Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ (70,790)	$ 36,271	$ (568)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized net gains on investment securities (net of tax of $(132), $(41) and $(15), respectively)	208	64	25
Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of tax of $100, $(631) and $16, respectively)	(158)	996	(26)
Unrealized net gains (losses) on interest rate derivative contracts (net of tax of $(16,833), $(10,261) and $16,517, respectively)	26,605	16,170	(24,980)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	26,655	17,230	(24,981)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(44,135)	53,501	(25,549)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	65,449	180	(86,968)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	$ 21,314	$ 53,681	$ (112,517)