Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Non-refundable Cash Deposits	$ 39,100
Capitalized Preacquisition and Other Development and Construction Costs	6,800
Remaining Purchase Price of Land Purchase and Option Contracts	$ 389,300
Number of Joint Ventures The Company Holds Membership Interest In	19
Number of Active Joint Ventures	8
Number of Inactive Joint Ventures	11
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		$ 30,000
Outstanding Joint Venture Surety Bonds	0
Outstanding Surety Bonds	526,900
Surety Bonds Cost to Complete	297,800
Mortgage Loans In Process	$ 83,400
Mortgage Loans In Process, Interest Rate	3.80%
Loans Receivable Held-for-sale, Net, Not Part of Disposal Group, Mortgage	$ 38,500
Mortgage Loans Committed to Sell to Investors	19,400
Aggregate Mortgage Loan Repurchase Payments	10,900
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, New Mortgage Loans	9,600,000
Mortgage Loan Loss Expense Provision	100	$ 200
Mortgage Loan Repurchase Reserve	2,200
Mortgage Loan Repurchase Payments	$ 100	$ 200
Number of Loans Repurchased	3	4
Insurance and Litigation Accruals	$ 64,000		$ 62,800
Closed Mortgage Loans Held for Sale [Member]
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans Expected to Be Originated on a Non-Presold Basis	71,100
Mortgage Loans in Process [member]
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans Expected to Be Originated on a Non-Presold Basis	64,000
Matures June, 2014 [Member]
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Non-recourse Debt	$ 30,000