Comstock Holding Companies (CHCI) 10-K 31 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
			Class A [Member]	Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Comstock Holding Companies, Inc.	'	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001299969	'	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	'	18,629,638	2,733,500
Entity Public Float	'	$22,803,089	'	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$11,895	$3,539
Restricted cash	2,458	3,203
Trade receivables	346	1,611
Real estate inventories	39,843	27,781
Property, plant and equipment, net	243	222
Other assets	2,094	2,343
TOTAL ASSETS	56,879	38,699
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	7,506	4,691
Notes payable-secured by real estate inventories	22,701	19,492
Notes payable-to affiliates, unsecured	4,687	5,041
Notes payable-unsecured	2,580	3,096
Income taxes payable	346	'
TOTAL LIABILITIES	37,820	32,320
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	170,811	170,070
Accumulated deficit	-164,379	-162,349
TOTAL COMSTOCK HOLDING COMPANIES, INC. EQUITY	4,165	5,444
Non-controlling interest	14,894	935
TOTAL EQUITY	19,059	6,379
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	56,879	38,699
Class A [Member]	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Common stock	186	176
Treasury stock, at cost (426,633 shares Class A common stock)	-2,480	-2,480
TOTAL EQUITY	186	176
Class B [Member]	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Common stock	27	27
TOTAL EQUITY	$27	$27

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Class A [Member]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	77,266,500	77,266,500
Common stock, shares issued	18,629,638	17,627,826
Common stock, shares outstanding	18,629,638	17,627,826
Treasury stock, shares	426,633	426,633
Class B [Member]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	2,733,500	2,733,500
Common stock, shares issued	2,733,500	2,733,500
Common stock, shares outstanding	2,733,500	2,733,500

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues	'	'
Revenue-homebuilding	$53,806	$11,633
Revenue-other	808	2,669
Total revenue	54,614	14,302
Expenses	'	'
Cost of sales-homebuilding	41,596	9,692
Cost of sales-other	808	3,484
Impairment charges and write-offs, net (Note 4)	348	2,358
Sales and marketing	1,975	624
General and administrative	6,735	8,034
Interest, real estate taxes and indirect costs related to inactive projects	408	2,135
Operating income (loss)	2,744	-12,025
Other income, net	267	18
Income (loss) before income tax (expense) benefit	3,011	-12,007
Income tax (expense) benefit	-346	2,484
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	2,665	-9,523
Discontinued operations:	'	'
Loss from discontinued operations	-4	-98
Gain on sale of real estate from discontinued operations	'	6,466
Income tax expense from discontinued operations	'	-2,484
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	-4	3,884
Net income (loss)	2,661	-5,639
Less: Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to non-controlling interests	4,691	-77
Less: Net income from discontinued operations attributable to non-controlling interests	'	103
Net loss	-2,030	-5,665
Basic (loss) income per share from:	'	'
Continuing operations	($0.10)	($0.47)
Discontinued operations	'	$0.19
Net loss per share	($0.10)	($0.28)
Diluted (loss) income per share from:	'	'
Continuing operations	($0.10)	($0.47)
Discontinued operations	'	$0.19
Net loss per share	($0.10)	($0.28)
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	20,681	19,970
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	20,681	19,970
Net loss attributable to Comstock Holding Companies, Inc.:	'	'
Loss from continuing operations	-2,026	-9,446
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	-4	3,781
Net loss	($2,030)	($5,665)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings (Deficit) [Member]	Non-Controlling Interest [Member]	Class A [Member]	Class B [Member]
In Thousands
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$12,544	$168,620	($2,439)	($156,684)	$2,841	$179	$27
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	'	'	'	'	'	17,945	2,733
Stock compensation and issuances	1,447	1,450	'	'	'	-3	'
Stock compensation and issuances, shares	'	'	'	'	'	-317	'
Net-settlement repurchases of stock compensation	-41	'	-41	'	'	'	'
Non-controlling interest contributions	1,012	'	'	'	1,012	'	'
Non-controlling interest distributions	-2,944	'	'	'	-2,944	'	'
Net income (loss)	-5,639	'	'	-5,665	26	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	6,379	170,070	-2,480	-162,349	935	176	27
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012	'	'	'	'	'	17,628	2,733
Stock compensation and issuances	618	608	'	'	'	10	'
Stock compensation and issuances, shares	'	'	'	'	'	1,005	'
Warrants	'	-1	'	'	'	1	'
Warrants, shares	'	'	'	'	'	92	'
Shares withheld related to net share settlement of restricted stock awards and warrants	-144	-143	'	'	'	-1	'
Shares withheld related to net share settlement of restricted stock awards and warrants, shares	'	'	'	'	'	-96	'
Non-controlling interest contributions	11,909	277	'	'	11,632	'	'
Non-controlling interest distributions	-2,364	'	'	'	-2,364	'	'
Net income (loss)	2,661	'	'	-2,030	4,691	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$19,059	$170,811	($2,480)	($164,379)	$14,894	$186	$27
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	'	'	'	'	'	18,629	2,733

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	$2,661	($5,639)
Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities	'	'
Amortization of loan discount and deferred financing fees	482	1,283
Depreciation expense	70	122
Provision for bad debt	-22	60
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of notes payable	-27	73
Undistributed earnings from unconsolidated joint venture	-59	'
Gain on sale of operating real estate, net	'	-6,466
Impairment charges and write-offs, net	348	2,358
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	'	1
Amortization of stock compensation	483	1,447
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Restricted cash	-255	-121
Trade receivables	1,287	569
Real estate inventories	-12,413	-8,984
Other assets	-303	-433
Accrued interest	248	-495
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	2,815	217
Income taxes payable	346	-33
Net cash used in operating activities	-4,339	-16,041
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	-7	'
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-91	-158
Release of insurance deposit-restricted cash	1,000	'
Proceeds from sale of Cascades multi-family units-operating real estate, net	279	19,075
Net cash provided by investing activities	1,181	18,917
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from notes payable	38,042	24,986
Payments on notes payable	-35,688	-27,512
Loan financing costs	-243	-518
Distributions to non-controlling interests	-2,364	-2,944
Contributions from non-controlling interests	11,909	1,012
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1	'
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	-143	'
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	11,514	-4,976
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	8,356	-2,100
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	3,539	5,639
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	11,895	3,539
Supplemental disclosure for non-cash activity:	'	'
Interest paid, net of interest capitalized	212	1,226
Reduction in proceeds from sale of Cascades multi-family units and increase in other assets related to amounts placed in escrow upon settlement of Cascades multi-family units sale	'	275
Increase in class A common stock par value in connection with issuance of stock compensation and warrants exercise	10	'
Increase in treasury stock and accrued liabilities for net-settlement of stock compensation	'	$41

Organization

Organization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Organization	'
	1. ORGANIZATION
	Comstock Holding Companies, Inc. is a multi-faceted real estate development and construction services company focused on the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The Company has substantial experience with building a diverse range of products including single-family homes, townhouses, mid-rise condominiums, high-rise multi-family condominiums, multi-family units and mixed-use (residential and commercial) developments. References in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “Comstock,” “Company”, “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Comstock Holding Companies, Inc. together in each case with our subsidiaries and any predecessor entities unless the context suggests otherwise.
	Our business was founded in 1985 as a residential land developer and home builder focused on the Northern Virginia suburbs of the Washington, D.C metro market.
	Comstock Companies, Inc. was incorporated on May 24, 2004 as a Delaware corporation. On June 30, 2004, the Company changed its name to Comstock Homebuilding Companies, Inc. On December 17, 2004, the Company completed an initial public offering of its Class A common stock. On June 22, 2012, the Company changed its name to Comstock Holding Companies, Inc. which better reflects the Company’s multi-faceted strategy and capabilities.
	The Company’s Class A common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“NASDAQ”) under the symbol “CHCI” and has no public trading history prior to December 17, 2004.
	Liquidity Developments
	We require capital to operate, to post deposits on new deals, to purchase and develop land, to construct homes, to fund related carrying costs and overhead and to fund various advertising and marketing programs to generate sales. These expenditures include payroll, community engineering, entitlement, architecture, advertising, utilities and interest as well as the construction costs of our homes. Our sources of capital include, and will continue to include, funds derived from various secured and unsecured borrowings to finance acquisition, development and construction on acquired land, cash flow from operations, which includes the sale and delivery of constructed homes, rental multi-family projects, finished and raw building lots and the sale of equity and debt securities. The Company is involved in ongoing discussions with lenders and equity sources in an effort to provide additional growth capital to fund various new business opportunities. Refer to Note 8 for more details on our credit facilities and Note 3 for details on private placement offerings in 2013. We are anticipating that through a combination of the capital raised through the aforementioned private placements, current available cash on hand and additional cash from settlement proceeds at existing and under development communities, the Company will have sufficient financial resources to sustain our operations through the next 12 months, though no assurances can be made that we will be successful in our efforts.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	A summary of the significant accounting policies and practices used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements is as follows:
	Basis of presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company, and all of its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in 50% or less owned partnerships and affiliates are accounted for using the equity method unless it is determined that the Company has control of the entity, in which case the entity would be consolidated. The Company had one joint venture investment accounted for using the equity method as of December 31, 2013. This joint venture did not exist at December 31, 2012.
	Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
	Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash and short-term investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. At times, the Company may have deposits with institutions in excess of federally insured limits. We monitor the cash balances in our bank accounts and adjust the balance as appropriate. To date, we have experienced no loss or lack of access to our invested cash or cash equivalents; however we can provide no assurance that access to our cash and cash equivalents will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial market. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had restricted cash of $2.5 million and $3.2 million, respectively, which includes $2.0 million and $3.0 million in deposits, respectively, with an insurance provider as security for future claims.
	Real estate inventories
	Real estate inventories include land, land development costs, construction and other costs. Real estate held for development and use is stated at cost, or when circumstances or events indicate that the real estate is impaired, at estimated fair value. Real estate held for sale is carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Land, land development and indirect land development costs are accumulated by specific project and allocated to various units within that project using specific identification and allocation based upon the relative sales value, unit or area methods. Direct construction costs are assigned to units based on specific identification. Construction costs primarily include direct construction costs and capitalized field overhead. Other costs are comprised of fees, capitalized interest and real estate taxes. Costs incurred to sell real estate are capitalized to the extent they are reasonably expected to be recovered from the sale of the project and are tangible assets or services performed to obtain regulatory approval of sales. Other selling costs are expensed as incurred.
	If the project is considered held for sale, it is valued at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling costs. The evaluation takes into consideration the current status of the property, various restrictions, carrying costs, costs of disposition and any other circumstances that may affect fair value including management’s plans for the property. For assets held for development and use, a write-down to estimated fair value is recorded when the net carrying value of the property exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows. Estimated fair value is based on comparable sales of real estate in the normal course of business under existing and anticipated market conditions. These evaluations are made on a property-by-property basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the net book value may not be recoverable.
	Capitalized interest and real estate taxes
	Interest and real estate taxes incurred relating to the development of lots and parcels are capitalized to real estate inventories during the active development period, which generally commences when borrowings are used to acquire real estate assets and ends when the properties are substantially complete or the property becomes inactive. A project becomes inactive when development and construction activities have been suspended indefinitely. Interest is capitalized based on the interest rate applicable to specific borrowings or the weighted average of the rates applicable to other borrowings during the period. Interest and real estate taxes capitalized to real estate inventories are expensed as a component of cost of sales as related units are sold. The following table is a summary of interest and real estate taxes incurred and capitalized and interest and real estate taxes expensed for units settled:
			Twelve Months Ended December 31
			2013			2012
	Total interest incurred and capitalized		$	1,884		$	351
	Total real estate taxes incurred and capitalized			181			150
	Total interest and real estate taxes incurred and capitalized		$	2,065		$	501
	Interest expensed as a component of cost of sales		$	2,146		$	2,065
	Real estate taxes expensed as a component of cost of sales			311			189
	Interest and real estate taxes expensed as a component of cost of sales		$	2,457		$	2,254
	When a project becomes inactive, its interest, real estate taxes and indirect production overhead costs are no longer capitalized but rather expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Following is a breakdown of the interest, real estate taxes and indirect costs expensed related to inactive projects reported in real estate inventories:
			Twelve Months Ended December
			2013			2012
	Total interest incurred and expensed for inactive projects		$	73		$	1,940
	Total real estate taxes incurred and expensed for inactive projects			49			170
	Total production overhead incurred and expensed for inactive projects			286			179
				408			2,289
	Amounts reclassified to discontinued operations			—			(154	)
			$	408		$	2,135
	Property, plant and equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and are depreciated on the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as follows:
	Furniture and fixtures			7 years
	Office equipment			5 years
	Computer equipment and capitalized software			3 years
	Leasehold improvements			Life of related lease
	When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from their separate accounts and any gain or loss on sale is reflected in operations. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
	Warranty reserve
	Warranty reserves for units settled are established to cover potential costs for materials and labor with regard to warranty-type claims expected to arise during the typical one-year warranty period provided by the Company or within the two-year statutorily mandated structural warranty period for condominiums. Because the Company typically subcontracts its homebuilding work, subcontractors are required to provide the Company with an indemnity and a certificate of insurance prior to receiving payments for their work. Claims relating to workmanship and materials are generally the primary responsibility of the subcontractors and product manufacturers. The warranty reserve is established at the time of closing, and is calculated based upon historical warranty cost experience and current business factors. This reserve is an estimate and actual warranty costs could vary from these estimates. Variables used in the calculation of the reserve, as well as the adequacy of the reserve based on the number of homes still under warranty, are reviewed on a periodic basis. Warranty claims are directly charged to the reserve as they arise. During fiscal year 2010, the Company recorded an additional $0.6 million in warranty reserves to cover future potential costs and/or claims related to a project. In 2013, the Company settled the warranty claim for $0.2 million, releasing the Company from future warranty claims related to the project and reduced the warranty estimate by $0.4 million. The warranty reduction was recorded through homebuilding cost of sales.
	The following table is a summary of warranty reserve activity which is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
			Years ended
			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of period		$	963		$	1,009
	Additions			262			52
	Releases and/or charges incurred			(715	)		(98	)
	Balance at end of period		$	510		$	963
	Revenue recognition
	The Company recognizes revenues and related profits or losses from the sale of residential properties and units, finished lots and land sales when closing has occurred, full payment has been received, title and possession of the property has transferred to the buyer and the Company has no significant continuing involvement in the property. Other revenues include revenue from land sales, rental revenue from leased multi-family units – which is recognized ratably over the terms of the respective leases, revenue from construction services – which is recognized under the percentage-of-completion method, and revenue earned from management and administrative support services provided to related parties – which is recognized as the services are provided.
	Advertising costs
	The total amount of advertising costs charged for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $614, of which $577 was charged to sales and marketing, $32 was charged to cost of sales and $5 was charged to general and administrative expenses. The total amount of advertising costs charged for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $168 of which $95 was charged to sales and marketing and $73 was charged to cost of sales.
	Stock compensation
	As discussed in Note 12, the Company sponsors stock option plans and restricted stock award plans. The Company accounts for its share-based awards pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718, Share Based Payments. ASC 718 requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements over the vesting period based on their fair values at the date of grant. For the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, total stock-based compensation cost was $616 and $1,447, respectively. Of this amount, $477 and $1,447 was charged to general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $6 and $0 was charged to “cost of sales-other” for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2013, $133 was capitalized to ‘Real estate inventories’. No amount was charged to ‘Real estate inventories’ in 2012.
	Income taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method in accordance with ASC 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on the deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	Income (Loss) per share
	The weighted average shares and share equivalents used to calculate basic and diluted (loss) income per share for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, are presented on the consolidated statement of operations. Stock options and warrants for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are included in the diluted earnings per share calculation using the treasury stock method and average market prices during the period, unless the stock option and warrants would be anti-dilutive. As a result of net losses for the year ended December 31, 2013, approximately 466 restricted stock awards, 466 stock options and 759 warrants were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. As a result of net losses for the year ended December 31, 2012, approximately 388 restricted stock awards, 196 stock options and 428 warrants were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
	The computation of basic and diluted shares outstanding is as follows:
			Twelve Months Ended December 31,
			2013			2012
	Computation of basic shares outstanding
	Weighted average commom shares outstanding—basic			20,681			19,970
	Computation of diluted shares outstanding
	Weighted average commom shares outstanding—diluted			20,681			19,970
	Comprehensive income
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, comprehensive income equaled net income; therefore, a separate statement of comprehensive income is not included in the consolidated financial statements.
Segment reporting
We operate our business through three segments: Homebuilding, Multi-family and Real Estate Services. We are currently focused on the Washington, D.C. market.
For our Homebuilding operations, we develop properties with the intent that they be sold either as fee-simple properties or condominiums to individual unit buyers or as investment properties sold to private or institutional investors. Our for-sale products are designed to attract first-time, early move-up, and secondary move-up buyers. We focus on products that we are able to offer for sale in the middle price points within the markets where we operate, avoiding the very low-end and high-end products.
For our Multi-family segment we focus on projects ranging from approximately 75 to 200 units in locations that are supply constrained with demonstrated demand for stabilized assets. We seek opportunities in the multi-family rental market where our experience and core capabilities can be leveraged. We will either position the assets for sale when completed or operate the asset within our own portfolio. Operating the asset for our own account affords us the flexibility of converting the units to condominiums in the future.
Our Real Estate Services segment pursues projects in all aspects of real estate management including strategic planning, land development, entitlement, property management, sales and marketing, workout and turnaround strategies, financing and general construction. We are able to provide a wide range of construction management and general contracting services to other property owners.
The following disclosure includes the Company’s three reportable segments of Homebuilding, Multi-family and Real Estate Services. Each of these segments operates within the Company’s single Washington, D.C. reportable geographic market.
		Homebuilding			Multi-			Real		Total
					Family			Estate
								Services
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013
Gross revenue (1)		$	53,862		$	—		$	752	$	54,614
Gross profit			11,846			—			364		12,210
Operating profit from continuing operations			2,623			—			388		3,011
Operating loss from discontinued operations			—			(4	)		—		(4	)
Net income (loss)			2,277			(4	)		388		2,661
Total assets			56,674			—			205		56,879
Depreciation and amortization			686			—			—		686
Interest expense			73			—			—		73
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2012
Gross revenue (1)		$	12,043		$	—		$	2,259	$	14,302
Gross Income			724			—			402		1,126
Operating (loss) income from continuing operations			(12,285	)		—			278		(12,007	)
Operating profit from discontinued operations			—			6,368			—		6,368
Net (loss) income			(12,285	)		6,368			278		(5,639	)
Total assets			36,378			278			2,043		38,699
Depreciation and amortization			1,487			—			—		1,487
Interest expense			1,775			—			—		1,775
-1	Gross revenue includes ‘Revenue – homebuilding’ and ‘Revenue – other’ as described in the consolidated statements of operations for assets included in each segment.
The Company allocates sales, marketing and general and administrative expenses to the individual segments based upon specifically allocable costs and, in the absence of direct allocations, based upon its estimate of time allocable to the segment or based upon overall pro rata revenue generation.
The table below reconciles the segment information to the corresponding amounts in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations:
		Twelve Months Ended
		December 31,
		2013			2012
Segment operating income (loss) from continuing operations		$	3,011		$	(12,007	)
Income tax (expense) benefit			(346	)		2,484
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	2,665		$	(9,523	)
Segment operating (loss) income from discontinued operations		$	(4	)	$	6,368
Income tax expense			—			(2,484	)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations		$	(4	)	$	3,884
Use of estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates are utilized in the valuation of real estate inventories, valuation of deferred tax assets, capitalization of costs, consolidation of variable interest entities and warranty reserves.
Recent accounting pronouncements
In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, “Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities,” which requires entities to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements of financial instruments and derivative instruments. In January 2013, this guidance was amended by ASU 2013-01, “Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities,” which limits the scope of ASU 2011-11 to certain derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and lending transactions. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption of this guidance, which is related to disclosure only, did not materially impact our consolidated financial statements.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists”. ASU 2013-11 which states that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward with certain defined exceptions. ASU 2013-11 is intended to end inconsistent practices regarding the presentation of a unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss (NOL), a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward is available to reduce the taxable income or tax payable that would result from the disallowance of a tax position. We adopted this guidance during fiscal year 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not materially impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In April 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, “Liabilities”, (“ASU 2013-04”). ASU 2013-04 provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. ASU 2013-04 will be effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2014 and subsequent interim periods. The adoption of ASU 2013-04 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Other accounting pronouncements issued or effective during the year ended December 31, 2013 are not applicable to us and are not anticipated to have an effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Consolidation_of_Variable_Inte

