Note 3 - Loans (Details) - The Composition of Loans is as Follows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans	$ 3,423,008	$ 3,221,375
Unearned loan fees and deferred costs, net	11,170	12,746
Total loans	3,434,178	3,234,121
Multi-Family Residential [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans	1,712,039	1,534,438
Commercial Real Estate Loans [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans	512,552	515,438
One-To-Four Family - Mixed-Use Property [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans	595,751	637,353
One-To-Four Family - Residential [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans	193,726	198,968
Co-Operative Apartments [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans	10,137	6,303
Construction [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans	4,247	14,381
Small Business Administration [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans	7,792	9,496
Taxi Medallion [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans	13,123	9,922
Commercial Business And Other [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans	$ 373,641	$ 295,076