Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Detail) - Segment Financial Information Relating to Homebuilding Operations (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	$ 357,721	$ 223,702
Homebuilding pretax income (loss):
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)	32,936	7,281
Homebuilding: California [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	199,190	115,370
Homebuilding pretax income (loss):
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)	22,408	5,569
Homebuilding: Southwest [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	79,404	56,119
Homebuilding pretax income (loss):
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)	6,511	1,762
Homebuilding: Southeast [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	79,127	52,213
Homebuilding pretax income (loss):
Homebuilding pretax income (loss)	$ 4,017	$ (50)