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, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	$ 592,486	$ 438,681	$ 1,052,685	$ 796,402
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	89,280	47,064	149,190	80,000
Homebuilding [Member] | CALIFORNIA
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	290,899	229,008	510,378	428,198
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	57,566	30,002	96,119	52,410
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	131,590	93,017	238,797	172,421
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	14,274	8,542	24,332	15,053
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	169,997	116,656	303,510	195,783
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	17,440	8,520	28,739	12,537
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	592,486	438,681	1,052,685	796,402
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	$ 89,280	$ 47,064	$ 149,190	$ 80,000