Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Segment Financial Information Relating to Homebuilding Operations (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	$ 511,756	$ 318,541	$ 1,308,158	$ 817,115
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	67,720	19,393	147,720	38,552
Homebuilding [Member] | California [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	273,711	183,177	701,909	445,634
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	47,888	12,513	100,298	27,037
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	97,736	61,638	270,157	181,872
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	10,159	4,080	25,212	7,951
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	140,309	73,726	336,092	189,609
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	9,673	2,800	22,210	3,564
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	511,756	318,541	1,308,158	817,115
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	$ 67,720	$ 19,393	$ 147,720	$ 38,552