Forest City Realty Trust (FCE-A) 10-Q 2 Nov 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 30, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	FOREST CITY REALTY TRUST, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,647,509
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		266,752,551

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Real Estate
Completed rental properties	$ 7,280,498,000	$ 7,112,347,000
Projects under construction and development	526,456,000	734,980,000
Land inventory	58,664,000	68,238,000
Total Real Estate	7,865,618,000	7,915,565,000
Less accumulated depreciation	(1,500,128,000)	(1,442,006,000)
Real Estate, net – (variable interest entities $2,323.0 million and $2,270.3 million, respectively)	6,365,490,000	6,473,559,000
Cash and equivalents – (variable interest entities $65.8 million and $59.3 million, respectively)	193,675,000	174,619,000
Restricted cash – (variable interest entities $56.7 million and $46.5 million, respectively)	141,021,000	149,300,000
Accounts receivable, net – (variable interest entities $62.2 million and $72.2 million, respectively)	201,413,000	208,563,000
Notes receivable – (variable interest entities $197.2 million and $154.3 million, respectively)	430,090,000	383,163,000
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	543,504,000	564,779,000
Other assets – (variable interest entities $59.7 million and $72.2 million, respectively)	243,755,000	274,614,000
Total Assets	8,118,948,000	8,228,597,000
Liabilities
Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net – (variable interest entities $1,462.6 million and $1,437.8 million, respectively)	3,129,289,000	3,120,833,000
Revolving credit facility	0	0
Term loan, net	333,568,000	333,268,000
Convertible subordinated debt, net	112,523,000	112,181,000
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities – (variable interest entities $249.3 million and $241.9 million, respectively)	636,094,000	726,724,000
Cash distributions and losses in excess of investments in unconsolidated entities	105,719,000	150,592,000
Total Liabilities	4,317,193,000	4,443,598,000
Commitments and Contingencies	0	0
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock – $.01 par value, respectively; 20,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued	0	0
Common stock – $.01 par value
Common stock	2,653,000	2,587,000
Additional paid-in capital	2,532,432,000	2,483,275,000
Retained earnings	831,244,000	812,386,000
Stockholders' equity before accumulated other comprehensive loss	3,366,329,000	3,298,248,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(10,631,000)	(14,410,000)
Total Stockholders' Equity	3,355,698,000	3,283,838,000
Noncontrolling interest	446,057,000	501,161,000
Total Equity	3,801,755,000	3,784,999,000
Total Liabilities and Equity	8,118,948,000	8,228,597,000
Common stock Class A
Common stock – $.01 par value
Common stock	2,653,000	2,399,000
Total Equity	2,653,000	2,399,000
Common stock Class B
Common stock – $.01 par value
Common stock	0	188,000
Total Equity	$ 0	$ 188,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Real Estate, net	$ 6,365,490	$ 6,473,559
Cash and equivalents	193,675	174,619
Restricted cash	141,021	149,300
Accounts receivable, net	201,413	208,563
Notes receivable	430,090	383,163
Other assets	243,755	274,614
Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net	3,129,289	3,120,833
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	$ 636,094	$ 726,724
Preferred stock, par value per share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Variable interest entities
Real Estate, net	$ 2,323,000	$ 2,270,300
Cash and equivalents	65,800	59,300
Restricted cash	56,700	46,500
Accounts receivable, net	62,200	72,200
Notes receivable	197,200	154,300
Other assets	59,700	72,200
Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net	1,462,600	1,437,800
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	$ 249,300	$ 241,900
Common stock Class A
Common stock, par value per share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	371,000,000	371,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	265,307,748	239,937,796
Common stock, shares outstanding	265,307,748	239,937,796
Common stock Class B
Common stock, par value per share	$ 0	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	0	56,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	0	18,788,169
Common stock, shares outstanding	0	18,788,169

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Revenues
Rental	$ 167,682,000	$ 162,257,000	$ 496,095,000	$ 487,986,000
Tenant recoveries	26,671,000	33,755,000	80,735,000	93,989,000
Service and management fees	8,152,000	17,027,000	29,642,000	38,220,000
Parking and other	9,253,000	14,166,000	34,212,000	43,564,000
Land sales	21,786,000	10,325,000	45,308,000	22,479,000
Military Housing	0	0	0	3,518,000
Total revenues	233,544,000	237,530,000	685,992,000	689,756,000
Expenses
Property operating and management	71,961,000	87,460,000	228,912,000	258,815,000
Real estate taxes	21,748,000	21,682,000	64,305,000	67,748,000
Ground rent	3,837,000	3,780,000	11,491,000	10,866,000
Cost of land sales	13,301,000	3,148,000	22,996,000	5,190,000
Military Housing operating	0	0	0	2,730,000
Corporate general and administrative	16,480,000	17,917,000	46,081,000	51,779,000
Organizational transformation and termination benefits	2,633,000	8,092,000	14,021,000	22,493,000
Total operating expenses	129,960,000	142,079,000	387,806,000	419,621,000
Depreciation and amortization	60,194,000	62,892,000	189,496,000	188,521,000
Write-offs of abandoned development projects and demolition costs	0	10,058,000	1,596,000	10,058,000
Impairment of real estate	44,288,000	142,261,000	44,288,000	156,825,000
Total expenses	234,442,000	357,290,000	623,186,000	775,025,000
