General (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting	The unaudited consolidated financial statements, and the accompanying notes, are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP) and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2019, included in Stratus Properties Inc.’s (Stratus) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 (Stratus 2019 Form 10-K) filed with the United States (U.S.) Securities and Exchange Commission. The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods reported and consist of normal recurring adjustments.
Use of Estimates	The preparation of Stratus’ consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions, including those related to the potential impacts arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and related government actions, that affect the amounts reported in these financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and the extent of its impact cannot be determined with certainty, estimates and assumptions about future events and their effects require increased judgement. Stratus’ assessment of the future magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic disruption, as well as other factors, have contributed to the recognition of a $9.6 million valuation allowance on Stratus' deferred tax assets at September 30, 2020, and could result in other material changes to the estimates used in and material impacts to Stratus’ consolidated financial statements in future reporting periods.
Earnings Per Share	Stratus’ net loss per share of common stock was calculated by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during the period.