Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Detail) - Segment Financial Information Relating to Homebuilding Assets and Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Homebuilding assets:
Assets	$ 3,125,699	$ 3,113,074
Homebuilding: California [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Assets	1,196,747	1,192,249
Homebuilding: Southwest [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Assets	537,567	496,902
Homebuilding: Southeast [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Assets	476,896	438,122
Homebuilding: Corporate [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Assets	771,870	842,705
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Assets	$ 2,983,080	$ 2,969,978