Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]
Homebuilding
Homebuilding Revenues	$ 189,661	$ 164,514	$ 326,083	$ 299,493
Homebuilding [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Homebuilding
Homebuilding Revenues	146,665	133,768	247,610	267,145
Homebuilding [Member] | East [Member]
Homebuilding
Homebuilding Revenues	94,935	103,852	176,102	167,244
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding
Homebuilding Revenues	431,261	402,134	749,795	733,882
Financial Services [Member] | Mortgage Operations [Member]
Financial Services
Financial Services Revenues	7,352	10,494	12,471	19,538
Financial Services [Member] | Other Financial Services [Member]
Financial Services
Financial Services Revenues	4,139	3,390	8,243	6,852
Financial Services [Member]
Financial Services
Financial Services Revenues	$ 11,491	$ 13,884	$ 20,714	$ 26,390