Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Unit (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Pope Resources' unitholders	$ (75)	$ 3,675	$ 9,537	$ (4,414)
Net income attributable to unvested restricted unitholders	(39)	(144)	(402)	(71)
Fund II preferred share dividends	(4)	(4)	(12)	(12)
Net income (loss) for calculation of EPS	$ (118)	$ 3,527	$ 9,123	$ (4,497)
Weighted average units outstanding:
Basic	4,371	4,354	4,369	4,350
Dilutive effect of unit equivalents
Diluted	4,371	4,354	4,369	4,350
Earnings (loss) per unit: Basic	$ (0.03)	$ 0.81	$ 2.09	$ (1.03)
Earnings (loss) per unit: Diluted	$ (0.03)	$ 0.81	$ 2.09	$ (1.03)