Note 3 - Segment Reporting - Reconciliation of Pretax Operating Income from Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, West [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Income before income taxes	$ 18,392	$ 16,708	$ 43,830	$ 40,808
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, Mountain [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Income before income taxes	18,856	12,849	49,688	35,239
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, East [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Income before income taxes	(2,267)	(691)	3,600	(1,093)
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Income before income taxes	(7,306)	(13,470)	(29,381)	(27,995)
Homebuilding Segment [Member]
Income before income taxes	27,675	15,396	67,737	46,959
Financial Services Segment [Member] | Mortgage Operations [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Income before income taxes	6,723	5,354	16,491	12,243
Financial Services Segment [Member] | Other Financial Services [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Income before income taxes	3,654	2,908	8,555	9,664
Financial Services Segment [Member]
Income before income taxes	10,377	8,262	25,046	21,907
Income before income taxes	$ 38,052	$ 23,658	$ 92,783	$ 68,866