Note 7 - Inventories (Details) - Inventories Not Owned (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventories Not Owned [Abstract]
Land purchase and lot option deposits	$ 46,610	$ 44,005
Other lot option contracts, net of deposits	40,181	54,336
Total inventories not owned	$ 86,791	$ 98,341

The carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of inventory not owned, consisting of refundable and non-refundable deposits, and specific performance contracts required to be consolidated

No definition available.

Name:	spf_InventoryRealEstateNotOwned
Namespace Prefix:	spf_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant