Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Real estate inventories    
Goodwill   $ 14,200
Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $7,611 and $5,757 and as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively 2,766  
Deferred Income Taxes, net valuation allowance of $3,959 and $200,048 at December 31, 2013 and 2012 respectively 95,580   
Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
    
Redeemable convertible preferred stock - Note 16:    
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 80,000,000 shares authorized; 77,005,744 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012   56,400
Successor [Member]
    
ASSETS    
Cash and cash equivalents 171,672 71,075
Restricted cash 854 853
Receivables 20,839 14,789
Real estate inventories    
Owned 671,790 421,630
Not owned 12,960 [1] 39,029 [1]
Deferred loan costs, net 9,575 7,036
Goodwill 14,209 14,209
Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $7,611 and $5,757 and as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively 2,766 4,620
Deferred Income Taxes, net valuation allowance of $3,959 and $200,048 at December 31, 2013 and 2012 respectively 95,580 0
Other assets, net 10,166 7,906
Total assets 1,010,411 581,147
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)    
Accounts payable 17,099 18,735
Accrued expenses 60,203 41,770
Liabilities from inventories not owned 12,960 39,029
Total notes payable 38,060 13,248
8 1/2% Senior Notes due November 15, 2020 431,295 325,000
Liabilities 559,617 437,782
Commitments and contingencies      
Redeemable convertible preferred stock - Note 16:    
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 80,000,000 shares authorized; 77,005,744 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012   71,246
Equity (deficit):    
Additional paid-in capital 311,863 74,168
Retained earnings/(accumulated deficit) 116,002 (11,602)
Total William Lyon Homes stockholders' equity (deficit) 428,179 62,712
Noncontrolling interest 22,615 9,407
Total equity 450,794 72,119
Total liabilities and (deficit) equity 1,010,411 581,147
Successor [Member] | Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
    
Redeemable convertible preferred stock - Note 16:    
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 80,000,000 shares authorized; 77,005,744 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012 0 71,246
Successor [Member] | Preferred Stock [Member]
    
Redeemable convertible preferred stock - Note 16:    
Redeemable convertible preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 80,000,000 shares authorized; 77,005,744 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012 0 0
Successor [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
    
Equity (deficit):    
Common stock 276 85
Successor [Member] | Common Class B [Member]
    
Equity (deficit):    
Common stock 38 38
Successor [Member] | Common Class C [Member]
    
Equity (deficit):    
Common stock 0 20
Successor [Member] | Common Class D [Member]
    
Equity (deficit):    
Common stock $ 0 $ 3
[1] Represents the consolidation of a land banking arrangement which does not obligate the Company to purchase the lots, however, based on certain factors, the Company has determined it is economically compelled to purchase the lots in the land banking arrangement, which has been consolidated. Amounts are net of deposits.