Equity - Reconciliation of Changes in Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Beginning balance			$ 715,397
Consolidated net income	14,748	1,198	23,755	6,240
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(1,921)
Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease)			533
Dissolution of noncontrolling interests			1,342
Purchase of noncontrolling interests, net of deferred taxes of $1,750,000			(6,221)
Other (primarily share-based compensation)			4,991
Ending balance	737,876		737,876
Forestar Group Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Beginning balance			709,845
Consolidated net income			23,156
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			0
Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease)			0
Dissolution of noncontrolling interests			0
Purchase of noncontrolling interests, net of deferred taxes of $1,750,000			(2,948)
Other (primarily share-based compensation)			4,991
Ending balance	735,044		735,044
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Beginning balance			5,552
Consolidated net income			599
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(1,921)
Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease)			533
Dissolution of noncontrolling interests			1,342
Purchase of noncontrolling interests, net of deferred taxes of $1,750,000			(3,273)
Other (primarily share-based compensation)			0
Ending balance	$ 2,832		$ 2,832