Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Nonrefundable Cash Deposits	$ 59,900
Capitalized Preacquisition and Other Development and Construction Costs	13,100
Remaining Purchase Price of Land Purchase and Option Contracts	$ 744,700
Number of Joint Ventures the Company Holds Membership Interest In	27
Number of Active Joint Ventures	13
Number of Inactive Joint Ventures	14
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Non-recourse Debt	$ 31,007	$ 33,704
Outstanding Surety Bonds	892,100
Surety Bonds Cost to Complete	445,100
Mortgage Loans in Process	$ 275,900
Mortgage Loans in Process, Interest Rate	3.70%
Loans Receivable Held-for-sale, Net, Not Part of Disposal Group, Mortgage	$ 261,800
Mortgage Loans Committed to Sell to Investors	26,900
Mortgage Loan Loss Expense Provision	100	300	$ 500
Mortgage Loan Repurchase Reserve	3,600	3,900
Mortgage Loan Repurchase Payments	400	100	500
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	10,800	$ 6,500	$ 4,400
Closed Mortgage Loans Held for Sale [Member]
Mortgage Loans Expected to be Originated on a Non-presold Basis	$ 249,000