Note 4 - Segment Financial Information Relating to Homebuilding Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Homebuilding [Member] | North [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	$ 241,274		$ 427,829
Homebuilding pretax income	17,980		27,550
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	386,836	$ 198,122	664,318	$ 344,571
Homebuilding pretax income	31,772	15,137	52,822	25,530
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	433,603	185,866	776,637	305,709
Homebuilding pretax income	46,907	21,985	73,833	33,265
Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	516,649	315,644	895,261	519,630
Homebuilding pretax income	74,812	49,582	125,534	75,197
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	1,578,362	699,632	2,764,045	1,169,910
Homebuilding pretax income	171,471	86,704	279,739	133,992
Homebuilding revenues	1,578,362	699,632	2,764,045	1,169,910
Homebuilding pretax income	$ 171,471	$ 86,704	$ 279,739	$ 133,992