Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate revenues	$ 43,865	$ 25,110
Operating income (loss)	3,259	1,412
Unallocated income (expenses) [Abstract]
Interest income	103	9
Equity in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities	1	(63)
General and administrative expenses	(4,396)	(3,705)
Interest expense	(114)	(1,773)
Loss attributable to AV Homes	(1,633)	(4,759)
Active adult [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate revenues	16,349	12,006
Operating income (loss)	(163)	(879)
Primary residential [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate revenues	11,797	10,542
Operating income (loss)	(311)	662
Commercial and Industrial and Other Land Sales [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate revenues	15,706	2,305
Operating income (loss)	3,752	1,440
Other Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate revenues	13	257
Operating income (loss)	(19)	189
Unallocated Revenues [Member]
Unallocated income (expenses) [Abstract]
Equity in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities	1	(63)
General and administrative expenses	(4,396)	(3,705)
Interest expense	(114)	(1,773)
Other real estate expenses	(486)	(639)
Loss attributable to AV Homes	$ (1,633)	$ (4,759)