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities	'
	3. CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
	GAAP requires a variable interest entity (“VIE”) to be consolidated by the company that is the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the entity that has both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Entities determined to be VIEs, for which we are not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for under the equity method. Comstock’s variable interests in VIEs may be in the form of (1) equity ownership, (2) contracts to purchase assets and/or (3) loans provided and or guaranteed to a VIE. We examine specific criteria and use judgment when determining if Comstock is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Factors considered in determining whether we are the primary beneficiary include risk and reward sharing, experience and financial condition of other partner(s), voting rights, involvement in day-to-day capital and operating decisions and contracts to purchase assets from VIEs.
	Consolidated Real Estate Inventories
	Included within the Company’s real estate inventories at December 31, 2013 are several projects that are determined to be VIEs. These entities have been established to own and operate real estate property and were deemed VIEs primarily based on the fact that the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entities to finance their activities without additional financial support. The Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary of these VIEs as a result of its majority voting and complete operational control of the entities.
	On August 23, 2012, the Company formed New Hampshire Ave. Ventures, LLC, a joint venture of its subsidiary, Comstock Ventures XVI, L.C, and 6000 New Hampshire Avenue, LLC, for the purpose of acquiring, developing and constructing a 111-unit project (the “NHA Project”) in Washington, D.C. The Company evaluated the joint venture and determined that it was a VIE concluding that the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional financial support. The Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary of the VIE as a result of its complete operational control of the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and its obligation to absorb losses, or receive benefits, from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. The Company contributed its ownership interest in Comstock Ventures XVI, L.C. to Comstock Investors VII, L.C. (“Comstock VII”) on March 13, 2013. During 2013, New Hampshire Ave. Ventures, LLC, distributed $0.1 million to the 6000 New Hampshire Avenue.
	On September 27, 2012, the Company formed Comstock Eastgate, L.C., a joint venture of Comstock Holding Companies, Inc. and BridgeCom Development II, LLC, for the purpose of acquiring, developing and constructing 66 condominium units (the “Eastgate Project”) in Loudoun County, Virginia. The Company evaluated the joint venture and determined that it was a VIE concluding that the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional financial support. The Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary of the VIE as a result of its complete operational control of the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and its obligation to absorb losses, or receive benefits, from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. During 2013, the Company and BridgeCom Development I, LLC, each contributed additional equity of $0.6 million. The contributions were used to accelerate construction of the remaining units at the “Eastgate Project.” Additionally, during 2013, Comstock Eastgate, L.C. distributed $1.5 million to its non-controlling interest member.
	On March 14, 2013, Comstock VII entered into subscription agreements with certain accredited investors (“Comstock VII Class B Members”), pursuant to which the Comstock VII Class B Members purchased membership interests in Comstock VII for an aggregate amount of $7.3 million (the “Comstock VII Private Placement”). The Comstock VII Private Placement was exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act. In connection with the Comstock VII Private Placement, the Company issued 112 warrants for the purchase of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock to the non-affiliated accredited investors, having an aggregate fair value of $146. Comstock VII Class B Members included unrelated third-party accredited investors along with members of the Company’s board of directors and the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel of the Company. The Subscription Agreement provides that the Comstock VII Class B Members are entitled to a cumulative, preferred return of 20% per annum, compounded annually on their capital account balances. After six months, the Company has the right to repurchase the interests of the Comstock VII Class B Members, provided that (i) all of the Comstock VII Class B Members’ interests are acquired, (ii) the purchase is made in cash and (iii) the purchase price equals the Comstock VII Class B Members’ capital account plus an amount necessary to cause the preferred return to equal a cumulative cash on cash return equal to 20% per annum. The Comstock VII Private Placement provides capital related to the current and planned construction of the Company’s following projects: Townes at Shady Grove Metro in Rockville, Maryland consisting of 36 townhomes, Momentum | Shady Grove consisting of 117 condominium units, City Homes at the Hampshires in Washington D.C. consisting of 38 single family residences, Townes at the Hampshires in Washington, D.C. consisting of 73 townhomes, Single Family Homes at Falls Grove project in Prince William County, Virginia consisting of 19 singles family homes and Townes at Falls Grove project in Prince William County, Virginia consisting of 110 townhomes (collectively, the “Projects”). Proceeds of the Comstock VII Private Placement are to be utilized (A) to provide capital needed to complete the Projects in conjunction with project financing for the Projects, (B) to reimburse the Company for prior expenditures incurred on behalf of the Projects, and (C) for general corporate purposes of the Company. The Company evaluated Comstock VII and determined that it was a VIE, concluding that the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional financial support. The Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary of the VIE as a result of its complete operational control of the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and its obligation to absorb losses, or receive benefits, from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. During 2013, the Company paid distributions in the amount of $0.7 million to the Comstock VII Class B Members.
	In December 2013, Comstock Investors VIII, L.C. (“Comstock VIII”) entered into subscription agreements with certain accredited investors (“Comstock VIII Class B Members”), pursuant to which Comstock VIII Class B Members purchased membership interests in Comstock VIII for an aggregate amount of $4.0 million (the “Comstock VIII Private Placement”). The Comstock VIII Private Placement was exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act. In connection with the Comstock VIII Private Placement, the Company issued 102 warrants for the purchase of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock to the non-affiliated accredited investors, having an aggregate fair value of $131. Comstock VIII Class B Members included unrelated third-party accredited investors along with members of the Company’s board of directors and the Company’s Chief Operating Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. The Comstock VIII Class B Members are entitled to a cumulative, preferred return of 20% per annum, compounded annually on their capital account balances. The Company has the right to repurchase the interests of the Comstock VIII Class B Members at any time, provided that (i) all of the Comstock VIII Class B Members’ interests are acquired, (ii) the purchase is made in cash and (iii) the purchase price equals the Comstock VIII Class B Members’ capital accounts plus an amount necessary to cause the preferred return to equal a cumulative cash on cash return equal to 20% per annum. The proceeds from the Comstock VIII Private Placement will be used for the current and planned construction of the following projects: The Townes at HallCrest in Sterling, Virginia consisting of 42 townhome units, and Townes at Maxwell Square Condominium in Frederick, Maryland consisting of 45 townhome condominium units (collectively, the “Investor VIII Projects”). Proceeds of the Comstock VIII Private Placement are to be utilized (A) to provide capital needed to complete the Investor VIII Projects in conjunction with project financing for the Investor VIII Projects, (B) to reimburse the Company for prior expenditures incurred on behalf of the Investor VIII Projects, and (C) for general corporate purposes of the Company. The Company evaluated Comstock VIII and determined that it was a VIE, concluding that the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional financial support. The Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary of the VIE as a result of its complete operational control of the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and its obligation to absorb losses, or receive benefits, from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. No distributions were paid to the Comstock VIII Class B Members in 2013.
	At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the distributions and contributions for the VIE’s discussed above are included within the ‘non-controlling interest’ classification in the consolidated statement of changes in stockholder’s equity.
	At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, total assets of these VIEs were approximately $46.3 million and $29.4 million, respectively, and total liabilities were approximately $27.4 million and $17.4 million, respectively. The classification of these assets is primarily within real estate inventories and the classification of liabilities are primarily within ‘notes payable – secured by real estate inventories’ and ‘accounts payable and accrued liabilities’ in the consolidated balance sheets.
	Consolidated Operating Real Estate, Net
	On January 31, 2011, Comstock Cascades II, L.C. (“Cascades II”) entered into a private placement for the sale of membership interests in Cascades II (the “Cascades Private Placement”) whereby Cascades II raised working capital in the amount of $2.4 million related to the planned construction of the “Cascades Multi-family” units. Proceeds of the Cascades Private Placement were utilized (i) to provide sufficient capital needed to secure project financing for the Cascades Multi-family units, (ii) to retire a portion of the existing indebtedness, and (iii) to reimburse the Company for prior expenditures incurred on behalf of the project. Participants in the Cascades Private Placement included unrelated third party investors along with several members of the Company’s Board of Directors, as well as the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel of the Company. In March 2012, upon completion of the sale of the Cascades multi-family units, the Company repaid the participants in the Cascades Private Placement $3.0 million, including the preferred returns, in full.
	On February 11, 2011, Cascades II closed its loan agreement with Cardinal Bank which provided the necessary construction financing for the development of the Cascades Multi-family units and concurrent with that closing, the Company utilized the proceeds of the Cascades Private Placement as described above. The Company fully guaranteed the loan and accordingly, Comstock concluded that Cascades II was a VIE. As part of the Cascades II operating agreement, the Company had majority voting and complete operational control of the subsidiary. The Company had previously concluded that it was the primary beneficiary of the VIE and therefore the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Cascades II were consolidated in the accompanying financial statements.
	The investors in the Cascades Private Placement (the “Priority Members”) were entitled to a cumulative, compounded, preferred return, subject to the performance of Cascades II, of 20% per annum, compounded annually on their capital account balances. Comstock had the right to repurchase the interest of the Priority Members provided that i) all of the Priority Members interests were acquired, ii) the purchase was made in cash and iii) the purchase price shall equal the Priority Members capital account plus an amount necessary to cause the preferred return to equal a cumulative cash on cash return equal to 20% per annum. The equity contribution related to the Cascades Private Placement is reflected as a Non-Controlling Interest as a component of consolidated stockholders’ equity. The Company’s investment was subordinate to the Priority Members investment and gains from the operating activity and distributions of cash flow (if any) of Cascades II would allocate to the Priority Members (in advance of Comstock) up to their capital account plus the required preferred return of 20% as outlined above. For the year ended December 31, 2012 the priority return was approximately $103. The priority returns are reflected in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations as net income from discontinued operations attributable to non-controlling interests to properly account for the preferred return due the Priority Members upon liquidation of their interest in Cascades II.
	On March 7, 2012, the Company completed the sale of the Cascades Multi-family units to an affiliate of CAPREIT Acquisition Corporation (“Purchaser”), a Maryland corporation, pursuant to a Contract of Sale Agreement, as amended, dated October 31, 2011. The Cascades Multi-Family project was sold for $19.4 million. In connection with the closing of the transaction, Cascades II placed in escrow $300 (the “Warranty Escrow”) to secure performance of certain post-closing warranty work and $0.7 million (the “Claims Escrow”) to secure Cascades II’s indemnification and other obligations set forth in the Contract of Sale Agreement. The Warranty Escrow was agreed to be released to Cascades II upon completion of the post-closing warranty work and the Claims Escrow was agreed to be released to Cascades II in three equal installments at six, eight and twelve months from the date of settlement provided that no claims have been made against Cascades II by the Purchaser. On September 6, 2012, the Purchaser released the $0.3 million Warranty escrow, net of $2 in settlement costs and one-third of the Claims Escrow, $0.2 million , net of $35 of post-closing warranty claims. On November 26, 2012, the Purchaser released the second installment, one-third of the remaining Claims Escrow, $143. As detailed in Note 14, the historical operations of Cascades Multi-family units are included within discontinued operations.
	Concurrent with the execution of the sale transaction, Cascades II settled the secured financing of $10.1 million with Cardinal Bank, including all principal and interest due at the time of settlement, and retired the non-controlling equity investment, including all preferred returns due. The Company realized a loss on the extinguishment of the secured financing with Cardinal Bank of $0.3 million, including the prepayment penalty fees of $0.2 million. At settlement, the Company received net proceeds of approximately $4.7 million from the transaction after repayment of the existing loan from Cardinal Bank secured by the Cascades Multi-family units and the retirement of the non-controlling equity investment related to the Cascades Multi-family units.
	Concurrent with the settlement of the secured financing, retirement of non-controlling equity investment holders and the release of the Company’s corporate guaranty, the Company determined a reconsideration event under ASC 810 had occurred and concluded the entity no longer met the definition of a VIE as defined by the standard. The Company has retained the controlling financial interest in Cascades II and has continued to consolidate the subsidiary.
	Land purchase options
	The Company typically acquires land for development at market prices under fixed price purchase agreements. The purchase agreements require deposits that may be forfeited if the Company fails to perform under the agreements. The deposits required under the purchase agreements are in the form of cash or letters of credit in varying amounts. The Company may, at its option, choose for any reason and at any time not to perform under these purchase agreements by delivering notice of its intent not to acquire the land under contract. The Company’s sole legal obligation and economic loss for failure to perform under these purchase agreements is typically limited to the amount of the deposit pursuant to the liquidated damages provision contained within the purchase agreement. As a result, none of the creditors of any of the entities with which the Company enters into forward fixed price purchase agreements have recourse to the general credit of the Company.
	The Company does not share in an allocation of either the profit earned or loss incurred by any of these entities with which the Company has fixed price purchase agreements. The Company has concluded that whenever it options land or lots from an entity and pays a significant non-refundable deposit as described above, a variable interest entity is created under the provisions of ASC 810-10, Consolidation. This is because the Company has been deemed to have provided subordinated financial support, which creates a variable interest which limits the equity holder’s returns and may absorb some or all of an entity’s expected theoretical losses if they occur. The Company, therefore, examines the entities with which it has fixed price purchase agreements for possible consolidation by the Company under the provision of ASC 810-10. The Company does not have any contractual or ownership interests in the entities with which it contracts to buy the land. The Company concluded that it does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIEs, including the power to site plan and engineer the developments, finance the parcels under option contract, and develop the raw parcels under option contract into finished lots. The third party retains these rights under the fixed purchase price agreements until title is transferred to the Company upon settlement of the transaction, or a portion of the transactions as defined. Therefore, the Company has not consolidated these VIEs in the consolidated balance sheets.

Real_Estate_Inventories

Real Estate Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Real Estate Inventories	'
	4. REAL ESTATE INVENTORIES
	Real estate inventories include land, land development costs, construction and other costs. Real estate held for development and use is stated at cost, or when circumstances or events indicate that the real estate is impaired, at estimated fair value. Real estate held for sale is carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Land, land development and indirect land development costs are accumulated by specific project and allocated to various units within that project using specific identification and allocation based upon the relative sales value, unit or area methods. Direct construction costs are assigned to units based on specific identification. Construction costs primarily include direct construction costs and capitalized field overhead. Other costs are comprised of fees, capitalized interest and real estate taxes. Costs incurred to sell real estate are capitalized to the extent they are reasonably expected to be recovered from the sale of the project and are tangible assets or services performed to obtain regulatory approval of sales. Other selling costs are expensed as incurred.
	For assets held for development and use, a write-down to estimated fair value is recorded when the net carrying value of the property exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows. Estimated fair value is based on comparable sales of real estate in the normal course of business under existing and anticipated market conditions. These evaluations are made on a property-by-property basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the net book value may not be recoverable.
	If the project is considered held for sale, it is valued at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling costs. The evaluation takes into consideration the current status of the property, various restrictions, carrying costs, costs of disposition and any other circumstances that may affect fair value including management’s plans for the property. At December 31, 2012, the Company classified its Eclipse and Penderbrook projects as held for sale and accordingly, carried the projects at fair value less costs to sell as determined by discounted cash flow models, by reference to comparable market transactions, or relevant purchase offers. Discounted cash flow models are dependent upon several subjective factors, including estimated average sales prices, estimated sales pace, and the selection of an appropriate discount rate. The estimates of sales prices, sales pace and discount rates used by the Company were based on the best information available at the time the estimates were made. The Company exited these projects in 2013 and at December 31, 2013 had no continuing projects classified as held for sale.
	In the third quarter of 2012, management evaluated its strategic alternatives with respect to its real estate projects classified as held for sale, Eclipse and Penderbrook, with the objective of creating additional near term liquidity. As a result, a decision was made to market the Potomac Yard project in a bulk sale transaction, rather than by selling directly to prospective home buyers, significantly accelerating absorption. The impairment charge of $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, reflects the write down to estimated fair value less costs to sell under the bulk sale disposition strategy. During the first quarter of 2013, in the absence of a prospective bulk sale buyer and as a result of the increased sales activity, the Company revised its previous disposition strategy and reversed a previously recorded impairment charge of $0.7 million to properly reflect the for sale project at far market value less costs to sell, consistent with the provisions of the ASC 360. During the first half of 2013, the Company sold all remaining units at the Eclipse and Penderbrook projects.
	At December 31, 2013, the Company evaluated ‘real estate inventories’ and recorded a write-off, within ‘impairment and write-offs’ in the consolidated statements of operations, of $1.1 million. The costs written-off related to due diligence and entitlement pursuit costs related to the BLVD Newell project, which was controlled under a land purchase option contract. The write-off occurred due to the Company’s unsuccessful attempt to obtain entitlement approvals and as a result, such accumulated costs were determined to be unrecoverable.
	After impairment reversal and charges, real estate inventories consist of the following:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Land and land development costs	$	26,805	$	19,378
	Cost of construction (including capitalized interest and real estate taxes)		13,038		8,403
		$	39,843	$	27,781

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	'
	5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
	Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Computer equipment and capitalized software	$	275		$	199
	Furniture and fixtures		111			106
	Office equipment		68			58
			454			363
	Less : accumulated depreciation		(211	)		(141	)
		$	243		$	222
	Depreciation and amortization expense, included in ‘general and administrative’ in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, amounted to $70 and $41 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Other_Assets

Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Other Assets	'
	6. OTHER ASSETS
	Other assets consist of the following:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Restricted Escrow Deposits	$	143		$	570
	Deferred financing cost		1,081			1,148
	Deposits on land purchase options		670			820
	Other		671			106
			2,565			2,644
	Less : accumulated amortization		(471	)		(301	)
		$	2,094		$	2,343

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_L

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	'
	7. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Trade payables	$	6,432	$	3,516
	Warranty		510		963
	Customer deposits		553		206
	Other		11		6
		$	7,506	$	4,691

Credit_Facilities

Credit Facilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Credit Facilities	'
	8. CREDIT FACILITIES
	Notes payable consisted of the following:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Construction revolvers	$	4,053	$	5,419
	Development and acquisition notes		12,304		11,073
	Mezzanine notes		6,344		3,000
	Total secured notes		22,701		19,492
	Unsecured financing		2,580		3,096
	Notes payable to affiliate, unsecured		4,687		5,041
	Total notes payable	$	29,968	$	27,629
	Acquisition, Development and Construction Loans- Secured
	The Company enters into secured acquisition and development loan agreements to purchase and develop land parcels. In addition, the Company enters into secured construction loan agreements for the construction of its real estate inventories. The loans will be repaid with proceeds from home closings based upon a specific release price, as defined in each respective loan agreement.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company had secured construction revolving credit facilities which have a maximum loan commitment of $21.9 million. The Company may borrow under its facilities to fund its home building activities. The amount the Company may borrow is subject to applicable borrowing base provisions and the number of units under construction, which may also limit the amount available or outstanding under the facilities. The facilities are secured by deeds of trust on the real property and improvements thereon, and the borrowings are repaid with the net proceeds from the first closings of homes sold, subject to a minimum release price. Interest rates charged under the facilities include the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and prime rate pricing options, subject to minimum interest rate floors. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had approximately $14.7 million of unused loan commitments. The Company had $4.1 million and $5.4 million of outstanding construction borrowings as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the weighted average interest rate on the Company’s outstanding construction revolving facility was 5.3% and 5.4%, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company had approximately $26.1 million of aggregate acquisition and development loan commitments of which $12.3 million was outstanding. The loans have maturity dates ranging from March 2014 to December 2015, including auto extension subject to certain conditions and bears interest at a rate based on LIBOR and Prime Rate pricing options, with interest rate floors ranging from 4.0% to 6.0%. At December 31, 2012, the Company had approximately $11.1 million in outstanding acquisition and development loans. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the weighted average interest rates were 4.9% per annum and 5.6% per annum, respectively.
	Mezzanine Notes—Secured
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company had two secured mezzanine loans. The first mezzanine loan had a loan commitment and outstanding balance of $3.0 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012. This mezzanine financing was utilized to acquire land for the development of the City Homes at the Hampshires and the Townes at the Hampshires projects. The first mezzanine loan bears a fixed interest rate of 13.5% per annum paid on a monthly basis, with the full principal balance due at maturity, September 22, 2015. The mezzanine loan is secured by a second deed of trust.
	The second mezzanine loan is being used to finance the development of the Townes at Shady Grove Metro and Momentum| Shady Grove projects. The maximum principal commitment amount of this loan was $3.3 million of which $3.3 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2013. This mezzanine financing was new in fiscal year 2013; therefore, there was no amount outstanding at December 31, 2012. This financing carries an interest rate of 12% of which half of the interest (6%) is paid on a monthly basis while the other half is being accrued and paid on maturity. Refer to the subsequent event discussion in Note 19 for the extension of the maturity date of the mezzanine loan for the Townes at Shady Grove Metro and Momentum| Shady Grove projects.
	Unsecured financing
	At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had $2.6 million and $3.1 million, respectively, outstanding to a major bank under a 10-year unsecured note. Interest is charged on this financing at LIBOR plus 2.2%. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the interest rate was 2.4%. The maturity date of this financing is December 28, 2018. The Company is required to make monthly principal and interest payments through maturity.
	Notes payable to affiliate—unsecured
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company has one senior unsecured note with Stonehenge Funding L.C, an entity wholly-owned by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company as of December 31, 2013. During fiscal year 2013, the Company and Stonehenge, entered into an agreement extending the maturity date of the loan from July 20, 2013 to January 1, 2016. Interest is charged to the loan based on LIBOR plus 3% per annum. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the interest rate was 3.6% per annum and 3.8% per annum, respectively. The Company had approximately $4.7 million and $5.0 million outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Under the terms of the extension agreement, the Company is required to make a monthly payment of $50 which will be allocated first to accrued and unpaid interest and then to unpaid principal.
	As of December 31, 2013, maturities and/or curtailment obligations of all of our borrowings are as follows:
	2014	$	11,506
	2015		11,195
	2016		4,687
	2017		—
	2018 and thereafter		2,580
	Total	$	29,968

