Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Segment Financial Information Relating to Homebuilding Operations (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	$ 604,849	$ 511,756	$ 1,657,534	$ 1,308,158
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	89,384	67,720	238,574	147,720
Homebuilding [Member] | CALIFORNIA
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	279,883	273,711	790,261	701,909
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	57,523	47,888	153,642	100,298
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	153,875	97,736	392,672	270,157
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	15,549	10,159	39,881	25,212
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	171,091	140,309	474,601	336,092
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	16,312	9,673	45,051	22,210
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	604,849	511,756	1,657,534	1,308,158
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	$ 89,384	$ 67,720	$ 238,574	$ 147,720