AV Homes Inactive 10-Q7 Nov 132013 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 06, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'AV Homes, Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000039677	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Well-Known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	22,001,939
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$176,167	$79,815
Restricted cash	4,348	4,682
Land and other inventories	204,040	171,044
Receivables, net	6,324	6,730
Income tax receivable	0	1,293
Property and equipment, net	38,431	36,661
Investments in and notes receivable from unconsolidated entities	1,235	1,220
Prepaid expenses and other assets	10,033	10,777
Assets held for sale	23,877	25,649
Total Assets	464,455	337,871
Liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	8,927	4,656
Accrued and other liabilities	13,738	12,978
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	4,295	1,985
Estimated development liability for sold land	33,241	32,974
Notes payable	105,402	105,402
Total Liabilities	165,603	157,995
Contingent convertible cumulative redeemable preferred stock	0	0
Equity	'	'
Common Stock, par value $1 per share; Authorized: 50,000,000 shares; Issued: 22,112,813 shares at September 30, 2013 and 12,938,157 shares at December 31, 2012	22,113	12,938
Additional paid-in capital	393,871	262,363
Retained (deficit) earnings	-129,305	-106,110
Equity before treasury stock	286,679	169,191
Treasury stock: at cost, 110,874 shares at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	-3,019	-3,019
Total AV Homes stockholdersâ€™ equity	283,660	166,172
Non-controlling interests	15,192	13,704
Total Equity	298,852	179,876
Total Liabilities and Equity	$464,455	$337,871

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Common Stock, authorized shares (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common Stock, issued shares (in shares)	22,112,813	12,938,157
Treasury stock shares held (in shares)	110,874	110,874

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Homebuilding	$34,167,000	$19,673,000	$79,420,000	$52,645,000
Commercial and industrial and other land sales	674,000	8,696,000	9,556,000	20,753,000
Other real estate	57,000	157,000	496,000	367,000
Total real estate revenues	34,898,000	28,526,000	89,472,000	73,765,000
Interest income	96,000	32,000	130,000	95,000
Other	5,000	94,000	73,000	468,000
Total revenues	34,999,000	28,652,000	89,675,000	74,328,000
Expenses	'	'	'	'
Homebuilding	32,725,000	21,456,000	78,515,000	60,119,000
Commercial and industrial and other land sales	95,000	8,142,000	5,352,000	15,592,000
Other real estate	1,255,000	102,000	2,654,000	3,344,000
Total real estate expenses	34,075,000	29,700,000	86,521,000	79,055,000
Impairment charges (reversal of impairment charges)	-970,000	3,784,000	-925,000	7,364,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	1,144,000	0	1,144,000
General and administrative expenses	3,885,000	3,633,000	11,882,000	10,296,000
Interest expense	-1,020,000	1,903,000	2,515,000	6,256,000
Total expenses	35,970,000	40,164,000	99,993,000	104,115,000
Loss from unconsolidated entities	7,000	38,000	84,000	117,000
Loss before income taxes	-978,000	-11,550,000	-10,402,000	-29,904,000
Income tax (expense) benefit	0	0	0	0
Net loss and comprehensive loss	-978,000	-11,550,000	-10,402,000	-29,904,000
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	-899,000	-33,000	-899,000	-1,475,000
Net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to AV Homes stockholders	-1,877,000	-11,583,000	-11,301,000	-31,379,000
Deemed dividend related to beneficial conversion feature of convertible preferred stock (see Note A and Note J for additional information)	-11,894,000	0	-11,894,000	0
Loss attributable to AV Homes common stockholders	($13,771,000)	($11,583,000)	($23,195,000)	($31,379,000)
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share (in dollars per share)	($0.86)	($0.92)	($1.67)	($2.50)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Net loss (including net gain or loss attributable to non-controlling interests)	($10,402,000)	($29,904,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	2,064,000	3,522,000
Amortization of stock-based compensation	976,000	1,113,000
Impairment of land and other inventories	-925,000	7,364,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	1,144,000
Loss from unconsolidated entities	84,000	117,000
Loss from disposal of assets	22,000	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Restricted cash	334,000	2,788,000
Receivables, net	406,000	340,000
Income tax receivable	1,293,000	0
Land and other inventories	-32,071,000	-6,194,000
Assets held for sale	-1,228,000	8,028,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets	744,000	-1,116,000
Accounts payable, estimated development liability, and accrued and other liabilities	5,298,000	-814,000
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	2,310,000	188,000
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES	-31,095,000	-13,424,000
INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Investment in property and equipment	-856,000	-3,466,000
Return of capital from unconsolidated entities	0	13,000
Investment in unconsolidated entities	-99,000	-98,000
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	-955,000	-3,551,000
FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Issuance of common shares	35,805,000	0
Issuance of preferred shares	92,042,000	0
Debt issuance costs	'	-1,683,000
Contributions from consolidated joint venture partner	596,000	294,000
Distributions to consolidated joint venture partner	-7,000	-1,785,000
Payment of withholding taxes related to restricted stock and units withheld	-34,000	-445,000
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES	128,402,000	-3,619,000
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	96,352,000	-20,594,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	79,815,000	124,316,000
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	176,167,000	'
Transfer from assets held for sale to land and other inventories and property and equipment	6,341,000	'
Beneficial conversion feature (deemed dividend)	-11,894,000	0
Common stock issued for conversion of preferred stock	$92,042,000	'

Basis_of_Financial_Presentatio

Basis of Financial Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Financial Statement Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Basis of Financial Statement Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AV Homes, Inc. and all subsidiaries, partnerships and other entities in which AV Homes, Inc. (“AV Homes”, “we”, “us”, “our”, or “the Company”) has a controlling interest. Our investments in unconsolidated entities in which we have less than a controlling interest are accounted for using the equity method. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

	The consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements have been included. Such adjustments consisted only of normal recurring items. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

	The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 was derived from consolidated financial statements included in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our December 31, 2012 consolidated financial statements included in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the notes to the consolidated financial statements included therein.

	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

	TPG Investment in Company
	On June 19, 2013, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") by and among AV Homes and TPG Aviator, L.P. ("TPG") pursuant to which TPG agreed to acquire 2,557,474 shares of AV Homes’ common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the “Common Stock"), at a purchase price of $14.65 per share, and 665,754 shares of a newly authorized series of AV Homes’ preferred stock, designated as Series A Contingent Convertible Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.10 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock"), at a purchase price and liquidation preference of $146.50 per share, for an aggregate investment in AV Homes by TPG of $135,000.

	On June 20, 2013, AV Homes and TPG closed the transactions (the “TPG Investment") contemplated by the Purchase Agreement, and AV Homes issued to TPG the Common Stock and the Series A Preferred Stock in the amounts and in exchange for the purchase price described above.

	On September 18, 2013, we held a special meeting of stockholders at which our stockholders: (1) approved the right to convert, at the option of the Company or the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, the Series A Preferred Stock into shares of our Common Stock and (2) approved TPG's pre-emptive rights following the approval of such conversion to participate in future issuances of our Common Stock or securities convertible into or exercisable for our Common Stock. Following the meeting of stockholders we provided notice to TPG of our intention to convert the Series A Preferred Stock as of September 18, 2013. The Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock was issued on September 19, 2013 and the Series A Preferred Stock was cancelled.

	In accordance with GAAP, before its conversion, the Series A Preferred Stock was classified outside of permanent equity because the redemption provisions were not solely within our control. We incurred approximately $7,200 of transaction fees in connection with the TPG Investment, which have been allocated between the common and preferred stock and offset against the proceeds received. The contingent beneficial conversion feature of the Series A Preferred Stock was recognized upon stockholder approval of the conversion and amortized at the time of conversion by treating it as a deemed dividend and crediting additional paid-in capital, consequently resulting in no diminution in total shareholders' equity or book value per share. We have assessed the provisions of the Series A Preferred Stock and concluded that the impact of any embedded derivative features was not material.

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents	9 Months Ended
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents

	We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As of September 30, 2013, our cash and cash equivalents were invested primarily in money market accounts that invest in U.S. government securities. Due to the short maturity period of the cash equivalents, the carrying amount of these instruments approximates their fair values.

	Our cash items that are restricted as to withdrawal or usage include deposits of $4,348 and $4,682 as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The balance as of September 30, 2013 includes $3,618 on deposit to collateralize letters of credit outstanding.

Receivables_net

Receivables, net	9 Months Ended
Receivables, net	Sep. 30, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Receivables, net	'
	Receivables, net

	Receivables, net includes amounts in transit or due from title companies for home closings, membership dues related to our amenity operations, and contracts and mortgage notes receivable from the sale of land.

Income_Tax_Receivable

Income Tax Receivable	9 Months Ended
Income Tax Receivable	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Receivable [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Receivable	'
	Income Tax Receivable

	Income tax receivable consists of tax refunds we expect to receive within one year. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had $0 and $1,293, respectively, of income tax receivable.

Land_and_Other_Inventories

Land and Other Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Land and Other Inventories [Abstract]	'
Land and Other Inventories	'
	Land and Other Inventories

	Land and Other Inventories are stated at cost unless the asset is determined to be impaired, in which case the asset is written to its fair value. Land and Other Inventories include expenditures for land acquisition, construction, land development and direct and allocated indirect costs. Land and Other Inventories owned and constructed by us also include interest cost capitalized until development and construction are substantially completed. Land and development costs, construction and direct and allocated indirect costs are assigned to components of Land and Other Inventories based on specific identification or other allocation methods based upon GAAP.

	In accordance with ASC 360-10, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360-10”), we review our Land and Other Inventories for indicators of impairment.

	For assets held and used, if indicators are present, we perform an impairment test in which the asset is reviewed for impairment by comparing the estimated future undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the asset to its carrying value. If such cash flows are less than the asset’s carrying value, the carrying value is written down to its estimated fair value. Generally, fair value is determined by discounting the estimated cash flows at a rate commensurate with the inherent risks associated with the asset and related estimated cash flow streams. The discount rate used in the determination of fair value would vary, depending on the state of development. Assumptions and estimates used in the determination of the estimated future cash flows are based on expectations of future operations and economic conditions and certain factors described below. Changes to these assumptions could significantly affect the estimates of future cash flows, which could affect the potential for future impairments. Due to the uncertainties of the estimation process, actual results could differ significantly from such estimates.

	For assets held for sale (such as homes completed or under construction or vacant land parcels available for sale), we perform an impairment test in which the asset is reviewed for impairment by comparing the fair value (estimated sales price) less cost to sell the asset to its carrying value. If such fair value less cost to sell is less than the asset’s carrying value, the carrying value is written down to its estimated fair value less cost to sell.

	We evaluate our Land and Other Inventories for impairment on a quarterly basis to reflect market conditions, including a significant oversupply of homes available for sale, higher foreclosure activity and significant competition. During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, our impairment assessment resulted in impairment charges of $32 and $0, respectively, which related to homes completed or under construction. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, we changed our plans to sell certain assets, resulting in the reclassification of these assets to land and other inventories and a reversal of previously recorded impairment expense of $958. During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2012, our impairment assessment resulted in impairment charges of $1,540 and $807, respectively, which related to homes completed or under construction, and $5,824 and $2,977, respectively, in impairment charges related to land developed and/or held for future development or sale.

	Land and Other Inventories that are subject to a review for indicators of impairment include our: (i) housing communities (active adult and primary residential, including scattered lots) and (ii) land developed and/or held for future development or sale. A discussion of the factors that impact our impairment assessment for these categories follows.

	Housing communities: Homebuilding activities include the development of active adult and primary residential communities and the operation of amenities. The operating results and losses generated from active adult and primary residential communities during the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 include operating expenses relating to the operation of the amenities in our communities as well as divisional overhead allocated among several communities.

	Our active adult and primary residential communities are generally large master-planned communities in Florida and in Arizona. Several of these communities are long-term projects on land we have owned for many years. In reviewing each of our communities, we determine if potential impairment indicators exist by reviewing various factors such as actual contribution margins on homes closed in recent months, projected contribution margins on homes in backlog, projected contribution margins on speculative homes, average selling prices, sales activities and local market conditions. If indicators are present, the asset is reviewed for impairment. In determining estimated future cash flows for purposes of the impairment test, the estimated future cash flows are significantly impacted by specific community factors such as: (i) sales absorption rates; (ii) estimated sales prices and sales incentives; and (iii) estimated cost of home construction, estimated land development costs, interest costs, indirect construction and overhead costs, and selling and marketing costs. In addition, our estimated future cash flows are also impacted by general economic and local market conditions, competition from other homebuilders, foreclosures and depressed home sales in the areas in which we build and sell homes, product desirability in our local markets and the buyers’ ability to obtain mortgage financing. The build-out of our active adult residential communities generally exceeds five years. Our assumptions are based on current activity and recent trends at our active adult and primary residential communities. There are a significant number of assumptions with respect to each analysis. Many of these assumptions extend over a significant number of years. The substantial number of variables related to these assumptions could significantly affect the potential for future impairments.

	Declines in contribution margins below those realized from our current sales prices and estimations could result in future impairment losses in one or more of our housing communities.

	Land developed and/or held for future development or sale: Our land developed and/or held for future development or sale represents land holdings for the potential development of future active adult and/or primary residential communities, commercial and industrial uses. For land developed and/or held for future development or sale, indicators of potential impairment include changes in use, changes in local market conditions, declines in the selling prices of similar assets and increases in costs. If indicators are present, the asset is reviewed for impairment. In determining estimated future cash flows for purposes of the impairment test, the estimated future cash flows could be significantly impacted by specific community factors such as: (i) sales absorption rates; (ii) estimated sales prices and sales incentives; and (iii) estimated costs of home construction, estimated land and land development costs, interest costs, indirect construction and overhead costs, and selling and marketing costs. In addition, our estimated future cash flows could also be impacted by general economic and local market conditions, competition from other homebuilders, foreclosures and depressed home sales in the areas where we own land for future development, product desirability in our local markets and the buyers’ ability to obtain mortgage financing. Factors that we consider in determining the appropriateness of moving forward with land development or whether to write-off the related amounts capitalized include: our current inventory levels, local market economic conditions, availability of adequate resources and the estimated future net cash flows to be generated from the project.

	Land and Other Inventories consist of the following:


		30-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
	Active Adult
	Land developed and in process of development	$	49,136	$	51,341

	Land held for future development or sale	57,136		53,526

	Homes completed or under construction	33,480		21,974

	Total Active Adult	139,752		126,841


	Primary Residential
	Land developed and in process of development	41,544		22,088

	Homes completed or under construction	10,116		8,589

	Total Primary Residential	51,660		30,677


	Land developed and in process of development--Other	12,604		13,502

	Other	24		24

		$	204,040	$	171,044

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	9 Months Ended
Property and Equipment	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment

	Property and Equipment are stated at cost, and depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives of the assets: land improvements 10 to 25 years; buildings and improvements 8 to 39 years; and machinery, equipment and fixtures 3 to 7 years. Maintenance and operating expenses of equipment utilized in the development of land are capitalized as land inventory cost. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

	Property and Equipment includes the cost of amenities, such as club facilities on properties, owned by us. The cost of amenities includes expenditures for land acquisition, land development and direct and allocated construction costs. Property and Equipment owned and constructed by us also includes interest cost incurred during development and construction.

	Each reporting period, we review our Property and Equipment for indicators of impairment in accordance with ASC 360-10. For our amenities, which are located within our housing communities, indicators of potential impairment are similar to those of our housing communities (described above) as these factors may impact our ability to generate revenues at our amenities or cause construction costs to increase. In addition, we factor in the collectability and potential delinquency of the fees due for our amenities. For the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, we did not identify indicators of impairments for Property and Equipment. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, management changed its plans to sell certain assets, resulting in the reclassification of these assets from assets held for sale to property and equipment. There was no change in the carrying value in these assets due to this reclassification.

Poinciana_Parkway

Poinciana Parkway	9 Months Ended
Poinciana Parkway	Sep. 30, 2013
Poinciana Parkway [Abstract]	'
Poinciana Parkway	'
	Poinciana Parkway

	The population of the Poinciana community is approximately 70,000 and we expect the population to grow in the coming years. We currently own over 5,000 lots and nearly 10,000 acres of additional real estate in the community of Poinciana, Florida. While Poinciana has adequately accommodated the growing population with residential housing, including our Solivita development, the accompanying traffic infrastructure is constrained by Poinciana’s location in the midst of Reedy Creek Wetland System and Disney’s Wilderness Preserve. Currently, there is only one four-lane arterial roadway connecting Poinciana to the regional road network. All other access roads are two-lane roads with limited capacity. The proposed Poinciana Parkway is approximately ten miles long, beginning in Poinciana and connecting to the US17/US92 in Polk County. Once built, this roadway will provide significant relief to the currently constrained roadway infrastructure that accommodates the daily commuter traffic in Poinciana. This relief will allow for continued growth in residential, commercial, and employment in the Poinciana community, all of which we believe will enhance its sales and land values in Poinciana.

	In October of 2012, Osceola County, Polk County, the Osceola County Expressway Authority (the “Expressway Authority”) and Avatar Properties Inc. (“API”), one of our wholly owned subsidiaries, entered into an Agreement for Development (the “Development Agreement”) of the Poinciana Parkway, a roadway intended to relieve congestion in the Poinciana, Florida area by connecting it to regional roadways.

	Pursuant to the Development Agreement, API has assigned to the Expressway Authority all of API’s current plans for the Poinciana Parkway. The Expressway Authority has selected a general contractor to design the final configuration of the Poinciana Parkway and to construct the roadway once bond financing is obtained. Construction is contingent on bond financing obtained by Osceola County and cash contributions by Polk and Osceola Counties, which may be funded by grant monies or other sources to be determined. If all required funds are obtained and the Development Agreement is closed, API will (i) assign at no cost its current permits for the Poinciana Parkway to the Expressway Authority and (ii) donate to Polk County or Osceola County, as applicable, certain rights of way for the Poinciana Parkway and certain additional rights of way that will accommodate both the arterial and southern connector facilities to Osceola and Polk Counties. The Expressway Authority shall be responsible for construction of the Poinciana Parkway at no cost to API. The toll portion of the Poinciana Parkway shall be operated and maintained by the Expressway Authority, and all excess toll revenues shall be used to fund transportation facilities in the Poinciana area. Other portions of the Poinciana Parkway will be owned by Polk County or Osceola County, as applicable.

	If funding and construction of the Poinciana Parkway cannot be achieved as contemplated by the Development Agreement, the counties have no right to obtain damages or seek specific performance for API’s failure to perform under prior agreements with Polk and Osceola Counties regarding its obligation to fund and construct the Poinciana Parkway. If the Development Agreement is terminated because funding of the Poinciana Parkway construction does not occur, API shall be entitled to a one-year extension of certain of its prior agreements with Osceola County. If during such extension, API cannot obtain financing and begin construction of the Poinciana Parkway: (i) a portion of API’s land in Osceola County will become subject to Osceola traffic concurrency requirements applicable generally to other home builders in the county and (ii) API will be required to contribute approximately $1,900 towards the construction cost of certain traffic improvements in Osceola County that we otherwise might have been obligated to build or fund if we had not agreed to construct the Poinciana Parkway.

	We reviewed the recoverability of the carrying value of the Poinciana Parkway on a quarterly basis in accordance with authoritative accounting guidance. In the fourth quarter of 2012, we determined that the probability of public funding to occur is high, and as a result, we recorded a non-cash charge of $7,659 related to our expected transfer of mitigation credits carried on our books and the carrying value of contributed right-of-way parcels. The remaining mitigation credits' book value of $749 was reclassified to Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets on our balance sheet as of December 31, 2012.

Notes_Payable

Notes Payable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Notes, Mortgage Notes and Other Debt	'
	Notes Payable

	4.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2024

	On March 30, 2004, we issued $120,000 aggregate principal amount of our 4.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2024 (the “4.50% Notes”) in a private offering. The 4.50% Notes mature on April 1, 2024 unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased.

	Interest: Interest on the 4.50% Notes is 4.50% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing October 1, 2004.

	Conversion: The 4.50% Notes are convertible into our common stock upon the occurrence of certain triggers described in the Indenture dated March 30, 2004 between us and the trustee named therein (the “4.50% Indenture”). Shares of our common stock, into which the 4.50% Notes are convertible, have been reserved for issuance.

	Repurchase Right/Redemption Right: Holders of the 4.50% Notes had the right to require us to repurchase the 4.50% Notes for cash on April 1, 2011 and have the right to require us to repurchase the 4.50% Notes for cash on April 1, 2014 and April 1, 2019 or upon the occurrence of a “fundamental change” (as defined in the 4.50% Indenture) or a “termination of trading” (as defined in the 4.50% Indenture). We may, at any time, at our option, redeem for cash all or any portion of the outstanding 4.50% Notes. In the case of a repurchase or redemption, we will pay a repurchase or redemption price, as applicable, equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.

	FASB ASC 470-20 requires the issuer of certain convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash on conversion to separately account for the liability (debt) and equity (conversion option) components of the instrument in a manner that reflects the issuer’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. ASC 470-20 requires bifurcation of the instrument into a debt component that is initially recorded at fair value and an equity component. The difference between the fair value of the debt component and the initial proceeds from issuance of the instrument is recorded as a component of equity. The excess of the principal amount of the liability component over its carrying amount and the debt issuance costs are amortized to interest cost using the interest method over the expected life of a similar liability that does not have an associated equity component. The discount on the liability component of the 4.50% Notes is amortized using the effective interest method based on an effective rate of 7.50%, which was the estimated market interest rate for similar debt without a conversion option on the issuance date. The discount was amortized from the issuance date in 2004 through April 1, 2011, the first date that holders of the 4.50% Notes could require us to repurchase the 4.50% Notes. The discount was fully amortized in 2011.

	During 2007, we repurchased $5,200 principal amount of the 4.50% Notes for $4,857, including accrued interest. On October 17, 2008, we repurchased $35,920 principal amount of the 4.50% Notes for approximately $28,112, including accrued interest. In 2009, we repurchased $14,076 principal amount of the 4.50% Notes for approximately $11,696, including accrued interest. On February 4, 2011, we repurchased $17,765 principal amount of the 4.50% Notes for approximately $18,171 using proceeds from the issuance of our 7.50% Notes discussed below. On April 1, 2011, holders of $41,637 principal amount of the 4.50% Notes exercised their right to require us to repurchase the 4.50% Notes. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $5,402 aggregate principal amount of the 4.50% Notes remain outstanding.

	7.50% Senior Convertible Notes due 2016

	On February 4, 2011, we completed an underwritten public offering for $100,000 aggregate principal amount of our 7.50% Senior Convertible Notes due 2016 (the “7.50% Notes”). The 7.50% Notes mature on February 15, 2016 unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased. The 7.50% Notes are governed by the Indenture and the First Supplemental Indenture, each dated February 4, 2011 (collectively, the “First Supplemental Indenture”), between us and the trustee named therein.

	Interest: Interest on the 7.50% Notes is 7.50% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing August 15, 2011.

	Conversion: Holders may convert the 7.50% Notes into shares of our common stock at any time on or prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date of February 15, 2016. The 7.50% Notes are convertible at an initial conversion rate of 33.3333 shares of common stock per $1 principal amount of the 7.50% Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $30.00 per share). The conversion rate, and thus the conversion price, may be adjusted under certain circumstances, including upon the occurrence of a “non-stock change of control” as such term is defined in the First Supplemental Indenture. Upon any conversion, subject to certain exceptions, holders will not receive any cash payment representing accrued and unpaid interest. Shares of our common stock, into which the 7.50% Notes are convertible, have been reserved for issuance.

	Financial Covenant: The First Supplemental Indenture requires us to maintain, at all times until February 15, 2014, cash and cash equivalents of not less than $20,000.

	Repurchase Right: Holders of the 7.50% Notes have the right to require us to repurchase the 7.50% Notes on February 15, 2014 or upon the occurrence of a “fundamental change” (as defined in the First Supplemental Indenture), in each case at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The holders of the 7.50% Notes also have the right to require us to repurchase 50% of the 7.50% Notes upon the occurrence of a breach of the above financial covenant at a repurchase price equal to 110% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

	Redemption Right : We may, at any time on or after February 15, 2014, at our option, redeem for cash all or any portion of the outstanding 7.50% Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, but only if the last reported sale price of our common stock for 20 or more trading days in a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the trading day before the date that we provide the notice of redemption to holders exceeds 130% of the conversion price in effect on each such trading day and certain other conditions described in the First Supplemental Indenture are met.

	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $55,500 aggregate principal amount of the 7.50% Notes remain outstanding. The other $44,500 of original principal balance was exchanged for other convertible notes as discussed below.

	7.50% Senior Exchange Convertible Notes due 2016

	In July 2012, we entered into exchange agreements under which we retired $44,500 in aggregate principal amount of our 7.50% Notes, in exchange for the issuance of $44,500 in aggregate principal of new 7.50% Senior Exchange Convertible Notes due 2016 (“7.50% Exchange Notes”). The 7.50% Exchange Notes mature on February 15, 2016 unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased. The 7.50% Exchange Notes are governed by the Indenture dated February 4, 2011 and the Second Supplemental Indenture dated July 25, 2012 between us and the trustee named therein (collectively, the “Second Supplemental Indenture”).

	Interest: Interest on the 7.50% Exchange Notes is 7.50% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing February 15, 2013.

	Conversion: The 7.50% Exchange Notes are convertible and have an initial conversion rate of 55.5555 shares of common stock per $1 principal amount of notes (equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $18.00 per share), subject to adjustment in certain events. We have the right, but not an obligation, to require holders to convert the 7.50% Exchange Notes in whole or in part if the closing price of our common stock equals or exceeds 130% of the conversion price then in effect for a specified period and certain other conditions are satisfied. Shares of our common stock, into which the 7.50% Exchange Notes are convertible, have been reserved for issuance.

	Financial Covenant: The Second Supplemental Indenture includes the same financial covenant as the one governing the 7.50% Notes. We may suspend the operation of this financial covenant with respect to the 7.50% Exchange Notes if the aggregate principal amount outstanding of the 7.50% Notes and the 7.50% Exchange Notes does not exceed $33,000.

	Repurchase Right: Unlike the 7.50% Notes, the 7.50% Exchange Notes do not provide that the holders may require us to repurchase the 7.50% Exchange Notes on February 15, 2014. However, holders of the 7.50% Exchange Notes have the right to require us to repurchase the 7.50% Exchange Notes upon the occurrence of a “fundamental change” (as defined in the Second Supplemental Indenture). The holders of the 7.50% Exchange Notes also have the right to require us to repurchase 50% of the 7.50% Exchange Notes upon the occurrence of a breach of the above financial covenant at a repurchase price equal to 110% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

	Redemption Right: We have the right to redeem the 7.50% Exchange Notes on or after February 15, 2015. Prior to that date, the 7.50% Exchange Notes are redeemable, on one occasion only, upon the occurrence of certain events and the satisfaction of certain conditions (as described in the Second Supplemental Indenture). In each case, the redemption price is equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

	We have assessed the 7.50% Exchange Notes and concluded that the impact of any embedded derivative features are not material as of September 30, 2013, subject to further review over the life of the 7.50% Exchange Notes. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $44,500 aggregate principal amount of the 7.50% Exchange Notes remain outstanding.

	The following table represents interest incurred, interest capitalized, and interest expense for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:


		Nine Months						Three Months
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Interest incurred	$	6,974		$	6,912		$	2,324		$	2,229

	Interest capitalized	(4,459		)	(656		)	(3,344		)	(326		)
	Interest expense	$	2,515		$	6,256		$	(1,020	)	$	1,903


	Interest expense for the three month period ended September 30, 2013 is negative due to an immaterial correction of the amounts capitalized in the previous 2013 quarters. We made interest payments of $7,807 and $7,473 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Warranty_Costs

Warranty Costs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Standard Product Warranty Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Warranty Costs	'
	Warranty Costs

	Warranty reserves for houses are established to cover estimated costs for materials and labor with regard to warranty-type claims to be incurred subsequent to the closing of a house. Reserves are determined based on historical data and other relevant factors. We may have recourse against subcontractors for claims relating to workmanship and materials. Warranty reserves are included in Accrued and Other Liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Warranty payments incurred for individual homes may differ from the related accrual established for the home at the time it was closed.

	During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, changes in the warranty reserve consisted of the following:


		Nine Months						Three Months
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Accrued warranty reserve, beginning of period	$	549		$	537		$	497		$	540

	Estimated warranty expense	376			526			161			207

	Amounts charged against warranty reserve	(469		)	(458		)	(202		)	(142		)
	Accrued warranty reserve, end of period	$	456		$	605		$	456		$	605

Loss_Per_Share

Loss Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Loss Per Share	'
	Loss Per Share

	We present loss per share in accordance with ASC 260, Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”). Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing earnings (loss) attributable to AV Homes common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of AV Homes. In accordance with ASC 260, the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 did not assume the effect of restricted stock units, employee stock options, the 7.50% Notes, the 7.50% Exchange Notes, or the 4.50% Notes because the effects were antidilutive.

	The weighted average number of shares outstanding in calculating basic loss per share includes the cancellation of 2,364 shares and 0 shares of common stock and the issuance of 9,241,978 shares and 6,676,371 shares of common stock for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and cancellation of 26,412 shares and 21,340 shares of common stock and issuance of 71,160 shares and 64,000 shares of common for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. In accordance with ASC 260, non-vested restricted shares are not included in basic earnings per share until the vesting requirements are met.

	In accordance with ASC 470-20, an embedded beneficial conversion feature present in a convertible instrument shall be recognized separately by allocating a portion of the proceeds equal to the intrinsic value of that feature to additional paid-in-capital. Intrinsic value shall be calculated at the commitment date (preferred stock issuance) as the difference between the conversion price and the fair value of the common stock into which the security is convertible. The most favorable conversion price shall be used to measure the intrinsic value. The intrinsic value of the contingent beneficial conversion feature was recognized upon resolution of the contingency (shareholder approval of conversion) as a deemed dividend on the convertible preferred stock, and is added to net loss to arrive at loss attributable to common stockholders in the loss per share calculation. The deemed dividend had a ($0.85) and ($.74)per share effect on earnings for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

	The following table represents the net loss and weighted average shares outstanding for the calculation of basic and diluted loss per share for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:


		Nine Months						Three Months
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Basic and diluted loss per share – net loss	$	(11,301	)	$	(31,379	)	$	(1,877	)	$	(11,583	)
	Deemed dividend related to the beneficial conversion feature	$	(11,894	)	$	—		$	(11,894	)	$	—

	Income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	(23,195	)	$	(31,379	)	$	(13,771	)	$	(11,583	)

	Denominator:

	Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding	13,927,716			12,542,605			16,097,335			12,574,002

Repurchase_of_Common_Stock

Repurchase of Common Stock	9 Months Ended
Repurchase of Common Stock	Sep. 30, 2013
Repurchase Common Stock [Abstract]	'
Repurchase of Common Stock	'
	Repurchase of Common Stock

	On October 13, 2008, our Board of Directors amended its June 2005 authorization to purchase the 4.50% Notes and/or common stock to allow expenditures up to $30,000, including the $9,864 previously authorized. On December 12, 2008, our Board of Directors amended its June 2005 authorization to purchase the 4.50% Notes and/or common stock to allow expenditures up to $30,000, including the $1,888 remaining after the October 2008 activities. As of September 30, 2013, the remaining authorization is $18,304.

Noncontrolling_Interest

Non-controlling Interest	9 Months Ended
Non-controlling Interest	Sep. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Non-controlling Interest	'
	Non-controlling Interest

	AV Homes has consolidated certain limited liability companies (the "LLCs"), which qualify as variable interest entities (“VIEs”) because we determined that AV Homes is the primary beneficiary. Therefore, the LLCs’ financial statements are consolidated in AV Homes’ consolidated financial statements, and the other partners’ equity in each of the LLCs is recorded as non-controlling interest as a component of consolidated stockholders’ equity. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, non-controlling interest was $15,192 and $13,704, respectively.

Comprehensive_Loss

Comprehensive Loss	9 Months Ended
Comprehensive Loss	Sep. 30, 2013
Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]	'
Comprehensive Loss	'
	Comprehensive Loss

	Net loss and comprehensive loss are the same for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.

ShareBased_Payments_and_Other_

Share-Based Payments and Other Executive Compensation	9 Months Ended
Share-Based Payments and Other Executive Compensation	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Payments and Other Executive Compensation	'
	Share-Based Payments and Other Executive Compensation

	On June 2, 2011, our stockholders approved the Amended and Restated 1997 Incentive and Capital Accumulation Plan (2011 Restatement) (the "Incentive Plan") to, among other things, increase the aggregate number of shares of our common stock, par value $1.00 per share, authorized for issuance under the Incentive Plan by 700,000 shares from 1,500,000 shares to 2,200,000 shares and extend the term of the Incentive Plan until October 25, 2020. The Incentive Plan provides for the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, performance awards, and stock units to our officers, employees and directors. The exercise price of stock options may not be less than the stock exchange closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. Stock option awards under the Incentive Plan generally expire 10 years after the date of grant.

	As of September 30, 2013, an aggregate of 1,108,046 shares of our common stock, subject to certain adjustments, were reserved for issuance under the Incentive Plan, including an aggregate of 720,807 options, restricted stock units and stock units granted. There were 387,239 shares available for grant at September 30, 2013.

	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we cancelled the issuance of 114,750 restricted shares granted in 2011 to certain executives and issued additional performance-based restricted shares in exchange. We also issued performance-based restricted shares to other members of management. Vesting is contingent upon the achievement of certain performance objectives, some of which are subjective in nature. Compensation cost for these awards is recognized over the service period, and variable accounting is applied whereby the fair value of the award is remeasured each reporting period until vesting occurs. The cancellation and issuance of shares was accounted for as a modification with the future compensation expense computed using the greater of unamortized fair value of the cancelled awards or the incremental fair value as remeasured each reporting period.

	Compensation expense related to the stock option, restricted stock, and restricted stock unit awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $976 and $1,113, respectively. Compensation expense related to the stock option, restricted stock, and restricted stock unit awards during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $360 and $268, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we executed amendments to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreements with two of our executives. Under the terms of these amendments, 114,750 restricted shares were cancelled and replaced with new awards. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, we granted 520,036 stock options, which have a weighted average grant date fair value of $8.65 per share. No restricted stock unit awards or stock options were granted during the three months ended September 30, 2012.

	As of September 30, 2013, there was $2,027 of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units. That expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.82 years.

Retirement_of_Treasury_Stock

Retirement of Treasury Stock	9 Months Ended
Retirement of Treasury Stock	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Retirement of Treasury Stock	'
	Retirement of Treasury Stock

	In March 2012, we retired 1,141,400 shares of treasury stock, which shares also remain as authorized but unissued. This treasury stock retirement resulted in reductions to common stock of $1,141, treasury stock of $42,905, retained earnings of $18,845 and paid in capital of $22,919. There was no effect on the total stockholders’ equity position as a result of the retirement.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes

	Income taxes have been provided using the liability method under ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). The liability method is used in accounting for income taxes where deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences reverse.

	In accordance with ASC 740, AV Homes evaluates its deferred tax assets quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required. ASC 740 requires that companies assess whether valuation allowances should be established based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard. During 2008, we established a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. Our cumulative loss position over the evaluation period and the uncertain and volatile market conditions provided significant evidence supporting the need for a valuation allowance. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recognized an increase of $887 in the deferred tax valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets generated from the pretax loss for the quarter. As of September 30, 2013, our deferred tax asset valuation allowance was $131,135. In future periods, the allowance could be reduced based on sufficient evidence indicating that it is more likely than not that a portion of our deferred tax assets will be realized.

	On October 25, 2010, we received notification from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) that our federal income tax returns for tax years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2009 were being examined. On February 10, 2012, AV Homes agreed with the IRS’s Notice of Proposed Adjustment to the 2009 net operating loss carryback. This adjustment generated an income tax expense of $473 for 2011 with a reduction in the anticipated income tax receivables in the same amount. Income tax receivable as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consists of $0 and $1,293, respectively, in anticipated income tax refunds.

	In 2006, we sold property we owned in Marion County, Florida to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida under threat of condemnation. The bulk of the land was transferred in 2006 and the final closing took place in 2007. These transactions and subsequent correspondence with the IRS entitled us to defer payment of income taxes of $24,355 from the gain on these sales until replacement property is sold provided we obtained qualifying replacement property for the Marion property by December 31, 2010. We believe that we acquired appropriate replacement properties by December 31, 2010. If the IRS determines in the future that some or all of the properties acquired by us as replacement properties do not qualify as replacement properties, we may be required to make an income tax payment plus interest on the value of the portion of the properties determined not to qualify as replacement property.

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Disclosures

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, expands disclosures about fair value measurements, and establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

The accounting standards require that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

Level 1: Fair value determined based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

Level 2: Fair value determined using significant observable inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data, by correlation or other means.

Level 3: Fair value determined using significant unobservable inputs, such as discounted cash flows, or similar techniques.

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables, income tax receivable and accounts payable approximates the fair value due to their short-term maturities.

The majority of our non-financial instruments, which include Land and Other Inventories and Property and Equipment, are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis. However, if certain triggering events occur such that a non-financial instrument is required to be evaluated for impairment, a resulting asset impairment would require that the non-financial instrument be recorded at the lower of historical cost or its fair value.

For assets held for sale (such as homes completed or under construction or vacant land parcels available for sale), we perform an impairment test in which the asset is reviewed for impairment by comparing the fair value (estimated sales price) less cost to sell the asset to its carrying value. If such fair value less cost to sell is less than the asset’s carrying value, the carrying value is written down to its estimated fair value less cost to sell.

For the three months ended September 30, 2013, we changed our plans to sell certain assets that were held for sale. In accordance with ASC 360, these assets were reclassified and were measured at the lower of their carrying amounts before the assets were classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the assets been continuously classified as held and used, and their fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell. As a result, the net carrying value of these assets was increased by $958. This increase is reflected as a reversal of impairment charges for the three months ended September 30, 2013.

For assets held and used, if indicators are present, we perform an impairment test in which the asset is reviewed for impairment by comparing the estimated future undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the asset to its carrying value. If such cash flows are less than the asset’s carrying value, the carrying value is written down to its estimated fair value. Generally, fair value is determined by discounting the estimated cash flows at a rate commensurate with the inherent risks associated with the asset and related estimated cash flow streams. The discount rate used in the determination of fair value would vary depending on the stage of development. Assumptions and estimates used in the determination of the estimated future cash flows are based on expectations of future operations and economic conditions and certain factors described below. Changes to these assumptions could significantly affect the estimates of future cash flows which could affect the potential for future impairments. Due to the uncertainties of the estimation process, actual results could differ significantly from such estimates.

The carrying amounts and fair values of our financial instruments at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:

September 30, 2013

December 31, 2012

Carrying

Fair

Carrying

Fair

Amount

Value

Amount

Value

Notes Payable:

4.50% Notes

5,402

5,550

5,402

5,343

7.50% Notes and 7.50% Exchange Notes

100,000

111,230

100,000

101,500

In estimating the fair value of financial instruments, we used the following methods and assumptions:

7.50% Notes, 7.50% Exchange Notes, and 4.50% Notes: At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the fair value of the 7.50% Notes, 7.50% Exchange Notes, and the 4.50% Notes is estimated, based on quoted or estimated market prices. These fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Investments_in_Partnerships_an

Investments in Partnerships and LLCs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]	'
Variable Interest Entities	'
	Investments in Partnerships and LLCs

	GAAP requires a variable interest entity (“VIE”) to be consolidated with a company that is the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the entity that has both of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Entities determined to be VIEs, for which we are not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for under the equity method.

	AV Homes' variable interest in VIEs may be in the form of (1) equity ownership, (2) contracts to purchase assets and/or (3) loans provided by AV Homes to a VIE. We examine specific criteria and use judgment when determining if AV Homes is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Factors considered in determining whether we are the primary beneficiary include risk and reward sharing, experience and financial condition of other partner(s), voting rights, involvement in day-to-day capital and operating decisions, level of economic disproportionality between AV Homes and the other partner(s) and contracts to purchase assets from VIEs.

	We participate in entities with equity interests ranging from 20% to 58.2% for the purpose of acquiring and/or developing land in which we may or may not have a controlling interest. These entities are VIEs and our investments in these entities, along with other arrangements, represent variable interests, depending on the contractual terms of the arrangement. We analyze these entities when they are entered into or upon a reconsideration event.

	Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

	During 2009, we entered into two separate agreements with unrelated third parties providing for the formation of two LLCs. We subsequently sold developed, partially developed and undeveloped land to each of the companies for a combination of cash and purchase money notes. We acquired a minority ownership interest in each of the LLCs and participate in the management of each of the LLCs. We also entered into land option contracts with these LLCs. Under such land option contracts, we paid a specified option deposit in consideration for the right, but not the obligation, to purchase developed lots in the future at predetermined prices.

	In May 2012, we entered into an agreement with JEN Arizona 4, LLC to form a limited liability company, EM 646, LLC (“EM 646”). We hold a 58.2% interest in the venture, which was organized for the purpose of acquiring, entitling, developing, and distributing specific sections of real property located in Mesa, Arizona. The property was acquired in November 2012 and will be distributed to the partners at cost, once certain entitlements and development activities are completed.

	We determined that these entities qualify as VIEs, which require consolidation by the entity determined to be the primary beneficiary. As a result of our analyses, we hold a variable interest in the VIEs through the purchase money notes, the land option contracts and an economic interest in these LLCs. As of September 30, 2013, our consolidated balance sheets include $33,707 in Land and Other Inventories from these LLCs. As of December 31, 2012, our consolidated balance sheets include $32,659 in Land and Other Inventories from these LLCs.

	In January 2012, all of the real property owned by one of our consolidated joint ventures was sold to an unrelated third party. The net gain on this sale of approximately $2,731 is fully recognized and included as a component of net loss on our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). We present the joint venture partner's 60% share of this income, $1,639, on our consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) as a component of net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated entities.

	AV Homes and its equity partners make initial or ongoing capital contributions to these consolidated entities on a pro rata basis. The obligation to make capital contributions is governed by each consolidated entity’s respective operating agreement.

	As of September 30, 2013, these consolidated entities were financed by partner equity and do not have third-party debt. In addition, we have not provided any guarantees to these entities or our equity partners. The assets of our VIEs can only be used to settle obligations of the VIEs.

	Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities

	We participate in entities with equity interests ranging from 20% to 50% for the purpose of acquiring and/or developing land in which we do not have a controlling interest. We analyze these entities when they are entered into or upon a reconsideration event. All of such entities in which we had an equity interest at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are accounted for under the equity method.

	AV Homes shares in the profits and losses of these unconsolidated entities generally in accordance with its ownership interests. AV Homes and its equity partners make initial or ongoing capital contributions to these unconsolidated entities on a pro rata basis. The obligation to make capital contributions is governed by each unconsolidated entity’s respective operating agreement.

	Prior to 2010, we entered into various transactions with unaffiliated third parties providing for the formation of LLCs, and we subsequently sold developed and partially developed land to each of these LLCs. We acquired a minority ownership interest in each of the LLCs and share in the management of each. AV Homes made contributions totaling $99 and $98 to its unconsolidated entities during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

	As of September 30, 2013, these unconsolidated entities were financed by partner equity and do not have third-party debt. In addition, we have not provided any guarantees to these entities or our equity partners.

	The following are the combined condensed balance sheets of our unconsolidated entities as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:



		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Assets:
	Cash	$	117		$	53

	Land and other inventory	6,126			6,126

	Other assets	5			6

	Total assets	$	6,248		$	6,185

	Liabilities and Partners’ Capital:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	84		$	83

	Partners’ capital of:
	AV Homes	1,235			1,220

	Equity partners	4,929			4,882

	Total liabilities and partners’ capital	$	6,248		$	6,185


	The following are the combined condensed statements of operations of our unconsolidated entities for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:


		Nine Months						Three Months
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—

Costs and expenses	205			287			24			93

Net loss from unconsolidated entities	$	(205	)	$	(287	)	$	(24	)	$	(93	)
AV Homes' share of loss from unconsolidated entities	$	(84	)	$	(117	)	$	(7	)	$	(38	)

Estimated_Development_Liabilit

Estimated Development Liability for Sold Land	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Estimated Development Liability for Sold Land [Abstract]	'
Estimated Development Liability for Sold Land	'
	Estimated Development Liability for Sold Land

	The estimated development liability consists primarily of utilities improvements in Poinciana and Rio Rico for more than 8,000 homesites previously sold and is summarized as follows:


		30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
	Gross estimated unexpended costs	$	36,126		$	35,879

	Less costs relating to unsold homesites	(2,885		)	(2,905		)
	Estimated development liability for sold land	$	33,241		$	32,974


	The estimated development liability for sold land is reduced by actual expenditures and is evaluated and adjusted, as appropriate, to reflect management’s estimate of anticipated costs. In addition, we obtain third-party engineer evaluations and adjust this liability to reflect changes in the estimated costs. As a result of the third-party engineer evaluation as of September 30, 2013, we increased this liability by $317 during the three months ended September 30, 2013. This increase was primarily attributable to unit cost increases. We recorded charges associated with these obligations of $46 and $120 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $17 and $0 during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Future increases or decreases of costs for construction, material and labor as well as other land development and utilities infrastructure costs may have a significant effect on the estimated development liability.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies

	We are involved in various pending litigation matters primarily arising in the normal course of our business. These cases are in various procedural stages. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be determined, AV Homes believes it is probable, in accordance with ASC 450-20, Loss Contingencies, that certain claims may result in costs and expenses estimated at approximately $227 and $258, which have been accrued in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Liabilities or costs arising out of these and other currently pending litigation is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial position or results of operations.

	Performance bonds, issued by third-party entities, are used primarily to guarantee our performance to construct improvements in our various communities. As of September 30, 2013, we had outstanding performance bonds of approximately $3,290. We do not believe that it is likely any of these outstanding performance bonds will be drawn upon.

Business_Segments

Business Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Business Segments	'
	Business Segments

	The following table summarizes AV Homes' information for reportable segments for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:


		Nine Months						Three Months
	Revenues:	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Segment revenues

	Active adult communities	$	41,259		$	29,272		$	19,097		$	9,376

	Primary residential	38,161			23,373			15,070			10,297

	Commercial and industrial and other land sales	9,556			20,753			674			8,696

	Other operations	496			367			57			157

		89,472			73,765			34,898			28,526

	Unallocated revenues

	Interest income	130			95			96			32

	Other	73			468			5			94

	Total revenues	$	89,675		$	74,328		$	34,999		$	28,652


	Operating income (loss):
	Segment operating income (loss)
	Active adult communities	$	(1,458	)	$	(11,060	)	$	975		$	(5,802	)

	Primary residential	2,293			(917		)	442			292

	Commercial and industrial and other land sales	4,204			5,161			579			448

	Other operations	193			155			(61		)	87

		5,232			(6,661		)	1,935			(4,975		)

	Unallocated income (expenses)

	Interest income	130			95			96			32

	Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			(1,144		)	—			(1,144		)

	Equity loss from unconsolidated entities	(84		)	(117		)	(7		)	(38		)
	Net (gain)/loss attributable to non-controlling interests	(899		)	(1,475		)	(899		)	(33		)
	General and administrative expenses	(11,882		)	(10,296		)	(3,885		)	(3,633		)
	Interest expense	(2,515		)	(6,256		)	1,020			(1,903		)

	Other real estate expenses	(2,241		)	(2,664		)	(1,095		)	125

	(Impairment) reversal of impairment charge of land developed or held for future development	$	958		(2,861		)	$	958		(14		)

	Loss attributable to AV Homes	$	(11,301	)	$	(31,379	)	$	(1,877	)	$	(11,583	)

Basis_of_Financial_Presentatio1

Basis of Financial Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Land_and_Other_Inventories_Tab

Land and Other Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Land and Other Inventories [Abstract]	'
Land and Other Inventories	'
	Land and Other Inventories consist of the following:


		30-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
	Active Adult
	Land developed and in process of development	$	49,136	$	51,341

	Land held for future development or sale	57,136		53,526

	Homes completed or under construction	33,480		21,974

	Total Active Adult	139,752		126,841


	Primary Residential
	Land developed and in process of development	41,544		22,088

	Homes completed or under construction	10,116		8,589

	Total Primary Residential	51,660		30,677


	Land developed and in process of development--Other	12,604		13,502

	Other	24		24

		$	204,040	$	171,044

Notes_Payable_Tables

Notes Payable (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Interest Incurred, Capitalized and Expensed	'
	The following table represents interest incurred, interest capitalized, and interest expense for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:


		Nine Months						Three Months
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Interest incurred	$	6,974		$	6,912		$	2,324		$	2,229

	Interest capitalized	(4,459		)	(656		)	(3,344		)	(326		)
	Interest expense	$	2,515		$	6,256		$	(1,020	)	$	1,903

Warranty_Costs_Tables

Warranty Costs (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Standard Product Warranty Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Product Warranty Liability	'
	During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, changes in the warranty reserve consisted of the following:


		Nine Months						Three Months
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Accrued warranty reserve, beginning of period	$	549		$	537		$	497		$	540

	Estimated warranty expense	376			526			161			207

	Amounts charged against warranty reserve	(469		)	(458		)	(202		)	(142		)
	Accrued warranty reserve, end of period	$	456		$	605		$	456		$	605

Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Loss Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share	'
	The following table represents the net loss and weighted average shares outstanding for the calculation of basic and diluted loss per share for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:


		Nine Months						Three Months
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Basic and diluted loss per share – net loss	$	(11,301	)	$	(31,379	)	$	(1,877	)	$	(11,583	)
	Deemed dividend related to the beneficial conversion feature	$	(11,894	)	$	—		$	(11,894	)	$	—

	Income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	(23,195	)	$	(31,379	)	$	(13,771	)	$	(11,583	)

	Denominator:

	Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding	13,927,716			12,542,605			16,097,335			12,574,002

