Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding
Homebuilding Revenues	$ 455,646	$ 407,704	$ 1,295,273	$ 1,157,499
Financial Services [Member]
Financial Services
Financial Services Revenues	12,841	10,699	34,852	31,413
West [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding
Homebuilding Revenues	229,743	184,627	624,261	510,710
Mountain [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding
Homebuilding Revenues	147,166	144,442	428,080	392,052
East [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding
Homebuilding Revenues	78,737	78,635	242,932	254,737
Mortgage Operations [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Financial Services
Financial Services Revenues	7,999	6,416	21,752	18,887
Other Financial Services [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Financial Services
Financial Services Revenues	$ 4,842	$ 4,283	$ 13,100	$ 12,526