M/I Homes (MHO) 10-Q 25 Apr 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

DEI_Document

DEI Document	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 23, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'M I HOMES INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000799292	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	24,466,921

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$89,360	$128,725
Restricted cash	11,551	13,902
Mortgage loans held for sale	55,750	81,810
Inventory	723,627	690,934
Property and equipment - net	10,506	10,536
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	44,847	35,266
Deferred income taxes, net of valuation allowance of $4.0 million and $9.3 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	111,214	110,911
Other assets	38,048	38,092
Total assets	1,084,903	1,110,176
LIABILITIES:	'	'
Accounts payable	71,376	70,226
Customer deposits	12,984	11,262
Other liabilities	59,057	71,341
Community development district (“CDD”) obligations	2,060	3,130
Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned	1,627	1,775
Notes payable bank - financial services operations	51,532	80,029
Notes payable - other	7,757	7,790
TOTAL LIABILITIES	578,312	617,373
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Preferred shares - $.01 par value; authorized 2,000,000 shares; 2,000 shares issued at both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013; 2,000 shares outstanding at both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013	48,163	48,163
Common shares - $.01 par value; authorized 38,000,000 shares; issued 27,092,723 shares at both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013	271	271
Additional paid-in capital	236,270	236,060
Retained earnings	274,038	262,625
Treasury shares - at cost - 2,625,802 and 2,734,780 shares at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	-52,151	-54,316
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	506,591	492,803
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	1,084,903	1,110,176
2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'
Convertible senior subordinated notes	57,500	57,500
2018 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'
Convertible senior subordinated notes	86,250	86,250
2018 Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'
Senior notes	$228,169	$228,070

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Parentheticals - Balance Sheet [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current	($3,964)	($9,291)
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	38,000,000	38,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	27,092,723	27,092,723
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	2,000	2,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	2,000	2,000
Treasury Stock, Shares	2,625,802	2,734,780

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Operations [Abstract]	'	'
Revenue	$234,841	$190,727
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]	'	'
Land and housing	183,964	151,513
Impairment of inventory and investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	900
General and administrative	18,315	15,979
Selling	15,969	13,109
Interest	4,170	4,340
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	-62	0
Total costs and expenses	222,356	185,841
Income (loss) before income taxes	12,485	4,886
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	-147	299
Net income (loss)	12,632	4,587
Preferred Dividends	1,219	0
Excess of fair value over book value of preferred shares redeemed	0	2,190
Net income to common shareholders	$11,413	$2,397
Earnings (loss) per common share:	'	'
Basic	$0.47	$0.11
Diluted	$0.41	$0.11
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'
Basic	24,417	22,273
Diluted	29,870	22,688

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Preferred Shares [Member]	Common Shares [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Shares [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Stockholders' Equity, Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$492,803	$48,163	$271	$236,060	$262,625	($54,316)
Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	'	2,000	24,357,943	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	12,632	'	'	'	12,632	'
Dividends, Preferred Stock	-1,219	'	'	'	-1,219	'
Stock options exercised, shares	'	'	101,630	'	'	'
Stock options exercised	1,366	'	'	-653	'	2,019
Stock-based compensation expense	710	'	'	710	'	'
Deferral of executive and director compensation	299	'	'	299	'	'
Executive and director deferred compensation distributions shares	'	'	7,348	'	'	'
Executive and director deferred compensation distributions	0	'	'	-146	'	146
Stockholders' Equity, Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$506,591	$48,163	$271	$236,270	$274,038	($52,151)
Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	'	2,000	24,466,921	'	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net income (loss)	$12,632	$4,587
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Inventory valuation adjustments and abandoned land transaction write-offs	0	900
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	-62	0
Mortgage loan originations	-124,362	-121,244
Proceeds from the sale of mortgage loans	153,210	135,568
Fair value adjustment of mortgage loans held for sale	-2,788	-924
Depreciation	1,126	1,317
Amortization of intangibles, debt discount and debt issue costs	786	821
Stock-based compensation expense	710	519
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes	5,024	1,788
Deferred tax asset valuation allowances	-5,327	-1,788
Change in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Cash held in escrow	-44	-193
Inventory	-33,250	-23,567
Other assets	-645	1,397
Accounts payable	1,150	9,380
Customer deposits	1,722	2,007
Accrued compensation	-13,034	-5,959
Other liabilities	1,049	3,949
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-2,103	8,558
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Change in restricted cash	2,395	-621
Purchase of property and equipment	-400	-229
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	-10,874	-11,852
Net cash used in investing activities	-8,879	-12,702
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Repayments of bank borrowings - net	-28,497	-14,831
Principal repayments of notes payable-other and CDD bond obligations	-33	-789
Dividends paid on preferred shares	-1,219	0
Net proceeds from issuance of common shares	0	54,617
Debt issue costs	0	-3,544
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,366	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-28,383	121,703
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-39,365	117,559
Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period	128,725	145,498
Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period	89,360	263,057
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH PAID DURING THE YEAR:	'	'
Interest — net of amount capitalized	-209	-1,112
Income taxes	765	73
NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS DURING THE PERIOD	'	'
Community development district infrastructure	-1,070	-368
Consolidated inventory not owned	-148	-2,111
Distribution of single-family lots from unconsolidated joint ventures	1,355	1,303
Proceeds from (Repurchase of) Redeemable Preferred Stock	0	50,352
2018 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior subordinated notes	$0	$86,250

