Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details) - Segment Financial Information Relating to Homebuilding Assets and Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Homebuilding assets:
Assets, by segments	$ 4,192,149	$ 4,174,420
Homebuilding [Member] | CALIFORNIA
Homebuilding assets:
Assets, by segments	1,607,808	1,542,584
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Assets, by segments	877,207	826,489
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Assets, by segments	1,138,482	1,060,343
Homebuilding [Member] | Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Assets, by segments	419,185	517,701
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding assets:
Assets, by segments	$ 4,042,682	$ 3,947,117