Note 3 - Segment Reporting - Reconciliation of Revenue From Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Homebuilding Segment [Member]
Revenues	$ 766,027	$ 586,287	$ 2,123,323	$ 1,798,984
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, West [Member]
Revenues	409,001	326,804	1,120,316	959,641
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, Mountain [Member]
Revenues	272,989	167,066	750,162	564,558
Homebuilding Segment [Member] | Reportable Segment, East [Member]
Revenues	84,037	92,417	252,845	274,785
Financial Services Segment [Member]
Revenues	19,611	17,464	60,018	54,516
Financial Services Segment [Member] | Mortgage Operations [Member]
Revenues	11,919	11,176	39,162	36,056
Financial Services Segment [Member] | Other Financial Services [Member]
Revenues	$ 7,692	$ 6,288	$ 20,856	$ 18,460