M/I Homes (MHO) 10-Q 24 Apr 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

DEI_Document

DEI Document	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 22, 2015
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	M I HOMES INC
Entity Central Index Key	799292
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		24,522,729

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$29,958	$15,535
Restricted cash	6,140	6,951
Mortgage loans held for sale	79,180	92,794
Inventory	959,070	918,589
Property and equipment - net	11,081	11,490
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	29,449	27,769
Deferred income taxes	88,748	94,412
Other assets	47,138	43,870
Total assets	1,250,764	1,211,410
LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	69,452	75,338
Customer deposits	15,352	11,759
Other liabilities	66,816	79,723
Community development district (“CDD”) obligations	2,314	2,571
Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned	299	608
Notes payable bank - homebuilding operations	90,000	30,000
Notes payable bank - financial service operations	71,723	85,379
Notes payable - other	8,876	9,518
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017	57,500	57,500
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018	86,250	86,250
Senior notes	228,569	228,469
TOTAL LIABILITIES	697,151	667,115
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred shares - $.01 par value; authorized 2,000,000 shares; 2,000 shares issued and outstanding at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014	48,163	48,163
Common shares - $.01 par value; authorized 58,000,000 shares at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014; issued 27,092,723 shares at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014	271	271
Additional paid-in capital	239,421	238,560
Retained earnings	316,888	308,539
Treasury shares - at cost - 2,574,394 and 2,579,813 shares at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	-51,130	-51,238
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	553,613	544,295
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$1,250,764	$1,211,410

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Parentheticals - Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	58,000,000	58,000,000
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	2,574,394	2,579,813

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Operations [Abstract]
Revenue	$263,159	$234,841
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Land and housing	206,183	183,964
General and administrative	19,334	18,315
Selling	17,686	15,969
Equity in loss (income) of unconsolidated joint ventures	-198	-62
Interest	4,462	4,170
Total costs and expenses	247,467	222,356
Income (loss) before income taxes	15,692	12,485
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	6,124	-147
Net income (loss)	9,568	12,632
Preferred Dividends	1,219	1,219
Net income to common shareholders	$8,349	$11,413
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic	$0.34	$0.47
Diluted	$0.31	$0.41
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding [Abstract]
Basic	24,514	24,417
Diluted	29,975	29,870

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, 2014	$544,295	$48,163	$271	$238,560	$308,539	($51,238)
Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2014		2,000	24,512,910
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	9,568				9,568
Dividends, Preferred Stock	-1,219				-1,219
Stock options exercised, shares			5,000
Stock options exercised	61			-38		99
Stock-based compensation expense	868			868
Deferral of executive and director compensation	40			40
Executive and director deferred compensation distributions shares			419
Executive and director deferred compensation distributions	0			-9		9
Stockholders' Equity, Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$553,613	$48,163	$271	$239,421	$316,888	($51,130)
Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2015		2,000	24,518,329

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$9,568	$12,632
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
Equity in loss (income) of unconsolidated joint ventures	-198	-62
Mortgage loan originations	-151,285	-124,362
Proceeds from the sale of mortgage loans	165,257	153,210
Fair value adjustment of mortgage loans held for sale	-358	-2,788
Capitalization of originated Mortgage Servicing Rights	-816	0
Amortization of Mortgage Servicing Rights (MSRs)	261	0
Depreciation	1,509	1,126
Amortization of debt discount and debt issue costs	797	786
Stock-based compensation expense	868	710
Deferred Income Tax Expense	5,664	5,024
Deferred tax asset valuation allowances	0	-5,327
Change in assets and liabilities:
Cash held in escrow	208	-44
Inventory	-42,182	-33,250
Other assets	-3,408	-645
Accounts payable	-5,886	1,150
Customer deposits	3,593	1,722
Accrued compensation	-13,713	-13,034
Other liabilities	845	1,049
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-29,276	-2,103
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Change in restricted cash	603	2,395
Purchase of property and equipment	-111	-400
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	-1,337	-10,874
Net cash used in investing activities	-845	-8,879
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from bank borrowings - homebuilding operations	130,400	0
Repayments of bank borrowings - homebuilding operations	-70,400	0
Net proceeds from (Repayments of) bank borrowings - financial services operations	-13,656	-28,497
Principal repayments of notes payable-other and CDD bond obligations	-642	-33
Dividends paid on preferred shares	-1,219	-1,219
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	61	1,366
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	44,544	-28,383
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	14,423	-39,365
Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period	15,535	128,725
Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period	29,958	89,360
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH PAID DURING THE YEAR:
Interest — net of amount capitalized	-140	-209
Income taxes	97	765
NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS DURING THE PERIOD
Community development district infrastructure	-257	-1,070
Consolidated inventory not owned	-309	-148
Distribution of single-family lots from unconsolidated joint ventures	($145)	$1,355

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 the Company. 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, 2014 (the “2014 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 2014 Form 10-K, as the same may be updated from time to time in our subsequent filings with the SEC.
	Impact of New Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), which provides guidance for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance. This ASU also supersedes some cost guidance included in Subtopic 605-35, “Revenue Recognition-Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts.” ASU 2014-09’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under today’s guidance, including identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2017 and, at that time, the Company may adopt the new standard under the full retrospective approach or the modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is not permitted.  On April 1, 2015, the FASB proposed to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 standard by one year. If the proposal is approved, early adoption would be permitted as of the original effective date, and the standard would be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the method and impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”). ASU 2015-02 amends the consolidation requirements in ASC 810 and requires management to reevaluate whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) or voting interest entities. Further, the amendments eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, as well as affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. ASU 2015-02 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2016 and subsequent interim periods. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Inventory_and_Capitalized_Inte

Inventory and Capitalized Interest	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory [Abstract]
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	Inventory and Capitalized Interest
	Inventory
	Inventory is recorded at cost, unless events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the land is impaired, at which point the inventory is written down to fair value (see Note 4 for additional details relating to our procedures for evaluating our inventories for impairment). Inventory includes the costs of land acquisition, land development and home construction, capitalized interest, real estate taxes, direct overhead costs incurred during development and home construction, and common costs that benefit the entire community, less impairments, if any.
	A summary of the Company’s inventory as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows:
	(In thousands)	March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Single-family lots, land and land development costs	$	470,317		$	463,198
	Land held for sale	4,374			10,647
	Homes under construction	403,965			371,119
	Model homes and furnishings - at cost (less accumulated depreciation: March 31, 2015 - $7,318;	55,341			46,780
	December 31, 2014 - $7,010)
	Community development district infrastructure	2,314			2,571
	Land purchase deposits	22,194			23,495
	Consolidated inventory not owned	565			779
	Total inventory	$	959,070		$	918,589
	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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had 872 homes (with a carrying value of $169.6 million) and 979 homes (with a carrying value of $186.7 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.
	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
	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, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014
	Capitalized interest, beginning of period	$	15,296		$	13,802
	Interest capitalized to inventory	3,785			3,250
	Capitalized interest charged to land and housing costs and expenses	(3,539		)	(3,108		)
	Capitalized interest, end of period	$	15,542		$	13,944
	Interest incurred	$	8,247		$	7,420

Investment_in_Unconsolidated_J

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 3. Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
	Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
	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, 2015, we increased our total investment in such joint venture arrangements by $1.6 million from $27.8 million at December 31, 2014 to $29.4 million at March 31, 2015.
	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 income. The Company assesses its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures for recoverability on a quarterly basis. Refer to Note 4 for additional details relating to our procedures for evaluating our investments for impairment.
	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 in these LLCs as of both March 31, 2015 and December 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.
	We believe that the Company’s maximum exposure related to its investment in these unconsolidated joint ventures as of March 31, 2015 is the amount invested of $29.4 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were $0.2 million of capitalized interest and other costs.
	Variable Interest Entities
	With respect to our investments in these LLCs, we are required, under ASC 810-10, Consolidation (“ASC 810”), 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. See Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Variable Interest Entities” in the Company’s 2014 Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company’s methodology for evaluating entities for consolidation.
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we have determined that one of the LLCs in which we have an interest meets the requirements of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) due to a lack of equity at risk in the entity. However, we have determined that we do not have substantive control over the VIE as we do not have the ability to control the activities that most significantly impact its economic performance. As a result, we are not required to consolidate the VIE into our financial statements, and we instead record the VIE in Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Land Option Agreements
	In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into land option or purchase agreements for which we generally pay non-refundable deposits. Pursuant to these land option agreements, the Company provides a deposit to the seller as consideration for the right to purchase land at different times in the future, usually at predetermined prices. In accordance with ASC 810, we analyze our land option or purchase agreements to determine whether the corresponding land sellers are VIEs and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary, as further described in Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Land Option Agreements” in the Company’s 2014 Form 10-K. If we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, we will consolidate the VIE in our consolidated financial statements and reflect such assets and liabilities in our Consolidated Inventory not Owned in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. At both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we have concluded that we were not the primary beneficiary of any VIEs from which we are purchasing under land option or purchase agreements.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 income.
	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, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	Description of Financial Instrument (in thousands)	March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Best efforts contracts and related committed IRLCs	$	3,289			$	3,072
	Uncommitted IRLCs	47,236				28,028
	FMBSs related to uncommitted IRLCs	47,000				41,000
	Best efforts contracts and related mortgage loans held for sale	12,281				61,233
	FMBSs related to mortgage loans held for sale	62,000				27,000
	Mortgage loans held for sale covered by FMBSs	61,563				26,825
	The table below shows the level and measurement of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	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-15				(Level 1)				(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Mortgage loans held for sale	$	79,180			$	—			$	79,180		$	—
	Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities	(562		)		—				(562		)	—
	Interest rate lock commitments	634				—				634			—
	Best-efforts contracts	(107		)		—				(107		)	—
	Total	$	79,145			$	—			$	79,145		$	—
	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-14				(Level 1)				(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Mortgage loans held for sale	$	92,794			$	—			$	92,794		$	—
	Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities	(182		)		—				(182		)	—
	Interest rate lock commitments	288				—				288			—
	Best-efforts contracts	53				—				53			—
	Total	$	92,953			$	—			$	92,953		$	—
	The following table sets forth the amount of gain (loss) recognized, within our revenue in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, on assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	Description (in thousands)	2015				2014
	Mortgage loans held for sale	$	358			$	2,788
	Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities	(380		)		(565		)
	Interest rate lock commitments	345				721
	Best-efforts contracts	(159		)		(413		)
	Total gain recognized	$	164			$	2,531
	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-15						31-Mar-15
	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		$	—			Other liabilities		$	562
	Interest rate lock commitments		Other assets		634				Other liabilities		—
	Best-efforts contracts		Other assets		—				Other liabilities		107
	Total fair value measurements				$	634					$	669
			Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
			31-Dec-14						31-Dec-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		$	—			Other liabilities		$	182
	Interest rate lock commitments		Other assets		288				Other liabilities		—
	Best-efforts contracts		Other assets		58				Other liabilities		5
	Total fair value measurements				$	346					$	187
	Assets Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis
	Inventory. The Company assesses inventory for recoverability on a quarterly basis based on the difference in the carrying value of the inventory and its fair value at the time of the evaluation. Determining the fair value of a community’s inventory involves a number of variables, estimates and projections, which are Level 3 measurement inputs. See Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Inventory” in the Company’s 2014 Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company’s methodology for determining fair value.
	The Company uses significant assumptions to evaluate the recoverability of its inventory, such as 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. Changes in these assumptions could materially impact future cash flow and fair value estimates and may lead the Company to incur additional impairment charges in the future. Our analysis is conducted only if indicators of a decline in value of our inventory exist, which include, among other things, declines in gross margin on sales contracts in backlog or homes that have been delivered, slower than anticipated absorption pace, declines in average sales price or high incentive offers by management to improve absorptions, declines in margins regarding future land sales, or declines in the value of the land itself as a result of third party appraisals. If communities are not recoverable based on the 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 Company did not record any impairment charges during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	Investment In Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.  We evaluate our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures for impairment on a quarterly basis based on the difference in the investment’s carrying value and its fair value at the time of the evaluation. If the Company has determined that the decline in value is other than temporary, the Company would write down the value of the investment to its estimated fair value. Determining the fair value of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures involves a number of variables, estimates and assumptions, which are Level 3 measurement inputs. See Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures” in the Company’s 2014 Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company’s methodology for determining fair value. Because of the high degree of judgment involved in developing these assumptions, it is possible that changes in these assumptions could materially impact future cash flow and fair value estimates of the investments which may lead the Company to incur additional impairment charges in the future. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not record any impairment charges on its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures.
	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, 2015 and December 31, 2014. 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, 2015								December 31, 2014
(In thousands)		Carrying Amount				Fair Value				Carrying Amount			Fair Value
Assets:
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		$	36,098			$	36,098			$	22,486		$	22,486
Mortgage loans held for sale		79,180				79,180				92,794			92,794
Split dollar life insurance policies		202				202				187			187
Notes receivable		3,765				3,454				4,288			3,793
Commitments to extend real estate loans		634				634				289			289
Best-efforts contracts for committed IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale		—				—				58			58
Liabilities:
Notes payable - homebuilding operations		90,000				90,000				30,000			30,000
Notes payable - financial services operations		71,723				71,723				85,379			85,379
Notes payable - other		8,876				8,644				9,518			9,089
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017		57,500				67,634				57,500			67,634
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018		86,250				87,328				86,250			87,544
Senior notes due 2018		228,569				238,625				228,469			239,488
Best-efforts contracts for committed IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale		107				107				—			—
Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities		562				562				182			182
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
Letters of credit		—				646				—			881
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures of financial instruments at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014. 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 - Homebuilding Operations. The interest rate available to the Company during the quarter ended March 31, 2015 fluctuated with the Alternate Base Rate or the Eurodollar Rate for the Company’s $300 million unsecured revolving credit facility dated July 18, 2013, as amended on October 20, 2014 (the “Credit Facility”), and thus the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Refer to Note 7 for additional information regarding the Credit Facility.
Notes Payable - Financial Services Operations. M/I Financial, LLC (“M/I Financial”) is a party to two credit agreements: (1) a $110 million secured mortgage warehousing agreement, dated March 29, 2013, as amended (most recently on March 2, 2015) (the “MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement”); and (2) a $15 million mortgage repurchase agreement dated November 13, 2012, as amended (most recently on November 4, 2014) (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 2015 fluctuated with LIBOR. Refer to Note 7 for additional information regarding 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 $35.0 million and $33.6 million represent potential commitments at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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.

Guarantees_and_Indemnification

Guarantees and Indemnifications	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014
	Warranty reserves, beginning of period	$	12,671		$	12,291
	Warranty expense on homes delivered during the period	1,539			1,359
	Changes in estimates for pre-existing warranties	263			238
	Settlements made during the period	(2,922		)	(2,119		)
	Warranty reserves, end of period	$	11,551		$	11,769
	Guarantees
	In the ordinary course of business, 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 the terms of the loan within the first six months after the sale of the loan. Loans totaling approximately $15.5 million and $33.4 million were covered under these guarantees as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The decrease in loans covered by these guarantees from December 31, 2014 is a result of a change in the mix of investors and their related purchase terms. A portion of the revenue paid to M/I Financial for providing the guarantees on these loans was deferred at March 31, 2015, 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, 2015. 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 $5.4 million and $9.1 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The risk associated with the guarantees above is offset by the value of the underlying assets. The decrease from December 31, 2014 was due to M/I Financial reaching a settlement agreement with one of its investors during the first quarter of 2015 which substantially eliminated any liability to repurchase or indemnify loans associated with the loan purchase agreement.
	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 both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the total of all loans indemnified to third party insurers relating to the above agreements was $2.0 million. 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 $2.5 million and $2.9 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, which is management’s best estimate of the Company’s liability.
	At March 31, 2015, 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 fully and unconditionally 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 of the 2018 Senior Notes and the Credit Facility (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”). Refer to Note 7 for a description of the guarantees of the Credit Facility.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies
	At March 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding approximately $125.7 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 February 2020. Included in this total are: (1) $78.4 million of performance and maintenance bonds and $22.4 million of performance letters of credit that serve as completion bonds for land development work in progress; (2) $12.6 million of financial letters of credit, of which $6.6 million represent deposits on land and lot purchase agreements; and (3) $12.3 million of financial bonds.
	At March 31, 2015, the Company also had options and contingent purchase agreements to acquire land and developed lots with an aggregate purchase price of approximately $416.5 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had $0.3 million and $0.2 million accrued for legal expenses, respectively.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Debt
	Notes Payable - Homebuilding
	The Credit Facility provides for an aggregate commitment amount of $300 million, including a $125 million sub-facility for letters of credit. In addition, the Credit Facility has an accordion feature under which the Company may increase the aggregate commitment amount up to $400 million, subject to certain conditions, including obtaining additional commitments from existing or new lenders. The Credit Facility matures on October 20, 2018. Interest on amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility is payable at either the Alternate Base Rate plus an initial margin of 150 basis points, or at the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin of 250 basis points, in each case subject to adjustment based on the Company's leverage ratio. The Credit Facility also contains certain financial covenants. At March 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants of the Credit Facility.
	At March 31, 2015, borrowing availability under the Credit Facility in accordance with the borrowing base calculation was $419.2 million, so the full amount of the $300 million facility was available, and there were $90.0 million of borrowings outstanding and $29.1 million of letters of credit outstanding, leaving net remaining borrowing availability of $180.9 million.
	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), 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 maturity dates ranging from June 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015. 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 $3.8 million was uncommitted at March 31, 2015 and could be withdrawn at any time. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there was $5.9 million and $6.5 million of outstanding letters of credit in aggregate under the Company’s three Letter of Credit Facilities, respectively, which were collateralized with $6.0 million and $6.6 million of the Company’s cash, respectively.
	Notes Payable — Financial Services
	The MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement is used to finance eligible residential mortgage loans originated by M/I Financial and provides a maximum borrowing availability of $110 million and an accordion feature which allows for an increase of the maximum borrowing availability of up to an additional $20 million (subject to certain conditions, including obtaining additional commitments from existing or new lenders). The maximum principal amount permitted to be outstanding at any one time in aggregate under all warehouse credit lines is $150 million. The minimum required tangible net worth requirement applicable to M/I Financial is $11.0 million and the minimum required liquidity requirement is $5.5 million. M/I Financial pays interest on each advance under the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement at a per annum rate equal to the greater of (1) the floating LIBOR rate plus 275 basis points and (2) 3.0%.
	On March 2, 2015, the Company entered into a second amendment of the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement extending the expiration date from March 27, 2015 to June 26, 2015, in order to shift the timing of the annual review by the participating lenders. We expect to extend the expiration of the MIF Mortgage Warehousing Agreement for approximately one year, on or prior to the current expiration date of June 26, 2015, but we cannot provide any assurance that we will be able to obtain such an extension.
	The MIF Mortgage Repurchase Facility is used to finance eligible residential mortgage loans originated by M/I Financial and is structured as a mortgage repurchase facility with a maximum borrowing availability of $15 million and an expiration date of November 3, 2015. 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, M/I Financial’s total combined maximum borrowing availability under the two credit facilities was $125.0 million. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, M/I Financial had $71.7 million and $85.4 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
	As of both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all terms, conditions, and covenants under the indenture.
	The 2018 Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed jointly and severally 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, 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, 2015, 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 at a stated redemption price, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon. The redemption price is currently 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 $40.0 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 $150.5 million and $148.6 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. 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 $8.9 million and $9.5 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  The balance consists primarily of a mortgage note payable with a $4.2 million principal balance outstanding at March 31, 2015 (and $4.3 million principal balance outstanding at December 31, 2014), 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 incurred through the normal course of business.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2015			2014
	NUMERATOR
	Net income	$	9,568		$	12,632
	Preferred stock dividends	(1,219		)	(1,219		)
	Net income to common shareholders	8,349			11,413
	Interest on 3.25% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017	373			358
	Interest on 3.00% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018	503			482
	Diluted income available to common shareholders	$	9,225		$	12,253
	DENOMINATOR
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	24,514			24,417
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock option awards	219			239
	Deferred compensation awards	157			129
	3.25% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017	2,416			2,416
	3.00% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018	2,669			2,669
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding - adjusted for assumed conversions	29,975			29,870
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	0.34		$	0.47
	Diluted	$	0.31		$	0.41
	Anti-dilutive equity awards not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share	1,366			1,154
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the effect of convertible debt was included in the diluted earnings per share calculations.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Income Taxes
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded a tax provision of $6.1 million which reflects income tax expense related to the period’s pre-tax earnings. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was 39.0%. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $0.1 million which reflects income tax expense related to the period’s pre-tax earnings as well as a $5.3 million benefit from the reversal of a portion of our state deferred tax asset valuation allowance. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was (1.2)% which was not meaningful due to the effects of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance and federal and state tax net operating losses (“NOLs”), and there was no correlation between the effective tax rate and the amount of pre-tax income for the period.
	At March 31, 2015, the Company had federal NOL carryforwards of approximately $45.7 million and federal credit carryforwards of $7.2 million. Our federal NOL carryforwards may be carried forward up to 18 years to offset future taxable income with the federal carryforward benefits beginning to expire in 2028. The Company had $11.4 million of state NOL carryforwards at March 31, 2015. Our state NOLs may be carried forward from one to 18 years, depending on the tax jurisdiction, with $5.0 million expiring between 2015 and 2027 and $6.4 million expiring between 2028 and 2032, absent sufficient state taxable income.

