Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]
Homebuilding
Homebuilding Revenues	$ 184,627	$ 188,456	$ 510,710	$ 487,949
Homebuilding [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Homebuilding
Homebuilding Revenues	144,442	134,992	392,052	402,137
Homebuilding [Member] | East [Member]
Homebuilding
Homebuilding Revenues	78,635	110,270	254,737	277,514
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding
Homebuilding Revenues	407,704	433,718	1,157,499	1,167,600
Financial Services [Member] | Mortgage Operations [Member]
Financial Services
Financial Services Revenues	6,416	9,694	18,887	29,232
Financial Services [Member] | Other Financial Services [Member]
Financial Services
Financial Services Revenues	4,283	4,588	12,526	11,440
Financial Services [Member]
Financial Services
Financial Services Revenues	$ 10,699	$ 14,282	$ 31,413	$ 40,672