Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Segment Financial Information Relating to Homebuilding Operations (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	$ 470,278	$ 460,199
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	47,288	59,910
Homebuilding [Member] | CALIFORNIA
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	185,621	219,479
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	25,098	38,553
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	138,208	107,207
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	11,797	10,058
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	146,449	133,513
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	10,393	11,299
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding revenues:
Homebuilding revenues	470,278	460,199
Homebuilding pretax income:
Homebuilding pretax income	$ 47,288	$ 59,910