Note 11 - Disclosures about Fair Value (Details) - Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Homebuilding liabilities:
Senior and convertible senior notes payable, net	$ 3,462,016	$ 2,108,612
Financial Services [Member]
Financial services assets:
Mortgage loans held for investment, net	22,704	14,380
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding liabilities:
Senior and convertible senior notes payable, net	3,462,016	2,108,612
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Financial services assets:
Mortgage loans held for investment, net	22,704	14,380
Mortgage loans held for investment, net	22,704	14,380
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding liabilities:
Senior and convertible senior notes payable, net	3,462,016	2,108,612
Senior and convertible senior notes payable, net	$ 3,675,276	$ 2,337,839