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Tables

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	'
	The carrying amounts and fair values of our financial instruments at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:


		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Notes Payable:
	4.50% Notes	$	5,402	$	5,550	$	5,402	$	5,343

	7.50% Notes and 7.50% Exchange Notes	$	100,000	$	111,230	$	100,000	$	101,500

Investments_in_Partnerships_an1

Investments in Partnerships and LLCs (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]	'
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets of Unconsolidated Entities	'
	The following are the combined condensed balance sheets of our unconsolidated entities as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:



		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Assets:
	Cash	$	117		$	53

	Land and other inventory	6,126			6,126

	Other assets	5			6

	Total assets	$	6,248		$	6,185

	Liabilities and Partners’ Capital:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	84		$	83

	Partners’ capital of:
	AV Homes	1,235			1,220

	Equity partners	4,929			4,882

	Total liabilities and partners’ capital	$	6,248		$	6,185

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations of Unconsolidated Entities	'
	The following are the combined condensed statements of operations of our unconsolidated entities for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:


		Nine Months						Three Months
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—

	Costs and expenses	205			287			24			93

	Net loss from unconsolidated entities	$	(205	)	$	(287	)	$	(24	)	$	(93	)
	AV Homes' share of loss from unconsolidated entities	$	(84	)	$	(117	)	$	(7	)	$	(38	)

Estimated_Development_Liabilit1

Estimated Development Liability for Sold Land (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Estimated Development Liability for Sold Land [Abstract]	'
Estimated Development Liability for Sold Land	'
	The estimated development liability consists primarily of utilities improvements in Poinciana and Rio Rico for more than 8,000 homesites previously sold and is summarized as follows:


		30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
	Gross estimated unexpended costs	$	36,126		$	35,879

	Less costs relating to unsold homesites	(2,885		)	(2,905		)
	Estimated development liability for sold land	$	33,241		$	32,974

Business_Segments_Tables

Business Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reportable Segment Information	'
	The following table summarizes AV Homes' information for reportable segments for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:


		Nine Months						Three Months
	Revenues:	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Segment revenues

	Active adult communities	$	41,259		$	29,272		$	19,097		$	9,376

	Primary residential	38,161			23,373			15,070			10,297

	Commercial and industrial and other land sales	9,556			20,753			674			8,696

	Other operations	496			367			57			157

		89,472			73,765			34,898			28,526

	Unallocated revenues

	Interest income	130			95			96			32

	Other	73			468			5			94

	Total revenues	$	89,675		$	74,328		$	34,999		$	28,652


	Operating income (loss):
	Segment operating income (loss)
	Active adult communities	$	(1,458	)	$	(11,060	)	$	975		$	(5,802	)

	Primary residential	2,293			(917		)	442			292

	Commercial and industrial and other land sales	4,204			5,161			579			448

	Other operations	193			155			(61		)	87

		5,232			(6,661		)	1,935			(4,975		)

	Unallocated income (expenses)

	Interest income	130			95			96			32

	Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			(1,144		)	—			(1,144		)

	Equity loss from unconsolidated entities	(84		)	(117		)	(7		)	(38		)
	Net (gain)/loss attributable to non-controlling interests	(899		)	(1,475		)	(899		)	(33		)
	General and administrative expenses	(11,882		)	(10,296		)	(3,885		)	(3,633		)
	Interest expense	(2,515		)	(6,256		)	1,020			(1,903		)

	Other real estate expenses	(2,241		)	(2,664		)	(1,095		)	125

	(Impairment) reversal of impairment charge of land developed or held for future development	$	958		(2,861		)	$	958		(14		)

	Loss attributable to AV Homes	$	(11,301	)	$	(31,379	)	$	(1,877	)	$	(11,583	)

Basis_of_Financial_Presentatio2

Basis of Financial Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Financial Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 19, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 19, 2013
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Series A Contingent Convertible Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	Series A Contingent Convertible Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares agreed to sell (shares)	'	'	'	2,557,474	'	665,754
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1	$1	'	'	'
Sales price per share (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$14.65	'	$146
TPG's aggregate investment in AV homes	$135,000	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	$0.10
Sale of stock, transaction fees	'	'	'	'	$7	'

Cash_and_Cash_Equivalents_Deta

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]	'	'
Restricted cash	$4,348	$4,682
Outstanding letters of credit	$3,618	'

Income_Tax_Receivable_Details

Income Tax Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Receivable [Abstract]	'	'
Income tax receivable	$0	$1,293

Land_and_Other_Inventories_Det

Land and Other Inventories (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges	($958)	$14	($958)	$2,861	'
Impairment of Real Estate	958	'	'	'	'
Other	24	'	24	'	24
Total Land and other inventories	204,040	'	204,040	'	171,044
Active adult [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Land developed and in process of development	49,136	'	49,136	'	51,341
Land held for future development or sale	57,136	'	57,136	'	53,526
Homes completed or under construction	33,480	'	33,480	'	21,974
Total Land and other inventories	139,752	'	139,752	'	126,841
Primary residential [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Land developed and in process of development	41,544	'	41,544	'	22,088
Homes completed or under construction	10,116	'	10,116	'	8,589
Total Land and other inventories	51,660	'	51,660	'	30,677
Other Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Land developed and in process of development	12,604	'	12,604	'	13,502
Homes completed or under construction [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges	0	807	32	1,540	'
Land developed and or held for future developement or sale [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges	'	$2,977	'	$5,824	'

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details)	9 Months Ended
Property and Equipment (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013
Land Improvements [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'10 years
Land Improvements [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'25 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'8 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'39 years
Machinery, Equipment and Fixtures [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'3 years
Machinery, Equipment and Fixtures [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'7 years

Poinciana_Parkway_Details

Poinciana Parkway (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
		mi
		roadway
		Person
		Lot
		acre
Poinciana Parkway [Abstract]	'	'
Approximate Poniciana community population (people)	'	70,000
Approximate number of Poinciana community lots (lots)	'	5,000
Approximate number of acres in Poinciana community (acres)	'	10,000
Number of four-lane arterial roadways (roadways)	'	1
Length of Poinciana Parkway (miles)	'	10
Extension period of prior agreements	'	'1 year
Required contribution towards the construction cost of certain traffic improvements	'	$1,900
Non-cash charge	7,659	'
Mitigating charge reclassed to Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets	$749	'

Notes_Payable_Details

Notes Payable (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2007

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 02, 2011

Feb. 04, 2011

Dec. 31, 2009

Oct. 17, 2008

Mar. 30, 2004

Jul. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 04, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

4.50% Notes [Member]

7.50% Notes [Member]

7.50% Senior Exchange Convertible Notes Member [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Face amount of debt instrument

$120,000,000

$100,000,000

$44,500,000

Stated interest rate (percent)

4.50%

7.50%

Redemption price percentage (percent)

100.00%

Effective interest rate (percent)

7.50%

Outstanding debt

5,200,000

5,402,000

41,637,000

17,765,000

14,076,000

35,920,000

55,500,000

44,500,000

Repurchase amount of debt instrument

4,857,000

18,171,000

11,696,000

28,112,000

Debt Instrument, convertible, number of equity instruments (in shares)

33.3333

55.5555

Principal conversion standard base unit (in dollars per share)

$30

$18

Minimum cash and cash equivalents per financial covenants

20,000,000

Principal amount of debt retired

44,500,000

Financial covenants: [Abstract]

Maximum indebtedness per financial covenants

33,000,000

Repurchase Right [Abstract]

Percentage of notes to be repurchased upon breach of financial covenants (percent)

50.00%

Repurchase price percentage upon breach of financial covenants (percent)

110.00%

Redemption right [Abstract]

Number of trading days the entity may redeem outstanding Notes

'20 days

Number of consecutive trading days

'30 days

Convertible conversion price percentage (in hundredths)

130.00%

Interest incurred

2,324,000

2,229,000

6,974,000

6,912,000

Interest capitalized

-3,344,000

-326,000

-4,459,000

-656,000

Interest expense

-1,020,000

1,903,000

2,515,000

6,256,000

Interest payments

$7,807,000

$7,473,000

Warranty_Costs_Details

Warranty Costs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Accrued warranty reserve, beginning of period	$497	$540	$549	$537
Estimated warranty expense	161	207	376	526
Amounts charged against warranty reserve	-202	-142	-469	458
Accrued warranty reserve, end of period	$456	$605	$456	$605

