Note 3 - Segment Reporting - Reconciliation of Revenue From Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Homebuilding Segment [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	$ 648,971	$ 571,511	$ 1,212,697	$ 968,255
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, West [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	323,758	270,031	632,837	461,406
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, Mountain [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	224,356	190,334	397,492	328,158
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, East [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	100,857	111,146	182,368	178,691
Financial Services Segment [Member]
Financial services revenues	19,073	15,823	37,052	26,840
Financial Services Segment [Member] | Mortgage Operations [Member]
Financial services revenues	12,697	10,702	24,880	17,572
Financial Services Segment [Member] | Other Financial Services [Member]
Financial services revenues	$ 6,376	$ 5,121	$ 12,172	$ 9,268