William Lyon Homes (WLH) 10-Q 9 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	7-May-14	7-May-14
		Common stock, Class A [Member]	Common stock, Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'	'
Trading Symbol	'WLH	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'WILLIAM LYON HOMES	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001095996	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	27,408,581	3,813,884

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$151,029		$171,672
Restricted cash	854		854
Receivables	22,322		20,839
Real estate inventories	'		'
Owned	862,218		671,790
Not owned	12,960	[1]	12,960	[1]
Deferred loan costs, net	12,058		9,575
Goodwill	14,209		14,209
Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $8,229 as of March 31, 2014 and $7,611 as of December 31, 2013	2,148		2,766
Deferred income taxes, net valuation allowance of $3,573 as of March 31, 2014 and $3,959 as of December 31, 2013	93,457		95,580
Other assets, net	12,297		10,166
Total assets	1,183,552		1,010,411
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'		'
Accounts payable	18,720		17,099
Accrued expenses	65,881		60,203
Liabilities from inventories not owned	12,960		12,960
Notes payable	41,120		38,060
Senior Notes	581,016		431,295
Liabilities	719,697		559,617
Commitments and contingencies	'		'
Equity:	'		'
Preferred stock	0		0
Additional paid-in capital	311,599		311,863
Retained earnings	124,699		116,002
Total William Lyon Homes stockholdersb equity	436,616		428,179
Noncontrolling interest	27,239		22,615
Total equity	463,855		450,794
Total liabilities and equity	1,183,552		1,010,411
Common stock, Class A [Member]	'		'
Equity:	'		'
Common stock	280		276
Common stock, Class B [Member]	'		'
Equity:	'		'
Common stock	38		38
5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019	'		'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'		'
Senior Notes	150,000		0
8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020	'		'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'		'
Senior Notes	431,016		431,295
Senior Notes	$431,016		$431,295
[1]	Represents the consolidation of a land banking arrangement, net of deposits. The lots attributable to this amount were purchased in April 2014.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Intangibles, accumulated amortization	$8,229	$7,611
Valuation allowance	$3,573	$3,959
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, shares authorized	190,000,000	'
Common stock, Class A [Member]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	28,012,415	27,622,283
Common stock, shares outstanding	27,408,581	27,216,813
Common stock, Class B [Member]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	3,813,884	3,813,884
Common stock, shares outstanding	3,813,884	3,813,884
5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019	'	'
Debt instrument, interest rate percentage	5.75%	5.75%
8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020	'	'
Debt instrument, interest rate percentage	8.50%	8.50%

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating revenue	'	'
Home sales	$140,299	$76,434
Construction services	9,652	4,419
Operating revenue	149,951	80,853
Operating costs	'	'
Cost of sales b homes	-106,212	-63,328
Construction services	-8,068	-4,038
Sales and marketing	-6,558	-4,668
General and administrative	-12,136	-8,524
Amortization of intangible assets	-618	-622
Other	-562	-485
Operating costs	-134,154	-81,665
Operating income (loss)	15,797	-812
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	0	-1,284
Other income, net	119	87
Income (loss) before reorganization items	15,916	-2,009
Reorganization items, net	0	-464
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	15,916	-2,473
Provision for income taxes	-4,574	0
Net income (loss)	11,342	-2,473
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-2,645	-75
Net income (loss) attributable to William Lyon Homes	8,697	-2,548
Preferred stock dividends	0	-974
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$8,697	($3,522)
Income (loss) per common share:	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.28	($0.24)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.27	($0.24)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'
Basic (shares)	31,106,310	14,581,897
Diluted (shares)	32,604,620	14,581,897

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Non-Controlling Interests [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$450,794	$314	$311,863	$116,002	$22,615
Balance Shares at Dec. 31, 2013	'	31,436,000	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	11,342	'	'	8,697	2,645
Cash contributions by members of consolidated entities	8,392	'	'	'	8,392
Cash distributions to members of consolidated entities	-6,413	'	'	'	-6,413
Offering costs related to secondary sale of common stock	-145	'	-145	'	'
Issuance of common stock	288	4	284	'	'
Issuance of common stock, shares	'	475,000	'	'	'
Shares remitted to Company	-1,414	'	-1,414	'	'
Shares remitted to Company, shares	'	-85,000	'	'	'
Stock based compensation	1,011	'	1,011	'	'
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$463,855	$318	$311,599	$124,699	$27,239
Balance Shares at Mar. 31, 2014	'	31,826,000	'	'	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating activities	'	'
Net income (loss)	$11,342	($2,473)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,345	914
Provision for deferred income taxes	2,123	0
Stock based compensation expense	1,011	311
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Receivables	-1,483	-5,237
Real estate inventories b owned	-188,295	-16,099
Other assets	-1,114	687
Accounts payable	1,621	5,458
Accrued expenses	3,714	5,979
Net cash used in operating activities	-169,736	-10,460
Investing activities	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-1,273	-683
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,273	-683
Financing activities	'	'
Proceeds from borrowings on notes payable	20,112	20,235
Principal payments on notes payable	-19,464	-12,976
Proceeds from issuance of 5 3/4% senior notes	150,000	0
Payment of deferred loan costs	-2,549	-250
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	288	0
Payment of preferred stock dividends	0	-649
Noncontrolling interests contributions	8,392	112
Noncontrolling interests distributions	-6,413	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	150,366	6,472
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-20,643	-4,671
Cash and cash equivalents b beginning of period	171,672	71,075
Cash and cash equivalents b end of period	151,029	66,404
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Issuance of note payable related to land acquisition	2,413	1,762
Shares remitted to the Company for employee tax withholding	1,414	0
Accrued offering costs related to secondary sale of common stock	145	0
Accrued deferred loan costs	404	0
Accretion of payable in kind dividends on convertible preferred stock	0	325
Preferred stock dividends, accrued	$0	$163

Segment_Information_Notes

Segment Information (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Note 3—Segment Information
	The Company operates one principal homebuilding business. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”), the Company has determined that each of its operating divisions is an operating segment.
	Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer have been identified as the chief operating decision makers. The Company’s chief operating decision makers direct the allocation of resources to operating segments based on the profitability and cash flows of each respective segment.
	The Company’s homebuilding operations design, construct and sell a wide range of homes designed to meet the specific needs in each of its markets. In accordance with the aggregation criteria defined by ASC 280, the Company’s homebuilding operating segments have been grouped into five reportable segments: Southern California, consisting of an operating division with operations in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties; Northern California, consisting of an operating division with operations in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, and Santa Clara counties; Arizona, consisting of operations in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area; Nevada, consisting of operations in the Las Vegas, Nevada metropolitan area; and Colorado, consisting of operations in the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area, Fort Collins, and Granby, Colorado markets.
	Corporate develops and implements strategic initiatives and supports the Company’s operating divisions by centralizing key administrative functions such as finance and treasury, information technology, risk management and litigation and human resources.
	Segment financial information relating to the Company’s operations was as follows (in thousands):
			Three				Three
			Months				Months
			Ended				Ended
			March 31,				March 31,
			2014				2013
	Operating revenue:
	Southern California		$	87,379			$	11,246
	Northern California		26,876				13,338
	Arizona		13,278				21,629
	Nevada		17,149				14,761
	Colorado		5,269				19,879
	Total operating revenue		$	149,951			$	80,853
			Three				Three
			Months				Months
			Ended				Ended
			March 31,				March 31,
			2014				2013
	Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
	Southern California		$	16,098			$	(674	)
	Northern California		4,540				1,130
	Arizona		1,351				1,085
	Nevada		1,356				1,069
	Colorado		(659		)		723
	Corporate		(6,770		)		(5,806		)
	Income (loss) before provision for income taxes		$	15,916			$	(2,473	)
		31-Mar-14				31-Dec-13
	Homebuilding assets:
	Southern California	$	389,659			$	275,975
	Northern California	173,772				143,693
	Arizona	166,382				157,892
	Nevada	104,389				85,695
	Colorado	86,144				60,233
	Corporate (1)	263,206				286,923
	Total homebuilding assets	$	1,183,552			$	1,010,411
	-1	Comprised primarily of cash and cash equivalents, deferred income taxes, receivables, deferred loan costs, and other assets.

Real_Estate_Inventories_Notes

Real Estate Inventories (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Real Estate Inventories	'
	Real Estate Inventories
	Real estate inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		Successor
		31-Mar-14		31-Dec-13
	Real estate inventories owned:
	Land deposits	$	56,806	$	46,632
	Land and land under development	621,858		458,437
	Homes completed and under construction	158,877		144,736
	Model homes	24,677		21,985
	Total	$	862,218	$	671,790
	Real estate inventories not owned: (1)
	Other land options contracts — land banking arrangement	$	12,960	$	12,960
	-1	Represents the consolidation of a land banking arrangement, net of deposits. The lots attributable to this amount were purchased in April 2014.

