Note 8 - Capitalization of Interest (Detail) - Homebuilding Capitalized Interest (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2012
Total interest incurred (1)	$ 35,027	[1]	$ 35,315	[1]
Less: Interest capitalized to inventories owned	(34,201)		(30,992)
Less: Interest capitalized to investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	(826)		(1,793)
Interest expense			2,530
Interest previously capitalized to inventories owned, included in cost of home sales	27,696		18,556
Interest previously capitalized to inventories owned, included in cost of land sales	189		19
Interest previously capitalized to investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, included in income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures	169		204
Interest capitalized in ending inventories owned	227,718		200,943
Interest capitalized as a percentage of inventories owned	11.10%		13.20%
Interest capitalized in ending investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$ 7,578		$ 10,700		$ 6,900
Interest capitalized as a percentage of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	14.30%		13.00%

[1] For each of the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, interest incurred included the noncash amortization of $2.6 million, respectively, of interest related to interest rate swap agreements that were terminated in the 2010 fourth quarter (please see Note 15 "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities").