| Cover Page Cover Page | Aug. 03, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 3, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | THE HOWARD HUGHES CORPORATION |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-34856 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 36-4673192 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 13355 Noel Road, 22nd Floor |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Dallas |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 75240 |
| City Area Code | (214) |
| Local Phone Number | 741-7744 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | HHC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001498828 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