Business_Segments

Business Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Segments [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Business Segments
	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.
	In accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”), we have identified each homebuilding division as an operating segment as each homebuilding division engages in business activities from which it earns revenue, primarily from the sale and construction of single-family attached and detached homes, acquisition and development of land, and the occasional sale of lots to third parties. Our financial services operations generate revenue primarily from the origination, sale and servicing of mortgage loans and title services primarily for purchasers of the Company’s homes and are included in our financial services reportable segment. In accordance with the aggregation criteria defined in ASC 280, 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 been aggregated because they share similar aggregation characteristics as prescribed in ASC 280 in the following regards: (1) long-term economic characteristics; (2) historical and expected future long-term gross margin percentages; (3) housing products, production processes and methods of distribution; and (4) geographical proximity.
	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
	The following table shows, by segment: revenue, operating income and interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014
	Revenue:
	Midwest homebuilding	$	85,217		$	79,604
	Southern homebuilding	98,555			80,200
	Mid-Atlantic homebuilding	71,289			67,172
	Financial services (a)	8,098			7,865
	Total revenue	$	263,159		$	234,841
	Operating income:
	Midwest homebuilding	$	7,796		$	7,243
	Southern homebuilding	8,591			5,877
	Mid-Atlantic homebuilding	4,760			4,793
	Financial services (a)	5,324			5,026
	Less: Corporate selling, general and administrative expense	(6,515		)	(6,346		)
	Total operating income	$	19,956		$	16,593
	Interest expense:
	Midwest homebuilding	$	1,324		$	1,269
	Southern homebuilding	1,774			1,591
	Mid-Atlantic homebuilding	1,033			995
	Financial services (a)	331			315
	Total interest expense	$	4,462		$	4,170
	Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	(198		)	(62		)
	Income before income taxes	$	15,692		$	12,485
	(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.
	The following tables show total assets by segment at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
		March 31, 2015
	(In thousands)	Midwest			Southern			Mid-Atlantic		Corporate, Financial Services and Unallocated		Total
	Deposits on real estate under option or contract	$	4,426		$	13,894		$	3,874	$	—	$	22,194
	Inventory (a)	301,790			368,092			266,994		—		936,876
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	1,866			27,583			—		—		29,449
	Other assets	9,020			21,025			7,748		224,452		262,245
	Total assets	$	317,102		$	430,594		$	278,616	$	224,452	$	1,250,764
		December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Midwest			Southern			Mid-Atlantic		Corporate, Financial Services and Unallocated		Total
	Deposits on real estate under option or contract	$	4,573		$	14,752		$	4,170	$	—	$	23,495
	Inventory (a)	303,037			331,938			260,119		—		895,094
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	1,764			26,005			—		—		27,769
	Other assets	7,933			16,829			7,536		232,754		265,052
	Total assets	$	317,307		$	389,524		$	271,825	$	232,754	$	1,211,410
	(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, 2015
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 income 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, 2015, 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 INCOME
			Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	(In thousands)		M/I Homes, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Unrestricted Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Revenue		$	—		$	255,062		$	8,097		$	—		$	263,159
	Costs and expenses:
	Land and housing		—			206,183			—			—			206,183
	General and administrative		—			16,386			2,948			—			19,334
	Selling		—			17,686			—			—			17,686
	Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures		—			—			(198		)	—			(198		)
	Interest		—			4,131			331			—			4,462
	Total costs and expenses		—			244,386			3,081			—			247,467
	Income before income taxes		—			10,676			5,016			—			15,692
	Provision for income taxes		—			4,392			1,732			—			6,124
	Equity in subsidiaries		9,568			—			—			(9,568		)	—
	Net income		9,568			6,284			3,284			(9,568		)	9,568
	Preferred dividends		1,219			—			—			—			1,219
	Net income to common shareholders		$	8,349		$	6,284		$	3,284		$	(9,568	)	$	8,349
			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		12,632			9,679			2,953			(12,632		)	12,632
	Preferred dividends		1,219			—			—			—			1,219
	Net income to common shareholders		$	11,413		$	9,679		$	2,953		$	(12,632	)	$	11,413
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
			March 31, 2015
	(In thousands)		M/I Homes, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Unrestricted Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	—		$	16,567		$	13,391		$	—		$	29,958
	Restricted cash		—			6,140			—			—			6,140
	Mortgage loans held for sale		—			—			79,180			—			79,180
	Inventory		—			959,070			—			—			959,070
	Property and equipment - net		—			10,796			285			—			11,081
	Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures		—			15,868			13,581			—			29,449
	Deferred income taxes, net of valuation allowances		—			88,492			256			—			88,748
	Investment in subsidiaries		586,036			—			—			(586,036		)	—
	Intercompany assets		331,314			—			—			(331,314		)	—
	Other assets		8,582			27,246			11,310			—			47,138
	TOTAL ASSETS		$	925,932		$	1,124,179		$	118,003		$	(917,350	)	$	1,250,764
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	LIABILITIES:
	Accounts payable		$	—		$	69,214		$	238		$	—		$	69,452
	Customer deposits		—			15,352			—			—			15,352
	Intercompany liabilities		—			314,898			16,416			(331,314		)	—
	Other liabilities		—			61,001			5,815			—			66,816
	Community development district obligations		—			2,314			—			—			2,314
	Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned		—			299			—			—			299
	Notes payable bank - homebuilding operations		—			90,000			—			—			90,000
	Notes payable bank - financial services operations		—			—			71,723			—			71,723
Notes payable - other		—			8,876			—			—			8,876
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017		57,500			—			—			—			57,500
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018		86,250			—			—			—			86,250
Senior notes		228,569			—			—			—			228,569
TOTAL LIABILITIES		372,319			561,954			94,192			(331,314		)	697,151
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		553,613			562,225			23,811			(586,036		)	553,613
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		$	925,932		$	1,124,179		$	118,003		$	(917,350	)	$	1,250,764
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
		December 31, 2014
(In thousands)		M/I Homes, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Unrestricted Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	—		$	3,872		$	11,663		$	—		$	15,535
Restricted cash		—			6,951			—			—			6,951
Mortgage loans held for sale		—			—			92,794			—			92,794
Inventory		—			918,589			—			—			918,589
Property and equipment - net		—			11,189			301			—			11,490
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures		—			15,033			12,736			—			27,769
Deferred income taxes, net of valuation allowances		—			94,088			324			—			94,412
Investment in subsidiaries		576,468			—			—			(576,468		)	—
Intercompany assets		330,786			—			—			(330,786		)	—
Other assets		9,260			24,378			10,232			—			43,870
TOTAL ASSETS		$	916,514		$	1,074,100		$	128,050		$	(907,254	)	$	1,211,410
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable		$	—		$	74,344		$	994		$	—		$	75,338
Customer deposits		—			11,759			—			—			11,759
Intercompany liabilities		—			314,946			15,840			(330,786		)	—
Other liabilities		—			74,413			5,310			—			79,723
Community development district obligations		—			2,571			—			—			2,571
Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned		—			608			—			—			608
Notes payable bank - homebuilding operations		—			30,000			—			—			30,000
Notes payable bank - financial services operations		—			—			85,379			—			85,379
Notes payable - other		—			9,518			—			—			9,518
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017		57,500			—			—			—			57,500
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018		86,250			—			—			—			86,250
Senior notes		228,469			—			—			—			228,469
TOTAL LIABILITIES		372,219			518,159			107,523			(330,786		)	667,115
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		544,295			555,941			20,527			(576,468		)	544,295
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		$	916,514		$	1,074,100		$	128,050		$	(907,254	)	$	1,211,410
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(In thousands)	M/I Homes, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Unrestricted Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	—		$	(44,749	)	$	15,473		$	—		$	(29,276	)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Restricted cash	—			603			—			—			603
Purchase of property and equipment	—			(97		)	(14		)	—			(111		)
Intercompany investing	1,158			—			—			(1,158		)	—
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	—			(741		)	(596		)	—			(1,337		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,158			(235		)	(610		)	(1,158		)	(845		)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from bank borrowings - homebuilding operations	—			130,400			—			—			130,400
Principal repayments of bank borrowings - homebuilding operations	—			(70,400		)	—			—			(70,400		)
Net proceeds from bank borrowings - financial services operations	—			—			(13,656		)	—			(13,656		)
Principal proceeds from notes payable - other and CDD bond obligations	—			(642		)	—			—			(642		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	61			—			—			—			61
Intercompany financing	—			(1,679		)	521			1,158			—
Dividends paid	(1,219		)	—			—			—			(1,219		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(1,158		)	57,679			(13,135		)	1,158			44,544
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			12,695			1,728			—			14,423
Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period	—			3,872			11,663			—			15,535
Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period	$	—		$	16,567		$	13,391		$	—		$	29,958
	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:
Net proceeds from bank borrowings - financial services operations	—			—			(28,497		)	—			(28,497		)
Principal proceeds from notes payable - other and CDD 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

StockBased_Compensation_StockB

Stock-Based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	NOTE 12. Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company has an equity compensation plan, the M/I Homes, Inc. 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2009 LTIP”) which has been amended from time to time. The 2009 LTIP was approved by our shareholders and is administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. Under the 2009 LTIP, 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 2,600,000 common shares, of which 970,346 remained available for grant at March 31, 2015.
	The 2009 LTIP replaced the M/I Homes, Inc. 1993 Stock Incentive Plan as Amended (the “1993 Plan”), which expired by its terms April 22, 2009. Awards outstanding under the 1993 Plan remain in effect in accordance with their respective terms.
	Stock Options
	On February 17, 2015, the Company awarded certain of its employees 386,500 (in the aggregate) nonqualified stock options at an exercise price of $21.28 (the closing price of our common shares on the New York Stock Exchange on such date) and related fair value of $11.07 that vest ratably over a five-year period. Total stock-based compensation expense related to stock option awards that was charged against income relating to the 2009 LTIP and the 1993 Plan was $0.9 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  As of March 31, 2015, there was a total of $10.5 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock option awards that will be recognized as stock-based compensation expense as the awards vest over a weighted average period of 2.3 years for the service awards.
	Performance Share Unit Awards
	On February 17, 2015, the Company awarded its executive officers (in the aggregate) a target number of performance share units (“PSU’s”) equal to 56,389 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”), and (b) the Company’s relative total 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”) 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 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. Additionally, the PSU’s have no dividend or voting rights during the Performance Period.
	The grant date fair value of the portion of the 2015 PSU’s subject to the Performance Condition and the Market Condition component was $21.28 and $18.92, respectively. In accordance with ASC 718, for the portion of the PSU’s subject to a Market Condition, stock-based compensation expense is derived using the Monte Carlo simulation methodology and is recognized ratably over the service period regardless of whether or not the attainment of the Market Condition is probable. Therefore, the Company recognized less than $0.1 million in stock-based compensation expense and there was a total of $0.5 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to the Market Condition portion of the 2015 and 2014 PSU awards as of March 31, 2015. For the portion of the PSU’s subject to a Performance Condition, we recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the Performance Period based on the probable outcome of the related Performance Condition. Otherwise, stock-based compensation expense recognition is deferred until probability is attained and a cumulative stock-based compensation expense adjustment is recorded and recognized ratably over the remaining service period. The Company reassesses the probability of the satisfaction of the Performance Condition on a quarterly basis, and stock-based compensation expense is adjusted based on the portion of the requisite service period that has passed. As of March 31, 2015, the Company had not recognized any stock-based compensation expense related to the Performance Condition portion of either the 2015 or 2014 PSU awards. If the Company achieves the target performance levels for the Performance Conditions to be met for both awards, the Company would record unrecognized stock-based compensation expense of $2.9 million as of March 31, 2015, for which $0.7 million would be immediately recognized had attainment been probable at March 31, 2015.

Inventory_and_Capitalized_Inte1

Inventory and Capitalized Interest Inventory (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	A summary of the Company’s inventory as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows:
	(In thousands)	March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Single-family lots, land and land development costs	$	470,317		$	463,198
	Land held for sale	4,374			10,647
	Homes under construction	403,965			371,119
	Model homes and furnishings - at cost (less accumulated depreciation: March 31, 2015 - $7,318;	55,341			46,780
	December 31, 2014 - $7,010)
	Community development district infrastructure	2,314			2,571
	Land purchase deposits	22,194			23,495
	Consolidated inventory not owned	565			779
	Total inventory	$	959,070		$	918,589
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Table Text Block]	The summary of capitalized interest for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014
	Capitalized interest, beginning of period	$	15,296		$	13,802
	Interest capitalized to inventory	3,785			3,250
	Capitalized interest charged to land and housing costs and expenses	(3,539		)	(3,108		)
	Capitalized interest, end of period	$	15,542		$	13,944
	Interest incurred	$	8,247		$	7,420

