AV Homes 10-K 27 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 19, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Entity Registrant Name	AV Homes, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	39677
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-Known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$184,858,348
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		22,339,502
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$180,334	$144,727
Restricted cash	16,447	3,956
Land and other inventories	383,184	240,078
Receivables	2,906	3,893
Property and equipment, net	36,922	37,844
Investments in unconsolidated entities	17,991	1,230
Prepaid expenses and other assets	20,980	11,138
Assets held for sale	4,051	23,862
Goodwill	6,071	0
Total Assets	668,886	466,728
Liabilities
Accounts payable	16,087	9,757
Accrued and other liabilities	28,134	14,280
Customer deposits	4,966	2,323
Estimated development liability	33,003	33,232
Notes payable	299,956	105,402
Total Liabilities	382,146	164,994
Stockholders' Equity
Common Stock, par value $1 per share; Authorized: 50,000,000 shares; Issued: 22,097,252 shares at December 31, 2013 and 12,938,157 shares at December 31, 2012	22,183	22,097
Additional paid-in capital	396,989	394,504
Accumulated deficit	-129,413	-127,481
Equity before treasury stock	289,759	289,120
Treasury stock: at cost, 110,874 shares at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013	-3,019	-3,019
Total AV Homes stockholders’ equity	286,740	286,101
Non-controlling interests	0	15,633
Total Stockholders' Equity	286,740	301,734
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$668,886	$466,728

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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)	22,097,252	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 $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues
Homebuilding and amenity	$253,258	$124,651	$78,968
Land sales	32,596	16,303	26,595
Other real estate	59	528	598
Total real estate revenues	285,913	141,482	106,161
Expenses
Homebuilding and amenity	243,065	121,753	86,261
Land sales	22,003	8,111	18,581
Other real estate	1,133	3,450	6,279
Total real estate expenses	266,201	133,314	111,121
Impairment charges, net	0	-248	59,043
General and administrative expenses	0	0	1,144
Loss on extinguishment of debt	15,941	15,975	16,148
Interest and Other Income	-447	-2,218	-1,326
Interest expense	5,805	2,830	7,973
Total expenses	287,500	149,653	194,103
Equity in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities	-16	-101	259
Loss before income taxes	-1,603	-8,272	-87,683
Income tax (expense)	0	0	0
Net loss and comprehensive loss	-1,603	-8,272	-87,683
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	329	1,205	2,552
Net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to AV Homes stockholders	-1,932	-9,477	-90,235
Deemed dividend related to beneficial conversion feature of convertible preferred stock (Note 1)	0	-11,894	0
Net loss attributable to AV Homes common stockholders	($1,932)	($21,371)	($90,235)
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share (in dollars per share)	($0.09)	($1.34)	($7.19)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss (including net gain or loss attributable to non-controlling interests)	($1,932)	($8,272)	($87,683)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	3,267	2,804	4,405
Amortization of stock-based compensation	2,770	1,648	3,034
Impairment of land and other inventories	0	-248	59,043
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	0	0	1,144
Loss (income) from unconsolidated entities	16	101	-259
Loss from disposal of assets	0	36	1,130
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	-12,491	726	3,190
Receivables, net	987	2,837	999
Income tax receivable	0	1,293	0
Land and other inventories	-111,667	-68,787	-40,576
Assets held for sale	19,811	-1,213	4,429
Prepaid expenses and other assets	398	-361	-786
Accounts payable, estimated development liability, and accrued and other liabilities	15,643	6,661	3,243
Customer deposits and deferred revenues	1,789	338	374
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES	-81,409	-62,437	-48,313
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in property and equipment	-1,815	-1,023	-4,421
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	12	0	150
Return from Poinciana Parkway	-62,684	0	0
Return of capital from unconsolidated entities	33	0	19
Investment in unconsolidated entities	-3,644	-111	-135
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES	-68,098	-1,134	-4,387
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of 8.5% Convertible Notes	200,000	0	0
Principal payments of real estate borrowings	-5,446	0	0
Issuance of common shares	0	35,805	0
Issuance of preferred shares	0	92,030	0
Debt issuance costs	-9,220	0	-1,683
Contributions from consolidated joint venture partner	193	731	13,779
Distributions to consolidated joint venture partner	-413	-83	-3,897
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	185,114	128,483	8,199
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	35,607	64,912	-44,501
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	144,727	79,815	124,316
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR	180,334	144,727	79,815
Transfer from assets held for sale to land and other inventories and property and equipment	0	13,767	0
Beneficial conversion feature (deemed dividend)	0	11,894	0
Common stock issued for conversion of preferred stock	$0	$92,030	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Parent [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$254,646	$14,195	$282,953	$2,973	($45,924)	$254,197	$449
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011		-14,194,776			-1,252,274
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock	200	23	177			200
Issuance of common stock (in shares)		22,834
Issuances of restricted stock units and stock units	3,303	424	2,879			3,303
Issuances of restricted stock units and stock units (in shares)		424,520
Forfeiture of restricted stock	-3,303	-501	-2,802			-3,303
Forfeiture of restricted stock (in shares)		-501,084
Stock repurchases	-821	-62	-759			-821
Stock repurchases (in shares)		-61,489
Forfeiture of restricted stock	2,834		2,834			2,834
Retirement of treasury stock	-3	-1,141	-22,919	-18,848	42,905	-3
Retirement of treasury stock (in shares)		-1,141,400			1,141,400
Contributions from non-controlling interests	10,703						10,703
Net (loss) income	-87,683			-90,235		-90,235	2,552
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	179,876	12,938	262,363	-106,110	-3,019	166,172	13,704
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012		-12,938,157			-110,874
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock	127,834	9,215	118,619			127,834
Issuance of common stock (in shares)		9,215,017
Issuances of restricted stock units and stock units		96	-96
Issuances of restricted stock units and stock units (in shares)		96,372
Forfeiture of restricted stock		-148	148
Forfeiture of restricted stock (in shares)		-147,833
Stock repurchases	-76	-4	-72			-76
Stock repurchases (in shares)		-4,461
Forfeiture of restricted stock	1,648		1,648			1,648
Issuances of restricted stock units and stock units			11,894	-11,894
Contributions from non-controlling interests	724						724
Net (loss) income	-8,272			-9,477		-9,477	1,205
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	301,734	22,097	394,504	-127,481	-3,019	286,101	15,633
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		-22,097,252			-110,874
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuances of restricted stock units and stock units		128	-128
Issuances of restricted stock units and stock units (in shares)		127,518
Forfeiture of restricted stock		-30	30
Forfeiture of restricted stock (in shares)		-30,164
Stock repurchases	-227	-14	-213			-227
Stock repurchases (in shares)		-13,179
Forfeiture of restricted stock	2,770		2,770			2,770
Contributions from non-controlling interests	193						193
Net (loss) income	-1,932			-1,932		-1,932
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$286,740	$22,183	$396,989	($129,413)	($3,019)	$286,740
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		-22,182,972			-110,874

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Notes payable	$299,956
7.50% Notes [Member] | Convertible Notes Payable [Member]
Stated interest rate (percent)	8.50%

Basis_of_Financial_Presentatio

Basis of Financial Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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
	Basis of Presentation
	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.
	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 Aviator") pursuant to which TPG Aviator 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 Aviator of $135.0 million.
	On June 20, 2013, AV Homes and TPG Aviator closed the transactions (the “TPG Investment") contemplated by the Purchase Agreement, and AV Homes issued to TPG Aviator 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 6,657,543 shares of our Common Stock and (2) approved TPG Aviator'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 Aviator 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 $7.2 million of transaction fees in connection with the TPG Investment, which have been 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 in retained earnings and crediting additional paid-in capital for $11.9 million, consequently resulting in no diminution in total stockholders' 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 and Restricted Cash
	We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  As of December 31, 2014, our cash and cash equivalents were invested primarily in money market accounts that invest primarily in U.S. government securities.  Due to the short maturity period of the cash equivalents, the carrying amount of these instruments approximate their fair values.
	Our cash items that are restricted as to withdrawal or usage include deposits of $16.4 million and $4.0 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The balance as of December 31, 2014 is comprised primarily of $16.1 million on deposit as an interest reserve to comply with the terms of our Senior Secured Credit Facility.
	Land and Other Inventories
	Land and Other Inventories include expenditures for land acquisition, construction, land development, construction costs for homeowners association amenities, and direct and allocated indirect costs, including interest cost capitalized until development and construction are substantially completed. These costs are assigned to components of Land and Other Inventories based on specific identification, relative sales value, or area allocation methods.
	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, in accordance with ASC 360.
	We evaluate our Land and Other Inventories for impairment on a quarterly basis in accordance with ASC 360 to reflect market conditions, including a consideration of supply of new and resale homes for sale in the respective market, level of foreclosure activity and competition. 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
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, our impairment assessment resulted in no impairment charges related to land and other inventories. During 2013, we recorded impairment charges of $0.7 million related to land developed and/or held for future development or sale.
	In 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 $1.0 million. This reversal was the result of measuring these assets at the lower of the original carrying amount or the fair value at the date of the decision not to sell, in accordance with ASC 360-10-35-44.
	Receivables
	Receivables includes amounts in transit or due from title companies for house closings; membership dues related to our amenity operations; and contracts and mortgage notes receivable from the sale of land. Mortgage notes receivable comprise $0.4 million of the receivables balance.
	Property and Equipment, net
	Property and Equipment are stated at cost, net of depreciation, which is computed by the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives of the assets: land improvements 10 years 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 to land inventory.  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, construction, land development and direct and allocated 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. For our amenities, which are located within our housing communities, indicators of potential impairment are similar to those of our housing communities, 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 years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we did not identify indicators of impairments for Property and Equipment. During 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.
	Assets Held for Sale
	We classify assets held for sale in accordance with the criteria set forth in ASC 360. We continue to opportunistically sell non-core commercial and industrial assets, as well as scattered lot positions and land assets that are in excess of our needed supply in a given market. Under this plan, assets that meet the criteria above are classified as held for sale.
	For assets held for sale, if indicators are present, 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.
	During 2014, we sold assets held for sale with a carrying value and closing costs of $20.6 million for cash proceeds of $27.2 million for a gain of $6.6 million. Included in this was the sale of a multi-family property in Arizona to a related party for $13.9 million for a gain of $2.3 million. During 2013, we sold assets held for sale with a carrying value of $4.2 million for cash proceeds of $7.4 million for a gain of $3.2 million.
	Investments in Partnerships and LLCs
	When we are either deemed to hold the controlling interest in a voting interest entity or deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) we are required to consolidate the investment. 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 the majority of losses of the VIE or the right to receive the majority of benefits from the VIE. Investments where we don't hold the controlling interest and we are not the primary beneficiary are accounted for under the equity method.
	Factors considered when determining if we hold the controlling interest in a voting interest entity include who holds the general partnership or managing member interests, which partner or member makes the day-to-day decisions regarding the operations of the entity, and whether or not the other partners or members have substantive participating rights. With respect to VIEs, our variable interests may be in the form of (1) equity ownership, (2) contracts to purchase assets and/or (3) loans provided by us to the investor. We examine specific criteria and use judgment when determining if we are 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), sufficiency of equity to conduct the operations of the entity, voting rights, involvement in decisions significantly impacting the entity's economic performance, level of economic disproportionality between us and the other partner(s) and contracts to purchase assets from VIEs.
	We have investments in unconsolidated entities, including joint ventures, with independent third parties. The equity method of accounting is used for unconsolidated entities over which we have significant influence. Under the equity method of accounting, we recognize our proportionate share of the earnings and losses of these entities.
	We evaluate our investments in unconsolidated entities for recoverability in accordance with ASC 323, “Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures” (“ASC 323”). If we determine that a loss in the value of the investment is other than temporary, we write down the investment to its estimated fair value. Any such losses are recorded to equity in (earnings) loss of unconsolidated entities in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Due to uncertainties in the estimation process and the significant volatility in demand for new housing, actual results could differ significantly from such estimates.
	Non-Controlling Interest
	At December 31, 2013, we consolidated an investment in an LLC where AV Homes was determined to be the primary beneficiary due to a related party affiliation. Therefore, the LLC's financial statements were consolidated in our financial statements and the other partner’s equity in the LLC was recorded as non-controlling interest as a component of consolidated equity.   At December 31, 2014, we were no longer considered the primary beneficiary of this LLC due to a discontinuation of a related party affiliation, resulting in shared power between the remaining members, see Note 5.
	Purchase Accounting
	When acquiring a business, we allocate the purchase price of real estate to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair values. In making estimates of fair values for this purpose, we use a number of sources, including independent appraisals and information obtained about each property as a result our pre-acquisition due diligence and its marketing and housing activities.
	Goodwill
	In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), we evaluate goodwill for possible impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we voluntarily changed the date of our annual goodwill impairment testing from the last day of the fiscal year to the first day of the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter for all reporting units. This voluntary change is preferable under the circumstances because it will allow us more time to complete the annual goodwill impairment testing in advance of our year-end reporting. This voluntary change in accounting principle related to the annual testing date will not delay, accelerate or avoid an impairment charge. This change is not applied retrospectively as it is impracticable to do so because retrospective application would require application of significant estimates and assumptions with the use of hindsight. Accordingly, the change will be applied prospectively.
	We use a three step process to assess the realizability of goodwill. The first step is a qualitative assessment that analyzes current economic indicators associated with a particular reporting unit. For example, we analyze changes in economic, market and industry conditions, business strategy, cost factors, and financial performance, among others, to determine if there would be a significant decline to the fair value of a particular reporting unit. If the qualitative assessment indicates a stable or improved fair value, no further testing is required.
	If a qualitative assessment indicates that a significant decline to fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not, or if a reporting unit’s fair value has historically been closer to its carrying value, we will proceed to the second step where we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on discounted future probability-weighted cash flows. If this step indicates that the carrying value of a reporting unit is in excess of its fair value, we will proceed to the third step where the fair value of the reporting unit will be allocated to assets and liabilities as they would in a business combination. Impairment occurs when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value calculated in the third step.
	Based on our analysis, we have concluded that, as of December 31, 2014, our goodwill was not impaired.
	Revenues
	In accordance with ASC 360, revenues from the sales of housing units are recognized when the sales are closed and title passes to the purchasers. In addition, revenues from commercial, industrial and other land sales are recognized in full at closing, provided the buyer's initial and continuing investment is adequate, any financing is considered collectible and there is no significant continuing involvement. Sales incentives are included in Real Estate Revenue-Homebuilding in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
	Advertising Costs
	Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, advertising costs totaled $3.1 million, $2.4 million and $2.9 million, respectively. Advertising costs, sales commissions and closing costs are included in Real Estate Expenses--Homebuilding in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
	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 have, and require our subcontractors to have, general liability, property, errors and omissions, workers compensation, and other business insurance. These insurance policies protect us against a portion of our risk of loss from claims, subject to certain self-insured per occurrence and aggregate retentions, deductibles, and available policy limits. We may have recourse against subcontractors for certain claims relating to workmanship and materials.  Warranty reserves are included in Accrued and Other Liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, changes in the warranty reserve consist of the following (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Accrued warranty reserve, beginning of period	$	638		$	549		$	537
	Reserve provided	1,495			578			774
	Payments	(605		)	(489		)	(762		)
	Accrued warranty reserve, end of period	$	1,528		$	638		$	549
	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.
	We evaluate our 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.  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 2014, we recognized a decrease of $0.4 million in the valuation allowance. During 2013, we recognized an increase of $3.7 million in the valuation allowance. As of December 31, 2014, our deferred tax asset valuation allowance was $129.9 million.  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.
	Any interest or penalties that have been assessed in the past have been minimal and immaterial to our financial results.  In the event we are assessed any interest or penalties in the future, we plan to include them in our statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) as income tax expense.
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Amended and Restated 1997 Incentive and Capital Accumulation Plan (2005 Restatement), as amended, (the “Incentive Plan”) provides for the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, performance awards, and stock units to officers, employees and directors of AV Homes.  The exercise prices 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 December 31, 2014, an aggregate of 1,018,980 shares of our common stock, subject to certain adjustments, were reserved for issuance under the Incentive Plan, including an aggregate of 743,047 options, restricted stock units and stock units granted.  There were 275,933 shares available for grant at December 31, 2014.
	Employee Benefit Plans
	We have a defined contribution savings plan that covers substantially all employees.  Under this savings plan, we may contribute to the plan based upon specified percentages of employees' voluntary contributions.  We made no contributions to the plan for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to AV Homes stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings 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.  The computation of diluted loss per share for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 did not assume the effect of restricted stock units, employee stock options, the 4.50% Notes, the 7.50% Notes, or the 7.50% Exchange Notes because the effects were antidilutive.
The weighted average number of shares outstanding in calculating basic earnings per share includes the issuance of 67,274 shares in 2014, 9,272,795 shares in 2013, and 122,388 shares in 2012, due to the conversion of restricted stock units each year, and stock issued in connection with the 2013 TPG Investment as described above.  Excluded from the weighted average number of shares outstanding are 127,078 shares for 2014, 100,898 shares for 2013, and 209,270 shares for 2012 that are subject to vesting and performance requirements (see Note 10). In accordance with ASC 260 Earnings Per Share, nonvested shares are not included in basic earnings per share until the vesting and performance requirements are met.
In accordance with ASC 470-20 Debt, 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 ($.75) per share effect on earnings for the year ended December 31, 2013.
The following table represents a reconciliation of the net loss and weighted average shares outstanding for the calculation of basic and diluted loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
	For the Year Ended
	2014			2013			2012
Numerator:
Basic and diluted loss per share – net loss	$	(1,932	)	$	(9,477	)	$	(90,235	)
Deemed dividend related to the beneficial conversion feature	—			(11,894		)	—
Loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(1,932	)	$	(21,371	)	$	(90,235	)
Denominator:
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding	21,945,491			15,935,701			12,557,416
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net loss and comprehensive loss are the same for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: identify the contract(s) with a customer; identify the performance obligations in the contract; determine the transaction price; allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 605, “Revenue Recognition,” most industry-specific guidance throughout the industry topics of the accounting standards codification, and some cost guidance related to construction-type and production-type contracts. ASU 2014-09 is effective for public entities for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. Companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt ASU 2014-09. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-12, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period” (“ASU 2014-12”). The amendments in ASU 2014-12 require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in ASC 718, as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. The amendments in ASU 2014-12 are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Entities may apply the amendments in ASU 2014-12 either: (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date; or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. We believe the adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements — Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern” (“ASU 2014-15”), which requires management to evaluate, in connection with preparing financial statements for each annual and interim reporting period, whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued when applicable) and provide related disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. We believe the adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment, net
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, Property and Equipment, net balance consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 31
		2014			2013
	Land Improvements	$	21,816		$	21,734
	Building	39,050			38,700
	Equipment	6,698			5,434
	Motor Vehicles	603			603
	Furniture and Fixtures	4,017			3,344
	Capitalized Software	1,962			1,928
	Gross property and equipment	74,146			71,743
	Less Accumulated Depreciation	(37,224		)	(33,899		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	36,922		$	37,844
	As of December 31, 2014 we had $2.0 million of Equipment with $0.9 million of accumulated depreciation that were financed with capital leases.

Royal_Oaks_Homes_Acquisition

Royal Oaks Homes Acquisition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Royal Oaks Homes Acquisition	Royal Oak Homes Acquisition
	On March 13, 2014, we acquired substantially all of the assets and certain of the liabilities of Royal Oak Homes, LLC (“Royal Oak”) and certain land positions from an affiliate of Royal Oak. Royal Oak and its affiliate acquire and develop raw land and construct single family homes in the Central Florida area. The transaction will expand our presence in Central Florida and our existing presence in the Poinciana market. With over 2,500 primary residential lots owned or controlled at the time of acquisition, Royal Oak enhances our position in a key growth market. The total purchase price paid under the acquisition agreements was approximately $65.0 million in cash, which includes a potential $3.0 million payment related to an earn-out covering the financial results for 2014 and 2015. The earn-out has a fair value of $2.4 million as of December 31, 2014. The actual amount of the earn-out may be more or less than the $3.0 million target amount based on the performance of the Royal Oak business through the end of 2015. We will not pay any earn-out amounts unless the Royal Oak business achieves at least 50% of the target amount of financial performance. The results of Royal Oak are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date of March 13, 2014.
	The Royal Oak acquisition was accounted for in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations ("ASC 805"). We recorded the acquired assets and liabilities at their estimated fair value. We determined the estimated fair values with the assistance of appraisals or valuations performed by independent third-party specialists, discounted cash flow analyses, quoted market prices where available, and estimates by management. To the extent the consideration transferred exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired in this transaction, such excess was assigned to goodwill.
	We acquired substantially all of the assets of Royal Oak, including all of its real estate, land acquisition agreements and permits, and certain of its leases, contracts, commitments and purchase orders. We also assumed certain liabilities of Royal Oak, including the liabilities and obligations relating to the acquired contracts but excluding certain home warranty obligations relating to homes sold by Royal Oak prior to the acquisition. We will, however, provide warranty administrative services of up to $0.2 million with respect to these home warranty obligations for the two years following the closing of the acquisition.
	The following table summarizes the calculation of the fair value of the total consideration transferred to Royal Oak and its affiliate and the provisional amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:
	Calculation of purchase price consideration
	Cash paid for Royal Oak net assets		$	25,848
	Cash paid for bulk land purchase		28,009
	Contingent consideration (earn-out)		2,500
	Debt repaid at closing		8,827
	Total consideration		$	65,184
	Assets acquired and liabilities assumed
	Assets
	Prepaids and other current assets		$	582
	Land and other inventories		60,217
	Property, plant and equipment		366
	Trade name		614
	Goodwill		6,071
	Total assets acquired		67,850
	Liabilities
	Accounts payable		1,343
	Accrued and other liabilities		469
	Customer deposits		854
	Total liabilities assumed		2,666
	Total net assets acquired		$	65,184
	Fair value
	Cash and equivalents, other assets, accounts payable, and accrued and other liabilities were generally stated at historical carrying values given the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities. Liabilities were recorded at historical carrying values in accordance with ASC 805.
	The Company determined the fair value of inventory on a lot-by-lot basis primarily using a combination of market comparable land transactions, where available, and discounted cash flow models, and independent appraisals were also utilized in certain instances. These estimated cash flows are significantly impacted by estimates related to expected average home selling prices and sales incentives, expected sales paces and cancellation rates, expected land development and construction timelines, and anticipated land development, construction, and overhead costs. Such estimates must be made for each individual community and may vary significantly between communities.
	The fair values for acquired intangible assets were determined based on valuations performed by independent valuation specialists. The $0.6 million of acquired intangible assets relates to trade names that will be amortized over three years. Amortization expense for these assets totaled $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, which is included in the consolidated statements of operations within homebuilding expense.
	The Company has substantially completed its business combination accounting as of December 31, 2014. For the year ended December 31, 2014, goodwill increased by a net $0.1 million due to a revision of the valuation of acquired inventory, partially offset by a post-closing purchase price adjustment. The Company has not completed its final review of certain other assets and liabilities. Final determinations of the values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed may result in adjustments to the values presented above and a corresponding adjustment to goodwill.
	Transaction and integration costs
	Transaction and integration costs directly related to the Royal Oak acquisition, including legal, accounting and broker fees, totaled $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, the majority of which are included in the consolidated statements of operations within corporate general and administrative expenses. Such costs were expensed as incurred in accordance with ASC 805.
	Goodwill
	As of the acquisition date, goodwill includes the expected economic value attributable to Royal Oak’s assembled workforce. The acquisition provides increased scale and presence in an existing market with immediate revenue opportunities through an established backlog. We expect $3.7 million of goodwill to be deductible for tax purposes as of December 31, 2014.
	Supplemental pro forma information
	The following represents pro forma operating results as if Royal Oak had been included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations as of the beginning of the fiscal years presented (dollars in thousands):
		For the Year Ended
		2014			2013
	Revenue	$	299,049		$	201,534
	Net income (loss)	$	141		$	(3,283	)
	Income (loss) per common share - basic and diluted	$	0.01		$	(0.95	)
	Certain adjustments, including those related to conforming accounting policies and adjusting acquired inventory to fair value, have not been reflected in the supplemental pro forma operating results due to the impracticability of estimating such impacts. These results may not be indicative of future operating results.
	The amount of revenue and net income of Royal Oak since the acquisition date included in the consolidated income statement for 2014 is $67.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

Land_and_Other_Inventories

Land and Other Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Land and Other Inventories [Abstract]
Land and Other Inventories	Land and Other Inventories
	Land and Other Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec
		2014			2013
	Active Adult
	Land developed and in process of development	$	93,285		$	57,138
	Land held for future development or sale	20,844			58,423
	Homes completed or under construction	34,519			25,478
	Total Active Adult	148,648			141,039
	Primary Residential
	Land developed and in process of development	166,120			77,983
	Homes completed or under construction	58,057			11,013
	Total Primary Residential	224,177			88,996
	Land developed and in process of development-Other	10,359			10,043
		$	383,184		$	240,078
	We capitalize interest to inventories during the period of development in accordance with ASC 835, Interest ("ASC 835"). Homebuilding interest capitalized as cost of inventories is included in cost of sales as related units or lots are sold. To the extent our homebuilding debt exceeds our qualified assets, as defined in ASC 835, we expense a portion of interest incurred. Qualified homebuilding assets consist of land, lots and homes, excluding finished unsold homes or finished models, that are under development or construction.
	The following table represents interest incurred, interest capitalized, and interest expense for 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		For the Year Ended
		2014			2013			2012
	Interest incurred	$	18,107		$	9,296		$	9,236
	Interest capitalized	(12,302		)	(6,466		)	(1,263		)
	Interest expense	$	5,805		$	2,830		$	7,973

Investments_in_Partnerships_an

Investments in Partnerships and LLCs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	Investments in Partnerships and LLCs
	We participate in entities with equity interests ranging from 20% to 58% for the purpose of acquiring and/or developing land in which we may or may not have a controlling interest or be the primary beneficiary. We determine the method for accounting for our investment at inception or upon a reconsideration event.
	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% 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 is distributed to the partners at cost, once certain entitlements and development activities are completed.
	On May 14, 2014, EM 646 distributed $7.1 million of developed land to AV Homes.
	During 2014, we were no longer considered the primary beneficiary of this LLC due to a discontinuation of a related party affiliation, resulting in shared power between the remaining members. As we no longer have the power on a stand-alone basis to direct the activities of the LLC that most significantly impact the LLC’s economic performance, we deconsolidated this LLC, in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation and ASC 360. As this transaction involves the deconsolidation of in-substance real estate, we have accounted for the deconsolidation under ASC 360-20, Real Estate Sales. In determining whether a gain should be recognized as part of this transaction, ASC 360-20-40-10, Real Estate Sales, requires that a sufficient amount of cash be received in order to recognize a gain on transactions within the scope of ASC 360. As we did not receive any proceeds from this transaction and as there was not a culmination of an earning process, we recognized our investment in the venture at our carry over cost basis and, therefore, no gain or loss was recognized. We will reflect future earnings, contributions and distributions on an equity method basis. At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, non-controlling interest was $0.0 million and $15.6 million, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2013, our consolidated balance sheet included $34.0 million of land and other inventories owned by EM 646. As of December 31, 2014, our consolidated balance sheet included $16.8 million in investments in unconsolidated entities related to the EM 646 joint venture.
	We and our equity partners make capital contributions to the entity on a pro rata basis. The obligation to make such capital contributions is governed by the entity’s operating agreement. As of December 31, 2014, this entity was financed by partner equity and does not have third-party debt. In addition, we have not provided any guarantees to the entity or our equity partner. The assets of our investee can only be used to settle obligations of the investee.
	We share in the profits and losses of unconsolidated entities generally in accordance with our ownership interests. We and our equity partners make initial and 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. We made contributions totaling $3.6 million, $0.1 million, and $0.1 million to our unconsolidated entities during 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The balance of our investments in unconsolidated entities was $18.0 million and $1.2 million at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The increase is due to the Company no longer being considered the primary beneficiary, resulting in the EM 646 entity being unconsolidated at December 31, 2014.
	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 $2.7 million 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 60.0%
	share of this income, $1.6 million, on our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) as a component of net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated entities for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Lease_Commitments

Lease Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
LEASE COMMITMENTS
	We lease the majority of our administration and sales offices under operating leases that expire at varying times through 2019. Rental expense was $0.5 million in 2014, $0.5 million in 2013, and $0.4 million in 2012. The following table reflects lease commitments as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
				Payments Due By Period
	Lease Commitment	Total			2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		2020 and after
	Noncancelable Operating Leases	$	2,955		$	715	$	715	$	714	$	537	$	260	$	14
	Capital Lease Obligations	1,317			460		495		362		—
	Leased Model Homes	222			220		2		—		—
	Total	$	4,494		$	1,395	$	1,212	$	1,076	$	537	$	260	$	14

Notes_Payable

Notes Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Notes, Mortgage Notes and Other Debt	Notes payable are summarized as follows:
		31-Dec
		2014			2013
	7.50% Convertible Notes, due 2016	$	55,481		$	55,500
	7.50% Exchange Notes, due 2016	44,475			44,500
	4.50% Convertible Senior Notes, due 2024 (a)	—			5,402
	8.50% Senior Notes due 2019	200,000			—
	Senior Secured Credit Facility	—			—
	Total	$	299,956		$	105,402
	(a) These Notes were tendered and repaid on April 1, 2014.
	7.50% Senior Convertible Notes due 2016
	On February 4, 2011, we completed an underwritten public offering for $100.0 million 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 on the 7.50% Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on February 15 and August 15 of each year. As of December 31, 2014, $55.5 million aggregate principal amount of the 7.50% Notes remain outstanding. The other $44.5 million of original principal balance was exchanged for other convertible notes as discussed below.
	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.
	Repurchase Right: Holders of the 7.50% Notes had 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. Holders put $19 thousand of the 7.5% Notes to us on February 15, 2014.
	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.
	7.50% Senior Exchange Convertible Notes due 2016
	In July 2012, we entered into exchange agreements under which we retired $44.5 million in aggregate principal amount of our 7.50% Notes, in exchange for the issuance of $44.5 million 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 on the 7.50% Exchange Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing February 15, 2013. In conjunction with the issuance of the 7.50% Exchange Notes, we wrote off $1.1 million of deferred costs associated with the 7.50% Notes.
	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.
	Repurchase Right: Unlike the 7.50% Notes, the 7.50% Exchange Notes did not provide the holders the right to 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).
	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 December 31, 2014, subject to further review over the life of the 7.50% Exchange Notes.  As of December 31, 2014, $44.5 million aggregate principal amount of the 7.50% Exchange Notes remain outstanding. We were in compliance with all covenants of the 7.50% Notes and 7.50% Exchange Notes as of December 31, 2014.
	8.50% Senior Notes due 2019
	On June 30, 2014, we completed an underwritten offering for $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 8.50% Senior Notes due 2019 (the “8.50% Notes”). The 8.50% Notes mature on July 1, 2019 unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased. The 8.50% Notes are governed by the indenture dated June 30, 2014 between us, the subsidiary guarantors named therein, and the trustee named therein.
	Interest: Interest on the 8.50% Notes is 8.50% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on January 1 and July 1 of each year, commencing January 1, 2015.
	Optional redemption: The 8.50% Notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at any time on or after July 1, 2016, at certain redemption prices, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of redemption.
	•	At any time prior to July 1, 2016, we may redeem up to 35% of the original principal amount of the 8.50% Notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 108.50% of the principal amount of the 8.50% Notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of redemption.
	•	At any time prior to July 1, 2016, we may also redeem some or all of the 8.50% Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes, plus a “make-whole premium,” together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of redemption.
	•	On or after July 1, 2016, we may, at our option, redeem the 8.50% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at the following redemption prices (expressed in percentages of the principal amount
	thereof), plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date
	falling prior to or on the redemption date), if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on July 1 of each year indicated below:
	Year Percentage
	2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106.375%
	2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103.188%
	2018 and thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.000%
	Covenants: The indenture contains covenants that limit our and certain of our subsidiaries' ability to (i) pay dividends, or make other distributions or redeem or purchase our capital stock; (ii) prepay, redeem or repurchase certain debt; (iii) incur additional and guarantee indebtedness; (iv) issue certain preferred stock or similar equity securities; (v) make loans and investments; (vi) incur liens; (vii) sell assets; (viii) enter into transactions with affiliates; (ix) enter into agreements restricting our subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends; (x) consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all assets; and (xi) alter the business we conduct. These covenants are subject to certain exceptions and qualifications. We were in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2014.
	If we experience specific kinds of changes in control, holders of the 8.50% Notes will be entitled to require us to purchase all or a portion of the 8.50% Notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the date of repurchase.
	Exchange offer; registration rights: In connection with the issuance of the 8.50% Notes, we entered into an agreement with the initial purchasers obligating us to file a registration statement with the SEC within 360 days so that the initial purchasers can:
	•	exchange the notes for registered notes having substantially the same terms as the 8.50% Notes and evidencing the same indebtedness as the 8.50% Notes, and
	•	exchange the related 8.50% Note guarantees for registered guarantees having substantially the same terms as the original 8.50% Note guarantees.
	Guarantors: Certain of our subsidiaries are guarantors of the 8.50% Notes. All of the subsidiary guarantors are 100% owned by us, and all of the guarantees are full, unconditional, and joint and several. We have no independent assets or operations, and our subsidiaries, other than the subsidiary guarantors, are minor.
	We have assessed the 8.50% Notes and concluded that the impact of any embedded derivative features are not material as of December 31, 2014.
	Senior Secured Credit Facility
	On April 7, 2014, we entered into a $65.0 million senior secured credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent, a lender and a letter of credit issuer (the "Senior Secured Credit Facility"). The other original lenders and letter of credit issuers include Royal Bank of Canada and Credit Suisse AG. In August 2014, we increased the Senior Secured Credit Facility by $25.0 million with the addition of Citibank, N.A. as an additional lender. In December 2014, we increased the Senior Secured Credit Facility by $15.0 million with the addition of Deutsche Bank, A.G. as an additional lender.
	The Senior Secured Credit Facility includes revolving credit and letter of credit facilities in an aggregate principal amount of up to$105.0 million, with an “accordion” feature that allows us, with the consent of the lenders, to increase the aggregate amount to $175.0 million. The Senior Secured Credit Facility also includes a swing line loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $30.0 million. The maximum amount available under the Senior Secured Credit Facility is limited to 100% of cash maintained in a borrowing base account, to the extent it exceeds the interest reserve, escrowed deposits and funds payable to us following the sale of real property, plus the following, subject to certain limitations:
		•		85% of the appraised value of our real property that is under contract or under construction and is or is planned to be single-family residential housing units or model homes; plus
		•		65% of the appraised value of our finished lots and lots under development; plus
		•		50% of the appraised value of our entitled lands that are not finished lots or lots under development.
	To be included in this borrowing base, the real property must be owned by us or one of our subsidiaries that guaranties the Senior Secured Credit Facility and it must be appraised, pledged as collateral and meet certain other criteria. At December 31, 2014, we had qualified assets in the amount of $82.4 million in the borrowing base and had no borrowings outstanding.
	Interest will be payable on revolving credit borrowings at variable rates determined by the applicable LIBOR plus 3.25% or the prime rate plus 2.25%, at our election. We pay quarterly fees of 0.50% per annum on the unused portion of the Senior Secured Credit Facility to the lenders, 0.125% per annum on the aggregate undrawn amount of each letter of credit to the issuer of such letter of credit, and 3.25% per annum on the aggregate undrawn amount of all letters of credit to the lenders.
	The Senior Secured Credit Facility expires in 2017. Upon expiration, all borrowings become due and payable. We may prepay the Senior Secured Credit Facility or reduce the commitments thereunder at our option, without any prepayment fee or penalty.
	Certain of our subsidiaries are guarantors of the Senior Secured Credit Facility.  All of the subsidiary guarantors are 100% owned by us and all of the guarantees are full, unconditional and joint and several.   We have no independent assets or operations, and our subsidiaries other than the subsidiary guarantors are minor.  The Senior Secured Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of our and our subsidiary guarantors’ assets.  We have the option to add or remove guarantors from time to time, subject to certain limitations. The Senior Secured Credit Facility is also secured by all of the capital stock of the subsidiaries owned directly by us and our subsidiary guarantors.
	The Senior Secured Credit Facility contains certain restrictions and covenants, which, among other things, restrict our ability to acquire or merge with another entity, make investments, loans or guarantees, incur additional indebtedness, create liens or other encumbrances, or pay cash dividends or make other distributions.
	The Senior Secured Credit Facility also requires that we comply with the following financial covenants as of the end of each fiscal quarter beginning June 30, 2014:
	•	our leverage ratio may not exceed 60%;
	•	if our interest coverage ratio is less than 1.50 to 1.00, we must deposit to an interest reserve account an amount equal to the interest we have incurred on all indebtedness during the prior 12 months; and
	•	our consolidated tangible net worth, excluding the tangible net worth of our subsidiaries that do not guaranty the Senior Secured Credit Facility, must be at least $228.9 million plus 50% of our cumulative consolidated net income since December 31, 2013 plus 50% of the net proceeds of any equity offerings.
	We were in compliance with all financial covenants at December 31, 2014.
	Maturities of notes payable at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		Total
	2015	$	—
	2016	99,956
	2017	—
	2018	—
	2019	200,000
Thereafter	—
	$	299,956
We made interest payments of $7.6 million in 2014, $7.9 million in 2013, and $7.6 million in 2012.

Accrued_and_Other_Liabilities

Accrued and Other Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
ACCRUED AND OTHER LIABILITIES	Accrued and Other Liabilities
	Accrued and other liabilities are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		31-Dec
		2014		2013
	Accrued Interest	$	11,312	$	2,873
	Accrued compensation	4,052		3,080
	Warranty reserve	1,528		638
	Infrastructure obligations	4,671		5,073
	Contingent consideration	2,404		—
	Other	4,167		2,616
		$	28,134	$	14,280

Estimated_Development_Liabilit

Estimated Development Liability for Sold Land	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Estimated Development Liability for Sold Land [Abstract]
Estimated Development Liability for Sold Land	Estimated Development Liability
	The estimated development liability consists primarily of utilities improvements in Poinciana and Rio Rico for more than 8,000 home sites previously sold, in most cases prior to 1980, and is summarized as follows (in thousands):
		31-Dec
		2014			2013
	Gross estimated unexpended costs	$	35,888		$	36,117
	Less costs relating to unsold home sites	(2,885		)	(2,885		)
	Estimated development liability for sold land	$	33,003		$	33,232
	The estimated development liability is reduced by actual expenditures and is evaluated and adjusted, as appropriate, to reflect management’s estimate of potential costs.  We engage third-party engineer evaluations and adjust this liability as necessary to reflect changes in the estimated costs. We recorded charges associated with these obligations of $0.0 million, $0.3 million, and $0.1 million during 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Cash expenditures associated with these obligations were $0.2 million, $0.1 million, and $0.1 million during 2014, 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.

ShareBased_Payments_and_Other_

Share-Based Payments and Other Executive Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Payments and Other Executive Compensation	Share-Based Payments and Other 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 December 31, 2014, an aggregate of 1,018,980 shares of our common stock, subject to certain adjustments, were reserved for issuance under the Incentive Plan, including an aggregate of 743,047 options, restricted stock units and stock units granted. There were 275,933 shares available for grant at December 31, 2014.
	During 2013, we cancelled 114,750 restricted shares granted in 2011 to certain executives and issued additional performance-based restricted shares in exchange. 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. 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.
	Compensation expense related to the stock option, restricted stock, and restricted stock unit awards during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $2.8 million, $1.6 million, and $3.0 million, respectively. During 2014, we did not grant any stock options. During 2014, we granted 127,518 restricted stock unit awards, which have a weighted average grant date fair value of $13.59 per share.
	As of December 31, 2014, there was $1.5 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units. That expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.61 years.
	As of December 31, 2014, there was $3.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options. That expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years.
	Under ASC 718 Stock Compensation ("ASC 718"), the fair value of awards of restricted stock and units which do not contain a specified hurdle price condition is based on the market price of our common stock on the date of grant. Under ASC 718, the fair value of restricted stock awards that contain a specified hurdle price condition is estimated on the grant date using the Monte-Carlo option valuation model. Under ASC 718, the fair value of each stock option is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The valuation models require assumptions and estimates to determine expected volatility, expected life, expected dividend yield and expected risk-free interest rates. The expected volatility was determined using historical volatility of our stock based on the contractual life of the award. The risk-free interest rate assumption was based on the yield on zero-coupon U.S. Treasury strips at the award grant date. We also used historical data to estimate forfeiture experience.
	The significant weighted average assumptions used for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		2014				2013				2012
	Dividend yield	—		%		—		%		—		%
	Volatility rate	42.60%				52.37%-52.49%				47.40%-61.25%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.66%				1.66%-1.86%				0.17%-0.43%
	Expected life (years)	2.91				6.25				0.50-4.08
	Weighted average fair value of units granted	$	9.3			$	8.75			$	7.98
	A summary of the status of the stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is presented below:
		2014							2013					2012
		Stock			Weighted				Stock			Weighted		Stock	Weighted
		Options			Average				Options			Average		Options	Average
					Exercise Price							Exercise Price			Exercise Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year	585,036			$	16.99			110,000			$	25	110,000	$	25
	Granted	—			—				585,036			16.99		—	—
	Exercised	—			—				—			—		—	—
	Forfeited	(30,000	)		16.8				(110,000	)		—		—	—
	Outstanding at end of year	555,036			$	17			585,036			$	16.99	110,000	$	25
	Exercisable at end of year	146,259			$	16.99			—			$	—	110,000	$	25
	The weighted average remaining contractual life of stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2014 was 8.8 years.
	A summary of the restricted stock and stock units activity for the year ended December 31, 2014, is presented below:
		Restricted			Weighted
		Stock and			Average
		Stock Units			Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Outstanding at beginning of year	120,588		-1	$	19.68
	Granted	127,518			13.59
	Vested	(72,590	)		16.23
	Expired/Forfeited/Cancelled	(30,164	)		14.66
	Outstanding at end of year	145,352			$	16.77
	(1) Restricted stock shares are considered legally outstanding but are not considered outstanding for accounting purposes until the vesting conditions are satisfied in accordance with authoritative accounting guidance.
	Under a deferral program, non-management directors may elect to defer up to 50% of annual retainer fees, committee fees and/or chairperson fees, for which the director is credited with a number of stock units based upon the closing price of our common stock on the due date of each payment.  The number of stock units become distributable as shares of common stock upon the earlier of a date designated by the individual director or the date of the individual’s separation from service as a director.  No stock units were distributed to non-management directors during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The outstanding balance of stock units as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was 42,659, 36,257 and 30,929, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income taxes have been provided using the liability method under 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.
	The components of income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Current
	Federal	$	—		$	—		$	—
	State	—			—			—
	Total current	—			—			—
	Deferred
	Federal	—			—			—
	State	—			—			—
	Total deferred	—			—			—
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.  Significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Deferred income tax assets
	Tax over book basis of land inventory	$	15,085		$	15,699
	Unrecoverable land development costs	6,222			6,728
	Executive incentive compensation	1,338			1,086
	Net operating loss carry forward	61,128			50,136
	Impairment charges	55,529			67,453
	Other	4,061			4,257
	Total deferred income tax assets	143,363			145,359
	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	(129,862		)	(130,232		)
	Net deferred income tax assets	13,501			15,127
	Deferred income tax liabilities
	State tax effect of deferred tax assets	(3,412		)	(4,344		)
	Book over tax income recognized on sale of the Ocala Property	(7,751		)	(8,870		)
	Tax over book on 4.50% Convertible Notes	(960		)	(621		)
	Book over tax basis of depreciable assets	(1,378		)	(1,292		)
	Total deferred income tax liabilities	(13,501		)	(15,127		)
	Net deferred income tax liability	$	—		$	—
	At December 31, 2014, our gross federal and state NOL carryforwards were approximately $142.7 million and $304.1 million, respectively. Federal NOL carryforwards may be used to offset future taxable income for 20 years and begin to expire in 2030. State NOL carryforwards may be used to offset future taxable income for a period of time ranging from 5 to 20 years, depending on the state, and begin to expire in 2015.
	In accordance with ASC 740, we evaluate our 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 market conditions provided significant evidence supporting the need for a valuation allowance. During 2014, we recognized a decrease of $0.4 million in the deferred tax valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets generated from the pretax loss for the year. As of December 31, 2014, our deferred tax asset valuation allowance was $129.9 million.  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.
	No additional income tax benefits were generated from the exercise of share-based compensation during 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	A reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) to the expected income tax expense (benefit) at the federal statutory rate of 35% for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Income tax (benefit) expense computed at statutory rate	$	(522	)	$	(3,317	)	$	(31,582	)
	State income tax (benefit) expense, net of federal benefit	823			(385		)	(3,388		)
	Change in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets	(370		)	3,699			35,050
	Prior period adjustments charged to retained earnings	—			—			—
	Other	69			3			(80		)
	Income tax (benefit) expense	$	—		$	—		$	—
	We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. We are subject to U.S. federal income tax examination for calendar tax years ending 2011 through 2014. Additionally, we are subject to various state income tax examinations for the 2010 through 2014 calendar tax years.
	We received income tax payment refunds of $0.0 million and $1.3 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 $0.1 million and $0.3 million, which have been accrued in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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, results of operations or cash flows.
	Performance bonds, issued by third-party entities, are used primarily to guarantee our performance to construct improvements in our various communities. As of December 31, 2014, we had outstanding performance bonds of approximately $21.5 million. We do not believe that it is likely any of these outstanding performance bonds will be drawn upon.

Other_Matters

Other Matters	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
OTHER MATTERS [Abstract]
Other Matters	Other Matters
	At two of our communities in Florida, tax-exempt bond financing is utilized to fund and manage portions of public infrastructure consisting primarily of storm water management facilities, drainage works, irrigation facilities, water and wastewater utilities, roads, and lighting.  The bonds were issued by community development districts (the “CDDs”), independent special-purpose units of county government, established and operating in accordance with Chapter 190 of the Florida Statutes.  The bonds are serviced by non-ad valorem special assessments levied on certain developable and developed property within our communities, and the assessments constitute a liability against the developable and developed property and are intended to secure the CDDs’ ability to meet bond servicing obligations.  In accordance with EITF 91-10, Accounting for Special Assessments and Tax Increment Financing, we record and pay the assessments on parcels we own when such assessments are fixed and determinable.  The bonds are not a liability of AV Homes or any other landowner within the CDDs but are obligations secured by the land.  For the developable and developed parcels we own within the CDDs, we pay the assessments until such parcels are sold.  After a sale by AV Homes, we no longer pay the assessments on the parcel sold and any future assessments become the responsibility of the new owner and its successors in title until the bonds are paid in full.

Reportable_Segments

Reportable Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segments	Segment Information
	Our current operations include the following reportable segments: the development, sale and management of active adult communities; the development and sale of primary residential communities; and the sale of commercial, industrial or other land.
	Our operating segments are defined as a component of an enterprise for which discrete financial information is available and is reviewed regularly by the chief operating decision maker, to evaluate performance and make operating decisions. We have identified our chief operating decision maker as the Chief Executive Officer.
	The following table summarizes our information for reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 (in thousands):
		For the Year Ended
		2014			2013			2012
	Operating income (loss):
	Active adult communities:
	Revenues:
	Homebuilding	$	124,372		$	69,362		$	36,018
	Amenity	7,960			7,227			7,014
	Total revenue	132,332			76,589			43,032
	Expenses:
	Homebuilding	98,992			55,543			31,619
	Homebuilding selling, general and administrative	17,097			12,605			13,150
	Amenity	7,887			8,013			7,182
	Segment operating income (loss)	$	8,356		$	428		$	(8,919	)
	Primary residential communities:
	Revenues:
	Homebuilding	$	118,799		$	45,611		$	33,496
	Amenity	2,127			2,451			2,440
	Total revenue	120,926			48,062			35,936
	Expenses:
	Homebuilding	99,892			36,255			27,760
	Homebuilding selling, general and administrative	17,264			6,930			5,805
	Amenity	1,932			2,440			2,380
	Segment operating income (loss)	$	1,838		$	2,437		$	(9	)
	Land sales:
	Revenues	$	32,596		$	16,303		$	26,595
	Expenses	22,003			8,111			18,581
	Segment operating income	$	10,593		$	8,192		$	8,014
	Other operations:
	Revenues	$	59		$	528		$	598
	Expenses	58			546			(33		)
	Segment operating income (loss)	$	1		$	(18	)	$	631
	Operating income (loss)	$	20,788		$	11,039		$	(283	)
	Unallocated income (expenses):
	Interest income and other	$	447		$	2,218		$	1,326
	Loss on repurchase of 4.50% Notes	—			—			(1,144		)
	Equity income (loss) from unconsolidated entities	(16		)	(101		)	259
	Corporate general and administrative expenses	(15,941		)	(15,975		)	(16,148		)
	Interest expense	(5,805		)	(2,830		)	(7,973		)
	Other real estate expenses	(1,076		)	(2,904		)	(6,312		)
	Impairment of land developed or held for future development	—			281			(57,408		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	(1,603	)	$	(8,272	)	$	(87,683	)
	Income tax expense	—			—			—
	Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests	(329		)	(1,205		)	(2,552		)
	Net loss attributable to AV Homes	$	(1,932	)	$	(9,477	)	$	(90,235	)
		31-Dec
		2014			2013
	Segment assets:
	Active adult communities	$	197,773		$	145,717
	Primary residential communities	242,338			91,076
	Commercial and industrial and other land	7,784			44,704
	Assets held for sale	4,051			23,862
	Unallocated assets	216,940			161,369
	Total assets	$	668,886		$	466,728
	a.	Our businesses are conducted in the United States.
	b.	Identifiable assets by segment are those assets that are used in the operations of each segment.
	c.	No significant part of the business is dependent upon a single customer or group of customers.
	d.	The caption “Unallocated assets” under the table depicting the segment assets represents the following as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively: cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $196.5 million and $148.3 million; land inventories of $4.6 million and $4.2 million; property and equipment of $2.7 million and $1.9 million; investment in and notes from unconsolidated entities of $1.2 million and $1.2 million; receivables of $2.0 million and $2.9 million; and prepaid expenses and other assets of $10.1 million and $2.8 million. None of the foregoing are directly attributable to a reportable segment in accordance with ASC 280.
	e.	There is no interest expense from active adult communities, primary residential, and commercial, industrial and other land sales included in segment operating income/(loss) for 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	f.	Included in segment operating income/(loss) for 2014 is depreciation expense (including amortization of assets under capital leases) of $2.2 million, $0.4 million and $0.7 million from active adult, primary residential and unallocated G&A/other, respectively.  Included in segment operating income/(loss) for 2013 is depreciation expense of $2.1 million, $0.0 million, and $0.7 million from active adult, primary residential and unallocated G&A/other, respectively.  Included in segment operating income/(loss) for 2012 is depreciation expense of $2.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.5 million from active adult, primary residential and unallocated G&A/other, respectively.
	g.	During fiscal year 2014 there were no impairment losses recognized. During fiscal year 2013, impairment losses of approximately $0.0 million and $0.0 million reduced the carrying value of the assets of active adult and primary residential communities, respectively.  During fiscal year 2012, impairment losses of approximately $1.6 million and $0.0 million reduced the carrying value of the assets of active adult and primary residential communities, respectively.
h. Goodwill of $6.1 million has been assigned to the primary residential segment.

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	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 (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.
	In 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 $1.0 million. This reversal was the result of measuring these assets at the lower of the original carrying amount or the fair value at the date of the decision not to sell, in accordance with ASC 360-10-35-44.
	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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Notes Payable:
	4.50% Notes	$	—	$	—	$	5,402	$	5,425
	7.50% Notes and 7.50% Exchange Notes	$	99,956	$	99,040	$	100,000	$	111,775
	8.50% Senior Notes	$	200,000	$	193,000	$	—	$	—
	Contingent consideration (earn-out)	$	2,404	$	2,404	$	—	$	—
	In estimating the fair value of financial instruments, we used the following methods and assumptions:
	8.50% Senior Notes, 7.50% Notes, 7.50% Exchange Notes, and 4.50% Notes: At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair value of the 8.50% Senior Notes, 7.50% Notes, 7.50% Exchange Notes, and 4.50% Notes is estimated, based on quoted or estimated market prices.  These fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Contingent consideration ("earn-out"): This was first recognized as part of the purchase price paid for the Royal Oak acquisition in the first quarter of 2014 and falls within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The carrying amount of the earn-out has decreased by $0.1 million since inception, resulting in a gain presented in interest income and other. A Monte Carlo model was used to value the earn-out by simulating earnings, applying the terms of the earn-out in each simulated path, determining the average payment in each year across all the trials of the simulation, and calculating the sum of the present values of the payments in each year. The primary inputs and key assumptions of this Monte Carlo model include the following:
	•	Cost of debt: 7%
	•	Earnings volatility: 5% for 2014 and 15% for 2015
	•	Market risk premium: 6%
	•	Asset beta: 1.2
	Given a range in the asset beta from 0.5 to 1.50 and a range in the earnings volatility from 5% to 25%, the valuation of the earn-out could vary from $2.4 million to $2.6 million.

