VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended								6 Months Ended	10 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012 Jonitventures	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012 Transactions	Oct. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009 Limitedliabilitiesformed Agreements
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES [Abstract]
Minimum percentage equity interest, current participation, we may or may not have controlling interest (in hundredths)													20.00%
Maximum percentage equity interest, current participation, we may or may not have controlling interest (in hundredths)													58.80%
Number of separate agreements with unrelated third parties																2
Number of limited liabilities corporation formed																2
Interest in venture (in hundredths)	58.80%
Land and other inventories			$ 32,659				$ 3,470						$ 32,659	$ 3,470
Property and equipment							1,049							1,049
Number of consolidated joint ventures that sold real property owned		1
Net gain on sale		2,731										1,339
Percentage of income (in hundredths)		60.00%										60.00%
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests		1,639										803	3,076
Minimum percentage equity interest, current participation, we do not have controlling interest (in hundredths)													20.00%
Maximum percentage equity interest current participation we do not have a controlling interest (in hundredths)													50.00%
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Contributions to unconsolidated entities													135	138	143
Mortgages receivable															3,669
Number of lot purchase transactions made from JV											2
Assets: [Abstract]
Total Assets			337,871				409,056						337,871	409,056
Liabilities and Partners' Capital: [Abstract]
Total Liabilities and Equity			337,871				409,056						337,871	409,056
Statement of operations for unconsolidated entities [Abstract]
Revenues			33,159	28,652	18,966	26,710	33,701	14,703	28,366	12,212			107,487	88,982	59,138
Net loss and comprehensive loss													(87,683)	(166,177)	(35,682)
AV Homes' share of income (loss) from unconsolidated entities			376	(38)	(43)	(36)	(72)	(341)	143	(128)			259	(398)	(276)
Unconsolidated Entities [Member]
Assets: [Abstract]
Cash			53				197						53	197
Land and other inventories			6,126				6,928						6,126	6,928
Other Assets			6				11						6	11
Total Assets			6,185				7,136						6,185	7,136
Liabilities and Partners' Capital: [Abstract]
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			83				1,900						83	1,900
Partners' Capital of AV Homes			1,220				845						1,220	845
Partners' Capital of equity partner			4,882				4,391						4,882	4,391
Total Liabilities and Equity			6,185				7,136						6,185	7,136
Statement of operations for unconsolidated entities [Abstract]
Revenues													1,849	6,081	507
Cost and expenses													1,193	5,768	1,213
Net loss and comprehensive loss													656	313	(706)
AV Homes' share of income (loss) from unconsolidated entities													$ 259	$ (398)	$ (276)