Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (97,845,000)	$ (40,892,000)	$ (83,396,000)	$ (63,715,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized net gains on investment securities, net of tax	0	95,000	0	210,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	150,000	0	150,000	(116,000)
Unrealized net gains on interest rate derivative contracts, net of tax	1,978,000	14,942,000	8,007,000	20,633,000
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	2,128,000	15,037,000	8,157,000	20,727,000
Comprehensive loss	(95,717,000)	(25,855,000)	(75,239,000)	(42,988,000)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	4,841,000	5,941,000	5,903,000	9,163,000
Total comprehensive loss attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	$ (90,876,000)	$ (19,914,000)	$ (69,336,000)	$ (33,825,000)