Note 13 - Senior Notes Payable (Detail) - Senior Notes Payable (Homebuilding [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Senior Notes	$ 1,531,147	$ 1,530,502
6.25% Senior Notes due April 2014 [Member]
Senior Notes	4,971	4,971
7% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]
Senior Notes	29,789	29,789
10.75% Senior Notes due September 2016 [Member]
Senior Notes	266,585	265,823
8.375% Senior Notes due May 2018 [Member]
Senior Notes	579,651	579,832
8.375% Senior Notes due January 2021 [Member]
Senior Notes	397,151	397,087
1.25% Convertible Senior Notes Due August 2032 [Member]
Senior Notes	$ 253,000	$ 253,000