total Liabilities and Stockholdersb Equity	$186,176,000	$183,169,000

Note_23_Supplemental_Guarantor4

Note 23 - Supplemental Guarantor Information (Details) - Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	$493,070	$405,051	$430,743	$318,534	$460,939	$433,693	$400,327	$331,748	$1,694,584	$1,680,434	$1,203,023
Inventory impairments	-910		-850		-569	-350
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	-54,602	-50,512	-49,798	-48,341	-55,421	-57,753	-51,908	-48,201
Interest expense									-685	-1,726	-808
Losses from early extinguishments of debt									-18,153
Other-than-temporary impairment of marketable securities									-4,293
Income (loss) before income taxes									100,475	129,825	61,115
(Provision) benefit for income taxes									-37,332	184,560	1,584
Net income (loss)	14,639	15,458	21,542	11,504	30,709	36,251	224,909	22,516	63,143	314,385	62,699
Other comprehensive income related to available for sale securities, net of tax									-1,120	6,737	12,078
Comprehensive income									62,023	321,122	74,777
Homebuilding [Member] | Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues										-1,248	-6,534
Cost of Sales										1,248	6,534
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									-676	-353
Equity income (loss) of subsidiaries									-86,223	-163,157	-81,836
Interest income									-46	-48
Income (loss) before income taxes									-86,945	-163,558	-81,836
Homebuilding [Member] | MDC Holdings [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									-38,290	-63,506	-52,880
Equity income (loss) of subsidiaries									86,223	163,157	81,836
Interest income									24,824	28,329	24,035
Interest expense									-685	-1,726	-778
Other income (expense), net									-8	-14	-126
Losses from early extinguishments of debt									-18,153
Other-than-temporary impairment of marketable securities									-4,293
Income (loss) before income taxes									49,618	126,240	52,087
Homebuilding [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues									1,650,631	1,630,423	1,162,676
Cost of Sales									-1,368,140	-1,340,187	-984,477
Inventory impairments									-1,760	-919	-1,105
Gross margin									280,731	289,317	177,094
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									-164,287	-149,424	-119,135
Interest income									1,517	1,503	949
Interest expense											-30
Other income (expense), net									-4,805	-3,769	-1,239
Income (loss) before income taxes									113,156	137,627	57,639
Homebuilding [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cost of Sales									-40
Gross margin									-40
Selling, general, and administrative expenses											4,720
Interest income									15	14	14
Other income (expense), net											-7
Income (loss) before income taxes									-25	14	4,727
Homebuilding [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues									1,650,631	1,629,175	1,156,142
Cost of Sales									-1,368,180	-1,338,939	-977,943
Inventory impairments									-1,760	-919	-1,105
Gross margin									280,691	289,317	177,094
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									-203,253	-213,283	-167,295
Interest income									26,310	29,798	24,998
Interest expense									-685	-1,726	-808
Other income (expense), net									-4,813	-3,783	-1,372
Losses from early extinguishments of debt									-18,153
Other-than-temporary impairment of marketable securities		-4,300							-4,293
Income (loss) before income taxes									75,804	100,323	32,617
Financial Services [Member] | Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes									722	401
Financial Services [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes									23,949	29,101	28,498
Financial Services [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes									24,671	29,502	28,498
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes									-86,223	-163,157	-81,836
Net income (loss)									-86,223	-163,157	-81,836
Other comprehensive income related to available for sale securities, net of tax									22	119	-100
Comprehensive income									-86,201	-163,038	-81,936
MDC Holdings [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes									49,618	126,240	52,087
(Provision) benefit for income taxes									13,525	188,145	10,612
Net income (loss)									63,143	314,385	62,699
Other comprehensive income related to available for sale securities, net of tax									-1,120	6,737	12,078
Comprehensive income									62,023	321,122	74,777
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes									113,156	137,627	57,639
(Provision) benefit for income taxes									-42,044	7,507	1,435
Net income (loss)									71,112	145,134	59,074
Comprehensive income									71,112	145,134	59,074
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Income (loss) before income taxes									23,924	29,115	33,225
(Provision) benefit for income taxes									-8,813	-11,092	-10,463
Net income (loss)									15,111	18,023	22,762
Other comprehensive income related to available for sale securities, net of tax									-22	-119	100
Comprehensive income									$15,089	$17,904	$22,862

Note_23_Supplemental_Guarantor5

Note 23 - Supplemental Guarantor Information (Details) - Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	($163,647)	($269,549)	($108,819)
Net cash used in investing activities	423,080	-30,402	-21,781
Financing activities:
Mortgage repurchase facility	-2,252	-13,253	27,625
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes	248,375	346,938
Repayment of senior notes	-517,650
Advances on revolving credit facility, net	15,000
Dividend payments	-48,820		-96,915
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	26	391
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	375	5,118	16,624
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-304,946	339,194	-52,666
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	-45,513	39,243	-183,266
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	199,338	160,095	343,361
End of period	153,825	199,338	160,095
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash used in investing activities	80,727	302,872	86,333
Financing activities:
Intercompany advances (repayments)	-80,727	-302,872	-86,333
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-80,727	-302,872	-86,333
MDC Holdings [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-62,289	11,994	1,961
Net cash used in investing activities	339,754	-345,165	-109,332
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes	248,375	346,938
Repayment of senior notes	-517,650
Advances on revolving credit facility, net	15,000
Dividend payments	-48,820		-96,915
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	26	391
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	375	5,118	16,624
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-302,694	352,447	-80,291
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	-25,229	19,276	-187,662
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	145,180	125,904	313,566
End of period	119,951	145,180	125,904
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-124,317	-324,812	-96,947
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,093	-1,260	-841
Financing activities:
Intercompany advances (repayments)	124,647	325,895	98,567
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	124,647	325,895	98,567
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	-763	-177	779
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	3,454	3,631	2,852
End of period	2,691	3,454	3,631
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	22,959	43,269	-13,833
Net cash used in investing activities	3,692	13,151	2,059
Financing activities:
Intercompany advances (repayments)	-43,920	-23,023	-12,234
Mortgage repurchase facility	-2,252	-13,253	27,625
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-46,172	-36,276	15,391
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	-19,521	20,144	3,617
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	50,704	30,560	26,943
End of period	$31,183	$50,704	$30,560