Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Total Assets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Homebuilding assets
Total Assets	$ 2,595,449	$ 1,945,441
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | West [Member]
Homebuilding assets
Total Assets	760,450	459,807
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Homebuilding assets
Total Assets	418,796	332,939
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | East [Member]
Homebuilding assets
Total Assets	297,627	274,199
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Corporate Segment [Member]
Homebuilding assets
Total Assets	951,809	692,500
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding assets
Total Assets	2,428,682	1,759,445
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Mortgage Operations [Member]
Homebuilding assets
Total Assets	99,065	122,941
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Other Financial Services [Member]
Homebuilding assets
Total Assets	67,702	63,055
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Homebuilding assets
Total Assets	166,767	185,996
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding assets
Total Assets	2,428,682	1,759,445
Financial Services [Member]
Homebuilding assets
Total Assets	$ 166,767	$ 185,996