Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Segment Financial Information Relating to Homebuilding Operations (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	$ 2,411,178	$ 1,914,609	$ 1,236,958
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	340,121	246,269	67,645
Homebuilding [Member] | CALIFORNIA
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	1,154,847	1,006,572	699,672
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	215,259	164,805	46,491
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	583,555	411,967	248,421
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	58,630	42,792	12,852
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	672,776	496,070	288,865
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	66,232	38,672	8,302
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	2,411,178	1,914,609	1,236,958
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	$ 340,121	$ 246,269	$ 67,645