Note 20 - Supplemental Guarantor Information (Details) - Supplemental Condensed Combining Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ (96,272)	$ (146,243)
Net cash used in investing activities	82,925	(89,011)
Financing activities:
Mortgage repurchase facility	(30,876)	(27,479)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes	248,375	346,938
Repayment of senior notes	(259,118)
Advances on revolving credit facility, net	10,000
Dividend payments	(24,412)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	71	5,118
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(55,960)	324,577
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	(69,307)	89,323
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	199,338	160,095
End of period	130,031	249,418
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash used in investing activities	74,094	190,647
Financing activities:
Intercompany advances (repayments)	(74,094)	(190,647)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(74,094)	(190,647)
MDC Holdings [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(26,472)	14,053
Net cash used in investing activities	3,390	(287,067)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes	248,375	346,938
Repayment of senior notes	(259,118)
Advances on revolving credit facility, net	10,000
Dividend payments	(24,412)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	71	5,118
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(25,084)	352,056
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	(48,166)	79,042
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	145,180	125,904
End of period	97,014	204,946
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(110,958)	(261,545)
Net cash used in investing activities	(223)	(629)
Financing activities:
Intercompany advances (repayments)	110,863	262,803
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	110,863	262,803
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	(318)	629
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	3,454	3,308
End of period	3,136	3,937
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	41,158	101,249
Net cash used in investing activities	5,664	8,038
Financing activities:
Intercompany advances (repayments)	(36,769)	(72,156)
Mortgage repurchase facility	(30,876)	(27,479)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(67,645)	(99,635)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	(20,823)	9,652
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	50,704	30,883
End of period	$ 29,881	$ 40,535