Note 7 - Inventories (Detail) - Inventories Not Owned (Homebuilding [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Homebuilding [Member]
Land purchase and lot option deposits	$ 28,513	$ 24,379
Other lot option contracts, net of deposits	23,599	35,461
Total inventories not owned	$ 52,112	$ 59,840

The carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of inventory not owned, consisting of refundable and non-refundable deposits, and specific performance contracts required to be consolidated

No definition available.

Name:	spf_InventoryRealEstateNotOwned
Namespace Prefix:	spf_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant