Note 13 - Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes Payable (Detail) - Senior Notes Payable (Homebuilding [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Senior Notes	$ 1,529,863	$ 1,275,093
6.25% Senior Notes due April 2014 [Member]
Senior Notes	4,971	4,971
7% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]
Senior Notes	29,789	29,789
10.75% Senior Notes due September 2016 [Member]
Senior Notes	265,069	262,968
8.375% Senior Notes due May 2018 [Member]
Senior Notes	580,010	580,523
8.375% Senior Notes due January 2021 [Member]
Senior Notes	397,024	396,842
1.25% Convertible Senior Notes Due August 2032 [Member]
Senior Notes	$ 253,000