Note 7 - Inventories - Inventory Impairments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Impairment Data; Inventory Impairments	$ 3,873	$ 4,700	$ 1,600		$ 5,200	$ 3,225		$ 350	$ 910		$ 850		$ 10,173	$ 8,775	$ 1,760
Reportable Segment, West [Member]
Impairment Data; Inventory Impairments													1,400
Reportable Segment, Mountain [Member]
Impairment Data; Inventory Impairments													1,200
Reportable Segment, East [Member]
Impairment Data; Inventory Impairments													7,600
Homebuilding Segment [Member]
Impairment Data; Inventory Impairments													10,173	9,993	1,760
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member]
Impairment Data; Inventory Impairments													2,328	1,628	1,234
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Land and Land Under Development [Member]
Impairment Data; Inventory Impairments													7,845	8,365	526
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, West [Member] | Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member]
Impairment Data; Inventory Impairments													364
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, West [Member] | Land and Land Under Development [Member]
Impairment Data; Inventory Impairments													1,036	648
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, Mountain [Member] | Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member]
Impairment Data; Inventory Impairments													574	250	234
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, Mountain [Member] | Land and Land Under Development [Member]
Impairment Data; Inventory Impairments													589	569	526
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, East [Member] | Housing Completed or Under Construction [Member]
Impairment Data; Inventory Impairments													1,390	1,378	1,000
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, East [Member] | Land and Land Under Development [Member]
Impairment Data; Inventory Impairments													$ 6,220	$ 7,148