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Accounting [Text Block]	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (the “financial statements”) of M/I Homes, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) and notes thereto have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim financial information. The financial statements include the accounts of M/I Homes, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Results for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. In the opinion of management, the accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments (all of which are normal and recurring in nature) necessary for a fair presentation of financial results for the interim periods presented. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (the “2013 Form 10-K”).
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during that period. Actual results could differ from these estimates and have a significant impact on the financial condition and results of operations and cash flows. With regard to the Company, estimates and assumptions are inherent in calculations relating to valuation of inventory and investment in unconsolidated joint ventures, property and equipment depreciation, valuation of derivative financial instruments, accounts payable on inventory, accruals for costs to complete inventory, accruals for warranty claims, accruals for self-insured general liability claims, litigation, accruals for health care and workers' compensation, accruals for guaranteed or indemnified loans, stock-based compensation expense, income taxes, and contingencies. Items that could have a significant impact on these estimates and assumptions include the risks and uncertainties listed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I of our 2013 Form 10-K, as the same may be updated from time to time in our subsequent filings with the SEC.
	Reclassifications
	Certain amounts in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were adjusted to conform to our 2014 presentation. The Company also reclassified certain amounts presented in the Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2013 included in Note 11. The Company believes these reclassifications are immaterial to the supplemental condensed consolidating financial statements which are presented as supplemental information. These reclassifications do not affect the Company's consolidated financial statements for either period.
	Impact of New Accounting Standards
	In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-04: Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (“ASU 2014-04”), which clarifies when an in substance repossession or foreclosure of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan has occurred. This guidance helps determine when the creditor should derecognize the loan receivable and recognize the real estate property. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2015 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	There are three measurement input levels for determining fair value: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.
	Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis
	The Company measures both mortgage loans held for sale and interest rate lock commitments (“IRLCs”) at fair value. Fair value measurement results in a better presentation of the changes in fair values of the loans and the derivative instruments used to economically hedge them.
	In the normal course of business, our financial services segment enters into contractual commitments to extend credit to buyers of single-family homes with fixed expiration dates.  The commitments become effective when the borrowers “lock-in” a specified interest rate within established time frames.  Market risk arises if interest rates move adversely between the time of the “lock-in” of rates by the borrower and the sale date of the loan to an investor.  To mitigate the effect of the interest rate risk inherent in providing rate lock commitments to borrowers, the Company enters into optional or mandatory delivery forward sale contracts to sell whole loans and mortgage-backed securities to broker/dealers.  The forward sale contracts lock in an interest rate and price for the sale of loans similar to the specific rate lock commitments.  The Company does not engage in speculative trading or derivative activities.  Both the rate lock commitments to borrowers and the forward sale contracts to broker/dealers or investors are undesignated derivatives, and accordingly, are marked to fair value through earnings.  Changes in fair value measurements are included in earnings in the accompanying statements of operations.
	The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is estimated based primarily on published prices for mortgage-backed securities with similar characteristics.  To calculate the effects of interest rate movements, the Company utilizes applicable published mortgage-backed security prices, and multiplies the price movement between the rate lock date and the balance sheet date by the notional loan commitment amount.  The Company generally sells loans on a servicing released basis, and receives a servicing release premium upon sale.  Thus, the value of the servicing rights included in the fair value measurement is based upon contractual terms with investors and depends on the loan type. The Company applies a fallout rate to IRLCs when measuring the fair value of rate lock commitments.  Fallout is defined as locked loan commitments for which the Company does not close a mortgage loan and is based on management’s judgment and company experience.
	The fair value of the Company’s forward sales contracts to broker/dealers solely considers the market price movement of the same type of security between the trade date and the balance sheet date.  The market price changes are multiplied by the notional amount of the forward sales contracts to measure the fair value.
	Interest Rate Lock Commitments. IRLCs are extended to certain home-buying customers who have applied for a mortgage loan and meet certain defined credit and underwriting criteria. Typically, the IRLCs will have a duration of less than six months; however, in certain markets, the duration could extend to twelve months.
	Some IRLCs are committed to a specific third party investor through the use of best-efforts whole loan delivery commitments matching the exact terms of the IRLC loan. Uncommitted IRLCs are considered derivative instruments and are fair value adjusted, with the resulting gain or loss recorded in current earnings.
	Forward Sales of Mortgage-Backed Securities. Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities (“FMBSs”) are used to protect uncommitted IRLC loans against the risk of changes in interest rates between the lock date and the funding date. FMBSs related to uncommitted IRLCs are classified and accounted for as non-designated derivative instruments and are recorded at fair value, with gains and losses recorded in current earnings.
	Mortgage Loans Held for Sale. Mortgage loans held for sale consists primarily of single-family residential loans collateralized by the underlying property.  Generally, all of the mortgage loans and related servicing rights are sold to third-party investors shortly after origination.  During the intervening period between when a loan is closed and when it is sold to an investor, the interest rate risk is covered through the use of a best-efforts contract or by FMBSs. The FMBSs are classified and accounted for as non-designated derivative instruments, with gains and losses recorded in current earnings.
	The table below shows the notional amounts of our financial instruments at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Description of financial instrument (in thousands)	March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Best efforts contracts and related committed IRLCs	$	3,104			$	2,494
	Uncommitted IRLCs	58,687				49,710
	FMBSs related to uncommitted IRLCs	64,000				48,000
	Best efforts contracts and related mortgage loans held for sale	36,072				63,386
	FMBSs related to mortgage loans held for sale	19,000				20,000
	Mortgage loans held for sale covered by FMBSs	18,737				19,884
	The table below shows the level and measurement of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Description of Financial Instrument (in thousands)	Fair Value Measurements				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets				Significant Other Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
		31-Mar-14				(Level 1)				(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Mortgage loans held for sale	$	55,750			$	—			$	55,750		$	—
	Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities	180				—				180			—
	Interest rate lock commitments	402				—				402			—
	Best-efforts contracts	66				—				66			—
	Total	$	56,398			$	—			$	56,398		$	—
	Description of Financial Instrument (in thousands)	Fair Value Measurements				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets				Significant Other Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
		31-Dec-13				(Level 1)				(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Mortgage loans held for sale	$	81,810			$	—			$	81,810		$	—
	Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities	745				—				745			—
	Interest rate lock commitments	(319		)		—				(319		)	—
	Best-efforts contracts	479				—				479			—
	Total	$	82,715			$	—			$	82,715		$	—
	The following table sets forth the amount of gain (loss) recognized, within our revenue in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, on assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	Description (in thousands)	2014				2013
	Mortgage loans held for sale	$	2,788			$	924
	Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities	(565		)		(330		)
	Interest rate lock commitments	721				193
	Best-efforts contracts	(413		)		(123		)
	Total gain recognized	$	2,531			$	664
	The following tables set forth the fair value of the Company's derivative instruments and their location within the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for the periods indicated (except for mortgage loans held for sale which is disclosed as a separate line item):
			Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
			31-Mar-14						31-Mar-14
	Description of Derivatives		Balance Sheet		Fair Value				Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
			Location		(in thousands)						(in thousands)
	Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities		Other assets		$	180			Other liabilities		$	—
	Interest rate lock commitments		Other assets		402				Other liabilities		—
	Best-efforts contracts		Other assets		66				Other liabilities		—
	Total fair value measurements				$	648					$	—
			Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
			31-Dec-13						31-Dec-13
	Description of Derivatives		Balance Sheet		Fair Value				Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
			Location		(in thousands)						(in thousands)
	Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities		Other assets		$	745			Other liabilities		$	—
	Interest rate lock commitments		Other assets		—				Other liabilities		319
	Best-efforts contracts		Other assets		479				Other liabilities		—
	Total fair value measurements				$	1,224					$	319
	Assets Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis
	The Company assesses inventory for recoverability on a quarterly basis if events or changes in local or national economic conditions indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In conducting our quarterly review for indicators of impairment on a community level, we evaluate, among other things, margins on sales contracts in backlog, the margins on homes that have been delivered, expected changes in margins with regard to future home sales over the life of the community, expected changes in margins with regard to future land sales, the value of the land itself as well as any results from third party appraisals. We pay particular attention to communities in which inventory is moving at a slower than anticipated absorption pace, and communities whose average sales price and/or margins are trending downward and are anticipated to continue to trend downward. We also evaluate communities where management intends to lower the sales price or offer incentives in order to improve absorptions even if the community's historical results do not indicate a potential for impairment. From the review of all of these factors, we identify communities whose carrying values may exceed their estimated undiscounted future cash flows and run a test for recoverability. For those communities whose carrying values exceed the estimated undiscounted future cash flows and which are deemed to be impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the communities exceeds the estimated fair value. Due to the fact that the Company's cash flow models and estimates of fair values are based upon management estimates and assumptions, unexpected changes in market conditions and/or changes in management's intentions with respect to the inventory may lead the Company to incur additional impairment charges in the future.
	Our determination of fair value is based on projections and estimates, which are Level 3 measurement inputs.  Our analysis is completed at a phase level within each community; therefore, changes in local conditions may affect one or several of our communities. For all of the categories listed below, the key assumptions relating to the valuations are dependent on project-specific local market and/or community conditions and are inherently uncertain. Because each inventory asset is unique, there are numerous inputs and assumptions used in our valuation techniques. Market factors that may impact these assumptions include:
	•	historical project results such as average sales price and sales pace, if closings have occurred in the project;
•	competitors' market and/or community presence and their competitive actions;
•	project specific attributes such as location desirability and uniqueness of product offering;
•	potential for alternative product offerings to respond to local market conditions; and
•	current economic and demographic conditions and related trends and forecasts.
These and other market factors that may impact project assumptions are considered by personnel in our homebuilding divisions as they prepare or update the forecasts for each community. Quantitative and qualitative factors other than home sales prices could significantly impact the potential for future impairments. The sales objectives can differ between communities, even within a given sub-market. For example, facts and circumstances in a given community may lead us to price our homes with the objective of yielding a higher sales absorption pace, while facts and circumstances in another community may lead us to price our homes to minimize deterioration in our gross margins, although it may result in a slower sales absorption pace. Furthermore, the key assumptions included in our estimated future undiscounted cash flows may be interrelated. For example, a decrease in estimated base sales price or an increase in home sales incentives may result in a corresponding increase in sales absorption pace or a reduction in base house costs. Changes in our key assumptions, including estimated average selling price, construction and development costs, absorption pace (reflecting any product mix change strategies implemented or to be implemented), selling strategies, alternative land uses (including disposition of all or a portion of the land owned), or discount rates, could materially impact future cash flow and fair value estimates.
As of March 31, 2014, our projections generally assume a gradual improvement in market conditions over time. If communities are not recoverable based on estimated future undiscounted cash flows, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets. The fair value of a community is estimated by discounting management's cash flow projections using an appropriate risk-adjusted interest rate. As of March 31, 2014, we utilized discount rates ranging from 13% to 16% in our valuations. The discount rate used in determining each asset's estimated fair value reflects the inherent risks associated with the related estimated cash flow stream, as well as current risk-free rates available in the market and estimated market risk premiums. For example, construction in progress inventory, which is closer to completion, will generally require a lower discount rate than land under development in communities consisting of multiple phases spanning several years of development.
Operating Communities.  If an indicator for impairment exists for existing operating communities, the recoverability of assets is evaluated by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets based on home sales.  These estimated cash flows are developed based primarily on management's assumptions relating to the specific community. The significant assumptions used to evaluate the recoverability of assets include: the timing of development and/or marketing phases; projected sales price and sales pace of each existing or planned community; the estimated land development, home construction, and selling costs of the community; overall market supply and demand; the local market; and competitive conditions. Management reviews these assumptions on a quarterly basis. While we consider available information to determine what we believe to be our best estimates as of the end of a reporting period, these estimates are subject to change in future reporting periods as facts and circumstances change. We believe the most critical assumptions in the Company's cash flow models are projected absorption pace for home sales, sales prices, and costs to build and deliver homes on a community by community basis.
In order to estimate the assumed absorption pace for home sales included in the Company's cash flow models, the Company analyzes the historical absorption pace in the community as well as other communities in the geographic area. In addition, the Company considers internal and external market studies and trends, which may include, but are not limited to, statistics on population demographics, unemployment rates, foreclosure sales, and availability of competing products in the geographic area where a community is located. When analyzing the Company's historical absorption pace for home sales and corresponding internal and external market studies, the Company places greater emphasis on more current metrics and trends such as the absorption pace realized in its most recent quarters and management's most current assessment of sales pace.
In order to estimate the sales prices included in its cash flow models, the Company considers the historical sales prices realized on homes it delivered in the community and other communities in the geographic area, as well as the sales prices included in its current backlog for such communities. In addition, the Company considers internal and external market studies and trends, which may include, but are not limited to, statistics on sales prices in neighboring communities, which include the impact of short sales, if any, and sales prices on similar products in non-neighboring communities in the geographic area where the community is located. When analyzing its historical sales prices and corresponding market studies, the Company places greater emphasis on more current metrics and trends such as the sales prices realized in its most recent quarters and the sales prices in current backlog. Based upon this analysis, the Company sets a sales price for each house type in the community which it believes will achieve an acceptable gross margin and sales pace in the community. This price becomes the price published to the sales force for use in its sales efforts. The Company then considers the average of these published sales prices when estimating the future sales prices in its cash flow models, assuming no increase in weighted average sales price in 2014, a 4% increase in 2015 and 2016, and a 2% increase in 2017 and beyond.
In order to arrive at the Company's assumed costs to build and deliver homes, the Company generally assumes a cost structure reflecting contracts currently in place with its vendors and subcontractors, adjusted for any anticipated cost reduction initiatives or increases in cost structure. With respect to overhead included in the cash flow models, the Company uses forecasted rates included in the Company's annual budget adjusted for actual experience that is materially different than budgeted rates. The Company anticipates no increase in assumed weighted average costs in 2014, a 4% increase in 2015 and 2016, and a 2% increase in 2017 and beyond.
Future communities. If an indicator of impairment exists for raw land, land under development, or lots that management anticipates will be utilized for future homebuilding activities, the recoverability of assets is evaluated by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the assets based on home sales, consistent with the evaluations performed for operating communities discussed above.
For raw land, land under development, or lots that management intends to market for sale to a third party, but that do not meet all of the criteria to be classified as land held for sale as discussed below, the estimated fair values of the assets are determined based on either the estimated net sales proceeds expected to be realized on the sale of the assets or the estimated fair value determined using cash flow valuation techniques.
If the Company has not yet determined whether raw land, land under development, or lots will be utilized for future homebuilding activities or marketed for sale to a third party, the Company assesses the recoverability of the inventory using a probability-weighted approach.
Land held for sale. Land held for sale includes land that meets all of the following six criteria: (1) management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the asset; (2) the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets; (3) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the asset have been initiated; (4) the sale of the asset is probable, and transfer of the asset is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale, within one year; (5) the asset is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and (6) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. The Company records land held for sale at the lower of its carrying value or estimated fair value less costs to sell. In performing the impairment evaluation for land held for sale, management considers, among other things, prices for land in recent comparable sales transactions, market analysis and recent bona fide offers received from outside third parties, as well as actual contracts. If the estimated fair value less the costs to sell an asset is less than the asset's current carrying value, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value less costs to sell.
Our quarterly assessments reflect management's best estimates. Due to the inherent uncertainties in management's estimates and uncertainties related to our operations and our industry as a whole, we are unable to determine at this time if and to what extent continuing future impairments will occur. Additionally, due to the volume of possible outcomes that can be generated from changes in the various model inputs for each community, we do not believe it is possible to create a sensitivity analysis that can provide meaningful information for the users of our financial statements.
Variable Interest Entities. In order to minimize our investment and risk of land exposure in a single location, we have periodically partnered with other land developers or homebuilders to share in the land investment and development of a property through joint ownership and development agreements, joint ventures, and other similar arrangements. During the three month period ended March 31, 2014, we increased our total investment in such joint venture arrangements from December 31, 2013 by $9.6 million primarily due to a joint investment with another builder in a land development in our Southern region.
For joint venture arrangements where a special purpose entity is established to own the property, we generally enter into limited liability company or similar arrangements (“LLCs”) with the other partners. The Company's ownership interest in these LLCs as of March 31, 2014 ranged from 25% to 61%. These entities typically engage in land development activities for the purpose of distributing or selling developed lots to the Company and its partners in the LLC. With respect to our investments in these LLCs, we are required, under ASC 810-10, Consolidation (“ASC 810-10”), to evaluate whether or not such entities should be consolidated into our financial statements. We initially perform these evaluations when each new entity is created and upon any events that require reconsideration of the entity. In order to determine if we should consolidate an LLC, we determine (1) if the LLC is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and (2) if we are the primary beneficiary of the entity. To determine whether we are the primary beneficiary of an entity, we consider whether we have the ability to control the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance. This analysis considers, among other things, whether we have the ability to determine the budget and scope of land development work, if any; the ability to control financing decisions for the VIE; the ability to acquire additional land into the VIE or dispose of land in the VIE not under contract with M/I Homes; and the ability to change or amend the existing option contract with the VIE. If we determine that we are not able to control such activities, we are not considered the primary beneficiary of the VIE.
As of March 31, 2014, we have determined that one of the LLCs in which we have an interest meets the requirements of a VIE due to a lack of equity at risk in the entity. However, we have determined that we do not have substantive control over any of these LLCs, including our VIE, as we do not have the ability to control the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance. As a result, we are not required to consolidate any of the LLCs into our financial statements and we instead recorded the LLCs in Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We enter into option or purchase agreements to acquire land or lots, for which we generally pay non-refundable deposits. We also analyze these agreements under ASC 810-10 to determine whether we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE, if applicable, using an analysis similar to that described above. If we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, we will consolidate the VIE in our consolidated financial statements. In cases where we are the primary beneficiary, even though we do not have title to such land, we are required to consolidate these purchase/option agreements and reflect such assets and liabilities as Consolidated Inventory not Owned in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. At both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we were not required to consolidate any of our option or purchase agreements.
Investment In Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.  We use the equity method of accounting for investments in unconsolidated joint ventures over which we exercise significant influence but do not have a controlling interest. Under the equity method, our share of the unconsolidated joint ventures' earnings or loss, if any, is included in our statement of operations. We evaluate our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures for impairment at least quarterly as described below.
If the fair value of the investment is less than the investment's carrying value and the Company has determined that the decline in value is other than temporary, the Company would write down the value of the investment to fair value. The determination of whether an investment's fair value is less than the carrying value requires management to make certain assumptions regarding the amount and timing of future contributions to the unconsolidated joint venture, the timing of distribution of lots to the Company from the unconsolidated joint venture, the projected fair value of the lots at the time of distribution to the Company, and the estimated proceeds from, and timing of, the sale of land or lots to third parties. In determining the fair value of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, the Company evaluates the projected cash flows associated with each unconsolidated joint venture. As of March 31, 2014, the Company used a discount rate of 16% in determining the fair value of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures. In addition to the assumptions management must make to determine if the investment's fair value is less than the carrying value, management must also use judgment in determining whether the impairment is other than temporary. The factors management considers are: (1) the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost; (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the company; and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the unconsolidated joint venture for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. We believe that the Company's maximum exposure related to its investment in these unconsolidated joint ventures as of March 31, 2014 is the amount invested of $44.8 million, which is reported as Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, in addition to a $2.5 million note due to the Company from one of the unconsolidated joint ventures (reported in Other Assets), although we expect to invest further amounts in these unconsolidated joint ventures as development of the properties progresses. Included in the Company's investment in unconsolidated joint ventures at both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were $0.8 million of capitalized interest and other costs.
Because of the high degree of judgment involved in developing these assumptions, it is possible that the Company may determine the investment is not impaired in the current period; however, due to the passage of time, change in market conditions, and/or changes in management's intentions with respect to the inventory, a change in assumptions could result and impairment could occur.
The table below shows the level and measurement of the Company's assets measured on a non-recurring basis as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
			Three Months Ended March 31,
Description (in thousands)		Hierarchy	2014				2013 (2)
Adjusted basis of inventory (1)		Level 3	$	—			$	2,015
Total losses			—				900
Initial basis of inventory			$	—			$	2,915
-1	The fair values in the table above represent only assets whose carrying values were adjusted in the respective period.
-2	The carrying values for these assets may have subsequently increased or decreased from the fair value reported due to activities that have occurred since the measurement date.
Financial Instruments
Counterparty Credit Risk. To reduce the risk associated with losses that would be recognized if counterparties failed to perform as contracted, the Company limits the entities with whom management can enter into commitments. This risk of accounting loss is the difference between the market rate at the time of non-performance by the counterparty and the rate to which the Company committed.
The following table presents the carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price).
		March 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
(In thousands)		Carrying Amount				Fair Value				Carrying Amount			Fair Value
Assets:
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		$	100,911			$	100,911			$	142,627		$	142,627
Mortgage loans held for sale		55,750				55,750				81,810			81,810
Split dollar life insurance policies		185				185				171			171
Notes receivable		4,692				3,780				3,151			2,784
Commitments to extend real estate loans		402				402				—			—
Best-efforts contracts for committed IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale		66				66				479			479
Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities		180				180				745			745
Liabilities:
Notes payable - banks		51,532				51,532				80,029			80,029
Notes payable - other		7,757				7,651				7,790			7,452
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017		57,500				69,431				57,500			74,391
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018		86,250				91,748				86,250			95,845
Senior notes due 2018		228,169				248,113				228,070			248,975
Commitments to extend real estate loans		—				—				319			319
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
Letters of credit		—				356				—			413
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures of financial instruments at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash. The carrying amounts of these items approximate fair value because they are short-term by nature.
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale, Forward Sales of Mortgage-Backed Securities, Commitments to Extend Real Estate Loans, Best-Efforts Contracts for Committed IRLCs and Mortgage Loans Held for Sale, 2017 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes, 2018 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes and 2018 Senior Notes. The fair value of these financial instruments was determined based upon market quotes at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The market quotes used were quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities along with inputs taken from observable market data by correlation. The inputs were adjusted to account for the condition of the asset or liability.
Split Dollar Life Insurance Policies and Notes Receivable. The estimated fair value was determined by calculating the present value of the amounts based on the estimated timing of receipts using discount rates that incorporate management's estimate of risk associated with the corresponding note receivable.
Notes Payable - Banks. The Company is a party to three primary credit agreements: (1) a $200 million unsecured revolving credit facility dated July 18, 2013, with M/I Homes, Inc. as borrower and guaranteed by the Company's wholly owned homebuilding subsidiaries (the “Credit Facility”); (2) a $110 million secured mortgage warehousing agreement, with M/I Financial as borrower, amended on March 28, 2014 (the “MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement”); and (3) a $15 million mortgage repurchase agreement, with M/I Financial as borrower, amended on November 6, 2013 (the “MIF Mortgage Repurchase Facility”). For each of these credit facilities, the interest rate is based on a variable rate index, and thus their carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value. The interest rate available to the Company during the first quarter of 2014 fluctuated with the Alternate Base Rate or the Eurodollar Rate (for the Credit Facility) or LIBOR (for the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement and the MIF Mortgage Repurchase Facility).
Notes Payable - Other. The estimated fair value was determined by calculating the present value of the future cash flows using the Company's current incremental borrowing rate.
Letters of Credit. Letters of credit of $25.7 million and $25.8 million represent potential commitments at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The letters of credit generally expire within one or two years. The estimated fair value of letters of credit was determined using fees currently charged for similar agreements.

Inventory

Inventory	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory [Abstract]	'
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Inventory
	A summary of the Company's inventory as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows:
	(In thousands)	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Single-family lots, land and land development costs	$	337,137	$	323,673
	Land held for sale	3,623		8,059
	Homes under construction	325,439		305,499
	Model homes and furnishings - at cost (less accumulated depreciation: March 31, 2014 - $5,642;	36,831		34,433
	December 31, 2013 - $5,173)
	Community development district infrastructure	2,060		3,130
	Land purchase deposits	16,910		14,365
	Consolidated inventory not owned	1,627		1,775
	Total inventory	$	723,627	$	690,934
	Single-family lots, land and land development costs include raw land that the Company has purchased to develop into lots, costs incurred to develop the raw land into lots, and lots for which development has been completed, but which have not yet been used to start construction of a home.
	Homes under construction include homes that are in various stages of construction. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had 782 homes (with a carrying value of $119.0 million) and 798 homes (with a carrying value of $123.3 million), respectively, included in homes under construction that were not subject to a sales contract.
	Model homes and furnishings include homes that are under construction or have been completed and are being used as sales models. The amount also includes the net book value of furnishings included in our model homes. Depreciation on model home furnishings is recorded using an accelerated method over the estimated useful life of the assets, typically three years.
	The Company assesses inventory for recoverability on a quarterly basis. Refer to Note 2 of our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details relating to our procedures for evaluating our inventories for impairment.
	Land purchase deposits include both refundable and non-refundable amounts paid to third party sellers relating to the purchase of land. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the land option agreements relating to the land purchase deposits. In the period during which the Company makes the decision not to proceed with the purchase of land under an agreement, the Company writes off any deposits and accumulated pre-acquisition costs relating to such agreement.

Capitalized_Interest

Capitalized Interest	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Capitalized Interest [Abstract]	'
capitalized interest [Text Block]	'
	Capitalized Interest
	The Company capitalizes interest during land development and home construction.  Capitalized interest is charged to land and housing costs and expenses as the related inventory is delivered to a third party.  The summary of capitalized interest for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Capitalized interest, beginning of period	$	13,802		$	15,376
	Interest capitalized to inventory	3,250			2,777
	Capitalized interest charged to land and housing costs and expenses	(3,108		)	(3,528		)
	Capitalized interest, end of period	$	13,944		$	14,625
	Interest incurred	$	7,420		$	7,117

Guarantees_and_Indemnification

Guarantees and Indemnifications	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Guarantees [Text Block]	'
	Guarantees and Indemnifications
	Warranty
	Warranty reserves are recorded for warranties under our Home Builder’s Limited Warranty (“HBLW”) and our 10-year (Texas markets only) and 30-year (all markets excluding Texas) transferable structural warranty in Other Liabilities on the Company's Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The warranty reserves for the HBLW are established as a percentage of average sales price and adjusted based on historical payment patterns determined, generally, by geographic area and recent trends. Factors that are given consideration in determining the HBLW reserves include: (1) the historical range of amounts paid per average sales price on a home; (2) type and mix of amenity packages added to the home; (3) any warranty expenditures not considered to be normal and recurring; (4) timing of payments; (5) improvements in quality of construction expected to impact future warranty expenditures; and (6) conditions that may affect certain projects and require a different percentage of average sales price for those specific projects. Changes in estimates for warranties occur due to changes in the historical payment experience and differences between the actual payment pattern experienced during the period and the historical payment pattern used in our evaluation of the warranty reserve balance at the end of each quarter. Actual future warranty costs could differ from our current estimated amount.
	Our warranty reserves for our transferable structural warranty programs are established on a per-unit basis. While the structural warranty reserve is recorded as each house closes, the sufficiency of the structural warranty per unit charge and total reserve is re-evaluated on an annual basis, with the assistance of an actuary, using our own historical data and trends, industry-wide historical data and trends, and other project specific factors. The reserves are also evaluated quarterly and adjusted if we encounter activity that is inconsistent with the historical experience used in the annual analysis. These reserves are subject to variability due to uncertainties regarding structural defect claims for products we build, the markets in which we build, claim settlement history, insurance and legal interpretations, among other factors.
	While we believe that our warranty reserves are sufficient to cover our projected costs, there can be no assurances that historical data and trends will accurately predict our actual warranty costs.
	A summary of warranty activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Warranty reserves, beginning of period	$	12,291		$	10,438
	Warranty expense on homes delivered during the period	1,359			1,338
	Changes in estimates for pre-existing warranties	238			—
	Settlements made during the period	(2,119		)	(1,376		)
	Warranty reserves, end of period	$	11,769		$	10,400
	Guarantees
	In the ordinary course of business, M/I Financial, LLC (“M/I Financial”), a 100%-owned subsidiary of M/I Homes, Inc., enters into agreements that guarantee certain purchasers of its mortgage loans that M/I Financial will repurchase a loan if certain conditions occur, primarily if the mortgagor does not meet those terms of the loan within the first six months after the sale of the loan. Loans totaling approximately $6.5 million and $5.2 million were covered under the above guarantees as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  A portion of the revenue paid to M/I Financial for providing the guarantees on the above loans was deferred at March 31, 2014, and will be recognized in income as M/I Financial is released from its obligation under the guarantees.  M/I Financial did not repurchase any loans under the above agreements during the three months ended March 31, 2014. The risk associated with the guarantees above is offset by the value of the underlying assets.
	M/I Financial has received inquiries concerning underwriting matters from purchasers of its loans regarding certain loans totaling approximately $7.9 million and $8.2 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  The risk associated with the guarantees above is offset by the value of the underlying assets.
	M/I Financial has also guaranteed the collectability of certain loans to third party insurers (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and U.S. Veterans Administration) of those loans for periods ranging from five to thirty years. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the total of all loans indemnified to third party insurers relating to the above agreements was $1.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The maximum potential amount of future payments is equal to the outstanding loan value less the value of the underlying asset plus administrative costs incurred related to foreclosure on the loans, should this event occur.
	The Company has recorded a liability relating to the guarantees described above totaling $2.8 million and $3.1 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which is management's best estimate of the Company's liability.
	At March 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding $230.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.625% Senior Notes due 2018 (the “2018 Senior Notes”), $57.5 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (the “2017 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes”) and $86.3 million aggregate principal amount of 3.0% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 (the “2018 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes”). The Company's obligations under the 2018 Senior Notes and the Credit Facility are guaranteed jointly and severally on a senior unsecured basis by all of the Company's subsidiaries, with the exception of subsidiaries that are primarily engaged in the business of mortgage financing, title insurance or similar financial businesses relating to the homebuilding and home sales business, certain subsidiaries that are not 100%-owned by the Company or another subsidiary, and other subsidiaries designated by the Company as Unrestricted Subsidiaries (as defined in Note 11), subject to limitations on the aggregate amount invested in such Unrestricted Subsidiaries in accordance with the terms of the Credit Facility and the Indenture for the 2018 Senior Notes. The Company's obligations under the 2017 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes and the 2018 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes are guaranteed jointly and severally on a senior subordinated unsecured basis by the same subsidiaries of the Company that are guarantors for the 2018 Senior Notes and the Credit Facility (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”).

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	At March 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding approximately $96.0 million of completion bonds and standby letters of credit, some of which were issued to various local governmental entities that expire at various times through October 2018. Included in this total are: (1) $66.0 million of performance and maintenance bonds and $14.0 million of performance letters of credit that serve as completion bonds for land development work in progress; (2) $11.7 million of financial letters of credit, of which $6.2 million represent deposits on land and lot purchase agreements; and (3) $4.3 million of financial bonds.
	At March 31, 2014, the Company also had options and contingent purchase agreements to acquire land and developed lots with an aggregate purchase price of approximately $445.3 million. Purchase of properties under these agreements is contingent upon satisfaction of certain requirements by the Company and the sellers.
	The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have been named as defendants in certain claims, complaints and legal actions that are incidental to our business. Certain of the liabilities resulting from these matters are covered by insurance. While management currently believes that the ultimate resolution of these matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows, such matters are subject to inherent uncertainties. The Company has recorded a liability to provide for the anticipated costs, including legal defense costs, associated with the resolution of these matters. However, it is possible that the costs to resolve these matters could differ from the recorded estimates and, therefore, have a material effect on the Company's net income for the periods in which the matters are resolved. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had $0.1 million and $0.3 million reserved for legal expenses, respectively.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Debt
	Notes Payable - Homebuilding
	The Credit Facility matures on July 18, 2016, and provides revolving credit financing for the Company with a maximum borrowing availability of $200 million and a sub-limit of $100 million for the issuance of letters of credit. The Credit Facility contains an uncommitted $25 million accordion feature under which its aggregate principal amount can be increased to up to $225 million, subject to certain conditions, including obtaining additional commitments from existing or new lenders. Interest on amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility is payable at a rate based on either the Alternate Base Rate plus 2.25% or at the Eurodollar Rate plus 3.25%. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are unsecured and availability is subject to, among other things, a borrowing base. The Credit Facility also contains certain financial covenants. At March 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants of the Credit Facility.
	At March 31, 2014, borrowing availability under the Credit Facility in accordance with the borrowing base calculation was $320.5 million, so the full amount of the $200 million facility was available. There were no borrowings outstanding and $14.6 million of letters of credit outstanding, leaving net remaining borrowing availability of $185.4 million as of March 31, 2014.
	The Company's obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by all of the Company's subsidiaries, with the exception of subsidiaries that are primarily engaged in the business of mortgage financing, title insurance or similar financial businesses relating to the homebuilding and home sales business, certain subsidiaries that are not 100%-owned by the Company or another subsidiary, and other subsidiaries designated by the Company as Unrestricted Subsidiaries (as defined in Note 11 to our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements), subject to limitations on the aggregate amount invested in such Unrestricted Subsidiaries in accordance with the terms of the Credit Facility and the indenture for the 2018 Senior Notes. The guarantors for the Credit Facility are the same subsidiaries that guarantee the 2018 Senior Notes, the 2017 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes, and the 2018 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes.
	The Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility are general, unsecured senior obligations of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors and rank equally in right of payment with all our existing and future unsecured senior indebtedness. Our obligations under the Credit Facility are effectively subordinated to our existing and future secured indebtedness with respect to any assets comprising security or collateral for such indebtedness.
	The Company is party to three secured credit agreements for the issuance of letters of credit outside of the Credit Facility (collectively, the “Letter of Credit Facilities”), with maturities ranging from June 1, 2014 to September 30, 2014. The agreements governing the Letter of Credit Facilities contain limits for the issuance of letters of credit ranging from $5.0 million to $10.0 million, for a combined letter of credit capacity of $20.0 million, of which $1.3 million was uncommitted at March 31, 2014 and could be withdrawn at any time. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there was $11.0 million and $13.4 million of outstanding letters of credit in aggregate under the Company's three Letter of Credit Facilities, respectively, which were collateralized with $11.3 million and $13.7 million of the Company's cash, respectively.
	Notes Payable — Financial Services
	In March 2014, M/I Financial entered into an amendment to the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement, which, among other things, increased the maximum borrowing availability to $110.0 million from $100.0 million and included an accordion feature which allows for an increase of the maximum borrowing availability of up to an additional $20.0 million (subject to certain conditions, including obtaining additional commitments from existing or new lenders), extended the expiration date to March 27, 2015, increased the maximum principal amount permitted to be outstanding at any one time in aggregate under all warehouse credit lines to $150.0 million from $125.0 million, and, effective with the quarter ending September 30, 2014, increased M/I Financial's minimum required tangible net worth requirement from $10.0 million to $11.0 million and the minimum required liquidity requirement from $5.0 million to $5.5 million. The interest rate was also adjusted to a per annum rate equal to the greater of (1) the floating LIBOR rate plus 275 basis points and (2) 3.0%.
	In November 2012, M/I Financial entered into the MIF Mortgage Repurchase Facility, an additional mortgage financing agreement structured as a mortgage repurchase facility with a maximum borrowing availability of $15.0 million, to provide the Company with additional financing capacity. The MIF Mortgage Repurchase Facility, as amended on November 6, 2013, has an expiration date of November 5, 2014 and is used to finance eligible residential mortgage loans originated by M/I Financial. M/I Financial pays interest on each advance under the MIF Mortgage Repurchase Facility at a per annum rate equal to the floating LIBOR rate plus 275 or 300 basis points depending on the loan type.
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, M/I Financial's total combined maximum borrowing availability under the two credit facilities was $125.0 million and $115.0 million, respectively. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, M/I Financial had $51.5 million and $80.0 million outstanding on a combined basis under its credit facilities, respectively, and was in compliance with all financial covenants of those agreements for both periods.
	Senior Notes
	In November 2010, the Company issued $200 million aggregate principal amount of 2018 Senior Notes. In May 2012, we issued an additional $30 million of 2018 Senior Notes under our 2018 Senior Notes indenture for a total outstanding balance of $230 million. As of both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had $230.0 million of our 2018 Senior Notes outstanding. The 2018 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 8.625% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, and mature on November 15, 2018. The 2018 Senior Notes are general, unsecured senior obligations of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors and rank equally in right of payment with all our existing and future unsecured senior indebtedness.  The 2018 Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to our existing and future secured indebtedness with respect to any assets comprising security or collateral for such indebtedness. The 2018 Senior Notes contain certain covenants, as more fully described and defined in the indenture, which limit the ability of the Company and the restricted subsidiaries to, among other things: incur additional indebtedness; make certain payments, including dividends, or repurchase any shares, in an aggregate amount exceeding our “restricted payments basket”; make certain investments; and create or incur certain liens, consolidate or merge with or into other companies, or liquidate or sell or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. These covenants are subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications as described in the indenture governing the 2018 Senior Notes. As of March 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all terms, conditions, and financial covenants under the indenture.
	The 2018 Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of our subsidiaries, with the exception of subsidiaries that are primarily engaged in the business of mortgage financing, title insurance or similar financial businesses relating to the homebuilding and home sales business, certain subsidiaries that are not 100%-owned by the Company or another subsidiary, and other subsidiaries designated by the Company as Unrestricted Subsidiaries (as defined in Note 11 to our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements), subject to limitations on the aggregate amount invested in such Unrestricted Subsidiaries in accordance with the terms of the Credit Facility and the indenture for the 2018 Senior Notes. As of March 31, 2014, the guarantors for the 2018 Senior Notes are the same subsidiaries that guarantee the Credit Facility, the 2017 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes, and the 2018 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes.
	The Company may redeem all or any portion of the 2018 Senior Notes on or after November 15, 2014 at a stated redemption price, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon. The redemption price will initially be 104.313% of the principal amount outstanding, but will decline to 102.156% of the principal amount outstanding if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on November 15, 2015, and will further decline to 100.000% of the principal amount outstanding if redeemed on or after November 15, 2016, but prior to maturity.
	The indenture governing our 2018 Senior Notes limits our ability to pay dividends on, and repurchase, our common shares and our 9.75% Series A Preferred Shares (the “Series A Preferred Shares”) to the amount of the positive balance in our “restricted payments basket,” as defined in the indenture. The “restricted payments basket” is equal to $40 million (1) plus 50% of our aggregate consolidated net income (or minus 100% of our aggregate consolidated net loss) since October 1, 2010, excluding the income or loss from Unrestricted Subsidiaries, plus (2) 100% of the net cash proceeds from the sale of qualified equity interests, plus other items and subject to other exceptions. The restricted payments basket was $136.4 million at March 31, 2014. We are permitted to pay dividends on, and repurchase, our common shares and Series A Preferred Shares to the extent of the positive balance in our restricted payments basket. The determination to pay future dividends on, or make future repurchases of, our common shares or Series A Preferred Shares will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements and compliance with debt covenants and the terms of our Series A Preferred Shares, and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.
	Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes
	In March 2013, the Company issued $86.3 million aggregate principal amount of 2018 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes. The 2018 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.0% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year. The 2018 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes mature on March 1, 2018. At any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their 2018 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes into the Company's common shares. The conversion rate initially equals 30.9478 shares per $1,000 of principal amount. This corresponds to an initial conversion price of approximately $32.31 per common share, which equates to approximately 2.7 million common shares. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. The 2018 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior subordinated unsecured basis by those subsidiaries of the Company that are guarantors under the Company's 2018 Senior Notes and 2017 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes. The 2018 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes are senior subordinated unsecured obligations of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors, are subordinated in right of payment to our existing and future senior indebtedness and are also effectively subordinated to our existing and future secured indebtedness with respect to any assets comprising security or collateral for such indebtedness. The indenture governing the 2018 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes provides that the Company may not redeem the 2018 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes prior to March 6, 2016, but also contains provisions requiring the Company to repurchase the notes (subject to certain exceptions), at a holder's option, upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the indenture).
	On or after March 6, 2016, the Company may redeem for cash any or all of the 2018 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes (except for any 2018 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes that the Company is required to repurchase in connection with a fundamental change), but only if the last reported sale price of the Company's common shares exceeds 130% of the applicable conversion price for the notes on each of at least 20 applicable trading days. The 20 trading days do not need to be consecutive, but must occur during a period of 30 consecutive trading days that ends within 10 trading days immediately prior to the date the Company provides the notice of redemption. The redemption price for the 2018 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes to be redeemed will equal 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
	In September 2012, the Company issued $57.5 million aggregate principal amount of 2017 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes. The 2017 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.25% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year. The 2017 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes mature on September 15, 2017. At any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their 2017 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes into the Company's common shares. The conversion rate initially equals 42.0159 shares per $1,000 of principal amount. This corresponds to an initial conversion price of approximately $23.80 per common share, which equates to approximately 2.4 million common shares. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. The 2017 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior subordinated unsecured basis by those subsidiaries of the Company that are guarantors under the Company's 2018 Senior Notes and 2018 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes. The 2017 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes are senior subordinated unsecured obligations of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors, are subordinated in right of payment to our existing and future senior indebtedness and are also effectively subordinated to our existing and future secured indebtedness with respect to any assets comprising security or collateral for such indebtedness. The indenture governing the 2017 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes provides that we may not redeem the notes prior to their stated maturity date, but also contains provisions requiring the Company to repurchase the 2017 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes (subject to certain exceptions), at a holder's option, upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the indenture).
	Notes Payable - Other
	The Company had other borrowings, which are reported in Notes Payable - Other in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, totaling $7.8 million as of both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  The balance consists primarily of a mortgage note payable with a $4.7 million principal balance outstanding at March 31, 2014 (and $4.8 million outstanding at December 31, 2013), which is secured by an office building, matures in 2017 and carries an interest rate of 8.1%. The remaining balance is made up of other notes payable acquired through normal course of business.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	Earnings Per Share
	The table below presents a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, net income available to common shareholders and basic and diluted income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2014			2013
	NUMERATOR
	Net income	$	12,632		$	4,587
	Preferred stock dividends	(1,219		)	—
	Excess of fair value over book value of preferred shares redeemed	—			(2,190		)
	Net income to common shareholders	11,413			2,397
	Interest on 3.25% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017	358			—
	Interest on 3.00% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018	482			—
	Diluted income available to common shareholders	$	12,253		$	2,397
	DENOMINATOR
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	24,417			22,273
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock option awards	239			296
	Deferred compensation awards	129			119
	3.25% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017	2,416			—
	3.00% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018	2,669			—
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding - adjusted for assumed conversions	29,870			22,688
	Earnings per common share
	Basic	$	0.47		$	0.11
	Diluted	$	0.41		$	0.11
	Anti-dilutive equity awards not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share	1,154			856
	During the first quarter of 2014, the Company declared a cash dividend of $609.375 per preferred share on its 2,000 outstanding Series A Preferred Shares. The dividend was paid on March 17, 2014 to holders of record as of March 1, 2014 for $1.2 million in cash. This charge reduced net income to common shareholders in the earnings per share calculation above for the three month period ended March 31, 2014.
	In March 2013, the Company announced its intention to redeem 2,000 of its outstanding Series A Preferred Shares and recognized a $2.2 million non-cash equity charge in the first quarter of 2013 related to the excess of fair value over carrying value relating primarily to the original issuance costs that were paid in 2007. This charge reduced net income to common shareholders in the earnings per share calculation above for the three months ended March 31, 2013. On April 10, 2013, the Company redeemed the 2,000 Series A Preferred Shares for $50.4 million in cash.
	During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, the Company also issued 2.461 million common shares in a public offering at a price of $23.50 per share (for net proceeds of $54.6 million), which shares are included above in our total basic weighted average shares outstanding for both periods presented.
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the effect of convertible debt was included in the diluted earnings per share calculations. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the effect of convertible debt was not included in the diluted earnings per share calculations as it would have been anti-dilutive.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company records income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on future tax consequences attributable to (1) temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and (2) operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or paid. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period when the changes are enacted.
	In accordance with ASC 740-10, Income Taxes, we evaluate our deferred tax assets, including the benefit from net operating losses (“NOLs”) and tax credit carryforwards, to determine if a valuation allowance is required. Companies must assess, using significant judgments, whether a valuation allowance should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard with significant weight being given to evidence that can be objectively verified. This assessment gives appropriate consideration to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax assets and considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability, the length of statutory carryforward periods, our experience with operating losses and our experience of utilizing tax credit carryforwards and tax planning alternatives. Based upon a review of all available evidence, we recorded a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets during 2008 due to economic conditions and the weight of negative evidence at the time.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company concluded based on its analysis of positive and negative evidence, that the objective positive evidence outweighed the negative evidence and that the Company will more likely than not realize a majority of its deferred tax assets. As a result of such determination, the Company reversed a majority of its deferred tax asset in 2013.
	On February 1, 2014, M/I Financial Corp. was converted from a wholly-owned Ohio C corporation to a wholly-owned Ohio limited liability company, and its name was changed to M/I Financial, LLC.  M/I Financial, LLC will be disregarded for state and federal income tax purposes as an entity separate from its owner and will report its income and deductions on M/I Homes, Inc.’s federal and state tax returns.  As a result, we estimate that we will utilize more of our state tax NOLs than previously estimated, and recognized a tax benefit of approximately $5.3 million during the first quarter of 2014. Of that amount, approximately $3.0 million is attributable to the conversion of M/I Financial and the remainder was attributable to better than anticipated operating results during the first quarter of 2014. These reversals were partially offset by income tax expense incurred of $5.2 million. At March 31, 2014, the Company's total deferred tax assets were $116.0 million, which, inclusive of our remaining valuation allowance, results in a deferred tax asset of $112.1 million. The $112.1 million total deferred tax asset after valuation allowance is offset by $0.8 million of total deferred tax liabilities for a $111.2 million net deferred tax asset. The $111.2 million net deferred tax asset is reported on the Company's Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of a $4.0 million valuation allowance.
	The tax effects of the significant temporary differences that comprise the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
	(In thousands)	March 31,			December 31, 2013
		2014
	Deferred tax assets:
	Warranty, insurance and other accruals	$	11,373		12,003
	Inventory	14,892			16,657
	State taxes	109			106
	Net operating loss carryforward	88,699			91,659
	Deferred charges	944			897
	Total deferred tax assets	$	116,017		$	121,322
	Less valuation allowance	$	(3,964	)	$	(9,291	)
	Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	$	112,053		$	112,031
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation	(497		)	774
	Prepaid expenses	(342		)	346
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(839		)	1,120
	Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	111,214			110,911
	The provision (benefit) from income taxes consists of the following:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Current:
	Federal	$	—		$	—
	State	$	155		$	299
		$	155		$	299
	(In thousands)
	Deferred:
	Federal	$	(205	)	$	—
	State	$	(97	)	$	—
		(302		)	—
	Total	$	(147	)	$	299
	At March 31, 2014, the Company had federal NOL carryforwards of approximately $69.4 million and federal credit carryforwards of $4.4 million. Federal NOL carryforwards may be carried forward up to 20 years to offset future taxable income. Our federal carryforward benefits begin to expire in 2028. The Company had $15.0 million of state NOL carryforwards at March 31, 2014. State NOLs may be carried forward from 5 to 20 years, depending on the tax jurisdiction, with $8.3 million expiring between 2014 and 2027 and $6.7 million expiring between 2028 and 2032, absent sufficient state taxable income.

