Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Segment Financial Information Relating to Homebuilding Assets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Homebuilding assets:
Assets, by segments	$ 3,793,070	$ 3,662,105
Homebuilding [Member] | CALIFORNIA
Homebuilding assets:
Assets, by segments	1,490,975	1,344,605
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Assets, by segments	828,565	641,711
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Assets, by segments	1,014,468	785,988
Homebuilding [Member] | Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Assets, by segments	359,823	740,950
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Assets, by segments	$ 3,693,831	$ 3,513,254