Equity - Reconciliation of Changes in Equity (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$ 504,115
Consolidated net income (loss)	$ 10,275	$ (164,331)	16,233	$ (206,886)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(2,378)
Repurchase of common shares			3,537	$ 0
Other (primarily share-based compensation)			2,747
Ending balance	517,180		517,180
Forestar Group Inc.
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			501,600
Consolidated net income (loss)			14,903
Repurchase of common shares			3,537
Other (primarily share-based compensation)			2,747
Ending balance	515,713		515,713
Noncontrolling Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			2,515
Consolidated net income (loss)			1,330
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			(2,378)
Ending balance	$ 1,467		$ 1,467