Business_Segments

Business Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Segments [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Business Segments
	The Company’s segment information is presented on the basis that the chief operating decision makers use in evaluating segment performance.  The Company’s chief operating decision makers evaluate the Company’s performance in various ways, including: (1) the results of our 13 individual homebuilding operating segments and the results of our financial services operations; (2) the results of our three homebuilding regions; and (3) our consolidated financial results.  We have determined our reportable segments as follows: Midwest homebuilding, Southern homebuilding, Mid-Atlantic homebuilding and financial services operations.  The homebuilding operating segments that are included within each reportable segment have similar operations and exhibit similar long-term economic characteristics.  Our homebuilding operations include the acquisition and development of land, the sale and construction of single-family attached and detached homes, and the occasional sale of lots to third parties.  The homebuilding operating segments that comprise each of our reportable segments are as follows:
	Midwest	Southern	Mid-Atlantic
	Columbus, Ohio	Tampa, Florida	Washington, D.C.
	Cincinnati, Ohio	Orlando, Florida	Charlotte, North Carolina
	Indianapolis, Indiana	Houston, Texas	Raleigh, North Carolina
	Chicago, Illinois	San Antonio, Texas
		Austin, Texas
		Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
	Our financial services operations include the origination, sale and servicing of mortgage loans and title services primarily for purchasers of the Company's homes.
	The following table shows, by segment, revenue; operating income; interest expense; and income before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Revenue:
	Midwest homebuilding	$	79,604		$	60,702
	Southern homebuilding	80,200			50,961
	Mid-Atlantic homebuilding	67,172			70,654
	Financial services (a)	7,865			8,410
	Total revenue	$	234,841		$	190,727
	Operating income:
	Midwest homebuilding (b)	$	7,243		$	2,201
	Southern homebuilding (b)	5,877			3,091
	Mid-Atlantic homebuilding (b)	4,793			4,345
	Financial services (a)	5,026			5,455
	Less: Corporate selling, general and administrative expense	(6,346		)	(5,866		)
	Total operating income	$	16,593		$	9,226
	Interest expense:
	Midwest homebuilding	$	1,269		$	1,474
	Southern homebuilding	1,591			1,304
	Mid-Atlantic homebuilding	995			1,244
	Financial services (a)	315			318
	Total interest expense	$	4,170		$	4,340
	Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	(62		)	—
	Income before income taxes	$	12,485		$	4,886
	(a)	Our financial services operational results should be viewed in connection with our homebuilding business as its operations originate loans and provide title services primarily for our homebuying customers, with the exception of a small amount of mortgage re-financing.
	(b)	For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the impact of charges relating to the impairment of future communities and land held for sale in the Midwest region reduced operating income by $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively. There were no charges relating to the impairment of inventory for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and no charges in the Mid-Atlantic or Southern regions for the three months ended March 31, 2013.
	The following tables show total assets by segment at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		March 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Midwest			Southern			Mid-Atlantic		Corporate, Financial Services and Unallocated		Total
	Deposits on real estate under option or contract	$	2,040		$	9,353		$	5,517	$	—	$	16,910
	Inventory (a)	240,696			256,348			209,673		—		706,717
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	4,361			40,486			—		—		44,847
	Other assets	11,115			16,268			8,121		280,925		316,429
	Total assets	$	258,212		$	322,455		$	223,311	$	280,925	$	1,084,903
		December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)	Midwest			Southern			Mid-Atlantic		Corporate, Financial Services and Unallocated		Total
	Deposits on real estate under option or contract	$	2,003		$	7,107		$	5,255	$	—	$	14,365
	Inventory (a)	248,218			236,505			191,847		—		676,570
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	5,331			29,935			—		—		35,266
	Other assets	10,571			982			11,050		361,372		383,975
	Total assets	$	266,123		$	274,529		$	208,152	$	361,372	$	1,110,176
	(a)	Inventory includes single-family lots, land and land development costs; land held for sale; homes under construction; model homes and furnishings; community development district infrastructure; and consolidated inventory not owned.