Operating income (loss)	(898,000)	(119,760,000)	62,806,000	(85,269,000)
Interest and other income	20,361,000	11,980,000	40,529,000	32,665,000
Interest expense	(31,597,000)	(34,060,000)	(88,473,000)	(101,130,000)
Amortization of mortgage procurement costs	(1,338,000)	(1,314,000)	(4,067,000)	(4,395,000)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	(2,843,000)	(29,084,000)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and earnings from unconsolidated entities	(13,472,000)	(143,154,000)	7,952,000	(187,213,000)
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities
Equity in earnings	8,295,000	6,433,000	23,834,000	25,520,000
Net gain on disposition of interest in unconsolidated entities	28,828,000	0	81,782,000	12,613,000
Impairment of unconsolidated entities	(10,600,000)	(306,400,000)	(10,600,000)	(306,400,000)
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities, gross of tax	26,523,000	(299,967,000)	95,016,000	(268,267,000)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	13,051,000	(443,121,000)	102,968,000	(455,480,000)
Income tax expense (benefit) of taxable REIT subsidiaries
Current	304,000	525,000	4,817,000	1,774,000
Deferred	0	0	0	393,000
Total income tax expense	304,000	525,000	4,817,000	2,167,000
Earnings (loss) before gains on disposal of real estate	12,747,000	(443,646,000)	98,151,000	(457,647,000)
Net gain (loss) on disposition of interest in development project	0	0	(113,000)	136,117,000
Net gain (loss) on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties, net of tax	(256,000)	14,067,000	13,573,000	103,085,000
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	12,491,000	(429,579,000)	111,611,000	(218,445,000)
Discontinued operations, net of tax:
Operating loss from rental property	0	0	0	(1,126,000)
Gain on disposition of disposal group	0	0	0	64,553,000
Equity in earnings (loss)	0	0	0	(822,000)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	0	0	0	62,605,000
Net earnings (loss)	12,491,000	(429,579,000)	111,611,000	(155,840,000)
Noncontrolling interests, gross of tax
Earnings from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,037,000)	(1,282,000)	(8,487,000)	(5,163,000)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	776,000
(Earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(7,037,000)	(1,282,000)	(8,487,000)	(4,387,000)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc.	$ 5,454,000	$ (430,861,000)	$ 103,124,000	$ (160,227,000)
Basic earnings per common share
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$ 0.02	$ (1.67)	$ 0.39	$ (0.87)
Earnings from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders	0	0	0	0.25
Net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders	0.02	(1.67)	0.39	(0.62)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	0.02	(1.67)	0.39	(0.87)
Earnings from discontinued operations attributable to common stockholders	0	0	0	0.25
Net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$ 0.02	$ (1.67)	$ 0.39	$ (0.62)

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 12,491,000	$ (429,579,000)	$ 111,611,000	$ (155,840,000)
Other comprehensive income
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0	0	95,000
Unrealized net gains on interest rate derivative contracts	1,240,000	11,302,000	3,790,000	19,886,000
Total other comprehensive income	1,240,000	11,302,000	3,790,000	19,981,000
Comprehensive income (loss)	13,731,000	(418,277,000)	115,401,000	(135,859,000)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(7,041,000)	(1,286,000)	(8,498,000)	(4,399,000)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc.	$ 6,690,000	$ (419,563,000)	$ 106,903,000	$ (140,258,000)

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($)	Total	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	Noncontrolling Interest	Common stock Class A	Common stock Class B
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings (loss), net of amount attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	$ (152,324,000)		$ (158,402,000)		$ 6,078,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	3,974,556,000	$ 2,524,420,000	1,059,240,000	$ (67,905,000)	456,224,000	$ 2,389,000	$ 188,000
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2015						238,949,000	18,805,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income	53,510,000			53,495,000	15,000
Common stock dividends	(88,452,000)		(88,452,000)
Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock	0					$ 0	$ 0
Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, Shares						17,000	(17,000)
Costs incurred for conversion of Class B stock to Class A stock	(3,896,000)	(3,896,000)
Restricted stock and performance shares vested	0	(12,000)				$ 12,000
Restricted stock and performance shares vested, Shares						1,267,000
Repurchase of Class A common stock	(7,945,000)	(7,942,000)				$ (3,000)
Repurchase of Class A common stock, Shares						(390,000)
Exercise of stock options	1,158,000	1,157,000				$ 1,000
Exercise of stock options, Shares						86,000
Stock-based compensation	25,463,000	25,463,000
Issuance of Class A stock in exchange for Convertible Senior Notes	186,000	186,000				$ 0
Issuance of Class A stock in exchange for Convertible Senior Notes, Shares						9,000
Acquisition of partners' noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	(36,185,000)	(56,101,000)			19,916,000
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	50,506,000				50,506,000
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(31,578,000)				(31,578,000)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	3,784,999,000	2,483,275,000	812,386,000	(14,410,000)	501,161,000	$ 2,399,000	$ 188,000
