Note 3 - Reconciliation of Pretax Operating Income from Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]
Income before income taxes	$ 15,740	$ 15,597	$ 25,438	$ 24,100
Homebuilding [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Income before income taxes	20,748	14,970	30,832	22,390
Homebuilding [Member] | East [Member]
Income before income taxes	4,500	19	5,867	(402)
Homebuilding [Member] | Corporate Subsegment [Member]
Income before income taxes	(9,582)	(7,013)	(22,075)	(14,525)
Homebuilding [Member]
Income before income taxes	31,406	23,573	40,062	31,563
Financial Services [Member] | Mortgage Operations [Member]
Income before income taxes	6,445	4,097	9,768	6,889
Financial Services [Member] | Other Financial Services [Member]
Income before income taxes	2,607	4,212	4,901	6,756
Financial Services [Member]
Income before income taxes	9,052	8,309	14,669	13,645
Income before income taxes	$ 40,458	$ 31,882	$ 54,731	$ 45,208