Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			108 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012
Non-refundable Cash Deposits	$ 20,400,000			$ 20,400,000
Capitalized Preacquisition and Other Development and Construction Costs	2,100,000			2,100,000
Remaining Purchase Price of Land Purchase and Option Contracts	197,100,000			197,100,000
Remaining Purchase Price of Land Purchase and Option Contracts Included In Inventories Not Owned	30,300,000			30,300,000
Number of Active Joint Ventures	7			7
Number of Inactive Joint Ventures	13			13
Outstanding Joint Venture Surety Bonds	2,700,000			2,700,000
Joint Venture Surety Bonds Cost to Complete	200,000			200,000
Outstanding Surety Bonds	319,100,000			319,100,000
Surety Bonds Cost to Complete	176,900,000			176,900,000
Mortgage Loans In Process	37,700,000			37,700,000
Mortgage Loans In Process, Interest Rate	3.40%			3.40%
Loans Held-for-sale, Mortgages	119,300,000			119,300,000
Mortgage Loans Committed to Sell to Investors	41,100,000			41,100,000
Mortgage Loan Repurchase Payments	1,000,000	3,100,000	1,900,000	9,500,000
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, New Mortgage Loans				7,200,000,000
MortgageLoanLossExpenseProvision	1,000,000	4,300,000	2,300,000
Mortgage Loan Repurchase Reserve	3,000,000	2,900,000		3,000,000
Number of Loans Repurchased	8	27	17
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 3,600,000	$ 3,900,000	$ 4,300,000