Note 7 - Inventories - Inventory Impairments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, West [Member]
Impairment Data; Inventory Impairments						$ 1,400
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, Mountain [Member]
Impairment Data; Inventory Impairments			250				250
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, East [Member]
Impairment Data; Inventory Impairments	4,700		2,975			4,900	3,325
Homebuilding Segment [Member]
Impairment Data; Inventory Impairments	4,700		3,225			$ 6,300	$ 3,575
Impairment Data; Inventory Impairments	$ 4,700	$ 1,600	$ 3,225		$ 350