Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 134,974,000	$ (1,647,000)	$ 94,406,000	$ (15,758,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized net gains on investment securities, net of tax	58,000	8,000	365,000	18,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	0	0	(158,000)	954,000
Unrealized net gains on interest rate derivative contracts, net of tax	2,473,000	5,800,000	19,502,000	8,119,000
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	2,531,000	5,808,000	19,709,000	9,091,000
Comprehensive income (loss)	137,505,000	4,161,000	114,115,000	(6,667,000)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	18,310,000	561,000	23,247,000	(6,245,000)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	$ 155,815,000	$ 4,722,000	$ 137,362,000	$ (12,912,000)