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	Description of Financial Instrument (in thousands)	March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Best efforts contracts and related committed IRLCs	$	3,289			$	3,072
	Uncommitted IRLCs	47,236				28,028
	FMBSs related to uncommitted IRLCs	47,000				41,000
	Best efforts contracts and related mortgage loans held for sale	12,281				61,233
	FMBSs related to mortgage loans held for sale	62,000				27,000
	Mortgage loans held for sale covered by FMBSs	61,563				26,825
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	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-15				(Level 1)				(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Mortgage loans held for sale	$	79,180			$	—			$	79,180		$	—
	Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities	(562		)		—				(562		)	—
	Interest rate lock commitments	634				—				634			—
	Best-efforts contracts	(107		)		—				(107		)	—
	Total	$	79,145			$	—			$	79,145		$	—
	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-14				(Level 1)				(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Mortgage loans held for sale	$	92,794			$	—			$	92,794		$	—
	Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities	(182		)		—				(182		)	—
	Interest rate lock commitments	288				—				288			—
	Best-efforts contracts	53				—				53			—
	Total	$	92,953			$	—			$	92,953		$	—
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 Income, on assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	Description (in thousands)	2015				2014
	Mortgage loans held for sale	$	358			$	2,788
	Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities	(380		)		(565		)
	Interest rate lock commitments	345				721
	Best-efforts contracts	(159		)		(413		)
	Total gain recognized	$	164			$	2,531
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-15						31-Mar-15
	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		$	—			Other liabilities		$	562
	Interest rate lock commitments		Other assets		634				Other liabilities		—
	Best-efforts contracts		Other assets		—				Other liabilities		107
	Total fair value measurements				$	634					$	669
			Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
			31-Dec-14						31-Dec-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		$	—			Other liabilities		$	182
	Interest rate lock commitments		Other assets		288				Other liabilities		—
	Best-efforts contracts		Other assets		58				Other liabilities		5
	Total fair value measurements				$	346					$	187
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014. 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, 2015								December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)		Carrying Amount				Fair Value				Carrying Amount			Fair Value
	Assets:
	Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		$	36,098			$	36,098			$	22,486		$	22,486
	Mortgage loans held for sale		79,180				79,180				92,794			92,794
	Split dollar life insurance policies		202				202				187			187
	Notes receivable		3,765				3,454				4,288			3,793
	Commitments to extend real estate loans		634				634				289			289
	Best-efforts contracts for committed IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale		—				—				58			58
	Liabilities:
	Notes payable - homebuilding operations		90,000				90,000				30,000			30,000
	Notes payable - financial services operations		71,723				71,723				85,379			85,379
	Notes payable - other		8,876				8,644				9,518			9,089
	Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017		57,500				67,634				57,500			67,634
	Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018		86,250				87,328				86,250			87,544
	Senior notes due 2018		228,569				238,625				228,469			239,488
	Best-efforts contracts for committed IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale		107				107				—			—
	Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities		562				562				182			182
	Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
	Letters of credit		—				646				—			881

Guarantees_and_Indemnification1

Guarantees and Indemnifications Guarantees and Indemnifications (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Warranty Accrual Rollforward [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]	A summary of warranty activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014
	Warranty reserves, beginning of period	$	12,671		$	12,291
	Warranty expense on homes delivered during the period	1,539			1,359
	Changes in estimates for pre-existing warranties	263			238
	Settlements made during the period	(2,922		)	(2,119		)
	Warranty reserves, end of period	$	11,551		$	11,769

Earnings_per_Share_Earnings_pe

Earnings per Share Earnings per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2015			2014
	NUMERATOR
	Net income	$	9,568		$	12,632
	Preferred stock dividends	(1,219		)	(1,219		)
	Net income to common shareholders	8,349			11,413
	Interest on 3.25% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017	373			358
	Interest on 3.00% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018	503			482
	Diluted income available to common shareholders	$	9,225		$	12,253
	DENOMINATOR
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	24,514			24,417
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock option awards	219			239
	Deferred compensation awards	157			129
	3.25% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017	2,416			2,416
	3.00% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018	2,669			2,669
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding - adjusted for assumed conversions	29,975			29,870
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	0.34		$	0.47
	Diluted	$	0.31		$	0.41
	Anti-dilutive equity awards not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share	1,366			1,154

Business_Segments_Business_Seg

Business Segments Business Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Segments [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	The following table shows, by segment: revenue, operating income and interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014
	Revenue:
	Midwest homebuilding	$	85,217		$	79,604
	Southern homebuilding	98,555			80,200
	Mid-Atlantic homebuilding	71,289			67,172
	Financial services (a)	8,098			7,865
	Total revenue	$	263,159		$	234,841
	Operating income:
	Midwest homebuilding	$	7,796		$	7,243
	Southern homebuilding	8,591			5,877
	Mid-Atlantic homebuilding	4,760			4,793
	Financial services (a)	5,324			5,026
	Less: Corporate selling, general and administrative expense	(6,515		)	(6,346		)
	Total operating income	$	19,956		$	16,593
	Interest expense:
	Midwest homebuilding	$	1,324		$	1,269
	Southern homebuilding	1,774			1,591
	Mid-Atlantic homebuilding	1,033			995
	Financial services (a)	331			315
	Total interest expense	$	4,462		$	4,170
	Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	(198		)	(62		)
	Income before income taxes	$	15,692		$	12,485
	(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.
	The following tables show total assets by segment at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
		March 31, 2015
	(In thousands)	Midwest			Southern			Mid-Atlantic		Corporate, Financial Services and Unallocated		Total
	Deposits on real estate under option or contract	$	4,426		$	13,894		$	3,874	$	—	$	22,194
	Inventory (a)	301,790			368,092			266,994		—		936,876
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	1,866			27,583			—		—		29,449
	Other assets	9,020			21,025			7,748		224,452		262,245
	Total assets	$	317,102		$	430,594		$	278,616	$	224,452	$	1,250,764
		December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)	Midwest			Southern			Mid-Atlantic		Corporate, Financial Services and Unallocated		Total
	Deposits on real estate under option or contract	$	4,573		$	14,752		$	4,170	$	—	$	23,495
	Inventory (a)	303,037			331,938			260,119		—		895,094
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	1,764			26,005			—		—		27,769
	Other assets	7,933			16,829			7,536		232,754		265,052
	Total assets	$	317,307		$	389,524		$	271,825	$	232,754	$	1,211,410
	(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, 2015
Supplemental Guarantor Information [Abstract]
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Operations [Table Text Block]
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
			Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	(In thousands)		M/I Homes, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Unrestricted Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Revenue		$	—		$	255,062		$	8,097		$	—		$	263,159
	Costs and expenses:
	Land and housing		—			206,183			—			—			206,183
	General and administrative		—			16,386			2,948			—			19,334
	Selling		—			17,686			—			—			17,686
	Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures		—			—			(198		)	—			(198		)
	Interest		—			4,131			331			—			4,462
	Total costs and expenses		—			244,386			3,081			—			247,467
	Income before income taxes		—			10,676			5,016			—			15,692
	Provision for income taxes		—			4,392			1,732			—			6,124
	Equity in subsidiaries		9,568			—			—			(9,568		)	—
	Net income		9,568			6,284			3,284			(9,568		)	9,568
	Preferred dividends		1,219			—			—			—			1,219
	Net income to common shareholders		$	8,349		$	6,284		$	3,284		$	(9,568	)	$	8,349
			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		12,632			9,679			2,953			(12,632		)	12,632
	Preferred dividends		1,219			—			—			—			1,219
	Net income to common shareholders		$	11,413		$	9,679		$	2,953		$	(12,632	)	$	11,413
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
			March 31, 2015
	(In thousands)		M/I Homes, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Unrestricted Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	—		$	16,567		$	13,391		$	—		$	29,958
	Restricted cash		—			6,140			—			—			6,140
	Mortgage loans held for sale		—			—			79,180			—			79,180
	Inventory		—			959,070			—			—			959,070
	Property and equipment - net		—			10,796			285			—			11,081
	Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures		—			15,868			13,581			—			29,449
	Deferred income taxes, net of valuation allowances		—			88,492			256			—			88,748
	Investment in subsidiaries		586,036			—			—			(586,036		)	—
	Intercompany assets		331,314			—			—			(331,314		)	—
	Other assets		8,582			27,246			11,310			—			47,138
	TOTAL ASSETS		$	925,932		$	1,124,179		$	118,003		$	(917,350	)	$	1,250,764
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	LIABILITIES:
	Accounts payable		$	—		$	69,214		$	238		$	—		$	69,452
	Customer deposits		—			15,352			—			—			15,352
	Intercompany liabilities		—			314,898			16,416			(331,314		)	—
	Other liabilities		—			61,001			5,815			—			66,816
	Community development district obligations		—			2,314			—			—			2,314
	Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned		—			299			—			—			299
	Notes payable bank - homebuilding operations		—			90,000			—			—			90,000
	Notes payable bank - financial services operations		—			—			71,723			—			71,723
	Notes payable - other		—			8,876			—			—			8,876
	Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017		57,500			—			—			—			57,500
	Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018		86,250			—			—			—			86,250
	Senior notes		228,569			—			—			—			228,569
	TOTAL LIABILITIES		372,319			561,954			94,192			(331,314		)	697,151
	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		553,613			562,225			23,811			(586,036		)	553,613
	TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		$	925,932		$	1,124,179		$	118,003		$	(917,350	)	$	1,250,764
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
			December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)		M/I Homes, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Unrestricted Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	—		$	3,872		$	11,663		$	—		$	15,535
	Restricted cash		—			6,951			—			—			6,951
	Mortgage loans held for sale		—			—			92,794			—			92,794
	Inventory		—			918,589			—			—			918,589
	Property and equipment - net		—			11,189			301			—			11,490
	Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures		—			15,033			12,736			—			27,769
	Deferred income taxes, net of valuation allowances		—			94,088			324			—			94,412
	Investment in subsidiaries		576,468			—			—			(576,468		)	—
	Intercompany assets		330,786			—			—			(330,786		)	—
	Other assets		9,260			24,378			10,232			—			43,870
	TOTAL ASSETS		$	916,514		$	1,074,100		$	128,050		$	(907,254	)	$	1,211,410
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	LIABILITIES:
	Accounts payable		$	—		$	74,344		$	994		$	—		$	75,338
	Customer deposits		—			11,759			—			—			11,759
	Intercompany liabilities		—			314,946			15,840			(330,786		)	—
	Other liabilities		—			74,413			5,310			—			79,723
	Community development district obligations		—			2,571			—			—			2,571
	Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned		—			608			—			—			608
	Notes payable bank - homebuilding operations		—			30,000			—			—			30,000
	Notes payable bank - financial services operations		—			—			85,379			—			85,379
	Notes payable - other		—			9,518			—			—			9,518
	Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017		57,500			—			—			—			57,500
	Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018		86,250			—			—			—			86,250
	Senior notes		228,469			—			—			—			228,469
	TOTAL LIABILITIES		372,219			518,159			107,523			(330,786		)	667,115
	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		544,295			555,941			20,527			(576,468		)	544,295
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		$	916,514		$	1,074,100		$	128,050		$	(907,254	)	$	1,211,410
Schedule Of Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Cash Flows [Table Text Block]
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	(In thousands)	M/I Homes, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Unrestricted Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
	Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	—		$	(44,749	)	$	15,473		$	—		$	(29,276	)
	INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Restricted cash	—			603			—			—			603
	Purchase of property and equipment	—			(97		)	(14		)	—			(111		)
	Intercompany investing	1,158			—			—			(1,158		)	—
	Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	—			(741		)	(596		)	—			(1,337		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,158			(235		)	(610		)	(1,158		)	(845		)
	FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Proceeds from bank borrowings - homebuilding operations	—			130,400			—			—			130,400
	Principal repayments of bank borrowings - homebuilding operations	—			(70,400		)	—			—			(70,400		)
	Net proceeds from bank borrowings - financial services operations	—			—			(13,656		)	—			(13,656		)
	Principal proceeds from notes payable - other and CDD bond obligations	—			(642		)	—			—			(642		)
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options	61			—			—			—			61
	Intercompany financing	—			(1,679		)	521			1,158			—
	Dividends paid	(1,219		)	—			—			—			(1,219		)
	Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(1,158		)	57,679			(13,135		)	1,158			44,544
	Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			12,695			1,728			—			14,423
	Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period	—			3,872			11,663			—			15,535
	Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period	$	—		$	16,567		$	13,391		$	—		$	29,958
		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:
	Net proceeds from bank borrowings - financial services operations	—			—			(28,497		)	—			(28,497		)
	Principal proceeds from notes payable - other and CDD 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

