Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Segment Financial Information Relating to Homebuilding Operations (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	$ 460,199	$ 357,721
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	59,910	32,936
Homebuilding [Member] | CALIFORNIA
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	219,479	199,190
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	38,553	22,408
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	107,207	79,404
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	10,058	6,511
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	133,513	79,127
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	11,299	4,017
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	460,199	357,721
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	$ 59,910	$ 32,936