Equity - Reconciliation of Changes in Equity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 709,742
Consolidated net income (loss)	(8,237)us-gaap_ProfitLoss	9,007us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(338)
Other (primarily share-based compensation)	2,222
Ending balance	703,389
Forestar Group Inc. [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	707,202
Consolidated net income (loss)	(8,158)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0
Other (primarily share-based compensation)	2,222
Ending balance	701,266
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	2,540
Consolidated net income (loss)	(79)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(338)
Other (primarily share-based compensation)	0
Ending balance	$ 2,123

Amount of other increase (decrease) in additional paid in capital (APIC).

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Decrease in noncontrolling interest balance from payment of dividends or other distributions by the non-wholly owned subsidiary or partially owned entity, included in the consolidation of the parent entity, to the noncontrolling interest holders.

+ References

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The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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Amount of stockholders' equity (deficit), net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity, attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests. Amount excludes temporary equity. Alternate caption for the concept is permanent equity.

+ References

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