Inventory_and_Capitalized_Inte2

Inventory and Capitalized Interest Inventory (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Abstract]
Single-family lots, land and land development costs	$470,317	$463,198
Land held for sale	4,374	10,647
Homes under construction	403,965	371,119
Model homes and furnishings - at cost (less accumulated depreciation: March 31, 2015 - $7,318; December 31, 2014 - $7,010)	55,341	46,780
Community development district infrastructure	2,314	2,571
Land Purchase Deposits	22,194	23,495
Consolidated Inventory Not Owned	565	779
Total Inventory	$959,070	$918,589

Inventory_and_Capitalized_Inte3

Inventory and Capitalized Interest Inventory Parentheticals (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Parantheticals - Inventory [Abstract]
Model Home Accumulated Depreciation	$7,318	$7,010

Inventory_and_Capitalized_Inte4

Inventory and Capitalized Interest Other Inventory Items - Homes under construction not subject to a sale contract (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Other Inventory, Gross [Abstract]
Number of Speculative Homes	872	979
Speculative Homes Carrying Value	$169.60	$186.70

Inventory_and_Capitalized_Inte5

Inventory and Capitalized Interest Capitalized Interest (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Capitalized Interest [Abstract]
Real Estate Inventory, Capitalized Interest Costs	$15,542	$13,944	$15,296	$13,802
Interest capitalized to inventory	3,785	3,250
Capitalized interest charged to land and housing costs and expenses	-3,539	-3,108
Interest incurred	$8,247	$7,420

Investment_in_Unconsolidated_J1

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Increase in Investments in Unconsolidated JVs and other joint agreements	$1,600,000
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	29,449,000	27,769,000
Limited Partners' Contributed Capital	29,400,000
Notes Receivable, Related Parties	2,500,000
Capitalized Interest and Other Costs Included in Investment in Unconsolidated LLCs	$245,000	$245,000
Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	61.00%
Minimum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	25.00%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Notion

Fair Value Measurements Notional Amount of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]
Best efforts contracts and related committed IRLCs	$3,289	$3,072
Uncommitted IRLCs	47,236	28,028
FMBSs related to uncommitted IRLCs	47,000	41,000
Best efforts contracts and related mortgage loans held for sale	12,281	61,233
FMBSs related to mortgage loans held for sale	62,000	27,000
Mortgage loans held for sale covered by FMBSs	$61,563	$26,825

Fair_Value_Measurements_Assets

Fair Value Measurements Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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	$79,145	$92,953
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	79,145	92,953
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	79,180	92,794
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	79,180	92,794
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	-562	-182
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	-562	-182
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	634	288
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	634	288
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	-107	53
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	-107	53
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, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Financial Instrument [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain On Assets and Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis	$164	$2,531
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale [Member]
Financial Instrument [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain On Assets and Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis	358	2,788
Forward Sales or Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Financial Instrument [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain On Assets and Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis	-380	-565
Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member]
Financial Instrument [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain On Assets and Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis	345	721
Best Efforts Contracts [Member]
Financial Instrument [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain On Assets and Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis	($159)	($413)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Balanc

Fair Value Measurements Balance Sheet Location of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Assets [Member]
Financial Insturments, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial Instrument, Fair Value	$634	$346
Other Liabilities [Member]
Financial Insturments, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	669	187
Forward Sales or Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Financial Insturments, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial Instrument, Fair Value	0	0
Forward Sales or Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Financial Insturments, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	562	182
Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Financial Insturments, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial Instrument, Fair Value	634	288
Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Financial Insturments, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Best Efforts Contracts [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Financial Insturments, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial Instrument, Fair Value	0	58
Best Efforts Contracts [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Financial Insturments, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	$107	$5

Fair_Value_Measurements_Financ

Fair Value Measurements Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
ASSETS:
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$36,098	$22,486
Mortgage loans held for sale	79,180	92,794
Split dollar life insurance policies	202	187
Notes receivable	3,765	4,288
Commitments to extend real estate loans (assets)	634	289
Best efforts contracts for committed IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale - fair value disclosures (assets)	0	58
LIABILITIES:
Notes Payable - Homebuilding Fair Value Disclosure	90,000	30,000
Notes Payable - Financial Services Fair Value Disclosure	71,723	85,379
Notes payable - other	8,876	9,518
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017 - Fair Value Disclosure	57,500	57,500
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018 - Fair Value Disclosure	86,250	86,250
Senior notes	228,569	228,469
Best efforts contracts for committed IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale	107	0
Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities	562	182
Off-Balance Sheet Letters of Credit	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
ASSETS:
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	36,098	22,486
Mortgage loans held for sale	79,180	92,794
Split dollar life insurance policies	202	187
Notes receivable	3,454	3,793
Commitments to extend real estate loans (assets)	634	289
Best efforts contracts for committed IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale - fair value disclosures (assets)	0	58
LIABILITIES:
Notes Payable - Homebuilding Fair Value Disclosure	90,000	30,000
Notes Payable - Financial Services Fair Value Disclosure	71,723	85,379
Notes payable - other	8,644	9,089
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017 - Fair Value Disclosure	67,634	67,634
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018 - Fair Value Disclosure	87,328	87,544
Senior notes	238,625	239,488
Best efforts contracts for committed IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale	107	0
Forward sales of mortgage-backed securities	562	182
Off-Balance Sheet Letters of Credit	$646	$881