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa

Supplemental Guarantor Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Supplemental Guarantor Information [Abstract]	'
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Supplemental Guarantor Information
	The Company's obligations under the 2018 Senior Notes, the 2017 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes and the 2018 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes are not guaranteed by all of the Company's subsidiaries and therefore, the Company has disclosed condensed consolidating financial information in accordance with SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10, Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or Being Registered. The subsidiary guarantors of the 2018 Senior Notes, the 2017 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes and the 2018 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes are the same.
	The following condensed consolidating financial information includes balance sheets, statements of operations and cash flow information for M/I Homes, Inc. (the parent company and the issuer of the aforementioned guaranteed notes), the Guarantor Subsidiaries, collectively, and for all other subsidiaries and joint ventures of the Company (the “Unrestricted Subsidiaries”), collectively. Each Guarantor Subsidiary is a direct or indirect 100%-owned subsidiary of M/I Homes, Inc. and has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the (a) 2018 Senior Notes, on a joint and several senior unsecured basis, (b) the 2017 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes on a joint and several senior subordinated unsecured basis and (c) the 2018 Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes on a joint and several senior subordinated unsecured basis.
	There are no significant restrictions on the parent company's ability to obtain funds from its Guarantor Subsidiaries in the form of a dividend, loan, or other means.
	As of March 31, 2014, each of the Company's subsidiaries is a Guarantor Subsidiary, with the exception of subsidiaries that are primarily engaged in the business of mortgage financing, title insurance or similar financial businesses relating to the homebuilding and home sales business, certain subsidiaries that are not 100%-owned by the Company or another subsidiary, and other subsidiaries designated by the Company as Unrestricted Subsidiaries, subject to limitations on the aggregate amount invested in such Unrestricted Subsidiaries in accordance with the terms of the Credit Facility and the indenture for the 2018 Senior Notes.
	In the condensed financial tables presented below, the parent company presents all of its 100%-owned subsidiaries as if they were accounted for under the equity method. All applicable corporate expenses have been allocated appropriately among the Guarantor Subsidiaries and Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
			Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	(In thousands)		M/I Homes, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Unrestricted Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Revenue		$	—		$	226,976		$	7,865		$	—		$	234,841
	Costs and expenses:
	Land and housing		—			183,964			—			—			183,964
	General and administrative		—			15,291			3,024			—			18,315
	Selling		—			15,969			—			—			15,969
	Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures		—			—			(62		)	—			(62		)
	Interest		—			3,854			316			—			4,170
	Total costs and expenses		—			219,078			3,278			—			222,356
	Income before income taxes		—			7,898			4,587			—			12,485
	(Benefit) provision for income taxes		—			(1,781		)	1,634			—			(147		)
	Equity in subsidiaries		12,632			—			—			(12,632		)	—
	Net income (loss)		12,632			9,679			2,953			(12,632		)	12,632
	Preferred dividends		1,219			—			—			—			1,219
	Net income (loss) to common shareholders		$	11,413		$	9,679		$	2,953		$	(12,632	)	$	11,413
			Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	(In thousands)		M/I Homes, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Unrestricted Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Revenue		$	—		$	182,317		$	8,410		$	—		$	190,727
	Costs and expenses:
	Land and housing		—			151,513			—			—			151,513
	Impairment of inventory and investment in unconsolidated joint ventures		—			900			—			—			900
	General and administrative		—			12,842			3,137			—			15,979
	Selling		—			13,092			17			—			13,109
	Interest		—			4,022			318			—			4,340
	Total costs and expenses		—			182,369			3,472			—			185,841
	Income before income taxes		—			(52		)	4,938			—			4,886
	(Benefit) provision for income taxes		—			(1,415		)	1,714			—			299
	Equity in subsidiaries		4,587			—			—			(4,587		)	—
	Net income (loss)		4,587			1,363			3,224			(4,587		)	4,587
	Excess of fair value over book value of preferred shares redeemed		2,190			—			—			—			2,190
	Net income (loss) to common shareholders		$	2,397		$	1,363		$	3,224		$	(4,587	)	$	2,397
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
			March 31, 2014
	(In thousands)		M/I Homes, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Unrestricted Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	—		$	75,221		$	14,139		$	—		$	89,360
	Restricted cash		—			11,551			—			—			11,551
	Mortgage loans held for sale		—			—			55,750			—			55,750
	Inventory		—			723,627			—			—			723,627
	Property and equipment - net		—			10,226			280			—			10,506
	Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures		—			22,814			22,033			—			44,847
	Deferred income taxes, net of valuation allowances		—			110,241			973			—			111,214
	Investment in subsidiaries		545,511			—			—			(545,511		)	—
	Intercompany assets		323,761			—			—			(323,761		)	—
	Other assets		9,238			18,698			10,112			—			38,048
	TOTAL ASSETS		$	878,510		$	972,378		$	103,287		$	(869,272	)	$	1,084,903
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	LIABILITIES:
	Accounts payable		$	—		$	71,043		$	333		$	—		$	71,376
	Customer deposits		—			12,984			—			—			12,984
	Intercompany liabilities		—			299,016			24,745			(323,761		)	—
	Other liabilities		—			53,720			5,337			—			59,057
	Community development district obligations		—			2,060			—			—			2,060
	Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned		—			1,627			—			—			1,627
	Notes payable bank - financial services operations		—			—			51,532			—			51,532
Notes payable - other		—			7,757			—			—			7,757
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017		57,500			—			—			—			57,500
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018		86,250			—			—			—			86,250
Senior notes		228,169			—			—			—			228,169
TOTAL LIABILITIES		371,919			448,207			81,947			(323,761		)	578,312
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		506,591			524,171			21,340			(545,511		)	506,591
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		$	878,510		$	972,378		$	103,287		$	(869,272	)	$	1,084,903
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
		December 31, 2013
(In thousands)		M/I Homes, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Unrestricted Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	—		$	113,407		$	15,318		$	—		$	128,725
Restricted cash		—			13,902			—			—			13,902
Mortgage loans held for sale		—			—			81,810			—			81,810
Inventory		—			690,934			—			—			690,934
Property and equipment - net		—			10,267			269			—			10,536
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures		—			13,525			21,741			—			35,266
Deferred income taxes, net of valuation allowances		—			109,763			1,148			—			110,911
Investment in subsidiaries		535,879			—			—			(535,879		)	—
Intercompany assets		318,852			—			—			(318,852		)	—
Other assets		9,892			17,180			11,020			—			38,092
TOTAL ASSETS		$	864,623		$	968,978		$	131,306		$	(854,731	)	$	1,110,176
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable		$	—		$	69,887		$	339		$	—		$	70,226
Customer deposits		—			11,262			—			—			11,262
Intercompany liabilities		—			296,229			22,623			(318,852		)	—
Other liabilities		—			64,413			6,928			—			71,341
Community development district obligations		—			3,130			—			—			3,130
Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned		—			1,775			—			—			1,775
Notes payable bank - financial services operations		—			—			80,029			—			80,029
Notes payable - other		—			7,790			—			—			7,790
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017		57,500			—			—			—			57,500
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018		86,250			—			—			—			86,250
Senior notes		228,070			—			—			—			228,070
TOTAL LIABILITIES		371,820			454,486			109,919			(318,852		)	617,373
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		492,803			514,492			21,387			(535,879		)	492,803
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		$	864,623		$	968,978		$	131,306		$	(854,731	)	$	1,110,176
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(In thousands)	M/I Homes, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Unrestricted Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	3,000		$	(31,968	)	$	29,865		$	(3,000	)	$	(2,103	)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Restricted cash	—			2,395			—						2,395
Purchase of property and equipment	—			(363		)	(37		)				(400		)
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	—			(9,289		)	(1,585		)	—			(10,874		)
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(7,257		)	(1,622		)	—			(8,879		)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of bank borrowings - net	—			—			(28,497		)	—			(28,497		)
Principal repayments of note payable - other and community development district bond obligations	—			(33		)	—			—			(33		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,366			—			—			—			1,366
Intercompany financing	(3,147		)	1,072			2,075			—			—
Dividends paid	(1,219		)	—			(3,000		)	3,000			(1,219		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(3,000		)	1,039			(29,422		)	3,000			(28,383		)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	—			(38,186		)	(1,179		)	—			(39,365		)
Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period	—			113,407			15,318			—			128,725
Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period	$	—		$	75,221		$	14,139		$	—		$	89,360
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
(In thousands)	M/I Homes, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Unrestricted Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided (used in) by operating activities	$	2,600		$	(9,997	)	$	18,555		$	(2,600	)	$	8,558
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Restricted cash	—			(621		)	—			—			(621		)
Purchase of property and equipment	—			(192		)	(37		)	—			(229		)
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	—			—			(11,852		)	—			(11,852		)
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(813		)	(11,889		)	—			(12,702		)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from bank borrowings - net	—			—			(14,831		)	—			(14,831		)
Principal proceeds from note payable - other and community development district bond obligations	—			(789		)	—			—			(789		)
Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017	86,250			—			—			—			86,250
Proceeds from issuance of common shares	54,617			—			—			—			54,617
Intercompany financing	(143,467		)	133,958			9,509			—			—
Dividends paid	—			—			(2,600		)	2,600			—
Debt issue costs	—			(3,544		)				—			(3,544		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(2,600		)	129,625			(7,922		)	2,600			121,703
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			118,815			(1,256		)	—			117,559
Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period	—			126,334			19,164			—			145,498
Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period	$	—		$	245,149		$	17,908		$	—		$	263,057
(a)	Certain amounts above have been reclassified from intercompany financing to dividends paid and cash flows from operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2013. These reclassifications relate solely to transactions between M/I Homes, Inc. and its subsidiaries and are immaterial to the Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. These reclassifications do not impact the Company's consolidated financial statements.

StockBased_Compensation_Notes

Stock-Based Compensation (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company has an equity compensation plan, the 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which has been amended from time to time. The Plan was approved by our shareholders and is administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. Under the Plan, the Company is permitted to grant (1) nonqualified stock options to purchase common shares, (2) incentive stock options to purchase common shares, (3) stock appreciation rights, (4) restricted common shares, (5) other stock-based awards - awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, the fair market value of the common shares, and (6) cash-based awards to its officers, employees, non-employee directors and other eligible participants. Subject to certain adjustments, the plan authorizes awards to officers, employees, non-employee directors and other eligible participants for up to 1,600,000 common shares, of which 185,670 remain available for grant at March 31, 2014.
	On February 18, 2014, the Company awarded 397,500 annual service-based nonqualified stock options at an exercise price of $23.79 (the closing price of our common shares on the New York Stock Exchange on such date) and related fair value of $12.64 that vest ratably over a five-year period. On February 18, 2014, the Company also awarded its executive officers (in the aggregate) a target number of performance share units (“PSU's”) equal to 50,439 PSU's. Each PSU represents a contingent right to receive one common share of the Company if vesting is satisfied at the end of a three-year performance period (the “Performance Period”). The ultimate number of PSU's that will vest and be earned, if any, after the completion of the Performance Period, is based on (1) (a) the Company’s cumulative pre-tax income from operations, excluding extraordinary items, over the Performance Period (weighted 80%) (the “Performance Condition Awards”), and (b) the Company’s total relative shareholder return over the Performance Period compared to the total shareholder return of a peer group of other publicly-traded homebuilders (weighted 20%) (the “Market Condition Awards”) and (2) the participant’s continued employment through the end of the Performance Period, except in the case of termination due to death, disability or retirement or involuntary termination without cause by the Company. The grant date fair value of the Performance Condition Awards and Market Condition Awards was $23.79 and $21.00, respectively. The number of PSU's that vest may increase by up to 50% from the target number based on levels of achievement of the above criteria as set forth in the applicable award agreements and decrease to zero if the Company fails to meet the minimum performance levels for both of the above criteria. If the Company achieves the minimum performance levels for both of the above criteria, 50% of the target number of PSU's will vest and be earned. Any portion of PSU's that do not vest at the end of the Performance Period will be forfeited.
	In accordance with ASC 718-10-25-20, Compensation-Stock Compensation, compensation expense related to the awards under the Plan is determined as follows:
		Type of Award	Method of Determination of Fair Value	Timing of Recording of Compensation Costs
		Stock-Based Service Awards	Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model	Ratably over vesting period
		Performance Condition Awards	Closing price of Company's Stock on date of grant	Ratably over the Performance Period (1)
		Market Condition Awards	Monte Carlo Simulation Model	Ratably over the Performance Period
		(1) ASC 718 - Compensation - Stock Compensation requires that we assess the probability of the attainment of the performance target. Once the Company determines that the target is probable of achievement, the life-to-date expense is recorded immediately and the remaining expense is recorded on a straight-line basis through the end of the Performance Period.
	Total recorded compensation expense relating to equity awards granted under the Plan was approximately $0.7 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block]	'
	The table below shows the notional amounts of our financial instruments at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Description of financial instrument (in thousands)	March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Best efforts contracts and related committed IRLCs	$	3,104			$	2,494
	Uncommitted IRLCs	58,687				49,710
	FMBSs related to uncommitted IRLCs	64,000				48,000
	Best efforts contracts and related mortgage loans held for sale	36,072				63,386
	FMBSs related to mortgage loans held for sale	19,000				20,000
	Mortgage loans held for sale covered by FMBSs	18,737				19,884
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
	The table below shows the level and measurement of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Description of Financial Instrument (in thousands)	Fair Value Measurements				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets				Significant Other Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
		31-Mar-14				(Level 1)				(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Mortgage loans held for sale	$	55,750			$	—			$	55,750		$	—
	Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities	180				—				180			—
	Interest rate lock commitments	402				—				402			—
	Best-efforts contracts	66				—				66			—
	Total	$	56,398			$	—			$	56,398		$	—
	Description of Financial Instrument (in thousands)	Fair Value Measurements				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets				Significant Other Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
		31-Dec-13				(Level 1)				(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Mortgage loans held for sale	$	81,810			$	—			$	81,810		$	—
	Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities	745				—				745			—
	Interest rate lock commitments	(319		)		—				(319		)	—
	Best-efforts contracts	479				—				479			—
	Total	$	82,715			$	—			$	82,715		$	—
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, (Loss) Gain in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the amount of gain (loss) recognized, within our revenue in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, on assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	Description (in thousands)	2014				2013
	Mortgage loans held for sale	$	2,788			$	924
	Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities	(565		)		(330		)
	Interest rate lock commitments	721				193
	Best-efforts contracts	(413		)		(123		)
	Total gain recognized	$	2,531			$	664
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables set forth the fair value of the Company's derivative instruments and their location within the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for the periods indicated (except for mortgage loans held for sale which is disclosed as a separate line item):
			Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
			31-Mar-14						31-Mar-14
	Description of Derivatives		Balance Sheet		Fair Value				Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
			Location		(in thousands)						(in thousands)
	Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities		Other assets		$	180			Other liabilities		$	—
	Interest rate lock commitments		Other assets		402				Other liabilities		—
	Best-efforts contracts		Other assets		66				Other liabilities		—
	Total fair value measurements				$	648					$	—
			Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
			31-Dec-13						31-Dec-13
	Description of Derivatives		Balance Sheet		Fair Value				Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
			Location		(in thousands)						(in thousands)
	Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities		Other assets		$	745			Other liabilities		$	—
	Interest rate lock commitments		Other assets		—				Other liabilities		319
	Best-efforts contracts		Other assets		479				Other liabilities		—
	Total fair value measurements				$	1,224					$	319
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Nonrecurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
	The table below shows the level and measurement of the Company's assets measured on a non-recurring basis as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
				Three Months Ended March 31,
	Description (in thousands)		Hierarchy	2014				2013 (2)
	Adjusted basis of inventory (1)		Level 3	$	—			$	2,015
	Total losses			—				900
	Initial basis of inventory			$	—			$	2,915
	-1	The fair values in the table above represent only assets whose carrying values were adjusted in the respective period.
	-2	The carrying values for these assets may have subsequently increased or decreased from the fair value reported due to activities that have occurred since the measurement date.
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price).
			March 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)		Carrying Amount				Fair Value				Carrying Amount			Fair Value
	Assets:
	Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		$	100,911			$	100,911			$	142,627		$	142,627
	Mortgage loans held for sale		55,750				55,750				81,810			81,810
	Split dollar life insurance policies		185				185				171			171
	Notes receivable		4,692				3,780				3,151			2,784
	Commitments to extend real estate loans		402				402				—			—
	Best-efforts contracts for committed IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale		66				66				479			479
	Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities		180				180				745			745
	Liabilities:
	Notes payable - banks		51,532				51,532				80,029			80,029
	Notes payable - other		7,757				7,651				7,790			7,452
	Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017		57,500				69,431				57,500			74,391
	Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018		86,250				91,748				86,250			95,845
	Senior notes due 2018		228,169				248,113				228,070			248,975
	Commitments to extend real estate loans		—				—				319			319
	Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
	Letters of credit		—				356				—			413

Inventory_Inventory_Tables

Inventory Inventory (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of the Company's inventory as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows:
	(In thousands)	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Single-family lots, land and land development costs	$	337,137	$	323,673
	Land held for sale	3,623		8,059
	Homes under construction	325,439		305,499
	Model homes and furnishings - at cost (less accumulated depreciation: March 31, 2014 - $5,642;	36,831		34,433
	December 31, 2013 - $5,173)
	Community development district infrastructure	2,060		3,130
	Land purchase deposits	16,910		14,365
	Consolidated inventory not owned	1,627		1,775
	Total inventory	$	723,627	$	690,934

Capitalized_Interest_Capitaliz

Capitalized Interest Capitalized Interest (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Capitalized Interest [Abstract]	'
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Table Text Block]	'
	The summary of capitalized interest for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Capitalized interest, beginning of period	$	13,802		$	15,376
	Interest capitalized to inventory	3,250			2,777
	Capitalized interest charged to land and housing costs and expenses	(3,108		)	(3,528		)
	Capitalized interest, end of period	$	13,944		$	14,625
	Interest incurred	$	7,420		$	7,117

