Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Non-refundable Cash Deposits	$ 38,800,000
Capitalized Preacquisition and Other Development and Construction Costs	7,300,000
Remaining Purchase Price of Land Purchase and Option Contracts	406,700,000
Number of Joint Ventures The Company Holds Membership Interest In	21
Number of Active Joint Ventures	7
Number of Inactive Joint Ventures	14
Number of Joint Ventures Having Project Specific Non-recourse Debt to the Company	1
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Non-recourse Debt	30,000,000	30,000,000
Outstanding Joint Venture Surety Bonds	100,000
Joint Venture Surety Bonds Cost to Complete	1
Outstanding Surety Bonds	504,500,000
Surety Bonds Cost to Complete	295,000,000
Mortgage Loans In Process	37,800,000
Mortgage Loans In Process, Interest Rate	3.80%
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Mortgage Loans	172,000,000
Mortgage Loans Committed to Sell to Investors	38,100,000
Aggregate Mortgage Loan Repurchase Payments	10,800,000
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, New Mortgage Loans	9,000,000,000
MortgageLoanLossExpenseProvision	500,000	0	1,000,000
Mortgage Loan Repurchase Reserve	2,200,000	2,200,000
Mortgage Loan Repurchase Payments	500,000	800,000	1,000,000
Number of Loans Repurchased	12	9	8
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	4,400,000	3,800,000	3,600,000
Matures June, 2014 [Member]
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Non-recourse Debt	$ 30,000,000