Senior_Notes_and_Secured_Indeb

Senior Notes and Secured Indebtedness (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Senior Notes and Secured Indebtedness	'
	Note 5—Senior Notes and Secured Indebtedness
		Successor
		31-Mar-14			31-Dec-13
	Notes payable:
	Construction notes payable	$	31,522		$	24,198
	Seller financing	9,598			13,862
	Revolving lines of credit	—			—
	Total notes payable	41,120			38,060
	Senior notes:
	5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019	$	150,000		$	—
	8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020	431,016			431,295
	Total senior notes	$	581,016		$	431,295
	Total notes payable and senior notes	$	622,136		$	469,355
	As of March 31, 2014, the maturities of the Notes payable, 5 3/4% Senior Notes, and 8 1/2% Senior Notes are as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending December 31,
	2014	$	846
	2015	8,752
	2016	31,522
	2017	—
	2018	—
	Thereafter	575,000
		$	616,120
	Maturities above exclude premium of $6,016 as of March 31, 2014.
	Senior Notes
	5 3/4% Senior Notes Due 2019
	On March 31, 2014, William Lyon Homes, Inc., a California corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent (“California Lyon”) completed its private placement with registration rights of 5.75% Senior Notes due 2019 (the "5.75% Notes"), in an aggregate principal amount of $150 million. The 5.75% Notes were issued at 100% of their aggregate principal amount.
	As of March 31, 2014, the outstanding principal amount of the notes was $150 million. The notes bear interest at a rate of 5.75% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears on April 15 and October 15, and mature on April 15, 2019. The 5.75% Notes are unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several unsecured basis by Parent and certain of its existing and future direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. The 5.75% Notes and the related guarantees are California Lyon’s and the guarantors’ unsecured senior obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of California Lyon’s and the guarantors’ existing and future unsecured senior debt, including California Lyon’s $425 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.5% Senior Notes due 2020, as described below. The 5.75% Notes rank senior in right of payment to all of California Lyon’s and the guarantors’ future subordinated debt. The 5.75% Notes and the guarantees are and will be effectively junior to California Lyon’s and the guarantors’ existing and future secured debt to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such debt.
	On or after April 15, 2016, California Lyon may redeem all or a portion of the 5.75% Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the period beginning on each of the dates indicated below:
	Year	Percentage
	15-Apr-16	104.313	%
	15-Oct-16	102.875	%
	15-Apr-17	101.438	%
	April 15, 2018 and thereafter	100	%
	Prior to April 15, 2016, the 5.75% notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, and accrued and unpaid interest to, the redemption date.
	In addition, any time prior to April 15, 2016, California Lyon may, at its option on one or more occasions, redeem the 5.75% Notes in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 5.75% Notes issued prior to such date at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) of 105.75%, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, with an amount equal to the net cash proceeds from one or more equity offerings by Parent.
	The indenture governing the 5.75% Notes contains covenants that limit the ability of Parent, California Lyon, and their restricted subsidiaries to, among other things: (i) incur or guarantee certain additional indebtedness; (ii) pay dividends, distributions, or repurchase equity or make payments in respect of subordinated indebtedness; (iii) make certain investments; (iv) sell assets; (v) incur liens; (vi) enter into agreements restricting the ability of the Company’s restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends or transfer assets; (vii) enter into transactions with affiliates; (viii) create unrestricted subsidiaries; and (viii) consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of its assets. These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications as described in the Indenture. The Company was in compliance with all such covenants as of March 31, 2014.
	8 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2020
	On November 8, 2012, California Lyon completed its offering of 8 1/2% Senior Notes due 2020, (the "initial 8.5% notes"), in an aggregate principal amount of $325 million. The initial 8.5% Notes were issued at 100% of their aggregate principal amount.
	On October 24, 2013, California Lyon completed the sale of an additional $100.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 8.5% Senior Notes due 2020 (the “additional 8.5 % Notes”, and together with the initial 8.5% notes, the "8.5% Notes" ) at an issue price of 106.5% of their aggregate principal amount, plus accrued interest from and including May 15, 2013, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $104.6 million.
	As of both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the outstanding principal amount of the 8.5% Notes was $431 million. The 8.5% Notes bear interest at a rate of 8.5% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears on May 15 and November 15, and mature on November 15, 2020. The 8.5% Notes are are unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several unsecured basis by Parent and by certain of its existing and future subsidiaries. The 8.5% Notes are California Lyon's and the guarantors' senior unsecured obligations. The 8.5% Notes and the guarantees rank senior to all of California Lyon’s and the guarantors’ existing and future subordinated debt, and rank equally in right of payment with all of California Lyon's and the guarantors' existing and future unsecured senior debt, including the 5.75% Notes. The 8.5% Notes and the guarantees are and will be effectively junior to any of California Lyon’s and the guarantors’ existing and future secured debt.
	On or after November 15, 2016, California Lyon may redeem all or a portion of the 8.5% Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on November 15 of the years indicated below:
	Year	Percentage
	2016	104.25	%
	2017	102.125	%
	2018 and thereafter	100	%
	Prior to November 15, 2016, the 8.5% Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, and accrued and unpaid interest to, the redemption date.
	In addition, any time prior to November 15, 2015, California Lyon may, at its option on one or more occasions, redeem 8.5% Notes in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 8.5% Notes issued prior to such date at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) of 108.5%, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, with an amount equal to the net cash proceeds from one or more equity offerings by Parent.
	The indenture governing the 8.5% Notes contains covenants that limit the ability of Parent, California Lyon and their restricted subsidiaries to, among other things: (i) incur or guarantee certain additional indebtedness; (ii) pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase stock; (iii) make certain investments; (iv) sell assets; (v) incur liens; (vi) enter into agreements restricting the ability of the Company’s restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends or transfer assets; (vii) enter into transactions with affiliates; (viii) create unrestricted subsidiaries; and (viii) consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of its assets. These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications as described in the Indenture. The Company was in compliance with all such covenants as of March 31, 2014.
	Notes Payable
	Revolving Lines of Credit
	On August 7, 2013, California Lyon and Parent entered into a credit agreement providing for a revolving credit facility of up to $100 million (the “Revolver”). The Revolver will mature on August 5, 2016, unless terminated earlier pursuant to the terms of the Revolver. The Revolver contains an uncommitted accordion feature under which its aggregate principal amount can be increased to up to $125 million under certain circumstances, as well as a sublimit of $50 million for letters of credit. The Revolver contains various covenants, including financial covenants relating to tangible net worth, leverage, liquidity and interest coverage, as well as a limitation on investments in joint ventures and non-guarantor subsidiaries. The total amount available under the Revolver is subject to a borrowing base calculation.
	The Revolver contains customary events of default, subject to cure periods in certain circumstances, that would result in the termination of the commitment and permit the lenders to accelerate payment on outstanding borrowings and require cash collateralization of letters of credit, including: nonpayment of principal, interest and fees or other amounts; violation of covenants; inaccuracy of representations and warranties; cross default to certain other indebtedness; unpaid judgments; and certain bankruptcy and other insolvency events. If a change in control of the Company occurs, the lenders may terminate the commitment and require that California Lyon repay outstanding borrowings under the Revolver and cash collateralize letters of credit. Interest rates on borrowings generally will be based on either LIBOR or a base rate, plus the applicable spread. The commitment fee on the unused portion of the Facility currently accrues at an annual rate of 0.50%.
	Borrowings under the Revolver, the availability of which is subject to a borrowing base formula, are required to be guaranteed by Parent and certain of Parent’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, are secured by a pledge of all equity interests held by such guarantors, and may be used for general corporate purposes. As of March 31, 2014, the Revolver was undrawn, the Company had issued a letter of credit for $4.0 million, reducing the amount available under the Revolver.
	Construction Notes Payable
	In March 2014, one of the Company's consolidated joint ventures entered into a construction notes payable agreement. The agreement has total availability under the facility of $26.0 million, to be drawn for land development and construction of the joint venture's projects. The facility consists of a $14.0 million revolving facility and a $12.0 million non-revolving loan, of which $3.5 million was outstanding at March 31, 2014. The facility matures in October 2016 and bears interest at the Company's option of either LIBOR +3.0% or the prime rate +1.0%. At March 31, 2014 the interest rate on the facility was 3.15%, and the Company had $3.5 million outstanding. The loan will be repaid with proceeds from home closings of the project, is secured by the underlying project, and is guaranteed by the Company.
	In December 2013, one of the Company's consolidated joint ventures entered into a construction notes payable agreement. The agreement has total availability under the facility of $18.6 million, to be drawn for land development and construction of the joint venture's projects. The facility consists of an $11.5 million revolving facility and a $7.1 million promissory note. The facility matures in January 2016 and bears interest at the Company's option of either LIBOR +3.0% or the prime rate +1.0%. At March 31, 2014 the interest rate on the facility was 4.25%, and the Company had $6.5 million outstanding. The loan will be repaid with proceeds from home closings of the project, is secured by the underlying project, and is guaranteed by the Company.
	In June 2013, one of the Company's consolidated joint ventures entered into a construction note payable agreement. The agreement has total availability under the facility of $28.0 million, to be drawn for land development and construction on one of the joint venture's projects. The loan matures in June 2016 and bears interest at the prime rate +0.5%, with a rate floor of 4.0%, which was the interest rate as of March 31, 2014. As of March 31, 2014, the Company had borrowed $21.5 million under this facility. The loan will be repaid with proceeds from home closings of the project, is secured by the underlying project, and is guaranteed by the Company.
	Seller Financing
	At March 31, 2014, the Company had $9.6 million of notes payable outstanding related to two land acquisitions for which seller financing was provided. The first note had a balance of $7.6 million as of March 31, 2014, bears interest at 7% per annum, is secured by the underlying land, and matures in May 2015. The second land acquisition consists of two separate notes, the first having a balance of $0.8 million as of March 31, 2014 and maturing in October 2014, and the second having a balance of $1.2 million as of March 31, 2014 and maturing in January 2015. Both notes bear interest at 4% per annum.
	GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	The following consolidating financial information includes:
	(1) Consolidating balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013; consolidating statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013; and consolidating statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, of (a) William Lyon Homes, as the parent, or “Delaware Lyon”, (b) William Lyon Homes, Inc., as the subsidiary issuer, or “California Lyon”, (c) the guarantor subsidiaries, (d) the non-guarantor subsidiaries and (e) William Lyon Homes, Inc. on a consolidated basis; and
	(2) Elimination entries necessary to consolidate Delaware Lyon, with William Lyon Homes, Inc. and its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries.
Delaware Lyon owns 100% of all of its guarantor subsidiaries and all guarantees are full and unconditional, joint and several. As a result, in accordance with Rule 3-10 (d) of Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC, no separate financial statements are required for these subsidiaries as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
(Unaudited)
31-Mar-14
(in thousands)
	Unconsolidated
	Delaware			California			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
	Lyon			Lyon			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			Company
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	142,297		$	170		$	8,562		$	—		$	151,029
Restricted cash	—			854			—			—			—			854
Receivables	—			18,614			86			3,622			—			22,322
Real estate inventories
Owned	—			779,891			902			81,425			—			862,218
Not owned	—			12,960			—			—			—			12,960
Deferred loan costs, net	—			12,058			—			—			—			12,058
Goodwill	—			14,209			—			—			—			14,209
Intangibles, net	—			2,148			—			—			—			2,148
Deferred income taxes, net	—			93,457			—			—			—			93,457
Other assets, net	—			10,218			1,738			341			—			12,297
Investments in subsidiaries	436,616			(33,105		)	—			—			(403,511		)	—
Intercompany receivables	—			—			227,264			—			(227,264		)	—
Total assets	$	436,616		$	1,053,601		$	230,160		$	93,950		$	(630,775	)	$	1,183,552
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	$	—		$	14,714		$	386		$	3,620		$	—		$	18,720
Accrued expenses	—			64,715			1,071			95			—			65,881
Liabilities from inventories not owned	—			12,960			—			—			—			12,960
Notes payable	—			7,510			2,088			31,522			—			41,120
5 3/4% Senior Notes	—			150,000			—			—			—			150,000
8  1/2% Senior Notes	—			431,016			—			—			—			431,016
Intercompany payables	—			162,685			—			64,579			(227,264		)	—
Total liabilities	—			843,600			3,545			99,816			(227,264		)	719,697
Equity
William Lyon Homes stockholders’ equity	436,616			210,001			226,615			(33,105		)	(403,511		)	436,616
Noncontrolling interests	—			—						27,239			—			27,239
Total liabilities and equity	$	436,616		$	1,053,601		$	230,160		$	93,950		$	(630,775	)	$	1,183,552
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
	Unconsolidated
	Delaware			California			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
	Lyon			Lyon			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			Company
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	166,516		$	28		$	5,128		$	—		$	171,672
Restricted cash	—			854			—			—			—			854
Receivables	—			15,742			72			5,025			—			20,839
Real estate inventories
Owned	—			608,965			3,761			59,064			—			671,790
Not owned	—			12,960			—			—			—			12,960
Deferred loan costs, net	—			9,575			—			—			—			9,575
Goodwill	—			14,209			—			—			—			14,209
Intangibles, net	—			2,766			—			—			—			2,766
Deferred income taxes, net	—			95,580			—			—			—			95,580
Other assets, net	—			9,100			723			343			—			10,166
Investments in subsidiaries	428,179			9,975			—			—			(438,154		)	—
Intercompany receivables	—			—			225,056			(15		)	(225,041		)	—
Total assets	$	428,179		$	946,242		$	229,640		$	69,545		$	(663,195	)	$	1,010,411
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	$	—		$	12,489		$	1,959		$	2,651		$	—		$	17,099
Accrued expenses	—			59,376			744			83			—			60,203
Liabilities from inventories not owned	—			12,960			—			—			—			12,960
Notes payable	—			12,281			1,762			24,017			—			38,060
8 1/2% Senior Notes	—			431,295			—			—			—			431,295
Intercompany payables	—			214,837			—			10,204			(225,041		)	—
Total liabilities	—			743,238			4,465			36,955			(225,041		)	559,617
Equity
William Lyon Homes stockholders’ equity	428,179			203,004			225,175			9,975			(438,154		)	428,179
Noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			22,615			—			22,615
Total liabilities and equity	$	428,179		$	946,242		$	229,640		$	69,545		$	(663,195	)	$	1,010,411
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(in thousands)
	Unconsolidated
	Delaware			California			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
	Lyon			Lyon			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			Company
Operating revenue
Sales	$	—		$	106,599		$	18,548		$	15,152		$	—		$	140,299
Construction services	—			9,652			—			—			—			9,652
Management fees	—			455			—			—			(455		)	—
	—			116,706			18,548			15,152			(455		)	149,951
Operating costs
Cost of sales	—			(80,429		)	(15,057		)	(11,181		)	455			(106,212		)
Construction services	—			(8,068		)	—			—			—			(8,068		)
Sales and marketing	—			(4,689		)	(1,195		)	(674		)	—			(6,558		)
General and administrative	—			(11,278		)	(858		)	—			—			(12,136		)
Amortization of intangible assets	—			(618		)	—			—			—			(618		)
Other	—			(970		)	(1		)	409			—			(562		)
	—			(106,052		)	(17,111		)	(11,446		)	455			(134,154		)
Income from subsidiaries	8,697			3,015			—			—			(11,712		)	—
Operating income	8,697			13,669			1,437			3,706			(11,712		)	15,797
Other income (expense), net	—			269			(3		)	(147		)	—			119
Income before provision for income taxes	8,697			13,938			1,434			3,559			(11,712		)	15,916
Provision for income taxes	—			(4,574		)	—			—			—			(4,574		)
Net income	8,697			9,364			1,434			3,559			(11,712		)	11,342
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(2,645		)	—			(2,645		)
Net income attributable to William Lyon Homes	8,697			9,364			1,434			914			(11,712		)	8,697
Net income available to common stockholders	$	8,697		$	9,364		$	1,434		$	914		$	(11,712	)	$	8,697
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
(in thousands)
	Unconsolidated
	Delaware			California			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
	Lyon			Lyon			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			Company
Operating revenue
Sales	$	—		$	54,805		$	21,629		$	—		$	—		$	76,434
Construction services	—			4,419			—			—			—			4,419
	—			59,224			21,629			—			—			80,853
Operating costs
Cost of sales	—			(45,568		)	(17,839		)	79			—			(63,328		)
Construction services	—			(4,038		)	—			—			—			(4,038		)
Sales and marketing	—			(3,485		)	(997		)	(186		)	—			(4,668		)
General and administrative	—			(8,457		)	(67		)	—			—			(8,524		)
Amortization of intangible assets	—			(622		)	—			—						(622		)
Other	—			(484		)	(1		)	—			—			(485		)
	—			(62,654		)	(18,904		)	(107		)	—			(81,665		)
(Loss) income from subsidiaries	(3,445		)	2,539			—			—			906			—
Operating (loss) income	(3,445		)	(891		)	2,725			(107		)	906			(812		)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	—			(1,284		)	—			—			—			(1,284		)
Other income (expense), net	—			95			(3		)	(5		)	—			87
(Loss) income before reorganization items and provision for income taxes	(3,445		)	(2,080		)	2,722			(112		)	906			(2,009		)
Reorganization items, net	—			(464		)	—			—			—			(464		)
Net (loss) income	(3,445		)	(2,544		)	2,722			(112		)	906			(2,473		)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—						—			(75		)	—			(75		)
Net (loss) income attributable to William Lyon Homes	(3,445		)	(2,544		)	2,722			(187		)	906			(2,548		)
Preferred stock dividends	(974		)	—			—			—			—			(974		)
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders	$	(4,419	)	$	(2,544	)	$	2,722		$	(187	)	$	906		$	(3,522	)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(in thousands)
	Unconsolidated
	Delaware			California			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
	Lyon			Lyon			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			Company
Operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	261		$	(155,347	)	$	2,037		$	(16,426	)	$	(261	)	$	(169,736	)
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	—			(1,264		)	(19		)	10			—			(1,273		)
Investments in subsidiaries	—			46,095			—			—			(46,095		)	—
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	—			44,831			(19		)	10			(46,095		)	(1,273		)
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings on notes payable	—			(326		)	326			20,112			—			20,112
Principal payments on notes payable	—			(6,857		)	—			(12,607		)	—			(19,464		)
Proceeds from issuance of 5 3/4% notes	—			150,000			—			—			—			150,000
Payment of deferred loan costs	—			(2,549		)	—			—			—			(2,549		)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	—			288			—			—			—			288
Noncontrolling interests contributions	—			—			—			8,392			—			8,392
Noncontrolling interests distributions	—			—			—			(6,413		)	—			(6,413		)
Advances to affiliates	—			—			6			(43,994		)	43,988			—
Intercompany receivables/payables	(261		)	(54,259		)	(2,208		)	54,360			2,368			—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(261		)	86,297			(1,876		)	19,850			46,356			150,366
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			(24,219		)	142			3,434			—			(20,643		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—			166,516			28			5,128			—			171,672
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	142,297		$	170		$	8,562		$	—		$	151,029
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
(in thousands)
	Unconsolidated
	Delaware			California			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
	Lyon			Lyon			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			Company
Operating activities
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	—		$	(11,724	)	$	2,778		$	(1,514	)	$	—		$	(10,460	)
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	—			(680		)	(7		)	4			—			(683		)
Investments in subsidiaries	—			2,996			—			—			(2,996		)	—
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	—			2,316			(7		)	4			(2,996		)	(683		)
Financing activities
Proceeds on borrowings on notes payable	—			18,361			—			1,874			—			20,235
Principal payments on notes payable	—			(12,976		)	—			—			—			(12,976		)
Payment of deferred loan costs	—			(250		)	—			—			—			(250		)
Payment of preferred stock dividends	—			(649		)	—			—			—			(649		)
Noncontrolling interests contributions	—			—			—			112			—			112
Noncontrolling interests distributions	—			—			—			—			—			—
Intercompany receivables/payables	—			(329		)	(2,779		)	381			2,727			—
Advances to affiliates	—			—			1			(270		)	269			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	—			4,157			(2,778		)	2,097			2,996			6,472
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			(5,251		)	(7		)	587			—			(4,671		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—			69,376			65			1,634			—			71,075
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	64,125		$	58		$	2,221		$	—		$	66,404

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure (“ASC 820”), the Company is required to disclose the estimated fair value of financial instruments. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company used the following assumptions to estimate the fair value of each type of financial instrument for which it is practicable to estimate:
	•	5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019 —The 5 3/4% Senior Notes were priced on March 26, 2014, and closed on March 31, 2014, therefore the par value of the notes approximates fair value as of March 31, 2014.
	•	8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020 —The 8 1/2% Senior Notes are traded over the counter and their fair values were based upon quotes from industry sources.
	•	Notes Payable—The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value of the notes payable because the loans were either entered into during the current or prior quarter, market rates are unchanged and/or the outstanding balance at quarter end is expected to be repaid within one year;
	The following table excludes cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables and accounts payable, which had fair values approximating their carrying amounts due to the short maturities and liquidity of these instruments. The estimated fair values of financial instruments are as follows (in thousands):
		Successor
		31-Mar-14					31-Dec-13
		Carrying			Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Amount			Value		Amount		Value
	Financial liabilities:
	5 3/4% Senior Notes due 2019	$	150,000		$	150,000	$	—	$	—
	8 1/2% Senior Notes due 2020	$	431,016		$	472,813	$	431,295	$	466,877
	Notes payable	$	41,120		$	41,120	$	38,060	$	38,060
	ASC 820 establishes a framework for measuring fair value, expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements and defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 requires the Company to maximize the use of observable market inputs, minimize the use of unobservable market inputs and disclose in the form of an outlined hierarchy the details of such fair value measurements. The Company used Level 3 to measure the fair value of its Notes Payable, and Level 2 to measure the fair value of its 81 /2 % Notes. Since the 5 3/4% Notes were issued on March 31, 2014, Level 1 was used to measure fair value. The ASC 820 specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to a fair value measurement are considered to be observable or unobservable in a marketplace. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows:
	•	Level 1—quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
	•	Level 2—quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets; and
	•	Level 3—valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
	The following table represents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance for the Company’s Level 3 fair value measurements:
		Notes
		Payable
		(in thousands)
	Fair value at December 31, 2013	$	38,060
	Repayments of principal (1)	(19,464		)
	Borrowings of principal (2)	22,524
	Increase in value during the period	—
	Fair value at March 31, 2014	$	41,120
	-1	Represents the actual amount of principal repaid
	-2	Represents the actual amount of principal borrowed

Related_Party_Transactions_Not

Related Party Transactions (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	Related Party Transactions
	On September 3, 2009, Presley CMR, Inc., a California corporation (“Presley CMR”) and a wholly owned subsidiary of California Lyon, entered into an Aircraft Purchase and Sale Agreement (“PSA”) with an affiliate of General William Lyon to sell an aircraft (the “Aircraft”). The PSA provided for an aggregate purchase price for the Aircraft of $8.3 million, (which value was the appraised fair market value of the Aircraft), which consisted of: (i) cash in the amount of $2.1 million to be paid at closing and (ii) a promissory note from the affiliate in the amount of $6.2 million. The note is secured by the Aircraft. As part of the Company’s fresh start accounting, the note was adjusted to its fair value of $5.2 million. The discount on the fresh start adjustment is amortized over the remaining life of the note. The note requires semiannual interest payments to California Lyon of approximately $0.1 million. The note is due in September 2016.
	For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company incurred charges of $0.2 million related to rent on its corporate office, from a trust of which William H. Lyon is the sole beneficiary. The lease expired in March 2013 and the Company relocated its corporate office upon expiration of the lease. The Company has entered into a lease for the new location with an unrelated third party.

Income_Taxes_Notes

Income Taxes (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Since inception, the Company has operated solely within the United States.
	The Company’s effective income tax rate was 28.74% and 0% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The significant drivers of the effective tax rate are allocation of income to noncontrolling interests, related party loss recapture, domestic production activities deduction, and release of valuation allowance.
	Management assesses its deferred tax assets quarterly to determine whether all or any portion of the asset is more likely than not unrealizable under ASC 740. The Company is required to establish a valuation allowance for any portion of the asset that management concludes is more likely than not to be unrealizable. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The Company's assessment considers all evidence, both positive and negative, including the nature, frequency and severity of any current and cumulative losses, taxable income in carry back years, the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies, and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. At March 31, 2014 the Company’s valuation allowance was $3.6 million due to projected excess realized built-in-losses and state net operating losses which may expire unused. In the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized a $95.6 million income tax benefit that resulted from the reversal of all but $4.0 million of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance.
	At March 31, 2014, the Company had no remaining federal net operating loss carryforwards and $80.7 million remaining state net operating loss carryforwards. State net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2014. In addition, as of March 31, 2014, the Company had unused federal and state built-in losses of $66.0 million and $35.1 million, respectively. The 5 year testing period for built-in losses expires in 2017 and the unused built-in loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2033. The Company had AMT credit carryovers of $1.4 million at March 31, 2014, which have an indefinite life.
	In connection with the Company’s emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, the Company experienced an “ownership change” as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, or the IRC, as of February 25, 2012. Section 382 of the IRC contains rules that limit the ability of a company that undergoes an “ownership change” to utilize its net operating loss carryforwards and certain built-in losses or deductions recognized during the five-year period after the ownership change. The Company is able to retain a portion of its U.S. federal and state net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, or the “Tax Attributes”, in connection with the ownership change. However, the IRC Sections 382 and 383 provide an annual limitation with respect to the ability of a corporation to utilize its Tax Attributes against future U.S. taxable income in the event of a change in ownership. In the Company’s situation, the limitation under the IRC will generally be based on the value of the equity (for purposes of the applicable tax rules) on or immediately following the time of emergence. As a result, the Company’s future U.S. taxable income may not be fully offset by the Tax Attributes if such income exceeds the Company’s annual limitation of $3.6 million during the 20 year carryforward period allowed under tax law, and the Company may incur a tax liability with respect to such income. In addition, subsequent changes in ownership for purposes of the IRC could further diminish the Company’s ability to utilize Tax Attributes.
	In addition to the impact on Tax Attributes listed above, the Company was also subject to Tax Attribute reduction pursuant to various provisions contained in IRC Section 108(e) related to the Company’s issuance of 5,429,485 shares of Parent’s new Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, and a $75 million principal amount 12% Senior Subordinated Secured Note due 2017, issued by California Lyon in conjunction with the Company’s restructure, in exchange for the claims held by the holders of the formerly outstanding notes of California Lyon. These transactions resulted in Cancellation of Debt (COD) income for income tax purposes of approximately $203 million. IRC Section 108(a)(1)(A) provides that COD income is excluded from gross income when the discharge occurs in a Title 11 case under the jurisdiction of the bankruptcy court. However, pursuant to IRC Section 108(b)(1), if COD income is excluded due to the application of the bankruptcy exception, the amount of excluded COD income must generally be applied to reduce certain tax attributes of the debtor. In general, such attributes would normally be reduced in the following order: (1) net operating losses (current and carryforward); (2) general business tax credits; (3) minimum tax credits; (4) capital loss carryovers; (5) tax basis of the taxpayer’s assets; (6) passive activity losses and credit carryovers; and (7) foreign tax credit carryovers. This Tax Attribute reduction occurred on January 1, 2013, and resulted in a $69.2 million reduction to the value of our net operating losses with an offsetting reduction to our deferred tax asset valuation allowance.
	Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”) which is now codified as FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement criterion for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be considered more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The Company records interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of the provision for income taxes. The Company has no unrecognized tax benefits.
	The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax examination for calendar tax years ending 2010 through 2013. The Company is subject to various state income tax examinations for calendar tax years ending 2009 through 2013. The Company does not have any tax examinations currently in progress.

Income_Loss_Per_Common_Share_N

Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Income (Loss) Per Common Share	'
	Income (Loss) Per Common Share
	Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were calculated as follows (in thousands, except number of shares and per share amounts):
		Three		Three
		Months		Months
		Ended		Ended
		March 31,		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding	31,106,310		14,581,897
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options, unvested common shares, and warrants (1)	1,498,310		—
	Diluted average shares outstanding	32,604,620		14,581,897
	Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$	8,697	$	(3,522	)
	Basic income (loss) per common share	$	0.28	$	(0.24	)
	Dilutive income (loss) per common share	$	0.27	$	(0.24	)
	Antidilutive securities not included in the calculation of diluted income (loss) per common share (weighted average):
	Preferred shares	—		9,334,030
	Vested stock options	—		384,428
	Unvested stock options	—		192,214
	Warrants	—		1,907,551
	-1	For the periods with a net loss, all potentially dilutive shares related to the preferred shares, unvested common shares, stock options, and warrants were excluded from the diluted loss per common share calculations because the effect of their inclusion would be antidilutive, or would decrease the reported loss per common share.

Stock_Based_Compensation_Notes

Stock Based Compensation (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock Based Compensation	'
	Note 10—Stock Based Compensation
	We account for share-based awards in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, which requires the fair value of stock-based compensation awards to be amortized as an expense over the vesting period. Stock-based compensation awards are valued at the fair value on the date of grant. Compensation expense for awards with performance based conditions is recognized over the vesting period once achievement of the performance condition is deemed probable.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company granted 47,637 shares of restricted stock, and 287,739 shares of performance based restricted stock.
	Performance-Based Restricted Stock Awards
	With respect to all but one of the performance based restricted stock awards granted during the three months ended March 31, 2014, the actual number of such shares of restricted stock that will be earned (the “Earned Shares”) is subject to the Company’s achievement of a pre-established performance target as of the end of the 2014 fiscal year. The remaining grant does not contain a pre-established performance target, but the Earned Shares for such award will be determined by the exercise of the discretion of the Compensation Committee of Parent’s Board of Directors following the end of the 2014 fiscal year. For each of the aforementioned awards, one-third of the Earned Shares will vest on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date, subject to each grantee’s continued service through each vesting date. Based on the assessment as of March 31, 2014, management determined that the currently available data was not sufficient to support the performance targets are  probable of being achieved, and as such no compensation expense has been recognized for these awards to date.
	Additional Restricted Stock Awards
	With respect to the restricted stock awards granted to certain other employees during the three months ended March 31, 2014, representing 25,209 shares of restricted stock, 50% of the shares of restricted stock underlying such awards will vest on each of the first and second anniversaries of the grant date, subject to each grantee’s continued service through each vesting date. With respect to the restricted stock awards granted to certain non-employee directors of Parent during the three months ended March 31, 2014, representing 22,428 shares of restricted stock, the awards vest in equal quarterly installments on each of June 1, 2014, September 1, 2014, December 1, 2014 and March 1, 2015, subject to each grantee’s continued service on the board through each vesting date.
	Stock based compensation expense during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $1.0 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 11—Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company’s commitments and contingent liabilities include the usual obligations incurred by real estate developers in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, these matters will not have a material effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits related to its normal business activities. We believe that the accruals we have recorded for probable and reasonably estimable losses with respect to these proceedings are adequate and that, as of March 31, 2014, it was not reasonably possible that an additional material loss had been incurred in an amount in excess of the estimated amounts already recognized on our condensed consolidated financial statements. The outcome of any of these proceedings, including the defense and other litigation-related costs and expenses we may incur, however, is inherently uncertain and could differ significantly from the estimate reflected in a related accrual, if made. Therefore, it is possible that the ultimate outcome of any proceeding, if in excess of a related accrual or if no accrual had been made, could be material to our consolidated financial statements.
	We have non-cancelable operating leases primarily associated with our office facilities. Rent expense under cancelable and non-cancelable operating leases totaled $0.6 million and $0.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is included in general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of operations for the respective periods. The table below shows the future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases at March 31, 2014 (in thousands).
	Year Ending December 31
	2014	$	1,714
	2015	1,460
	2016	1,073
	2017	908
	2018	897
	Thereafter	2,832
	Total	$	8,884
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had $0.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively, in deposits as collateral for outstanding surety bonds to guarantee the Company’s financial obligations under certain contractual arrangements in the normal course of business. The standby letters of credit were secured by cash as reflected as restricted cash on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
	The Company also had outstanding performance and surety bonds of $80.8 million at March 31, 2014, related principally to its obligations for site improvements at various projects. The Company does not believe that draws upon these bonds, if any, will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. As of March 31, 2014, the Company had $87.7 million of project commitments relating to the construction of projects.
	See Note 5 for additional information relating to the Company’s guarantee arrangements.
	In addition to the land bank agreement discussed below, the Company has entered into various purchase option agreements with third parties to acquire land. As of March 31, 2014, the Company has made non-refundable deposits of $55.7 million. The Company is under no obligation to purchase the land, but would forfeit remaining deposits if the land were not purchased. The total remaining purchase price under the option agreements is $351.5 million as of March 31, 2014.
	Land Banking Arrangements
	The Company enters into purchase agreements with various land sellers. As a method of acquiring land in staged takedowns, thereby minimizing the use of funds from the Company’s available cash or other corporate financing sources and limiting the Company’s risk, the Company transfers the Company’s right in such purchase agreements to entities owned by third parties (“land banking arrangements”). These entities use equity contributions and/or incur debt to finance the acquisition and development of the land. The entities grant the Company an option to acquire lots in staged takedowns. In consideration for this option, the Company makes a non-refundable deposit of 15% to 25% of the total purchase price. The Company is under no obligation to purchase the balance of the lots, but would forfeit existing deposits of $9.2 million and could be subject to penalties if the lots were not purchased. The Company does not have legal title to these entities or their assets and has not guaranteed their liabilities. These land banking arrangements help the Company manage the financial and market risk associated with land holdings.
	The Company participates in one land banking arrangement, which is not a VIE in accordance with ASC 810, but which is consolidated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 470, Debt (“ASC 470”). Under the provisions of ASC 470, the Company has determined it is economically compelled, based on certain factors, to purchase the land in the land banking arrangement. The Company has recorded the remaining purchase price of the land of $13.0 million and $13.0 million, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which is included in real estate inventories not owned and liabilities from inventories not owned in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, and represents the remaining net cash to be paid on the remaining land takedowns.
	Summary information with respect to the Company’s land banking arrangements is as follows as of the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
		31-Mar-14		31-Dec-13
	Total number of land banking projects	1		1
	Total number of lots	610		610
	Total purchase price	$	161,465	$	161,465
	Balance of lots still under option and not purchased:
	Number of lots	65		65
	Purchase price	$	12,960	$	12,960
	Forfeited deposits if lots are not purchased	$	9,210	$	9,210
	The remaining lots under the above land banking agreement were purchased by the Company during April 2014. No further obligations remain under the agreement.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
	Operations
	William Lyon Homes, a Delaware corporation (“Parent” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”), is primarily engaged in designing, constructing, marketing and selling single-family detached and attached homes in California, Arizona, Nevada and Colorado (under the Village Homes brand).
	Initial Public Offering
	On May 21, 2013, Parent completed its initial public offering of 10,005,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, which consisted of 7,177,500 shares sold by Parent and 2,827,500 shares sold by the selling stockholder. The 10,005,000 shares in the offering were sold at a price to the public of $25.00 per share. Parent raised total net proceeds for the Company of approximately $163.7 million in the offering, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholder.
	Parent's authorized capital stock consists of 190,000,000 shares, 150,000,000 of which are designated as Class A Common Stock with a par value of $0.01 per share, 30,000,000 of which are designated as Class B Common Stock with a par value of $0.01 per share and 10,000,000 of which are designated as preferred stock with a par value of $0.01 per share.
	In connection with the initial public offering, Parent completed a common stock recapitalization which included a 1-for-8.25 reverse stock split of its Class A Common Stock (the “Class A Reverse Split”), the conversion of all outstanding shares of Parent’s Class C Common Stock, Class D Common Stock and Convertible Preferred Stock into Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis and as automatically adjusted for the Class A Reverse Split, and a 1-for-8.25 reverse stock split of its Class B Common Stock.
	Basis of Presentation
	The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of the assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and revenues and expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates. The significant accounting policies using estimates include real estate inventories and cost of sales, impairment of real estate inventories, warranty reserves, loss contingencies, sales and profit recognition, accounting for variable interest entities, and valuation of deferred tax assets. The current economic environment increases the uncertainty inherent in these estimates and assumptions.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries and joint ventures, and certain joint ventures and other entities which have been determined to be variable interest entities ("VIEs") in which the Company is considered the primary beneficiary (see Note 2). The accounting policies of the joint ventures are substantially the same as those of the Company. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared from our books and records without audit and include all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) necessary to present a fair statement of results for the interim periods presented. Readers of this quarterly report should refer to our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013, which are included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as certain disclosures that would substantially duplicate those contained in the audited financial statements have not been included in this report.
	Real Estate Inventories
	Real estate inventories are carried at cost net of impairment losses, if any. Real estate inventories consist primarily of land deposits, land and land under development, homes completed and under construction, and model homes. All direct and indirect land costs, offsite and onsite improvements and applicable interest and other carrying charges are capitalized to real estate projects during periods when the project is under development. Land, offsite costs and all other common costs are allocated to land parcels benefited based upon relative fair values before construction. Onsite construction costs and related carrying charges (principally interest and property taxes) are allocated to the individual homes within a phase based upon the relative sales value of the homes. The Company relieves its real estate inventories through cost of sales for the estimated cost of homes sold. Selling expenses and other marketing costs are expensed in the period incurred.
	A provision for warranty costs relating to the Company’s limited warranty plans is included in cost of sales and accrued expenses at the time the sale of a home is recorded. The Company generally reserves approximately one to one and one quarter percent of the sales price of its homes against the possibility of future charges relating to its one-year limited warranty and similar potential claims. Factors that affect the Company’s warranty liability include the number of homes under warranty, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims, and cost per claim. The Company assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liability and adjusts the amounts as necessary. Changes in the Company’s warranty liability for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
		Three			Three
		Months			Months
		Ended			Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2014			2013
	Warranty liability, beginning of period	$	14,935		$	14,317
	Warranty provision during period	1,612			611
	Warranty payments during period	(1,575		)	(1,091		)
	Warranty charges related to pre-existing warranties during period	63			21
	Warranty charges related to construction services projects	333			92
	Warranty liability, end of period	$	15,368		$	13,950
	Interest incurred under the Company’s debt obligations, as more fully discussed in Note 5, is capitalized to qualifying real estate projects under development. Any additional interest charges related to real estate projects not under development are expensed in the period incurred. Interest activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		Three			Three
		Months			Months
		Ended			Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2014			2013
	Interest incurred	$	9,395		$	7,151
	Less: Interest capitalized	9,395			5,867
	Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	$	—		$	1,284
	Cash paid for interest	$	620		$	222
	Construction Services
	The Company accounts for construction management agreements using the Percentage of Completion Method in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 605 Revenue Recognition (“ASC 605”). Under ASC 605, the Company records revenues and expenses as a contracted project progresses, and based on the percentage of costs incurred to date compared to the total estimated costs of the contract.
	The Company entered into construction management agreements to build, sell and market homes in certain communities. For such services, the Company will receive fees (generally 3 to 5 percent of the sales price, as defined) and may, under certain circumstances, receive additional compensation if certain financial thresholds are achieved.
	Financial Instruments
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables, and deposits. The Company typically places its cash and cash equivalents in investment grade short-term instruments. Deposits, included in other assets, are due from municipalities or utility companies and are generally collected from such entities through fees assessed to other developers. The Company is an issuer of, or subject to, financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business which exposes it to credit risks. These financial instruments include letters of credit and obligations in connection with assessment district bonds. These off-balance sheet financial instruments are described in more detail in Note 11.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Short-term investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered cash equivalents. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents balance exceeds federally insurable limits as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The Company monitors the cash balances in its operating accounts and adjusts the cash balances between accounts based on operational needs; however, these cash balances could be negatively impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail or are subject to other adverse conditions in the financial markets. To date, the Company has experienced no loss or lack of access to cash in its operating accounts.
	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash consists of deposits made by the Company to a bank account as collateral for the use of letters of credit to guarantee the Company’s financial obligations under certain other contractual arrangements in the normal course of business.
	Deferred Loan Costs
	Deferred loan costs represent debt issuance costs and are primarily amortized to interest incurred using the straight line method which approximates the effective interest method.
	Goodwill
	In accordance with the provisions of ASC 350, Intangibles, Goodwill and Other, goodwill amounts are not amortized, but rather are analyzed for impairment at the reporting segment level. Goodwill is analyzed on an annual basis, or when indicators of impairment exist. We have determined that we have five reporting segments, as discussed in Note 3, and we perform an annual goodwill impairment analysis during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.
	Intangible Assets
	Recorded intangible assets primarily relate to construction management contracts, homes in backlog, and joint venture management fee contracts recorded in conjunction with FASB Topic 852, Reorganizations ("ASC 852"). Such assets were valued based on expected cash flows related to home closings, and the asset is amortized on a per unit basis, as homes under the contracts close.
	Income (loss) per common share
	The Company computes income (loss) per common share in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 260, Earnings per Share, which requires income (loss) per common share for each class of stock to be calculated using the two-class method. The two-class method is an allocation of income (loss) between the holders of common stock and a company’s participating security holders.
	Basic income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing income or loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. For purposes of determining diluted income (loss) per common share, basic income (loss) per common share is further adjusted to include the effect of potential dilutive common shares.
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC 740, Income Taxes, using an asset and liability approach. Deferred income taxes reflect the net effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards measured by applying currently enacted tax laws. A valuation allowance is provided to reduce net deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement criteria for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be considered “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. In addition, the Company has elected to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in the income tax provision.

Variable_Interest_Entities_and

Variable Interest Entities and Noncontrolling Interests Variable Interest Entities and Noncontrolling Interests (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Variable Interest Entities and Noncontrolling Interests	'
	Variable Interest Entities and Noncontrolling Interests
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company formed one joint venture for the purpose of land development and homebuilding activities which we have determined to be a VIE. The Company, as the managing member, has the power to direct the activities of the VIE since it manages the daily operations and has exposure to the risks and rewards of the VIE, which is based on the division of income and loss per the joint venture agreement. Therefore, the Company is the primary beneficiary of the joint venture, and the VIE was consolidated as of March 31, 2014. The Company is also party to an additional three joint ventures that were formed in prior periods, for which the Company has also determined that it is the primary beneficiary, and thus has also included in its consolidated results as of March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013.
	As of March 31, 2014, the assets of the consolidated VIEs totaled $80.5 million, of which $8.2 million was cash and $68.8 million was real estate inventories. The liabilities of the consolidated VIEs totaled $35.6 million, primarily comprised of notes payable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
	As of December 31, 2013, the assets of the consolidated VIEs totaled $66.4 million, of which $4.7 million was cash and $56.8 million was real estate inventories. The liabilities of the consolidated VIEs totaled $27.1 million, primarily comprised of notes payable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

Subsequent_Events_Notes

Subsequent Events (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	No events have occurred subsequent to March 31, 2014, that has required recognition or disclosure in the Company’s financial statements.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign1

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Operations	'
	Operations
	William Lyon Homes, a Delaware corporation (“Parent” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”), is primarily engaged in designing, constructing, marketing and selling single-family detached and attached homes in California, Arizona, Nevada and Colorado (under the Village Homes brand).
Initial Public Offering	'
	Initial Public Offering
	On May 21, 2013, Parent completed its initial public offering of 10,005,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, which consisted of 7,177,500 shares sold by Parent and 2,827,500 shares sold by the selling stockholder. The 10,005,000 shares in the offering were sold at a price to the public of $25.00 per share. Parent raised total net proceeds for the Company of approximately $163.7 million in the offering, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholder.
	Parent's authorized capital stock consists of 190,000,000 shares, 150,000,000 of which are designated as Class A Common Stock with a par value of $0.01 per share, 30,000,000 of which are designated as Class B Common Stock with a par value of $0.01 per share and 10,000,000 of which are designated as preferred stock with a par value of $0.01 per share.
	In connection with the initial public offering, Parent completed a common stock recapitalization which included a 1-for-8.25 reverse stock split of its Class A Common Stock (the “Class A Reverse Split”), the conversion of all outstanding shares of Parent’s Class C Common Stock, Class D Common Stock and Convertible Preferred Stock into Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis and as automatically adjusted for the Class A Reverse Split, and a 1-for-8.25 reverse stock split of its Class B Common Stock.
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of the assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and revenues and expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates. The significant accounting policies using estimates include real estate inventories and cost of sales, impairment of real estate inventories, warranty reserves, loss contingencies, sales and profit recognition, accounting for variable interest entities, and valuation of deferred tax assets. The current economic environment increases the uncertainty inherent in these estimates and assumptions.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries and joint ventures, and certain joint ventures and other entities which have been determined to be variable interest entities ("VIEs") in which the Company is considered the primary beneficiary (see Note 2). The accounting policies of the joint ventures are substantially the same as those of the Company. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared from our books and records without audit and include all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) necessary to present a fair statement of results for the interim periods presented. Readers of this quarterly report should refer to our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013, which are included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as certain disclosures that would substantially duplicate those contained in the audited financial statements have not been included in this report.
Real Estate Inventories	'
	Real Estate Inventories
	Real estate inventories are carried at cost net of impairment losses, if any. Real estate inventories consist primarily of land deposits, land and land under development, homes completed and under construction, and model homes. All direct and indirect land costs, offsite and onsite improvements and applicable interest and other carrying charges are capitalized to real estate projects during periods when the project is under development. Land, offsite costs and all other common costs are allocated to land parcels benefited based upon relative fair values before construction. Onsite construction costs and related carrying charges (principally interest and property taxes) are allocated to the individual homes within a phase based upon the relative sales value of the homes. The Company relieves its real estate inventories through cost of sales for the estimated cost of homes sold. Selling expenses and other marketing costs are expensed in the period incurred.
	A provision for warranty costs relating to the Company’s limited warranty plans is included in cost of sales and accrued expenses at the time the sale of a home is recorded. The Company generally reserves approximately one to one and one quarter percent of the sales price of its homes against the possibility of future charges relating to its one-year limited warranty and similar potential claims. Factors that affect the Company’s warranty liability include the number of homes under warranty, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims, and cost per claim.
Construction Services	'
	Construction Services
	The Company accounts for construction management agreements using the Percentage of Completion Method in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 605 Revenue Recognition (“ASC 605”). Under ASC 605, the Company records revenues and expenses as a contracted project progresses, and based on the percentage of costs incurred to date compared to the total estimated costs of the contract.
	The Company entered into construction management agreements to build, sell and market homes in certain communities. For such services, the Company will receive fees (generally 3 to 5 percent of the sales price, as defined) and may, under certain circumstances, receive additional compensation if certain financial thresholds are achieved.
Financial Instruments	'
	Financial Instruments
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables, and deposits. The Company typically places its cash and cash equivalents in investment grade short-term instruments. Deposits, included in other assets, are due from municipalities or utility companies and are generally collected from such entities through fees assessed to other developers. The Company is an issuer of, or subject to, financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business which exposes it to credit risks. These financial instruments include letters of credit and obligations in connection with assessment district bonds. These off-balance sheet financial instruments are described in more detail in Note 11.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Short-term investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered cash equivalents. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents balance exceeds federally insurable limits as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The Company monitors the cash balances in its operating accounts and adjusts the cash balances between accounts based on operational needs; however, these cash balances could be negatively impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail or are subject to other adverse conditions in the financial markets. To date, the Company has experienced no loss or lack of access to cash in its operating accounts.
Restricted Cash	'
	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash consists of deposits made by the Company to a bank account as collateral for the use of letters of credit to guarantee the Company’s financial obligations under certain other contractual arrangements in the normal course of business.
Deferred Loan Costs	'
	Deferred Loan Costs
	Deferred loan costs represent debt issuance costs and are primarily amortized to interest incurred using the straight line method which approximates the effective interest method.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	In accordance with the provisions of ASC 350, Intangibles, Goodwill and Other, goodwill amounts are not amortized, but rather are analyzed for impairment at the reporting segment level. Goodwill is analyzed on an annual basis, or when indicators of impairment exist. We have determined that we have five reporting segments, as discussed in Note 3, and we perform an annual goodwill impairment analysis during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.
Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible Assets
	Recorded intangible assets primarily relate to construction management contracts, homes in backlog, and joint venture management fee contracts recorded in conjunction with FASB Topic 852, Reorganizations ("ASC 852"). Such assets were valued based on expected cash flows related to home closings, and the asset is amortized on a per unit basis, as homes under the contracts close.
Income (loss) per common share	'
	Income (loss) per common share
	The Company computes income (loss) per common share in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 260, Earnings per Share, which requires income (loss) per common share for each class of stock to be calculated using the two-class method. The two-class method is an allocation of income (loss) between the holders of common stock and a company’s participating security holders.
	Basic income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing income or loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. For purposes of determining diluted income (loss) per common share, basic income (loss) per common share is further adjusted to include the effect of potential dilutive common shares.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC 740, Income Taxes, using an asset and liability approach. Deferred income taxes reflect the net effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards measured by applying currently enacted tax laws. A valuation allowance is provided to reduce net deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement criteria for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be considered “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. In addition, the Company has elected to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in the income tax provision.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign2

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Changes in Warranty Liability	'
	Changes in the Company’s warranty liability for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
		Three			Three
		Months			Months
		Ended			Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2014			2013
	Warranty liability, beginning of period	$	14,935		$	14,317
	Warranty provision during period	1,612			611
	Warranty payments during period	(1,575		)	(1,091		)
	Warranty charges related to pre-existing warranties during period	63			21
	Warranty charges related to construction services projects	333			92
	Warranty liability, end of period	$	15,368		$	13,950
Schedule of Interest Incurred under Company's Debt Obligations	'
	Interest activity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		Three			Three
		Months			Months
		Ended			Ended
		March 31,			March 31,
		2014			2013
	Interest incurred	$	9,395		$	7,151
	Less: Interest capitalized	9,395			5,867
	Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	$	—		$	1,284
	Cash paid for interest	$	620		$	222

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Financial Information Relating to Operations	'
	Segment financial information relating to the Company’s operations was as follows (in thousands):
			Three				Three
			Months				Months
			Ended				Ended
			March 31,				March 31,
			2014				2013
	Operating revenue:
	Southern California		$	87,379			$	11,246
	Northern California		26,876				13,338
	Arizona		13,278				21,629
	Nevada		17,149				14,761
	Colorado		5,269				19,879
	Total operating revenue		$	149,951			$	80,853
			Three				Three
			Months				Months
			Ended				Ended
			March 31,				March 31,
			2014				2013
	Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
	Southern California		$	16,098			$	(674	)
	Northern California		4,540				1,130
	Arizona		1,351				1,085
	Nevada		1,356				1,069
	Colorado		(659		)		723
	Corporate		(6,770		)		(5,806		)
	Income (loss) before provision for income taxes		$	15,916			$	(2,473	)
Segment Schedule of Homebuilding Assets	'
		31-Mar-14				31-Dec-13
	Homebuilding assets:
	Southern California	$	389,659			$	275,975
	Northern California	173,772				143,693
	Arizona	166,382				157,892
	Nevada	104,389				85,695
	Colorado	86,144				60,233
	Corporate (1)	263,206				286,923
	Total homebuilding assets	$	1,183,552			$	1,010,411
	-1	Comprised primarily of cash and cash equivalents, deferred income taxes, receivables, deferred loan costs, and other assets.

Real_Estate_Inventories_Tables

Real Estate Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Real Estate Inventories	'
	Real estate inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		Successor
		31-Mar-14		31-Dec-13
	Real estate inventories owned:
	Land deposits	$	56,806	$	46,632
	Land and land under development	621,858		458,437
	Homes completed and under construction	158,877		144,736
	Model homes	24,677		21,985
	Total	$	862,218	$	671,790
	Real estate inventories not owned: (1)
	Other land options contracts — land banking arrangement	$	12,960	$	12,960
	-1	Represents the consolidation of a land banking arrangement, net of deposits. The lots attributable to this amount were purchased in April 2014.

Senior_Notes_and_Secured_Indeb1

Senior Notes and Secured Indebtedness (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Details of Notes Payable and Senior Notes	'
		Successor
		31-Mar-14			31-Dec-13
	Notes payable:
	Construction notes payable	$	31,522		$	24,198
	Seller financing	9,598			13,862
	Revolving lines of credit	—			—
	Total notes payable	41,120			38,060
	Senior notes:
	5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019	$	150,000		$	—
	8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020	431,016			431,295
	Total senior notes	$	581,016		$	431,295
	Total notes payable and senior notes	$	622,136		$	469,355
Maturities of Notes Payable and Senior Notes	'
	As of March 31, 2014, the maturities of the Notes payable, 5 3/4% Senior Notes, and 8 1/2% Senior Notes are as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending December 31,
	2014	$	846
	2015	8,752
	2016	31,522
	2017	—
	2018	—
	Thereafter	575,000
		$	616,120
Summary of Senior Notes Redemption Prices Percentage	'
	On or after November 15, 2016, California Lyon may redeem all or a portion of the 8.5% Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on November 15 of the years indicated below:
	Year	Percentage
	2016	104.25	%
	2017	102.125	%
	2018 and thereafter	100	%
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	(Unaudited)
	31-Mar-14
	(in thousands)
		Unconsolidated
		Delaware			California			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		Lyon			Lyon			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			Company
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	142,297		$	170		$	8,562		$	—		$	151,029
	Restricted cash	—			854			—			—			—			854
	Receivables	—			18,614			86			3,622			—			22,322
	Real estate inventories
	Owned	—			779,891			902			81,425			—			862,218
	Not owned	—			12,960			—			—			—			12,960
	Deferred loan costs, net	—			12,058			—			—			—			12,058
	Goodwill	—			14,209			—			—			—			14,209
	Intangibles, net	—			2,148			—			—			—			2,148
	Deferred income taxes, net	—			93,457			—			—			—			93,457
	Other assets, net	—			10,218			1,738			341			—			12,297
	Investments in subsidiaries	436,616			(33,105		)	—			—			(403,511		)	—
	Intercompany receivables	—			—			227,264			—			(227,264		)	—
	Total assets	$	436,616		$	1,053,601		$	230,160		$	93,950		$	(630,775	)	$	1,183,552
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Accounts payable	$	—		$	14,714		$	386		$	3,620		$	—		$	18,720
	Accrued expenses	—			64,715			1,071			95			—			65,881
	Liabilities from inventories not owned	—			12,960			—			—			—			12,960
	Notes payable	—			7,510			2,088			31,522			—			41,120
	5 3/4% Senior Notes	—			150,000			—			—			—			150,000
	8  1/2% Senior Notes	—			431,016			—			—			—			431,016
	Intercompany payables	—			162,685			—			64,579			(227,264		)	—
	Total liabilities	—			843,600			3,545			99,816			(227,264		)	719,697
	Equity
	William Lyon Homes stockholders’ equity	436,616			210,001			226,615			(33,105		)	(403,511		)	436,616
	Noncontrolling interests	—			—						27,239			—			27,239
	Total liabilities and equity	$	436,616		$	1,053,601		$	230,160		$	93,950		$	(630,775	)	$	1,183,552
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
		Unconsolidated
		Delaware			California			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		Lyon			Lyon			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			Company
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	166,516		$	28		$	5,128		$	—		$	171,672
	Restricted cash	—			854			—			—			—			854
	Receivables	—			15,742			72			5,025			—			20,839
	Real estate inventories
	Owned	—			608,965			3,761			59,064			—			671,790
	Not owned	—			12,960			—			—			—			12,960
	Deferred loan costs, net	—			9,575			—			—			—			9,575
	Goodwill	—			14,209			—			—			—			14,209
	Intangibles, net	—			2,766			—			—			—			2,766
	Deferred income taxes, net	—			95,580			—			—			—			95,580
	Other assets, net	—			9,100			723			343			—			10,166
	Investments in subsidiaries	428,179			9,975			—			—			(438,154		)	—
	Intercompany receivables	—			—			225,056			(15		)	(225,041		)	—
	Total assets	$	428,179		$	946,242		$	229,640		$	69,545		$	(663,195	)	$	1,010,411
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Accounts payable	$	—		$	12,489		$	1,959		$	2,651		$	—		$	17,099
	Accrued expenses	—			59,376			744			83			—			60,203
	Liabilities from inventories not owned	—			12,960			—			—			—			12,960
	Notes payable	—			12,281			1,762			24,017			—			38,060
	8 1/2% Senior Notes	—			431,295			—			—			—			431,295
	Intercompany payables	—			214,837			—			10,204			(225,041		)	—
Total liabilities	—			743,238			4,465			36,955			(225,041		)	559,617
Equity
William Lyon Homes stockholders’ equity	428,179			203,004			225,175			9,975			(438,154		)	428,179
Noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			22,615			—			22,615
Total liabilities and equity	$	428,179		$	946,242		$	229,640		$	69,545		$	(663,195	)	$	1,010,411
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
		Unconsolidated
		Delaware			California			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		Lyon			Lyon			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			Company
	Operating revenue
	Sales	$	—		$	106,599		$	18,548		$	15,152		$	—		$	140,299
	Construction services	—			9,652			—			—			—			9,652
	Management fees	—			455			—			—			(455		)	—
		—			116,706			18,548			15,152			(455		)	149,951
	Operating costs
	Cost of sales	—			(80,429		)	(15,057		)	(11,181		)	455			(106,212		)
	Construction services	—			(8,068		)	—			—			—			(8,068		)
	Sales and marketing	—			(4,689		)	(1,195		)	(674		)	—			(6,558		)
	General and administrative	—			(11,278		)	(858		)	—			—			(12,136		)
	Amortization of intangible assets	—			(618		)	—			—			—			(618		)
	Other	—			(970		)	(1		)	409			—			(562		)
		—			(106,052		)	(17,111		)	(11,446		)	455			(134,154		)
	Income from subsidiaries	8,697			3,015			—			—			(11,712		)	—
	Operating income	8,697			13,669			1,437			3,706			(11,712		)	15,797
	Other income (expense), net	—			269			(3		)	(147		)	—			119
	Income before provision for income taxes	8,697			13,938			1,434			3,559			(11,712		)	15,916
	Provision for income taxes	—			(4,574		)	—			—			—			(4,574		)
	Net income	8,697			9,364			1,434			3,559			(11,712		)	11,342
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(2,645		)	—			(2,645		)
	Net income attributable to William Lyon Homes	8,697			9,364			1,434			914			(11,712		)	8,697
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	8,697		$	9,364		$	1,434		$	914		$	(11,712	)	$	8,697
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
		Unconsolidated
		Delaware			California			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		Lyon			Lyon			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			Company
	Operating revenue
	Sales	$	—		$	54,805		$	21,629		$	—		$	—		$	76,434
	Construction services	—			4,419			—			—			—			4,419
		—			59,224			21,629			—			—			80,853
	Operating costs
	Cost of sales	—			(45,568		)	(17,839		)	79			—			(63,328		)
	Construction services	—			(4,038		)	—			—			—			(4,038		)
	Sales and marketing	—			(3,485		)	(997		)	(186		)	—			(4,668		)
	General and administrative	—			(8,457		)	(67		)	—			—			(8,524		)
	Amortization of intangible assets	—			(622		)	—			—						(622		)
	Other	—			(484		)	(1		)	—			—			(485		)
		—			(62,654		)	(18,904		)	(107		)	—			(81,665		)
	(Loss) income from subsidiaries	(3,445		)	2,539			—			—			906			—
	Operating (loss) income	(3,445		)	(891		)	2,725			(107		)	906			(812		)
	Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	—			(1,284		)	—			—			—			(1,284		)
	Other income (expense), net	—			95			(3		)	(5		)	—			87
	(Loss) income before reorganization items and provision for income taxes	(3,445		)	(2,080		)	2,722			(112		)	906			(2,009		)
	Reorganization items, net	—			(464		)	—			—			—			(464		)
	Net (loss) income	(3,445		)	(2,544		)	2,722			(112		)	906			(2,473		)
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—						—			(75		)	—			(75		)
	Net (loss) income attributable to William Lyon Homes	(3,445		)	(2,544		)	2,722			(187		)	906			(2,548		)
	Preferred stock dividends	(974		)	—			—			—			—			(974		)
	Net (loss) income available to common stockholders	$	(4,419	)	$	(2,544	)	$	2,722		$	(187	)	$	906		$	(3,522	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
		Unconsolidated
		Delaware			California			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		Lyon			Lyon			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			Company
	Operating activities
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	261		$	(155,347	)	$	2,037		$	(16,426	)	$	(261	)	$	(169,736	)
	Investing activities
	Purchases of property and equipment	—			(1,264		)	(19		)	10			—			(1,273		)
	Investments in subsidiaries	—			46,095			—			—			(46,095		)	—
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	—			44,831			(19		)	10			(46,095		)	(1,273		)
	Financing activities
	Proceeds from borrowings on notes payable	—			(326		)	326			20,112			—			20,112
	Principal payments on notes payable	—			(6,857		)	—			(12,607		)	—			(19,464		)
	Proceeds from issuance of 5 3/4% notes	—			150,000			—			—			—			150,000
	Payment of deferred loan costs	—			(2,549		)	—			—			—			(2,549		)
	Proceeds from issuance of common stock	—			288			—			—			—			288
	Noncontrolling interests contributions	—			—			—			8,392			—			8,392
	Noncontrolling interests distributions	—			—			—			(6,413		)	—			(6,413		)
	Advances to affiliates	—			—			6			(43,994		)	43,988			—
	Intercompany receivables/payables	(261		)	(54,259		)	(2,208		)	54,360			2,368			—
	Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(261		)	86,297			(1,876		)	19,850			46,356			150,366
	Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			(24,219		)	142			3,434			—			(20,643		)
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—			166,516			28			5,128			—			171,672
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	142,297		$	170		$	8,562		$	—		$	151,029
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
		Unconsolidated
		Delaware			California			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminating			Consolidated
		Lyon			Lyon			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Entries			Company
	Operating activities
	Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	—		$	(11,724	)	$	2,778		$	(1,514	)	$	—		$	(10,460	)
	Investing activities
	Purchases of property and equipment	—			(680		)	(7		)	4			—			(683		)
	Investments in subsidiaries	—			2,996			—			—			(2,996		)	—
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	—			2,316			(7		)	4			(2,996		)	(683		)
	Financing activities
	Proceeds on borrowings on notes payable	—			18,361			—			1,874			—			20,235
	Principal payments on notes payable	—			(12,976		)	—			—			—			(12,976		)
	Payment of deferred loan costs	—			(250		)	—			—			—			(250		)
	Payment of preferred stock dividends	—			(649		)	—			—			—			(649		)
	Noncontrolling interests contributions	—			—			—			112			—			112
	Noncontrolling interests distributions	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Intercompany receivables/payables	—			(329		)	(2,779		)	381			2,727			—
	Advances to affiliates	—			—			1			(270		)	269			—
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	—			4,157			(2,778		)	2,097			2,996			6,472
	Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			(5,251		)	(7		)	587			—			(4,671		)
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—			69,376			65			1,634			—			71,075
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	64,125		$	58		$	2,221		$	—		$	66,404

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments	'
	The estimated fair values of financial instruments are as follows (in thousands):
		Successor
		31-Mar-14					31-Dec-13
		Carrying			Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Amount			Value		Amount		Value
	Financial liabilities:
	5 3/4% Senior Notes due 2019	$	150,000		$	150,000	$	—	$	—
	8 1/2% Senior Notes due 2020	$	431,016		$	472,813	$	431,295	$	466,877
	Notes payable	$	41,120		$	41,120	$	38,060	$	38,060
Fair Value of Debt	'
	The following table represents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance for the Company’s Level 3 fair value measurements:
		Notes
		Payable
		(in thousands)
	Fair value at December 31, 2013	$	38,060
	Repayments of principal (1)	(19,464		)
	Borrowings of principal (2)	22,524
	Increase in value during the period	—
	Fair value at March 31, 2014	$	41,120
	-1	Represents the actual amount of principal repaid
	-2	Represents the actual amount of principal borrowed

Income_Loss_Per_Common_Share_T

Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share	'
	Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were calculated as follows (in thousands, except number of shares and per share amounts):
		Three		Three
		Months		Months
		Ended		Ended
		March 31,		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding	31,106,310		14,581,897
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options, unvested common shares, and warrants (1)	1,498,310		—
	Diluted average shares outstanding	32,604,620		14,581,897
	Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$	8,697	$	(3,522	)
	Basic income (loss) per common share	$	0.28	$	(0.24	)
	Dilutive income (loss) per common share	$	0.27	$	(0.24	)
	Antidilutive securities not included in the calculation of diluted income (loss) per common share (weighted average):
	Preferred shares	—		9,334,030
	Vested stock options	—		384,428
	Unvested stock options	—		192,214
	Warrants	—		1,907,551
	-1	For the periods with a net loss, all potentially dilutive shares related to the preferred shares, unvested common shares, stock options, and warrants were excluded from the diluted loss per common share calculations because the effect of their inclusion would be antidilutive, or would decrease the reported loss per common share.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Future Minimum Payments under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases	'
	The table below shows the future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases at March 31, 2014 (in thousands).
	Year Ending December 31
	2014	$	1,714
	2015	1,460
	2016	1,073
	2017	908
	2018	897
	Thereafter	2,832
	Total	$	8,884
Summary of Company's Consolidated Land Banking Arrangement	'
	Summary information with respect to the Company’s land banking arrangements is as follows as of the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
		31-Mar-14		31-Dec-13
	Total number of land banking projects	1		1
	Total number of lots	610		610
	Total purchase price	$	161,465	$	161,465
	Balance of lots still under option and not purchased:
	Number of lots	65		65
	Purchase price	$	12,960	$	12,960
	Forfeited deposits if lots are not purchased	$	9,210	$	9,210

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign3

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	21-May-13	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock, Net of Issuance Costs	$163.70	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	'	190,000,000	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	'	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, par value	'	$0.01	$0.01
Real estate warranty period	'	'1 year	'
Common stock, Class A [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common stock issued during period	10,005,000	5,429,485	'
Common stock, Initial Public Offering price per share	$25	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	'	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, par value	'	$0.01	$0.01
Stockholders' equity reverse stock split	'1-for-8.25 reverse stock split	'	'
Initial public offering, Class A Common Stock outstanding	'	27,408,581	27,216,813
Stockholders Equity Reverse Stock Split Ratio	'	0.121212121	'
Common stock, Class B [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	'	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, par value	'	$0.01	$0.01
Stockholders' equity reverse stock split	'1-for-8.25 reverse stock split	'	'
Initial public offering, Class A Common Stock outstanding	'	3,813,884	3,813,884
Stockholders Equity Reverse Stock Split Ratio	'	0.121212121	'
Company [Member] | Common stock, Class A [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common stock issued during period	7,177,500	'	'
Selling Stockholders [Member] | Common stock, Class A [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common stock issued during period	2,827,500	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of Home Sale Price Reserved	'	1.00%	'
Percentage of service revenue	'	3.00%	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of Home Sale Price Reserved	'	1.25%	'
Percentage of service revenue	'	5.00%	'
Parent [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Conversion of Stock, Description	'	'Conversion of all outstanding shares of Parentbs Class C Common Stock, Class D Common Stock and Convertible Preferred Stock into ClassB A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis	'

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign4

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Changes in Warranty Liability (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'
Warranty liability, beginning of period	$14,935	$14,317
Warranty provision during period	1,612	611
Warranty payments during period	-1,575	-1,091
Warranty charges related to pre-existing warranties during period	63	21
Warranty charges related to construction services projects	333	92
Warranty liability, end of period	$15,368	$13,950

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign5

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Interest Incurred under Company's Debt Obligations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'
Interest incurred	$9,395	$7,151
Less: Interest capitalized	9,395	5,867
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	0	1,284
Cash paid for interest	$620	$222

Variable_Interest_Entities_and1

Variable Interest Entities and Noncontrolling Interests - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'
Consolidated variable interest entities, assets	$80.50	$66.40
Consolidated variable interest entities, liabilities	35.6	27.1
Real Estate [Member]	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'
Consolidated variable interest entities, assets	68.8	56.8
Cash [Member]	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'
Consolidated variable interest entities, assets	$8.20	$4.70

Segment_Information_Segment_Fi

Segment Information - Segment Financial Information Relating to Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating revenue:	'	'
Total operating revenues	$149,951	$80,853
Net income (loss)	'	'
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	15,916	-2,473
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Southern California	'	'
Operating revenue:	'	'
Total operating revenues	87,379	11,246
Net income (loss)	'	'
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	16,098	-674
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Northern California	'	'
Operating revenue:	'	'
Total operating revenues	26,876	13,338
Net income (loss)	'	'
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	4,540	1,130
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Arizona	'	'
Operating revenue:	'	'
Total operating revenues	13,278	21,629
Net income (loss)	'	'
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	1,351	1,085
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Nevada	'	'
Operating revenue:	'	'
Total operating revenues	17,149	14,761
Net income (loss)	'	'
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	1,356	1,069
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Colorado	'	'
Operating revenue:	'	'
Total operating revenues	5,269	19,879
Net income (loss)	'	'
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	-659	723
Reportable Geographical Components [Member] | Corporate	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	'
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	($6,770)	($5,806)

Segment_Information_Consists_o

Segment Information - Consists of Write-Off of Land Option Deposits and Pre-acquisition Costs (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Homebuilding assets:	'		'
Total homebuilding assets	$1,183,552		$1,010,411
Southern California | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]	'		'
Homebuilding assets:	'		'
Total homebuilding assets	389,659		275,975
Northern California | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]	'		'
Homebuilding assets:	'		'
Total homebuilding assets	173,772		143,693
Arizona | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]	'		'
Homebuilding assets:	'		'
Total homebuilding assets	166,382		157,892
Nevada | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]	'		'
Homebuilding assets:	'		'
Total homebuilding assets	104,389		85,695
Colorado | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]	'		'
Homebuilding assets:	'		'
Total homebuilding assets	86,144		60,233
Corporate | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]	'		'
Homebuilding assets:	'		'
Total homebuilding assets	$263,206	[1]	$286,923	[1]
[1]	Comprised primarily of cash and cash equivalents, deferred income taxes, receivables, deferred loan costs, and other assets.

Real_Estate_Inventories_Summar

Real Estate Inventories - Summary of Real Estate Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real estate inventories owned:	'		'
Land deposits	$56,806		$46,632
Land and land under development	621,858		458,437
Homes completed and under construction	158,877		144,736
Model homes	24,677		21,985
Total	862,218		671,790
Real estate inventories not owned:	'		'
Other land options contracts b land banking arrangement	$12,960	[1]	$12,960	[1]
[1]	Represents the consolidation of a land banking arrangement, net of deposits. The lots attributable to this amount were purchased in April 2014.

Senior_Notes_and_Secured_Indeb2

Senior Notes and Secured Indebtedness - Details of Notes Payable and Senior Notes (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 03, 2009

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019

5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019

8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020

8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020

Construction Loan Payable [Member]

Construction Loan Payable [Member]

Seller financing [Member]

Seller financing [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019

5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019

5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019

8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020

8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020

8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, interest rate percentage

'

'

'

5.75%

5.75%

8.50%

8.50%

'

'

4.00%

'

'

'

'

5.75%

'

5.75%

8.50%

'

8.50%

Debt instrument, maturity date

30-Sep-16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Apr-19

15-Apr-19

'

15-Nov-20

15-Nov-20

'

Notes payable:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes payable

'

$41,120

$38,060

'

'

'

'

$31,522

$24,198

$9,598

$13,862

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior notes:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior Notes

'

581,016

431,295

150,000

0

431,016

431,295

'

'

'

'

'

'

431,016

150,000

'

'

'

'

'

Total notes payable and Senior Notes

'

$622,136

$469,355

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$616,120

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior_Notes_and_Secured_Indeb3

Senior Notes and Secured Indebtedness - Maturities of Notes Payable and Senior Notes (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total notes payable and Senior Notes	$622,136	$469,355
Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
2014	846	'
2015	8,752	'
2016	31,522	'
2017	0	'
2018	0	'
Thereafter	575,000	'
Total notes payable and Senior Notes	616,120	'
Premium amount excluded from future debt maturities disclosure	$6,016	'

Senior_Notes_and_Secured_Indeb4

Senior Notes and Secured Indebtedness - Senior Notes - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 03, 2009

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 08, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 24, 2013

Nov. 08, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019

5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019

March 2014 Construction Notes Payable [Member]

March 2014 Construction Notes Payable [Member]

8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020

8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020

8 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]

8 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]

8 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]

Construction notes payable agreement one [Member]

Construction notes payable agreement two [Member]

Construction notes payable agreement two [Member]

Construction notes payable agreement three [Member]

Construction notes payable agreement three [Member]

Construction notes payable agreement three [Member]

Construction notes payable agreement three [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Construction Loans [Member]

Construction Loans [Member]

Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]

Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]

5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019

8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020

8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

California Lyon [Member]

California Lyon [Member]

California Lyon [Member]

California Lyon [Member]

California Lyon [Member]

California Lyon [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Prime Rate [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Prime Rate [Member]

5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019

5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019

5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019

8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020

8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020

8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020

8 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]

8 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]

8 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]

March 2014 Construction Notes Payable [Member]

Additional Construction Notes Four [Member]

March 2014 Construction Notes Payable [Member]

Additional Construction Notes Four [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019

8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Fixed Interest Rate [Member]

Debt Instrument Variable Rate Prime Rate [Member]

Construction Loans [Member]

Construction Loans [Member]

8 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]

8 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]

5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019

8 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]

March 2014 Construction Notes Payable [Member]

Additional Construction Notes Four [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes payable

'

$41,120,000

$38,060,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$28,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$26,000,000

$18,600,000

$12,000,000

$7,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

$7,510,000

$12,281,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$14,000,000

$11,500,000

Credit facility, amount outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,500,000

6,500,000

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

'

3.00%

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.15%

4.25%

Long-term Debt, Gross

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

325,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Interest Rate Description

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Prime rate + 1.0%, with a rate floor of 5.0%

'Prime rate + 1%, with a rate floor of 5.0%

'Prime rate + 1%, with a rate floor of 5.0%

'

'Prime rate + 0.5%, with a rate floor of 4.0%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'A fixed rate at LIBOR plus 3.00% per annum

'A variable rate at the Prime Rate, as adjusted by CB&T in accordance with the CB&T Loan Agreement, plus 1.00% per annum

'

'

Debt instrument redemption date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Nov-16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate principal amount

'

425,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

325,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument interest rate

'

'

'

5.75%

5.75%

'

'

8.50%

8.50%

'

'

8.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.75%

'

5.75%

8.50%

'

8.50%

'

8.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.50%

8.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of issuance price on face value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

106.50%

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

104,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior Notes

'

$581,016,000

$431,295,000

$150,000,000

$0

'

'

$431,016,000

$431,295,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$431,016,000

$150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

'

$431,295,000

'

'

'

'

$150,000,000

$431,016,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest at an annual rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, maturity date

30-Sep-16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Nov-20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Apr-19

15-Apr-19

'

15-Nov-20

15-Nov-20

'

'

'

15-Nov-20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Date of First Required Payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-May-13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notice period for redemption of Notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'30 days

'60 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of redemption price of principal amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

108.50%

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Principal Amount Redemption Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Principal amount of notes redeemed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

105.75%

'

'

'

'

'

Senior_Notes_and_Secured_Indeb5

Senior Notes and Secured Indebtedness - Summary of Senior Notes Redemption Prices Percentage (Details) (Senior Notes [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
15-Apr-16	104.31%
2016	102.88%
2017	101.44%
2018 and thereafter	100.00%
8 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
2016	104.25%
2017	102.13%
2018 and thereafter	100.00%

Senior_Notes_and_Secured_Indeb6

Senior Notes and Secured Indebtedness - Notes Payable - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 03, 2009

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 08, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Aug. 07, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Aug. 07, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

8 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]

8 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]

8 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]

March 2014 Construction Notes Payable [Member]

March 2014 Construction Notes Payable [Member]

Construction notes payable agreement three [Member]

Construction notes payable agreement three [Member]

Construction notes payable agreement three [Member]

Construction notes payable agreement three [Member]

Construction notes payable agreement one [Member]

Construction notes payable agreement two [Member]

Construction notes payable agreement two [Member]

Construction Loans [Member]

Construction Loans [Member]

Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]

Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Seller financing [Member]

Seller financing [Member]

Seller financing [Member]

Seller financing [Member]

Seller financing [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Prime Rate [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Prime Rate [Member]

March 2014 Construction Notes Payable [Member]

Additional Construction Notes Four [Member]

March 2014 Construction Notes Payable [Member]

Additional Construction Notes Four [Member]

Fixed Interest Rate [Member]

Debt Instrument Variable Rate Prime Rate [Member]

Revolver [Member]

Revolver [Member]

Construction Loans [Member]

Construction Loans [Member]

Revolver [Member]

Seller Financing Notes Payable Maturing May 2015 [Member]

Seller Financing Notes Payable, Notes Maturing October 2014 [Member]

Seller Financing Notes Payable Maturing January 2015 [Member]

March 2014 Construction Notes Payable [Member]

Additional Construction Notes Four [Member]

First note [Member]

First note [Member]

Second note [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior Notes

'

$581,016,000

$431,295,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Interest Rate Description

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Prime rate + 0.5%, with a rate floor of 4.0%

'

'

'Prime rate + 1.0%, with a rate floor of 5.0%

'Prime rate + 1%, with a rate floor of 5.0%

'Prime rate + 1%, with a rate floor of 5.0%

'

'

'

'

'A fixed rate at LIBOR plus 3.00% per annum

'A variable rate at the Prime Rate, as adjusted by CB&T in accordance with the CB&T Loan Agreement, plus 1.00% per annum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Gross

'

'

'

'

325,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Interest Rate

'

'

'

8.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit facility, amount outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,500,000

6,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving Line of credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Annual accrual rate of commitment fee on unused portion of credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line Of Credit Facility, Additional Capacity Under Accordion Feature

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

1.00%

0.50%

'

3.00%

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.15%

4.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, maturity date

30-Sep-16

'

'

15-Nov-20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-May-15

'

'

Debt Instrument, Date of First Required Payment

'

'

'

15-May-13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes payable

'

$41,120,000

$38,060,000

'

'

'

'

'

$28,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$26,000,000

$18,600,000

$12,000,000

$7,100,000

'

'

'

'

$14,000,000

$11,500,000

'

$9,598,000

$13,862,000

$7,600,000

$800,000

$1,200,000

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

'

'

'

'

'

8.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.00%

'

7.00%

'

'

Senior_Notes_and_Secured_Indeb7

Senior Notes and Secured Indebtedness - Additional Information (Details) (William Lyon Homes [Member])	Mar. 31, 2014
William Lyon Homes [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Ownership percentage	100.00%

Senior_Notes_and_Secured_Indeb8

Senior Notes and Secured Indebtedness - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$151,029		$171,672		$66,404	$71,075
Restricted cash	854		854		'	'
Receivables	22,322		20,839		'	'
Real estate inventories	'		'		'	'
Owned	862,218		671,790		'	'
Not owned	12,960	[1]	12,960	[1]	'	'
Deferred loan costs	12,058		9,575		'	'
Goodwill	14,209		14,209		'	'
Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $8,229 as of March 31, 2014 and $7,611 as of December 31, 2013	2,148		2,766		'	'
Deferred income taxes, net valuation allowance of $3,573 as of March 31, 2014 and $3,959 as of December 31, 2013	93,457		95,580		'	'
Other assets	12,297		10,166		'	'
Total assets	1,183,552		1,010,411		'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'		'		'	'
Accounts payable	18,720		17,099		'	'
Accrued expenses	65,881		60,203		'	'
Liabilities from inventories not owned	12,960		12,960		'	'
Notes payable	41,120		38,060		'	'
Senior Notes	581,016		431,295		'	'
Total liabilities	719,697		559,617		'	'
Equity (deficit)	'		'		'	'
William Lyon Homes stockholders' equity (deficit)	436,616		428,179		'	'
Noncontrolling interest	27,239		22,615		'	'
Total liabilities and equity	1,183,552		1,010,411		'	'
Delaware Lyon [Member]	'		'		'	'
Real estate inventories	'		'		'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	436,616		428,179		'	'
Total assets	436,616		428,179		'	'
Equity (deficit)	'		'		'	'
William Lyon Homes stockholders' equity (deficit)	436,616		428,179		'	'
Total liabilities and equity	436,616		428,179		'	'
California Lyon [Member]	'		'		'	'
ASSETS	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	142,297		166,516		64,125	69,376
Restricted cash	854		854		'	'
Receivables	18,614		15,742		'	'
Real estate inventories	'		'		'	'
Owned	779,891		608,965		'	'
Not owned	12,960		12,960		'	'
Deferred loan costs	12,058		9,575		'	'
Goodwill	14,209		14,209		'	'
Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $8,229 as of March 31, 2014 and $7,611 as of December 31, 2013	2,148		2,766		'	'
Deferred income taxes, net valuation allowance of $3,573 as of March 31, 2014 and $3,959 as of December 31, 2013	93,457		95,580		'	'
Other assets	10,218		9,100		'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	-33,105		9,975		'	'
Intercompany receivables	0		0		'	'
Total assets	1,053,601		946,242		'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'		'		'	'
Accounts payable	14,714		12,489		'	'
Accrued expenses	64,715		59,376		'	'
Liabilities from inventories not owned	12,960		12,960		'	'
Notes payable	7,510		12,281		'	'
Intercompany payables	162,685		214,837		'	'
Total liabilities	843,600		743,238		'	'
Equity (deficit)	'		'		'	'
William Lyon Homes stockholders' equity (deficit)	210,001		203,004		'	'
Total liabilities and equity	1,053,601		946,242		'	'
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'		'		'	'
ASSETS	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	170		28		58	65
Receivables	86		72		'	'
Real estate inventories	'		'		'	'
Owned	902		3,761		'	'
Other assets	1,738		723		'	'
Intercompany receivables	227,264		225,056		'	'
Total assets	230,160		229,640		'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'		'		'	'
Accounts payable	386		1,959		'	'
Accrued expenses	1,071		744		'	'
Notes payable	2,088		1,762		'	'
Intercompany payables	0		'		'	'
Total liabilities	3,545		4,465		'	'
Equity (deficit)	'		'		'	'
William Lyon Homes stockholders' equity (deficit)	226,615		225,175		'	'
Total liabilities and equity	230,160		229,640		'	'
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'		'		'	'
ASSETS	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	8,562		5,128		2,221	1,634
Receivables	3,622		5,025		'	'
Real estate inventories	'		'		'	'
Owned	81,425		59,064		'	'
Other assets	341		343		'	'
Intercompany receivables	0		-15		'	'
Total assets	93,950		69,545		'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'		'		'	'
Accounts payable	3,620		2,651		'	'
Accrued expenses	95		83		'	'
Notes payable	31,522		24,017		'	'
Intercompany payables	64,579		10,204		'	'
Total liabilities	99,816		36,955		'	'
Equity (deficit)	'		'		'	'
William Lyon Homes stockholders' equity (deficit)	-33,105		9,975		'	'
Noncontrolling interest	27,239		22,615		'	'
Total liabilities and equity	93,950		69,545		'	'
Eliminations [Member]	'		'		'	'
ASSETS	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0		'		'	'
Real estate inventories	'		'		'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	-403,511		-438,154		'	'
Intercompany receivables	-227,264		-225,041		'	'
Total assets	-630,775		-663,195		'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'		'		'	'
Intercompany payables	-227,264		-225,041		'	'
Total liabilities	-227,264		-225,041		'	'
Equity (deficit)	'		'		'	'
William Lyon Homes stockholders' equity (deficit)	-403,511		-438,154		'	'
Total liabilities and equity	-630,775		-663,195		'	'
5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019	'		'		'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'		'		'	'
Senior Notes	150,000		0		'	'
5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019 | California Lyon [Member]	'		'		'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'		'		'	'
Senior Notes	150,000		'		'	'
8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020	'		'		'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'		'		'	'
Senior Notes	431,016		431,295		'	'
8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020 | California Lyon [Member]	'		'		'	'
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	'		'		'	'
Senior Notes	$431,016		'		'	'
[1]	Represents the consolidation of a land banking arrangement, net of deposits. The lots attributable to this amount were purchased in April 2014.

