Note 8 - Capitalization of Interest (Details) - Homebuilding Capitalized Interest (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
Homebuilding Capitalized Interest [Abstract]
Total interest incurred (1)	$ 37,308	[1]	$ 34,766	[1]	$ 113,735	[1]	$ 103,319	[1]
Less: Interest capitalized to inventories owned	(36,927)		(34,118)		(112,368)		(101,101)
Less: Interest capitalized to investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	(381)		(648)		(1,367)		(2,218)
Interest previously capitalized to inventories owned, included in cost of home sales	28,872		30,303		83,052		88,336
Interest previously capitalized to inventories owned, included in cost of land sales	87		19		706		533
Interest previously capitalized to investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, included in income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures			117		30		409
Interest capitalized in ending inventories owned (2)	275,367	[2]	236,334	[2]	275,367	[2]	236,334	[2]
Interest capitalized as a percentage of inventories owned	8.80%		9.80%		8.80%		9.80%
Interest capitalized in ending investments in unconsolidated joint ventures (2)	$ 299	[2]	$ 6,030	[2]	$ 299	[2]	$ 6,030	[2]	$ 5,000
Interest capitalized as a percentage of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	0.60%		10.30%		0.60%		10.30%

[1] For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, interest incurred included the noncash amortization of $0 and $3.6 million, respectively, of interest related to interest rate swap agreements that were terminated in the 2010 fourth quarter (please see Note 15 "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities").

[2] During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, in connection with lot purchases from our joint ventures, $2.0 million and $6.0 million, respectively, of capitalized interest was transferred from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures to inventories owned. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, in connection with lot purchases from our joint ventures, $0.6 million and $2.7 million, respectively, of capitalized interest was transferred from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures to inventories owned.