Basis of Financial Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Loss Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum									4.50%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum									7.50%
Issuance of common stock (in shares)									9,272,795	122,388	140,143
Antidilutive securities excluded from weighted average number of shares outstanding									100,898	209,270	439,000
Preferred Stock Deemed Dividend from Beneficial Conversion Feature									$ 0.75
Numerator: [Abstract]
Basic and diluted loss per share - net loss	$ 1,824	$ (1,877)	$ (4,668)	$ (4,759)	$ (58,856)	$ (11,583)	$ (11,345)	$ (8,451)	$ (9,477)	$ (90,235)	$ (165,881)
Beneficial conversion feature (deemed dividend)									(11,894)	0	0
Loss attributable to AV Homes common stockholders									$ (21,371)	$ (90,235)	$ (165,881)
Denominator: [Abstract]
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)									15,935,701	12,557,416	12,448,423