Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 36,271	$ (568)	$ 85,398
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized net gains (losses) on investment securities (net of tax of $(41), $(15) and $11, respectively)	64	25	(18)
Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of tax of $(631), $16 and $19, respectively)	996	(26)	(30)
Unrealized net gains (losses) on interest rate derivative contracts (net of tax of $(10,261), $16,517 and $4,490, respectively)	16,170	(24,980)	(7,178)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	17,230	(24,981)	(7,226)
Comprehensive income (loss)	53,501	(25,549)	78,172
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	180	(86,968)	(27,287)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	$ 53,681	$ (112,517)	$ 50,885