Note 7 - Inventories (Detail) - Inventories Not Owned (Homebuilding [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Homebuilding [Member]
Land purchase and lot option deposits	$ 26,556	$ 23,803
Other lot option contracts, net of deposits	45,463	47,492
Total inventories not owned	$ 72,019	$ 71,295

The carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of inventory not owned, consisting of refundable and non-refundable deposits, and specific performance contracts required to be consolidated

No definition available.

Name:	spf_InventoryRealEstateNotOwned
Namespace Prefix:	spf_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant