Note 5 - Investments in Unconsolidated Land Development and Homebuilding Joint Ventures (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Asset Impairment Charges		$ 0		$ 0		$ 500,000
Interest capitalized in ending investments in unconsolidated joint ventures		6,921,000	[1]	9,111,000	[1]	4,477,000	[1]
Number of Land Development Joint Ventures Acquired During Period	1
Number of Residential Lots Acquired During Period	1,700
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired		121,000,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Cash and Cash Equivalents		5,000,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Inventory		116,000,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable		4,000,000
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value		$ 12,000,000

[1] During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, in connection with lot purchases from our joint ventures, $7.6 million, $1.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of capitalized interest was transferred from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures to inventories owned.