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Note 16 - Unaudited Quarterly Information
	Summarized quarterly financial data for 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
		2014 Quarter
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Net revenues	$	43,865		$	51,447		$	86,641		$	103,960
	Expenses	45,499			53,694			85,958			102,349
	Equity earnings (losses) from unconsolidated entities	1			(6		)	(5		)	(6		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	(1,633		)	(2,253		)	678			1,605
	Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	293			36			—			—
	Net income (loss) attributable to AV Homes	$	(1,926	)	$	(2,289	)	$	678		$	1,605
	Income (loss) per share:
	Basic and Diluted	$	(0.09	)	$	(0.10	)	$	0.03		$	0.07
		2013 Quarter
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Net revenues	$	25,119		$	29,556		$	34,999		$	54,025
	Expenses	29,815			34,209			35,970			51,878
	Equity earnings (losses) from unconsolidated entities	(63		)	(15		)	(7		)	(17		)
	Loss before income taxes	(4,759		)	(4,668		)	(978		)	2,130
	Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	—			—			899			306
	Net loss attributable to AV Homes	$	(4,759	)	$	(4,668	)	$	(1,877	)	$	1,824
	Loss per share:
	Basic and Diluted	$	(0.38	)	$	(0.36	)	$	(0.86	)	$	0.08
	1	Quarterly and year-to-date computations of per share amounts are made independently.  Therefore, the sum of per share amounts for the quarters may not agree with the per share amounts for the year.
	2	The deemed dividend related to the beneficial conversion feature had an impact of ($.75) per share on earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2013.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	) Excludes exhibits and schedules, which the registrant agrees to furnish supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

Basis_of_Financial_Presentatio1

Basis of Financial Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of 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.
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.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
	We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  As of December 31, 2014, our cash and cash equivalents were invested primarily in money market accounts that invest primarily in U.S. government securities.  Due to the short maturity period of the cash equivalents, the carrying amount of these instruments approximate their fair values.
	Our cash items that are restricted as to withdrawal or usage include deposits of $16.4 million and $4.0 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The balance as of December 31, 2014 is comprised primarily of $16.1 million on deposit as an interest reserve to comply with the terms of our Senior Secured Credit Facility.
Land and Other Inventories	Land and Other Inventories
	Land and Other Inventories include expenditures for land acquisition, construction, land development, construction costs for homeowners association amenities, and direct and allocated indirect costs, including interest cost capitalized until development and construction are substantially completed. These costs are assigned to components of Land and Other Inventories based on specific identification, relative sales value, or area allocation methods.
	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, in accordance with ASC 360.
	We evaluate our Land and Other Inventories for impairment on a quarterly basis in accordance with ASC 360 to reflect market conditions, including a consideration of supply of new and resale homes for sale in the respective market, level of foreclosure activity and competition. 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
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, our impairment assessment resulted in no impairment charges related to land and other inventories. During 2013, we recorded impairment charges of $0.7 million related to land developed and/or held for future development or sale.
	In 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 $1.0 million. This reversal was the result of measuring these assets at the lower of the original carrying amount or the fair value at the date of the decision not to sell, in accordance with ASC 360-10-35-44.
Receivables, net	Receivables
	Receivables includes amounts in transit or due from title companies for house closings; membership dues related to our amenity operations; and contracts and mortgage notes receivable from the sale of land.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment, net
	Property and Equipment are stated at cost, net of depreciation, which is computed by the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives of the assets: land improvements 10 years 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 to land inventory.  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, construction, land development and direct and allocated 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. For our amenities, which are located within our housing communities, indicators of potential impairment are similar to those of our housing communities, 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 years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we did not identify indicators of impairments for Property and Equipment. During 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.
Assets Held for Sale	Assets Held for Sale
	We classify assets held for sale in accordance with the criteria set forth in ASC 360. We continue to opportunistically sell non-core commercial and industrial assets, as well as scattered lot positions and land assets that are in excess of our needed supply in a given market. Under this plan, assets that meet the criteria above are classified as held for sale.
	For assets held for sale, if indicators are present, 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.
	During 2014, we sold assets held for sale with a carrying value and closing costs of $20.6 million for cash proceeds of $27.2 million for a gain of $6.6 million. Included in this was the sale of a multi-family property in Arizona to a related party for $13.9 million for a gain of $2.3 million. During 2013, we sold assets held for sale with a carrying value of $4.2 million for cash proceeds of $7.4 million for a gain of $3.2 million.
Investments in Partnerships and LLCs	Investments in Partnerships and LLCs
	When we are either deemed to hold the controlling interest in a voting interest entity or deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) we are required to consolidate the investment. 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 the majority of losses of the VIE or the right to receive the majority of benefits from the VIE. Investments where we don't hold the controlling interest and we are not the primary beneficiary are accounted for under the equity method.
	Factors considered when determining if we hold the controlling interest in a voting interest entity include who holds the general partnership or managing member interests, which partner or member makes the day-to-day decisions regarding the operations of the entity, and whether or not the other partners or members have substantive participating rights. With respect to VIEs, our variable interests may be in the form of (1) equity ownership, (2) contracts to purchase assets and/or (3) loans provided by us to the investor. We examine specific criteria and use judgment when determining if we are 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), sufficiency of equity to conduct the operations of the entity, voting rights, involvement in decisions significantly impacting the entity's economic performance, level of economic disproportionality between us and the other partner(s) and contracts to purchase assets from VIEs.
Non-controlling Interest	Non-Controlling Interest
	At December 31, 2013, we consolidated an investment in an LLC where AV Homes was determined to be the primary beneficiary due to a related party affiliation. Therefore, the LLC's financial statements were consolidated in our financial statements and the other partner’s equity in the LLC was recorded as non-controlling interest as a component of consolidated equity.   At December 31, 2014, we were no longer considered the primary beneficiary of this LLC due to a discontinuation of a related party affiliation, resulting in shared power between the remaining members, see Note 5.
	Purchase Accounting
	When acquiring a business, we allocate the purchase price of real estate to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair values. In making estimates of fair values for this purpose, we use a number of sources, including independent appraisals and information obtained about each property as a result our pre-acquisition due diligence and its marketing and housing activities.
	Goodwill
	In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), we evaluate goodwill for possible impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we voluntarily changed the date of our annual goodwill impairment testing from the last day of the fiscal year to the first day of the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter for all reporting units. This voluntary change is preferable under the circumstances because it will allow us more time to complete the annual goodwill impairment testing in advance of our year-end reporting. This voluntary change in accounting principle related to the annual testing date will not delay, accelerate or avoid an impairment charge. This change is not applied retrospectively as it is impracticable to do so because retrospective application would require application of significant estimates and assumptions with the use of hindsight. Accordingly, the change will be applied prospectively.
	We use a three step process to assess the realizability of goodwill. The first step is a qualitative assessment that analyzes current economic indicators associated with a particular reporting unit. For example, we analyze changes in economic, market and industry conditions, business strategy, cost factors, and financial performance, among others, to determine if there would be a significant decline to the fair value of a particular reporting unit. If the qualitative assessment indicates a stable or improved fair value, no further testing is required.
	If a qualitative assessment indicates that a significant decline to fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not, or if a reporting unit’s fair value has historically been closer to its carrying value, we will proceed to the second step where we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on discounted future probability-weighted cash flows. If this step indicates that the carrying value of a reporting unit is in excess of its fair value, we will proceed to the third step where the fair value of the reporting unit will be allocated to assets and liabilities as they would in a business combination. Impairment occurs when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value calculated in the third step.
	Based on our analysis, we have concluded that, as of December 31, 2014, our goodwill was not impaired.
Revenues	Revenues
	In accordance with ASC 360, revenues from the sales of housing units are recognized when the sales are closed and title passes to the purchasers. In addition, revenues from commercial, industrial and other land sales are recognized in full at closing, provided the buyer's initial and continuing investment is adequate, any financing is considered collectible and there is no significant continuing involvement. Sales incentives are included in Real Estate Revenue-Homebuilding in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs
	Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, advertising costs totaled $3.1 million, $2.4 million and $2.9 million, respectively. Advertising costs, sales commissions and closing costs are included in Real Estate Expenses--Homebuilding in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
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 have, and require our subcontractors to have, general liability, property, errors and omissions, workers compensation, and other business insurance. These insurance policies protect us against a portion of our risk of loss from claims, subject to certain self-insured per occurrence and aggregate retentions, deductibles, and available policy limits. We may have recourse against subcontractors for certain claims relating to workmanship and materials.  Warranty reserves are included in Accrued and Other Liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, changes in the warranty reserve consist of the following (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Accrued warranty reserve, beginning of period	$	638		$	549		$	537
	Reserve provided	1,495			578			774
	Payments	(605		)	(489		)	(762		)
	Accrued warranty reserve, end of period	$	1,528		$	638		$	549
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.
	We evaluate our 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.  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 2014, we recognized a decrease of $0.4 million in the valuation allowance. During 2013, we recognized an increase of $3.7 million in the valuation allowance. As of December 31, 2014, our deferred tax asset valuation allowance was $129.9 million.  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.
	Any interest or penalties that have been assessed in the past have been minimal and immaterial to our financial results.  In the event we are assessed any interest or penalties in the future, we plan to include them in our statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) as income tax expense.
Share-based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	The Amended and Restated 1997 Incentive and Capital Accumulation Plan (2005 Restatement), as amended, (the “Incentive Plan”) provides for the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, performance awards, and stock units to officers, employees and directors of AV Homes.  The exercise prices 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 December 31, 2014, an aggregate of 1,018,980 shares of our common stock, subject to certain adjustments, were reserved for issuance under the Incentive Plan, including an aggregate of 743,047 options, restricted stock units and stock units granted.  There were 275,933 shares available for grant at December 31, 2014.
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans
	We have a defined contribution savings plan that covers substantially all employees.  Under this savings plan, we may contribute to the plan based upon specified percentages of employees' voluntary contributions.  We made no contributions to the plan for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Loss Per Share	Per Share
	Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to AV Homes stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings 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.  The computation of diluted loss per share for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 did not assume the effect of restricted stock units, employee stock options, the 4.50% Notes, the 7.50% Notes, or the 7.50% Exchange Notes because the effects were antidilutive.
	The weighted average number of shares outstanding in calculating basic earnings per share includes the issuance of 67,274 shares in 2014, 9,272,795 shares in 2013, and 122,388 shares in 2012, due to the conversion of restricted stock units each year, and stock issued in connection with the 2013 TPG Investment as described above.  Excluded from the weighted average number of shares outstanding are 127,078 shares for 2014, 100,898 shares for 2013, and 209,270 shares for 2012 that are subject to vesting and performance requirements (see Note 10). In accordance with ASC 260 Earnings Per Share, nonvested shares are not included in basic earnings per share until the vesting and performance requirements are met.
	In accordance with ASC 470-20 Debt, 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 ($.75) per share effect on earnings for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	The following table represents a reconciliation of the net loss and weighted average shares outstanding for the calculation of basic and diluted loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		For the Year Ended
		2014			2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Basic and diluted loss per share – net loss	$	(1,932	)	$	(9,477	)	$	(90,235	)
	Deemed dividend related to the beneficial conversion feature	—			(11,894		)	—
	Loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(1,932	)	$	(21,371	)	$	(90,235	)
	Denominator:
	Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding	21,945,491			15,935,701			12,557,416
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Net loss and comprehensive loss are the same for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Basis_of_Financial_Presentatio2

Basis of Financial Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Changes in warranty reserve	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, changes in the warranty reserve consist of the following (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Accrued warranty reserve, beginning of period	$	638		$	549		$	537
	Reserve provided	1,495			578			774
	Payments	(605		)	(489		)	(762		)
	Accrued warranty reserve, end of period	$	1,528		$	638		$	549
Reconciliation of net loss and weighted averages shares outstanding for the calculation of basic and diluted loss per share	The following table represents a reconciliation of the net loss and weighted average shares outstanding for the calculation of basic and diluted loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		For the Year Ended
		2014			2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Basic and diluted loss per share – net loss	$	(1,932	)	$	(9,477	)	$	(90,235	)
	Deemed dividend related to the beneficial conversion feature	—			(11,894		)	—
	Loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(1,932	)	$	(21,371	)	$	(90,235	)
	Denominator:
	Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding	21,945,491			15,935,701			12,557,416

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, Property and Equipment, net balance consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 31
		2014			2013
	Land Improvements	$	21,816		$	21,734
	Building	39,050			38,700
	Equipment	6,698			5,434
	Motor Vehicles	603			603
	Furniture and Fixtures	4,017			3,344
	Capitalized Software	1,962			1,928
	Gross property and equipment	74,146			71,743
	Less Accumulated Depreciation	(37,224		)	(33,899		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	36,922		$	37,844

Royal_Oaks_Homes_Acquisition_T

Royal Oaks Homes Acquisition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the calculation of the fair value of the total consideration transferred to Royal Oak and its affiliate and the provisional amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:
	Calculation of purchase price consideration
	Cash paid for Royal Oak net assets		$	25,848
	Cash paid for bulk land purchase		28,009
	Contingent consideration (earn-out)		2,500
	Debt repaid at closing		8,827
	Total consideration		$	65,184
	Assets acquired and liabilities assumed
	Assets
	Prepaids and other current assets		$	582
	Land and other inventories		60,217
	Property, plant and equipment		366
	Trade name		614
	Goodwill		6,071
	Total assets acquired		67,850
	Liabilities
	Accounts payable		1,343
	Accrued and other liabilities		469
	Customer deposits		854
	Total liabilities assumed		2,666
	Total net assets acquired		$	65,184
Pro Forma Operating Results	The following represents pro forma operating results as if Royal Oak had been included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations as of the beginning of the fiscal years presented (dollars in thousands):
		For the Year Ended
		2014			2013
	Revenue	$	299,049		$	201,534
	Net income (loss)	$	141		$	(3,283	)
	Income (loss) per common share - basic and diluted	$	0.01		$	(0.95	)

Land_and_Other_Inventories_Tab

Land and Other Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Land and Other Inventories [Abstract]
Land and Other Inventories	Land and Other Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		31-Dec
		2014			2013
	Active Adult
	Land developed and in process of development	$	93,285		$	57,138
	Land held for future development or sale	20,844			58,423
	Homes completed or under construction	34,519			25,478
	Total Active Adult	148,648			141,039
	Primary Residential
	Land developed and in process of development	166,120			77,983
	Homes completed or under construction	58,057			11,013
	Total Primary Residential	224,177			88,996
	Land developed and in process of development-Other	10,359			10,043
		$	383,184		$	240,078
Interest incurred, capitialized and expensed [Table Text Block]	The following table represents interest incurred, interest capitalized, and interest expense for 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		For the Year Ended
		2014			2013			2012
	Interest incurred	$	18,107		$	9,296		$	9,236
	Interest capitalized	(12,302		)	(6,466		)	(1,263		)
	Interest expense	$	5,805		$	2,830		$	7,973

Notes_Payable_Tables

Notes Payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of debt	Notes payable are summarized as follows:
		31-Dec
		2014		2013
	7.50% Convertible Notes, due 2016	$	55,481	$	55,500
	7.50% Exchange Notes, due 2016	44,475		44,500
	4.50% Convertible Senior Notes, due 2024 (a)	—		5,402
	8.50% Senior Notes due 2019	200,000		—
	Senior Secured Credit Facility	—		—
	Total	$	299,956	$	105,402
	(a) These Notes were tendered and repaid on April 1, 2014.
Maturities of notes payable	Maturities of notes payable at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		Total
	2015	$	—
	2016	99,956
	2017	—
	2018	—
	2019	200,000
	Thereafter	—
		$	299,956

Accrued_and_Other_Liabilities_

Accrued and Other Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued and other liabilities summary	Accrued and other liabilities are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		31-Dec
		2014		2013
	Accrued Interest	$	11,312	$	2,873
	Accrued compensation	4,052		3,080
	Warranty reserve	1,528		638
	Infrastructure obligations	4,671		5,073
	Contingent consideration	2,404		—
	Other	4,167		2,616
		$	28,134	$	14,280

Estimated_Development_Liabilit1

Estimated Development Liability for Sold Land (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 home sites previously sold, in most cases prior to 1980, and is summarized as follows (in thousands):
		31-Dec
		2014			2013
	Gross estimated unexpended costs	$	35,888		$	36,117
	Less costs relating to unsold home sites	(2,885		)	(2,885		)
	Estimated development liability for sold land	$	33,003		$	33,232

ShareBased_Payments_and_Other_1

Share-Based Payments and Other Executive Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Significant weighted average assumptions	The significant weighted average assumptions used for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		2014				2013				2012
	Dividend yield	—		%		—		%		—		%
	Volatility rate	42.60%				52.37%-52.49%				47.40%-61.25%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.66%				1.66%-1.86%				0.17%-0.43%
	Expected life (years)	2.91				6.25				0.50-4.08
	Weighted average fair value of units granted	$	9.3			$	8.75			$	7.98
Summary of stock options activity	A summary of the status of the stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is presented below:
		2014							2013					2012
		Stock			Weighted				Stock			Weighted		Stock	Weighted
		Options			Average				Options			Average		Options	Average
					Exercise Price							Exercise Price			Exercise Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year	585,036			$	16.99			110,000			$	25	110,000	$	25
	Granted	—			—				585,036			16.99		—	—
	Exercised	—			—				—			—		—	—
	Forfeited	(30,000	)		16.8				(110,000	)		—		—	—
	Outstanding at end of year	555,036			$	17			585,036			$	16.99	110,000	$	25
	Exercisable at end of year	146,259			$	16.99			—			$	—	110,000	$	25
Summary of restricted stock and stock units activity	A summary of the restricted stock and stock units activity for the year ended December 31, 2014, is presented below:
		Restricted			Weighted
		Stock and			Average
		Stock Units			Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Outstanding at beginning of year	120,588		-1	$	19.68
	Granted	127,518			13.59
	Vested	(72,590	)		16.23
	Expired/Forfeited/Cancelled	(30,164	)		14.66
	Outstanding at end of year	145,352			$	16.77
	(1) Restricted stock shares are considered legally outstanding but are not considered outstanding for accounting purposes until the vesting conditions are satisfied in accordance with authoritative accounting guidance.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of income tax expense (benefit)	The components of income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Current
	Federal	$	—		$	—		$	—
	State	—			—			—
	Total current	—			—			—
	Deferred
	Federal	—			—			—
	State	—			—			—
	Total deferred	—			—			—
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	—		$	—		$	—
Components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities	Significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Deferred income tax assets
	Tax over book basis of land inventory	$	15,085		$	15,699
	Unrecoverable land development costs	6,222			6,728
	Executive incentive compensation	1,338			1,086
	Net operating loss carry forward	61,128			50,136
	Impairment charges	55,529			67,453
	Other	4,061			4,257
	Total deferred income tax assets	143,363			145,359
	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	(129,862		)	(130,232		)
	Net deferred income tax assets	13,501			15,127
	Deferred income tax liabilities
	State tax effect of deferred tax assets	(3,412		)	(4,344		)
	Book over tax income recognized on sale of the Ocala Property	(7,751		)	(8,870		)
	Tax over book on 4.50% Convertible Notes	(960		)	(621		)
	Book over tax basis of depreciable assets	(1,378		)	(1,292		)
	Total deferred income tax liabilities	(13,501		)	(15,127		)
	Net deferred income tax liability	$	—		$	—
Reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit)	A reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) to the expected income tax expense (benefit) at the federal statutory rate of 35% for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Income tax (benefit) expense computed at statutory rate	$	(522	)	$	(3,317	)	$	(31,582	)
	State income tax (benefit) expense, net of federal benefit	823			(385		)	(3,388		)
	Change in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets	(370		)	3,699			35,050
	Prior period adjustments charged to retained earnings	—			—			—
	Other	69			3			(80		)
	Income tax (benefit) expense	$	—		$	—		$	—

Reportable_Segments_Reportable

Reportable Segments Reportable Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Segment Information	The following table summarizes our information for reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 (in thousands):
		For the Year Ended
		2014			2013			2012
	Operating income (loss):
	Active adult communities:
	Revenues:
	Homebuilding	$	124,372		$	69,362		$	36,018
	Amenity	7,960			7,227			7,014
	Total revenue	132,332			76,589			43,032
	Expenses:
	Homebuilding	98,992			55,543			31,619
	Homebuilding selling, general and administrative	17,097			12,605			13,150
	Amenity	7,887			8,013			7,182
	Segment operating income (loss)	$	8,356		$	428		$	(8,919	)
	Primary residential communities:
	Revenues:
	Homebuilding	$	118,799		$	45,611		$	33,496
	Amenity	2,127			2,451			2,440
	Total revenue	120,926			48,062			35,936
	Expenses:
	Homebuilding	99,892			36,255			27,760
	Homebuilding selling, general and administrative	17,264			6,930			5,805
	Amenity	1,932			2,440			2,380
	Segment operating income (loss)	$	1,838		$	2,437		$	(9	)
	Land sales:
	Revenues	$	32,596		$	16,303		$	26,595
	Expenses	22,003			8,111			18,581
	Segment operating income	$	10,593		$	8,192		$	8,014
	Other operations:
	Revenues	$	59		$	528		$	598
	Expenses	58			546			(33		)
	Segment operating income (loss)	$	1		$	(18	)	$	631
	Operating income (loss)	$	20,788		$	11,039		$	(283	)
	Unallocated income (expenses):
	Interest income and other	$	447		$	2,218		$	1,326
	Loss on repurchase of 4.50% Notes	—			—			(1,144		)
	Equity income (loss) from unconsolidated entities	(16		)	(101		)	259
	Corporate general and administrative expenses	(15,941		)	(15,975		)	(16,148		)
	Interest expense	(5,805		)	(2,830		)	(7,973		)
	Other real estate expenses	(1,076		)	(2,904		)	(6,312		)
	Impairment of land developed or held for future development	—			281			(57,408		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	(1,603	)	$	(8,272	)	$	(87,683	)
	Income tax expense	—			—			—
	Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests	(329		)	(1,205		)	(2,552		)
	Net loss attributable to AV Homes	$	(1,932	)	$	(9,477	)	$	(90,235	)
		31-Dec
		2014			2013
	Segment assets:
	Active adult communities	$	197,773		$	145,717
	Primary residential communities	242,338			91,076
	Commercial and industrial and other land	7,784			44,704
	Assets held for sale	4,051			23,862
	Unallocated assets	216,940			161,369
	Total assets	$	668,886		$	466,728
	a.	Our businesses are conducted in the United States.
	b.	Identifiable assets by segment are those assets that are used in the operations of each segment.
	c.	No significant part of the business is dependent upon a single customer or group of customers.
	d.	The caption “Unallocated assets” under the table depicting the segment assets represents the following as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively: cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $196.5 million and $148.3 million; land inventories of $4.6 million and $4.2 million; property and equipment of $2.7 million and $1.9 million; investment in and notes from unconsolidated entities of $1.2 million and $1.2 million; receivables of $2.0 million and $2.9 million; and prepaid expenses and other assets of $10.1 million and $2.8 million. None of the foregoing are directly attributable to a reportable segment in accordance with ASC 280.
	e.	There is no interest expense from active adult communities, primary residential, and commercial, industrial and other land sales included in segment operating income/(loss) for 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	f.	Included in segment operating income/(loss) for 2014 is depreciation expense (including amortization of assets under capital leases) of $2.2 million, $0.4 million and $0.7 million from active adult, primary residential and unallocated G&A/other, respectively.  Included in segment operating income/(loss) for 2013 is depreciation expense of $2.1 million, $0.0 million, and $0.7 million from active adult, primary residential and unallocated G&A/other, respectively.  Included in segment operating income/(loss) for 2012 is depreciation expense of $2.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.5 million from active adult, primary residential and unallocated G&A/other, respectively.
	g.	During fiscal year 2014 there were no impairment losses recognized. During fiscal year 2013, impairment losses of approximately $0.0 million and $0.0 million reduced the carrying value of the assets of active adult and primary residential communities, respectively.  During fiscal year 2012, impairment losses of approximately $1.6 million and $0.0 million reduced the carrying value of the assets of active adult and primary residential communities, respectively.
	h. Goodwill of $6.1 million has been assigned to the primary residential segment.

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Tables

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	The carrying amounts and fair values of our financial instruments at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Notes Payable:
	4.50% Notes	$	—	$	—	$	5,402	$	5,425
	7.50% Notes and 7.50% Exchange Notes	$	99,956	$	99,040	$	100,000	$	111,775
	8.50% Senior Notes	$	200,000	$	193,000	$	—	$	—
	Contingent consideration (earn-out)	$	2,404	$	2,404	$	—	$	—

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud1

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Summarized quarterly financial data	Summarized quarterly financial data for 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
		2014 Quarter
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Net revenues	$	43,865		$	51,447		$	86,641		$	103,960
	Expenses	45,499			53,694			85,958			102,349
	Equity earnings (losses) from unconsolidated entities	1			(6		)	(5		)	(6		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	(1,633		)	(2,253		)	678			1,605
	Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	293			36			—			—
	Net income (loss) attributable to AV Homes	$	(1,926	)	$	(2,289	)	$	678		$	1,605
	Income (loss) per share:
	Basic and Diluted	$	(0.09	)	$	(0.10	)	$	0.03		$	0.07
		2013 Quarter
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Net revenues	$	25,119		$	29,556		$	34,999		$	54,025
	Expenses	29,815			34,209			35,970			51,878
	Equity earnings (losses) from unconsolidated entities	(63		)	(15		)	(7		)	(17		)
	Loss before income taxes	(4,759		)	(4,668		)	(978		)	2,130
	Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	—			—			899			306
	Net loss attributable to AV Homes	$	(4,759	)	$	(4,668	)	$	(1,877	)	$	1,824
	Loss per share:
	Basic and Diluted	$	(0.38	)	$	(0.36	)	$	(0.86	)	$	0.08
	1	Quarterly and year-to-date computations of per share amounts are made independently.  Therefore, the sum of per share amounts for the quarters may not agree with the per share amounts for the year.
	2	The deemed dividend related to the beneficial conversion feature had an impact of ($.75) per share on earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2013.

