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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
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)									67,274	9,272,795	122,388
Antidilutive securities excluded from weighted average number of shares outstanding									127,078	100,898	209,270
Preferred Stock Deemed Dividend from Beneficial Conversion Feature						$ (0.75)				$ 0.75
Numerator: [Abstract]
Basic and diluted loss per share - net loss	$ 1,605	$ 678	$ (2,289)	$ (1,926)	$ 1,824	$ (1,877)	$ (4,668)	$ (4,759)	$ (1,932)	$ (9,477)	$ (90,235)
Beneficial conversion feature (deemed dividend)									0	(11,894)	0
Net loss attributable to AV Homes common stockholders									$ (1,932)	$ (21,371)	$ (90,235)
Denominator: [Abstract]
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)									21,945,491	15,935,701	12,557,416