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V1

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value of Financial Instrument Assumptions (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value of Financial Instrument Assumptions [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Potential Commitments, Amount	$35	$33.60
First Amendment to New Unsecured Credit Facility [Member]
Fair Value of Financial Instrument Assumptions [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	300
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

Guarantees_and_Indemnification2

Guarantees and Indemnifications Warranty Rollforward (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Warranty Accrual Rollforward [Abstract]
Warranty reserves, beginning of period	$12,671	$12,291
Warranty expense on homes delivered during the period	1,539	1,359
Changes in estimates for pre-existing warranties	263	238
Settlements made during the period	-2,922	-2,119
Warranty reserves, end of period	$11,551	$11,769

Guarantees_and_Indemnification3

Guarantees and Indemnifications Guarantees (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes	$228,569,000	$228,469,000
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017	57,500,000	57,500,000
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018	86,250,000	86,250,000
Total of Loans Covered by Guarantees	15,500,000	33,400,000
Total of Guaranteed Loans Inquired About	5,400,000	9,100,000
Total Loans Indemnified to third parties	2,000,000	2,000,000
Loan Repurchase Guarantee Liability	2,500,000	2,900,000
2018 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	8.63%
2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.25%
2018 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.00%
Face Value [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes	$230,000,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Letters of credit and completion bonds	$125.70
Performance bonds outstanding	78.4
Performance letters of credit outstanding	22.4
Financial letters of credit	12.6
Financial letters of credit representing deposits on land and lot purchase agreements	6.6
Financial Bonds	12.3
Unrecorded conditional purchase obligation	$416.50

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies Legal Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Amount Reserved for Legal Expenses	$0.30	$0.20

Debt_Debt_Details

Debt Debt (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount	$419,200,000
Notes payable bank - homebuilding operations	90,000,000	30,000,000
letters of credit outstanding under credit facility	29,100,000
Maximum borrowing availability subject to limit	180,900,000
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	3,800,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding Under Letter of Credit Facilities	5,900,000	6,500,000
Restricted Cash for Secured Letter of Credit Agreements	6,000,000	6,600,000
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
First Amendment to New Unsecured Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	300,000,000
Sub-limit for letters of credit	125,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$400,000,000
Maximum [Member] | New Unsecured Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis Points Spread on Variable Rate - Credit Facility	250
Minimum [Member] | New Unsecured Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis Points Spread on Variable Rate - Credit Facility	150

Debt_MIF_Warehousing_Agreement

Debt MIF Warehousing Agreement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Borrowing Availability under all Credit Lines	$125,000,000
Notes payable bank - financial service operations	71,723,000	85,379,000
Warehousing Agreement - First Amendment to Amended and Restated [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Borrowing Capacity under MIF Warehousing Line	110,000,000
Optional increase in borrowing availability	20,000,000
Aggreate Maximum Principal Amount Permitted to be Outstanding Under All Warehousing Credit Lines	150,000,000
Minimum Net Worth Required for Compliance	11,000,000
Minimum required liquidity for compliance	5,500,000
LIBOR basis points	275
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	3.00%
Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Borrowing Capacity under MIF Warehousing Line	$15,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR basis points	275
Maximum [Member] | Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR basis points	300

Debt_Senior_Notes_Details

Debt Senior Notes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		24 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Nov. 14, 2016	Nov. 14, 2015	Nov. 15, 2018	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes	$228,569,000				$228,469,000
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018	86,250,000				86,250,000
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017	57,500,000				57,500,000
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed		102.16%	104.31%	100.00%
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	9.75%
Restricted Payments Basket	150,500,000				148,600,000
2018 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	8.63%
2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.25%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio	42.0159
Debt Instrument Convertible Principal Amount Used In Conversion Rate Calculation	1,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price	$23.80
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other	2.4
2018 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.00%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio	30.9478
Debt Instrument Convertible Principal Amount Used In Conversion Rate Calculation	1,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price	$32.31
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other	2.7
Face Value [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes	230,000,000
Base of restricted payments basket income calculation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other Restrictions on Payment of Dividends	$40,000,000
Percentage of our aggregate consolidated net income added to base amount of calculation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percent restrictions on payment of dividends	50.00%
Percentage of our aggregate consolidated net income subtracted from base amount of calculation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percent restrictions on payment of dividends	100.00%
Percentage of net cash proceeds from sale of qualified equity interests added to base and income/loss amount in calculation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percent restrictions on payment of dividends	100.00%

Debt_Notes_Payable_Other_Detai

Debt Notes Payable Other (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable - other	$8,876,000	$9,518,000
Secured Debt	$4,200,000	$4,300,000
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, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share Calculation [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$9,568	$12,632
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Preferred Dividends	-1,219	-1,219
Net income to common shareholders	8,349	11,413
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted	9,225	12,253
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	24,514	24,417
Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Stock Options	219	239
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Deferred Compensation	157	129
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	29,975	29,870
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$0.34	$0.47
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$0.31	$0.41
Anti-dilutive stock equivalent awards not included in the calculation of diluted loss per share	1,366	1,154
2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax	373	358
Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Debt Securities	2,416	2,416
2018 Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax	$503	$482
Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Debt Securities	2,669	2,669

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Narrat

Income Taxes Income Tax (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
	Rate	Rate
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	$6,124	($147)
Deferred tax asset valuation allowances	$0	($5,327)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	39.00%	-1.20%

Income_Taxes_Net_Operating_Los

Income Taxes Net Operating Loss Carryforwards (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$11.40
Expiring between 2015 and 2027 [Member] | State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	6.4
Expiring beginning in 2028 [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	45.7
Federal Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	7.2
Expiring between 2028 and 2033 [Member] | State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$5

Business_Segments_Business_Seg1

Business Segments Business Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$263,159	$234,841
Operating Income (Loss)	19,956	16,593
Interest	4,462	4,170
Equity in loss (income) of unconsolidated joint ventures	-198	-62
Income (loss) before income taxes	15,692	12,485
Midwest Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Homebuilding revenue	85,217	79,604
Operating Income (Loss)	7,796	7,243
Interest	1,324	1,269
Southern Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Homebuilding revenue	98,555	80,200
Operating Income (Loss)	8,591	5,877
Interest	1,774	1,591
Mid-Atlantic Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Homebuilding revenue	71,289	67,172
Operating Income (Loss)	4,760	4,793
Interest	1,033	995
Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Financial services revenue	8,098	7,865
Operating Income (Loss)	5,324	5,026
Interest	331	315
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	($6,515)	($6,346)

Business_Segments_Business_Seg2

Business Segments Business Segments - Assets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Deposits on real estate under option or contract	$22,194	$23,495
Inventory	936,876	895,094
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	29,449	27,769
Other assets	262,245	265,052
Total assets	1,250,764	1,211,410
Midwest Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Deposits on real estate under option or contract	4,426	4,573
Inventory	301,790	303,037
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	1,866	1,764
Other assets	9,020	7,933
Total assets	317,102	317,307
Southern Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Deposits on real estate under option or contract	13,894	14,752
Inventory	368,092	331,938
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	27,583	26,005
Other assets	21,025	16,829
Total assets	430,594	389,524
Mid-Atlantic Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Deposits on real estate under option or contract	3,874	4,170
Inventory	266,994	260,119
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0
Other assets	7,748	7,536
Total assets	278,616	271,825
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	224,452	232,754
Total assets	$224,452	$232,754