Guarantees_and_Indemnification1

Guarantees and Indemnifications Guarantees and Indemnifications (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Warranty Accrual Rollforward [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of warranty activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Warranty reserves, beginning of period	$	12,291		$	10,438
	Warranty expense on homes delivered during the period	1,359			1,338
	Changes in estimates for pre-existing warranties	238			—
	Settlements made during the period	(2,119		)	(1,376		)
	Warranty reserves, end of period	$	11,769		$	10,400

Earnings_per_Share_Earnings_pe

Earnings per Share Earnings per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
	The table below presents a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, net income available to common shareholders and basic and diluted income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2014			2013
	NUMERATOR
	Net income	$	12,632		$	4,587
	Preferred stock dividends	(1,219		)	—
	Excess of fair value over book value of preferred shares redeemed	—			(2,190		)
	Net income to common shareholders	11,413			2,397
	Interest on 3.25% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017	358			—
	Interest on 3.00% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018	482			—
	Diluted income available to common shareholders	$	12,253		$	2,397
	DENOMINATOR
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	24,417			22,273
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock option awards	239			296
	Deferred compensation awards	129			119
	3.25% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017	2,416			—
	3.00% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018	2,669			—
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding - adjusted for assumed conversions	29,870			22,688
	Earnings per common share
	Basic	$	0.47		$	0.11
	Diluted	$	0.41		$	0.11
	Anti-dilutive equity awards not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share	1,154			856

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Tabl

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	The tax effects of the significant temporary differences that comprise the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
	(In thousands)	March 31,			December 31, 2013
		2014
	Deferred tax assets:
	Warranty, insurance and other accruals	$	11,373		12,003
	Inventory	14,892			16,657
	State taxes	109			106
	Net operating loss carryforward	88,699			91,659
	Deferred charges	944			897
	Total deferred tax assets	$	116,017		$	121,322
	Less valuation allowance	$	(3,964	)	$	(9,291	)
	Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	$	112,053		$	112,031
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation	(497		)	774
	Prepaid expenses	(342		)	346
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(839		)	1,120
	Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	111,214			110,911
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	'
	The provision (benefit) from income taxes consists of the following:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Current:
	Federal	$	—		$	—
	State	$	155		$	299
		$	155		$	299
	(In thousands)
	Deferred:
	Federal	$	(205	)	$	—
	State	$	(97	)	$	—
		(302		)	—
	Total	$	(147	)	$	299

Business_Segments_Business_Seg

Business Segments Business Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Segments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table shows, by segment, revenue; operating income; interest expense; and income before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Revenue:
	Midwest homebuilding	$	79,604		$	60,702
	Southern homebuilding	80,200			50,961
	Mid-Atlantic homebuilding	67,172			70,654
	Financial services (a)	7,865			8,410
	Total revenue	$	234,841		$	190,727
	Operating income:
	Midwest homebuilding (b)	$	7,243		$	2,201
	Southern homebuilding (b)	5,877			3,091
	Mid-Atlantic homebuilding (b)	4,793			4,345
	Financial services (a)	5,026			5,455
	Less: Corporate selling, general and administrative expense	(6,346		)	(5,866		)
	Total operating income	$	16,593		$	9,226
	Interest expense:
	Midwest homebuilding	$	1,269		$	1,474
	Southern homebuilding	1,591			1,304
	Mid-Atlantic homebuilding	995			1,244
	Financial services (a)	315			318
	Total interest expense	$	4,170		$	4,340
	Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	(62		)	—
	Income before income taxes	$	12,485		$	4,886
	(a)	Our financial services operational results should be viewed in connection with our homebuilding business as its operations originate loans and provide title services primarily for our homebuying customers, with the exception of a small amount of mortgage re-financing.
	(b)	For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the impact of charges relating to the impairment of future communities and land held for sale in the Midwest region reduced operating income by $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively. There were no charges relating to the impairment of inventory for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and no charges in the Mid-Atlantic or Southern regions for the three months ended March 31, 2013.
	The following tables show total assets by segment at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		March 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Midwest			Southern			Mid-Atlantic		Corporate, Financial Services and Unallocated		Total
	Deposits on real estate under option or contract	$	2,040		$	9,353		$	5,517	$	—	$	16,910
	Inventory (a)	240,696			256,348			209,673		—		706,717
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	4,361			40,486			—		—		44,847
	Other assets	11,115			16,268			8,121		280,925		316,429
	Total assets	$	258,212		$	322,455		$	223,311	$	280,925	$	1,084,903
		December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)	Midwest			Southern			Mid-Atlantic		Corporate, Financial Services and Unallocated		Total
	Deposits on real estate under option or contract	$	2,003		$	7,107		$	5,255	$	—	$	14,365
	Inventory (a)	248,218			236,505			191,847		—		676,570
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	5,331			29,935			—		—		35,266
	Other assets	10,571			982			11,050		361,372		383,975
	Total assets	$	266,123		$	274,529		$	208,152	$	361,372	$	1,110,176
	(a)	Inventory includes single-family lots, land and land development costs; land held for sale; homes under construction; model homes and furnishings; community development district infrastructure; and consolidated inventory not owned.

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa1

Supplemental Guarantor Information Supplemental Guarantor Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Supplemental Guarantor Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations [Table Text Block]	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
			Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	(In thousands)		M/I Homes, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Unrestricted Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Revenue		$	—		$	226,976		$	7,865		$	—		$	234,841
	Costs and expenses:
	Land and housing		—			183,964			—			—			183,964
	General and administrative		—			15,291			3,024			—			18,315
	Selling		—			15,969			—			—			15,969
	Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures		—			—			(62		)	—			(62		)
	Interest		—			3,854			316			—			4,170
	Total costs and expenses		—			219,078			3,278			—			222,356
	Income before income taxes		—			7,898			4,587			—			12,485
	(Benefit) provision for income taxes		—			(1,781		)	1,634			—			(147		)
	Equity in subsidiaries		12,632			—			—			(12,632		)	—
	Net income (loss)		12,632			9,679			2,953			(12,632		)	12,632
	Preferred dividends		1,219			—			—			—			1,219
	Net income (loss) to common shareholders		$	11,413		$	9,679		$	2,953		$	(12,632	)	$	11,413
			Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	(In thousands)		M/I Homes, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Unrestricted Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Revenue		$	—		$	182,317		$	8,410		$	—		$	190,727
	Costs and expenses:
	Land and housing		—			151,513			—			—			151,513
	Impairment of inventory and investment in unconsolidated joint ventures		—			900			—			—			900
	General and administrative		—			12,842			3,137			—			15,979
	Selling		—			13,092			17			—			13,109
	Interest		—			4,022			318			—			4,340
	Total costs and expenses		—			182,369			3,472			—			185,841
	Income before income taxes		—			(52		)	4,938			—			4,886
	(Benefit) provision for income taxes		—			(1,415		)	1,714			—			299
	Equity in subsidiaries		4,587			—			—			(4,587		)	—
	Net income (loss)		4,587			1,363			3,224			(4,587		)	4,587
	Excess of fair value over book value of preferred shares redeemed		2,190			—			—			—			2,190
	Net income (loss) to common shareholders		$	2,397		$	1,363		$	3,224		$	(4,587	)	$	2,397
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
			March 31, 2014
	(In thousands)		M/I Homes, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Unrestricted Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	—		$	75,221		$	14,139		$	—		$	89,360
	Restricted cash		—			11,551			—			—			11,551
	Mortgage loans held for sale		—			—			55,750			—			55,750
	Inventory		—			723,627			—			—			723,627
	Property and equipment - net		—			10,226			280			—			10,506
	Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures		—			22,814			22,033			—			44,847
	Deferred income taxes, net of valuation allowances		—			110,241			973			—			111,214
	Investment in subsidiaries		545,511			—			—			(545,511		)	—
	Intercompany assets		323,761			—			—			(323,761		)	—
	Other assets		9,238			18,698			10,112			—			38,048
	TOTAL ASSETS		$	878,510		$	972,378		$	103,287		$	(869,272	)	$	1,084,903
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	LIABILITIES:
	Accounts payable		$	—		$	71,043		$	333		$	—		$	71,376
	Customer deposits		—			12,984			—			—			12,984
	Intercompany liabilities		—			299,016			24,745			(323,761		)	—
	Other liabilities		—			53,720			5,337			—			59,057
	Community development district obligations		—			2,060			—			—			2,060
	Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned		—			1,627			—			—			1,627
	Notes payable bank - financial services operations		—			—			51,532			—			51,532
	Notes payable - other		—			7,757			—			—			7,757
	Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017		57,500			—			—			—			57,500
	Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018		86,250			—			—			—			86,250
	Senior notes		228,169			—			—			—			228,169
	TOTAL LIABILITIES		371,919			448,207			81,947			(323,761		)	578,312
	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		506,591			524,171			21,340			(545,511		)	506,591
	TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		$	878,510		$	972,378		$	103,287		$	(869,272	)	$	1,084,903
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
			December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)		M/I Homes, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Unrestricted Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	—		$	113,407		$	15,318		$	—		$	128,725
	Restricted cash		—			13,902			—			—			13,902
	Mortgage loans held for sale		—			—			81,810			—			81,810
	Inventory		—			690,934			—			—			690,934
	Property and equipment - net		—			10,267			269			—			10,536
	Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures		—			13,525			21,741			—			35,266
	Deferred income taxes, net of valuation allowances		—			109,763			1,148			—			110,911
	Investment in subsidiaries		535,879			—			—			(535,879		)	—
	Intercompany assets		318,852			—			—			(318,852		)	—
	Other assets		9,892			17,180			11,020			—			38,092
	TOTAL ASSETS		$	864,623		$	968,978		$	131,306		$	(854,731	)	$	1,110,176
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	LIABILITIES:
	Accounts payable		$	—		$	69,887		$	339		$	—		$	70,226
	Customer deposits		—			11,262			—			—			11,262
	Intercompany liabilities		—			296,229			22,623			(318,852		)	—
	Other liabilities		—			64,413			6,928			—			71,341
	Community development district obligations		—			3,130			—			—			3,130
	Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned		—			1,775			—			—			1,775
	Notes payable bank - financial services operations		—			—			80,029			—			80,029
	Notes payable - other		—			7,790			—			—			7,790
	Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017		57,500			—			—			—			57,500
	Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018		86,250			—			—			—			86,250
	Senior notes		228,070			—			—			—			228,070
	TOTAL LIABILITIES		371,820			454,486			109,919			(318,852		)	617,373
	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		492,803			514,492			21,387			(535,879		)	492,803
	TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		$	864,623		$	968,978		$	131,306		$	(854,731	)	$	1,110,176
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Cash Flows [Table Text Block]	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	M/I Homes, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Unrestricted Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	3,000		$	(31,968	)	$	29,865		$	(3,000	)	$	(2,103	)
	INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Restricted cash	—			2,395			—						2,395
	Purchase of property and equipment	—			(363		)	(37		)				(400		)
	Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	—			(9,289		)	(1,585		)	—			(10,874		)
	Net cash used in investing activities	—			(7,257		)	(1,622		)	—			(8,879		)
	FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Repayments of bank borrowings - net	—			—			(28,497		)	—			(28,497		)
	Principal repayments of note payable - other and community development district bond obligations	—			(33		)	—			—			(33		)
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,366			—			—			—			1,366
	Intercompany financing	(3,147		)	1,072			2,075			—			—
	Dividends paid	(1,219		)	—			(3,000		)	3,000			(1,219		)
	Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(3,000		)	1,039			(29,422		)	3,000			(28,383		)
	Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	—			(38,186		)	(1,179		)	—			(39,365		)
	Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period	—			113,407			15,318			—			128,725
	Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period	$	—		$	75,221		$	14,139		$	—		$	89,360
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	(In thousands)	M/I Homes, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Unrestricted Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
	Net cash provided (used in) by operating activities	$	2,600		$	(9,997	)	$	18,555		$	(2,600	)	$	8,558
	INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Restricted cash	—			(621		)	—			—			(621		)
	Purchase of property and equipment	—			(192		)	(37		)	—			(229		)
	Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	—			—			(11,852		)	—			(11,852		)
	Net cash used in investing activities	—			(813		)	(11,889		)	—			(12,702		)
	FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Proceeds from bank borrowings - net	—			—			(14,831		)	—			(14,831		)
	Principal proceeds from note payable - other and community development district bond obligations	—			(789		)	—			—			(789		)
	Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017	86,250			—			—			—			86,250
	Proceeds from issuance of common shares	54,617			—			—			—			54,617
	Intercompany financing	(143,467		)	133,958			9,509			—			—
	Dividends paid	—			—			(2,600		)	2,600			—
	Debt issue costs	—			(3,544		)				—			(3,544		)
	Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(2,600		)	129,625			(7,922		)	2,600			121,703
	Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			118,815			(1,256		)	—			117,559
	Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period	—			126,334			19,164			—			145,498
	Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period	$	—		$	245,149		$	17,908		$	—		$	263,057
	(a)	Certain amounts above have been reclassified from intercompany financing to dividends paid and cash flows from operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2013. These reclassifications relate solely to transactions between M/I Homes, Inc. and its subsidiaries and are immaterial to the Supplemental Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. These reclassifications do not impact the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Notion

Fair Value Measurements Notional Amount of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Best efforts contracts and related committed IRLCs	$3,104	$2,494
Uncommitted IRLCs	58,687	49,710
FMBSs related to uncommitted IRLCs	64,000	48,000
Best efforts contracts and related mortgage loans held for sale	36,072	63,386
FMBSs related to mortgage loans held for sale	19,000	20,000
Mortgage loans held for sale covered by FMBSs	$18,737	$19,884

Fair_Value_Measurements_Assets

Fair Value Measurements Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Total Fair Value - Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	$56,398	$82,715
Fair Value, Inputs - Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Significant Other observable Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	56,398	82,715
Fair Value, Significant Unobservable Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale [Member] | Total Fair Value - Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	55,750	81,810
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs - Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale [Member] | Fair Value, Significant Other observable Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	55,750	81,810
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale [Member] | Fair Value, Significant Unobservable Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Forward Sales or Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Total Fair Value - Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	180	745
Forward Sales or Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs - Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Forward Sales or Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Significant Other observable Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	180	745
Forward Sales or Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Significant Unobservable Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member] | Total Fair Value - Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	402	-319
Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs - Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member] | Fair Value, Significant Other observable Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	402	-319
Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member] | Fair Value, Significant Unobservable Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Best Efforts Contracts [Member] | Total Fair Value - Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	66	479
Best Efforts Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs - Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Best Efforts Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Significant Other observable Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	66	479
Best Efforts Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Significant Unobservable Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Loss_G

Fair Value Measurements (Loss) Gain On Assets and Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Financial Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
(Loss) Gain On Assets and Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis	$2,531	$664
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale [Member]	'	'
Financial Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
(Loss) Gain On Assets and Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis	2,788	924
Forward Sales or Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Financial Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
(Loss) Gain On Assets and Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis	-565	-330
Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member]	'	'
Financial Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
(Loss) Gain On Assets and Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis	721	193
Best Efforts Contracts [Member]	'	'
Financial Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
(Loss) Gain On Assets and Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis	($413)	($123)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Balanc

