Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (21,494,000)	$ (37,884,000)	$ (40,568,000)	$ (14,111,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized net gains on investment securities, net of tax	175,000	15,000	307,000	10,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	0	842,000	(158,000)	984,000
Unrealized net gains (losses) on interest rate derivative contracts, net of tax	16,604,000	(3,699,000)	17,029,000	2,289,000
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	16,779,000	(2,842,000)	17,178,000	3,283,000
Comprehensive loss	(4,715,000)	(40,726,000)	(23,390,000)	(10,828,000)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	4,507,000	(5,781,000)	4,217,000	(6,806,000)
Total comprehensive loss attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	$ (208,000)	$ (46,507,000)	$ (19,173,000)	$ (17,634,000)