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa2

Supplemental Guarantor Information Supplemental Guarantor Information - Income Statement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenue	$263,159	$234,841
Land and housing	206,183	183,964
General and administrative	19,334	18,315
Selling	17,686	15,969
Equity in loss (income) of unconsolidated joint ventures	-198	-62
Interest	4,462	4,170
Total costs and expenses	247,467	222,356
Income before income taxes	15,692	12,485
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	6,124	-147
Equity In subsidiaries	0	0
Net income (loss)	9,568	12,632
Preferred Dividends	1,219	1,219
Net income to common shareholders	8,349	11,413
Parent [Member]
Revenue	0	0
Land and housing	0	0
General and administrative	0	0
Selling	0	0
Equity in loss (income) of unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0
Interest	0	0
Total costs and expenses	0	0
Income before income taxes	0	0
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	0	0
Equity In subsidiaries	9,568	12,632
Net income (loss)	9,568	12,632
Preferred Dividends	1,219	1,219
Net income to common shareholders	8,349	11,413
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Revenue	255,062	226,976
Land and housing	206,183	183,964
General and administrative	16,386	15,291
Selling	17,686	15,969
Equity in loss (income) of unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0
Interest	4,131	3,854
Total costs and expenses	244,386	219,078
Income before income taxes	10,676	7,898
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	4,392	-1,781
Equity In subsidiaries	0	0
Net income (loss)	6,284	9,679
Preferred Dividends	0	0
Net income to common shareholders	6,284	9,679
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Revenue	8,097	7,865
Land and housing	0	0
General and administrative	2,948	3,024
Selling	0	0
Equity in loss (income) of unconsolidated joint ventures	-198	-62
Interest	331	316
Total costs and expenses	3,081	3,278
Income before income taxes	5,016	4,587
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	1,732	1,634
Equity In subsidiaries	0	0
Net income (loss)	3,284	2,953
Preferred Dividends	0	0
Net income to common shareholders	3,284	2,953
Corporate Elimination [Member]
Revenue	0	0
Land and housing	0	0
General and administrative	0	0
Selling	0	0
Equity in loss (income) of unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0
Interest	0	0
Total costs and expenses	0	0
Income before income taxes	0	0
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	0	0
Equity In subsidiaries	-9,568	-12,632
Net income (loss)	-9,568	-12,632
Preferred Dividends	0	0
Net income to common shareholders	($9,568)	($12,632)

Supplemental_Guarantor_Informa3

Supplemental Guarantor Information Supplemental Guarantor Information - Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$29,958	$15,535	$89,360	$128,725
Restricted cash	6,140	6,951
Mortgage loans held for sale	79,180	92,794
Inventory	959,070	918,589
Property and equipment - net	11,081	11,490
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	29,449	27,769
Deferred Income taxes	88,748	94,412
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Intercompany	0	0
Other assets	47,138	43,870
TOTAL ASSETS	1,250,764	1,211,410
LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	69,452	75,338
Customer deposits	15,352	11,759
Intercompany liabilities	0	0
Other liabilities	66,816	79,723
Community development district (“CDD”) obligations	2,314	2,571
Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned	299	608
Notes payable bank - homebuilding operations	90,000	30,000
Notes payable bank - financial service operations	71,723	85,379
Notes payable - other	8,876	9,518
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017	57,500	57,500
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018	86,250	86,250
Senior notes	228,569	228,469
TOTAL LIABILITIES	697,151	667,115
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	553,613	544,295
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	1,250,764	1,211,410
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
Deferred Income taxes	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	586,036	576,468
Intercompany	331,314	330,786
Other assets	8,582	9,260
TOTAL ASSETS	925,932	916,514
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
Notes payable bank - homebuilding operations	0	0
Notes payable bank - financial service operations	0	0
Notes payable - other	0	0
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017	57,500	57,500
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018	86,250	86,250
Senior notes	228,569	228,469
TOTAL LIABILITIES	372,319	372,219
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	553,613	544,295
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	925,932	916,514
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	16,567	3,872	75,221	113,407
Restricted cash	6,140	6,951
Mortgage loans held for sale	0	0
Inventory	959,070	918,589
Property and equipment - net	10,796	11,189
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	15,868	15,033
Deferred Income taxes	88,492	94,088
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Intercompany	0	0
Other assets	27,246	24,378
TOTAL ASSETS	1,124,179	1,074,100
LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	69,214	74,344
Customer deposits	15,352	11,759
Intercompany liabilities	314,898	314,946
Other liabilities	61,001	74,413
Community development district (“CDD”) obligations	2,314	2,571
Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned	299	608
Notes payable bank - homebuilding operations	90,000	30,000
Notes payable bank - financial service operations	0	0
Notes payable - other	8,876	9,518
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017	0	0
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018	0	0
Senior notes	0	0
TOTAL LIABILITIES	561,954	518,159
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	562,225	555,941
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	1,124,179	1,074,100
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	13,391	11,663	14,139	15,318
Restricted cash	0	0
Mortgage loans held for sale	79,180	92,794
Inventory	0	0
Property and equipment - net	285	301
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	13,581	12,736
Deferred Income taxes	256	324
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Intercompany	0	0
Other assets	11,310	10,232
TOTAL ASSETS	118,003	128,050
LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	238	994
Customer deposits	0	0
Intercompany liabilities	16,416	15,840
Other liabilities	5,815	5,310
Community development district (“CDD”) obligations	0	0
Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned	0	0
Notes payable bank - homebuilding operations	0	0
Notes payable bank - financial service operations	71,723	85,379
Notes payable - other	0	0
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017	0	0
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018	0	0
Senior notes	0	0
TOTAL LIABILITIES	94,192	107,523
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	23,811	20,527
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	118,003	128,050
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
Deferred Income taxes	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	-586,036	-576,468
Intercompany	-331,314	-330,786
Other assets	0	0
TOTAL ASSETS	-917,350	-907,254
LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	0	0
Customer deposits	0	0
Intercompany liabilities	-331,314	-330,786
Other liabilities	0	0
Community development district (“CDD”) obligations	0	0
Obligation for consolidated inventory not owned	0	0
Notes payable bank - homebuilding operations	0	0
Notes payable bank - financial service operations	0	0
Notes payable - other	0	0
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2017	0	0
Convertible senior subordinated notes due 2018	0	0
Senior notes	0	0
TOTAL LIABILITIES	-331,314	-330,786
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	-586,036	-576,468
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	($917,350)	($907,254)

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, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	($29,276)	($2,103)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Change in restricted cash	603	2,395
Purchase of property and equipment	-111	-400
Intercompany Investing	0
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	-1,337	-10,874
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-845	-8,879
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Proceeds from bank borrowings - homebuilding operations	130,400	0
Repayments of bank borrowings - homebuilding operations	-70,400	0
Net proceeds from (Repayments of) bank borrowings - financial services operations	-13,656	-28,497
Principal repayments of note payable-other and community development district bond obligations	-642	-33
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	61	1,366
Intercompany Financing	0	0
Dividends paid	-1,219	-1,219
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	44,544	-28,383
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	14,423	-39,365
Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period	15,535	128,725
Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period	29,958	89,360
Parent [Member]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	0	3,000
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Change in restricted cash	0	0
Purchase of property and equipment	0	0
Intercompany Investing	1,158
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,158	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Proceeds from bank borrowings - homebuilding operations	0
Repayments of bank borrowings - homebuilding operations	0
Net proceeds from (Repayments of) bank borrowings - financial services operations	0	0
Principal repayments of note payable-other and community development district bond obligations	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	61	1,366
Intercompany Financing	0	-3,147
Dividends paid	-1,219	-1,219
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-1,158	-3,000
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	-44,749	-31,968
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Change in restricted cash	603	2,395
Purchase of property and equipment	-97	-363
Intercompany Investing	0
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	-741	-9,289
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-235	-7,257
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Proceeds from bank borrowings - homebuilding operations	130,400
Repayments of bank borrowings - homebuilding operations	-70,400
Net proceeds from (Repayments of) bank borrowings - financial services operations	0	0
Principal repayments of note payable-other and community development district bond obligations	-642	-33
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	0
Intercompany Financing	-1,679	1,072
Dividends paid	0	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	57,679	1,039
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	12,695	-38,186
Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period	3,872	113,407
Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period	16,567	75,221
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	15,473	29,865
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Change in restricted cash	0	0
Purchase of property and equipment	-14	-37
Intercompany Investing	0
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	-596	-1,585
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-610	-1,622
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Proceeds from bank borrowings - homebuilding operations	0
Repayments of bank borrowings - homebuilding operations	0
Net proceeds from (Repayments of) bank borrowings - financial services operations	-13,656	-28,497
Principal repayments of note payable-other and community development district bond obligations	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	0
Intercompany Financing	521	2,075
Dividends paid	0	-3,000
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-13,135	-29,422
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,728	-1,179
Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period	11,663	15,318
Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period	13,391	14,139
Corporate Elimination [Member]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	0	-3,000
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Change in restricted cash	0	0
Purchase of property and equipment	0	0
Intercompany Investing	-1,158
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-1,158	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Proceeds from bank borrowings - homebuilding operations	0
Repayments of bank borrowings - homebuilding operations	0
Net proceeds from (Repayments of) bank borrowings - financial services operations	0	0
Principal repayments of note payable-other and community development district bond obligations	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	0
Intercompany Financing	1,158	0
Dividends paid	0	3,000
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	1,158	3,000
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

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	2,600,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	970,346
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	386,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$21.28
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$11.07
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$900,000	$700,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	10,500,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 3 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	56,389
Percentage weight of PSUs related to performance condition	80.00%
Percentage weight of PSUs related to market condition	20.00%
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	21.28
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options	700,000
Compensation expense to be recognized over 3-year period at Target level	2,900,000
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	18.92
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	100,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options	$500,000