Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Reconciliation of Pretax Operating Income from Segments to Consolidated (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	$ 23,885	$ 23,924	$ 34,026	$ 18,640	$ 34,318	$ 34,909	$ 38,012	$ 22,586	$ 100,475	$ 129,825	$ 61,115
Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									63,071	65,672	27,076
Homebuilding [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									39,343	52,392	24,302
Homebuilding [Member] | East [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									10,730	19,590	11,011
Homebuilding [Member] | Corporate Subsegment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									(37,340)	(37,331)	(29,772)
Homebuilding [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									75,804	100,323	32,617
Financial Services [Member] | Mortgage Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									14,034	21,608	23,939
Financial Services [Member] | Other Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									10,637	7,894	4,559
Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									$ 24,671	$ 29,502	$ 28,498