| Document And Entity Information | Sep. 12, 2019 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | MDC HOLDINGS INC |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 12, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-8951 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 84-0622967 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 4350 South Monaco Street, Suite 500 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Denver |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CO |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 80237 |
| City Area Code | 303 |
| Local Phone Number | 773-1100 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Ex Transition Period | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000773141 |
| CommonStock01ParValue Custom [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | 552676108 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| SeniorNotesDueFebruary20205 Custom [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 5⅝% Senior Notes due February 2020 |
| Trading Symbol | 552676AP3 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| SeniorNotesDueJanuary20436 Custom [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 6% Senior Notes due January 2043 |
| Trading Symbol | 552676AQ1 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
