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. The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes required by U.S generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for complete financial statements. These statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of AV Homes at September 30, 2015 and for all periods presented. These statements should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in AV Homes' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Beginning with our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, certain revenue and expense balances were reclassified from "Homebuilding and amenity," as well as "Other real estate" into the line item "Amenity and other" to enhance the visibility to our core homebuilding operations. 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 We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As of September 30, 2015 , 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 approximates their fair values. Our cash items that are restricted as to withdrawal or usage include deposits of $26.3 million and $16.4 million as of September 30 , 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, associated with an interest reserve to comply with the terms of our Senior Secured Credit Facility (defined below). Land and Other Inventories Land and other inventories include expenditures for land acquisition, land development, home construction, 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 Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (“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 market by market consideration of supply of new and resale homes for sale, 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, our impairment assessments resulted in no impairment charges. 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, net Property and equipment, net are stated at cost and depreciation is computed by the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives of the assets: land improvements 10 to 25 years ; buildings and improvements 8 to 39 years ; and machinery, equipment and fixtures 3 to 7 years . Maintenance and operating expenses of equipment utilized in the development of land are capitalized to land inventory. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Property and equipment, net includes certain amenities such as club facilities on properties owned by us. These amenities include expenditures for land acquisition, land development, construction, and direct and allocated costs, including 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 (described above), as these factors may impact our ability to generate revenues at our amenities or cause construction costs to increase. In addition, we factor in the collectability and potential delinquency of the fees due for our amenities. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , we did not identify indicators of impairments for property and equipment. 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. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , we changed our plans to sell assets that were previously classified as held for sale, or the assets no longer met the held-for-sale criteria, resulting in a reclassification of $4.1 million of land positions to land and other inventories. There was no change in the carrying value in these assets due to this reclassification. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , we sold assets held for sale with a carrying value of $7.9 million and $19.9 million, respectively, for cash proceeds of $11.9 million and $27.1 million, respectively. 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 the nine months ended September 30, 2014. 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 and comprehensive income (loss). Due to uncertainties in the estimation process and the significant volatility in demand for new housing, actual results could differ significantly from such estimates. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, our impairment assessments resulted in no impairment charges. Goodwill Goodwill arises from business combinations and represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net fair value amounts that were assigned to the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value. There were no indicators of impairment during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. 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 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 homebuilding revenue 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, 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 accompanying consolidated balance sheets. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , changes in the warranty reserve consisted of the following (in thousands): Three Months Nine Months 2015 2014 2015 2014 Accrued warranty reserve, beginning of period $1,767 $ 806 $ 1,528 $ 639 Reserve provided 1,818 (1) 467 2,954 (1) 933 Payments (1,168) (234 ) (2,065 ) (533 ) Accrued warranty reserve, end of period $2,417 $ 1,039 $ 2,417 $ 1,039 (1) This balance includes $0.7 million of warranty reserve established in connection with the Bonterra transaction. See Note 2 - Business Acquisitions for further information. Income Taxes Income taxes have been provided for 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. We continue to analyze all available positive and negative evidence in determining the continuing need for a valuation allowance. This evaluation considers, among other factors, historical operating results, forecasts of future profitability, and the duration of statutory carryforward periods. One of the primary pieces of negative evidence we consider is the significant losses we have incurred in recent years, including being in a three-year cumulative pre-tax loss position at September 30, 2015, provided significant negative evidence supporting the need for a valuation allowance. However, we earned a profit before income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and have seen significant increases in community count, new orders, and backlog. If current business trends continue, including continued improvements in the homebuilding industry, and we continue to be profitable, we believe that there could be sufficient positive evidence to support reducing a significant portion of the valuation allowance in future periods. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , we recognized an increase of $1.0 million in the valuation allowance, primarily attributable to our year-to-date net loss. As of September 30, 2015 , our deferred tax asset valuation allowance was $130.8 million. Any interest or penalties assessed 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 consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) as income tax expense. Share-Based Compensation The Amended and Restated 1997 Incentive and Capital Accumulation Plan (2011 Restatement), as amended ("the Incentive Plan") and the 2015 Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2015 Plan") provide 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 granted under the Incentive Plan or the 2015 Plan 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 and 2015 Plan generally expire 10 years after the date of grant. As of September 30 , 2015 , an aggregate of 590,483 shares of our common stock, subject to certain adjustments, were reserved for issuance under the Incentive Plan, relating to outstanding options and restricted stock units previously awarded and currently outstanding under the Incentive Plan. There were approximately 760,513 shares available for grant at September 30, 2015 under the 2015 Plan and 19,477 shares reserved for issuance relating to restricted stock units previously awarded and currently outstanding under the 2015 Plan. 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 (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of AV Homes. The computation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 did not assume the effect of employee stock options or the 7.50% Senior Convertible Notes or the 7.50% Senior Convertible Exchange Notes because the effects were antidilutive. The computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 did not assume the effect of outstanding restricted stock, restricted stock units, employee stock options, or the convertible notes because the effects were antidilutive. The following table represents a reconciliation of the net income (loss) and weighted average shares outstanding for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands, except share data): Three Months Nine Months 2015 2014 2015 2014 Numerator: Basic and diluted net income (loss) $ 5,520 $ 678 $ (3,954 ) $ (3,537 ) Denominator: Basic weighted average shares outstanding 22,018,449 21,953,484 22,006,460 21,941,293 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 22,166,873 22,071,236 22,006,460 21,941,293 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.25 $ 0.03 $ (0.18 ) $ (0.16 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.25 $ 0.03 $ (0.18 ) $ (0.16 ) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) are the same for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new standard was originally effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption was not permitted. On August 12, 2015, the FASB approved a one year delay of the effective date to reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, while permitting companies to voluntarily adopt the new standard as of the original effective date. The comprehensive new standard will supersede existing revenue recognition guidance and require revenue to be recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Adoption of the new rules could affect the timing of revenue recognition for certain transactions. The guidance permits two implementation approaches, one requiring retrospective application of the new standard with restatement of prior years and one requiring prospective application of the new standard with disclosure of results under old standards. We are currently evaluating when to adopt the new standard, the impacts of adoption and the implementation approach to be used. On September 25, 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, that eliminates the requirement to restate prior period financial statements for measurement period adjustments. This guidance requires that the cumulative impact of a measurement period adjustment (including the impact on prior periods) be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment is identified. This ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. We believe the adoption of ASU 2015-16 will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. |