Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Detail) - Segment Financial Information Relating to Homebuilding Operations (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Homebuilding revenues	$ 1,236,958	$ 882,993	$ 912,418
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)	67,645	(18,156)	(14,001)
Homebuilding income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures	(2,090)	207	1,166
Inventory impairment charges		13,189	1,818
Homebuilding: California [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	699,672	506,002	546,946
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)	44,959	11,357	39,594
Homebuilding income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures	(1,904)	354	1,835
Inventory impairment charges		9,490
Homebuilding: Southwest [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	248,421	190,622	187,609
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)	10,877	(10,231)	(5,103)
Homebuilding income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures	(31)	(22)	(123)
Inventory impairment charges		2,878	331
Homebuilding: Southeast [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	288,865	186,369	177,863
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)	5,991	(10,236)	(8,902)
Homebuilding income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures	(155)	(125)	(546)
Inventory impairment charges		821	1,487
Homebuilding: Corporate [Member]
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)	$ 5,818	$ (9,046)	$ (39,590)