Variable Interest Entities, Part 2 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets: [Abstract]
Total Assets	$ 464,455		$ 464,455		$ 337,871
Liabilities and Partners' Capital: [Abstract]
Total Liabilities and Equity	464,455		464,455		337,871
Statement of operations for unconsolidated entities [Abstract]
Revenues	34,999	28,652	89,675	74,328
Net loss and comprehensive loss	(978)	(11,550)	(10,402)	(29,904)
AV Homes' share of loss from unconsolidated entities	(7)	(38)	(84)	(117)
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Assets: [Abstract]
Cash	117		117		53
Land and other inventory	6,126		6,126		6,126
Other assets	5		5		6
Total Assets	6,248		6,248		6,185
Liabilities and Partners' Capital: [Abstract]
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	84		84		83
AV Homes	1,235		1,235		1,220
Equity partners	4,929		4,929		4,882
Total Liabilities and Equity	6,248		6,248		6,185
Statement of operations for unconsolidated entities [Abstract]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Cost and expenses	24	93	205	287
Net loss and comprehensive loss	(24)	(93)	(205)	(287)
AV Homes' share of loss from unconsolidated entities	$ (7)	$ (38)	$ (84)	$ (117)