Equity - Reconciliation of Changes in Equity (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 504,115
Consolidated net income (loss)	(4,296)	$ (8,237)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(171)
Other (primarily share-based compensation)	820
Ending balance	500,468
Forestar Group Inc.
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	501,600
Consolidated net income (loss)	(4,376)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0
Other (primarily share-based compensation)	820
Ending balance	498,044
Noncontrolling Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	2,515
Consolidated net income (loss)	80
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(171)
Other (primarily share-based compensation)	0
Ending balance	$ 2,424