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2016						239,938,000	18,788,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings (loss), net of amount attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	111,611,000		103,124,000		8,487,000
Other comprehensive income	3,790,000			3,779,000	11,000
Common stock dividends	(84,266,000)		(84,266,000)
Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock	0	(58,000)				$ 246,000	$ (188,000)
Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, Shares						24,612,000	(18,788,000)
Costs incurred for conversion of Class B stock to Class A stock	(9,305,000)	(9,305,000)
Restricted stock and performance shares vested	0	(8,000)				$ 8,000
Restricted stock and performance shares vested, Shares						763,000
Repurchase of Class A common stock	$ (5,598,000)	(5,596,000)				$ (2,000)
Repurchase of Class A common stock, Shares	(252,161)					(252,000)
Exercise of stock options	$ 1,498,000	1,497,000				$ 1,000
Exercise of stock options, Shares						91,000
Issuance of Class A common stock under the deferred compensation plan for non-employee directors	309,000	309,000				$ 0
Issuance of Class A common stock under the deferred compensation plan for non-employee directors, Shares						13,000
Stock-based compensation	21,294,000	21,294,000
Issuance of Class A stock in exchange for Convertible Senior Notes	1,000	1,000				$ 0
Issuance of Class A stock in exchange for Convertible Senior Notes, Shares						0
Exchange of 2006 Class A Common Units for Class A common stock	0	7,287,000			(7,288,000)	$ 1,000
Exchange of 2006 Class A Common Units for Class A common stock, shares						143,000
Exchange of 2006 Class A Common Units for rental property	(12,232,000)	22,805,000			(35,037,000)
Acquisition of partners' noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	0	10,931,000			(10,931,000)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	18,499,000				18,499,000
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(28,845,000)				(28,845,000)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 3,801,755,000	$ 2,532,432,000	$ 831,244,000	$ (10,631,000)	$ 446,057,000	$ 2,653,000	$ 0
Balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2017						265,308,000	0

Consolidated Statements of Equ7

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Noncontrolling Interest
Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	$ (776)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Net earnings (loss)	$ 111,611,000	$ (155,840,000)
Depreciation and amortization	189,496,000	188,521,000
Amortization of mortgage procurement costs	4,067,000	4,395,000
Impairment of real estate	44,288,000	156,825,000
Impairment of unconsolidated entities	10,600,000	306,400,000
Write-offs of abandoned development projects	1,596,000	10,058,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt	2,843,000	29,084,000
Net (gain) loss on disposition of interest in development project	113,000	(136,117,000)
Net gain on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties, net of tax	(13,573,000)	(103,085,000)
Deferred income tax expense	0	393,000
Earnings from unconsolidated entities	(105,616,000)	(38,133,000)
Stock-based compensation expense	14,893,000	15,160,000
Amortization and mark-to-market adjustments of derivative instruments	773,000	4,162,000
Operating distributions from unconsolidated entities	53,388,000	57,256,000
Non-cash operating expenses and deferred taxes included in discontinued operations	0	(309,000)
Loss from unconsolidated entities included in discontinued operations	0	1,400,000
Gain on disposition of disposal group included in discontinued operations, net of tax	0	(64,553,000)
Decrease (increase) in land inventory	12,462,000	(4,370,000)
Increase in accounts receivable	(15,671,000)	(11,743,000)
Decrease in other assets	5,056,000	9,629,000
Decrease in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(3,472,000)	(79,099,000)
Net cash provided by operating activities	312,854,000	190,034,000
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(306,937,000)	(433,659,000)
Capital expenditures of assets included in discontinued operations	0	(690,000)
Payment of lease procurement costs	(9,297,000)	(9,218,000)
Increase in notes receivable	(31,047,000)	(43,348,000)
Payments on notes receivable	0	58,000,000
Decrease in restricted cash	11,610,000	12,897,000
Cash held at Arena upon disposition	0	(28,041,000)
Proceeds from disposition of rental properties or development project	32,672,000	545,289,000
Contributions to unconsolidated entities	(56,590,000)	(114,139,000)
Distributions from unconsolidated entities	76,942,000	26,756,000
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(282,647,000)	13,847,000
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable	159,174,000	260,871,000
Principal payments on nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable	(57,309,000)	(85,143,000)
Redemption of Senior Notes due 2018 & 2020	0	(157,644,000)
Payments to noteholders related to exchange of convertible senior notes	0	(24,376,000)
Transaction costs related to exchange of convertible senior notes	0	(2,460,000)
Payment of costs incurred for conversion of Class B to Class A common stock	(11,266,000)	0
Payment of deferred financing costs	(2,264,000)	(5,332,000)
Repurchase of Class A common stock	(5,598,000)	(7,825,000)
Exercise of stock options	1,498,000	1,158,000
Dividends paid to stockholders	(84,266,000)	(72,832,000)
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests	0	(38,968,000)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	18,499,000	41,639,000
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(29,619,000)	(19,476,000)
Net cash used in financing activities	(11,151,000)	(110,388,000)
Net increase in cash and equivalents	19,056,000	93,493,000
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period (including cash held for sale - 2016)	174,619,000	293,720,000
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$ 193,675,000	$ 387,213,000

Accounting Policies

Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting Policies	Accounting Policies General Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. (with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) principally engages in the operation, development, management and acquisition of office, apartment and retail real estate and land throughout the United States. The Company had approximately $8.1 billion of consolidated assets i n 20 s tates and the District of Columbia at September 30, 2017 . The Company’s core markets include Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and the greater metropolitan areas of New York City, San Francisco and Washington D.C. The Company has regional offices in Boston, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and the Company’s corporate headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . The results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or any subsequent period. In management’s opinion, all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring matters) necessary for a fair statement of financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of and for the periods presented have been included. Company Operations The Company is organized as a Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) for federal income tax purposes. The Company holds substantially all of its assets, and conducts substantially all of its business, through Forest City Enterprises, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”). The Company is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership and, as of September 30, 2017 , the Company owns all of the limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership. The Company holds and operates certain of its assets through one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). A TRS is a subsidiary of a REIT subject to applicable corporate income tax. The Company’s use of TRSs enables it to continue to engage in certain businesses while complying with REIT qualification requirements and allows the Company to retain income generated by these businesses for reinvestment without the requirement of distributing those earnings. The primary businesses held in TRSs include 461 Dean Street, an apartment building in Brooklyn, New York , South Bay Galleria, Antelope Valley Mall and Mall at Robinson , regional malls in Redondo Beach, California, Palmdale, California and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, respectively, Pacific Park Brooklyn project, land development operations, Barclays Center arena (sold in January 2016), the Nets (sold in January 2016), and military housing operations (sold in February 2016). In the future, the Company may elect to reorganize and transfer certain assets or operations from its TRSs to other subsidiaries, including qualified REIT subsidiaries. Segments The Company is organized around real estate operations, real estate development and corporate support functions. Real Estate Operations represents the performance of the Company’s core rental real estate portfolio and is comprised of the following reportable operating segments: • Office - owns, acquires and operates office and life science buildings. • Apartments - owns, acquires and operates upscale and middle-market apartments, adaptive re-use developments and subsidized senior housing. • Retail - owns, acquires and operates amenity retail within our mixed-use projects, regional malls and specialty/urban retail centers. The remaining reportable operating segments consist of the following: • Development - develops and constructs office and life science buildings, apartments, condominiums, amenity retail, regional malls, specialty/urban retail centers and mixed-use projects. The Development segment includes recently opened operating properties prior to stabilization and the horizontal development and sale of land to residential, commercial and industrial customers primarily at its Stapleton project in Denver, Colorado. • Corporate - provides executive oversight and various support services for Operations, Development and Corporate employees. • Other - owned and operated several non-core investments, including the Barclays Center, a sports and entertainment arena located in Brooklyn, New York (“Arena”) (sold in January 2016), the Company’s equity method investment in the Brooklyn Nets (the “Nets”) (sold in January 2016), and military housing operations (sold in February 2016). Segment Transfers The Development segment includes projects in development and projects under construction along with recently opened operating properties prior to stabilization. Projects will be reported in their applicable operating segment (Office, Apartments or Retail) beginning on January 1 of the year following stabilization. Therefore, the Development segment will continue to report results from recently opened properties until the year-end following initial stabilization. The Company generally defines stabilized properties as achieving 92% or greater occupancy or having been open and operating for one or two years, depending on the size of the project. Once a stabilized property is transferred to the applicable Operations segment on January 1, it will be considered “comparable” beginning on the following January 1. Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes. Some of the critical estimates made by the Company include, but are not limited to, determination of the primary beneficiary of variable interest entities (“VIEs”), estimates of useful lives for long-lived assets, reserves for collection on accounts and notes receivable and other investments, gain on change of control of interests, impairment of real estate and other-than-temporary impairments on equity method investments. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Reclassifications Certain prior period amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. Variable Interest Entities As of September 30, 2017 , the Company determined it was the primary beneficiary of 43 VIEs. The creditors of the consolidated VIEs do not have recourse to the Company’s general credit. As of September 30, 2017 , the Company determined it was not the primary beneficiary of 36 VIEs and accounts for these interests as equity method investments. The maximum exposure to loss of these unconsolidated VIEs is limited to the Company’s investment balance of $166,000,000 as of September 30, 2017 . New Accounting Guidance The following accounting pronouncements were adopted during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 : In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an amendment to the accounting guidance to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption of this guidance effective January 1, 2017 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on the classification of certain transactions on the statement of cash flows where diversity in practice currently exists. The guidance addresses certain specific cash flow issues, including, but not limited to, debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs and distributions received from equity method investments. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and for interim reporting periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, and the Company has elected to adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. In January 2017, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance for business combinations to clarify the definition of a business. The objective of this guidance is to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted, and the Company has elected to adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2017. The impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements resulting from the adoption of this guidance will depend on the Company’s level of acquisitions, but will most likely increase the number of acquisitions accounted for as asset acquisitions rather than business combinations. The following new accounting pronouncements will be adopted on their respective effective dates: In May 2014, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance for revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of this guidance is an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance defines steps an entity should apply to achieve the core principle. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim reporting periods within that annual period and allows for both retrospective and modified retrospective methods of adoption. Early adoption was permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company intends to adopt the guidance using the modified retrospective method. Rental revenue from lease contracts represents a significant portion of our total revenues and is a specific scope exception provided by this guidance. However, common area maintenance and other tenant reimbursable expenses provided to the lessee are considered a non-lease component and will be required to be separated from rental revenue and recorded on a separate financial statement line item upon adoption of the new accounting guidance on leases discussed below. The Company has finalized a project plan, including determination of each applicable revenue stream required to be analyzed within the scope of this accounting guidance. The Company has completed its analysis of service and management fee revenues and parking and other revenues and has concluded the adoption will not have any impact on the method of revenue recognition. The Company continues the process of reviewing various contracts (primarily consisting of land and real estate sales) to analyze the overall impact the adoption will have on the Company’s Statement of Operations. In February 2016, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on leases. This guidance sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e., lessees and lessors). The new guidance requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease, respectively. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. The new standard requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. The guidance is expected to impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the Company has certain operating and land lease arrangements for which it is the lessee. The new guidance supersedes the previous leases accounting standard. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and for interim reporting periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of the new guidance is expected to have an impact on the consolidated financial statements as the Company has material ground lease arrangements, as well as other lease agreements. In addition, the Company believes it will be precluded from capitalizing its internal leasing costs, as the costs are not expected to be directly incremental to the successful execution of a lease, as required by the new guidance. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this guidance. In November 2016, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. The guidance requires restricted cash to be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown in the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and for interim reporting periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance should be adopted using a retrospective transition method. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. In February 2017, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on the derecognition of nonfinancial assets. The guidance clarifies the definition of an in substance nonfinancial asset and the recognition of gains and losses from the transfer of nonfinancial assets and for partial sales of nonfinancial assets, which would include real estate. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and for interim reporting periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this guidance. In August 2017, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on derivatives and hedging activities. The purpose of this updated guidance is to better align a company’s financial reporting for hedging activities with the economic objectives of those activities. The transition method is a modified retrospective approach that will require the Company to recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance as an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year that an entity adopts the update. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and for interim reporting periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this guidance. Related Party Transactions The Company and certain of its affiliates entered into a Master Contribution and Sale Agreement (the “Master Contribution Agreement”) with Bruce C. Ratner (“Mr. Ratner”), Executive Vice President, and certain entities and individuals affiliated with Mr. Ratner (the “BCR Entities”) in August 2006 to purchase their interests in a total of 30 retail, office and residential operating properties and service companies in the Greater New York City metropolitan area. The Company issued Class A Common Units (“2006 Units”) in a jointly-owned, limited liability company in exchange for their interests. The 2006 Units may be exchanged for one of the following forms of consideration at the Company’s sole discretion: (i) an equal number of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock or, (ii) cash based on a formula using the average closing price of the Class A common stock at the time of conversion or, (iii) a combination of cash and shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. If the Company elects to pay cash as full or partial consideration in exchange for 2006 Units, the exchanging unit holder(s) may elect to redeem such 2006 Units for an in-kind distribution of one or more properties in lieu of cash, provided certain conditions set forth under the Exchange Rights Agreement adopted pursuant to the Master Contribution Agreement are met. The Company may, in its sole discretion, elect not to proceed with an in-kind redemption if the Company determines in good faith that the Company will suffer any adverse effects from proceeding with the in-kind redemption. The Company has no rights to redeem or repurchase the 2006 Units. Pursuant to the Master Contribution Agreement, certain projects under development would remain owned jointly until each project was completed and achieved “stabilization.” Upon stabilization, each project would be valued and the Company, in its discretion, would choose among various ownership options for the project. In connection with the Master Contribution Agreement, the parties entered into the Tax Protection Agreement (the “Tax Protection Agreement”). The Tax Protection Agreement indemnified the BCR Entities included in the initial closing against taxes payable by reason of any subsequent sale of certain operating properties and expires in November 2018. Pursuant to the Master Contribution Agreement, 2006 Units not exchanged are entitled to a distribution preference payment equal to the dividends paid on an equivalent number of shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company recorded $219,000 and $553,000 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and $116,000 and $543,000 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively, related to the distribution preference payment, which is classified as noncontrolling interest expense on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations. As a result of the January 2017 sale of Shops at Bruckner Boulevard , an unconsolidated specialty retail center in Bronx, New York, the Company accrued $482,000 related to a tax indemnity payment due to the BCR Entities in accordance with the terms of the Tax Protection Agreement. The Company paid the BCR Entities $361,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and expects to remit the remaining quarterly installment during the three months ended December 31, 2017. As a result of the January 2016 sale of 625 Fulton Avenue , a development site in Brooklyn, New York, the Company accrued $6,238,000 related to a tax indemnity payment due to the BCR Entities in accordance with the terms of the Tax Protection Agreement. Installments totaling $4,680,000 were paid during the year ended December 31, 2016. The remaining amount was included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities at December 31, 2016 and was paid in January 2017. In August 2017, certain BCR Entities exchanged 686,865 of the 2006 Units. The Company assigned and transferred its ownership interest in 500 Sterling Place , a previously 100% owned apartment community in Brooklyn, New York, for the exchanged 2006 Units. The agreed upon value of the exchanged property was based on an independent third party appraisal and both parties agreed to use $20 as the basis in determining the number of 2006 Units to be exchanged. The Company accounted for the non-cash exchange as a purchase of noncontrolling interests, resulting in a reduction of noncontrolling interests of $35,037,000 , a reduction of completed rental properties, net of $45,044,000 , a reduction of nonrecourse mortgage debt of $34,382,000 and an increase to additional paid-in capital of $22,805,000 , accounting for the agreed upon value of the exchanged property and the difference between the value of consideration exchanged and the historical cost basis of the noncontrolling interest balance. In September 2017, the Company made a $222,000 payment to the BCR entities for the overpayment of estimated closing costs related to the August 2017 exchange transaction. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 1,111,044 and 1,940,788 of the 2006 Units were outstanding, respectively. In March 2017, certain BCR Entities exchanged 142,879 of the 2006 Units. The Company issued 142,879 shares of its Class A common stock for the exchanged 2006 Units. The Company accounted for the exchange as a purchase of noncontrolling interests, resulting in a reduction of noncontrolling interests of $7,288,000 , an increase to Class A common stock of $1,000 and a combined increase to additional paid-in capital of $7,287,000 , accounting for the fair value of common stock issued and the difference between the fair value of consideration exchanged and the historical cost basis of the noncontrolling interest balance. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company distributed $997,000 to Mr. Ratner, which represented his share of the retainage release of a development fee earned during 2005 on a fee project for building the Kings County Supreme Court for New York City. The retainage was being held until the final certificate of occupancy was issued. The Company obtained the final certificate of occupancy and collected the retainage during the three months ended September 30, 2017, at which time Mr. Ratner’s share was distributed. In December 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors approved, and the Company entered into a reclassification agreement with RMS Limited Partnership (“RMS”), the former controlling stockholder of the Company's Class B shares, (the “Reclassification Agreement”). The Reclassification Agreement provided that, at the Effective Time, as defined in the Reclassification Agreement, following the satisfaction of the conditions thereto, each share of Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time would be reclassified and exchanged into 1.31 shares of Class A Common Stock, with a right to cash in lieu of fractional shares (the “Reclassification”). At the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 9, 2017, the stockholders approved the Reclassification. See Note I – Capital Stock for additional information. In October 2016, the Company entered into a Reimbursement Agreement with RMS (the “Reimbursement Agreement”). The Company agreed to reimburse RMS (together with its officers, directors, employees, beneficiaries, trustees, representatives and agents)(“Reimbursed Persons”) for reasonable and documented fees and out-of-pocket expenses of RMS’s financial, legal and public relations advisors incurred in evaluating and negotiating the Reclassification. In addition, the Company agreed to reimburse the Reimbursed Persons for (i) reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with any Proceeding (as defined in the Reimbursement Agreement) to which such Reimbursed Person is a party or otherwise involved in and (ii) any losses, damages or liabilities actually and reasonably suffered or incurred in any such Proceeding by a Reimbursed Person. Amounts incurred subject to the Reimbursement Agreement were approximately $4,060,000 and $1,207,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016, respectively. See Note I – Capital Stock for additional information. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, Charles A. Ratner, the Company’s former Chairman of the Board and brother of James A. Ratner, the Company’s current Chairman of the Board, purchased a life insurance policy from the Company for $826,000 , which represented the book value and net cash surrender value of the policy at the time of the transaction. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“accumulated OCI”): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Unrealized losses on interest rate derivative contracts (1) $ 10,683 $ 14,473 Noncontrolling interest (52 ) (63 ) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss $ 10,631 $ 14,410 (1) Includes unrealized losses on interest rate swaps accounted for as hedges held by certain of the Company’s equity method investees. The following table summarizes the changes, net of noncontrolling interest, of accumulated OCI by component: Foreign Currency Translation Interest Rate Contracts Total (in thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Balance, January 1, 2017 $ — $ (14,410 ) $ (14,410 ) Loss recognized in accumulated OCI — (385 ) (385 ) Loss reclassified from accumulated OCI — 4,164 4,164 Total other comprehensive income — 3,779 3,779 Balance, September 30, 2017 $ — $ (10,631 ) $ (10,631 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Balance, January 1, 2016 $ (95 ) $ (67,810 ) $ (67,905 ) Gain (loss) recognized in accumulated OCI 95 (10,184 ) (10,089 ) Loss reclassified from accumulated OCI — 30,058 30,058 Total other comprehensive income 95 19,874 19,969 Balance, September 30, 2016 $ — $ (47,936 ) $ (47,936 ) The following table summarizes losses reclassified from accumulated OCI and their location on the Consolidated Statements of Operations: Accumulated OCI Components Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Location on Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate contracts $ 2,194 Interest