Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Detail) - Segment Financial Information Relating to Homebuilding Assets and Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets, by segments	$ 3,113,074	$ 2,200,383
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, by segments	52,443	81,807
Homebuilding: California [Member]
Assets, by segments	1,192,249	985,560
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, by segments	50,878	76,999
Homebuilding: Southwest [Member]
Assets, by segments	496,902	355,060
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, by segments	2	2,770
Homebuilding: Southeast [Member]
Assets, by segments	438,122	294,996
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, by segments	1,563	2,038
Homebuilding: Corporate [Member]
Assets, by segments	842,705	473,971
Homebuilding [Member]
Assets, by segments	2,969,978	2,109,587
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, by segments	$ 52,443	$ 81,807