Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Segment Financial Information Relating to Homebuilding Assets and Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Homebuilding assets:
Assets, by segments	$ 4,174,420	$ 3,662,105
Homebuilding [Member] | CALIFORNIA
Homebuilding assets:
Assets, by segments	1,542,584	1,344,605
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Assets, by segments	826,489	641,711
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Assets, by segments	1,060,343	785,988
Homebuilding [Member] | Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Assets, by segments	517,701	740,950
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Assets, by segments	$ 3,947,117	$ 3,513,254