Equity - Reconciliation of Changes in Equity (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$ 504,115
Consolidated net income (loss)	$ 10,254	$ (34,318)	5,958	$ (42,555)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(1,108)
Repurchase of common shares			3,537	$ 0
Other (primarily share-based compensation)			1,602
Ending balance	507,030		507,030
Forestar Group Inc.
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			501,600
Consolidated net income (loss)			5,238
Repurchase of common shares			3,537
Other (primarily share-based compensation)			1,602
Ending balance	504,903		504,903
Noncontrolling Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			2,515
Consolidated net income (loss)			720
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(1,108)
Ending balance	$ 2,127		$ 2,127