Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Reconciliation of Pretax Operating Income 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
Income before income taxes	$ 34,026	$ 38,012	$ 52,666	$ 60,598
Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]
Homebuilding
Income before income taxes	16,695	16,779	29,345	27,390
Homebuilding [Member] | Mountain [Member]
Homebuilding
Income before income taxes	12,182	14,142	19,541	27,138
Homebuilding [Member] | East [Member]
Homebuilding
Income before income taxes	5,296	4,523	7,957	6,051
Homebuilding [Member] | Corporate Subsegment [Member]
Homebuilding
Income before income taxes	(6,724)	(5,655)	(15,841)	(15,943)
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding
Income before income taxes	27,449	29,789	41,002	44,636
Financial Services [Member] | Mortgage Operations [Member]
Homebuilding
Income before income taxes	4,501	6,855	7,060	12,854
Financial Services [Member] | Other Financial Services [Member]
Homebuilding
Income before income taxes	2,076	1,368	4,604	3,108
Financial Services [Member]
Homebuilding
Income before income taxes	$ 6,577	$ 8,223	$ 11,664	$ 15,962