Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) per Unit (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Pope Resources' unitholders	$ 6,128	$ (9,295)	$ 9,612	$ (8,089)
Net income attributable to unvested restricted unitholders	(263)	(27)	(410)	(47)
Dividends paid to Fund II preferred shareholders	(4)	(4)	(8)	(8)
Net income (loss) for calculation of EPS	$ 5,861	$ (9,326)	$ 9,194	$ (8,144)
Weighted average units outstanding (in thousands):
Basic	4,369	4,351	4,367	4,348
Dilutive effect of unit equivalents
Diluted	4,369	4,351	4,367	4,348
Earnings (loss) per unit: Basic	$ 1.34	$ (2.14)	$ 2.11	$ (1.87)
Earnings (loss) per unit: Diluted	$ 1.34	$ (2.14)	$ 2.11	$ (1.87)