Note 8 - Capitalization of Interest (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Home Building Interest [Abstract]
Term Loan B Non Cash Interest Amortization		$ 2.6
Capitalized Interest Transferred From Investments In Unconsolidated Joint Ventures To Inventories Owned	$ 4.0

Capitalized interest transferred from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures to inventories owned.

No definition available.

Name:	spf_CapitalizedInterestTransferredFromInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedJointVenturesToInventoriesOwned
Namespace Prefix:	spf_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration