Note 4 - Segment Financial Information Relating to Homebuilding Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Homebuilding [Member] | North [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	$ 186,555
Homebuilding pretax income	9,570
Homebuilding [Member] | Southeast [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	277,482	$ 146,449
Homebuilding pretax income	21,050	10,393
Homebuilding [Member] | Southwest [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	343,034	119,843
Homebuilding pretax income	26,926	11,280
Homebuilding [Member] | West [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	378,612	203,986
Homebuilding pretax income	50,722	25,615
Homebuilding [Member]
Homebuilding revenues	1,185,683	470,278
Homebuilding pretax income	108,268	47,288
Homebuilding revenues	1,185,683	470,278
Homebuilding pretax income	$ 108,268	$ 47,288