Note 17 - Disclosures about Fair Value (Details) - Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financial Services [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Note 17 - Disclosures about Fair Value (Details) - Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Mortgage loans held for investment, net	$ 10,989	$ 9,923
Mortgage loans held for investment, net	10,989	9,923
Financial Services [Member]
Note 17 - Disclosures about Fair Value (Details) - Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Mortgage loans held for investment, net	10,989	9,923
Homebuilding [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Note 17 - Disclosures about Fair Value (Details) - Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Senior notes payable, net	1,832,517	1,530,502
Senior notes payable, net	2,083,279	1,803,202
Homebuilding [Member]
Note 17 - Disclosures about Fair Value (Details) - Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Senior notes payable, net	$ 1,832,517	$ 1,530,502