Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Forestar Group Inc. shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	36,773,370	36,667,210
Treasury stock, common shares	1,281,084	1,216,647