Note 15 - Senior Notes Payable (Details) - Homebuilding [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
10.75% Senior Notes Due September 2016 [Member]
Senior notes	$ 277,256	$ 275,845
8.4% Senior Notes Due May 2017 [Member]
Senior notes	245,525	248,975
8.375% Senior Notes Due May 2018 [Member]
Senior notes	574,176	574,058
1.625% convertible senior notes due 2018 [Member]
Senior notes	217,714	301,754
0.25% Convertible Senior Notes Due June 2019 [Member]
Senior notes	249,517	248,098
6.625% Senior Notes Due December 2021 [Member]
Senior notes	324,389	325,882
8.375% Senior Notes Due January 2021 [Member]
Senior notes	394,423	394,152
6.25% Senior Notes Due December 15, 2021 [Member]
Senior notes	297,267	297,148
5.375% Senior Notes Due October 2022 [Member]
Senior notes	249,130	249,096
5/875% Senior Notes Due November 2024 [Member]
Senior notes	296,694	296,598
1.25% Convertible Senior Notes Due August 2032 [Member]
Senior notes	250,819	250,410
Senior notes	$ 3,376,910	$ 3,462,016