Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Segment Financial Information Relating to Homebuilding Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	$ 699,632	$ 592,486	$ 1,169,910	$ 1,052,685
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	86,704	89,280	133,992	149,190
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	699,632	592,486	1,169,910	1,052,685
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	86,704	89,280	133,992	149,190
CALIFORNIA | Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	298,972	290,899	484,593	510,378
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	49,377	57,566	74,475	96,119
Southwest [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	202,538	131,590	340,746	238,797
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	22,190	14,274	33,987	24,332
Southeast [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	198,122	169,997	344,571	303,510
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	$ 15,137	$ 17,440	$ 25,530	$ 28,739