Variable Interest Entities, Part 2 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets: [Abstract]
Total Assets	$ 461,500		$ 461,500		$ 337,871
Liabilities and Partners' Capital: [Abstract]
Total Liabilities and Equity	461,500		461,500		337,871
Statement of operations for unconsolidated entities [Abstract]
Revenues	29,556	18,966	54,675	45,676
Net loss and comprehensive loss	(4,668)	(11,431)	(9,427)	(18,354)
AV Homes' share of loss from unconsolidated entities	(15)	(43)	(78)	(79)
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Assets: [Abstract]
Cash	129		129		53
Land and other inventory	6,126		6,126		6,126
Other assets	6		6		6
Total Assets	6,261		6,261		6,185
Liabilities and Partners' Capital: [Abstract]
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	83		83		83
AV Homes	1,237		1,237		1,220
Equity partners	4,941		4,941		4,882
Total Liabilities and Equity	6,261		6,261		6,185
Statement of operations for unconsolidated entities [Abstract]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Cost and expenses	43	103	181	194
Net loss and comprehensive loss	(43)	(103)	(181)	(194)
AV Homes' share of loss from unconsolidated entities	$ (15)	$ (43)	$ (78)	$ (79)