Fair Value Measurements Balance Sheet Location of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Assets [Member]	'	'
Financial Insturments, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Financial Instrument, Fair Value	$648	$1,224
Other Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Financial Insturments, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	319
Forward Sales or Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Other Assets [Member]	'	'
Financial Insturments, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Financial Instrument, Fair Value	180	745
Forward Sales or Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Financial Insturments, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member] | Other Assets [Member]	'	'
Financial Insturments, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Financial Instrument, Fair Value	402	0
Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Financial Insturments, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	319
Best Efforts Contracts [Member] | Other Assets [Member]	'	'
Financial Insturments, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Financial Instrument, Fair Value	66	479
Best Efforts Contracts [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Financial Insturments, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Cash_F

Fair Value Measurements Cash Flow Model Critical Assumptions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Increase in Investments in Unconsolidated JVs and other joint agreements	$9,600,000	'
Limited Partners' Contributed Capital	44,800,000	'
Notes Receivable, Related Parties	2,500,000	'
Capitalized Interest and Other Costs Included in Investment in Unconsolidated JVs and other joint agreements	$750,000	$806,000
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	25.00%	'
Discount Rate Used in Determining Fair Value of Investments in Unconsolidated JVs and other joint agreements	13.00%	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	61.00%	'
Discount Rate Used in Determining Fair Value of Investments in Unconsolidated JVs and other joint agreements	16.00%	'
Current Year [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Sales Price Increase	0.00%	'
Weighted Average Increase of Assumed Costs	0.00%	'
Current Year plus 1 and 2 [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Sales Price Increase	4.00%	'
Weighted Average Increase of Assumed Costs	4.00%	'
Current Year plus 3 And Beyond [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Sales Price Increase	2.00%	'
Weighted Average Increase of Assumed Costs	2.00%	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Assets1

Fair Value Measurements Assets Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis (Details) (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]	'	'
Adjusted basis of inventory	$0	$2,015
Impairments	0	900
Initial basis of inventory	$0	$2,915

Fair_Value_Measurements_Financ

Fair Value Measurements Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
ASSETS:	'	'
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$100,911	$142,627
Mortgage loans held for sale	55,750	81,810
Split dollar life insurance policies	185	171
Notes receivable	4,692	3,151
Commitments to extend real estate loans (assets)	402	0
Best efforts contracts for committed IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale - fair value disclosures (assets)	66	479
Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities	180	745
LIABILITIES:	'	'
Note payable - banks	51,532	80,029
Notes payable - other	7,757	7,790
Commitments to extend real estate loans (Liabilities)	0	319
Off-Balance Sheet Letters of Credit	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
ASSETS:	'	'
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	100,911	142,627
Mortgage loans held for sale	55,750	81,810
Split dollar life insurance policies	185	171
Notes receivable	3,780	2,784
Commitments to extend real estate loans (assets)	402	0
Best efforts contracts for committed IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale - fair value disclosures (assets)	66	479
Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities	180	745
LIABILITIES:	'	'
Note payable - banks	51,532	80,029
Notes payable - other	7,651	7,452
Commitments to extend real estate loans (Liabilities)	0	319
Off-Balance Sheet Letters of Credit	356	413
2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'
Convertible subordinated debt	57,500	57,500
2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'
Convertible subordinated debt	69,431	74,391
2018 Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'
Convertible subordinated debt	86,250	86,250
2018 Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'
Convertible subordinated debt	91,748	95,845
2018 Senior Notes [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'
Senior notes	228,169	228,070
2018 Senior Notes [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'
Senior notes	$248,113	$248,975

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V1

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value of Financial Instrument Assumptions (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value of Financial Instrument Assumptions [Line Items]	'	'
Letters of Credit Potential Commitments, Amount	$25.70	$25.80
Amended and Restated [Member]	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instrument Assumptions [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum Borrowing Capacity under MIF Warehousing Line	100	'
Warehousing Agreement - First Amendment to Amended and Restated [Member]	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instrument Assumptions [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum Borrowing Capacity under MIF Warehousing Line	110	'
Repurchase Agreement [Member]	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instrument Assumptions [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum Borrowing Capacity under MIF Warehousing Line	15	'
New Unsecured Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Fair Value of Financial Instrument Assumptions [Line Items]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$200	'

Inventory_Inventory_Details

Inventory Inventory (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Abstract]	'	'
Single-family lots, land and land development costs	$337,137	$323,673
Land held for sale	3,623	8,059
Homes under construction	325,439	305,499
Model homes and furnishings - at cost (less accumulated depreciation: March 31, 2014 - $5,642; December 31, 2013 - $5,173)	36,831	34,433
Community development district infrastructure	2,060	3,130
Land Purchase Deposits	16,910	14,365
Consolidated Inventory Not Owned	1,627	1,775
Total Inventory	$723,627	$690,934

Inventory_Inventory_Parentheti

Inventory Inventory Parentheticals (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Parantheticals - Inventory [Abstract]	'	'
Model Home Accumulated Depreciation	$5,642	$5,173

Inventory_Other_Inventory_Item

Inventory Other Inventory Items - Homes under construction not subject to a sale contract (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Other Inventory, Gross [Abstract]	'	'
Number of Speculative Homes	782	798
Speculative Homes Carrying Value	$119	$123.30

Capitalized_Interest_Capitaliz1

Capitalized Interest Capitalized Interest (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Capitalized Interest [Abstract]	'	'
Capitalized interest, beginning of period	$13,802	$15,376
Interest capitalized to inventory	3,250	2,777
Capitalized interest charged to land and housing costs and expenses	-3,108	-3,528
Capitalized interest, end of period	13,944	14,625
Interest incurred	$7,420	$7,117

Guarantees_and_Indemnification2

Guarantees and Indemnifications Warranty Rollforward (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Warranty Accrual Rollforward [Abstract]	'	'
Warranty reserves, beginning of period	$12,291	$10,438
Warranty expense on homes delivered during the period	1,359	1,338
Changes in estimates for pre-existing warranties	238	0
Settlements made during the period	-2,119	-1,376
Warranty reserves, end of period	$11,769	$10,400

Guarantees_and_Indemnification3

Guarantees and Indemnifications Guarantees (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	8-May-12	Nov. 12, 2010
			2018 Senior Notes [Member]	2018 Senior Notes [Member]	2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	2018 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	2018 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	Face Value [Member]	Face Value [Member]	Face Value [Member]
									2018 Senior Notes [Member]	2018 Senior Notes [Member]	2018 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior notes	'	'	$228,169,000	$228,070,000	'	'	'	'	$230,000,000	$30,000,000	$200,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	'	'	8.63%	'	3.25%	'	3.00%	'	'	'	'
Convertible senior subordinated notes	'	'	'	'	57,500,000	57,500,000	86,250,000	86,250,000	'	'	'
Total of Loans Covered by Guarantees	6,500,000	5,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total of Guaranteed Loans Inquired About	7,900,000	8,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total Loans Indemnified to third parties	1,600,000	1,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Loan Repurchase Guarantee Liability	$2,800,000	$3,100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Letters of credit and completion bonds	$96
Performance bonds outstanding	66
Performance letters of credit outstanding	14
Financial letters of credit	11.7
Financial letters of credit representing deposits on land and lot purchase agreements	6.2
Financial Bonds	4.3
Unrecorded conditional purchase obligation	$445.30

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies Legal Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Amount Reserved for Legal Expenses	$0.10	$0.30

Debt_Debt_Details

Debt Debt (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable - other	$7,757,000	$7,790,000
Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount	320,500,000	'
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	0	'
letters of credit outstanding under credit facility	14,600,000	'
Maximum borrowing availability subject to limit	185,400,000	'
Number of Secured Letters of Credit Outstanding under Credit Facility	3	'
Aggregate Capacity of Secured Letters of Credit under Credit Facility	20,000,000	'
Uncommitted Letters of Credit	1,300,000	'
Letters of Credit Outstanding Under Letter of Credit Facilities	11,000,000	13,400,000
Restricted Cash for Secured Letter of Credit Agreements	11,300,000	13,700,000
Low Range Uncommitted Letter of Credit [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum available amounts under Letter of Credit Facilities	5,000,000	'
High Range Uncommittted Letter of Credit [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum available amounts under Letter of Credit Facilities	10,000,000	'
New Unsecured Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	200,000,000	'
Optional increase in borrowing availability	25,000,000	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	225,000,000	'
Sub-limit for letters of credit	100,000,000	'
MIF Amended and Restated [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum Borrowing Capacity under MIF Warehousing Line	$100,000,000	'
Maximum [Member] | New Unsecured Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Facility, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	3.25%	'
Minimum [Member] | New Unsecured Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Credit Facility, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.25%	'

Debt_Senior_Notes_Details

Debt Senior Notes (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

24 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Nov. 14, 2016

Nov. 14, 2015

Nov. 15, 2018

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

8-May-12

Nov. 12, 2010

2018 Senior Notes [Member]

2018 Senior Notes [Member]

2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

2018 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

2018 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

Face Value [Member]

Face Value [Member]

Face Value [Member]

2018 Senior Notes [Member]

2018 Senior Notes [Member]

2018 Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible senior subordinated notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

$57,500,000

$57,500,000

$86,250,000

$86,250,000

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

8.63%

'

3.25%

'

3.00%

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed

'

102.20%

104.30%

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

42.0159

'

30.9478

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Convertible Principal Amount Used In Conversion Rate Calculation

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price

'

'

'

'

'

'

$23.80

'

$32.31

'

'

'

'

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,400,000

'

2,700,000

'

'

'

'

Senior notes

'

'

'

'

228,169,000

228,070,000

'

'

'

'

230,000,000

30,000,000

200,000,000

Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage

9.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted Payments Basket

136,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred shares redeemed during period

2,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption of preferred shares

50,352,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends, Preferred Stock

($1,219,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_MIF_Warehousing_Agreement

Debt MIF Warehousing Agreement (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
			MIF Amended and Restated [Member]	Warehousing Agreement - First Amendment to Amended and Restated [Member]	Repurchase Agreement [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
						Repurchase Agreement [Member]	Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum Borrowing Capacity under MIF Warehousing Line	'	'	$100,000,000	$110,000,000	$15,000,000	'	'
Optional increase in borrowing availability	'	'	'	20,000,000	'	'	'
Aggreate Maximum Principal Amount Permitted to be Outstanding Under All Warehousing Credit Lines	'	'	125,000,000	150,000,000	'	'	'
Minimum Net Worth Required for Compliance	'	'	10,000,000	11,000,000	'	'	'
Minimum required liquidity for compliance	'	'	5,000,000	5,500,000	'	'	'
LIBOR basis points	'	'	'	275	'	275	300
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	'	'	'	3.00%	'	'	'
Maximum Borrowing Availability under all Credit Lines	125,000,000	115,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Notes Payable - Financial Services	$51,532,000	$80,029,000	'	'	'	'	'

Debt_Notes_Payable_Other_Detai

Debt Notes Payable Other (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Secured Debt	$4,700,000	$4,800,000
Notes payable - other	$7,757,000	$7,790,000
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	8.10%	'

Earnings_per_Share_Earnings_pe1

Earnings per Share Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share Calculation [Line Items]	'	'
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$12,632	$4,587
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred Dividends	-1,219	0
Excess of fair value over book value of preferred shares redeemed	0	-2,190
Net income to common shareholders	11,413	2,397
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted	12,253	2,397
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	24,417	22,273
Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract]	'	'
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Stock Options	239	296
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Deferred Compensation	129	119
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	29,870	22,688
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$0.47	$0.11
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$0.41	$0.11
Anti-dilutive stock equivalent awards not included in the calculation of diluted loss per share	1,154	856
2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax	358	0
Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract]	'	'
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Debt Securities	2,416	0
2018 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax	$482	$0
Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract]	'	'
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Debt Securities	2,669	0

Earnings_per_Share_Earnings_pe2

Earnings per Share Earnings per Share (Textuals) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	2,000	'	2,000
Preferred Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$609.38	'	'
Preferred Dividends	$1,219	$0	'
Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Settlement Terms, Share Value, Amount [Abstract]	'	'	'
Preferred shares redeemed during period	2,000	'	'
Excess of fair value over book value of preferred shares redeemed	0	2,190	'
Redemption of preferred shares	-50,352	'	'
Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	'	2,461,000	'
StockIssuedDuringPeriodPricePerShare	'	$23.50	'
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock	$0	$54,617	'

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Valu

Income Taxes Income Taxes - Valuation Allowance (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Warranty, insurance and other accruals	$11,373	$12,003
Inventory	14,892	16,657
State taxes	109	106
Net operating loss carryforward	88,699	91,659
Deferred charges	944	897
Total deferred tax assets	116,017	121,322
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current	-3,964	-9,291
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	111,214	110,911
Depreciation	-497	774
Prepaid expenses	-342	346
Total deferred tax liabilities	-839	1,120
Net deferred tax assets	$112,053	$112,031

Income_Taxes_Net_Operating_Los

Income Taxes Net Operating Loss Carryforwards (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$15
Expiring beginning in 2028 [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	69.4
Federal Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	4.4
Expiring between 2012 and 2027 [Member] | State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	8.3
Expiring between 2028 and 2033 [Member] | State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$6.70

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Deta

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]	'	'
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)	$0	$0
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)	155,000	299,000
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	155,000	299,000
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-205,000	0
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-97,000	0
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-302,000	0
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($147,000)	$299,000

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Narrat

Income Taxes Income Tax (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]	'	'	'
Subsequent Event, Effect of Change in Tax Status	($3,000)	'	'
Income tax expense incurred on earnings before valuation allowance reversal	5,200	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	112,053	'	112,031
Deferred tax asset valuation allowances	-5,327	-1,788	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	116,017	'	121,322
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	-839	'	1,120
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current	-3,964	'	-9,291
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	$111,214	'	$110,911

Business_Segments_Business_Seg1

Business Segments Business Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue	$234,841	$190,727
Operating Income (Loss)	16,593	9,226
Interest	4,170	4,340
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	-62	0
Income (loss) before income taxes	12,485	4,886
Midwest Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Homebuilding revenue	79,604	60,702
Operating Income (Loss)	7,243	2,201
Interest	1,269	1,474
Southern Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Homebuilding revenue	80,200	50,961
Operating Income (Loss)	5,877	3,091
Interest	1,591	1,304
Mid-Atlantic Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Homebuilding revenue	67,172	70,654
Operating Income (Loss)	4,793	4,345
Interest	995	1,244
Financial Services [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Financial services revenue	7,865	8,410
Operating Income (Loss)	5,026	5,455
Interest	315	318
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	($6,346)	($5,866)

