Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 303,076	$ (97,845)	$ 246,072	$ (83,396)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(32)	150	(80)	150
Unrealized net gains on interest rate derivative contracts, net of tax	5,276	1,978	6,801	8,007
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	5,244	2,128	6,721	8,157
Comprehensive income (loss)	308,320	(95,717)	252,793	(75,239)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	675	4,841	3,467	5,903
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	$ 308,995	$ (90,876)	$ 256,260	$ (69,336)