Note 3 - Reconciliation of Pretax Operating Income from Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]
Income before income taxes	$ 9,698	$ 8,503
Homebuilding [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Income before income taxes	10,084	7,420
Homebuilding [Member] | East [Member]
Income before income taxes	1,367	(421)
Homebuilding [Member] | Corporate Subsegment [Member]
Income before income taxes	(12,493)	(7,512)
Homebuilding [Member]
Income before income taxes	8,656	7,990
Financial Services [Member] | Mortgage Operations [Member]
Income before income taxes	3,323	2,792
Financial Services [Member] | Other Financial Services [Member]
Income before income taxes	2,294	2,544
Financial Services [Member]
Income before income taxes	5,617	5,336
Income before income taxes	$ 14,273	$ 13,326