Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Segment Financial Information Relating to Homebuilding Operations (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	$ 438,681	$ 274,872	$ 796,402	$ 498,574
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	47,064	11,878	80,000	19,159
Homebuilding [Member] | California [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	229,008	147,087	428,198	262,457
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	30,002	8,955	52,410	14,524
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	93,017	64,115	172,421	120,234
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	8,542	2,109	15,053	3,871
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	116,656	63,670	195,783	115,883
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	8,520	814	12,537	764
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	438,681	274,872	796,402	498,574
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	$ 47,064	$ 11,878	$ 80,000	$ 19,159