Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) per Unit (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Pope Resources' unitholders	$ 3,484	$ 1,206
Net income attributable to unvested restricted unitholders	(150)	(21)
Dividends paid to Fund II preferred shareholders	(4)	(4)
Net income for calculation of EPS	$ 3,330	$ 1,181
Weighted average units outstanding (in thousands):
Basic	4,366	4,345
Dilutive effect of unit equivalents		2
Diluted	4,366	4,347
Earnings per unit: Basic	$ 0.76	$ 0.27
Earnings per unit: Diluted	$ 0.76	$ 0.27