Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per 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
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 103,960	$ 86,641	$ 51,447	$ 43,865	$ 54,025	$ 34,999	$ 29,556	$ 25,119
Expenses	102,349	85,958	53,694	45,499	51,878	35,970	34,209	29,815	287,500	149,653	194,103
Loss (income) from unconsolidated entities	(6)	(5)	(6)	1	(17)	(7)	(15)	(63)	(16)	(101)	259
Loss before income taxes	1,605	678	(2,253)	(1,633)	2,130	(978)	(4,668)	(4,759)	(1,603)	(8,272)	(87,683)
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest	0	0	36	293	306	899	0	0	329	1,205	2,552
Net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to AV Homes stockholders	1,605	678	(2,289)	(1,926)	1,824	(1,877)	(4,668)	(4,759)	(1,932)	(9,477)	(90,235)
Loss per share:
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.03	$ (0.10)	$ (0.09)	$ 0.08	$ (0.86)	$ (0.36)	$ (0.38)	$ (0.09)	$ (1.34)	$ (7.19)
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment charges									$ 0	$ (281)	$ 57,408