Business_Segments_Business_Seg2

Business Segments Business Segments - Valuation Adjustments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Total valuation adjustments and write-offs	$0	$900
Impairment of Operating Communities [Member]	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Adjustments To Operating Communities	0	0
Impairment of Operating Communities [Member] | Midwest Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Adjustments To Operating Communities	0	0
Impairment of Operating Communities [Member] | Southern Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Adjustments To Operating Communities	0	0
Impairment of Operating Communities [Member] | Mid-Atlantic Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Adjustments To Operating Communities	0	0
Impairment of Future Communities [Member]	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Adjustments To Future Communities	0	252
Impairment of Future Communities [Member] | Midwest Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Adjustments To Future Communities	0	252
Impairment of Future Communities [Member] | Southern Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Adjustments To Future Communities	0	0
Impairment of Future Communities [Member] | Mid-Atlantic Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Adjustments To Future Communities	0	0
Impairment of Land Held for Sale [Member]	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Adjustments To Land With Intend To Sell Or Has Sold To Third Parties	0	648
Impairment of Land Held for Sale [Member] | Midwest Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Adjustments To Land With Intend To Sell Or Has Sold To Third Parties	0	648
Impairment of Land Held for Sale [Member] | Southern Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Adjustments To Land With Intend To Sell Or Has Sold To Third Parties	0	0
Impairment of Land Held for Sale [Member] | Mid-Atlantic Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Adjustments To Land With Intend To Sell Or Has Sold To Third Parties	0	0
Option Deposits and Pre-Acquisition Write-Offs [Member]	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Write Offs Of Option Deposits And Preacquisition Costs	0	0
Option Deposits and Pre-Acquisition Write-Offs [Member] | Midwest Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Write Offs Of Option Deposits And Preacquisition Costs	0	0
Option Deposits and Pre-Acquisition Write-Offs [Member] | Southern Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Write Offs Of Option Deposits And Preacquisition Costs	0	0
Option Deposits and Pre-Acquisition Write-Offs [Member] | Mid-Atlantic Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Write Offs Of Option Deposits And Preacquisition Costs	0	0
Impairment of Investments in Unconsolidated LLCs [Member]	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Adjustments To Investments In Unconsolidated Entities	0	0
Impairment of Investments in Unconsolidated LLCs [Member] | Midwest Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Adjustments To Investments In Unconsolidated Entities	0	0
Impairment of Investments in Unconsolidated LLCs [Member] | Southern Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Adjustments To Investments In Unconsolidated Entities	0	0
Impairment of Investments in Unconsolidated LLCs [Member] | Mid-Atlantic Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation Adjustments To Investments In Unconsolidated Entities	$0	$0

Business_Segments_Business_Seg3

Business Segments Business Segments - Assets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Deposits on real estate under option or contract	$16,910	$14,365
Inventory	706,717	676,570
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	44,847	35,266
Other assets	316,429	383,975
Total assets	1,084,903	1,110,176
Midwest Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Deposits on real estate under option or contract	2,040	2,003
Inventory	240,696	248,218
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	4,361	5,331
Other assets	11,115	10,571
Total assets	258,212	266,123
Southern Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Deposits on real estate under option or contract	9,353	7,107
Inventory	256,348	236,505
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	40,486	29,935
Other assets	16,268	982
Total assets	322,455	274,529
Mid-Atlantic Homebuilding [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Deposits on real estate under option or contract	5,517	5,255
Inventory	209,673	191,847
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0
Other assets	8,121	11,050
Total assets	223,311	208,152
Corporate, Financial Services and Unallocated [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Deposits on real estate under option or contract	0	0
Inventory	0	0
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0
Other assets	280,925	361,372
Total assets	$280,925	$361,372

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa2

Supplemental Guarantor Information Supplemental Guarantor Information - Income Statement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenue	$234,841	$190,727
Land and housing	183,964	151,513
Impairment of inventory and investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	900
General and administrative	18,315	15,979
Selling	15,969	13,109
Interest	4,170	4,340
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	-62	0
Total costs and expenses	222,356	185,841
Income before income taxes	12,485	4,886
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	-147	299
Equity In subsidiaries	0	0
Net income (loss)	12,632	4,587
Preferred Dividends	1,219	0
Excess of fair value over book value of preferred shares redeemed	0	2,190
Net income to common shareholders	11,413	2,397
Parent [Member]	'	'
Revenue	0	0
Land and housing	0	0
Impairment of inventory and investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	'	0
General and administrative	0	0
Selling	0	0
Interest	0	0
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	0	'
Total costs and expenses	0	0
Income before income taxes	0	0
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	0	0
Equity In subsidiaries	12,632	4,587
Net income (loss)	12,632	4,587
Preferred Dividends	1,219	'
Excess of fair value over book value of preferred shares redeemed	'	2,190
Net income to common shareholders	11,413	2,397
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Revenue	226,976	182,317
Land and housing	183,964	151,513
Impairment of inventory and investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	'	900
General and administrative	15,291	12,842
Selling	15,969	13,092
Interest	3,854	4,022
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	0	'
Total costs and expenses	219,078	182,369
Income before income taxes	7,898	-52
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	-1,781	-1,415
Equity In subsidiaries	0	0
Net income (loss)	9,679	1,363
Preferred Dividends	0	'
Excess of fair value over book value of preferred shares redeemed	'	0
Net income to common shareholders	9,679	1,363
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Revenue	7,865	8,410
Land and housing	0	0
Impairment of inventory and investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	'	0
General and administrative	3,024	3,137
Selling	0	17
Interest	316	318
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	-62	'
Total costs and expenses	3,278	3,472
Income before income taxes	4,587	4,938
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	1,634	1,714
Equity In subsidiaries	0	0
Net income (loss)	2,953	3,224
Preferred Dividends	0	'
Excess of fair value over book value of preferred shares redeemed	'	0
Net income to common shareholders	2,953	3,224
Corporate Elimination [Member]	'	'
Revenue	0	0
Land and housing	0	0
Impairment of inventory and investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	'	0
General and administrative	0	0
Selling	0	0
Interest	0	0
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	0	'
Total costs and expenses	0	0
Income before income taxes	0	0
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	0	0
Equity In subsidiaries	-12,632	-4,587
Net income (loss)	-12,632	-4,587
Preferred Dividends	0	'
Excess of fair value over book value of preferred shares redeemed	'	0
Net income to common shareholders	($12,632)	($4,587)

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa3

Supplemental Guarantor Information Supplemental Guarantor Information - Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$89,360	$128,725	$263,057	$145,498
Restricted cash	11,551	13,902	'	'
Mortgage loans held for sale	55,750	81,810	'	'
Inventory	723,627	690,934	'	'
Property and equipment - net	10,506	10,536	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	44,847	35,266	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	111,214	110,911	'	'
Intercompany	0	0	'	'
Other assets	38,048	38,092	'	'
TOTAL ASSETS	1,084,903	1,110,176	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	71,376	70,226	'	'
Customer deposits	12,984	11,262	'	'
Intercompany liabilities	0	0	'	'
Other liabilities	59,057	71,341	'	'
Community development district (“CDD”) obligations	2,060	3,130	'	'
Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned	1,627	1,775	'	'
Note payable bank - financial services operations	51,532	80,029	'	'
Notes payable - other	7,757	7,790	'	'
TOTAL LIABILITIES	578,312	617,373	'	'
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	506,591	492,803	'	'
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	1,084,903	1,110,176	'	'
Parent [Member]	'	'	'	'
ASSETS:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0	'	'
Mortgage loans held for sale	0	0	'	'
Inventory	0	0	'	'
Property and equipment - net	0	0	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	545,511	535,879	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	0	0	'	'
Intercompany	323,761	318,852	'	'
Other assets	9,238	9,892	'	'
TOTAL ASSETS	878,510	864,623	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	0	0	'	'
Customer deposits	0	0	'	'
Intercompany liabilities	0	0	'	'
Other liabilities	0	0	'	'
Community development district (“CDD”) obligations	0	0	'	'
Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned	0	0	'	'
Note payable bank - financial services operations	0	0	'	'
Notes payable - other	0	0	'	'
TOTAL LIABILITIES	371,919	371,820	'	'
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	506,591	492,803	'	'
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	878,510	864,623	'	'
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
ASSETS:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	75,221	113,407	245,149	126,334
Restricted cash	11,551	13,902	'	'
Mortgage loans held for sale	0	0	'	'
Inventory	723,627	690,934	'	'
Property and equipment - net	10,226	10,267	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	22,814	13,525	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	110,241	109,763	'	'
Intercompany	0	0	'	'
Other assets	18,698	17,180	'	'
TOTAL ASSETS	972,378	968,978	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	71,043	69,887	'	'
Customer deposits	12,984	11,262	'	'
Intercompany liabilities	299,016	296,229	'	'
Other liabilities	53,720	64,413	'	'
Community development district (“CDD”) obligations	2,060	3,130	'	'
Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned	1,627	1,775	'	'
Note payable bank - financial services operations	0	0	'	'
Notes payable - other	7,757	7,790	'	'
TOTAL LIABILITIES	448,207	454,486	'	'
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	524,171	514,492	'	'
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	972,378	968,978	'	'
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
ASSETS:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	14,139	15,318	17,908	19,164
Restricted cash	0	0	'	'
Mortgage loans held for sale	55,750	81,810	'	'
Inventory	0	0	'	'
Property and equipment - net	280	269	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	22,033	21,741	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	973	1,148	'	'
Intercompany	0	0	'	'
Other assets	10,112	11,020	'	'
TOTAL ASSETS	103,287	131,306	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	333	339	'	'
Customer deposits	0	0	'	'
Intercompany liabilities	24,745	22,623	'	'
Other liabilities	5,337	6,928	'	'
Community development district (“CDD”) obligations	0	0	'	'
Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned	0	0	'	'
Note payable bank - financial services operations	51,532	80,029	'	'
Notes payable - other	0	0	'	'
TOTAL LIABILITIES	81,947	109,919	'	'
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	21,340	21,387	'	'
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	103,287	131,306	'	'
Corporate Elimination [Member]	'	'	'	'
ASSETS:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0	'	'
Mortgage loans held for sale	0	0	'	'
Inventory	0	0	'	'
Property and equipment - net	0	0	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	-545,511	-535,879	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	0	0	'	'
Intercompany	-323,761	-318,852	'	'
Other assets	0	0	'	'
TOTAL ASSETS	-869,272	-854,731	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	0	0	'	'
Customer deposits	0	0	'	'
Intercompany liabilities	-323,761	-318,852	'	'
Other liabilities	0	0	'	'
Community development district (“CDD”) obligations	0	0	'	'
Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned	0	0	'	'
Note payable bank - financial services operations	0	0	'	'
Notes payable - other	0	0	'	'
TOTAL LIABILITIES	-323,761	-318,852	'	'
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	-545,511	-535,879	'	'
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	-869,272	-854,731	'	'
2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Convertible senior subordinated notes	57,500	57,500	'	'
2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Parent [Member]	'	'	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Convertible senior subordinated notes	57,500	57,500	'	'
2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Convertible senior subordinated notes	0	0	'	'
2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Convertible senior subordinated notes	0	0	'	'
2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Corporate Elimination [Member]	'	'	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Convertible senior subordinated notes	0	0	'	'
2018 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Convertible senior subordinated notes	86,250	86,250	'	'
2018 Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Parent [Member]	'	'	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Convertible senior subordinated notes	86,250	86,250	'	'
2018 Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Convertible senior subordinated notes	0	0	'	'
2018 Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Convertible senior subordinated notes	0	0	'	'
2018 Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Corporate Elimination [Member]	'	'	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Convertible senior subordinated notes	0	0	'	'
2018 Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Senior notes	228,169	228,070	'	'
2018 Senior Notes [Member] | Parent [Member]	'	'	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Senior notes	228,169	228,070	'	'
2018 Senior Notes [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Senior notes	0	0	'	'
2018 Senior Notes [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Senior notes	0	0	'	'
2018 Senior Notes [Member] | Corporate Elimination [Member]	'	'	'	'
LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Senior notes	$0	$0	'	'

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa4

Supplemental Guarantor Information Supplemental Guarantor Information - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	($2,103)	$8,558
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Change in restricted cash	2,395	-621
Purchase of property and equipment	-400	-229
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	-10,874	-11,852
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-8,879	-12,702
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Repayments of bank borrowings - net	-28,497	-14,831
Principal repayments of note payable-other and community development district bond obligations	-33	-789
Redemption of preferred shares	-50,352	'
Net proceeds from issuance of common shares	0	54,617
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,366	0
Intercompany Financing	0	0
Dividends paid	-1,219	0
Debt issue costs	0	3,544
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-28,383	121,703
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-39,365	117,559
Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period	128,725	145,498
Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period	89,360	263,057
Parent [Member]	'	'
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	3,000	2,600
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Change in restricted cash	0	0
Purchase of property and equipment	0	0
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Repayments of bank borrowings - net	0	0
Principal repayments of note payable-other and community development district bond obligations	0	0
Net proceeds from issuance of common shares	'	54,617
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,366	'
Intercompany Financing	-3,147	-143,467
Dividends paid	-1,219	0
Debt issue costs	'	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-3,000	-2,600
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period	0	0
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-31,968	-9,997
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Change in restricted cash	2,395	-621
Purchase of property and equipment	-363	-192
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	-9,289	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-7,257	-813
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Repayments of bank borrowings - net	0	0
Principal repayments of note payable-other and community development district bond obligations	-33	-789
Net proceeds from issuance of common shares	'	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	'
Intercompany Financing	1,072	133,958
Dividends paid	0	0
Debt issue costs	'	3,544
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	1,039	129,625
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-38,186	118,815
Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period	113,407	126,334
Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period	75,221	245,149
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	29,865	18,555
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Change in restricted cash	0	0
Purchase of property and equipment	-37	-37
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	-1,585	-11,852
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-1,622	-11,889
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Repayments of bank borrowings - net	-28,497	-14,831
Principal repayments of note payable-other and community development district bond obligations	0	0
Net proceeds from issuance of common shares	'	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	'
Intercompany Financing	2,075	9,509
Dividends paid	-3,000	-2,600
Debt issue costs	'	'
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-29,422	-7,922
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-1,179	-1,256
Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period	15,318	19,164
Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period	14,139	17,908
Corporate Elimination [Member]	'	'
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-3,000	-2,600
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Change in restricted cash	'	0
Purchase of property and equipment	'	0
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Repayments of bank borrowings - net	0	0
Principal repayments of note payable-other and community development district bond obligations	0	0
Net proceeds from issuance of common shares	'	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	'
Intercompany Financing	0	0
Dividends paid	3,000	2,600
Debt issue costs	'	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	3,000	2,600
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period	0	0
2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior subordinated notes	'	86,250
2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Parent [Member]	'	'
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior subordinated notes	'	86,250
2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior subordinated notes	'	0
2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior subordinated notes	'	0
2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | Corporate Elimination [Member]	'	'
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior subordinated notes	'	0
2018 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior subordinated notes	$0	$86,250

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	1,600,000	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	185,670	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	397,500	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$23.79	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$12.64	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	50,439	'
Percentage weight of PSUs related to performance condition	80.00%	'
Percentage weight of PSUs related to market condition	20.00%	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$700,000	$500,000
Performance Condition Awards [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	23.79	'
Market Condition Awards [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$21	'