Note 3 - Segment Reporting - Reconciliation of Revenue From Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Homebuilding Segment [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	$ 586,287	$ 578,012	$ 1,798,984	$ 1,546,267
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, West [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	326,804	284,589	959,641	745,995
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, Mountain [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	167,066	192,876	564,558	521,034
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, East [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	92,417	100,547	274,785	279,238
Financial Services Segment [Member]
Financial services revenues	17,464	17,408	54,516	44,248
Financial Services Segment [Member] | Mortgage Operations [Member]
Financial services revenues	11,176	11,294	36,056	28,866
Financial Services Segment [Member] | Other Financial Services [Member]
Financial services revenues	$ 6,288	$ 6,114	$ 18,460	$ 15,382