Note 4 - Segment Reporting (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
North [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	$ 1,700	$ 4,500
Southeast [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	4,200	11,200
Southwest [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	2,800	8,600
West [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	7,100	18,900
Homebuilding [Member]
Goodwill	970,185	970,185		$ 933,360
North, Southeast and Southwest [Member]
Goodwill	300,000	300,000
West [Member]
Goodwill	$ 100,000	$ 100,000
Number of Operating Segments		2
Number of Reportable Segments		4
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization		$ 43,193	$ 22,369