Warrants

Warrants	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Warrants	'
	9. WARRANTS
	As part of the Comstock VII Private Placement discussed in Note 3, the Company issued warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock to the Comstock VII Class B Members who are not officers, directors or affiliates of the Company and who purchased membership interests in the offering that equaled or exceeded an initial investment amount of $250. The warrants represent the right to purchase an aggregate amount of up to 112 shares of Class A Common Stock. The warrants have an initial exercise price which is equal to the average of the closing price of the Class A Common Stock of the 20 trading days preceding the issuance of the warrant. The warrants contain a cashless exercise provision. In the event the purchasers exercise the warrants on a cashless basis, the Company will not receive any proceeds. The warrants may be exercised at any time prior to March 14, 2023.
	In addition, as part of the Comstock VIII Private Placement discussed in Note 3, the Company also issued warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock to the Comstock VIII Class B Members who are not officers, directors or affiliates of the Company and who purchased membership interests that equaled or exceeded an initial investment amount of $250. The warrants represent the right to purchase an aggregate amount of up to 102 shares of Class A Common Stock. The warrants have an initial exercise price which is equal to the average of the closing price of the Class A Common Stock of the 20 trading days preceding the issuance of the warrant. The warrants contain a cashless exercise provision. In the event the purchasers exercise the warrants on a cashless basis, the Company will not receive any proceeds. The warrants may be exercised at any time prior to December 12, 2023.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	On December 31, 2009, the Company, through an affiliate, Comstock Property Management, L.C., entered into a three-year lease for approximately 7,620 square feet of office space for its corporate headquarters at 1886 Metro Center Drive, Reston, Virginia from Comstock Asset Management, L.C., an affiliate wholly-owned by our Chief Executive Officer. On September 19, 2012, the Company amended the lease to add an additional 2,436 square feet of office space, or a total 10,056 square feet, for its corporate headquarters, with an effective date of July 1, 2012. Concurrent with the amendment, the Company agreed to extend the lease for five-years from the effective date. The future minimum annual lease payments due under the lease agreement are as follows:
	2014	$	310
	2015		320
	2016		329
	2017		167
	Total	$	1,126
	For the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, total payments made under this lease agreement were $0.3 million and $0.2 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a straight–line rent payable of $23, which is included in ‘Accounts payable and accrued liabilities’.
	Comstock Services, L.C., a subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Subcontract Agreement with Davis Construction, LLC to perform site work and land development for a project known as Loudoun Station in Loudoun County, Virginia. Comstock Partners, L.C., an entity wholly-owned by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, is the owner of the Loudoun Station project. The total contract value was $5.0 million and the project was completed in October 2012. The revenue associated with this project is included in ‘Revenue – other’ in the consolidated statement of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized $0 million and $1.4 million of revenue, respectively, under this contract. The Company was owed $0 million and $1.3 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, under this contract, which is included in ‘Trade receivables’ in the consolidated balance sheet.
	On February 23, 2009, Comstock Homes of Washington, L.C., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Services Agreement with Comstock Asset Management, L.C., an entity wholly-owned by the Chief Executive Officer, to provide services related to real estate development and improvements, legal, accounting, marketing, information technology and additional support services. Pursuant to the Services Agreement, the Company shall not be responsible for any out-of-pocket or third party costs associated with the services provided. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company billed Comstock Asset Management, L.C. $0.4 million and $0.5 million , respectively, for services and out-of-pocket expenses incurred. Revenues from this arrangement are included within ‘Revenue – other’ within the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company was owed $61 and $42, respectively, under this contract, which is included in ‘Trade receivables’ in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	On March 14, 2013, Stonehenge Funding, LC (“Stonehenge”), an entity wholly-owned by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, entered into an Extension Agreement of the Amended and Restated Senior Note with the Company to extend the maturity date of the financing arrangement to January 1, 2016. Under the terms of the Extension Agreement, the Company is required to pay $50 monthly to Stonehenge, to be allocated first to accrued and unpaid interest and then to unpaid principal outstanding, beginning on April 1, 2013. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company made payments of $0.5 million. No similar payments were made for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Pursuant to a Credit Enhancement Agreement entered into on February 17, 2011 by and between the Company and Gregory Benson, the Chief Operating Officer of the Company, and Christopher Clemente, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (each, a “Guarantor”), the Guarantors agreed to provide credit enhancement and personal guarantee of loans with Cardinal Bank and Eagle Bank in exchange for payment by the Company of a credit enhancement fee. As a result of this credit enhancement, the Guarantors on an aggregate basis were entitled to a credit enhancement fee calculated at a rate of 4% per annum. One-half of the credit enhancement fee was payable monthly, in arrears, and the remaining half was deferred and payable on an annual basis. During 2012, the Company made guarantee payments under the agreement of approximately $130. No such payments were made in 2013.
	See Note 3 for a summary of the Cascades II Private Placement, the Comstock VII Private Placement, and the Comstock VIII Private Placement, which involved certain of our officers and directors

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	The Company maintains a defined contribution retirement savings plan pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”). Eligible participants may contribute a portion of their compensation to their respective retirement accounts in an amount not to exceed the maximum allowed under the Code. The Company matches 100% of the employee’s contribution, up to 3% of each participant’s gross salary and 50% of the employee’s contribution above 3% not exceeding 5% of the participant’s gross salary, per pay period. Contributions made by the Company become fully vested after six years of service. The total amount matched for the 12 months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $49 and $37, respectively.

Restricted_Stock_Stock_Options

Restricted Stock, Stock Options and Other Stock Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Restricted Stock, Stock Options and Other Stock Plans	'
	12. RESTRICTED STOCK, STOCK OPTIONS AND OTHER STOCK PLANS
	On December 14, 2004 the Company adopted the 2004 Long-Term Compensation Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan provides for the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights, or SARs, restricted stock, deferred stock, dividend equivalents, bonus stock and awards in lieu of cash compensation, other stock-based awards and performance awards. Any shares issued under the Plan typically vest over service periods that range from one to five years. Stock options issued under the plan expire 10 years from the date they are granted.
	The Plan provided an initial authorization of 2.5 million shares of Class A common stock for issuance and allows an automatic annual increase equal to the lesser of (i) 3% of the Class A common stock outstanding (ii) 750,000 shares or (iii) such lesser amount as may be determined by the Company’s board of directors. On April 27, 2012, the Company authorized an increase in the number of shares of our Class A common stock reserve to 7.1 million. On June 22, 2012, the Company’s stockholders approved the Amended and Restated 2004 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, including an increase in the reserve, with an automatic annual increase on January 1 of each successive year of the lesser of (i) 3% of the Class A Common Stock outstanding, or (ii) 750,000 shares. As of December 31, 2013, there were 1.9 million shares available for issuance under the Plan (as amended).
	The fair value of each option award is calculated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and certain subjective assumptions. Expected volatilities are calculated based on our historical trading activities. We estimate forfeitures using a weighted average historical forfeiture rate. Our estimates of forfeitures will be adjusted over the requisite service period based on the extent to which actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from their estimate. The risk-free rate for the periods is based on the U.S. Treasury rates in effect at the time of grant. The expected term of options is based on the simplified method which assumes that the option will be exercised midway between the vesting date and the contractual term of the option. The Company is able to use the simplified method as the options qualify as “plain vanilla” options as defined by ASC 718 – Stock Compensation. The following table summarizes the assumptions used to calculate the fair value of options during 2013 and 2012.
		2013			2012
	Weighted average fair value of options granted	$	1.46		$	1.26
	Dividend yields		—			—
	Expected volatility		101.4%-136.8	%		106.3%-165.6	%
	Weighted average expected volatility		101.99	%		137	%
	Risk free interest rates		1.84	%		0.78	%
	Weighted average expected term (in years)		6.25			6.25
	The following table summarizes information about stock option activity:
		Shares			Weighted
					Average
					Exercise Price
	Outstanding at January 1, 2012		764		$	0.96
	Granted		140			1.81
	Exercised		—			—
	Forfeited or Expired		(1	)		1
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		903		$	1.09
	Granted		280			1.81
	Exercised		(2	)		1
	Forfeited or Expired		—			—
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		1,181		$	1.26
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		746		$	0.99
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the weighted-average remaining contractual term of unexercised stock options was 7.2 years and 7.3 years, respectively.
	A summary of the Company’s restricted share activity is presented below:
		Shares			Weighted
					Average
					Exercise Price
	Restricted outstanding at January 1, 2012		963		$	1.31
	Granted		706			1.73
	Vested		(615	)		1.36
	Forfeited or Expired		(4	)		1.31
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		1,050		$	1.56
	Granted		—			—
	Vested		(388	)		1.48
	Forfeited or Expired		(15	)		1.81
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		647		$	1.6
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, there was $0.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options and restricted stock issuances granted under the Plan. The Company intends to issue new shares of its common stock upon vesting of restricted stock grants or the exercise of stock options.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Litigation
	Currently, we are not subject to any material legal proceedings. From time to time, however, we are named as a defendant in legal actions arising from our normal business activities. Although we cannot accurately predict the amount of our liability, if any, that could arise with respect to legal actions pending against us, we do not expect that any such liability will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, operating results or cash flows. We believe that we have obtained adequate insurance coverage, rights to indemnification, or where appropriate, have established reserves in connection with these legal proceedings.
	Letters of credit and performance bonds
	The Company has commitments as a result of contracts entered into with certain third parties, primarily local governmental authorities, to meet certain performance criteria as outlined in such contracts. The Company is required to issue letters of credit and performance bonds to these third parties as a way of ensuring that such commitments entered into are met by the Company. The letters of credit and performance bonds issued in favor of the Company and/or its subsidiaries mature on a revolving basis, and if called into default, would be deemed material if assessed against the Company and/or its subsidiaries for the full amounts claimed. In some circumstances we have negotiated with our lenders in connection with foreclosure agreements for the lender to assume certain liabilities with respect to the letters of credit and performance bonds. We cannot accurately predict the amount of any liability that could be imposed upon the Company with respect to maturing or defaulted letters of credit or performance bonds and it is anticipated that any such liability would likely have a material adverse effect on our financial position, operating results or cash flows. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had issued $4.3 million and $0.1 million in letters of credit, respectively, and $2.1 million and $1.6 million in performance and payment bonds, respectively, to these third parties. No amounts have been drawn against these letters of credit or performance bonds.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	14. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	As described in Note 3, on March 7, 2012, the Company’s subsidiary sold the Cascades Multi-family units. As the Cascades Multi-family units represented a component of the Company’s business, the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for all periods presented to appropriately reflect the discontinued operations of the Cascades Multi-family units and the continuing operations of the Company. Revenues, costs and expenses directly associated with the Cascades Multi-family units have been reclassified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations. Corporate expenses, such as general corporate overhead, have not been allocated to discontinued operations. The guidance in ASC 740-20-45-7 requires that the income recorded in discontinued operations be considered when determining the amount of benefit allocable to continuing operations in circumstances when continuing operations result in a net loss position for the period presented. Accordingly, the Company has allocated a tax benefit of $2.5 million to continuing operations and a tax expense of $2.5 million to discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2012. No tax benefit or expense in relation to discontinued operations was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Summarized financial information for the Cascades Multi-family units, is set forth below:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Revenue	$	—		$	171
	Cost of sales		(1	)		128
	Selling, general and administrative		5			9
	Interest, real estate taxes and indirect costs related to inactive projects		—			154
	Other (income) expenses, net		—			(22	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations before gain on sale of real estate and income tax expense		(4	)		(98	)
	Net (loss) gain on sale of real estate		—			6,466
	Net (loss) income from discontinued operations before income tax expense		(4	)		6,368
	Income tax expense		—			(2,484	)
	Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	$	(4	)	$	3,884
	Discontinued operations have not been segregated in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Therefore, amounts for certain captions will not agree with the respective data in the consolidated statement of operations.

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures	'
	15. FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES
	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 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 measurement input levels for determining fair value are as follows
		•		Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access.
		•		Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.
		•		Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. An asset’s or liability’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities are reasonable estimates of their fair values based on their short maturities.
	The fair value of fixed and floating rate debt is based on observable market rates (Level 2 inputs). The following table summarizes the fair value of fixed and floating rate debt and the corresponding carrying value of fixed and floating rate debt as of:
			December 31,		December 31,
			2013		2012
	Carrying amount		$	29,968	$	27,629
	Fair value		$	27,943	$	24,881
	Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information about the financial instruments. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
	The Company may also value its non-financial assets and liabilities, including items such as real estate inventories and long lived assets, at fair value on a non recurring basis if it is determined that an impairment has occurred. Such fair value measurements use significant unobservable inputs and are classified as Level 3. See Notes 2 and 4 for further discussion of the valuation techniques and inputs used.
	In the quarter ended September 30, 2012, management evaluated its strategic alternatives with respect to its real estate projects classified as held for sale, Eclipse and Penderbrook, with the objective of creating additional near term liquidity. As a result, a decision was made to market the Eclipse project in a bulk sale transaction, rather than by selling directly to prospective home buyers, significantly accelerating absorption. The impairment charge of $2.4 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012, reflected the write down to estimated fair value less costs to sell under the bulk sale disposition strategy. During the first quarter of 2013, in the absence of a prospective bulk sale buyer and as a result of the increased sales activity, the Company revised its previous disposition strategy and reversed a previously recorded impairment charge of $0.7 million to properly reflect the for sale project at fair market value less costs to sell, consistent with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360. During the first half of 2013, the Company sold all remaining units at the Eclipse and Penderbrook projects. Additionally, during 2013, we wrote-off $1.1 million in due diligence and entitlement pursuit costs related to the BLVD Newell project, which was controlled under a land purchase option contract. The write-off occurred in December 2013 due to the Company’s unsuccessful attempt to obtain entitlement approvals. See real estate inventories Note 3 in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further discussion and the basis for determining the impairment charges, reversals and write-offs.

