Equity - Reconciliation of Changes in Equity (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 562,118
Consolidated net income (loss)	25,245	$ (4,296)
Other (primarily share-based compensation)	(35)
Ending balance	587,328
Forestar Group Inc.
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	560,651
Consolidated net income (loss)	25,205
Other (primarily share-based compensation)	(35)
Ending balance	585,821
Noncontrolling Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,467
Consolidated net income (loss)	40
Ending balance	$ 1,507