Senior_Notes_and_Secured_Indeb9

Senior Notes and Secured Indebtedness - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating revenue:	'	'
Home sales	$140,299	$76,434
Construction services	9,652	4,419
Operating revenue	149,951	80,853
Operating costs	'	'
Cost of sales	-106,212	-63,328
Construction services	-8,068	-4,038
Sales and marketing	-6,558	-4,668
General and administrative	-12,136	-8,524
Amortization of intangible assets	-618	-622
Other	-562	-485
Operating costs	-134,154	-81,665
Operating income (loss)	15,797	-812
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	0	-1,284
Other income (expense), net	119	87
Income (loss) before reorganization items	15,916	-2,009
Reorganization items, net	0	-464
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	15,916	-2,473
Provision for income taxes	-4,574	0
Net income (loss)	11,342	-2,473
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-2,645	-75
Net (loss) income attributable to William Lyon Homes	8,697	-2,548
Preferred stock dividends	0	-974
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders	8,697	-3,522
Delaware Lyon [Member]	'	'
Operating costs	'	'
(Loss) income from subsidiaries	8,697	-3,445
Operating income (loss)	8,697	-3,445
Income (loss) before reorganization items	'	-3,445
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	8,697	'
Net income (loss)	8,697	-3,445
Net (loss) income attributable to William Lyon Homes	8,697	-3,445
Preferred stock dividends	'	-974
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders	8,697	-4,419
California Lyon [Member]	'	'
Operating revenue:	'	'
Home sales	106,599	54,805
Construction services	9,652	4,419
Management fees	455	'
Operating revenue	116,706	59,224
Operating costs	'	'
Cost of sales	-80,429	-45,568
Construction services	-8,068	-4,038
Sales and marketing	-4,689	-3,485
General and administrative	-11,278	-8,457
Amortization of intangible assets	-618	-622
Other	-970	-484
Operating costs	-106,052	-62,654
(Loss) income from subsidiaries	3,015	2,539
Operating income (loss)	13,669	-891
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	'	-1,284
Other income (expense), net	269	95
Income (loss) before reorganization items	'	-2,080
Reorganization items, net	'	-464
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	13,938	'
Provision for income taxes	-4,574	'
Net income (loss)	9,364	-2,544
Net (loss) income attributable to William Lyon Homes	9,364	-2,544
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders	9,364	-2,544
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Operating revenue:	'	'
Home sales	18,548	21,629
Operating revenue	18,548	21,629
Operating costs	'	'
Cost of sales	-15,057	-17,839
Sales and marketing	-1,195	-997
General and administrative	-858	-67
Other	-1	-1
Operating costs	-17,111	-18,904
Operating income (loss)	1,437	2,725
Other income (expense), net	-3	-3
Income (loss) before reorganization items	'	2,722
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	1,434	'
Net income (loss)	1,434	2,722
Net (loss) income attributable to William Lyon Homes	1,434	2,722
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders	1,434	2,722
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Operating revenue:	'	'
Home sales	15,152	0
Operating revenue	15,152	0
Operating costs	'	'
Cost of sales	-11,181	79
Sales and marketing	-674	-186
General and administrative	0	0
Other	409	0
Operating costs	-11,446	-107
Operating income (loss)	3,706	-107
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	'	0
Other income (expense), net	-147	-5
Income (loss) before reorganization items	'	-112
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	3,559	'
Net income (loss)	3,559	-112
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-2,645	-75
Net (loss) income attributable to William Lyon Homes	914	-187
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders	914	-187
Eliminations [Member]	'	'
Operating revenue:	'	'
Management fees	-455	'
Operating revenue	-455	0
Operating costs	'	'
Cost of sales	455	0
Operating costs	455	0
(Loss) income from subsidiaries	-11,712	906
Operating income (loss)	-11,712	906
Income (loss) before reorganization items	'	906
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	-11,712	'
Net income (loss)	-11,712	906
Net (loss) income attributable to William Lyon Homes	-11,712	906
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders	($11,712)	$906

Recovered_Sheet1

Senior Notes and Secured Indebtedness - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating activities	'	'
Net cash used in operating activities	($169,736)	($10,460)
Investing activities	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-1,273	-683
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,273	-683
Financing activities	'	'
Proceeds from borrowings on notes payable	20,112	20,235
Principal payments on notes payable	-19,464	-12,976
Proceeds from issuance of 5 3/4% senior notes	150,000	0
Payment of deferred loan costs	-2,549	-250
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	288	0
Payment of preferred stock dividends	0	-649
Noncontrolling interests contributions	8,392	112
Noncontrolling interests distributions	-6,413	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	150,366	6,472
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-20,643	-4,671
Cash and cash equivalents b beginning of period	171,672	71,075
Cash and cash equivalents b end of period	151,029	66,404
Delaware Lyon [Member]	'	'
Operating activities	'	'
Net cash used in operating activities	261	'
Financing activities	'	'
Intercompany receivables/payables	-261	'
Net cash provided by financing activities	-261	'
California Lyon [Member]	'	'
Operating activities	'	'
Net cash used in operating activities	-155,347	-11,724
Investing activities	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-1,264	-680
Investments in subsidiaries	46,095	2,996
Net cash used in investing activities	44,831	2,316
Financing activities	'	'
Proceeds from borrowings on notes payable	-326	18,361
Principal payments on notes payable	-6,857	-12,976
Proceeds from issuance of 5 3/4% senior notes	150,000	'
Payment of deferred loan costs	-2,549	-250
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	288	'
Payment of preferred stock dividends	'	-649
Noncontrolling interests distributions	0	'
Intercompany receivables/payables	-54,259	-329
Net cash provided by financing activities	86,297	4,157
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-24,219	-5,251
Cash and cash equivalents b beginning of period	166,516	69,376
Cash and cash equivalents b end of period	142,297	64,125
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Operating activities	'	'
Net cash used in operating activities	2,037	2,778
Investing activities	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-19	-7
Net cash used in investing activities	-19	-7
Financing activities	'	'
Proceeds from borrowings on notes payable	326	'
Advances to affiliates	6	1
Intercompany receivables/payables	-2,208	-2,779
Net cash provided by financing activities	-1,876	-2,778
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	142	-7
Cash and cash equivalents b beginning of period	28	65
Cash and cash equivalents b end of period	170	58
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Operating activities	'	'
Net cash used in operating activities	-16,426	-1,514
Investing activities	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	10	4
Net cash used in investing activities	10	4
Financing activities	'	'
Proceeds from borrowings on notes payable	20,112	1,874
Principal payments on notes payable	-12,607	'
Noncontrolling interests contributions	8,392	112
Noncontrolling interests distributions	-6,413	0
Advances to affiliates	-43,994	-270
Intercompany receivables/payables	54,360	381
Net cash provided by financing activities	19,850	2,097
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	3,434	587
Cash and cash equivalents b beginning of period	5,128	1,634
Cash and cash equivalents b end of period	8,562	2,221
Eliminations [Member]	'	'
Operating activities	'	'
Net cash used in operating activities	-261	'
Investing activities	'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	-46,095	-2,996
Net cash used in investing activities	-46,095	-2,996
Financing activities	'	'
Advances to affiliates	43,988	269
Intercompany receivables/payables	2,368	2,727
Net cash provided by financing activities	46,356	2,996
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	0	'
Cash and cash equivalents b end of period	$0	'

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial liabilities:	'	'
Senior Notes	$581,016	$431,295
Notes payable	41,120	38,060
Notes payable, Fair Value	41,120	38,060
5 3/4% Senior Notes due April 15, 2019	'	'
Financial liabilities:	'	'
Senior Notes	'	0
Senior Notes, Fair Value	150,000	0
8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020	'	'
Financial liabilities:	'	'
Debt instrument, interest rate percentage	8.50%	8.50%
Senior Notes	'	431,295
Senior Notes, Fair Value	$472,813	$466,877

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Debt (Details) (Note Payable, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Note Payable	'
Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'
Fair value at December 31, 2013	$38,060
Repayments of principal	-19,464	[1]
Borrowings of principal	22,524	[2]
Increase in value during the period	0
Fair value at March 31, 2014	$41,120
[1]	Represents the actual amount of principal repaid
[2]	Represents the actual amount of principal borrowed

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 03, 2009	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'	'	'
Aggregate purchase price of aircraft	$8.30	'	'
Cash paid on sale of aircraft	2.1	'	'
Promissory note from the affiliate	6.2	'	'
Adjusted fair value	5.2	'	'
Semiannual interest payments received	0.1	'	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	30-Sep-16	'	'
Charges related to the rent expense	'	'	$0.20
Current lease expiry date	'	31-Mar-13	'

Income_Tax_Additional_Informat

Income Tax - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	21-May-13	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
					Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]	State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]	Common stock, Class A [Member]	Common stock, Class A [Member]	Common stock, Class A [Member]	Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
										Senior Subordinated Secured Notes Due Two Thousand Seventeen [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock, shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,005,000	5,429,485	'	'
Common stock, par value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.01	$0.01	'
Aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes	'	$581,016,000	'	$431,295,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate of senior note	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12.00%
Operating loss carry forwards	'	'	'	'	'	80,700,000	'	'	'	'
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	'	28.74%	0.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Valuation allowance	'	3,573,000	'	3,959,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax benefit resulting from deferred tax asset valuation reversal	-69,200,000	'	'	95,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unused Built-In Operating Loss	'	'	'	'	66,000,000	35,100,000	'	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax	'	1,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Annual Limitation on Use	'	3,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate principal amount	'	425,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	75,000,000
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	'	$203,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Income_Loss_Per_Common_Share_B

Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding (shares)	31,106,310	14,581,897
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'
Stock options, unvested common shares, and warrants	1,498,310	0	[1]
Diluted average shares outstanding (shares)	32,604,620	14,581,897
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$8,697	($3,522)
Basic income (loss) per share	$0.28	($0.24)
Dilutive income (loss) per share	$0.27	($0.24)
Preferred stock [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive securities not included in the calculation of diluted income (loss) per common share (weighted average):	'	'
Antidilutive securities not included in the calculation of diluted (loss) income per common share (weighted average)	0	9,334,030
Vested Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive securities not included in the calculation of diluted income (loss) per common share (weighted average):	'	'
Antidilutive securities not included in the calculation of diluted (loss) income per common share (weighted average)	0	384,428
Unvested Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive securities not included in the calculation of diluted income (loss) per common share (weighted average):	'	'
Antidilutive securities not included in the calculation of diluted (loss) income per common share (weighted average)	0	192,214
Warrant [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive securities not included in the calculation of diluted income (loss) per common share (weighted average):	'	'
Antidilutive securities not included in the calculation of diluted (loss) income per common share (weighted average)	0	1,907,551
[1]	For the periods with a net loss, all potentially dilutive shares related to the preferred shares, unvested common shares, stock options, and warrants were excluded from the diluted loss per common share calculations because the effect of their inclusion would be antidilutive, or would decrease the reported loss per common share.

Stock_Based_Compensation_Addit

Stock Based Compensation - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock based compensation expense	$1,011	$311
Performance Based Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Issuance of stock, shares	287,739	'
Restricted stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Issuance of stock, shares	47,637	'
Restricted stock [Member] | Other Employee [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Issuance of stock, shares	25,209	'
Restricted stock awards, vesting percentage	50.00%	'
Restricted stock [Member] | Non Employee Director [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Issuance of stock, shares	22,428	'
Restricted stock awards, vesting percentage	25.00%	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Rent expense under cancelable and non-cancelable operating leases	$600,000	$400,000	'
Collateral for outstanding irrevocable	900,000	'	900,000
Outstanding performance and surety bonds	80,800,000	'	'
Non-refundable deposits	55,700,000	'	'
Remaining purchase price of land	351,500,000	'	'
Total purchase price	161,465,000	'	161,465,000
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Non-refundable deposit	15.00%	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Non-refundable deposit	25.00%	'	'
Balance Of Lots Still Under Option And Not Purchased [Member]	'	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Forfeited deposits if lots are not purchased	9,210,000	'	9,210,000
Total purchase price	12,960,000	'	12,960,000
Project Construction Commitment [Member]	'	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Other Commitment	$87,700,000	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$1,714
2015	1,460
2016	1,073
2017	908
2018	897
Thereafter	2,832
Total	$8,884

Commitments_and_Contingencies_4

Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Company's Consolidated Land Banking Arrangements (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Project	Project
	lot	lot
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'
Total number of land banking projects	1	1
Total number of lots	610	610
Total purchase price	$161,465	$161,465
Balance Of Lots Still Under Option And Not Purchased [Member]	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'
Total number of lots	65	65
Total purchase price	12,960	12,960
Forfeited deposits if lots are not purchased	$9,210	$9,210