Unconsolidated_Joint_Venture

Unconsolidated Joint Venture	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Unconsolidated Joint Venture	'
	16. UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURE
	On April 10, 2013, the Company formed Superior Title Services, L.C., a joint venture, together with Stewart Title & Escrow, Inc and Stewart Title Group, LLC, unaffiliated third parties (together, the “ Stewart Group”). The joint venture was established for the purpose of engaging in the general title insurance business. The Company owns a 50% profit/loss allocation percentage and related equity investment in the joint venture. The entity was initially capitalized through a $7 contribution each from the Company and the Stewart Group. This entity was evaluated and the Company concluded that the Company does not have a controlling financial interest in the joint venture, nor is the Company the primary beneficiary. The Company accounts for its interest in this venture using the equity method of accounting and adjusts the carrying value for our proportionate share of the unconsolidated joint venture’s earnings, losses and distributions. The investment in the unconsolidated joint venture is included within ‘Other assets’ in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013. Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2013, from this unconsolidated joint venture of $114 is included in ‘Other income, net’ in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company collected and recorded a distribution of $55 from this joint venture as a return on investment. There were no investments, earnings and distributions in unconsolidated joint ventures during the year ended December 31, 2012.
	The following table presents the condensed Statement of Operations data for Superior Title Services, L.C.:
		Twelve Months Ended
		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Statement of Operations:
	Total net revenue	$	326	$	—
	Total expenses		98		—
	Net income	$	228	$	—
	Comstock Holding Companies, Inc. pro rata share of net income	$	114	$	—

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	17. INCOME TAXES
	The effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was 17.1% and 0.0%, respectively. This resulted in $346 and $0 in tax expense for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. This tax arises from taxable income generated in the District of Columbia against which the Company has no tax net operating losses to offset.
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The Company recorded valuation allowances for certain tax attributes and other deferred tax assets. At this time, sufficient uncertainty exists regarding the future realization of these deferred tax assets through future taxable income. If, in the future, the Company believes that it is more likely than not that these deferred tax benefits will be realized, the valuation allowances will be reversed. With a full valuation allowance, any change in the deferred tax asset or liability is fully offset by a corresponding change in the valuation allowance.
	The Company currently has approximately $118.5 million in federal and state NOLs, which based on current statutory tax rates, have potential fair value of approximately $46 million in tax savings. If unused, these NOLs will begin expiring in 2028. Under Code Section 382 (“Section 382”) rules, if a change of ownership is triggered, the Company’s NOL assets and possibly certain other deferred tax assets may be impaired. We estimate that as of December 31, 2013, the cumulative shift in ownership of the Company’s stock would not cause an impairment of our NOL asset. However, if an ownership change were to occur, the Section 382 limitation would not be expected to materially impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations as of December 31, 2013, because of the Company’s full valuation allowance on its net deferred tax assets.
	The Company’s ability to use its NOLs (and in certain circumstances, future built-in losses and depreciation deductions) can be negatively affected if there is an “ownership change” as defined under Section 382. In general, an ownership change occurs whenever there is a shift in ownership by more than 50 percentage points by one or more 5% stockholders over a specified time period (generally three years). Given Section 382’s broad definition, an ownership change could be the unintended consequence of otherwise normal market trading in the Company’s stock that is outside of the Company’s control. In an effort to preserve the availability of these NOLs, Comstock adopted a Section 382 stockholder rights plan (the “Rights Plan”). The Rights Plan was adopted to reduce the likelihood of such an unintended “ownership change” and thus assist in preserving the value of these tax benefits. Similar plans have been adopted by a number of companies holding similar significant tax assets over the past several years. This plan was submitted to a vote and was approved by the Company’s stockholders on June 17, 2011.
	The Company has not recorded any accruals related to uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We file U.S. and state income tax returns in jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. The 2010 through 2012 tax years remain subject to examination by federal and most state tax authorities.
	Income tax provision consists of the following as of December 31:
		2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	—		$	—
	State		(346	)		—
			(346	)		—
	Deferred:
	Federal		(269	)		(1,013	)
	State		(49	)		(185	)
			(318	)		(1,198	)
	Valuation allowance		318			1,198
	Total income tax expense	$	(346	)	$	—
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are as follows:
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Inventory	$	44		$	1,051
	Warranty		199			282
	Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards		46,191			45,330
	Cancellation of debt gain		—			1
	Accrued expenses		159			112
	Stock based compensation		494			397
			47,087			47,173
	Less—valuation allowance		(47,330	)		(47,013	)
	Net deferred tax assets		(243	)		160
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Investments in affiliates		242			(136	)
	Depreciation and amortization		1			(24	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities		243			(160	)
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	—		$	—
	A reconciliation of the statutory rate and the effective tax rate follows:
		2013			2012
	Federal statutory rate		(35.00	)%		(35.00	)%
	State income taxes—net of federal benefit		(3.90	)%		(3.90	)%
	Permanent differences		0.19	%		0	%
	Tax reserve and other		(0.37	)%		3.24	%
	Change in valuation allowance		15.66	%		21.23	%
	Current state income tax		17.06	%		0	%
	Other, net		23.42	%		14.43	%
	Effective tax rate		17.06	%		0	%

