Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Marketable Securities (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Homebuilding:
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	$ 505,888	$ 588,067
Homebuilding [Member] | Amortized Cost [Member]
Homebuilding:
Equity security	453,152	375,142
Debt securities	31,051	181,635
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	484,203	556,777
Homebuilding [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Homebuilding:
Equity security	460,925	385,303
Debt securities	31,573	183,718
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	492,498	569,021
Financial Services [Member] | Amortized Cost [Member]
Homebuilding:
Equity security	4,000	4,000
Debt securities	8,950	14,721
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	12,950	18,721
Financial Services [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Homebuilding:
Equity security	4,190	4,020
Debt securities	9,200	15,026
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	13,390	19,046
Amortized Cost [Member]
Homebuilding:
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	497,153	575,498
Fair Value [Member]
Homebuilding:
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	$ 505,888	$ 588,067