Investments in Partnerships and LLCs - Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, 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
Assets: [Abstract]
Total Assets	$ 466,728				$ 337,871				$ 466,728	$ 337,871
Liabilities and Partners' Capital: [Abstract]
Total Liabilities and Equity	466,728				337,871				466,728	337,871
Statement of operations for unconsolidated entities [Abstract]
Revenues	54,025	34,999	29,556	25,119	33,159	28,652	18,966	26,710	143,700	107,487	88,982
Net loss and comprehensive loss									(8,272)	(87,683)	(166,177)
Loss (income) from unconsolidated entities	(17)	(7)	(15)	(63)	376	(38)	(43)	(36)	(101)	259	(398)
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Assets: [Abstract]
Cash	70				53				70	53
Land and other inventory	6,131				6,126				6,131	6,126
Other assets	5				6				5	6
Total Assets	6,206				6,185				6,206	6,185
Liabilities and Partners' Capital: [Abstract]
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	80				83				80	83
AV Homes	1,230				1,220				1,230	1,220
Equity partners	4,896				4,882				4,896	4,882
Total Liabilities and Equity	6,206				6,185				6,206	6,185
Statement of operations for unconsolidated entities [Abstract]
Revenues									0	1,849	6,081
Cost and expenses									258	1,193	5,768
Net loss and comprehensive loss									(258)	656	313
Loss (income) from unconsolidated entities									$ (101)	$ 259	$ (398)