Quarterly_Results_Unaudited

Quarterly Results (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Results (Unaudited)	'
	18. QUARTERLY RESULTS (unaudited)
	Quarterly results for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three months ended
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2013			2013			2013
	Revenues	$	11,557		$	12,213		$	9,572		$	21,272
	Operating income (loss)		1,039			(17	)		406			1,316
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations		1,066			114			250			1,235
	Net income (loss) form discontinued operations		(4	)		—			—			—
	Pretax income (loss)		1,062			114			447			1,384
	Net income (loss)		1,062			114			250			1,235
	Net income (loss) attributable to Comstock Holding Companies, Inc.		723			(838	)		(739	)		(1,176	)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share		0.04			(0.04	)		(0.03	)		(0.07	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share		0.03			(0.04	)		(0.03	)		(0.07	)
		Three months ended
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
		2012			2012			2012			2012
	Revenues	$	3,935		$	4,244		$	3,483		$	(2,640	)
	Operating income (loss)		(2,369	)		(3,089	)		(4,485	)		(2,082	)
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations		(1,428	)		(1,879	)		(4,166	)		(2,050	)
	Net income (loss) form discontinued operations		5,482			(1,236	)		(370	)		8
	Pretax income (loss)		4,054			(3,115	)		(4,536	)		(2,042	)
	Net income (loss)		4,054			(3,115	)		(4,536	)		(2,042	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Comstock Holding Companies, Inc.		3,951			(3,115	)		(4,496	)		(2,005	)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share		0.19			(0.15	)		(0.22	)		(0.10	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share		0.19			(0.15	)		(0.22	)		(0.10	)
	Quarterly and year-to-date computations of per share amounts are made independently. Therefore, the sum of per share amounts for the quarters may not agree with per share amounts for the year due to rounding.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	19. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	In the first quarter of 2014, Comstock VII made a total distribution in the amount of $1.0 million to the Comstock VII Class B Members of which $0.6 million was for the fourth quarter 2013 and the first two months of 2014 priority returns and $0.4 million was distributed as a return of capital.
	In March 2014, the Company amended the mezzanine loan for the Townes at Shady Grove Metro and Momentum | Shady Grove projects (see Note 8) which had a maturity date of March 22, 2014. Based on the amendment, the maturity date was extended to December 22, 2014.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company, and all of its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in 50% or less owned partnerships and affiliates are accounted for using the equity method unless it is determined that the Company has control of the entity, in which case the entity would be consolidated. The Company had one joint venture investment accounted for using the equity method as of December 31, 2013. This joint venture did not exist at December 31, 2012.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	'
	Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
	Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash and short-term investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. At times, the Company may have deposits with institutions in excess of federally insured limits. We monitor the cash balances in our bank accounts and adjust the balance as appropriate. To date, we have experienced no loss or lack of access to our invested cash or cash equivalents; however we can provide no assurance that access to our cash and cash equivalents will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial market. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had restricted cash of $2.5 million and $3.2 million, respectively which includes $2.0 million and $3.0 million in deposits, respectively, with an insurance provider as security for future claims.
Real Estate Inventories	'
	Real estate inventories
	Real estate inventories include land, land development costs, construction and other costs. Real estate held for development and use is stated at cost, or when circumstances or events indicate that the real estate is impaired, at estimated fair value. Real estate held for sale is carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Land, land development and indirect land development costs are accumulated by specific project and allocated to various units within that project using specific identification and allocation based upon the relative sales value, unit or area methods. Direct construction costs are assigned to units based on specific identification. Construction costs primarily include direct construction costs and capitalized field overhead. Other costs are comprised of fees, capitalized interest and real estate taxes. Costs incurred to sell real estate are capitalized to the extent they are reasonably expected to be recovered from the sale of the project and are tangible assets or services performed to obtain regulatory approval of sales. Other selling costs are expensed as incurred.
	If the project is considered held for sale, it is valued at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling costs. The evaluation takes into consideration the current status of the property, various restrictions, carrying costs, costs of disposition and any other circumstances that may affect fair value including management’s plans for the property. For assets held for development and use, a write-down to estimated fair value is recorded when the net carrying value of the property exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows. Estimated fair value is based on comparable sales of real estate in the normal course of business under existing and anticipated market conditions. These evaluations are made on a property-by-property basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the net book value may not be recoverable.
Capitalized Interest and Real Estate Taxes	'
	Capitalized interest and real estate taxes
	Interest and real estate taxes incurred relating to the development of lots and parcels are capitalized to real estate inventories during the active development period, which generally commences when borrowings are used to acquire real estate assets and ends when the properties are substantially complete or the property becomes inactive. A project becomes inactive when development and construction activities have been suspended indefinitely. Interest is capitalized based on the interest rate applicable to specific borrowings or the weighted average of the rates applicable to other borrowings during the period. Interest and real estate taxes capitalized to real estate inventories are expensed as a component of cost of sales as related units are sold. The following table is a summary of interest and real estate taxes incurred and capitalized and interest and real estate taxes expensed for units settled:
			Twelve Months Ended December 31
			2013			2012
	Total interest incurred and capitalized		$	1,884		$	351
	Total real estate taxes incurred and capitalized			181			150
	Total interest and real estate taxes incurred and capitalized		$	2,065		$	501
	Interest expensed as a component of cost of sales		$	2,146		$	2,065
	Real estate taxes expensed as a component of cost of sales			311			189
	Interest and real estate taxes expensed as a component of cost of sales		$	2,457		$	2,254
	When a project becomes inactive, its interest, real estate taxes and indirect production overhead costs are no longer capitalized but rather expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Following is a breakdown of the interest, real estate taxes and indirect costs expensed related to inactive projects reported in real estate inventories:
			Twelve Months Ended December
			2013			2012
	Total interest incurred and expensed for inactive projects		$	73		$	1,940
	Total real estate taxes incurred and expensed for inactive projects			49			170
	Total production overhead incurred and expensed for inactive projects			286			179
				408			2,289
	Amounts reclassified to discontinued operations			—			(154	)
			$	408		$	2,135
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and are depreciated on the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as follows:
	Furniture and fixtures			7 years
	Office equipment			5 years
	Computer equipment and capitalized software			3 years
	Leasehold improvements			Life of related lease
	When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from their separate accounts and any gain or loss on sale is reflected in operations. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
Warranty Reserve	'
	Warranty reserve
	Warranty reserves for units settled are established to cover potential costs for materials and labor with regard to warranty-type claims expected to arise during the typical one-year warranty period provided by the Company or within the two-year statutorily mandated structural warranty period for condominiums. Because the Company typically subcontracts its homebuilding work, subcontractors are required to provide the Company with an indemnity and a certificate of insurance prior to receiving payments for their work. Claims relating to workmanship and materials are generally the primary responsibility of the subcontractors and product manufacturers. The warranty reserve is established at the time of closing, and is calculated based upon historical warranty cost experience and current business factors. This reserve is an estimate and actual warranty costs could vary from these estimates. Variables used in the calculation of the reserve, as well as the adequacy of the reserve based on the number of homes still under warranty, are reviewed on a periodic basis. Warranty claims are directly charged to the reserve as they arise. During fiscal year 2010, the Company recorded an additional $0.6 million in warranty reserves to cover future potential costs and/or claims related to a project. In 2013, the Company settled the warranty claim for $0.2 million, releasing the Company from future warranty claims related to the project and reduced the warranty estimate by $0.4 million. The warranty reduction was recorded through homebuilding cost of sales.
	The following table is a summary of warranty reserve activity which is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
			Years ended
			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of period		$	963		$	1,009
	Additions			262			52
	Releases and/or charges incurred			(715	)		(98	)
	Balance at end of period		$	510		$	963
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue recognition
	The Company recognizes revenues and related profits or losses from the sale of residential properties and units, finished lots and land sales when closing has occurred, full payment has been received, title and possession of the property has transferred to the buyer and the Company has no significant continuing involvement in the property. Other revenues include revenue from land sales, rental revenue from leased multi-family units – which is recognized ratably over the terms of the respective leases, revenue from construction services – which is recognized under the percentage-of-completion method, and revenue earned from management and administrative support services provided to related parties – which is recognized as the services are provided.
Advertising Costs	'
	Advertising costs
	The total amount of advertising costs charged for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $614, of which $577 was charged to sales and marketing, $32 was charged to cost of sales and $5 was charged to general and administrative expenses. The total amount of advertising costs charged for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $168 of which $95 was charged to sales and marketing and $73 was charged to cost of sales.
Stock Compensation	'
	Stock compensation
	As discussed in Note 12, the Company sponsors stock option plans and restricted stock award plans. The Company accounts for its share-based awards pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718, Share Based Payments. ASC 718 requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements over the vesting period based on their fair values at the date of grant. For the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, total stock-based compensation cost was $616 and $1,447, respectively. Of this amount, $477 and $1,447 was charged to general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $6 and $0 was charged to “cost of sales-other” for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2013, $133 was capitalized to ‘Real estate inventories’. No amount was charged to ‘Real estate inventories’ in 2012.
Income Taxes	'
	Income taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method in accordance with ASC 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on the deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Income (Loss) Per Share	'
	Income (Loss) per share
	The weighted average shares and share equivalents used to calculate basic and diluted (loss) income per share for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, are presented on the consolidated statement of operations. Stock options and warrants for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are included in the diluted earnings per share calculation using the treasury stock method and average market prices during the period, unless the stock option and warrants would be anti-dilutive. As a result of net losses for the year ended December 31, 2013, approximately 466 restricted stock awards, 466 stock options and 759 warrants were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. As a result of net losses for the year ended December 31, 2012, approximately 388 restricted stock awards, 196 stock options and 428 warrants were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
	The computation of basic and diluted shares outstanding is as follows:
			Twelve Months Ended December 31,
			2013			2012
	Computation of basic shares outstanding
	Weighted average commom shares outstanding—basic			20,681			19,970
	Computation of diluted shares outstanding
	Weighted average commom shares outstanding—diluted			20,681			19,970
Comprehensive Income	'
	Comprehensive income
	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, comprehensive income equaled net income; therefore, a separate statement of comprehensive income is not included in the consolidated financial statements.
Segment Reporting	'
	Segment reporting
	We operate our business through three segments: Homebuilding, Multi-family and Real Estate Services. We are currently focused on the Washington, D.C. market.
	For our Homebuilding operations, we develop properties with the intent that they be sold either as fee-simple properties or condominiums to individual unit buyers or as investment properties sold to private or institutional investors. Our for-sale products are designed to attract first-time, early move-up, and secondary move-up buyers. We focus on products that we are able to offer for sale in the middle price points within the markets where we operate, avoiding the very low-end and high-end products.
	For our Multi-family segment we focus on projects ranging from approximately 75 to 200 units in locations that are supply constrained with demonstrated demand for stabilized assets. We seek opportunities in the multi-family rental market where our experience and core capabilities can be leveraged. We will either position the assets for sale when completed or operate the asset within our own portfolio. Operating the asset for our own account affords us the flexibility of converting the units to condominiums in the future.
	Our Real Estate Services segment pursues projects in all aspects of real estate management including strategic planning, land development, entitlement, property management, sales and marketing, workout and turnaround strategies, financing and general construction. We are able to provide a wide range of construction management and general contracting services to other property owners.
	The following disclosure includes the Company’s three reportable segments of Homebuilding, Multi-family and Real Estate Services. Each of these segments operates within the Company’s single Washington, D.C. reportable geographic market.
			Homebuilding			Multi-			Real		Total
						Family			Estate
									Services
	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013
	Gross revenue (1)		$	53,862		$	—		$	752	$	54,614
	Gross profit			11,846			—			364		12,210
	Operating profit from continuing operations			2,623			—			388		3,011
	Operating loss from discontinued operations			—			(4	)		—		(4	)
	Net income (loss)			2,277			(4	)		388		2,661
	Total assets			56,674			—			205		56,879
	Depreciation and amortization			686			—			—		686
	Interest expense			73			—			—		73
	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2012
	Gross revenue (1)		$	12,043		$	—		$	2,259	$	14,302
	Gross Income			724			—			402		1,126
	Operating (loss) income from continuing operations			(12,285	)		—			278		(12,007	)
	Operating profit from discontinued operations			—			6,368			—		6,368
	Net (loss) income			(12,285	)		6,368			278		(5,639	)
	Total assets			36,378			278			2,043		38,699
	Depreciation and amortization			1,487			—			—		1,487
	Interest expense			1,775			—			—		1,775
	-1	Gross revenue includes ‘Revenue – homebuilding’ and ‘Revenue – other’ as described in the consolidated statements of operations for assets included in each segment.
	The Company allocates sales, marketing and general and administrative expenses to the individual segments based upon specifically allocable costs and, in the absence of direct allocations, based upon its estimate of time allocable to the segment or based upon overall pro rata revenue generation.
	The table below reconciles the segment information to the corresponding amounts in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations:
			Twelve Months Ended
			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Segment operating income (loss) from continuing operations		$	3,011		$	(12,007	)
	Income tax (expense) benefit			(346	)		2,484
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	2,665		$	(9,523	)
	Segment operating (loss) income from discontinued operations		$	(4	)	$	6,368
	Income tax expense			—			(2,484	)
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations		$	(4	)	$	3,884
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of estimates
	The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates are utilized in the valuation of real estate inventories, valuation of deferred tax assets, capitalization of costs, consolidation of variable interest entities and warranty reserves.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent accounting pronouncements
	In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, “Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities,” which requires entities to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements of financial instruments and derivative instruments. In January 2013, this guidance was amended by ASU 2013-01, “Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities,” which limits the scope of ASU 2011-11 to certain derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and lending transactions. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption of this guidance, which is related to disclosure only, did not materially impact our consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists”. ASU 2013-11 which states that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward with certain defined exceptions. ASU 2013-11 is intended to end inconsistent practices regarding the presentation of a unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss (NOL), a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward is available to reduce the taxable income or tax payable that would result from the disallowance of a tax position. We adopted this guidance during fiscal year 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not materially impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, “Liabilities”, (“ASU 2013-04”). ASU 2013-04 provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. ASU 2013-04 will be effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2014 and subsequent interim periods. The adoption of ASU 2013-04 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	Other accounting pronouncements issued or effective during the year ended December 31, 2013 are not applicable to us and are not anticipated to have an effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Consolidation Of Entities	'
	The Company does not share in an allocation of either the profit earned or loss incurred by any of these entities with which the Company has fixed price purchase agreements. The Company has concluded that whenever it options land or lots from an entity and pays a significant non-refundable deposit as described above, a variable interest entity is created under the provisions of ASC 810-10, Consolidation. This is because the Company has been deemed to have provided subordinated financial support, which creates a variable interest which limits the equity holder’s returns and may absorb some or all of an entity’s expected theoretical losses if they occur. The Company, therefore, examines the entities with which it has fixed price purchase agreements for possible consolidation by the Company under the provision of ASC 810-10.
Discontinued Operations	'
	As described in Note 3, on March 7, 2012, the Company’s subsidiary sold the Cascades Multi-family units. As the Cascades Multi-family units represented a component of the Company’s business, the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for all periods presented to appropriately reflect the discontinued operations of the Cascades Multi-family units and the continuing operations of the Company. Revenues, costs and expenses directly associated with the Cascades Multi-family units have been reclassified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations. Corporate expenses, such as general corporate overhead, have not been allocated to discontinued operations. The guidance in ASC 740-20-45-7 requires that the income recorded in discontinued operations be considered when determining the amount of benefit allocable to continuing operations in circumstances when continuing operations result in a net loss position for the period presented. Accordingly, the Company has allocated a tax benefit of $2.5 million to continuing operations and a tax expense of $2.5 million to discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2012. No tax benefit or expense in relation to discontinued operations was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Fair Value Measurements	'
	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 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.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Interest Incurred and Capitalized and Interest Expensed for Units Settled	'
	The following table is a summary of interest and real estate taxes incurred and capitalized and interest and real estate taxes expensed for units settled:
			Twelve Months Ended December 31
			2013			2012
	Total interest incurred and capitalized		$	1,884		$	351
	Total real estate taxes incurred and capitalized			181			150
	Total interest and real estate taxes incurred and capitalized		$	2,065		$	501
	Interest expensed as a component of cost of sales		$	2,146		$	2,065
	Real estate taxes expensed as a component of cost of sales			311			189
	Interest and real estate taxes expensed as a component of cost of sales		$	2,457		$	2,254
Summary of Interest, Real Estate Taxes and Indirect Costs Expensed Related to Inactive Projects	'
	Following is a breakdown of the interest, real estate taxes and indirect costs expensed related to inactive projects reported in real estate inventories:
			Twelve Months Ended December
			2013			2012
	Total interest incurred and expensed for inactive projects		$	73		$	1,940
	Total real estate taxes incurred and expensed for inactive projects			49			170
	Total production overhead incurred and expensed for inactive projects			286			179
				408			2,289
	Amounts reclassified to discontinued operations			—			(154	)
			$	408		$	2,135
Property, Plant and Equipment are Carried at Cost Less Accumulated Depreciation	'
	Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and are depreciated on the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as follows:
	Furniture and fixtures			7 years
	Office equipment			5 years
	Computer equipment and capitalized software			3 years
	Leasehold improvements			Life of related lease
Summary of Warranty Reserve Activity	'
	The following table is a summary of warranty reserve activity which is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
			Years ended
			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of period		$	963		$	1,009
	Additions			262			52
	Releases and/or charges incurred			(715	)		(98	)
	Balance at end of period		$	510		$	963
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	'
	The computation of basic and diluted shares outstanding is as follows:
			Twelve Months Ended December 31,
			2013			2012
	Computation of basic shares outstanding
	Weighted average commom shares outstanding—basic			20,681			19,970
	Computation of diluted shares outstanding
	Weighted average commom shares outstanding—diluted			20,681			19,970
Segment Reporting Information	'
	The following disclosure includes the Company’s three reportable segments of Homebuilding, Multi-family and Real Estate Services. Each of these segments operates within the Company’s single Washington, D.C. reportable geographic market.
			Homebuilding			Multi-			Real		Total
						Family			Estate
									Services
	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013
	Gross revenue (1)		$	53,862		$	—		$	752	$	54,614
	Gross profit			11,846			—			364		12,210
	Operating profit from continuing operations			2,623			—			388		3,011
	Operating loss from discontinued operations			—			(4	)		—		(4	)
	Net income (loss)			2,277			(4	)		388		2,661
	Total assets			56,674			—			205		56,879
	Depreciation and amortization			686			—			—		686
	Interest expense			73			—			—		73
	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2012
	Gross revenue (1)		$	12,043		$	—		$	2,259	$	14,302
	Gross Income			724			—			402		1,126
	Operating (loss) income from continuing operations			(12,285	)		—			278		(12,007	)
	Operating profit from discontinued operations			—			6,368			—		6,368
	Net (loss) income			(12,285	)		6,368			278		(5,639	)
	Total assets			36,378			278			2,043		38,699
	Depreciation and amortization			1,487			—			—		1,487
	Interest expense			1,775			—			—		1,775
	-1	Gross revenue includes ‘Revenue – homebuilding’ and ‘Revenue – other’ as described in the consolidated statements of operations for assets included in each segment.
Reconciliation for Segment Information to Corresponding Amounts in Consolidated Statements of Operations	'
	The table below reconciles the segment information to the corresponding amounts in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations:
			Twelve Months Ended
			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Segment operating income (loss) from continuing operations		$	3,011		$	(12,007	)
	Income tax (expense)benefit			(346	)		2,484
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	2,665		$	(9,523	)
	Segment operating (loss) income from discontinued operations		$	(4	)	$	6,368
	Income tax expense			—			(2,484	)
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations		$	(4	)	$	3,884

Real_Estate_Inventories_Tables

Real Estate Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Summary of Real Estate Inventories	'
	After impairment reversal and charges, real estate inventories consist of the following:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Land and land development costs	$	26,805	$	19,378
	Cost of construction (including capitalized interest and real estate taxes)		13,038		8,403
		$	39,843	$	27,781

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N1

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Computer equipment and capitalized software	$	275		$	199
	Furniture and fixtures		111			106
	Office equipment		68			58
			454			363
	Less : accumulated depreciation		(211	)		(141	)
		$	243		$	222

Other_Assets_Tables

Other Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Other Assets	'
	Other assets consist of the following:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Restricted Escrow Deposits	$	143		$	570
	Deferred financing cost		1,081			1,148
	Deposits on land purchase options		670			820
	Other		671			106
			2,565			2,644
	Less : accumulated amortization		(471	)		(301	)
		$	2,094		$	2,343

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_L1

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	'
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Trade payables	$	6,432	$	3,516
	Warranty		510		963
	Customer deposits		553		206
	Other		11		6
		$	7,506	$	4,691

Credit_Facilities_Tables

Credit Facilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Notes Payable	'
	Notes payable consisted of the following:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Construction revolvers	$	4,053	$	5,419
	Development and acquisition notes		12,304		11,073
	Mezzanine notes		6,344		3,000
	Total secured notes		22,701		19,492
	Unsecured financing		2,580		3,096
	Notes payable to affiliate, unsecured		4,687		5,041
	Total notes payable	$	29,968	$	27,629
Maturities and Curtailment Obligations of All Borrowings	'
	As of December 31, 2013, maturities and/or curtailment obligations of all of our borrowings are as follows:
	2014	$	11,506
	2015		11,195
	2016		4,687
	2017		—
	2018 and thereafter		2,580
	Total	$	29,968

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Future Minimum Annual Lease Payments	'
	Concurrent with the amendment, the Company agreed to extend the lease for five-years from the effective date and future minimum annual lease payments are as follows:
	2014	$	310
	2015		320
	2016		329
	2017		167
	Total	$	1,126

Restricted_Stock_Stock_Options1

Restricted Stock, Stock Options and Other Stock Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of Assumptions Used to Calculate Fair Value of Options	'
	The following table summarizes the assumptions used to calculate the fair value of options during 2013 and 2012.
		2013			2012
	Weighted average fair value of options granted	$	1.46		$	1.26
	Dividend yields		—			—
	Expected volatility		101.4%-136.8	%		106.3%-165.6	%
	Weighted average expected volatility		101.99	%		137	%
	Risk free interest rates		1.84	%		0.78	%
	Weighted average expected term (in years)		6.25			6.25
Summary Information about Stock Option Activity	'
	The following table summarizes information about stock option activity:
		Shares			Weighted
					Average
					Exercise Price
	Outstanding at January 1, 2012		764		$	0.96
	Granted		140			1.81
	Exercised		—			—
	Forfeited or Expired		(1	)		1
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		903		$	1.09
	Granted		280			1.81
	Exercised		(2	)		1
	Forfeited or Expired		—			—
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		1,181		$	1.26
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		746		$	0.99
Summary of Company's Restricted Share Activity	'
	A summary of the Company’s restricted share activity is presented below:
		Shares			Weighted
					Average
					Exercise Price
	Restricted outstanding at January 1, 2012		963		$	1.31
	Granted		706			1.73
	Vested		(615	)		1.36
	Forfeited or Expired		(4	)		1.31
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		1,050		$	1.56
	Granted		—			—
	Vested		(388	)		1.48
	Forfeited or Expired		(15	)		1.81
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		647		$	1.6

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Summarized Financial Information for Cascades Apartments	'
	Summarized financial information for the Cascades Multi-family units, is set forth below:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Revenue	$	—		$	171
	Cost of sales		(1	)		128
	Selling, general and administrative		5			9
	Interest, real estate taxes and indirect costs related to inactive projects		—			154
	Other (income) expenses, net		—			(22	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations before gain on sale of real estate and income tax expense		(4	)		(98	)
	Net (loss) gain on sale of real estate		—			6,466
	Net (loss) income from discontinued operations before income tax expense		(4	)		6,368
	Income tax expense		—			(2,484	)
	Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	$	(4	)	$	3,884

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Tables

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Summary of Fair Value and Carrying Value of Fixed and Floating Rate Debt	'
	The fair value of fixed and floating rate debt is based on observable market rates (Level 2 inputs).The following table summarizes the fair value of fixed and floating rate debt and the corresponding carrying value of fixed and floating rate debt as of:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Carrying amount	$	29,968	$	27,629
	Fair value	$	27,943	$	24,881

Unconsolidated_Joint_Venture_T

Unconsolidated Joint Venture (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Summarized Financial Information for Unconsolidated Joint Venture	'
	The following table presents the condensed Statement of Operations data for Superior Title Services, L.C.
		Twelve Months Ended
		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Statement of Operations:
	Total net revenue	$	326	$	—
	Total expenses		98		—
	Net income	$	228	$	—
	Comstock Holding Companies, Inc. pro rata share of net income	$	114	$	—

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income Tax Provision	'
	Income tax provision consists of the following as of December 31:
		2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	—		$	—
	State		(346	)		—
			(346	)		—
	Deferred:
	Federal		(269	)		(1,013	)
	State		(49	)		(185	)
			(318	)		(1,198	)
	Valuation allowance		318			1,198
	Total income tax expense	$	(346	)	$	—
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	Components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are as follows:
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Inventory	$	44		$	1,051
	Warranty		199			282
	Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards		46,191			45,330
	Cancellation of debt gain		—			1
	Accrued expenses		159			112
	Stock based compensation		494			397
			47,087			47,173
	Less—valuation allowance		(47,330	)		(47,013	)
	Net deferred tax assets		(243	)		160
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Investments in affiliates		242			(136	)
	Depreciation and amortization		1			(24	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities		243			(160	)
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	—		$	—
Reconciliation of Statutory and Effective Tax Rate	'
	A reconciliation of the statutory rate and the effective tax rate follows:
		2013			2012
	Federal statutory rate		(35.00	)%		(35.00	)%
	State income taxes—net of federal benefit		(3.90	)%		(3.90	)%
	Permanent differences		0.19	%		0	%
	Tax reserve and other		(0.37	)%		3.24	%
	Change in valuation allowance		15.66	%		21.23	%
	Current state income tax		17.06	%		0	%
	Other, net		23.42	%		14.43	%
	Effective tax rate		17.06	%		0	%

Quarterly_Results_Unaudited_Ta

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Results Financial Information	'
	Quarterly results for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three months ended
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2013			2013			2013
	Revenues	$	11,557		$	12,213		$	9,572		$	21,272
	Operating income (loss)		1,039			(17	)		406			1,316
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations		1,066			114			250			1,235
	Net income (loss) form discontinued operations		(4	)		—			—			—
	Pretax income (loss)		1,062			114			447			1,384
	Net income (loss)		1,062			114			250			1,235
	Net income (loss) attributable to Comstock Holding Companies, Inc.		723			(838	)		(739	)		(1,176	)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share		0.04			(0.04	)		(0.03	)		(0.07	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share		0.03			(0.04	)		(0.03	)		(0.07	)
		Three months ended
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
		2012			2012			2012			2012
	Revenues	$	3,935		$	4,244		$	3,483		$	(2,640	)
	Operating income (loss)		(2,369	)		(3,089	)		(4,485	)		(2,082	)
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations		(1,428	)		(1,879	)		(4,166	)		(2,050	)
	Net income (loss) form discontinued operations		5,482			(1,236	)		(370	)		8
	Pretax income (loss)		4,054			(3,115	)		(4,536	)		(2,042	)
	Net income (loss)		4,054			(3,115	)		(4,536	)		(2,042	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Comstock Holding Companies, Inc.		3,951			(3,115	)		(4,496	)		(2,005	)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share		0.19			(0.15	)		(0.22	)		(0.10	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share		0.19			(0.15	)		(0.22	)		(0.10	)

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010
	Investment	Investment	Segment
			Unit
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Investments owned partnerships and affiliate in percent	50.00%	'	50.00%	'	'
Number of investments accounted for using the equity Method	1	0	'	'	'
Restricted cash	$2,458	$3,203	$2,458	$3,203	'
Cash deposit	2,000	3,000	2,000	3,000	'
Period for which warranty claims expected to arise	'	'	'1 year	'	'
Period for which warranty claims expected to arise under statutorily period	'	'	'2 years	'	'
Additional in warranty reserves	'	'	262	52	600
Warranty claim	'	'	200	'	'
Reduction in warranty estimate	'	'	400	'	'
Advertising costs	'	'	614	168	'
Stock-based compensation cost	'	'	616	1,447	'
Amount capitalized to real estate owned	'	'	133	0	'
Number of operating segments	'	'	3	'	'
Projects units minimum	'	'	75	'	'
Projects units maximum	'	'	200	'	'
Selling and Marketing Expense [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Advertising costs	'	'	577	95	'
Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Advertising costs	'	'	32	73	'
Stock-based compensation cost	'	'	6	0	'
General and Administrative Expense [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Advertising costs	'	'	5	'	'
Stock-based compensation cost	'	'	$447	$1,447	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Investments owned partnerships and affiliate in percent	50.00%	'	50.00%	'	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Options/Warrants/Awards excluded from the computation of dilutive earnings per share	'	'	466	388	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Options/Warrants/Awards excluded from the computation of dilutive earnings per share	'	'	466	196	'
Warrants [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Options/Warrants/Awards excluded from the computation of dilutive earnings per share	'	'	759	428	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Interest Incurred and Capitalized and Interest Expensed for Units Settled (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'
Total interest incurred and capitalized	$1,884	$351
Total real estate taxes incurred and capitalized	181	150
Total interest and real estate taxes incurred and capitalized	2,065	501
Interest expensed as a component of cost of sales	2,146	2,065
Real estate taxes expensed as a component of cost of sales	311	189
Interest and real estate taxes expensed as a component of cost of sales	$2,457	$2,254

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Interest, Real Estate Taxes and Indirect Costs Expensed Related to Inactive Projects (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'
Total interest incurred and expensed for inactive projects	$73	$1,940
Total real estate taxes incurred and expensed for inactive projects	49	170
Total production overhead incurred and expensed for inactive projects	286	179
Interest expense real estate taxes and indirect costs related to inactive projects attributable to discontinued operations	408	2,289
Amounts reclassified to discontinued operations	'	-154
Interest, real estate taxes and indirect costs related to inactive projects	$408	$2,135

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property, Plant and Equipment are Carried at Cost Less Accumulated Depreciation (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	'7 years
Office Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	'5 years
Computer Equipment and Capitalized Software [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	'3 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives	'Life of related lease

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Warranty Reserve Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$963	$1,009	'
Additions	262	52	600
Releases and/or charges incurred	-715	-98	'
Balance at end of period	$510	$963	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Computation of basic shares outstanding	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic	20,681	19,970
Computation of diluted shares outstanding	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted	20,681	19,970

Summary_of_Significant_Account9

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Segment Reporting Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating (loss) income from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3,011	($12,007)
Operating profit (loss) from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4	6,368
Net income (loss)	1,235	250	114	1,062	-2,042	-4,536	-3,115	4,054	2,661	-5,639
Total assets	56,879	'	'	'	38,699	'	'	'	56,879	38,699
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	73	1,940
Total Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	54,614	14,302
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12,210	1,126
Operating (loss) income from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,011	-12,007
Operating profit (loss) from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4	6,368
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,661	-5,639
Total assets	56,879	'	'	'	38,699	'	'	'	56,879	38,699
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	686	1,487
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	73	1,775
Total Operating Segments [Member] | Homebuilding [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	53,862	12,043
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11,846	724
Operating (loss) income from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,623	-12,285
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,277	-12,285
Total assets	56,674	'	'	'	36,378	'	'	'	56,674	36,378
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	686	1,487
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	73	1,775
Total Operating Segments [Member] | Multi-Family [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating profit (loss) from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4	6,368
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4	6,368
Total assets	'	'	'	'	278	'	'	'	'	278
Total Operating Segments [Member] | Real Estate Services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	752	2,259
Gross profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	364	402
Operating (loss) income from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	388	278
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	388	278
Total assets	$205	'	'	'	$2,043	'	'	'	$205	$2,043

Recovered_Sheet1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Reconciliation for Segment Information to Corresponding Amounts in Consolidated Statements of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment operating income (loss) from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3,011	($12,007)
Income tax (expense) benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-346	2,484
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	1,235	250	114	1,066	-2,050	-4,166	-1,879	-1,428	2,665	-9,523
Segment operating (loss) income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4	6,368
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,484
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	($4)	$8	($370)	($1,236)	$5,482	($4)	$3,884

Consolidation_of_Variable_Inte1

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 07, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 26, 2012

Sep. 06, 2012

Mar. 14, 2013

Mar. 14, 2013

Mar. 14, 2013

Mar. 14, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 14, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 14, 2013

Mar. 14, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 27, 2012

Aug. 23, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 06, 2012

Mar. 07, 2012

Jan. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2011

Installment

Maryland [Member]

Washington, D.C. [Member]

Virginia [Member]

Class A [Member]

Cardinal Bank [Member]

New Hampshire Avenue LLC [Member]

Comstock Investors VII, L.C [Member]

Comstock Investors VII, L.C [Member]

Comstock Investors VII, L.C [Member]

Comstock Investors VII, L.C [Member]

Comstock Investors VIII, L.C [Member]

Comstock Investors VIII, L.C [Member]

Comstock Investors VIII, L.C [Member]

Comstock Investors VIII, L.C [Member]

Comstock Investors VIII, L.C [Member]

Comstock Eastgate LLC [Member]

Consolidated Real Estate Inventories [Member]

Consolidated Real Estate Inventories [Member]

Consolidated Real Estate Inventories [Member]

Consolidated Real Estate Inventories [Member]

Consolidated Real Estate Inventories [Member]

Cascades II [Member]

Cascades II [Member]

Cascades Apartments [Member]

Cascades Apartments [Member]

Comstock Cascades, L.C., [Member]

Comstock Cascades, L.C., [Member]

Comstock Cascades, L.C., [Member]

Townhomes

Townhomes

Townhomes

Class A [Member]

Subsidiaries [Member]

Maryland [Member]

Virginia [Member]

Class A [Member]

Subsidiaries [Member]

Unit

Unit

Bridge Com Development One [Member]

Private Placement [Member]

Unit

Unit

Unit

Private Placement [Member]

Townhomes

Townhomes

Warrant

Class B [Member]

Private Placement [Member]

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of projects

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

66

111

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distribution of profit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,000,000

'

Equity contributions made to variable interest entity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

600,000

'

'

'

600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distribution to members from variable interest entities

'

1,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Initial aggregate principal amount up to capital raise

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,300,000

'

'

'

'

4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,350,000

Number of warrants issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

112

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate fair value of warrants for investors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

146,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

131,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cumulative, compounded, preferred return rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of cumulative cash on cash return

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of town homes

'

'

'

'

'

36

73

110

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

45

42

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of multi-family units

'

'

'

'

'

117

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of single family units

'

'

'

'

'

'

38

19

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred distribution

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

103,000

'

'

'

'

'

Number of warrants issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

102,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27,400,000

17,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

46,300,000

29,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sale of membership interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,400,000

'

'

Cumulative, compounded, preferred return rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from sale of project

19,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warranty escrow

'

143,000

570,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

'

'

'

Claims escrow

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

'

'

'

Number of installment in which claim escrow will be released

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warranty escrow released, net of settlement cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

'

'

'

'

Settlement cost

'

'

'

'

2,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

One third of claims escrow

'

'

'

143,000

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Post closing warranty claims

'

'

'

'

35,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Secured loan

'

22,701,000

19,492,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on the extinguishment

'

27,000

-73,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

-300

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prepayment of penalty fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from repayments of secured debt

'

$4,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Real_Estate_Inventories_Additi

Real Estate Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Real Estate [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment (reversal) charges	$700,000	$2,400,000	$2,400,000	$348,000	$2,358,000
Write-off of due diligence and entitlement pursuit	'	'	'	$1,100,000	'

Real_Estate_Inventories_Summar

Real Estate Inventories - Summary of Real Estate Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'
Total	$39,843	$27,781
Land and Land Development Costs [Member]	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'
Total	26,805	19,378
Cost of Construction (Including Capitalized Interest and Real Estate Taxes) [Member]	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'
Total	$13,038	$8,403

PropertyPlant_and_Equipment_Ne

Property,Plant and Equipment , Net - Property, Plant and Equipment are Carried at Cost Less Accumulated Depreciation (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$454	$363
Less : accumulated depreciation	-211	-141
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total	243	222
Computer Equipment and Capitalized Software [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	275	199
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	111	106
Office Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$68	$58

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N2

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net - Additional Information (Detail) (General and Administrative Expense [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
General and Administrative Expense [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	$70	$41

Other_Assets_Summary_of_Other_

Other Assets - Summary of Other Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Restricted Escrow Deposits	$143	$570
Deferred financing cost	1,081	1,148
Deposits on land purchase options	670	820
Other	671	106
Other assets, gross	2,565	2,644
Less : accumulated amortization	-471	-301
Other assets	$2,094	$2,343

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_L2

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities - Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'	'	'
Trade payables	$6,432	$3,516	'
Warranty	510	963	1,009
Customer deposits	553	206	'
Other	11	6	'
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	$7,506	$4,691	'

Credit_Facilities_Summary_of_N

Credit Facilities - Summary of Notes Payable (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total secured notes	$22,701	$19,492
Unsecured financing	2,580	3,096
Notes payable to affiliate, unsecured	4,687	5,041
Total notes payable	29,968	27,629
Construction Revolvers [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total secured notes	4,053	5,419
Development and Acquisition Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total secured notes	12,304	11,073
Mezzanine Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total secured notes	$6,344	$3,000

Credit_Facilities_Additional_I

Credit Facilities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Credit Facilities [Line Items]	'	'
Outstanding acquisition and development loan	$22,701,000	$19,492,000
Unsecured financing for period	2,580,000	3,096,000
Construction Revolvers [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities [Line Items]	'	'
Aggregate acquisition and development loan commitments	21,900,000	'
Unused loan commitments	14,700,000	'
Maximum principal commitment amount outstanding	4,100,000	5,400,000
Outstanding construction revolving facility	5.30%	5.40%
Outstanding acquisition and development loan	4,053,000	5,419,000
Development and Acquisition Notes [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities [Line Items]	'	'
Aggregate acquisition and development loan commitments	26,100,000	'
Maximum principal commitment amount outstanding	12,300,000	'
Outstanding construction revolving facility	4.90%	5.60%
Maturity range, start date	'2014-03	'
Maturity dates, end date	'2015-12	'
Outstanding acquisition and development loan	12,304,000	11,073,000
Development and Acquisition Notes [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate floors ranging	4.00%	'
Development and Acquisition Notes [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate floors ranging	6.00%	'
Mezzanine Notes One [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities [Line Items]	'	'
Outstanding acquisition and development loan	3,000,000	3,000,000
Number of secured Mezzanine Loans	2	'
Fixed interest rate	13.50%	'
Maturity Date	22-Sep-15	'
Mezzanine Notes Two [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities [Line Items]	'	'
Aggregate acquisition and development loan commitments	3,300,000	'
Maximum principal commitment amount outstanding	3,300,000	'
Outstanding acquisition and development loan	'	0
Interest rate	12.00%	'
Interest rate paid on a monthly basis	6.00%	'
Interest rate accrued and paid on maturity	6.00%	'
Unsecured Financing [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity Date	28-Dec-18	'
Unsecured financing for period	2,600,000	3,100,000
Period for unsecured note outstanding to bank	'10 years	'
Interest charged to loan	'LIBOR plus 2.2%	'
Interest rate	2.20%	'
Interest rate for unsecured financing	2.40%	2.40%
Due to Affiliate [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum principal commitment amount outstanding	4,700,000	5,000,000
Maturity Date	20-Jul-13	'
Interest charged to loan	'LIBOR plus 3%	'
Interest rate	3.00%	'
Interest rate for unsecured financing	3.60%	3.80%
Extended maturity date	1-Jan-16	'
Monthly payment for accrued unpaid interest and principal	$50,000	'

Credit_Facilities_Maturities_a

Credit Facilities - Maturities and/or Curtailment Obligations of All of Our Borrowings (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
2014	$11,506	'
2015	11,195	'
2016	4,687	'
2017	'	'
2018 and thereafter	2,580	'
Total notes payable	$29,968	$27,629

Warrants_Additional_Informatio

Warrants - Additional Information (Detail) (Class A [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'
Initial investment amount	$250
Trading days preceding the issuance of warrant	'20 days
Warrant exercise date	14-Mar-23
Comstock Investors VIII, L.C [Member]	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'
Initial investment amount	$250
Trading days preceding the issuance of warrant	'20 days
Warrant exercise date	12-Dec-23
Maximum [Member]	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'
Common stock and warrants exercisable	112
Maximum [Member] | Comstock Investors VIII, L.C [Member]	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'
Common stock and warrants exercisable	102

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 19, 2012

Dec. 31, 2009

Oct. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2011

Mar. 14, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]

Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]

Comstock Asset Management, L.C. [Member]

Comstock Asset Management, L.C. [Member]

Comstock Asset Management, L.C. [Member]

Comstock Asset Management, L.C. [Member]

Comstock Partners, L.C., [Member]

Comstock Partners, L.C., [Member]

Comstock Partners, L.C., [Member]

Comstock Cascades, L.C., [Member]

Comstock Cascades, L.C., [Member]

Stonehenge [Member]

Stonehenge [Member]

Stonehenge [Member]

sqft

Office Space [Member]

Other Income [Member]

Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]

Private Placement [Member]

sqft

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Office space leased

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,620

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional office space leased

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,436

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total office space leased

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,056

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Lease extension period

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Lease period

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total payments made under lease agreement

'

'

'

'

$300,000

$200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Straight-line rent payable

'

'

'

'

23,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total contract value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue from the contract

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Trade receivables

0

'

131,000

42,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

Sale of membership interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,350,000

'

'

'

Working capital related to private placement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

Rate of credit enhancement fee

4.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments under agreement

0

130,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Services and out-of-pocket expenses incurred

'

'

'

'

400,000

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restated Senior Note maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Jan-16

'

Periodic payment of debt under Amended and Restated Senior Note

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000

500,000

0

Debt repayment date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Apr-13

'

Credit enhancement fee percentage

4.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment of guarantee

$0

$130,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Related_Party_Transactions_Fut

Related Party Transactions - Future Minimum Annual Lease Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]	'
2014	$310
2015	320
2016	329
2017	167
Total	$1,126

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]	'	'
Total employee contributions	$49	$37
Vesting period	'6 years	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]	'	'
Gross employee contribution	100.00%	'
Each participant's gross salary	5.00%	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]	'	'
Gross employee contribution	50.00%	'
Each participant's gross salary	3.00%	'

Restricted_Stock_Stock_Options2

Restricted Stock, Stock Options and Other Stock Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 27, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
			Class A [Member]	Class A [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-term compensation plan vesting period	'	'	'	'	'1 year	'5 years
Long-term compensation plan stock option expiration period	'10 years	'	'	'	'	'
Authorized increase in number of shares	'	'	2,500,000	7,100,000	'	'
Shares issued	'	'	750,000	'	'	'
Description of additional shares authorized for issuance under long-term compensation plan	'	'	'The Plan provided an initial authorization of 2.5 million shares of Class A common stock for issuance and allows an automatic annual increase equal to the lesser of (i) 3% of the Class A common stock outstanding (ii) 750,000 shares or (iii) such lesser amount as may be determined by the Companybs board of directors	'	'	'
Shares available for issuance under long-term compensation plan	'	'	1,900,000	'	'	'
Percentage of additional shares authorized issuable under long-term compensation plan	'	'	3.00%	'	'	'
Weighted-average remaining contractual term of unexercised stock options	'7 years 2 months 12 days	'7 years 3 months 18 days	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to stock issuances	$0.80	$1	'	'	'	'

Restricted_Stock_Stock_Options3

Restricted Stock, Stock Options and Other Stock Plans - Summary of Assumptions Used to Calculate Fair Value of Options (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted average fair value of options granted	$1.46	$1.26
Dividend yields	'	'
Expected volatility, Minimum	101.40%	106.30%
Expected volatility, Maximum	136.80%	165.60%
Weighted average expected volatility	101.99%	137.00%
Risk free interest rates	1.84%	0.78%
Weighted average expected term (in years)	'6 years 3 months	'6 years 3 months

Restricted_Stock_Stock_Options4

Restricted Stock, Stock Options and Other Stock Plans - Summary Information about Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Beginning balance, Shares	903	764
Granted, Shares	280	140
Exercised, Shares	-2	'
Forfeited or Expired, Shares	'	-1
Ending balance, Shares	1,181	903
Exercisable, Shares	746	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning balance	$1.09	$0.96
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	$1.81	$1.81
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$1	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited or Expired	'	$1
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending balance	$1.26	$1.09
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$0.99	'

Restricted_Stock_Stock_Options5

Restricted Stock, Stock Options and Other Stock Plans - Summary of Company's Restricted Share Activity (Detail) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted shares, Beginning balance	1,050	963
Restricted shares, Granted	'	706
Restricted shares, Vested	-388	-615
Restricted shares, Forfeited or Expired	-15	-4
Restricted shares, Ending balance	647	1,050
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning balance	$1.56	$1.31
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	'	$1.73
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Vested	$1.48	$1.36
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited or Expired	$1.81	$1.31
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending balance	$1.60	$1.56

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Letter of credit issued, amount	$4,300,000	$100,000
Amounts drawn against letters of credit or performance bond	0	0
Performance Bonds [Member]	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Performance and payment of bonds	$2,100,000	$1,600,000

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'	'
Income tax (expense) benefit	($346)	$2,484
Income tax expense from discontinued operation	'	$2,484

Discontinued_Operations_Summar

Discontinued Operations - Summarized Financial Information for Cascades Apartments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest, real estate taxes and indirect costs related to inactive projects	'	'	'	'	'	$73	$1,940
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before gain on sale of real estate and income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	-4	-98
Net (loss) gain on sale of real estate	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,466
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations before income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	-4	6,368
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,484
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	-4	8	-370	-1,236	5,482	-4	3,884
Cascades Apartments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	171
Cost of sales	'	'	'	'	'	-1	128
Selling, general and administrative	'	'	'	'	'	5	9
Interest, real estate taxes and indirect costs related to inactive projects	'	'	'	'	'	'	154
Other (income) expenses, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	-22
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before gain on sale of real estate and income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	-4	-98
Net (loss) gain on sale of real estate	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,466
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations before income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	-4	6,368
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,484
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	($4)	$3,884

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Summary

Fair Value Disclosures - Summary of Fair Value and Carrying Value of Fixed and Floating Rate Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying amount	$29,968	$27,629
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying amount	29,968	27,629
Fair value	$27,943	$24,881

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Additio

Fair Value Disclosures - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment (reversal) charges	$700,000	$2,400,000	$2,400,000	$348,000	$2,358,000
Wrote-off of due diligence and entitlement pursuit costs	'	'	'	$1,100,000	'

Unconsolidated_Joint_Venture_A

Unconsolidated Joint Venture - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 10, 2013
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	'	'
Equity method investment initial capital contribution	'	'	$7
Equity method investment initial capitalized amount by Stewart Group	'	'	7
Earnings from the unconsolidated joint venture	114	0	'
Equity method investments	'	0	'
Recorded collection and distribution from joint venture	$55	$0	'

Unconsolidated_Joint_Venture_S

Unconsolidated Joint Venture - Summarized Financial Information for Unconsolidated Joint Venture (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Operations:	'	'
Total net revenue	$326	'
Total expenses	98	'
Net income	228	'
Comstock Holding Companies, Inc. pro rata share of net income	$114	$0

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'	'
Federal statutory rate	-35.00%	-35.00%
Tax expenses	$346,000	($2,484,000)
Federal and state NOLs	118,500,000	'
Potential fair value of tax savings on federal and state NOLs	46,000,000	'
Year of expiration of net operating loss carryforward expiration year	'2028	'
Percentage of ownership change	50.00%	'
Specified time period for ownership change	'3 years	'
Accruals related to uncertainties tax positions	0	0
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA	'	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'	'
Federal statutory rate	17.10%	0.00%
Tax expenses	$346,000	$0
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of change in ownership of shareholders	5.00%	'
Tax year remain subject to examination	'2012	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of change in ownership of shareholders	1.00%	'
Tax year remain subject to examination	'2010	'

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Incom

Income Taxes - Schedule of Income Tax Provision (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:	'	'
Federal	'	'
State	-346	'
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	-346	'
Deferred:	'	'
Federal	-269	-1,013
State	-49	-185
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	-318	-1,198
Valuation allowance	318	1,198
Total income tax expense	($346)	$2,484

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Def

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Inventory	$44	$1,051
Warranty	199	282
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	46,191	45,330
Cancellation of debt gain	'	1
Accrued expenses	159	112
Stock based compensation	494	397
Deferred tax assets gross	47,087	47,173
Less-valuation allowance	-47,330	-47,013
Net deferred tax assets	-243	160
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Investments in affiliates	242	-136
Depreciation and amortization	1	-24
Net deferred tax liabilities	243	-160
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	'	'

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Statutory and Effective Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Federal statutory rate	-35.00%	-35.00%
State income taxes-net of federal benefit	-3.90%	-3.90%
Permanent differences	0.19%	0.00%
Tax reserve and other	-0.37%	3.24%
Change in valuation allowance	15.66%	21.23%
Current state income tax	17.06%	0.00%
Other, net	23.42%	14.43%
Effective tax rate	17.06%	0.00%

Quarterly_Results_Unaudited_Qu

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) - Quarterly Results Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$21,272	$9,572	$12,213	$11,557	($2,640)	$3,483	$4,244	$3,935	$54,614	$14,302
Operating income (loss)	1,316	406	-17	1,039	-2,082	-4,485	-3,089	-2,369	2,744	-12,025
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	1,235	250	114	1,066	-2,050	-4,166	-1,879	-1,428	2,665	-9,523
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	'	'	'	-4	8	-370	-1,236	5,482	-4	3,884
Pretax income (loss)	1,384	447	114	1,062	-2,042	-4,536	-3,115	4,054	'	'
Net income (loss)	1,235	250	114	1,062	-2,042	-4,536	-3,115	4,054	2,661	-5,639
Net income (loss) attributable to Comstock Holding Companies, Inc.	($1,176)	($739)	($838)	$723	($2,005)	($4,496)	($3,115)	$3,951	($2,030)	($5,665)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	($0.07)	($0.03)	($0.04)	$0.04	($0.10)	($0.22)	($0.15)	$0.19	($0.10)	($0.28)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	($0.07)	($0.03)	($0.04)	$0.03	($0.10)	($0.22)	($0.15)	$0.19	($0.10)	($0.28)

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (Comstock Investors VII, L.C [Member], Subsequent Events [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'
Distribution to Comstock Investor VII	$1	$0.60
Partial Capital Return	$0.40	'
Maturity Date	22-Mar-14	'
Extended Maturity Date [Member]	'	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'
Extended maturity Date	22-Dec-14	'