Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per 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
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 54,025	$ 34,999	$ 29,556	$ 25,119	$ 33,159	$ 28,652	$ 18,966	$ 26,710	$ 143,700	$ 107,487	$ 88,982
Expenses	51,878	35,970	34,209	29,815	91,314	40,164	30,354	33,597	151,871	195,429	254,288
Loss (income) from unconsolidated entities	(17)	(7)	(15)	(63)	376	(38)	(43)	(36)	(101)	259	(398)
Loss before income taxes	2,130	(978)	(4,668)	(4,759)	(57,779)	(11,550)	(11,431)	(6,923)	(8,272)	(87,683)	(165,704)
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest	306	899	0	0	1,077	33	(86)	1,528	1,205	2,552	(296)
Net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to AV Homes stockholders	1,824	(1,877)	(4,668)	(4,759)	(58,856)	(11,583)	(11,345)	(8,451)	(9,477)	(90,235)	(165,881)
Loss per share:
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.08	$ (0.86)	$ (0.36)	$ (0.38)	$ (4.67)	$ (0.92)	$ (0.91)	$ (0.68)	$ (1.34)	$ (7.19)	$ (13.33)
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment charges	677								(281)	49,749	107,981
Homes Completed or Under Construction [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment charges			45						33	1,635
Land and Other Inventory [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment charges		(970)
Land Developed and or Held for Future Development or Sale [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment charges	$ 677