Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding
Homebuilding Revenues	$ 461,708	$ 431,261	$ 839,627	$ 749,795
Financial Services [Member]
Financial Services
Financial Services Revenues	11,420	11,491	22,011	20,714
West [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding
Homebuilding Revenues	217,701	189,661	394,518	326,083
Mountain [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding
Homebuilding Revenues	156,893	146,665	280,914	247,610
East [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding
Homebuilding Revenues	87,114	94,935	164,195	176,102
Mortgage Operations [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Financial Services
Financial Services Revenues	7,104	7,352	13,753	12,471
Other Financial Services [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Financial Services
Financial Services Revenues	$ 4,316	$ 4,139	$ 8,258	$ 8,243