Loss_Per_Share_Details

Loss Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 30, 2004
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	7.50% Notes [Member]	7.50% Notes [Member]	7.50% Senior Exchange Convertible Notes Member [Member]	7.50% Senior Exchange Convertible Notes Member [Member]	4.50% Notes [Member]	4.50% Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate on notes excluded from earnings per share calculation (percent)	'	'	'	'	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Cancellation of common stock (in shares)	0	21,340	2,364	26,412	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	6,676,371	64,000	9,241,978	71,160	'	'	'	'	'	'
Numerator: [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic and diluted loss per share - net loss	($1,877,000)	($11,583,000)	($11,301,000)	($31,379,000)	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deemed dividend related to beneficial conversion feature of convertible preferred stock (see Note A and Note J for additional information)	-11,894,000	0	-11,894,000	0	'	'	'	'	'	'
Loss attributable to AV Homes common stockholders	($13,771,000)	($11,583,000)	($23,195,000)	($31,379,000)	'	'	'	'	'	'
Denominator: [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	16,097,335	12,574,002	13,927,716	12,542,605	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred Stock Deemed Dividend from Beneficial Conversion Feature	($0.74)	'	($0.85)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Repurchase_of_Common_Stock_Det

Repurchase of Common Stock (Details) (4.50% Notes and/or common stock [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 12, 2008	Oct. 13, 2008	Sep. 30, 2005	Sep. 30, 2013
4.50% Notes and/or common stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest rate on notes excluded from earnings per share calculation (percent)	'	4.50%	'	'
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	$30,000	$30,000	$9,864	'
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount	$1,888	'	'	$18,304

Noncontrolling_Interest_Detail

Non-controlling Interest (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'	'
Non-controlling interest in joint ventures	$15,192	$13,704

ShareBased_Payments_and_Other_1

Share-Based Payments and Other Executive Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 02, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 01, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	executive	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	The Incentive Plan [Member]	The Incentive Plan [Member]	The Incentive Plan [Member]	Stock options, restricted stock and RSU granted [Member]	Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock, par value per share (in dollars per share)	$1	'	$1	'	'	$1	$1	'	'	'	'
Increase in authorized shares under incentive plan (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	700,000	'	'	'	'
Shares authorized under the plan (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,200,000	'	1,500,000	'	'
Expiration period after grant issued	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'10 years	'	'	'
Shares available for grant (in shares)	387,239	'	387,239	'	'	'	'	'	'	720,807	1,108,046
Restricted stock cancelled (in shares)	'	'	114,750	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation cost	$360	$268	$976	$1,113	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of executives	'	'	2	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock granted (in shares)	520,036	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	$8.65	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation expense	$2,027	'	$2,027	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average expense recognition period (in years)	'	'	'1 year 9 months 26 days	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Retirement_of_Treasury_Stock_D

Retirement of Treasury Stock (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'
Retired shares of treasury stock (in shares)	1,141,400
Common Stock [Member]	'
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'
Reductions due to retirement of treasury stock	1,141
Treasury Stock [Member]	'
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'
Reductions due to retirement of treasury stock	42,905
Retained Earnings [Member]	'
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'
Reductions due to retirement of treasury stock	18,845
Paid-in Capital [Member]	'
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'
Reductions due to retirement of treasury stock	22,919

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Increase in deferred tax asset valuation allowance	$887	'	'	'
Valuation Allowance, Amount	131,135	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense Adjustment	'	473	'	'
Income Taxes Receivable	0	'	1,293	'
Deferred tax effect of gain on sale of property	'	'	'	$24,355

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Details

Fair Value Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
		Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
		Convertible Debt [Member]	Convertible Debt [Member]	Notes and Senior Exchange Convertible Notes [Member]	Notes and Senior Exchange Convertible Notes [Member]	Convertible Debt [Member]	Convertible Debt [Member]	Notes and Senior Exchange Convertible Notes [Member]	Notes and Senior Exchange Convertible Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment of Real Estate	$958	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
fair value of financial instruments	'	$5,402	$5,402	$100,000	$100,000	$5,550	$5,343	$111,230	$101,500

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Carryin

Fair Value Disclosures, Carrying and Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013
4.50% Notes [Member]	'
Notes, mortgage notes and other debt [Abstract]	'
Stated interest rate (percent)	4.50%
7.50% Notes [Member]	'
Notes, mortgage notes and other debt [Abstract]	'
Stated interest rate (percent)	7.50%

Investments_in_Partnerships_an2

Investments in Partnerships and LLCs (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Jan. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

agreement

EM 646 [Member]

Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities [Member]

Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]

company

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

Ownership percentage (percent)

20.00%

Parent ownership percentage (percent)

60.00%

58.20%

50.00%

Number of separate agreements with unrelated third parties (agreements)

Number of limited liabilities formed (companies)

Real estate inventory

$204,040

$171,044

$33,707

$32,659

Gain on sale of property

2,731

Gain recognized in consolidated statement of operations

1,639

Contributions to unconsolidated entities

$99

$98

Variable_Interest_Entities_Par

Variable Interest Entities, Part 2 (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets: [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total Assets	$464,455	'	$464,455	'	$337,871
Liabilities and Partners' Capital: [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total Liabilities and Equity	464,455	'	464,455	'	337,871
Statement of operations for unconsolidated entities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	34,999	28,652	89,675	74,328	'
Net loss and comprehensive loss	-978	-11,550	-10,402	-29,904	'
AV Homes' share of loss from unconsolidated entities	-7	-38	-84	-117	'
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets: [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Cash	117	'	117	'	53
Land and other inventory	6,126	'	6,126	'	6,126
Other assets	5	'	5	'	6
Total Assets	6,248	'	6,248	'	6,185
Liabilities and Partners' Capital: [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	84	'	84	'	83
AV Homes	1,235	'	1,235	'	1,220
Equity partners	4,929	'	4,929	'	4,882
Total Liabilities and Equity	6,248	'	6,248	'	6,185
Statement of operations for unconsolidated entities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	0	0	0	0	'
Cost and expenses	24	93	205	287	'
Net loss and comprehensive loss	-24	-93	-205	-287	'
AV Homes' share of loss from unconsolidated entities	($7)	($38)	($84)	($117)	'

Estimated_Development_Liabilit2

Estimated Development Liability for Sold Land (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
	homesite	Sep. 30, 2012	homesite	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Estimated Development Liability for Sold Land [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of estimated homes the estimated liability covers (homesites)	8,000	'	8,000	'	'
Gross estimated unexpended costs	$36,126	'	$36,126	'	$35,879
Less costs relating to unsold homesites	-2,885	'	-2,885	'	-2,905
Estimated development liability for sold land	33,241	'	33,241	'	32,974
Charges related to estimated liability for sold land	$17	$0	$46	$120	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pending Litigation [Member]	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Loss contingency on certain claims	$227	$258
Performance Guarantee [Member]	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Loss contingency on certain claims	$3,290	'

Business_Segments_Details

Business Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Real estate revenues	$34,898	$28,526	$89,472	$73,765
Interest income	96	32	130	95
Other	5	94	73	468
Total revenues	34,999	28,652	89,675	74,328
Operating income (loss)	1,935	-4,975	5,232	-6,661
Unallocated income (expenses) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Interest income	96	32	130	95
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	-1,144	0	-1,144
Equity loss from unconsolidated entities	-7	-38	-84	-117
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	-899	-33	-899	-1,475
General and administrative expenses	-3,885	-3,633	-11,882	-10,296
Interest expense	1,020	-1,903	-2,515	-6,256
Impairment of land developed or held for future development	958	-14	958	-2,861
Loss attributable to AV Homes	-978	-11,550	-10,402	-29,904
Active adult [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Real estate revenues	19,097	9,376	41,259	29,272
Operating income (loss)	975	-5,802	-1,458	-11,060
Primary residential [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Real estate revenues	15,070	10,297	38,161	23,373
Operating income (loss)	442	292	2,293	-917
Commercial and Industrial and Other Land Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Real estate revenues	674	8,696	9,556	20,753
Operating income (loss)	579	448	4,204	5,161
Other Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Real estate revenues	57	157	496	367
Operating income (loss)	-61	87	193	155
Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest income	96	32	130	95
Other	5	94	73	468
Total revenues	34,999	28,652	89,675	74,328
Unallocated income (expenses) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Equity loss from unconsolidated entities	-7	-38	-84	-117
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	-899	-33	-899	-1,475
General and administrative expenses	-3,885	-3,633	-11,882	-10,296
Interest expense	1,020	-1,903	-2,515	-6,256
Other real estate expenses	-1,095	125	-2,241	-2,664
Loss attributable to AV Homes	($1,877)	($11,583)	($11,301)	($31,379)