Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Nonrefundable Cash Deposits	$ 80,300
Capitalized Preacquisition and Other Development and Construction Costs	31,300
Remaining Purchase Price of Land Purchase and Option Contracts	$ 995,100
Number of Joint Ventures the Company Holds Membership Interest In	28
Number of Active Joint Ventures	14
Number of Inactive Joint Ventures	14
Number of Joint Ventures Having Project Specific Non-recourse Debt to the Company	0
Outstanding Joint Venture Surety Bonds	$ 0
Outstanding Surety Bonds	1,002,200
Surety Bonds Cost to Complete	506,100
Mortgage Loans in Process	$ 291,600
Mortgage Loans in Process, Interest Rate	4.00%
Loans Receivable Held-for-sale, Net, Not Part of Disposal Group, Mortgage	$ 163,400
Mortgage Loans Committed to Sell to Investors	33,300
Gain (Loss) on Mortgage Loan Related to Indemnification and Repurchase Allowance	300	$ 100
Mortgage Loan Repurchase Reserve	3,800		$ 3,600
Mortgage Loan Repurchase Payments	100	$ 300
Insurance and Litigation Accruals	233,800		$ 233,500
Mortgage Loans in Process [Member]
Mortgage Loans Expected to be Originated on a Non-presold Basis	$ 258,300