Segments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
General contracting and real estate services revenues	$ 29,071us-gaap_RealEstateRevenueNet	$ 19,234us-gaap_RealEstateRevenueNet
General contracting and real estate services expenses	28,142us-gaap_CostOfRealEstateRevenue	17,985us-gaap_CostOfRealEstateRevenue
Noncash stock compensation	379us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation	329us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Noncash stock compensation	300	200
General Contracting and Real Estate Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
General contracting and real estate services revenues	29,071	19,234
General contracting and real estate services expenses	28,142	17,985
Noncash stock compensation	100	100
General Contracting and Real Estate Services [Member] \| Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
General contracting and real estate services revenues	8,500	18,700
General contracting and real estate services expenses	$ 8,400	$ 18,500

This element represents the total of the costs related to real estate revenues, including management, leasing, and development services.

Name:	us-gaap_CostOfRealEstateRevenue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate revenue from real estate operations during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1(e))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 1

-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RealEstateRevenueNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock or unit options, amortization of restricted stock or units, and adjustment for officers' compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=ahh_GeneralContractingAndRealEstateServicesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: