UCP (UCP) 10-K 16 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 10, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Entity Registrant Name	UCP, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1572684
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		7,925,161
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Entity Public Float			$76.50

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$42,033	$87,503
Restricted cash	250	0
Real estate inventories	321,693	176,848
Fixed assets, net	1,571	1,028
Intangible assets, net	586	0
Goodwill	4,223	0
Receivables	1,291	785
Other assets	5,804	1,156
Total assets	377,451	267,320
Liabilities and equity
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	30,733	18,654
Notes payable	60,901	30,950
Senior notes, net	74,550	0
Total liabilities	166,184	49,604
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	94,110	93,117
Accumulated deficit	-6,934	-1,941
Total UCP, Inc. stockholders’ equity	87,255	91,254
Noncontrolling interest	124,012	126,462
Total stockholders’ equity	211,267	217,716
Total liabilities and equity	377,451	267,320
Class A
Shareholders’ Equity
Common stock	79	78
Class B
Shareholders’ Equity
Common stock	$0	$0

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Class A
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	7,922,216	7,750,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	7,922,216	7,750,000
Class B
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	100	100
Common stock, shares outstanding	100	100

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income or Loss (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
REVENUE:
Homebuilding	$155,417	$72,511	$14,060
Land development	32,513	20,215	44,066
Other revenue	3,253	0	0
Total revenue:	191,183	92,726	58,126
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Cost of sales - homebuilding	129,577	57,500	9,832
Cost of sales - land development	25,466	13,820	32,876
Cost of sales - other revenue	2,828	0	0
Sales and Marketing	13,748	6,647	2,875
General and Administrative	27,406	19,368	10,103
Total costs and expenses	199,025	97,335	55,686
Net loss	-7,842	-4,609	2,440
Other Income, net	121	322	578
Net (loss) income before income taxes	-7,721	-4,287	3,018
Provision for income taxes	0	0	0
Net (loss) income	-7,721	-4,287	3,018
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-2,728	-2,346	3,018
Net (loss) income attributable to shareholders of UCP, Inc.	-4,993	-1,941	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	0	0	0
Comprehensive (loss) income	-7,721	-4,287	3,018
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-2,728	-2,346	3,018
Comprehensive loss attributable to shareholders of UCP, Inc.	($4,993)	($1,941)	$0
Weighted average common shares:
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	($0.63)
Class A
Weighted average common shares:
Basic and diluted shares outstanding (in shares)	7,870,269
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	($0.63)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)	Total	Post IPO	Class A	Class B	Member equity	Member equity	Member equity	Common stock	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Additional paid-in capital	Additional paid-in capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Deficit	Noncontrolling interest	Noncontrolling interest	Noncontrolling interest	Noncontrolling interest
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Pre IPO	Class B	Class A	Class B	USD ($)	Class A	Class B	USD ($)	Post IPO	USD ($)	Post IPO	Class A	Class B
						USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)			USD ($)	USD ($)		USD ($)		USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011					$92,992
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Member contributions	-41,005				41,005
Repayments of member contributions	34,700				-34,700
Net (loss) income	3,018				3,018
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012					102,315
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Member contributions	-37,512				37,512
Repayments of member contributions	25,443				-25,443
Net (loss) income	-4,287	-2,078				-2,209								-1,941		-137
Issuance of common of Common Class A (in shares)								7,750,000	100
Stock repurchase related to noncontrolling interest			105,454	0				78			105,376
Allocation of Class B issuance to noncontrolling interest				112,175			-112,175					47,394						64,781
Changes in ownership of noncontrolling interest	0									-60,899					60,899
Stock-based compensation expense			2,165								1,246						919
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	217,716				0			78		93,117			-1,941		126,462
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013			7,750,000	100				7,750,000	100
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Member contributions	0
Repayments of member contributions	0
Net (loss) income	-7,721	-7,721												-4,993		-2,728
Issuance of common of Common Class A (in shares)								172,216
Stock repurchase related to noncontrolling interest	-801		-1,619					1			-819						-801
Stock-based compensation expense	1,753		3,565								1,812						1,753
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	-674														-674
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$211,267				$0			$79		$94,110			($6,934)		$124,012
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014			7,922,216	100				7,922,216	100

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	($7,721)	($4,287)	$3,018
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Stock-based compensation	3,565	2,165	0
Abandonment charges	173	309	665
Depreciation and amortization	599	271	147
Fair value adjustment of contingent consideration	-377	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Real estate inventories	-131,045	-45,137	735
Receivables	-444	-542	641
Other assets	-2,293	-236	29
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	7,045	12,547	3,562
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-130,498	-34,910	8,797
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Purchases of fixed assets	-1,004	-619	-712
Citizens acquisition	-14,006	0	0
Restricted cash	-250	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-15,260	-619	-712
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Cash contributions from member	0	37,512	41,005
Distribution - Noncontrolling Interest	0	-25,443	-34,700
Distribution - Noncontrolling Interest	-674	0	0
Proceeds from notes payable	78,313	33,637	7,392
Proceeds from senior notes, net of discount	74,550	0	0
Repayment of notes payable	-48,362	-38,452	-13,734
Proceeds from IPO (net of offering costs)	0	105,454	0
Debt issuance costs	-1,920	0	0
Repurchase of Class A common stock for settlement of employee withholding taxes	-1,619	0
Net cash provided by (used in) by financing activities	100,288	112,708	-37
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-45,470	77,179	8,048
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period	87,503	10,324	2,276
Cash and cash equivalents – end of period	42,033	87,503	10,324
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Debt incurred to acquire real estate inventories	0	6,653	5,420
Accrued debt issuance costs	473	0	0
Exercise of land purchase options acquired with acquisition of business	141	0	0
Fair value of assets acquired from the acquisition of business	19,418	0	0
Cash paid for the acquisition of business	-14,006	0	0
Contingent consideration and liabilities assumed from the acquisition of business	5,412	0	0
Issuance of Class A common stock for vested restricted stock units	$3,999	$0	$0

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_NA

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS:	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS:
	As used in this report, unless the context otherwise requires or indicates, references to “the Company,” and “UCP” refer (1) prior to the July 23, 2013 completion of the initial public offering of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share ( “Class A common stock”) of UCP, Inc. (the “IPO”) and related transactions, to UCP, LLC and its consolidated subsidiaries and (2) after the IPO and related transactions, to UCP, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries including UCP, LLC. UCP, Inc. had nominal assets and no liabilities, and conducted no operations prior to the completion of the Company’s IPO. Presentation of the historical results of UCP, Inc. would not be meaningful and accordingly the historical financial information prior to the IPO represents those of UCP, LLC.
	Business Description and Organizational Structure of the Company:
	Company’s Business
	The Company is a homebuilder and land developer with land acquisition and entitlement expertise in California, Washington State, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
	Company’s History
	The Company’s operations began in 2004, and principally focused on acquiring land, entitling and developing it for residential construction, and selling residential lots to third-party homebuilders. In January 2008, the Company’s business was acquired by PICO Holdings, Inc. (“PICO”), a NASDAQ -listed, diversified holding company, which allowed the Company to accelerate the development of its business and gain access to a capital partner capable of funding its growth. In 2010, the Company formed Benchmark Communities, LLC, its wholly owned homebuilding subsidiary, to design, construct and sell high quality single-family homes. The Company completed its IPO on July 23, 2013 and purchased a 42.3% economic interest in UCP, LLC with the net proceeds. On April 10, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of the assets and liabilities of Citizens Homes, Inc. ("Citizens") used in the purchase of real estate and the construction and marketing of residential homes in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee ("Citizens Acquisition"), pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated March 25, 2014 between UCP, LLC and Citizens.
	Company’s Reorganization and the IPO
	UCP, Inc. was incorporated in the State of Delaware on May 7, 2013 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of PICO for the purpose of facilitating the IPO and to become a holding company owning, as its principal asset, membership interests in UCP, LLC. UCP, LLC is a holding company for the entities that directly or indirectly own and operate the Company’s business. The net proceeds of $105.5 million from the IPO were used by UCP, Inc. for acquiring the 42.3% ownership in UCP, LLC.
	As of December 31, 2012, the Company's capital structure was comprised solely of PICO's membership interests and the Company did not have any outstanding shares. During the years ended December 31, 2013 (prior to the completion of the IPO) and 2012, the Company received $37.5 million and $41.0 million, respectively in contributions from PICO. As the Company generated excess cash, primarily from the sale of real estate inventories, it repaid $25.4 million and $34.7 million of the contributions to PICO during the years ended December 31, 2013 (prior to the completion of the IPO), and 2012, respectively. Subsequent to the IPO in 2013 and through the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company has not received additional contributions from PICO or repaid any additional contributions to PICO, and does not anticipate receiving additional contributions from PICO or repaying any remaining contributions to PICO.
	Prior to the completion of the IPO, PICO allocated expenses to the Company for certain corporate services and other expenses. The material expenses allocated were payroll and benefits, which were allocated based on estimated time for the services provided. The service costs allocated included executive management, information technology, legal, finance and accounting, human resources, risk management, tax and treasury. The total amounts of the expense allocations from PICO to the Company for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $587,000 and $1.2 million, respectively. Of these expenses $579,000 were payable as of December 31, 2013. These expense allocations are primarily reflected within general and administrative expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss. The Company's management believes the basis on which the expenses have been allocated is a reasonable reflection of the services and other benefits received by the Company during the periods presented, and that the financial statements reflect all of the costs of doing business related to the Company's operations, including expenses incurred by PICO on the Company's behalf.
	Upon completion of the IPO, UCP, Inc. issued 7,750,000 shares of Class A common stock (par value $0.01 per share) at a public offering price of $15.00 per share and received net proceeds of $105.5 million after deducting the underwriting discount and other offering costs. UCP, Inc. invested these net proceeds into UCP, LLC and acquired UCP, LLC’s newly-issued Series B Units, which represented a 42.3% economic interest in UCP, LLC; PICO, through its ownership of UCP, LLC Series A Units, retained the remaining 57.7% economic interest in UCP, LLC.
	In connection with the IPO, UCP, LLC's Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement (the "Operating Agreement") was amended and restated to, among other things, designate UCP, Inc. as the sole managing member of UCP, LLC and establish a new series of units (“UCP, LLC Series B Units”), are held solely by UCP, Inc., and reclassify PICO's units into 10,593,000 UCP, LLC Series A Units (the “UCP, LLC Series A Units”), which are held solely by PICO (and its permitted transferees). UCP, Inc. purchased 7,750,000 UCP, LLC Series B Units through its investment in UCP, LLC with the net proceeds from the IPO. The UCP, LLC Series B Units rank on parity with the UCP, LLC Series A Units as to distribution rights and rights upon liquidation, winding up or dissolution. Subsequent to the IPO and related transactions, as the sole managing member of UCP, LLC, UCP, Inc. operates and controls all of the business and affairs and consolidates the financial results of UCP, LLC and its subsidiaries. During the year ended December 31, 2014, UCP, LLC made a distribution of $674,000 to PICO toward its tax liability as required by the Operating Agreement and a pro rata distribution to UCP, Inc.
	The amended and restated certificate of incorporation of UCP, Inc. authorizes two classes of common stock: Class A common stock, and Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class B common stock”). Shares of Class A common stock represent 100% of the economic rights of the holders of all classes of UCP, Inc.'s common stock. Shares of Class B common stock, which are held exclusively by PICO, are not entitled to any dividends paid by, or rights upon liquidation of, UCP, Inc. PICO holds 100 shares of Class B common stock of UCP, Inc., providing PICO with no economic rights but entitling PICO, without regard to the number of shares of Class B common stock held by PICO, to one vote on matters presented to stockholders of UCP, Inc. for each UCP, LLC Series A Unit held by PICO. Holders of the Company’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock will vote together as a single class on all matters presented to the Company’s stockholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable law. As of December 31, 2014, PICO held 10,593,000 UCP, LLC Series A Units and 100 shares of Class B common stock, which provided PICO with 57.2% of the aggregate voting power of UCP, Inc.'s outstanding Class A common stock and Class B common stock, effectively providing PICO with control over the outcome of votes on all matters requiring approval by the Company’s stockholders.
	The Company's charter provides that its board of directors has the authority, without action by the stockholders, to designate and issue up to 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more classes or series and to fix for each class or series the powers, rights, preferences and privileges of each series of preferred stock, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any class or series, which may be greater than the rights of the holders of the Class A common stock or Class B common stock. The Company has no present plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.
	Exchange Agreement
	In connection with the IPO, UCP, Inc. entered into an Exchange Agreement, pursuant to which PICO (and its permitted transferees) have the right to cause UCP, Inc. to exchange PICO's UCP, LLC Series A Units for shares of UCP, Inc. Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to equitable adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassifications. As of December 31, 2014, giving effect to the Class A common stock that the Company would issue if PICO were to elect to exchange all of its UCP, LLC Series A Units for shares of Class A common stock, the Company would have 18,515,216 shares of Class A common stock outstanding. In addition, in connection with and subsequent to the IPO, the Company issued an aggregate of 430,333 restricted stock units ("RSUs") in 2013 and 66,561 RSUs and 166,081 stock options ("Options") in 2014 to the members of its management team, other officers and employees and directors. These RSUs and Options vest at various points in time through 2018. The Company issues Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis in connection with the vesting of each RSU or exercise of Option. Any UCP, LLC Series A Units being exchanged will be reclassified as UCP, LLC Series B Units in connection with such exchange. Exchanges by PICO of its UCP, LLC Series A Units for shares of UCP, Inc. Class A common stock are expected to result, with respect to UCP, Inc., in increases in the tax basis of the assets of UCP, LLC that otherwise would not have been available. These increases in tax basis may reduce the amount of tax that UCP, Inc. would otherwise be required to pay in the future. These increases in tax basis may also decrease gains (or increase losses) on future dispositions of certain assets to the extent tax basis is allocated to those assets.
	Tax Receivable Agreement
	In connection with the IPO, the Company entered into a tax receivable agreement (“TRA”) with PICO. When PICO sells or exchanges its UCP, LLC Series A Units for shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, such a sale or exchange by PICO would result in an adjustment to the tax basis of the assets owned by UCP, LLC at the time of an exchange. An increase in tax basis is expected to increase the Company's depreciation and amortization income tax deductions and create other tax benefits and therefore may reduce the amount of income tax that the Company would otherwise be required to pay in the future. Under the TRA, the Company generally is required to pay to PICO 85% of the applicable cash savings in U.S. federal and state income tax that the Company actually realizes (or is deemed to realize in certain circumstances) as a result of sales or exchanges of the UCP, LLC Series A Units held by PICO for shares of Class A common stock, leaving the Company with 15% of the benefits of the tax savings. Cash savings in income tax will be computed by comparing the Company’s actual income tax liability to the amount of income taxes that the Company would have been required to pay had there been no increase in the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of UCP, LLC as a result of the exchanges. If the Company would not have reported taxable income in a given taxable year had there been no increase in the tax basis of assets as a result of the exchanges, no payment under the TRA for that taxable year is required because no tax savings will have been realized.
	As of December 31, 2014, PICO has not exchanged any of its UCP, LLC Series A Units. Estimating the amount of future payments to be made under the TRA cannot be done reliably at this time because any increase in tax basis, as well as the amount and timing of any payments, will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
	•	the timing of any exchanges of UCP, LLC Series A Units for shares of the Company’s Class A common stock by PICO, as the increase in any tax deductions will vary depending on the allocation of fair market value to the assets of UCP, LLC at the time of any such exchanges, and this value allocation may fluctuate over time;
	•	the price of the Company’s Class A common stock at the time of any exchanges of UCP, LLC Series A Units for shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (since the increase in the Company’s share of the basis in the assets of UCP, LLC, as well as the corresponding increase in any tax deductions, will be related to the price of the Company’s Class A common stock at the time of any such exchanges);
	•	the tax rates in effect at the time the Company uses the increased amortization and depreciation deductions or realize other tax benefits; and
	•	the amount, character and timing of the Company’s taxable income.
	The effects of the TRA on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet if PICO elects to exchange all or a portion of its UCP, LLC Series A Units for the Company’s Class A common stock are expected to be as follows:
	•	an increase in deferred tax assets for the estimated income tax effects of the increase in the tax basis of the assets owned by UCP, LLC based on enacted federal, state and local income tax rates at the date of the relevant transaction. To the extent the Company believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will not realize the full tax benefit represented by the deferred tax asset, the Company will reduce the deferred tax asset with a valuation allowance;
	•	the Company may record 85% of the applicable cash tax savings in U.S. federal and state income taxes resulting from the increase in the tax basis of the UCP, LLC Series A Units and certain other tax benefits related to entering into the TRA, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the TRA as an increase in a payable due to PICO; and
	•	an increase to additional paid-in capital equal to the difference between the increase in deferred tax assets and the increase in the liability due to PICO.
	The Company has the right to terminate the TRA at any time. In addition, the TRA will terminate early if the Company breaches obligations under the TRA or upon certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control. In either case, the Company’s payment obligations under the TRA would be accelerated and would become due and payable based on certain assumptions, including that (a) all the UCP, LLC Series A Units are deemed exchanged for their fair value, (b) the Company would have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the deductions arising from the increased tax deductions and tax basis and (c) the subsidiaries of UCP, LLC will sell certain nonamortizable assets (and realize certain related tax benefits) no later than a specified date. In each of these instances, the Company would be required to make an immediate payment to PICO equal to the present value of the anticipated future tax benefits (discounted over the applicable amortization and depreciation periods for the assets the tax bases of which are stepped up (which could be as long as fifteen years in respect of intangibles and goodwill) at a discount rate equal to LIBOR plus 100 basis points). The benefits would be payable even though, in certain circumstances, no UCP, LLC Series A Units are actually exchanged at the time of the accelerated payment under the TRA, thereby resulting in no corresponding tax basis step up at the time of such accelerated payment under the TRA.
	Transition Services Agreement and Investor Rights Agreement
	UCP, Inc. also entered into a Transition Services Agreement (“TSA”) with PICO, pursuant to which PICO provides certain services to UCP, Inc., including, among other things, accounting, human resources and information technology services.
	Additionally, pursuant to an Investor Rights Agreement that UCP, Inc. entered into with PICO in connection with the IPO, PICO has the right to nominate two individuals for election to UCP, Inc.'s board of directors for as long as PICO owns 25% or more of the combined voting power of UCP, Inc.'s outstanding Class A and Class B common stock and one individual for as long as it owns at least 10% (in each case, excluding shares of any of UCP, Inc.'s common stock that are subject to issuance upon the exercise or exchange of rights of conversion or any options, warrants or other rights to acquire shares). However, the Investor Rights Agreement does not entitle PICO to nominate individuals for election to UCP, Inc.'s board of directors if their election would result in PICO nominees comprising more than two of UCP, Inc.'s directors (for as long as PICO owns 25% or more of the combined voting power of UCP, Inc.'s outstanding Class A and Class B common stock) or one of UCP, Inc.'s directors (for as long as PICO owns at least 10% of the combined voting power of UCP, Inc.'s outstanding Class A and Class B common stock).

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned, majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries, and have been prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). Inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The consolidated financial statements for the period prior to the completion of the Company’s IPO, which was completed on July 23, 2013, have been prepared on a stand-alone basis and have been derived from PICO’s consolidated financial statements and accounting records. These stand-alone financial statements have been prepared using the historical results of operations and assets and liabilities attributed to the Company’s operations.
	As an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, the Company intends to take advantage of certain temporary exemptions from various reporting requirements, including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements. The Company could be an emerging growth company until the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of its IPO, although a variety of circumstances could cause it to lose that status earlier.
	Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements:
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for each reporting period. The significant estimates made in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements relate to the assessment of real estate impairments, warranty reserves, income taxes and contingent liabilities. While management believes that the carrying value of such assets and liabilities are appropriate as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, it is reasonably possible that actual results could differ from the estimates upon which the carrying values were based.
	Related Party Transactions:
	In connection with certain financings that occurred prior to the IPO, PICO agreed to indemnify the lenders for any losses they may suffer in connection with hazardous materials on certain financed properties. Those indemnities are provided in perpetuity.
	The Company is often required to provide performance bonds to governmental authorities and others to ensure the completion of its projects. PICO had guaranteed certain performance bonds with an aggregate amount of $10.3 million as of the IPO, but was released from those guarantees subsequent to the IPO. As of December 31, 2012, PICO had guaranteed certain performance bonds with an aggregate amount of $6.9 million. The Company does not expect PICO to provide additional guarantees, indemnities or any other forms of credit support.
	As described above, in connection with the IPO, the Company entered into the Exchange Agreement, Investor Rights Agreement, TSA and TRA with PICO. The Company also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with PICO, with respect to the shares of its Class A common stock that it may receive in exchanges made pursuant to the Exchange Agreement. In connection with the IPO, the amendment and restatement of UCP, LLC's Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement was approved by PICO; the sole member of UCP, LLC prior to completion of the IPO.
	Under the TSA, the Company incurred $615,000 for administrative support services for the year ended December 31, 2014 and $351,000 for the post IPO period for the year ended December 31, 2013. The agreement was not in effect during the period prior to the IPO for the year ended December 31, 2013. The initial term of the TSA expired on July 23, 2014 after which the Company exercised the right to renew for two ninety day periods. These renewal terms expired on January 23, 2015 and the agreement will now continue on a month-to-month basis until canceled by the Company upon thirty days prior written notice or by PICO upon sixty days prior written notice. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the total amount payable to PICO under the TSA or expense allocations from PICO prior to the IPO were $757,000 and $579,000, respectively.
	Segment Reporting:
	As a result of Citizens Acquisition in April 2014, the Company evaluated the ongoing management of its homebuilding and land development operations to ensure that resources were appropriately allocated to maximize its overall results. Based on this evaluation, the Company has segmented its operating activities into two geographical regions and currently has homebuilding reportable segments in the West and Southeast and a land development reportable segment in the West. As such all segment information for fiscal years 2013 and 2012 has been reclassified and is shown under the West homebuilding and land development reportable segments.
	In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, the Company considered similar economic and other characteristics, including geography, product types, average selling prices, gross margins, production processes, suppliers, subcontractors, regulatory environments, land acquisition results and underlying supply and demand in determining its reportable segments.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents:
	Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less.
	Real Estate Inventories and Cost of Sales:
	The Company capitalizes pre-acquisition costs, the purchase price of real estate, development costs and other allocated costs, including interest, during development and home construction. Applicable costs incurred after development or construction is substantially complete are charged to sales and marketing or general and administrative, as appropriate. Pre-acquisition costs, including non-refundable land deposits, are expensed to cost of sales when the Company determines continuation of the related project is not probable.
	Land, development and other common costs are typically allocated to real estate inventories using the relative-sales-value method. Direct home construction costs are recorded using the specific identification method. Cost of sales-homebuilding includes the allocation of construction costs of each home and all applicable land acquisition, real estate development and related common costs based upon the relative-sales-value of the home. Changes to estimated total development costs subsequent to initial home closings in a community are generally allocated on a relative-sales-value method to remaining homes in the community. Cost of sales-land development includes land acquisition and development costs, capitalized interest, impairment charges, abandonment charges for projects that are no longer economically viable, and real estate taxes. Abandonment charges during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, were $173,000, $309,000, and $665,000, respectively. Inventory is stated at cost, unless the carrying amount is determined not to be recoverable, in which case inventory is written down to fair value.
	All real estate inventories are classified as held until the Company commits to a plan to sell the real estate, the real estate can be sold in its present condition, is being actively marketed for sale, and it is probable that the real estate will be sold within the next twelve months. Completed homes are included in real estate inventories in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at the lower of cost or market value.
	Impairment of Real Estate Inventories:
	The Company records an impairment loss when conditions exist where the carrying amount of real estate is not fully recoverable and exceeds its fair value. Indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to, significant decreases in local housing market values and selling prices of comparable homes, significant decreases in gross margins and sales absorption rates, costs in excess of budget, and actual or projected cash flow losses. The Company prepares and analyzes cash flows at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets, which we have determined as the community level.
	If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired, such impairment will be measured based upon the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of such assets determined using the estimated future discounted cash flows, excluding interest charges, generated from the use and ultimate disposition of the respective real estate inventories. Such losses, if any, are reported within cost of sales for the period. No such losses were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	When estimating undiscounted future cash flows of its real estate assets, the Company makes various assumptions, including: (i) expected sales prices and sales incentives to be offered, including the number of homes available on the market, pricing and incentives being offered by it or other builders in other communities, and future sales price adjustments based on market and economic trends; (ii) expected sales pace and cancellation rates based on local housing market conditions, competition and historical trends; (iii) costs incurred to date and expected to be incurred, including, but not limited to, land and land development costs, home construction costs, interest costs, indirect construction costs, and selling and marketing costs; (iv) alternative product offerings that may be offered that could have an impact on sales pace, sales price and/or building costs; and (v) alternative uses for the property.
	Capitalization of Interest:
	The Company capitalizes interest to real estate inventories during the period of development. Interest capitalized as a cost of real estate inventories is included in cost of sales-homebuilding or cost of sales-land development as related homes or real estate are sold. To the extent the Company’s debt exceeds the related asset under development, the Company expenses that portion of the interest incurred. Qualifying assets include projects that are actively under development.
	Purchase Accounting and Business Combinations:
	Assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as part of a business combination are recognized separately from goodwill at their acquisition date fair values. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. Estimates and assumptions are used to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date as well as contingent consideration, where applicable. Management may refine these estimates during the measurement period which may be up to one year from the acquisition date. As a result, during the measurement period, the Company records adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded a fair value adjustment of $377,000 reducing the estimated contingent consideration related to the Citizens acquisition.
	Accounting for business combinations requires our management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially at the acquisition date including our estimates for intangible assets, contractual obligations assumed, restructuring liabilities, pre-acquisition contingencies and contingent consideration, where applicable.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:
	The purchase price of an acquired company is allocated between the net tangible assets and intangible assets of the acquired business with the residual purchase price recorded as goodwill. The determination of the value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed involves certain judgments and estimates. These judgments can include, but are not limited to, the cash flows that an asset is expected to generate in the future and the appropriate weighted average cost of capital.
	Acquired intangible assets with determinable useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated remaining useful lives, ranging from six months to five years, or added to the value of the land when an option intangible is used to purchase the related land, or expensed in the period when the option is cancelled. Acquired intangible assets with contractual terms are generally amortized over their respective contractual lives. When certain events or changes in operating conditions occur, an impairment assessment is performed for the intangible assets. Goodwill is not amortized, but is evaluated annually for impairment, or when indicators of a potential impairment are present. The annual evaluation for impairment of goodwill is based on valuation models that incorporate assumptions and internal projections of expected future cash flows and operating plans.
	The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter and at any other time when events occur or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may not be recoverable. Circumstances that could trigger an impairment test include, but are not limited to: a significant adverse change in the business climate or legal factors; an adverse action or assessment by a regulator; change in customer, target market or strategy; unanticipated competition; loss of key personnel; or the likelihood that a reporting unit or significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed.
	An assessment of qualitative factors is performed to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. If the result of the qualitative assessment is that it is more likely than not (i.e. > 50% likelihood) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the quantitative test is required. Otherwise, no further testing is required.
	Under the quantitative test, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss as "Impairment of goodwill." Measurement of the fair value of a reporting unit is based on one or more of the following fair value measures: amounts at which the unit as a whole could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties; using present value techniques of estimated future cash flows; or using valuation techniques based on multiples of earnings or revenue, or a similar performance measure.
	As of December 31, 2014, acquired intangibles, including goodwill, relate to the Citizens Acquisition, which was completed on April 10, 2014. See Note 6 “Acquisition” for further discussion of goodwill and intangible assets.
	Fixed Assets, Net:
	Fixed assets are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Computer software and hardware are depreciated over three years, office furniture and fixtures are depreciated over seven years, vehicles are depreciated over five years and leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their useful life or lease term and range from one to three years. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, while significant improvements are capitalized. Depreciation expense is included in general and administrative expenses, and gains or losses on the sale of fixed assets are included in other income.
	Receivables:
	Receivables include amounts due from buyers for homes sold and from utility companies for reimbursement of costs. At December 31, 2014, and 2013, the Company had no allowance for doubtful accounts recorded.
	Other Assets:
	The detail of other assets is set forth below (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Customer deposits in escrow	$	503		$	350
	Prepaid expenses	3,129			441
	Other deposits	336			365
	Other	$	1,836		$	—
	Total	$	5,804		$	1,156
	Homebuilding, Land Development Sales and Other Revenues Profit Recognition:
	In accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, revenue from home sales and other real estate sales are recorded and any profit is recognized when the respective sales are closed. Sales are closed when all conditions of escrow are met, title passes to the buyer, appropriate consideration is received and collection of associated receivables, if any, is reasonably assured and the Company has no continuing involvement. The Company does not offer financing to any buyers. Sales price incentives are accounted for as a reduction of revenues when the sale is recorded. If the earnings process is not complete, the sale and any related profits are deferred for recognition in future periods. Any profit recorded is based on the calculation of cost of sales, which is dependent on an allocation of costs.
	In addition to homebuilding and land development, with the completion of the Citizens Acquisition, the Company now provides construction management services pursuant to which it builds homes on behalf of property owners. Revenue from providing these services is included in other revenues in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income or loss. The property owners fund all project costs incurred by the Company to build the homes. The Company primarily enters into “cost plus fee” contracts where it charges property owners for all direct and indirect costs plus a negotiated management fee. The management fee is typically a fixed fee, based on a percentage of the cost or home sales revenue of the project, depending on the terms of the agreement with the property owners. In accordance with ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, revenues from construction management services are recognized based upon a cost-to-cost approach in applying the percentage-of-completion method. Under this approach, revenue is earned in proportion to total costs incurred, divided by total costs expected to be incurred. The total estimated cost plus the management fee represents the total contract value. The Company recognizes revenue based on the actual costs incurred, plus the portion of the management fee it has earned to date. In the course of providing construction management services, the Company routinely subcontracts for services and incurs other direct costs on behalf of the property owners. These costs are included in the Company’s cost of revenue in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income or loss.
	Stock-Based Compensation:
	Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the period in which the awards vest in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. The Company has issued 496,894 RSUs and 166,081 Options under the Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") through the year ended December 31, 2014. See Note 10 for a description of the RSUs and the LTIP.
	Warranty Reserves:
	Estimated future direct warranty costs are accrued and charged to cost of sales-homebuilding in the period in which the related homebuilding revenue is recognized. Amounts accrued are based upon estimates of the amount the Company expects to pay for warranty work. The Company assesses the adequacy of its warranty reserves on a quarterly basis and adjusts the amounts recorded, if necessary. Warranty reserves are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	Changes in warranty reserves are detailed in the table set forth below (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Warranty reserves, beginning of period	$	608		$	141
	Warranty reserves accrued	1,128			487
	Warranty expenditures/ back charges	(227		)	(20		)
	Warranty reserves, end of period	$	1,509		$	608
	Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities:
	The Company enters into purchase and option agreements for the purchase of real estate as part of the normal course of business. These purchase and option agreements enable the Company to acquire real estate at one or more future dates at pre-determined prices. The Company believes these acquisition structures reduce its financial risk associated with real estate acquisitions and holdings and allow the Company to better manage its cash position.
Based on the provisions of the relevant accounting guidance, the Company concluded that when it enters into a purchase agreement to acquire real estate from an entity, a variable interest entity (“VIE”), may be created. The Company evaluates all option and purchase agreements for real estate to determine whether they are a VIE. The applicable accounting guidance requires that for each VIE, the Company assess whether it is the primary beneficiary and, if it is, the Company consolidates the VIE in its consolidated financial statements in accordance with ASC Topic 810 - Consolidations, and would reflect such assets and liabilities as “Real estate inventories not owned.”
In order to determine if the Company is the primary beneficiary, it must first assess whether it has the ability to control the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance. Such activities include, but are not limited to; the ability to determine the budget and scope of land development work, if any; the ability to control financing decisions for the VIE; the ability to acquire additional land into the VIE or dispose of land in the VIE not under contract with us; and the ability to change or amend the existing option contract with the VIE. If the Company is not determined to control such activities, the Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of the VIE. If the Company does have the ability to control such activities, the Company will continue its analysis by determining if it is also expected to absorb a potentially significant amount of the VIE’s losses or, if no party absorbs the majority of such losses, if the Company will benefit from a potentially significant amount of the VIE’s expected gains.
In substantially all cases, creditors of the entities with which the Company have option agreements have no recourse against the Company and the maximum exposure to loss on the applicable option or purchase agreements is limited to non-refundable option deposits and any capitalized pre-acquisition costs. Some of the Company’s option or purchase deposits may be refundable to the Company if certain contractual conditions are not performed by the party selling the lots. The Company did not consolidate any land under option irrespective of whether a VIE was or was not present at December 31, 2014 or 2013.
Price Participation Interests:
Certain land purchase contracts and other agreements include provisions for additional payments to the land sellers. These additional payments are contingent on certain future outcomes, such as, selling homes above a certain preset price or achieving an internal rate of return above a certain preset level. These additional payments, if triggered, are accounted for as cost of sale, when they become due; however, they are neither fully determinable, nor due, until the transfer of title to the buyer is complete. Accordingly, no liability is recorded until the sale is complete.
Income Taxes:
The Company’s provision for income tax expense includes federal and state income taxes currently payable and those deferred because of temporary differences between the income tax and financial reporting bases of the assets and liabilities.  The liability method of accounting for income taxes also requires the Company to reflect the effect of a tax rate change on accumulated deferred income taxes in income in the period in which the change is enacted.
In assessing the realization of deferred income taxes, the Company considered whether it is more likely than not that any deferred income tax assets will be realized.  The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of sufficient future taxable income during the period in which temporary differences become deductible.  If it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded. The Company considered many factors when assessing the likelihood of future realization of its deferred tax assets, including recent cumulative earnings experience by taxing jurisdiction, expectations of future transactions, the carryforward periods available to the Company for tax reporting purposes and availability of tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about future events. These judgments are consistent with the plans and estimates that the Company uses to manage the underlying businesses.  In evaluating the objective evidence that historical results provide, the Company considered three years of cumulative operating income or loss of the Company and its predecessor.
As a result of the analysis of all available evidence as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded a full valuation allowance on its net deferred tax assets. Consequently, the Company reported no income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2014 or 2013. If the Company’s assumptions change and the Company believes that it will be able to realize these deferred tax assets, the tax benefits relating to any reversal of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets will be recognized as a reduction of income tax expense.  If the assumptions do not change, each period the Company could record an additional valuation allowance on any increases in the deferred tax assets.
The Company recognizes any uncertain income tax positions on income tax returns at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized unless it has a greater than 50% likelihood of being sustained. The Company recognizes any interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.
The Company prior to the IPO was a limited liability company which was treated as an entity that was disregarded from its owner for income tax purposes and was subject to certain minimal taxes and fees. However, income taxes on taxable income or losses realized by the Company were the obligation of PICO.
Noncontrolling Interest:
The Company reports the share of the results of operations that are attributable to other owners of its consolidated subsidiaries that are less than wholly-owned, as noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. In the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income or loss, the income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest is reported separately, and the accumulated income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest, along with any changes in ownership or adjustments of the subsidiary, is reported as a component of total equity.  For the year ended December 31, 2013, the noncontrolling interest reported in the consolidated financial statements includes PICO’s share of 100% of the loss related to UCP, LLC prior to the completion of the IPO, and 57.7% of UCP, LLC’s loss subsequent to the completion of the IPO. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the noncontrolling interest reported in the consolidated financial statements includes PICO's share of 57.2% of the loss related to UCP, LLC. Noncontrolling interest reported in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was adjusted for $3.1 million and $1.8 million respectively of general and administrative expenses that were attributable directly to UCP, Inc. activities and, accordingly, have been allocated to UCP, Inc. - see Note 13.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards:
Other than as described below, no new accounting pronouncement issued or effective during the fiscal year has had or is expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In July 2013, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)” (“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, except as follows. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 applies to all entities that have unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date. The amendments in ASU 2013-11 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity” (“ASU 2014-08”), which raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the new definition of a discontinued operation. It also allows an entity to present a discontinued operation even when it has continuing cash flows and significant continuing involvement with the disposed component. The amendments in ASU 2014-08 are effective prospectively for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. We believe the adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), which provides guidance for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of non-financial assets and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance. This ASU also supersedes some cost guidance included in Subtopic 605-35, “Revenue Recognition-Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts.” The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under today’s guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the Company beginning November 1, 2017 and at that time the Company may adopt the new standard under the full retrospective approach or the modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the method and impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In June 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-11, “Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures” (“ASU 2014-11”), which requires repurchase-to-maturity transactions to be accounted for as secured borrowings, eliminates existing accounting guidance for repurchase financing arrangements, and expands disclosure requirements related to certain transfers of financial assets. ASU 2014-11 is effective for public entities for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is not permitted. We believe the adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-12, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period” (“ASU 2014-12”). The amendments in ASU 2014-12 require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in ASC 718, as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. The amendments in ASU 2014-12 are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Entities may apply the amendments in ASU 2014-12 either: (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date; or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. We believe the adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements — Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern” (“ASU 2014-15”), which requires management to evaluate, in connection with preparing financial statements for each annual and interim reporting period, whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued when applicable) and provide related disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. We believe the adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Loss_per_share

Loss per share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Loss per share	Loss per share
	Basic loss per share of Class A common stock is computed by dividing net loss attributable to UCP, Inc. earnings by the weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share of Class A common stock is computed similarly to basic earnings or loss per share except the weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares from the assumed exercise of any Class A common stock equivalents using the treasury stock method, if dilutive. The Company’s RSUs and Options are considered Class A common stock equivalents for this purpose. No incremental common stock equivalents were included in calculating diluted loss per share because such inclusion would be anti-dilutive given the net loss attributable to UCP, Inc.’s Class A common stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2014 and for the period subsequent to the IPO for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	All losses prior to and up to the IPO were entirely allocable to noncontrolling interest. Consequently, only the loss allocable to UCP, Inc. from the period subsequent to the IPO is included in the net loss attributable to the stockholders of Class A common stock for the year ended December 31, 2013. Basic and diluted net loss per share of Class A common stock for the year ended December 31, 2014 and for the period from IPO to December 31, 2013 have been computed as follows (in thousands, except number of shares and per share amounts):
		For the Year Ended December 31, 2014			IPO to December 31, 2013
	Numerator
	Net loss attributable to UCP, Inc.	$	(4,993	)	$	(1,941	)
	Denominator
	Weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding - basic and diluted	7,870,269			7,750,000
	Net loss per share of Class A common stock - basic and diluted	$	(0.63	)	$	(0.25	)

Real_Estate_Inventories

Real Estate Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Real Estate [Abstract]
Real Estate Inventories	Real Estate Inventories
	Real estate inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Deposits and pre-acquisition costs	$	2,955		$	4,517
	Land held and land under development	235,809			117,808
	Homes completed or under construction	70,804			46,639
	Model homes	12,125			7,884
	Total	$	321,693		$	176,848
	Model homes and homes completed or under construction include all costs associated with home construction, including land, development, indirect costs, permits and fees, and vertical construction. Land under development includes costs incurred during site development, such as land, development, indirect costs and permits. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $2.4 million of deposits pertaining to land purchase contracts for 925 lots with an aggregate purchase price of approximately $49.6 million, net of deposits. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had $3.7 million of deposits pertaining to land purchase contracts for 1,350 lots with an aggregate purchase price of approximately $87.9 million, net of deposits. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had completed homes included in inventories of $28.8 million and $8.6 million, respectively.
	Interest Capitalization:
	Interest is capitalized on real estate inventories during development. Interest capitalized is included in cost of sales in the Company's consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income or loss as related sales are recognized. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, interest incurred of $3.8 million, $2.9 million, and $1.9 million, respectively, was capitalized in each respective period. Amounts capitalized to home inventory and land inventory were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Interest expense capitalized as cost of home inventory	$	3,176		$	2,259		$	369
	Interest expense capitalized as cost of land inventory	577			642			1,580
	Total interest expense capitalized	3,753			2,901			1,949
	Previously capitalized interest expense included in cost of sales - homebuilding	(2,789		)	(1,174		)	(122		)
	Previously capitalized interest expense included in cost of sales - land development	(3		)	(9		)	(638		)
	Net activity of capitalized interest	961			1,718			1,189
	Capitalized interest expense in beginning inventory	6,338			4,620			3,431
	Capitalized interest expense in ending inventory	$	7,299		$	6,338		$	4,620

Fixed_Assets_Net

Fixed Assets, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Fixed Assets, Net	Fixed Assets, Net
	Fixed assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Computer hardware and software	$	1,698		$	1,118
	Office furniture and equipment and leasehold improvements	763			337
	Vehicles	79			79
	Total	2,540			1,534
	Accumulated depreciation	(969		)	(506		)
	Fixed assets, net	$	1,571		$	1,028
	Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $463,000, $271,000 and $147,000, respectively, and is recorded in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition	Acquisition
	On April 10, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of the assets and liabilities of Citizens Homes, Inc. ("Citizens") pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated March 25, 2014 between UCP, LLC and Citizens. Citizens is active in the purchase of real estate and the construction and marketing of residential homes in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Accordingly, the results of Citizens are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the revenues and net income attributable to Citizens were $30.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively. Net income attributable to Citizens does not include an allocation of corporate costs. The Citizens Acquisition provides increased scale and presence in established markets with immediate revenue opportunities through an established backlog. Additional synergies are expected in the areas of purchasing leverage and integrating the best practices in operational effectiveness.
	The Citizens Acquisition was accounted for as an acquisition of an ongoing business in accordance with ASC Topic 805 - Business Combinations (“ASC 805”), where the Company was treated as the acquirer and the acquired assets and assumed liabilities were recorded by the Company at their preliminary estimated fair values. The total purchase price of the assets acquired and assumed liabilities included: real estate inventory; architectural plans; deposits; trade name and land option intangibles; fixed assets; and accounts payable. The acquisition date estimated fair value of the consideration transferred totaled $17.9 million, which consisted of the following (in thousands):
	Cash	$	14,006
	Contingent consideration	3,902
	Total	$	17,908
	The contingent consideration arrangement requires the Company to pay up to a maximum of $6.0 million of additional consideration based upon the newly acquired Citizens’ business achievement of various pre-tax net income performance milestones (“performance milestones”) over a five year period commencing on April 1, 2014. Payout calculations are made based on calendar year performance except for the 6th payout calculation which will be calculated based on the achievement of performance milestones from January 1, 2019 through March 25, 2019. Payouts are to be made on an annual basis. The potential undiscounted amount of all future payments that the Company could be required to make under the contingent consideration arrangement is between $0 and $6 million. The fair value of the contingent consideration of $3.9 million was estimated based on applying the income approach and a weighted probability of achievement of the performance milestones. The estimated fair value of the contingent consideration was calculated by using a Monte Carlo simulation. The measurement is based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market, which ASC Topic 820 - Fair Value Measurements, refers to as Level 3 inputs. Key assumptions include: (1) forecast adjusted net income over the contingent consideration period; (2) risk-adjusted discount rate reflecting the risk inherent in the forecast adjusted net income; (3) risk-free interest rates; (4) volatility of adjusted net income; and (5) the Company’s credit spread. The risk adjusted discount rate for adjusted net income was 15.7% plus the applicable risk-free rate resulting in a combined discount rate ranging from 15.8% to 17% over the contingent consideration period. The Company’s volatility rate of 28.2% and a credit spread of 3.11% were applied to forecast adjusted net income over the contingent consideration period.
	The following table summarizes the calculation of the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date (in thousands):
		Preliminary Amounts Previously Recorded as of the Acquisition Date				Measurement Period Adjustments				Adjusted Total as of Acquisition Date
	Assets acquired
	Accounts receivable	$	62			$	—			$	62
	Prepaids and other current assets	409				—				409
	Real estate inventories	13,832				—				13,832
	Deposits	26				—				26
	Fixed assets	3				—				3
	Architectural plans	170				—				170
	Trademark/Trade name	180				(70		)		110
	Land options	583				—				583
	Total assets acquired	$	15,265			$	(70	)		$	15,195
										—
	Liabilities assumed									—
	Customer deposits	$	(27	)		$	—			$	(27	)
	Deferred revenue	(111		)		—				(111		)
	Accounts payable	(1,470		)		98				(1,372		)
	Total liabilities assumed	(1,608		)		98				(1,510		)
										—
	Total net identifiable assets acquired	13,657				28				13,685
	Goodwill	4,993				(770		)		4,223
	Total estimated fair value	$	18,650			$	(742	)		$	17,908
	The acquired assets and assumed liabilities were recorded by the Company at their initial estimated fair values. The Company estimated fair values with the assistance of preliminary appraisals or valuations performed by independent third party specialists, discounted cash flow analysis, and other estimates made by management. To the extent the consideration transferred exceeded the fair value of net assets acquired; such excess was assigned to goodwill. All goodwill has been attributed to our Southeast homebuilding reporting segment. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company finalized its acquisition accounting for Citizens based on facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date by recording measurement period adjustments to reduce contingent consideration, trademark and trade name intangibles and accounts payable, resulting in a reduction to goodwill of $770,000.
	Accounts receivables, other assets, fixed assets and accounts payable, and accrued and other liabilities were generally stated at historical carrying values given the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities in accordance with ASC 805.
	The Company determined the fair value of real estate inventory on a lot-by-lot basis primarily using a combination of market comparable land transactions, where available, and discounted cash flow models. These estimated cash flows are significantly impacted by estimates related to expected average home selling prices and sales incentives, expected sales pace and cancellation rates, expected land development and construction timelines, and anticipated land development, construction, and overhead costs.
	The following table outlines the key assumptions used to determine the fair value of real estate inventory.
	Real Estate Inventories - Methodology and Significant Input Assumptions
	Method	Home comparable sales and discounted cash flow models
	Home comparable range of base price per square foot	$ 77- $118 per square foot
	Average discount rate applied	15%
	Range of builder profit margin	18%-24%
	Builder profit margin applied	20%
	The fair values for acquired intangible assets were recorded based on management's assessment of valuations performed by independent valuation specialists. The $170,000 of intangible architectural plan assets will generally be amortized over five years and the $110,000 of trademark and trade name intangibles was amortized over a six month period. The $583,000 of land option intangibles will be added to the value of the land when the option is used to purchase the related land. If cancelled, a land option intangible will be expensed in the period in which such option is cancelled.
	As of the acquisition date, goodwill largely consisted of the expected economic value attributable to the assembled workforce relating to the Citizens Acquisition as well as estimated economic value attributable to expected synergies resulting from the acquisition.
	During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company revised its estimate of the probable amount of contingent consideration due to Citizens based on lower projections for various pretax performance milestones required to earn the contingent consideration through the end of the contingent consideration period. As a result, the Company reduced the contingent consideration liability and general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations and comprehensive income or loss by $377,000 to reflect the reduction in estimated contingent consideration liability.
	Acquisition related costs directly related to the Citizens Acquisition, totaled approximately $778,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014, which are included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss within general and administrative expenses. Such costs were expensed in the period incurred.
	Three former employees of Citizens who are now employees of the Company have minority interests in land and general contracting operations that are either under option or contract with Citizens which were disclosed, and approved by the Company as part of the Citizens Acquisition. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company purchased approximately $7.9 million of land pursuant to these options or contracts.
	Pro Forma Unaudited Financial Information
	The pro forma unaudited financial information in the table below summarizes the results of operations of the Company as though the Citizens Acquisition was completed as of January 1, 2013. The pro forma unaudited financial information for all periods presented includes additional amortization charges from acquired intangible assets (certain of which are preliminary). The pro forma results do not reflect any cost savings, operating synergies or revenue enhancements that the Company may achieve as a result of the acquisition, the costs to integrate the operations of the assets acquired in the Citizens Acquisition, or the expenditures necessary to achieve these cost savings, operating synergies and revenue enhancements. Certain other adjustments, including those related to conforming accounting policies and adjusting acquired real estate inventory to fair value, have not been reflected in the supplemental pro forma operating results due to the impracticability of estimating such impacts.
	The pro forma unaudited financial information as presented below is for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition was completed as of January 1, 2013, or indicative of the results that will be attained in the future.
	(In thousands, except per share data)	Year Ended
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Total revenues	$	201,785			$	129,970
	Net Income (loss)	(7,338		)		(5,304		)
	Comprehensive loss attributable to stockholders of UCP, Inc.	(4,832		)		(1,924		)
	Net loss per share - basic and diluted	$	(0.61	)		$	(0.25	)
	Pro forma earnings for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were adjusted to exclude and include approximately $778,000, respectively, of acquisition costs related to Citizens Acquisition.
	Intangible Assets
	Other purchased intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014										December 31, 2013
		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization(Use)			Net Carrying Value				Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization (Use)		Net Carrying Value
	Architectural plans	$	170		$	(26	)	$	144			$	—	$	—	$	—
	Land option	583			(141		)	442				—		—		—
	Trademarks and trade names	110			(110		)	—				—		—		—
		$	863		$	(277	)	$	586			$	—	$	—	$	—
	Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 related to the architectural plans and trademarks and trade names intangibles was approximately $136,000 and $0, respectively. The amortization period related to the architectural plans intangible is approximately 4.2 years. Amortization expense is recorded in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Additionally, land options of $141,000 were used to purchase land and were capitalized to real estate inventories during the year ended December 31, 2014. Future estimated amortization expense related to the architectural plans intangibles over the next five years is as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
2015	$	34
2016	34
2017	34
2018	34
2019	8
Total	$	144

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_L

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Accrued expenses	$	22,281	$	14,162
	Contingent consideration for acquisition	3,525		—
	Accounts payable	1,975		2,118
	Accrued payroll liabilities	1,443		1,766
	Warranty reserves (Note 2)	1,509		608
	Total	$	30,733	$	18,654

Notes_payable_and_Senior_notes

Notes payable and Senior notes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Notes payable and Senior notes	Notes payable and Senior notes
	The Company enters into acquisition, development and construction debt agreements to purchase and develop real estate inventories and for the construction of homes, which are secured primarily by the underlying real estate. Certain of the loans are funded in full at the initial loan closing and others are revolving facilities under which the Company may borrow, repay and redraw up to a specified amount during the term of the loan. Acquisition debts are due at various dates but are generally repaid when lots are released from the loans based upon a specific release price, as defined in each respective loan agreement, or the loans are refinanced at current prevailing rates. The construction and development debt is required to be repaid with proceeds from home closings based upon a specific release price, as defined in each respective loan agreement. Certain of the construction and development debt agreements include provisions that require minimum loan-to-value ratios. During the term of the loan, the lender may require the Company to obtain a third-party written appraisal of the underlying real estate collateral. If the appraised fair value of the collateral securing the loan is below the specified minimum, the Company may be required to make principal payments in order to maintain the required loan-to-value ratios. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the lenders have not requested, and the Company has not obtained, any such appraisals. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately $134.5 million available in loan commitments to draw upon, of which approximately $87.3 million was available to us. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the weighted average interest rate on the Company’s outstanding debt was 6.56% and 4.7%, respectively. Interest rates charged under variable rate debt are based on LIBOR or Prime rate indexes plus a margin rate ranging from 0.25% to 5.00%.
	On October 21, 2014, the Company completed the private offering of $75.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.5% Senior Notes due 2017 (the “Senior Notes”). The net proceeds from the offering were approximately $72.5 million, after paying the debt issuance costs and offering expenses. The net proceeds from the offering were used for general corporate purposes, including to provide financing for the construction of homes, acquisition of entitled land, development of lots and working capital.
	The Senior Notes were issued under an Indenture, dated as of October 21, 2014 (the “Indenture”). The Company agreed to pay 8.5% interest per annum on the principal amount of the Senior Notes, payable March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year, commencing December 31, 2014. Interest accrues on the Senior Notes from October 21, 2014, and the first interest payment date was December 31, 2014. The Senior Notes mature on October 21, 2017, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased.
	The Senior Notes are guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by each of the Company’s subsidiaries (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”). The Senior Notes and the guarantees are the Company’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of the Company’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ existing and future senior unsecured debt and senior in right of payment to all of the Company’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ future subordinated debt. The Senior Notes and the guarantees are effectively subordinated to any of the Company’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ existing and future secured debt, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt.
	The Company may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole but not in part, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, plus a “make-whole” premium. Upon the occurrence of a change of control, the Company must offer to repurchase the Senior Notes for cash at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the repurchase date. Under the Indenture, a “change of control” generally means (i) any person or group of related persons acquires more than 35% of the voting stock of the Company or (ii) the Company transfers all or substantially all of its consolidated assets to any person or group of related persons, in each case other than PICO Holdings, Inc. and its affiliates.
	The Indenture provides for customary “events of default” which could cause, or permit, the acceleration of the Senior Notes. Such events of default include (i) a default by any payment of principal or interest; (ii) failure to comply with certain covenants contained in the Indenture; (iii) defaults in failure to pay certain other indebtedness or the acceleration of certain other indebtedness prior to maturity; (iv) the failure to pay certain final judgments; and (vi) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency.
	The Indenture limits the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things, incur or guarantee additional unsecured and secured indebtedness (provided that the Company may incur indebtedness so long as the Company’s ratio of indebtedness to consolidated tangible assets (on a pro forma basis) would be equal to or less than 45% and provided that the aggregate amount of secured debt may not exceed the greater of $75 million or 30% of the Company’s consolidated tangible assets); pay dividends and make certain investments and other restricted payments; acquire unimproved real property in excess of $75 million per fiscal year or in excess of $150 million over the term of the Senior Notes, except to the extent funded with subordinated obligations or the proceeds of equity issuances; create or incur certain liens; transfer or sell certain assets; and merge or consolidate with other companies or transfer or sell all or substantially all of the Company’s consolidated assets. Additionally, the Indenture requires the Company to maintain at least $50 million of consolidated tangible assets not subject to liens securing indebtedness; maintain a minimum net worth of $175 million; maintain a minimum of $15 million of unrestricted cash and/or cash equivalents; and not permit decreases in the amount of consolidated tangible assets by more than $25 million in any fiscal year or more than $50 million at any time after the issuance of the Senior Notes.
	As of December 31, 2014, we were in compliance with the applicable covenants under the Indenture.
	Notes payable and Senior notes consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Variable Interest Rate:
	Interest rate of 3.94% to 4.19%, payments due through 2014	$	—	$	3,535
	Interest rate of 3.94% to 4.19%, payments due through 2015	20,156		13,772
	Interest rates of 3.66% to 3.94%, payments due through 2016	25,239		—
	Interest rate of 3.66%, payments due through 2017	6,984		—
	Interest rate of 5%, payments due through 2015	3,990		6,018
	Interest rate of 5.5%, payments due through 2016	966		—
	Fixed Interest Rate:
	Interest rate of 5%, payments due from 2014	—		425
	Interest rate of 5%, payments due through 2015	1,962		5,048
	Interest rate of 6.5%, payments due through 2036	—		548
	Interest rate of 10%, payments due through 2014	—		1,604
	Interest rate of 10%, payments due through 2017	1,604		—
	Total construction and development debt	60,901		30,950
	Senior notes	74,550		—
	Total debt	$	135,451	$	30,950
	The Company has reclassified the presentation of prior periods debt balances to be consistent with the presentation of debt balances as of December 31, 2014.
	The Company's future minimum debt repayments are as follows (in thousands):
	Year ending December 31,
	2015	$	26,108
	2016	26,205
	2017	83,138
	Thereafter	—
	Total	$	135,451

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	Fair Value Disclosures
	The accounting guidance regarding fair value disclosures defines fair value as the price that would be received for selling an asset or the price paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
	The Company determines the fair values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in accordance with ASC Topic 820 - Fair Value Measurements, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The classification of a financial asset or liability within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three levels that may be used to measure fair value:
	•Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets
	•Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are inactive; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets at measurement date
	•Level 3—Valuations derived from techniques where one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable in active markets at measurement date
	Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value:
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and receivable approximated their carrying values because of the short-term nature of these assets or liabilities. The estimated fair value of the Company’s debt is based on cash flow models discounted at current market interest rates for similar instruments, which are based on Level 3 inputs. There were no transfers between fair value hierarchy levels during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The following presents the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments which are not carried at fair value (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
		Carrying		Estimated Fair		Carrying		Estimated Fair
		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Financial liabilities:
	Notes payable	$	60,901	$	62,976	$	30,950	$	32,044
	Senior notes	74,550		87,167		—		—
	Total debt	$	135,451	$	150,143	$	30,950	$	32,044
	Estimated Fair Value of Contingent Consideration
	The contingent consideration arrangement relating to Citizens Acquisition requires the Company to pay up to a maximum of $6.0 million of additional consideration based on achievement of performance milestones over a five year period. The estimated fair value of the contingent consideration of $3.5 million as of December 31, 2014 was estimated based on applying the income approach and a weighted probability of achieving the performance milestones. See Note 6 for a description of the level 3 inputs used in determining fair value of contingent consideration.
	Non-Financial Fair Value Measurements
	Non-financial assets and liabilities include items such as inventory and long lived assets that are measured at fair value when acquired and resulting from impairment, if deemed necessary. See Note 6 for a discussion of the non-financial measurements applied to the Citizens Acquisition. There were no other non-financial fair value measurements during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Stock_Based_Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	The LTIP was adopted in July 2013 and provides for the grant of equity-based awards, including options to purchase shares of Class A common stock, Class A stock appreciation rights, Class A restricted stock, Class A restricted stock units and performance awards. The LTIP will automatically expire on the tenth anniversary of its effective date. The Company’s board of directors may terminate or amend the LTIP at any time, subject to any stockholder approval required by applicable law, rule or regulation.
	The number of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock that may be issued under the LTIP is 1,834,300 shares. To the extent that shares of the Company’s Class A common stock subject to an outstanding option, stock appreciation right, stock award or performance award granted under the LTIP are not issued or delivered by reason of the expiration, termination, cancellation or forfeiture of such award or the settlement of such award in cash, then such shares of the Company’s Class A common stock generally shall again be available under the LTIP, subject to certain exceptions.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company granted an aggregate of 66,561 and 430,333 RSUs respectively to certain of its employees and members of its board of directors under the LTIP. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company also granted 166,081 Options to certain of its employees under the LTIP. No Options were granted during the year ended December 31, 2013. The RSUs and Options granted to the Company’s employees during the year ended December 31, 2014 are subject to the following vesting schedule: a) ten percent will vest on the first anniversary of the grant date, b) twenty percent will vest on the second anniversary of the grant date, c) thirty percent will vest on the third anniversary of the grant date and d) forty percent will vest on the fourth anniversary of the grant date. The RSUs granted to certain members of the Company’s board of directors will vest on the first anniversary of the grant date. The RSUs granted to the Company’s employees during the year ended December 31, 2013 are subject to the following vesting schedule: a) one-third vested on December 31, 2013, b) one-third vested on the first anniversary of the grant date and c) one-third will vest on the second anniversary of the grant date. The RSUs granted to certain members of the Company’s board of directors vested on the first anniversary of the grant date. During the year ended December 31, 2014, 148,778 RSUs and no Options vested and 16,898 RSUs and 16,476 Options were forfeited. During the year ended December 31, 2013, 140,778 RSUs vested and no RSUs were forfeited. The grant-date fair value of the RSUs and Options granted during the period ended December 31, 2014 was $2.3 million.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized $3.6 million and $2.2 million, respectively, as stock-based compensation expense, which is included in general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income or loss. No stock-based compensation awards were outstanding during 2012, accordingly, no stock-based compensation expense was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	A summary of RSU activity is as follows:
	Outstanding and unvested at January 1, 2013	—
	Granted	430,333
	Vested	(140,778	)
	Outstanding and unvested at December 31, 2013	289,555
	Granted	66,561
	Vested	(148,778	)
	Forfeited	(16,898	)
	Outstanding and unvested at December 31, 2014	190,440
	The following table summarizes the Options activity for the year ended December 31, 2014:
		Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)(1)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	—		—		—	—
	Options granted	166,081		$	16.2	9.16	—
	Options exercised	—		—		—	—
	Options forfeited	(16,476	)	—		—	—
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	149,605		$	16.2	9.16	—
	(1) The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the amount by which the fair value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the Option. The fair value of the Company’s Class A common stock as of December 31, 2014 was $10.50 per share.
	The Company used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of Options. The assumptions used to estimate the fair value of Options granted during the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:
	Expected term	6.5 years
	Expected volatility %	53.46	%
	Risk free interest rate %	1.81	%
	Dividend yield %	—
	Unrecognized compensation cost for RSUs and Options issued under the LTIP was $2.7 million (net of estimated forfeitures) as of December 31, 2014. Approximately $1.8 million of the unrecognized compensation costs are related to RSUs and $923,000 are related to Options. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.5 years for the RSUs and 3.2 years for the Options.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes:
	The Company was incorporated in the State of Delaware during May 2013 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of PICO for the purpose of facilitating the IPO, which occurred in July 2013, and to become a holding company owning, as its principal asset, membership interests in UCP, LLC. UCP, LLC is a holding company for the entities that directly or indirectly own and operate the Company’s business. Prior to July 2013 UCP, LLC was a "disregarded entity" for federal and state income tax purposes.
	Because of the Company's current year loss and the full valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets, there was no provision for federal or state income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	A reconciliation of income tax computed at the statutory federal income tax rate to the provision (benefit) for income taxes included in the accompanying statements of operations and comprehensive loss is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014			2013
	Income tax (benefit) provision at federal statutory rate	35	%		35	%
	State income tax, net of federal benefit	—	%		2	%
	Non-benefited losses from valuation allowance	(22	)%		(17	)%
	Noncontrolling interest	(12	)%		(19	)%
	Other permanent items	(1	)%		(1	)%
	Effective tax rate	—	%		—	%
	Total deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards	$	3,317			$	1,689
	Outside basis difference in partnership	5,192				5,061
	Other	83				—
	Valuation allowance	(8,592		)		(6,750		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	—			$	—
	The Company had deferred tax assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013 of approximately $8.6 million and $6.8 million, respectively, relating principally to net operating losses and the deductible temporary differences attributable to the Company’s investment in UCP, LLC. In assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that the assets will be realized.  The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of sufficient future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.
	The Company has considered the following possible sources of taxable income when assessing the realization of its deferred tax assets: (1) future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences; (2) taxable income in prior carryback years; (3) future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; and (4) tax planning strategies. Based upon the assessment of these possible sources of taxable income, there is not sufficient positive evidence to enable the Company to conclude that the benefits of its deferred tax assets will be realized. Therefore, the Company has recorded a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. As the Citizens Acquisition was a purchase of assets for federal income tax purposes, acquired intangibles and goodwill are also deductible for tax purposes.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of approximately $8.6 million. The Company will continue to assess the recoverability of its deferred tax assets and the need for a valuation allowance on an ongoing basis. In making this assessment, management is required to consider all available positive and negative evidence to determine, whether, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized in future periods.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $7.4 million for federal income tax purposes and $8.0 million for state income tax purposes.  The net operating loss carryforwards, if not utilized, will begin to expire in 2033 and 2029 for federal and state purposes, respectively. At December 31, 2014 the Company had general business credit carryforwards of approximately $300,000 for federal income tax purposes that, if not utilized, will begin to expire in 2033.
	Measurement of uncertain tax positions is based on judgment regarding the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon the ultimate settlement with a taxing authority.  As a result of the implementation of this guidance, the Company has not identified any uncertain tax positions and accordingly, has no unrecognized tax benefits as of the tax year ended December 31, 2014.
	The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. There were no accrued interest or penalties associated with any unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	The Company does not expect any material adjustment to its reserves within the next twelve months. The Company is subject to taxation in the U.S. and various state jurisdictions.  The Company’s tax years starting from 2013 remain open in various tax jurisdictions. There are no ongoing examinations by taxing authorities at this time.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information
	Through the third quarter of 2014 the Company reported our results under two reportable segments, homebuilding and land development which are also our core operations. Subsequent to the Citizens Acquisition, during the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company segmented its operating activities into two geographical regions and currently has homebuilding reportable segments in the West and Southeast and a land development reportable segment in the West. As such all homebuilding financial information for fiscal years 2013 and 2012 is shown under the West reportable segments.
	Segment	State
	Homebuilding
	West	California, Washington
	Southeast	North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
	Land development	California, Washington
	Each reportable segment includes real estate of similar economic characteristics, including similar historical and expected future long-term gross margin percentages, product types, geography, production processes and methods of distribution.
	The reportable segments follow the same accounting policies as the consolidated financial statements described in Note 2. Operating results of each reportable segment are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been achieved had the reportable segment been an independent, stand-alone entity during the periods presented.
	Financial information relating to reportable segments is as follows (in thousands):
		Revenues								Gross Margin
		2014			2013			2012		2014		2013		2012
	Homebuilding
	West	$	128,334		$	72,511		$	14,060	$	21,858	$	15,011	$	4,228
	Southeast	27,083			—			—		3,982		—		—
	Homebuilding	155,417			72,511			14,060		25,840		15,011		4,228
	Land development (a)	32,513			20,215			44,066		7,047		6,395		11,190
	Corporate and unallocated (b)	3,253			—			—		425		—		—
	Total	$	191,183		$	92,726		$	58,126	$	33,312	$	21,406	$	15,418
	(a) Land development operations for all the periods presented were in the West region.
	(b) Corporate and unallocated includes revenues from construction management services which relates to our Citizens Acquisition and is not attributable to the homebuilding and land development operations.
	Reconciliation to net (loss) income
		2014			2013			2012
	Gross margin	$	33,312		$	21,406		$	15,418
	Sales and marketing	13,748			6,647			2,875
	General and administrative	27,406			19,368			10,103
	(Loss) income from operations	(7,842		)	(4,609		)	2,440
	Other income, net	121			322			578
	Net (loss) income	$	(7,721	)	$	(4,287	)	$	3,018
	Total assets for each of our reportable and geographic segments at December 31, 2014 and 2013, are shown in the table below (amounts in thousands):
		31-Dec
		2014			2013
	Homebuilding
	West	$	218,902		$	108,594
	Southeast	47,004			—
	Homebuilding	265,906			108,594
	Land development (c)	55,787			68,254
	Corporate and unallocated (d)	55,758			90,472
	Total	$	377,451		$	267,320
	(c) Land development operations for all the periods presented were in the West region.
	(d) Corporate and unallocated assets primarily include cash and cash equivalents which are maintained centrally and used according to the cash flow requirements of all reportable segments.
	The Company evaluates the performance of the operating segments based upon gross margin. “Gross Margin” is defined as operating revenues less cost of sales (cost of construction and acquisition, interest, abandonment, impairment and other cost of sales related expenses). Corporate sales, general and administrative expense and other non-recurring gains or losses are reflected within overall corporate expenses as this constitutes the Company’s primary business objective - supporting all segments. Corporate expenses are not particularly identifiable to any one segment.

Noncontrolling_Interest

Noncontrolling Interest	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest	Noncontrolling interest
	Prior to the completion of the IPO and related transactions on July 23, 2013, UCP, LLC was a wholly owned subsidiary of PICO. As of December 31, 2014, the Company holds approximately 42.8% economic interest in UCP, LLC and is its sole managing member. As of December 31, 2013, the Company's economic interest in UCP, LLC was 42.3%. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, these transactions are accounted for at historical cost which resulted in recording an initial carrying value for the noncontrolling interest of $125.7 million and a $782,000 increase in members’ equity during the year ended December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2014, the noncontrolling interest balance was $124.0 million as compared to $126.5 million as of December 31, 2013.
	The carrying value and ending balance of the noncontrolling interest at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was calculated as follows (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Beginning balance	$	126,462		$	125,680
	Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(2,728		)	(137		)
	Stock-based compensation related to noncontrolling interest	1,753			919
	Stock repurchase related to noncontrolling interest	(801		)	—
	Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(674		)	—
	Ending balance	$	124,012		$	126,462

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been or may be instituted or asserted against the Company in the normal course of business, including actions brought on behalf of various classes of claimants. The Company is also subject to local, state and federal laws and regulations related to land development activities, home construction standards, sales practices, employment practices and environmental protection. As a result, the Company is subject to periodic examinations or inquiries by agencies administering these laws and regulations.
	The Company records a reserve for potential legal claims and regulatory matters when they are probable of occurring and a potential loss is reasonably estimable. The accrual for these matters is based on facts and circumstances specific to each matter and the Company revises these estimates when necessary.
	In view of the inherent difficulty of predicting outcomes of legal claims and related contingencies, the Company generally cannot predict their ultimate resolution, related timing or any eventual loss. If the evaluations indicate loss contingencies that could be material are not probable, but are reasonably possible, disclosure of the nature with an estimate of possible range of losses or a statement that such loss is not reasonably estimable is made. The Company is not involved in any material litigation nor, to the Company's knowledge, is any material litigation threatened against it. At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any accruals for asserted or unasserted matters.
	The Company is evaluating the impact of recent regulatory action under the federal Endangered Species Act on a project that it is developing in Washington State. Recent regulatory action involving the listing of a certain species of gopher as “threatened” under the federal Endangered Species Act may adversely affect this project, for example by imposing new restrictions and requirements on our activities there and possibly delaying, halting or limiting, our development activities. However, an estimate of the amount of impact cannot be made as there is not enough information to do so due to the lack of clarity regarding any restrictions that may be imposed on our development activities or other remedial measures that we may be required to take. Accordingly, no liability has been recorded at December 31, 2014. The Company will continue to assess the impact of this regulatory action and will record any future liability as additional information becomes available.
	The Company obtains surety bonds from third parties in the normal course of business to ensure completion of certain infrastructure improvements at its projects. The beneficiaries of the bonds are various municipalities. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had outstanding surety bonds totaling $38.0 million and $10.3 million, respectively. In the event that any such surety bond issued by a third party is called because the required improvements are not completed, the Company could be obligated to reimburse the issuer of the bond.
	The Company leases some of its offices under non-cancelable operating leases that expire at various dates through 2020.  Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, for office space was $1.1 million, $541,000 and $270,000, respectively.
	Future minimum payments under all operating leases for the years ending December 31 are as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	1,097
	2016	944
	2017	914
	2018	826
	2019	359
	2020 and thereafter	159
	Total	$	4,299

Incentive_Compensation_Plan_an

Incentive Compensation Plan and Employee Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Incentive Compensation Plan and Employee Benefits	Incentive Compensation Plan and Employee Benefits
	Incentive Compensation Plan
	Certain employees of the Company are eligible to receive an annual incentive compensation award based on various performance measures. The incentive compensation plan is discretionary.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, compensation of $255,000, $913,000 and $200,000 was earned under this plan, respectively. The 2014, 2013 and 2012 incentive compensation was paid in cash. The incentive award is recorded within general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income or loss.
	Employee Benefits
	The Company maintains a 401(k) defined contribution plan, covering substantially all employees of the Company.  Matching contributions are based on a percentage of employee compensation.  In addition, the Company may make a discretionary profit sharing contribution at the end of the fiscal year within limits established by the Employee Retirement Income Securities Act.  Total contribution expense to the plan for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $556,000, $403,000 and $305,000, respectively.

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	The following tables present certain unaudited consolidated quarterly financial information for each of the four fiscal quarters in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  This quarterly information has been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the information for the periods presented.  The results for these quarterly periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for a full year or any future period.
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2014			2014			2014
		(Unaudited)
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	Homebuilding revenue	$	25,446		$	50,010		$	35,086		$	44,875
	Land development revenue	174			12,075			20,264			—
	Other revenue	—			1,518			400			1,335
	Total revenue	25,620			63,603			55,750			46,210
	Gross margin – homebuilding	4,646			8,934			5,241			7,019
	Gross margin – land development	28			2,834			4,185			—
	Gross margin- other revenue	—			189			48			188
	Gross margin	4,674			11,957			9,474			7,207
	Sales and marketing expenses	2,556			3,765			3,486			3,941
	General and administrative expenses	6,271			6,909			6,737			7,489
	Total expenses	8,827			10,674			10,223			11,430
	Other income	73			13			17			18
	Net (loss) income	$	(4,080	)	$	1,296		$	(732	)	$	(4,205	)
	Net (loss) income attributable to stockholders of UCP, Inc.	$	(2,496	)	$	179		$	(666	)	$	(2,010	)
	Net (loss) income per common share:
	Basic	$	(0.32	)	$	0.02		$	(0.08	)	$	(0.25	)
	Diluted	$	(0.32	)	$	0.02		$	(0.08	)	$	(0.25	)
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-13			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
					2013			2013			2013
		(Unaudited)
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	Homebuilding revenue	$	4,333		$	20,907		$	21,369		$	25,902
	Land development revenue	7,470			6,815			2,250			3,680
	Total revenue	11,803			27,722			23,619			29,582
	Gross margin – homebuilding	873			4,425			4,811			4,902
	Gross margin – land development	2,890			1,679			817			1,009
	Gross margin	3,763			6,104			5,628			5,911
	Sales and marketing expenses	1,132			2,099			1,516			1,900
	General and administrative expenses	3,480			5,326			4,503			6,059
	Total expenses	4,612			7,425			6,019			7,959
	Other income	39			224			55			4
	Net loss	$	(810	)	$	(1,097	)	$	(336	)	$	(2,044	)
	Net loss attributable to stockholders of UCP, Inc.	$	—		$	—		$	(15	)	$	(1,926	)
	Net loss per common share:
	Basic and diluted							$	—		$	(0.25	)

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned, majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries, and have been prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). Inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The consolidated financial statements for the period prior to the completion of the Company’s IPO, which was completed on July 23, 2013, have been prepared on a stand-alone basis and have been derived from PICO’s consolidated financial statements and accounting records. These stand-alone financial statements have been prepared using the historical results of operations and assets and liabilities attributed to the Company’s operations.
	As an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, the Company intends to take advantage of certain temporary exemptions from various reporting requirements, including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements. The Company could be an emerging growth company until the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of its IPO, although a variety of circumstances could cause it to lose that status earlier.
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements	Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements:
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for each reporting period. The significant estimates made in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements relate to the assessment of real estate impairments, warranty reserves, income taxes and contingent liabilities. While management believes that the carrying value of such assets and liabilities are appropriate as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, it is reasonably possible that actual results could differ from the estimates upon which the carrying values were based.
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions:
	In connection with certain financings that occurred prior to the IPO, PICO agreed to indemnify the lenders for any losses they may suffer in connection with hazardous materials on certain financed properties. Those indemnities are provided in perpetuity.
	The Company is often required to provide performance bonds to governmental authorities and others to ensure the completion of its projects. PICO had guaranteed certain performance bonds with an aggregate amount of $10.3 million as of the IPO, but was released from those guarantees subsequent to the IPO. As of December 31, 2012, PICO had guaranteed certain performance bonds with an aggregate amount of $6.9 million. The Company does not expect PICO to provide additional guarantees, indemnities or any other forms of credit support.
	As described above, in connection with the IPO, the Company entered into the Exchange Agreement, Investor Rights Agreement, TSA and TRA with PICO. The Company also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with PICO, with respect to the shares of its Class A common stock that it may receive in exchanges made pursuant to the Exchange Agreement. In connection with the IPO, the amendment and restatement of UCP, LLC's Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement was approved by PICO; the sole member of UCP, LLC prior to completion of the IPO.
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting:
	As a result of Citizens Acquisition in April 2014, the Company evaluated the ongoing management of its homebuilding and land development operations to ensure that resources were appropriately allocated to maximize its overall results. Based on this evaluation, the Company has segmented its operating activities into two geographical regions and currently has homebuilding reportable segments in the West and Southeast and a land development reportable segment in the West. As such all segment information for fiscal years 2013 and 2012 has been reclassified and is shown under the West homebuilding and land development reportable segments.
	In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, the Company considered similar economic and other characteristics, including geography, product types, average selling prices, gross margins, production processes, suppliers, subcontractors, regulatory environments, land acquisition results and underlying supply and demand in determining its reportable segments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents:
	Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less.
Real Estate Inventories and Cost of Sales	Real Estate Inventories and Cost of Sales:
	The Company capitalizes pre-acquisition costs, the purchase price of real estate, development costs and other allocated costs, including interest, during development and home construction. Applicable costs incurred after development or construction is substantially complete are charged to sales and marketing or general and administrative, as appropriate. Pre-acquisition costs, including non-refundable land deposits, are expensed to cost of sales when the Company determines continuation of the related project is not probable.
	Land, development and other common costs are typically allocated to real estate inventories using the relative-sales-value method. Direct home construction costs are recorded using the specific identification method. Cost of sales-homebuilding includes the allocation of construction costs of each home and all applicable land acquisition, real estate development and related common costs based upon the relative-sales-value of the home. Changes to estimated total development costs subsequent to initial home closings in a community are generally allocated on a relative-sales-value method to remaining homes in the community. Cost of sales-land development includes land acquisition and development costs, capitalized interest, impairment charges, abandonment charges for projects that are no longer economically viable, and real estate taxes. Abandonment charges during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, were $173,000, $309,000, and $665,000, respectively. Inventory is stated at cost, unless the carrying amount is determined not to be recoverable, in which case inventory is written down to fair value.
	All real estate inventories are classified as held until the Company commits to a plan to sell the real estate, the real estate can be sold in its present condition, is being actively marketed for sale, and it is probable that the real estate will be sold within the next twelve months. Completed homes are included in real estate inventories in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at the lower of cost or market value.
Impairment of Real Estate Inventories	Impairment of Real Estate Inventories:
	The Company records an impairment loss when conditions exist where the carrying amount of real estate is not fully recoverable and exceeds its fair value. Indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to, significant decreases in local housing market values and selling prices of comparable homes, significant decreases in gross margins and sales absorption rates, costs in excess of budget, and actual or projected cash flow losses. The Company prepares and analyzes cash flows at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets, which we have determined as the community level.
	If events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired, such impairment will be measured based upon the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of such assets determined using the estimated future discounted cash flows, excluding interest charges, generated from the use and ultimate disposition of the respective real estate inventories. Such losses, if any, are reported within cost of sales for the period. No such losses were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	When estimating undiscounted future cash flows of its real estate assets, the Company makes various assumptions, including: (i) expected sales prices and sales incentives to be offered, including the number of homes available on the market, pricing and incentives being offered by it or other builders in other communities, and future sales price adjustments based on market and economic trends; (ii) expected sales pace and cancellation rates based on local housing market conditions, competition and historical trends; (iii) costs incurred to date and expected to be incurred, including, but not limited to, land and land development costs, home construction costs, interest costs, indirect construction costs, and selling and marketing costs; (iv) alternative product offerings that may be offered that could have an impact on sales pace, sales price and/or building costs; and (v) alternative uses for the property.
Capitalization of Interest	Capitalization of Interest:
	The Company capitalizes interest to real estate inventories during the period of development. Interest capitalized as a cost of real estate inventories is included in cost of sales-homebuilding or cost of sales-land development as related homes or real estate are sold. To the extent the Company’s debt exceeds the related asset under development, the Company expenses that portion of the interest incurred. Qualifying assets include projects that are actively under development.
Purchase Accounting and Business Combinations	Purchase Accounting and Business Combinations:
	Assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as part of a business combination are recognized separately from goodwill at their acquisition date fair values. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. Estimates and assumptions are used to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date as well as contingent consideration, where applicable. Management may refine these estimates during the measurement period which may be up to one year from the acquisition date. As a result, during the measurement period, the Company records adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:
	The purchase price of an acquired company is allocated between the net tangible assets and intangible assets of the acquired business with the residual purchase price recorded as goodwill. The determination of the value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed involves certain judgments and estimates. These judgments can include, but are not limited to, the cash flows that an asset is expected to generate in the future and the appropriate weighted average cost of capital.
	Acquired intangible assets with determinable useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated remaining useful lives, ranging from six months to five years, or added to the value of the land when an option intangible is used to purchase the related land, or expensed in the period when the option is cancelled. Acquired intangible assets with contractual terms are generally amortized over their respective contractual lives. When certain events or changes in operating conditions occur, an impairment assessment is performed for the intangible assets. Goodwill is not amortized, but is evaluated annually for impairment, or when indicators of a potential impairment are present. The annual evaluation for impairment of goodwill is based on valuation models that incorporate assumptions and internal projections of expected future cash flows and operating plans.
	The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter and at any other time when events occur or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may not be recoverable. Circumstances that could trigger an impairment test include, but are not limited to: a significant adverse change in the business climate or legal factors; an adverse action or assessment by a regulator; change in customer, target market or strategy; unanticipated competition; loss of key personnel; or the likelihood that a reporting unit or significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed.
	An assessment of qualitative factors is performed to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. If the result of the qualitative assessment is that it is more likely than not (i.e. > 50% likelihood) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the quantitative test is required. Otherwise, no further testing is required.
	Under the quantitative test, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss as "Impairment of goodwill." Measurement of the fair value of a reporting unit is based on one or more of the following fair value measures: amounts at which the unit as a whole could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties; using present value techniques of estimated future cash flows; or using valuation techniques based on multiples of earnings or revenue, or a similar performance measure.
Fixed Assets, Net	Fixed Assets, Net:
	Fixed assets are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Computer software and hardware are depreciated over three years, office furniture and fixtures are depreciated over seven years, vehicles are depreciated over five years and leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their useful life or lease term and range from one to three years. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, while significant improvements are capitalized. Depreciation expense is included in general and administrative expenses, and gains or losses on the sale of fixed assets are included in other income.
Receivables	Receivables:
	Receivables include amounts due from buyers for homes sold and from utility companies for reimbursement of costs.
Homebuilding and Land Development Sales and Income Recognition	Homebuilding, Land Development Sales and Other Revenues Profit Recognition:
	In accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, revenue from home sales and other real estate sales are recorded and any profit is recognized when the respective sales are closed. Sales are closed when all conditions of escrow are met, title passes to the buyer, appropriate consideration is received and collection of associated receivables, if any, is reasonably assured and the Company has no continuing involvement. The Company does not offer financing to any buyers. Sales price incentives are accounted for as a reduction of revenues when the sale is recorded. If the earnings process is not complete, the sale and any related profits are deferred for recognition in future periods. Any profit recorded is based on the calculation of cost of sales, which is dependent on an allocation of costs.
	In addition to homebuilding and land development, with the completion of the Citizens Acquisition, the Company now provides construction management services pursuant to which it builds homes on behalf of property owners. Revenue from providing these services is included in other revenues in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income or loss. The property owners fund all project costs incurred by the Company to build the homes. The Company primarily enters into “cost plus fee” contracts where it charges property owners for all direct and indirect costs plus a negotiated management fee. The management fee is typically a fixed fee, based on a percentage of the cost or home sales revenue of the project, depending on the terms of the agreement with the property owners. In accordance with ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, revenues from construction management services are recognized based upon a cost-to-cost approach in applying the percentage-of-completion method. Under this approach, revenue is earned in proportion to total costs incurred, divided by total costs expected to be incurred. The total estimated cost plus the management fee represents the total contract value. The Company recognizes revenue based on the actual costs incurred, plus the portion of the management fee it has earned to date. In the course of providing construction management services, the Company routinely subcontracts for services and incurs other direct costs on behalf of the property owners. These costs are included in the Company’s cost of revenue in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income or loss.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation:
	Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the period in which the awards vest in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation.
Warranty Reserves	Warranty Reserves:
	Estimated future direct warranty costs are accrued and charged to cost of sales-homebuilding in the period in which the related homebuilding revenue is recognized. Amounts accrued are based upon estimates of the amount the Company expects to pay for warranty work. The Company assesses the adequacy of its warranty reserves on a quarterly basis and adjusts the amounts recorded, if necessary. Warranty reserves are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities	Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities:
	The Company enters into purchase and option agreements for the purchase of real estate as part of the normal course of business. These purchase and option agreements enable the Company to acquire real estate at one or more future dates at pre-determined prices. The Company believes these acquisition structures reduce its financial risk associated with real estate acquisitions and holdings and allow the Company to better manage its cash position.
	Based on the provisions of the relevant accounting guidance, the Company concluded that when it enters into a purchase agreement to acquire real estate from an entity, a variable interest entity (“VIE”), may be created. The Company evaluates all option and purchase agreements for real estate to determine whether they are a VIE. The applicable accounting guidance requires that for each VIE, the Company assess whether it is the primary beneficiary and, if it is, the Company consolidates the VIE in its consolidated financial statements in accordance with ASC Topic 810 - Consolidations, and would reflect such assets and liabilities as “Real estate inventories not owned.”
	In order to determine if the Company is the primary beneficiary, it must first assess whether it has the ability to control the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance. Such activities include, but are not limited to; the ability to determine the budget and scope of land development work, if any; the ability to control financing decisions for the VIE; the ability to acquire additional land into the VIE or dispose of land in the VIE not under contract with us; and the ability to change or amend the existing option contract with the VIE. If the Company is not determined to control such activities, the Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of the VIE. If the Company does have the ability to control such activities, the Company will continue its analysis by determining if it is also expected to absorb a potentially significant amount of the VIE’s losses or, if no party absorbs the majority of such losses, if the Company will benefit from a potentially significant amount of the VIE’s expected gains.
	In substantially all cases, creditors of the entities with which the Company have option agreements have no recourse against the Company and the maximum exposure to loss on the applicable option or purchase agreements is limited to non-refundable option deposits and any capitalized pre-acquisition costs. Some of the Company’s option or purchase deposits may be refundable to the Company if certain contractual conditions are not performed by the party selling the lots. The Company did not consolidate any land under option irrespective of whether a VIE was or was not present at December 31, 2014 or 2013.
Price Participation Interests	Price Participation Interests:
	Certain land purchase contracts and other agreements include provisions for additional payments to the land sellers. These additional payments are contingent on certain future outcomes, such as, selling homes above a certain preset price or achieving an internal rate of return above a certain preset level. These additional payments, if triggered, are accounted for as cost of sale, when they become due; however, they are neither fully determinable, nor due, until the transfer of title to the buyer is complete. Accordingly, no liability is recorded until the sale is complete.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes:
	The Company’s provision for income tax expense includes federal and state income taxes currently payable and those deferred because of temporary differences between the income tax and financial reporting bases of the assets and liabilities.  The liability method of accounting for income taxes also requires the Company to reflect the effect of a tax rate change on accumulated deferred income taxes in income in the period in which the change is enacted.
	In assessing the realization of deferred income taxes, the Company considered whether it is more likely than not that any deferred income tax assets will be realized.  The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of sufficient future taxable income during the period in which temporary differences become deductible.  If it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded. The Company considered many factors when assessing the likelihood of future realization of its deferred tax assets, including recent cumulative earnings experience by taxing jurisdiction, expectations of future transactions, the carryforward periods available to the Company for tax reporting purposes and availability of tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about future events. These judgments are consistent with the plans and estimates that the Company uses to manage the underlying businesses.  In evaluating the objective evidence that historical results provide, the Company considered three years of cumulative operating income or loss of the Company and its predecessor.
	As a result of the analysis of all available evidence as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded a full valuation allowance on its net deferred tax assets. Consequently, the Company reported no income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2014 or 2013. If the Company’s assumptions change and the Company believes that it will be able to realize these deferred tax assets, the tax benefits relating to any reversal of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets will be recognized as a reduction of income tax expense.  If the assumptions do not change, each period the Company could record an additional valuation allowance on any increases in the deferred tax assets.
	The Company recognizes any uncertain income tax positions on income tax returns at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized unless it has a greater than 50% likelihood of being sustained. The Company recognizes any interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.
	The Company prior to the IPO was a limited liability company which was treated as an entity that was disregarded from its owner for income tax purposes and was subject to certain minimal taxes and fees. However, income taxes on taxable income or losses realized by the Company were the obligation of PICO.
Noncontrolling Interest	Noncontrolling Interest:
	The Company reports the share of the results of operations that are attributable to other owners of its consolidated subsidiaries that are less than wholly-owned, as noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. In the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income or loss, the income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest is reported separately, and the accumulated income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest, along with any changes in ownership or adjustments of the subsidiary, is reported as a component of total equity.  For the year ended December 31, 2013, the noncontrolling interest reported in the consolidated financial statements includes PICO’s share of 100% of the loss related to UCP, LLC prior to the completion of the IPO, and 57.7% of UCP, LLC’s loss subsequent to the completion of the IPO. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the noncontrolling interest reported in the consolidated financial statements includes PICO's share of 57.2% of the loss related to UCP, LLC.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards:
	Other than as described below, no new accounting pronouncement issued or effective during the fiscal year has had or is expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)” (“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, except as follows. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 applies to all entities that have unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date. The amendments in ASU 2013-11 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity” (“ASU 2014-08”), which raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the new definition of a discontinued operation. It also allows an entity to present a discontinued operation even when it has continuing cash flows and significant continuing involvement with the disposed component. The amendments in ASU 2014-08 are effective prospectively for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. We believe the adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), which provides guidance for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of non-financial assets and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance. This ASU also supersedes some cost guidance included in Subtopic 605-35, “Revenue Recognition-Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts.” The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under today’s guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the Company beginning November 1, 2017 and at that time the Company may adopt the new standard under the full retrospective approach or the modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the method and impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-11, “Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures” (“ASU 2014-11”), which requires repurchase-to-maturity transactions to be accounted for as secured borrowings, eliminates existing accounting guidance for repurchase financing arrangements, and expands disclosure requirements related to certain transfers of financial assets. ASU 2014-11 is effective for public entities for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is not permitted. We believe the adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-12, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period” (“ASU 2014-12”). The amendments in ASU 2014-12 require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in ASC 718, as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. The amendments in ASU 2014-12 are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Entities may apply the amendments in ASU 2014-12 either: (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date; or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. We believe the adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements — Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern” (“ASU 2014-15”), which requires management to evaluate, in connection with preparing financial statements for each annual and interim reporting period, whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued when applicable) and provide related disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. We believe the adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of other assets	The detail of other assets is set forth below (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Customer deposits in escrow	$	503		$	350
	Prepaid expenses	3,129			441
	Other deposits	336			365
	Other	$	1,836		$	—
	Total	$	5,804		$	1,156
Schedule of warranty reserves	Changes in warranty reserves are detailed in the table set forth below (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Warranty reserves, beginning of period	$	608		$	141
	Warranty reserves accrued	1,128			487
	Warranty expenditures/ back charges	(227		)	(20		)
	Warranty reserves, end of period	$	1,509		$	608

Loss_per_share_Tables

Loss per share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule Pro Forma Basic an Diluted Earnings Per Share	Basic and diluted net loss per share of Class A common stock for the year ended December 31, 2014 and for the period from IPO to December 31, 2013 have been computed as follows (in thousands, except number of shares and per share amounts):
		For the Year Ended December 31, 2014			IPO to December 31, 2013
	Numerator
	Net loss attributable to UCP, Inc.	$	(4,993	)	$	(1,941	)
	Denominator
	Weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding - basic and diluted	7,870,269			7,750,000
	Net loss per share of Class A common stock - basic and diluted	$	(0.63	)	$	(0.25	)

Real_Estate_Inventories_Tables

Real Estate Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Real Estate [Abstract]
Schedule of real estate inventory	Real estate inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Deposits and pre-acquisition costs	$	2,955		$	4,517
	Land held and land under development	235,809			117,808
	Homes completed or under construction	70,804			46,639
	Model homes	12,125			7,884
	Total	$	321,693		$	176,848
Schedule of interest capitalization	Amounts capitalized to home inventory and land inventory were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Interest expense capitalized as cost of home inventory	$	3,176		$	2,259		$	369
	Interest expense capitalized as cost of land inventory	577			642			1,580
	Total interest expense capitalized	3,753			2,901			1,949
	Previously capitalized interest expense included in cost of sales - homebuilding	(2,789		)	(1,174		)	(122		)
	Previously capitalized interest expense included in cost of sales - land development	(3		)	(9		)	(638		)
	Net activity of capitalized interest	961			1,718			1,189
	Capitalized interest expense in beginning inventory	6,338			4,620			3,431
	Capitalized interest expense in ending inventory	$	7,299		$	6,338		$	4,620

Fixed_Assets_Net_Tables

Fixed Assets, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of fixed assets	Fixed assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Computer hardware and software	$	1,698		$	1,118
	Office furniture and equipment and leasehold improvements	763			337
	Vehicles	79			79
	Total	2,540			1,534
	Accumulated depreciation	(969		)	(506		)
	Fixed assets, net	$	1,571		$	1,028

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions by Acquisition, Contingent Consideration	The acquisition date estimated fair value of the consideration transferred totaled $17.9 million, which consisted of the following (in thousands):
	Cash	$	14,006
	Contingent consideration	3,902
	Total	$	17,908
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the calculation of the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date (in thousands):
		Preliminary Amounts Previously Recorded as of the Acquisition Date				Measurement Period Adjustments				Adjusted Total as of Acquisition Date
	Assets acquired
	Accounts receivable	$	62			$	—			$	62
	Prepaids and other current assets	409				—				409
	Real estate inventories	13,832				—				13,832
	Deposits	26				—				26
	Fixed assets	3				—				3
	Architectural plans	170				—				170
	Trademark/Trade name	180				(70		)		110
	Land options	583				—				583
	Total assets acquired	$	15,265			$	(70	)		$	15,195
										—
	Liabilities assumed									—
	Customer deposits	$	(27	)		$	—			$	(27	)
	Deferred revenue	(111		)		—				(111		)
	Accounts payable	(1,470		)		98				(1,372		)
	Total liabilities assumed	(1,608		)		98				(1,510		)
										—
	Total net identifiable assets acquired	13,657				28				13,685
	Goodwill	4,993				(770		)		4,223
	Total estimated fair value	$	18,650			$	(742	)		$	17,908
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information	The following table outlines the key assumptions used to determine the fair value of real estate inventory.
	Real Estate Inventories - Methodology and Significant Input Assumptions
	Method	Home comparable sales and discounted cash flow models
	Home comparable range of base price per square foot	$ 77- $118 per square foot
	Average discount rate applied	15%
	Range of builder profit margin	18%-24%
	Builder profit margin applied	20%
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	The pro forma unaudited financial information as presented below is for informational purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition was completed as of January 1, 2013, or indicative of the results that will be attained in the future.
	(In thousands, except per share data)	Year Ended
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Total revenues	$	201,785			$	129,970
	Net Income (loss)	(7,338		)		(5,304		)
	Comprehensive loss attributable to stockholders of UCP, Inc.	(4,832		)		(1,924		)
	Net loss per share - basic and diluted	$	(0.61	)		$	(0.25	)
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination	Other purchased intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014										December 31, 2013
		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization(Use)			Net Carrying Value				Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization (Use)		Net Carrying Value
	Architectural plans	$	170		$	(26	)	$	144			$	—	$	—	$	—
	Land option	583			(141		)	442				—		—		—
	Trademarks and trade names	110			(110		)	—				—		—		—
		$	863		$	(277	)	$	586			$	—	$	—	$	—
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	Future estimated amortization expense related to the architectural plans intangibles over the next five years is as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
	2015	$	34
	2016	34
	2017	34
	2018	34
	2019	8
	Total	$	144

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_L1

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of accounts payable and accrued liabilities	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Accrued expenses	$	22,281	$	14,162
	Contingent consideration for acquisition	3,525		—
	Accounts payable	1,975		2,118
	Accrued payroll liabilities	1,443		1,766
	Warranty reserves (Note 2)	1,509		608
	Total	$	30,733	$	18,654

Notes_payable_and_Senior_notes1

Notes payable and Senior notes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of debt	Notes payable and Senior notes consisted of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Variable Interest Rate:
	Interest rate of 3.94% to 4.19%, payments due through 2014	$	—	$	3,535
	Interest rate of 3.94% to 4.19%, payments due through 2015	20,156		13,772
	Interest rates of 3.66% to 3.94%, payments due through 2016	25,239		—
	Interest rate of 3.66%, payments due through 2017	6,984		—
	Interest rate of 5%, payments due through 2015	3,990		6,018
	Interest rate of 5.5%, payments due through 2016	966		—
	Fixed Interest Rate:
	Interest rate of 5%, payments due from 2014	—		425
	Interest rate of 5%, payments due through 2015	1,962		5,048
	Interest rate of 6.5%, payments due through 2036	—		548
	Interest rate of 10%, payments due through 2014	—		1,604
	Interest rate of 10%, payments due through 2017	1,604		—
	Total construction and development debt	60,901		30,950
	Senior notes	74,550		—
	Total debt	$	135,451	$	30,950
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	The Company's future minimum debt repayments are as follows (in thousands):
	Year ending December 31,
	2015	$	26,108
	2016	26,205
	2017	83,138
	Thereafter	—
	Total	$	135,451

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Tables

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of financial instruments not carried at fair value	The following presents the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments which are not carried at fair value (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
		Carrying		Estimated Fair		Carrying		Estimated Fair
		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Financial liabilities:
	Notes payable	$	60,901	$	62,976	$	30,950	$	32,044
	Senior notes	74,550		87,167		—		—
	Total debt	$	135,451	$	150,143	$	30,950	$	32,044

Stock_Based_Compensation_Table

Stock Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of RSU and RSA Activity	A summary of RSU activity is as follows:
	Outstanding and unvested at January 1, 2013	—
	Granted	430,333
	Vested	(140,778	)
	Outstanding and unvested at December 31, 2013	289,555
	Granted	66,561
	Vested	(148,778	)
	Forfeited	(16,898	)
	Outstanding and unvested at December 31, 2014	190,440
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	The assumptions used to estimate the fair value of Options granted during the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:
	Expected term	6.5 years
	Expected volatility %	53.46	%
	Risk free interest rate %	1.81	%
	Dividend yield %	—
Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of RSU and RSA Activity	The following table summarizes the Options activity for the year ended December 31, 2014:
		Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)(1)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	—		—		—	—
	Options granted	166,081		$	16.2	9.16	—
	Options exercised	—		—		—	—
	Options forfeited	(16,476	)	—		—	—
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	149,605		$	16.2	9.16	—
	(1) The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the amount by which the fair value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the Option. The fair value of the Company’s Class A common stock as of December 31, 2014 was $10.50 per share.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	A reconciliation of income tax computed at the statutory federal income tax rate to the provision (benefit) for income taxes included in the accompanying statements of operations and comprehensive loss is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014			2013
	Income tax (benefit) provision at federal statutory rate	35	%		35	%
	State income tax, net of federal benefit	—	%		2	%
	Non-benefited losses from valuation allowance	(22	)%		(17	)%
	Noncontrolling interest	(12	)%		(19	)%
	Other permanent items	(1	)%		(1	)%
	Effective tax rate	—	%		—	%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Total deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards	$	3,317			$	1,689
	Outside basis difference in partnership	5,192				5,061
	Other	83				—
	Valuation allowance	(8,592		)		(6,750		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	—			$	—

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of financial information relating to segments
	Segment	State
	Homebuilding
	West	California, Washington
	Southeast	North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
	Land development	California, Washington
	Financial information relating to reportable segments is as follows (in thousands):
		Revenues								Gross Margin
		2014			2013			2012		2014		2013		2012
	Homebuilding
	West	$	128,334		$	72,511		$	14,060	$	21,858	$	15,011	$	4,228
	Southeast	27,083			—			—		3,982		—		—
	Homebuilding	155,417			72,511			14,060		25,840		15,011		4,228
	Land development (a)	32,513			20,215			44,066		7,047		6,395		11,190
	Corporate and unallocated (b)	3,253			—			—		425		—		—
	Total	$	191,183		$	92,726		$	58,126	$	33,312	$	21,406	$	15,418
	(a) Land development operations for all the periods presented were in the West region.
	(b) Corporate and unallocated includes revenues from construction management services which relates to our Citizens Acquisition and is not attributable to the homebuilding and land development operations.
	Reconciliation to net (loss) income
		2014			2013			2012
	Gross margin	$	33,312		$	21,406		$	15,418
	Sales and marketing	13,748			6,647			2,875
	General and administrative	27,406			19,368			10,103
	(Loss) income from operations	(7,842		)	(4,609		)	2,440
	Other income, net	121			322			578
	Net (loss) income	$	(7,721	)	$	(4,287	)	$	3,018
	Total assets for each of our reportable and geographic segments at December 31, 2014 and 2013, are shown in the table below (amounts in thousands):
		31-Dec
		2014			2013
	Homebuilding
	West	$	218,902		$	108,594
	Southeast	47,004			—
	Homebuilding	265,906			108,594
	Land development (c)	55,787			68,254
	Corporate and unallocated (d)	55,758			90,472
	Total	$	377,451		$	267,320
	(c) Land development operations for all the periods presented were in the West region.
	(d) Corporate and unallocated assets primarily include cash and cash equivalents which are maintained centrally and used according to the cash flow requirements of all reportable segments.

Noncontrolling_Interest_Tables

Noncontrolling Interest (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Schedule of initial carrying value of noncontrolling interest	The carrying value and ending balance of the noncontrolling interest at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was calculated as follows (in thousands):
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Beginning balance	$	126,462		$	125,680
	Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(2,728		)	(137		)
	Stock-based compensation related to noncontrolling interest	1,753			919
	Stock repurchase related to noncontrolling interest	(801		)	—
	Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(674		)	—
	Ending balance	$	124,012		$	126,462

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Future minimum payments under all operating leases for the years ending December 31 are as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	1,097
	2016	944
	2017	914
	2018	826
	2019	359
	2020 and thereafter	159
	Total	$	4,299

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud1

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data	The following tables present certain unaudited consolidated quarterly financial information for each of the four fiscal quarters in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  This quarterly information has been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the information for the periods presented.  The results for these quarterly periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for a full year or any future period.
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2014			2014			2014
		(Unaudited)
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	Homebuilding revenue	$	25,446		$	50,010		$	35,086		$	44,875
	Land development revenue	174			12,075			20,264			—
	Other revenue	—			1,518			400			1,335
	Total revenue	25,620			63,603			55,750			46,210
	Gross margin – homebuilding	4,646			8,934			5,241			7,019
	Gross margin – land development	28			2,834			4,185			—
	Gross margin- other revenue	—			189			48			188
	Gross margin	4,674			11,957			9,474			7,207
	Sales and marketing expenses	2,556			3,765			3,486			3,941
	General and administrative expenses	6,271			6,909			6,737			7,489
	Total expenses	8,827			10,674			10,223			11,430
	Other income	73			13			17			18
	Net (loss) income	$	(4,080	)	$	1,296		$	(732	)	$	(4,205	)
	Net (loss) income attributable to stockholders of UCP, Inc.	$	(2,496	)	$	179		$	(666	)	$	(2,010	)
	Net (loss) income per common share:
	Basic	$	(0.32	)	$	0.02		$	(0.08	)	$	(0.25	)
	Diluted	$	(0.32	)	$	0.02		$	(0.08	)	$	(0.25	)
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-13			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
					2013			2013			2013
		(Unaudited)
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	Homebuilding revenue	$	4,333		$	20,907		$	21,369		$	25,902
	Land development revenue	7,470			6,815			2,250			3,680
	Total revenue	11,803			27,722			23,619			29,582
	Gross margin – homebuilding	873			4,425			4,811			4,902
	Gross margin – land development	2,890			1,679			817			1,009
	Gross margin	3,763			6,104			5,628			5,911
	Sales and marketing expenses	1,132			2,099			1,516			1,900
	General and administrative expenses	3,480			5,326			4,503			6,059
	Total expenses	4,612			7,425			6,019			7,959
	Other income	39			224			55			4
	Net loss	$	(810	)	$	(1,097	)	$	(336	)	$	(2,044	)
	Net loss attributable to stockholders of UCP, Inc.	$	—		$	—		$	(15	)	$	(1,926	)
	Net loss per common share:
	Basic and diluted							$	—		$	(0.25	)

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_NA1

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS: (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 23, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
		class_of_stock
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Proceeds from IPO (net of offering costs)	$105,500	$0	$105,454	$0
Member contributions		0	-37,512	-41,005
Repayments of member contributions		0	25,443	34,700
Allocated expenses payable			579		579
Distributions to Noncontrolling Interests, Financing Activities		674	0	0
Share Price (in dollars per share)		$10.50
Ownership percentage		57.20%
Number of classes of stock		2
Preferred stock, shares authorized		50,000,000	50,000,000		50,000,000
Stock exchange ratio		1
Options granted (shares)		166,081	0
Percentage of cash payment from subsidiary for increases in tax basis		85.00%
Percentage of cash savings realized from increase in tax basis		15.00%
Tax receivable agreement period		15 years
Ownership percentage, for right to nominate two individuals for election to board of directors		25.00%
Ownership percentage, for right to nominate one individual for election to board of directors		10.00%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Tax receivable agreement, variable discount rate		1.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Shares granted in period (in shares)		66,561	430,333
Long-Term Incentive Plan | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Shares granted in period (in shares)		66,561			430,333
Subsidiaries
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Allocated expenses			587	1,200
Ownership percentage	57.70%	100.00%	57.70%		57.70%
UCP LLC
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Economic interest percentage	42.30%
Class A
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)		$0.01	$0.01		0.01
Economic interest held by common stock		100.00%
Contingent exchangeable shares (in shares)		18,515,216
Series A Units
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Shares reclassified during the period (in shares)		10,593,000
Class B
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)		$0.01	$0.01		0.01
Number of votes per share		1
Member Units
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Member contributions			37,512	41,005
Repayments of member contributions			-25,443	-34,700
Common stock | Class A
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Proceeds from IPO (net of offering costs)	$105,500
Issuance of common (in shares)		172,216	7,750,000
Common stock | Class B
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Issuance of common (in shares)			100
IPO
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01
Share Price (in dollars per share)	$15

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 23, 2013
	segment	segment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Guarantor obligations maximum obligations				$6,900,000			$10,300,000
Number of reportable segments	2	2
Abandonment charges		173,000	309,000	665,000
Fair value adjustment of contingent consideration		377,000	0	0
Options granted (shares)		166,081	0
Ownership percentage		57.20%			57.20%
Adjustment to net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		3,100,000	1,800,000
Subsidiaries
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Ownership percentage		100.00%	57.70%		100.00%	57.70%	57.70%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Shares granted		496,894			496,894
Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Weighted average useful life		6 months
Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Weighted average useful life		5 years
Computer hardware and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Fixed asset useful life		3 years
Furniture and Fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Fixed asset useful life		7 years
Vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Fixed asset useful life		5 years
Leasehold Improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Fixed asset useful life		1 year
Leasehold Improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Fixed asset useful life		3 years
Citizen's Homes, Inc.
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Fair value adjustment of contingent consideration		377,000			377,000
Weighted average useful life		4 years 2 months 12 days
Expense Allocation
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Notice required		30 days
Parent Company
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Administrative support services expense		615,000				351,000
Affiliated Entity | Expense Allocation
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Number of renewal options		2
Renewal option term		90 days
Notice required		60 days
Due to Related Parties		$757,000	$579,000		$757,000	$579,000
UCP LLC
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by parent		57.20%			57.20%

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Customer deposits in escrow	$503	$350
Prepaid expenses	3,129	441
Other deposits	336	365
Other	1,836	0
Other assets	$5,804	$1,156

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT5

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: Warranty Reserves (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Warranty reserves, beginning of period	$608	$141
Warranty reserves accrued	1,128	487
Warranty expenditures	-227	-20
Warranty reserves, end of period	$1,509	$608

Loss_per_share_Proforma_Earnin

Loss per share - Proforma Earnings (Loss) per share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator
Net loss attributable to UCP, Inc.	($2,010)	($666)	$179	($2,496)	($1,926)	($15)	$0	$0	($1,941)	($4,993)	($1,941)	$0
Denominator
Net income (loss) per share of Class A common stock - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)					($0.25)	$0			($0.25)	($0.63)
Class A
Denominator
Pro forma net income (loss) per share - basic and diluted (in shares)									7,750,000	7,870,269
Net income (loss) per share of Class A common stock - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)									($0.25)	($0.63)

Real_Estate_Inventories_Real_E

Real Estate Inventories - Real Estate Inventory (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	lot	lot
Real Estate [Abstract]
Deposits and pre-acquisition costs	$2,955,000	$4,517,000
Land held and land under development	235,809,000	117,808,000
Homes completed or under construction	70,804,000	46,639,000
Model homes	12,125,000	7,884,000
Total Inventory	321,693,000	176,848,000
Deposits on land purchase contracts	2,400,000	3,700,000
Number of land purchase contracts	925	1,350
Aggregate land purchase contracts, net	49,600,000	87,900,000
Inventories	$28,800,000	$8,600,000

Real_Estate_Inventories_Intere

Real Estate Inventories - Interest Capitalization (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Real Estate [Abstract]
Interest expense capitalized	$3,753	$2,901	$1,949
Real Estate Inventory, Capitalized Interest Costs [Roll Forward]
Interest expense capitalized as cost of home inventory	3,176	2,259	369
Interest expense capitalized as cost of land inventory	577	642	1,580
Total interest expense capitalized	3,753	2,901	1,949
Previously capitalized interest expense included in cost of sales - homebuilding	-2,789	-1,174	-122
Previously capitalized interest expense included in cost of sales - land development	-3	-9	-638
Net activity of capitalized interest	961	1,718	1,189
Capitalized interest expense in beginning inventory	6,338	4,620	3,431
Capitalized interest expense in ending inventory	$7,299	$6,338	$4,620

Fixed_Assets_Net_Details

Fixed Assets, Net (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Fixed assets, gross	$2,540	$1,534
Accumulated depreciation	-969	-506
Fixed assets, net	1,571	1,028
Depreciation	463	271	147
Computer hardware and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Fixed assets, gross	1,698	1,118
Office furniture and equipment and leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Fixed assets, gross	763	337
Vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Fixed assets, gross	$79	$79

Acquisitions_Narrative_Details

Acquisitions Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 10, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair value adjustment of contingent consideration	$377,000	$0	$0
Exercise of land purchase options acquired with acquisition of business	141,000	0	0
Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	6 months
Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	5 years
Citizen's Homes, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual						30,300,000
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual						1,400,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred				17,908,000
Maximum contingent consideration				6,000,000
Performance period	5 years			5 years
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low				0
Contingent consideration				3,902,000
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments				770,000	770,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	4 years 2 months 12 days
Fair value adjustment of contingent consideration	377,000				377,000
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs	778,000
Number of former employees of Citizen who are now employees of the company who have minority interests	3
Citizen's Homes, Inc. | Architectural plans
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets				170,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life				5 years
Citizen's Homes, Inc. | Trademark/Trade name
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets				110,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life				6 months
Amortization of Intangible Assets	136,000	0
Citizen's Homes, Inc. | Land options
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets				583,000
Aggregate land purchase contracts, net	7,900,000
Exercise of land purchase options acquired with acquisition of business	$141,000
Citizen's Homes, Inc. | Contingent Consideration Liability
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate				15.70%
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate				28.20%
Fair Value Inputs, Entity Credit Risk				3.11%
Citizen's Homes, Inc. | Minimum | Contingent Consideration Liability
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate				15.80%
Citizen's Homes, Inc. | Maximum | Contingent Consideration Liability
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate				17.00%

Acquisitions_Consideration_Tra

Acquisitions Consideration Transferred (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 10, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash	$14,006	$0	$0
Citizen's Homes, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash				14,006
Contingent consideration				3,902
Total				$17,908

Acquisitions_Allocation_of_Pur

Acquisitions Allocation of Purchase Price (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 10, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$4,223	$0
Citizen's Homes, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	62
Prepaids and other current assets	409
Real estate inventories	13,832
Deposits	26
Fixed assets	3
Total assets acquired	15,195
Customer deposits	-27
Deferred revenue	-111
Accounts payable	-1,372
Total liabilities assumed	-1,510
Total net identifiable assets acquired	13,685
Goodwill	4,223
Total estimated fair value	17,908
Measurement Period Adjustments
Total assets acquired	-70
Accounts payable	98
Total liabilities assumed	98
Total net identifiable assets acquired	28
Goodwill	-770	-770
Total estimated fair value	-742
Architectural plans | Citizen's Homes, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets	170
Trademark/Trade name | Citizen's Homes, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets	110
Measurement Period Adjustments
Intangible assets	-70
Land options | Citizen's Homes, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets	583
Preliminary Amounts Previously Recorded as of the Acquisition Date | Citizen's Homes, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	62
Prepaids and other current assets	409
Real estate inventories	13,832
Deposits	26
Fixed assets	3
Total assets acquired	15,265
Customer deposits	-27
Deferred revenue	-111
Accounts payable	-1,470
Total liabilities assumed	-1,608
Total net identifiable assets acquired	13,657
Goodwill	4,993
Total estimated fair value	18,650
Preliminary Amounts Previously Recorded as of the Acquisition Date | Architectural plans | Citizen's Homes, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets	170
Preliminary Amounts Previously Recorded as of the Acquisition Date | Trademark/Trade name | Citizen's Homes, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets	180
Preliminary Amounts Previously Recorded as of the Acquisition Date | Land options | Citizen's Homes, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$583

Acquisitions_Input_Assumptions

Acquisitions Input Assumptions (Details) (Real Estate Inventory, Citizen's Homes, Inc.)	0 Months Ended
	Apr. 10, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Profit Margin	20.00%
Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Comparable Price ($ per square foot)	77
Fair Value Inputs, Profit Margin	18.00%
Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Comparable Price ($ per square foot)	118
Fair Value Inputs, Profit Margin	24.00%
Weighted Average
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	15.00%

Acquisitions_Pro_Forma_Details

Acquisitions Pro Forma (Details) (Citizen's Homes, Inc., USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Citizen's Homes, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total revenues	$201,785	$129,970
Comprehensive loss	-7,338	-5,304
Comprehensive loss attributable to stockholders of UCP, Inc.	($4,832)	($1,924)
Net loss per share - basic and diluted ($ per share)	($0.61)	($0.25)

Acquisitions_Intangibles_Detai

Acquisitions Intangibles (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net Carrying Value	$586	$0
Citizen's Homes, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	863	0
Accumulated Amortization(Use)	-277	0
Net Carrying Value	586	0
Architectural plans | Citizen's Homes, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	170	0
Accumulated Amortization(Use)	-26	0
Net Carrying Value	144	0
Land options | Citizen's Homes, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	583	0
Accumulated Amortization(Use)	-141	0
Net Carrying Value	442	0
Trademark/Trade name | Citizen's Homes, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	110	0
Accumulated Amortization(Use)	-110	0
Net Carrying Value	$0	$0

Acquisitions_Future_Amortizati

Acquisitions Future Amortization Expense (Details) (Citizen's Homes, Inc., USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Citizen's Homes, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
2015	$34
2016	34
2017	34
2018	34
2019	8
Total	$144

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_L2

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued expenses	$22,281	$14,162
Contingent consideration for acquisition	3,525	0
Accounts payable	1,975	2,118
Accrued payroll liabilities	1,443	1,766
Warranty reserves (Note 2)	1,509	608	141
Total liabilities	$30,733	$18,654

Notes_payable_and_Senior_notes2

Notes payable and Senior notes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 21, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate loan commitments	134,500,000
Unused loan commitments	87,300,000
Weighted average interest rate	6.56%		4.70%
Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, variable interest rate	0.25%
Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, variable interest rate	5.00%
Eight and a Half Percent Senior Notes Due in 2017 | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount		75,000,000
Interest rate		8.50%
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt		72,500,000
Redemption price percentage	100.00%
Change of control, redemption price percentage	101.00%
Change of control, voting interests needed to be acquired	35.00%
Maximum debt to tangible assets ratio	45.00%
Maximum secured debt allowed	75,000,000
Maximum secured debt to tangible assets ratio allowed	30.00%
Maximum annual acquisition of unimproved real property allowed	75,000,000
Maximum acquisition of improved real property over term of debt allowed	150,000,000
Minimum tangible assets no subject to debt-secured liens required	50,000,000
Minimum net worth required	175,000,000
Minimum cash and equivalents required	15,000,000
Maximum annual decrease in tangible assets allowed	25,000,000
Maximum decrease in tangible assets over term of debt allowed	50,000,000

Notes_payable_and_Senior_notes3

Notes payable and Senior notes - Long Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	$135,451	$30,950
Interest rate of 3.94% to 4.19%, payments due through 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	20,156	13,772
Interest rates of 3.66% to 3.94%, payments due through 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	25,239	0
Interest rate of 3.66%, payments due through 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	6,984	0
Interest rate	3.66%
Notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	60,901	30,950
Notes payable | Interest rate of 3.94% to 4.19%, payments due through 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	0	3,535
Notes payable | Interest rate of 5%, payments due through 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	1,962	5,048
Interest rate	5.00%
Notes payable | Interest rate of 5%, payments due from 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	0	425
Interest rate	5.00%
Notes payable | Interest rate of 6.5%, payments due through 2036
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	0	548
Interest rate	6.50%
Notes payable | Interest rate of 10%, payments due through 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	0	1,604
Interest rate	10.00%
Notes payable | Interest rate of 10%, payments due through 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	1,604	0
Interest rate	10.00%
Construction Development Debt | Interest rate of 5%, payments due through 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	3,990	6,018
Interest rate	5.00%
Construction Development Debt | Interest rate of 5.5%, payments due through 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	966	0
Interest rate	5.50%
Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	$74,550	$0
Minimum | Interest rate of 3.94% to 4.19%, payments due through 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.94%
Minimum | Interest rates of 3.66% to 3.94%, payments due through 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.66%
Minimum | Notes payable | Interest rate of 3.94% to 4.19%, payments due through 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.94%
Maximum | Interest rate of 3.94% to 4.19%, payments due through 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.19%
Maximum | Interest rates of 3.66% to 3.94%, payments due through 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.94%
Maximum | Notes payable | Interest rate of 3.94% to 4.19%, payments due through 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.19%

Notes_payable_and_Senior_notes4

Notes payable and Senior notes - Maturities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$26,108
2016	26,205
2017	83,138
Thereafter	0
Long-term Debt	$135,451	$30,950

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Details

Fair Value Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 10, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable		135,451,000	$30,950,000
Contingent consideration liability		3,525,000	0
Citizen's Homes, Inc.
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Maximum contingent consideration	6,000,000
Performance period	5 years	5 years
Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable		135,451,000	30,950,000
Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable		150,143,000	32,044,000
Notes payable
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable		60,901,000	30,950,000
Notes payable | Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable		60,901,000	30,950,000
Notes payable | Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable		62,976,000	32,044,000
Senior notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable		74,550,000	0
Senior notes | Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable		74,550,000	0
Senior notes | Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes payable		87,167,000	$0

Stock_Based_Compensation_Detai

Stock Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted (shares)	166,081	0
Options vested (in shares)	0
Options forfeited (shares)	16,476
Share based compensation			$0
Unrecognized compensation cost	2,700,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted in period (in shares)	66,561	430,333
Accrued vesting (in shares)	148,778	140,778
Forfeited (in shares)	16,898	0
Unrecognized compensation cost	1,800,000
Period to recognized compensation cost not yet recognized	1 year 6 months
Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	923,000
Period to recognized compensation cost not yet recognized	3 years 2 months 12 days
Long-Term Incentive Plan | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted in period (in shares)	66,561			430,333
Accrued vesting (in shares)	148,778	140,778
Grant date fair value	2,300,000
General and Administrative Expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation	$3,600,000	2,200,000
Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting, percentage	10.00%
Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting, percentage	20.00%
Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting, percentage	30.00%
Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Four
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting, percentage	40.00%
Vesting Period, End of Current Year
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting, percentage	33.33%
Vesting Period, End of First Anniversary
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting, percentage	33.33%
Vesting Period, End of Second Anniversary
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting, percentage	33.33%
Board of Directors | Long-Term Incentive Plan | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	1 year
Class A | Long-Term Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares that may be issued (in shares)	1,834,300

Stock_Based_Compensation_Sched

Stock Based Compensation - Schedule of RSU Activity (Details) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs))	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding and unvested, beginning (in shares)	289,555	0
Granted (in shares)	66,561	430,333
Accrued vesting (in shares)	-148,778	-140,778
Forfeited	-16,898	0
Outstanding and unvested, ending (in shares)	190,440	289,555

Stock_Based_Compensation_Optio

Stock Based Compensation Options (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share Price (in dollars per share)	$10.50
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2013 (shares)	0
Weighted average exercise price ($ per share), beginning	$0
Options granted (shares)	166,081	0
Weighted average exercise price ($ per share) on options granted	$16.20
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	9 years 1 month 28 days
Options exercised (shares)	0
Options forfeited (shares)	-16,476
Weighted average exercise price ($ per share), ending	$16.20	$0
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 (shares)	149,605	0

Stock_Based_Compensation_Assum

Stock Based Compensation Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Expected term	6 years 6 months
Expected volatility %	53.46%
Risk free interest rate %	1.81%
Dividend yield %	0.00%

Income_Taxes_Effective_Income_

Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Reconciliation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax (benefit) provision at federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%
State income tax, net of federal benefit	0.00%	2.00%
Non-benefited losses from valuation allowance	-22.00%	-17.00%
Noncontrolling interest	-12.00%	-19.00%
Other permanent items	-1.00%	-1.00%
Effective tax rate	0.00%	0.00%

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Income_T

Income Taxes - Deferred Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net operating loss carry forwards	$3,317	$1,689
Outside basis difference in partnership	5,192	5,061
Other	83	0
Valuation allowance	-8,592	-6,750
Net deferred tax assets	$0	$0

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes -Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	$8,600,000	$6,800,000
Operating loss carryforwards	8,600,000
Domestic Tax Authority
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	7,400,000
California
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	8,000,000
General Business Tax Credit Carryforward | Domestic Tax Authority
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward	$300,000

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	segment	region
		segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	2	2
Number of geographical regions		2

Segment_Information_Revenues_a

Segment Information Revenues and Gross Margin (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Homebuilding	$44,875	$35,086	$50,010	$25,446	$25,902	$21,369	$20,907	$4,333	$155,417	$72,511	$14,060
Land development	0	20,264	12,075	174	3,680	2,250	6,815	7,470	32,513	20,215	44,066
Other revenue	1,335	400	1,518	0					3,253	0	0
Total	46,210	55,750	63,603	25,620	29,582	23,619	27,722	11,803	191,183	92,726	58,126
Gross Margin	7,207	9,474	11,957	4,674	5,911	5,628	6,104	3,763	33,312	21,406	15,418
Home Building
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Homebuilding									155,417	72,511	14,060
Gross Margin									25,840	15,011	4,228
Home Building | West Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Homebuilding									128,334	72,511	14,060
Gross Margin									21,858	15,011	4,228
Home Building | Southeast Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Homebuilding									27,083	0	0
Gross Margin									3,982	0	0
Land Development
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Land development									32,513	20,215	44,066
Gross Margin									7,047	6,395	11,190
Corporate Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Other revenue									3,253	0	0
Gross Margin									$425	$0	$0

Segment_Information_Reconcilia

Segment Information Reconciliation to Net Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Gross margin	$7,207	$9,474	$11,957	$4,674	$5,911	$5,628	$6,104	$3,763	$33,312	$21,406	$15,418
Sales and Marketing	3,941	3,486	3,765	2,556	1,900	1,516	2,099	1,132	13,748	6,647	2,875
General and Administrative	7,489	6,737	6,909	6,271	6,059	4,503	5,326	3,480	27,406	19,368	10,103
(Loss) income from operations	-4,205	-732	1,296	-4,080	-2,044	-336	-1,097	-810	-7,842	-4,609	2,440
Other Income, net									121	322	578
Net (loss) income									($7,721)	($4,287)	$3,018

Segment_Information_Assets_Det

Segment Information Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$377,451	$267,320
Home Building
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	265,906	108,594
Home Building | West Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	218,902	108,594
Home Building | Southeast Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	47,004	0
Land Development
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	55,787	68,254
Corporate Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$55,758	$90,472

Noncontrolling_Interest_Detail

Noncontrolling Interest (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Voting interest not controlled by parent	42.30%	42.80%	42.30%
Noncontrolling interest	$126,462,000	$124,012,000	$126,462,000
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	125,680,000	126,462,000
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-137,000	-2,728,000	-2,346,000	3,018,000
Stock-based compensation expense	919,000	1,753,000
Stock repurchase related to noncontrolling interest	0	-801,000
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	0	-674,000
Ending balance	126,462,000	124,012,000	126,462,000
Parent Company
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Stockholders' equity, period increase			782,000
Initial carrying value of noncontrolling interest	$125,700,000		$125,700,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Operating leases, rent expense	$1,100,000	$541,000	$270,000
Surety Bond
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Surety bonds	$38,000,000	$10,300,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Payments, Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$1,097
2016	944
2017	914
2018	826
2019	359
2020	159
Total	$4,299

Incentive_Compensation_Plan_an1

Incentive Compensation Plan and Employee Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer discretionary contribution amount	$556	$403	$305
Incentive Compensation Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Share based compensation	$255	$913	$200

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud2

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Homebuilding	$44,875	$35,086	$50,010	$25,446	$25,902	$21,369	$20,907	$4,333		$155,417	$72,511	$14,060
Land development	0	20,264	12,075	174	3,680	2,250	6,815	7,470		32,513	20,215	44,066
Other revenue	1,335	400	1,518	0						3,253	0	0
Total revenue:	46,210	55,750	63,603	25,620	29,582	23,619	27,722	11,803		191,183	92,726	58,126
Gross margin – homebuilding	7,019	5,241	8,934	4,646	4,902	4,811	4,425	873
Gross margin – land development	0	4,185	2,834	28	1,009	817	1,679	2,890
Gross margin- other revenue	188	48	189	0
Gross margin	7,207	9,474	11,957	4,674	5,911	5,628	6,104	3,763		33,312	21,406	15,418
Sales and Marketing	3,941	3,486	3,765	2,556	1,900	1,516	2,099	1,132		13,748	6,647	2,875
General and Administrative	7,489	6,737	6,909	6,271	6,059	4,503	5,326	3,480		27,406	19,368	10,103
Total expenses	11,430	10,223	10,674	8,827	7,959	6,019	7,425	4,612
Other income	18	17	13	73	4	55	224	39
Net loss	-4,205	-732	1,296	-4,080	-2,044	-336	-1,097	-810		-7,842	-4,609	2,440
Net (loss) income attributable to stockholders of UCP, Inc.	($2,010)	($666)	$179	($2,496)	($1,926)	($15)	$0	$0	($1,941)	($4,993)	($1,941)	$0
Basic earnings (loss) per share ($ per share)	($0.25)	($0.08)	$0.02	($0.32)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share ($ per share)	($0.25)	($0.08)	$0.02	($0.32)
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)					($0.25)	$0			($0.25)	($0.63)