Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Segment Financial Information Relating to Homebuilding Assets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Homebuilding assets:
Homebuilding assets	$ 3,530,196	$ 3,113,074
Homebuilding [Member] | California [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Homebuilding assets	1,269,215	1,192,249
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Homebuilding assets	620,699	496,902
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Homebuilding assets	724,689	438,122
Homebuilding [Member] | Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Homebuilding assets	805,543	842,705
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Homebuilding assets	$ 3,420,146	$ 2,969,978