Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ (4,118,000)	$ 239,923,000	$ (87,514,000)	$ 176,208,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized net gains on investment securities, net of tax	0	468,000	0	678,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(102,000)	0	48,000	(116,000)
Unrealized net gains on interest rate derivative contracts, net of tax	7,265,000	4,103,000	15,272,000	24,736,000
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	7,163,000	4,571,000	15,320,000	25,298,000
Comprehensive income (loss)	3,045,000	244,494,000	(72,194,000)	201,506,000
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	4,779,000	1,926,000	10,682,000	11,089,000
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	$ 7,824,000	$ 246,420,000	$ (61,512,000)	$ 212,595,000