Noncontrolling Interest (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Voting interest not controlled by parent	42.30%
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest	$ (2,346)	$ 3,018	$ (6,567)
Noncontrolling interest	126,462	0
Parent Company [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, period increase	782
Carrying value of UCP, LLC (includes net proceeds for exchange of UCP, LLC Series B Units)	217,816
Voting ownership percentage of noncontrolling interest	57.70%
Initial carrying value of noncontrolling interest	125,680
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(137)
Stock-based compensation related to noncontrolling interest	919
Noncontrolling interest	$ 126,462