Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Marketable Securities (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Homebuilding:
Amortized Cost	$ 455,076	$ 575,498
OTTI	(4,293)
Net Amortized Cost	450,783	575,498
Fair Value	454,639	588,067
Equity Securities [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding:
Amortized Cost	417,688	375,142
OTTI	(4,293)
Net Amortized Cost	413,395	375,142
Fair Value	417,242	385,303
Equity Securities [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Homebuilding:
Amortized Cost	9,028	4,000
Net Amortized Cost	9,028	4,000
Fair Value	9,211	4,020
Debt Securities [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding:
Amortized Cost	20,426	181,635
Net Amortized Cost	20,426	181,635
Fair Value	20,202	183,718
Debt Securities [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Homebuilding:
Amortized Cost	7,934	14,721
Net Amortized Cost	7,934	14,721
Fair Value	7,984	15,026
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding:
Amortized Cost	438,114	556,777
OTTI	(4,293)
Net Amortized Cost	433,821	556,777
Fair Value	437,444	569,021
Financial Services [Member]
Homebuilding:
Amortized Cost	16,962	18,721
Net Amortized Cost	16,962	18,721
Fair Value	$ 17,195	$ 19,046