Note 6 - Homebuilding Indebtedness (Details) - Senior Notes Payable (Homebuilding [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Note 6 - Homebuilding Indebtedness (Details) - Senior Notes Payable [Line Items]
Senior Notes	$ 2,131,393	$ 1,833,244
6.25% Senior Notes due April 2014 [Member]
Note 6 - Homebuilding Indebtedness (Details) - Senior Notes Payable [Line Items]
Senior Notes		4,971
7% Senior Notes due August 2015 [Member]
Note 6 - Homebuilding Indebtedness (Details) - Senior Notes Payable [Line Items]
Senior Notes	29,789	29,789
10.75% Senior Notes due September 2016 [Member]
Note 6 - Homebuilding Indebtedness (Details) - Senior Notes Payable [Line Items]
Senior Notes	272,684	269,046
8.375% Senior Notes due May 2018 [Member]
Note 6 - Homebuilding Indebtedness (Details) - Senior Notes Payable [Line Items]
Senior Notes	578,278	579,085
8.375% Senior Notes due January 2021 [Member]
Note 6 - Homebuilding Indebtedness (Details) - Senior Notes Payable [Line Items]
Senior Notes	397,642	397,353
6.25% Senior Notes due December 15, 2021 [Member]
Note 6 - Homebuilding Indebtedness (Details) - Senior Notes Payable [Line Items]
Senior Notes	300,000	300,000
5.875% Senior Notes due November 15, 2024 [Member]
Note 6 - Homebuilding Indebtedness (Details) - Senior Notes Payable [Line Items]
Senior Notes	300,000
1.25% Convertible Senior Notes Due August 2032 [Member]
Note 6 - Homebuilding Indebtedness (Details) - Senior Notes Payable [Line Items]
Senior Notes	$ 253,000	$ 253,000