Basis_of_Financial_Presentatio3

Basis of Financial Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Part One (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 18, 2013	Jun. 19, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock Deemed Dividend from Beneficial Conversion Feature			($0.75)		$0.75
Common stock par value (in dollars per share)				$1	$1
TPG's aggregate investment in AV homes		$135,000,000
Issuances of restricted stock units and stock units	11,900,000
Restricted cash				16,447,000	3,956,000
Impairment charges				0	-281,000	57,408,000
Impairment of Real Estate				1,000,000	1,000,000
Income tax refunds				0	1,300,000
Assets Held-for-sale, at Carrying Value				20,600,000	4,200,000
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets				27,200,000	7,400,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets				6,600,000	3,200,000
Land Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives				10 years
Land Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives				25 years
Building and Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives				8 years
Building and Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives				39 years
Machinery, Equipment and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives				3 years
Machinery, Equipment and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives				7 years
Wells Fargo Deposit Account [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Restricted cash				16,100,000
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares agreed to sell (shares)		2,557,474
Common stock par value (in dollars per share)		$1
Sales price per share (in dollars per share)		$14.65
Conversion of stock shares issued (in shares)	6,657,543
Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares agreed to sell (shares)		665,754
Sales price per share (in dollars per share)		$146.50
Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share)		$0.10
Conversion of stock shares converted (in shares)	6,657,543
Transaction fees	7,200,000
Land Developed and or Held for Future Development or Sale [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Impairment of Real Estate					700,000
Multi-Family Property in Arizona [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets				13,900,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets				$2,300,000

Basis_of_Financial_Presentatio4

Basis of Financial Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Part Two (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Transfer from assets held for sale to land and other inventories and property and equipment									$0	$13,767,000	$0
Impairment of Real Estate									-1,000,000	-1,000,000
Goodwill	6,071,000				0				6,071,000	0
Non-controlling interest in joint ventures	0				15,600,000				0	15,600,000
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest	0	0	36,000	293,000	306,000	899,000	0	0	329,000	1,205,000	2,552,000
Reductions due to retirement of treasury stock											-3,000
Advertising Expense									3,100,000	2,400,000	2,900,000
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Retired shares of treasury stock (in shares)											1,141,400
Reductions due to retirement of treasury stock											-1,141,000
Treasury Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Retired shares of treasury stock (in shares)											-1,141,400
Reductions due to retirement of treasury stock											42,905,000
Retained Earnings [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Reductions due to retirement of treasury stock											-18,848,000
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Reductions due to retirement of treasury stock											($22,919,000)

Basis_of_Financial_Presentatio5

Basis of Financial Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Part Three (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Accrued warranty reserve, beginning of period	$638,000	$549,000	$537,000
Estimated warranty expense	1,495,000	578,000	774,000
Amounts charged against warranty reserve	-605,000	-489,000	-762,000
Accrued warranty reserve, end of period	1,528,000	638,000	549,000
Increase in deferred tax asset valuation allowance	-400,000	3,700,000
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	$129,862,000	$130,232,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for grant (in shares)	275,933
Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for grant (in shares)	1,018,980
Stock options, restricted stock and RSU granted [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for grant (in shares)	743,047
Amended and Restated 1997 Incentive and Capital Accumulation Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	10 years
Shares available for grant (in shares)	275,933
Amended and Restated 1997 Incentive and Capital Accumulation Plan [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for grant (in shares)	1,018,980
Amended and Restated 1997 Incentive and Capital Accumulation Plan [Member] | Stock options, restricted stock and RSU granted [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for grant (in shares)	743,047

Basis_of_Financial_Presentatio6

Basis of Financial Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Loss Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum									4.50%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum									7.50%
Issuance of common stock (in shares)									67,274	9,272,795	122,388
Antidilutive securities excluded from weighted average number of shares outstanding									127,078	100,898	209,270
Preferred Stock Deemed Dividend from Beneficial Conversion Feature						($0.75)				$0.75
Numerator: [Abstract]
Basic and diluted loss per share - net loss	$1,605	$678	($2,289)	($1,926)	$1,824	($1,877)	($4,668)	($4,759)	($1,932)	($9,477)	($90,235)
Beneficial conversion feature (deemed dividend)									0	-11,894	0
Net loss attributable to AV Homes common stockholders									($1,932)	($21,371)	($90,235)
Denominator: [Abstract]
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)									21,945,491	15,935,701	12,557,416

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Receivables (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net	$400,000
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	$129,862,000	$130,232,000

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$74,146,000	$71,743,000
Less Accumulated Depreciation	-37,224,000	-33,899,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	36,922,000	37,844,000
Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	21,816,000	21,734,000
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	39,050,000	38,700,000
Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	6,698,000	5,434,000
Capital leases	2,000,000
Accumulated depreciation of capital leased assets	900,000
Motor Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	603,000	603,000
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	4,017,000	3,344,000
Capitalized Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$1,962,000	$1,928,000

Royal_Oaks_Homes_Acquisition_N

Royal Oaks Homes Acquisition - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 13, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual	$67,300,000
Potential earn-out	2,404,000			0
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Valuation Allowance	100,000
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount	3,700,000
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual	2,100,000
Royal Oak LLC and Affiliate [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash payments to acquire businesses		65,000,000
Potential earn-out		3,000,000
Contingent consideration (earn-out)	2,400,000	2,500,000
Warranty administrative services		200,000
Warranty period		2 years
Trade name		614,000
Amortization of Intangible Assets	200,000
Transaction and integration costs			1,057,000
Royal Oak LLC and Affiliate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Performance target to receive earn-out		50.00%
Royal Oak LLC and Affiliate [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Trade name		$600,000
Amortization period		3 years
Royal Oak LLC and Affiliate [Member] | Lots Owned Or Controlled [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of primary residential lots		2,500

Royal_Oaks_Homes_Acquisition_F

Royal Oaks Homes Acquisition - Fair Value of the Total Consideration and Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 13, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets
Goodwill			$6,071	$0
Royal Oak LLC and Affiliate [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for Royal Oak net assets	25,848
Cash paid for bulk land purchase	28,009
Contingent consideration (earn-out)	2,500		2,400
Debt repaid at closing	8,827
Total consideration	65,184
Assets
Prepaids and other current assets	582
Land and other inventories	60,217
Property, plant and equipment	366
Trade name	614
Goodwill	6,071
Total assets acquired	67,850
Liabilities
Accounts payable	1,343
Accrued and other liabilities	469
Customer deposits	854
Total liabilities assumed	2,666
Total net assets acquired	65,184
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs		$1,057

Royal_Oaks_Homes_Acquisition_P

Royal Oaks Homes Acquisition - Pro Forma Operating Results (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Revenue	$299,049	$201,534
Net income (loss)	$141	($3,283)
Loss per common share - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.01	($0.95)

Land_and_Other_Inventories_Det

Land and Other Inventories (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Interest Costs Incurred	$18,107	$9,296	$9,236
Total Land and other inventories	383,184	240,078
Interest Costs Capitalized Adjustment	-12,302	-6,466	-1,263
Interest expense	5,805	2,830	7,973
Active adult [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Land developed and in process of development	93,285	57,138
Land held for future development or sale	20,844	58,423
Homes completed or under construction	34,519	25,478
Total Land and other inventories	148,648	141,039
Primary residential [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Land developed and in process of development	166,120	77,983
Homes completed or under construction	58,057	11,013
Total Land and other inventories	224,177	88,996
Other Operations [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Land developed and in process of development	$10,359	$10,043

Lease_Commitments_Details

Lease Commitments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Future minimum rental commitments [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$2,955,000
2015	715,000
2016	715,000
2017	714,000
2018	537,000
2019	260,000
Thereafter	14,000
Capital lease obligations [Abstract]
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	1,317,000
2015	460,000
2016	495,000
2017	362,000
2018	0
Leased Model Homes, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Leased Model Homes	222,000
2015	220,000
2016	2,000
2017	0
2018	0
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Maturity [Abstract]
Total	4,494,000
2015	1,395,000
2016	1,212,000
2017	1,076,000
2018	537,000
2019	260,000
2020	14,000
Administration and Sales Offices [Member]
Rental expense [Abstract]
Rental expense	$500,000	$500,000	$400,000

Investments_in_Partnerships_an1

Investments in Partnerships and LLCs (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	14-May-14
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Parent ownership percentage (percent)			60.00%
Land and other inventories			$383,184,000	$240,078,000
Gain on sale of property	2.7
Gain recognized in consolidated statement of operations		0
Noncontrolling Interest in Joint Ventures			0	15,600,000
EM 646 [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Parent ownership percentage (percent)			58.00%
Land and other inventories				34,000,000
Distribution Made to Partners, Value of Land Distributed					7,100,000
EM 646 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership percentage (percent)			20.00%
EM 646 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Parent ownership percentage (percent)			58.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Land and other inventories			16,800,000
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Contributions to unconsolidated entities		$100,000	$3,600,000	$100,000

Notes_Payable_Details

Notes Payable (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 07, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Feb. 15, 2014	Feb. 04, 2011	Aug. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Limitation, Percent	100.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Percentage of Appraised Value Restriction	85.00%
Long-term Debt		$299,956,000	$105,402,000
Financial covenants: [Abstract]
Minimum cash and cash equivalents		180,334,000	144,727,000	79,815,000			124,316,000
Repurchase Right [Abstract]
Percentage of face value the notes were sold to the public								100.00%
Interest payments		7,600,000	7,900,000	7,600,000
Maturities of notes payable:
2015		0
2016		99,956,000
2017		0
2018		0
2019		200,000,000
Thereafter		0
Total Corporate		299,956,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Percentage of Appraised Value Restriction of Lots Under Development	65.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Percentage of Appraised Value Restriction Land	50.00%
Commitment fee (percent)		0.50%
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Swing Line	30,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding						0
Maturities of notes payable:
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		82,400,000
Line Of Credit Facility, Conditional Maximum Borrowing Capacity	175,000,000	0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Maturities of notes payable:
Unused capacity fee (percent)		3.25%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Maturities of notes payable:
Basis spread on variable rate		3.25%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Prime Rate [Member]
Maturities of notes payable:
Basis spread on variable rate		2.25%
4.50% Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt			5,402,000
7.50% Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt		55,481,000	55,500,000
Face amount of debt instrument										100,000,000
Stated interest rate (percent)					7.50%					7.50%
Write off of deferred costs					1,100,000
Repurchase amount of debt instrument									19,000
Redemption price percentage (percent)		100.00%
Financial covenants: [Abstract]
Convertible, number of equity instruments (in shares)		33.3333
Principal conversion standard base unit (in dollars per share)		$1
Convertible conversion price (in dollars per share)		$30
Redemption right [Abstract]
Number of trading days the entity may redeem outstanding Notes		20
Number of consecutive trading days		30 days
Convertible conversion price percentage (in hundredths)		130.00%
Principal amount of debt retired					44,500,000
7.50% Senior Exchange Convertible Notes Member [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt		44,500,000
Face amount of debt instrument		44,500,000	44,500,000
Stated interest rate (percent)					7.50%
Financial covenants: [Abstract]
Convertible, number of equity instruments (in shares)		55.5555
Principal conversion standard base unit (in dollars per share)		$1,000
Convertible conversion price (in dollars per share)		$18
Redemption right [Abstract]
Convertible conversion price percentage (in hundredths)		130.00%
7.5% Senior Exchange Convertible Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt		44,475,000	44,500,000
Eight Point Five Percent Senior Notes Due Twenty Nineteen [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt		200,000,000
Face amount of debt instrument						200,000,000
Stated interest rate (percent)						8.50%
Eight Point Five Percent Senior Notes Due Twenty Nineteen [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed						35.00%
Redemption price percentage (percent)						108.50%
Eight Point Five Percent Senior Notes Due Twenty Nineteen [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price percentage (percent)		106.38%
Eight Point Five Percent Senior Notes Due Twenty Nineteen [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price percentage (percent)		103.19%
Eight Point Five Percent Senior Notes Due Twenty Nineteen [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price percentage (percent)		100.00%
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Maturities of notes payable:
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	65,000,000
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital		0.6
Tangible net worth (at least)		228,900,000
Cumulative consolidated net income (at least)		50.00%
Proceeds of equity offerings, net (at least)		50.00%
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Maturities of notes payable:
Unused capacity fee (percent)		0.13%
Citibank N.A. [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Maturities of notes payable:
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity											25,000,000
Citibank N.A. [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Maturities of notes payable:
Unused capacity fee (percent)		0.13%
Royal Bank of Canada [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Maturities of notes payable:
Unused capacity fee (percent)		0.13%
DEUTSCHE BOERSE AG [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Maturities of notes payable:
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$0
DEUTSCHE BOERSE AG [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Maturities of notes payable:
Unused capacity fee (percent)		0.13%
Credit Suisse AG [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Maturities of notes payable:
Unused capacity fee (percent)		0.13%

Investments_in_Partnerships_an2

Investments in Partnerships and LLCs - Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of operations for unconsolidated entities [Abstract]
Revenues	$103,960	$86,641	$51,447	$43,865	$54,025	$34,999	$29,556	$25,119
Net loss and comprehensive loss									-1,932	-8,272	-87,683
Loss (income) from unconsolidated entities	-6	-5	-6	1	-17	-7	-15	-63	-16	-101	259
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Liabilities and Partners' Capital: [Abstract]
AV Homes	$0				$1,200				$0	$1,200

Accrued_and_Other_Liabilities_1

Accrued and Other Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Interest	$11,312	$2,873
Accrued compensation	4,052	3,080
Warranty reserve	1,528	638
Infrastructure obligations	4,671	5,073
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	2,404	0
Other	4,167	2,616
Accrued and other liabilities	$28,134	$14,280

Estimated_Development_Liabilit2

Estimated Development Liability for Sold Land (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	homesite
Estimated Development Liability for Sold Land [Abstract]
Number of estimated homes the estimated liability covers (homesites)	8,000
Gross estimated unexpended costs	$35,888,000	$36,117,000
Less costs relating to unsold home sites	-2,885,000	-2,885,000
Estimated development liability for sold land	33,003,000	33,232,000
Charges related to estimated liability for sold land	0	300,000	100,000
Cash expenditures for improvements	$200,000	$100,000	$100,000

ShareBased_Payments_and_Other_2

Share-Based Payments and Other Executive Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 02, 2011	Jun. 01, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Shares available for grant (in shares)	275,933
Restricted stock expired/forfeited/cancelled (in shares)	-114,750
Share-based compensation cost	$2.80	$1.60	$3
Weighted average fair value of units granted (in dollars per share)	$9.30	$8.75	$7.98
Weighted average expense recognition period (in years)	1 year 4 months 120 days
Unrecognized compensation expense for unvested stock options	3.3
Weighted average remaining contractual life of stock options	8 years 9 months 18 days
Stock units outstanding	42,659	36,257	30,929
The Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock par value (in dollars per share)				$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
Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for grant (in shares)	1,018,980
Stock options, restricted stock and RSU granted [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for grant (in shares)	743,047
Restricted Stock and RSU Granted [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock expired/forfeited/cancelled (in shares)	-30,164
Restricted stock granted (in shares)	127,518
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$16.77	$19.68
Weighted average fair value of units granted (in dollars per share)	$13.59
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average fair value of units granted (in dollars per share)	$13.59
Unrecognized compensation expense	$1.50
Weighted average expense recognition period (in years)	1 year 7 months 8 days
Maximum percentage of qualified remuneration	50.00%

ShareBased_Payments_and_Other_3

Share-Based Payments and Other Executive Compensation - Weighted Average Assumptions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend Yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Volatility rate, maximum	52.37%	47.40%	40.24%
Volatility rate, minimum	52.49%	61.25%	52.55%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	1.66%	0.17%	0.15%
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	1.86%	0.43%	0.65%
Expected life (years)	2 years 10 months 28 days	6 years 3 months
Weighted average fair value of units granted (in dollars per share)	$9.30	$8.75	$7.98
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected life (years)		0 years 6 months	0 years 3 months 4 days
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected life (years)		4 years 0 months 29 days	4 years 4 months 28 days

ShareBased_Payments_and_Other_4

Share-Based Payments and Other Executive Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding at beginning of year, in dollars per share	$16.99	$25	$25
Granted, in dollars per share	$0	$16.99	$0
Exercised, in dollars per share	$0	$0	$0
Forfeitured, in dollars per share	$16.80	$0	$0
Outstanding at end of year, in dollars per share	$17	$16.99	$25
Exercisable at the enf of year, in dollars per share	$16.99	$0	$25
Stock options, restricted stock and RSU granted [Member]
Stock option activity, shares
Outstanding at beginning of year, Shares	585,036	110,000	110,000
Granted, in shares	0	585,036	0
Exercised, in shares	0	0	0
Forfeitured, in shares	-30,000	-110,000	0
Outstanding at beginning of year, Shares	555,036	585,036	110,000
Exercisable at end of year	146,259	0	110,000

ShareBased_Payments_and_Other_5

Share-Based Payments and Other Executive Compensation - Restricted Stock and Stock Units Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock and Stock Units
Restricted stock expired/forfeited/cancelled (in shares)	-114,750
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$9.30	$8.75	$7.98
Restricted Stock and RSU Granted [Member]
Restricted Stock and Stock Units
Outstanding at beginning of year	120,588
Restricted stock granted (in shares)	127,518
Restricted stock converted/exercised (in shares)	-72,590
Restricted stock expired/forfeited/cancelled (in shares)	-30,164
Outstanding at end of year	145,352
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at the beginning of year(in dollars per share)	$19.68
Granted (in dollars per share)	$13.59
Converted/Exercised (in dollars per share)	$16.23
Expired/Forfeited/Cancelled (in dollars per share)	$14.66
Outstanding at the end of year(in dollars per share)	$16.77

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current
Federal	$0	$0	$0
State	0	0	0
Total current	0	0	0
Deferred
Federal	0	0	0
State	0	0	0
Total deferred	0	0	0
Total income tax expense (benefit)	0	0	0
Deferred income tax assets
Tax over book basis of land inventory	15,085,000	15,699,000
Unrecoverable land development costs	6,222,000	6,728,000
Executive incentive compensation	1,338,000	1,086,000
Net operating loss carry forward	61,128,000	50,136,000
Impairment charges	55,529,000	67,453,000
Other	4,061,000	4,257,000
Total deferred income tax assets	143,363,000	145,359,000
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	-129,862,000	-130,232,000
Net deferred income tax assets	13,501,000	15,127,000
Deferred Tax Assets, State Taxes	-3,412,000	-4,344,000
Deferred income tax liabilities
Book over tax income recognized on sale of the Ocala Property	-7,751,000	-8,870,000
Tax over book on 4.50% Convertible Notes	-960,000	-621,000
Book over tax basis of depreciable assets	-1,378,000	-1,292,000
Total deferred income tax liabilities	-13,501,000	-15,127,000
Net deferred income tax liability	0	0
Effective income tax rate reconciliation
Income tax (benefit) expense computed at statutory rate	-522,000	-3,317,000	-31,582,000
State income tax (benefit) expense, net of federal benefit	823,000	-385,000	-3,388,000
Change in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets	-370,000	3,699,000	35,050,000
Prior period adjustments charged to retained earnings	0	0	0
Other	69,000	3,000	-80,000
Increase in deferred tax asset valuation allowance	400,000	-3,700,000
Income tax refunds	0	1,300,000
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
NOL carryforwards	142,700,000
State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
NOL carryforwards	$304,100,000
Maximum [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
NOL carryforward period of use	20 years
Maximum [Member] | State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
NOL carryforward period of use	20 years
Minimum [Member] | State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
NOL carryforward period of use	5 years

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Performance Guarantee [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency on certain claims	$21.50
Pending Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency on certain claims	$0.10	$0.30

Reportable_Segments_Reportable1

Reportable Segments Reportable Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cost of Real Estate Revenue									$266,201,000	$133,314,000	$111,121,000
Operating income (loss)									20,788,000	11,039,000	-283,000
Land sales									32,596,000	16,303,000	26,595,000
Land sales									22,003,000	8,111,000	18,581,000
Gains (Losses) on Restructuring of Debt									0	0	-1,144,000
Equity in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities	-6,000	-5,000	-6,000	1,000	-17,000	-7,000	-15,000	-63,000	-16,000	-101,000	259,000
Unallocated income (expenses) [Abstract]
General and administrative expenses									-15,941,000	-15,975,000	-16,148,000
Interest expense									-5,805,000	-2,830,000	-7,973,000
Other real estate expenses									-1,076,000	-2,904,000	-6,312,000
Segment operating income									0	281,000	-57,408,000
Loss attributable to AV Homes	1,605,000	678,000	-2,253,000	-1,633,000	2,130,000	-978,000	-4,668,000	-4,759,000	-1,603,000	-8,272,000	-87,683,000
Assets	668,886,000				466,728,000				668,886,000	466,728,000
Assets held for sale	4,051,000				23,862,000				4,051,000	23,862,000
Inventory, Real Estate	383,184,000				240,078,000				383,184,000	240,078,000
Property and equipment, net	36,922,000				37,844,000				36,922,000	37,844,000
Investments in unconsolidated entities	17,991,000				1,230,000				17,991,000	1,230,000
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net	2,906,000				3,893,000				2,906,000	3,893,000
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets	20,980,000				11,138,000				20,980,000	11,138,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									0	0	0
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated entities	0	0	36,000	293,000	306,000	899,000	0	0	329,000	1,205,000	2,552,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	1,605,000	678,000	-2,289,000	-1,926,000	1,824,000	-1,877,000	-4,668,000	-4,759,000	-1,932,000	-9,477,000	-90,235,000
Goodwill	6,071,000				0				6,071,000	0
Commercial and industrial and other land sales [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)									10,593,000	8,192,000	8,014,000
Unallocated income (expenses) [Abstract]
Assets	7,784,000				44,704,000				7,784,000	44,704,000
Active adult [Member]
Unallocated income (expenses) [Abstract]
Segment operating income										0	-1,600,000
Assets	197,773,000				145,717,000				197,773,000	145,717,000
Inventory, Real Estate	148,648,000				141,039,000				148,648,000	141,039,000
Depreciation									2,200,000	2,100,000	2,100,000
Primary residential [Member]
Unallocated income (expenses) [Abstract]
Segment operating income										0	0
Assets	242,338,000				91,076,000				242,338,000	91,076,000
Inventory, Real Estate	224,177,000				88,996,000				224,177,000	88,996,000
Depreciation									400,000	0	100,000
Goodwill	6,100,000								6,100,000
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Land sales									32,596,000	16,303,000	26,595,000
Land sales									22,003,000	8,111,000	18,581,000
Unallocated income (expenses) [Abstract]
Assets	216,940,000				161,369,000				216,940,000	161,369,000
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments	196,500,000				148,300,000				196,500,000	148,300,000
Inventory, Real Estate	4,600,000				4,200,000				4,600,000	4,200,000
Property and equipment, net	2,700,000				1,900,000				2,700,000	1,900,000
Investments in unconsolidated entities	1,190,000				1,230,000				1,190,000	1,230,000
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net	2,000,000				2,900,000				2,000,000	2,900,000
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets	10,100,000				2,800,000				10,100,000	2,800,000
Depreciation									700,000	700,000	500,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Active adult [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate revenues									132,332,000	76,589,000	43,032,000
Operating income (loss)									8,356,000	428,000	-8,919,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Primary residential [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate revenues									120,926,000	48,062,000	35,936,000
Operating income (loss)									1,838,000	2,437,000	-9,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate revenues									59,000	528,000	598,000
Cost of Real Estate Revenue									58,000	546,000	-33,000
Operating income (loss)									1,000	-18,000	631,000
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest Income, Other									447,000	2,218,000	1,326,000
Equity in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities									-16,000	-101,000	259,000
Unallocated income (expenses) [Abstract]
General and administrative expenses									15,941,000	15,975,000	16,148,000
Interest expense									5,805,000	2,830,000	7,973,000
Loss attributable to AV Homes									-1,603,000	-8,272,000	-87,683,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									0	0	0
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated entities									-329,000	-1,205,000	-2,552,000
Homebuilding [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Active adult [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate revenues									124,372,000	69,362,000	36,018,000
Cost of Real Estate Revenue									98,992,000	55,543,000	31,619,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expense									17,097,000	12,605,000	13,150,000
Homebuilding [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Primary residential [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate revenues									118,799,000	45,611,000	33,496,000
Cost of Real Estate Revenue									99,892,000	36,255,000	27,760,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expense									17,264,000	6,930,000	5,805,000
Amenity [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Active adult [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate revenues									7,960,000	7,227,000	7,014,000
Cost of Real Estate Revenue									7,887,000	8,013,000	7,182,000
Amenity [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Primary residential [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate revenues									2,127,000	2,451,000	2,440,000
Cost of Real Estate Revenue									$1,932,000	$2,440,000	$2,380,000

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Carryin

Fair Value Disclosures - Carrying and Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Impairment of Real Estate		($1,000,000)	($1,000,000)
Notes, mortgage notes and other debt [Abstract]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability	0.1
Fair Value Assumptions, Borrowing Costs		7.00%
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Remainder of Year		5.00%
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Next Twelve Months		15.00%
Fair Value Assumptions, Market Risk Premium	6.00%
Fair Value Assumptions, Asset Beta	1.2
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%
7.5% Senior Exchange Convertible Notes [Member]
Notes, mortgage notes and other debt [Abstract]
Stated interest rate (percent)		7.50%
Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	200,000,000		0
Notes, mortgage notes and other debt [Abstract]
Contingent Consideration, Fair Value		2,404,000	0
Carrying Amount [Member] | 4.50% Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure		0	5,402,000
Carrying Amount [Member] | Notes and Senior Exchange Convertible Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure		99,956,000	100,000,000
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure		193,000,000	0
Notes, mortgage notes and other debt [Abstract]
Contingent Consideration, Fair Value		2,404,000	0
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | 4.50% Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure		0	5,425,000
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Notes and Senior Exchange Convertible Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure		99,040,000	111,775,000
Minimum [Member]
Notes, mortgage notes and other debt [Abstract]
Fair Value Assumptions, Asset Beta	0.5
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	5.00%
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Range of Outcomes, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Value, Low	2,400,000
Maximum [Member]
Notes, mortgage notes and other debt [Abstract]
Fair Value Assumptions, Asset Beta	1.5
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	25.00%
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Range of Outcomes, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Value, High	$2,600,000

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud2

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Net revenues	$103,960	$86,641	$51,447	$43,865	$54,025	$34,999	$29,556	$25,119
Expenses	102,349	85,958	53,694	45,499	51,878	35,970	34,209	29,815	287,500	149,653	194,103
Loss (income) from unconsolidated entities	-6	-5	-6	1	-17	-7	-15	-63	-16	-101	259
Loss before income taxes	1,605	678	-2,253	-1,633	2,130	-978	-4,668	-4,759	-1,603	-8,272	-87,683
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest	0	0	36	293	306	899	0	0	329	1,205	2,552
Net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to AV Homes stockholders	1,605	678	-2,289	-1,926	1,824	-1,877	-4,668	-4,759	-1,932	-9,477	-90,235
Loss per share:
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share (in dollars per share)	$0.07	$0.03	($0.10)	($0.09)	$0.08	($0.86)	($0.36)	($0.38)	($0.09)	($1.34)	($7.19)
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment charges									$0	($281)	$57,408