expense Interest rate contracts 1,981 Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities 4,175 Total before noncontrolling interest (11 ) Noncontrolling interest $ 4,164 Loss reclassified from accumulated OCI Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Interest rate contracts $ 27,536 Interest expense Interest rate contracts 113 Net gain on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties, net of tax Interest rate contracts 2,421 Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities 30,070 Total before noncontrolling interest (12 ) Noncontrolling interest $ 30,058 Loss reclassified from accumulated OCI Noncontrolling Interest During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company exercised a promote option in the Arizona State Retirement System joint venture agreement, whereby the Company increased its ownership in the joint venture from 25.00% to 29.63% , as a result of the joint venture’s cumulative financial performance and estimated value creation. The non-cash transaction resulted in a decrease to noncontrolling interest and a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital of $10,931,000 . The Company owned an equity interest in Barclays Center arena and the Nets through the Company’s consolidated subsidiary Nets Sports & Entertainment (“NS&E”). During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , subsequent to the sale of Barclays Center and the Nets, the Company purchased NS&E’s partners’ interest for $38,951,000 . This cash payment together with the partners’ historical noncontrolling interest debit balance resulted in a decrease to additional paid-in capital as reflected on the Consolidated Statement of Equity. Organizational Transformation and Termination Benefits The following table summarizes the components of organizational transformation and termination benefits: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in thousands) Termination benefits $ 1,764 $ 2,710 $ 10,501 $ 10,273 Shareholder activism costs 869 — 3,520 — Reorganization costs — 5,382 — 11,357 REIT conversion costs — — — 863 Total $ 2,633 $ 8,092 $ 14,021 $ 22,493 For the periods presented, the Company experienced workplace reductions and recorded the associated termination benefits expenses (outplacement and severance payments based on years of service and other defined criteria) for each occurrence. Shareholder activism costs are comprised of advisory, legal and other professional fees associated with activism matters. Reorganization costs consist primarily of consulting and other professional fees related to the 2016 restructuring of the organization by function (operations, development and corporate support). REIT conversion costs consist primarily of legal, accounting, consulting and other professional fees. The Company has segregated these costs along with termination benefits and reported these amounts as organizational transformation and termination benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and reported in the Corporate segment. The following table summarizes the activity in the accrued severance balance for termination benefits: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in thousands) Accrued severance benefits, beginning balance $ 11,710 $ 11,277 $ 9,969 $ 16,338 Termination benefits expense 1,764 2,710 10,501 10,273 Payments (4,615 ) (3,394 ) (11,611 ) (16,018 ) Accrued severance benefits, ending balance $ 8,859 $ 10,593 $ 8,859 $ 10,593 Supplemental Non-Cash Disclosures The following table summarizes the impact to the applicable balance sheet line items as a result of various non-cash transactions. Non-cash transactions primarily include dispositions of operating properties whereby the nonrecourse mortgage debt is assumed by the buyer or otherwise extinguished at closing, exchanges of 2006 Units or senior notes for Class A common stock or rental property, changes in consolidation methods of fully consolidated properties due to the occurrence of triggering events including, but not limited to, disposition of a partial interest in rental properties, change in construction payables and other capital expenditures, notes receivable from the sale of rental properties or development project, redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interest, adoption of new accounting guidance for debt issuance costs and capitalization of stock-based compensation granted to employees directly involved with the development and construction of real estate. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Non-cash changes to balance sheet - Investing Activities Projects under construction and development $ (51,996 ) $ (37,542 ) Completed rental properties (126,810 ) (1,173,460 ) Restricted cash 3,331 (12,265 ) Notes receivable 2,500 277,050 Investments in and advances to affiliates - due to dispositions or change in control 603 125,741 Investments in and advances to affiliates - other activity (218 ) 2,708 Total non-cash effect on investing activities $ (172,590 ) $ (817,768 ) Non-cash changes to balance sheet - Financing Activities Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net $ (109,751 ) $ (846,965 ) Convertible senior debt, net (1 ) (125 ) Class A common stock 59 — Additional paid-in capital 49,335 (12,065 ) Redeemable noncontrolling interest — (159,202 ) Noncontrolling interest (54,129 ) 19,059 Total non-cash effect on financing activities $ (114,487 ) $ (999,298 )

Notes Receivable

Notes Receivable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Notes Receivable [Abstract]
Notes receivables	Notes Receivable The following table summarizes the Company’s interest bearing notes receivable: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Maturity Date Weighted Average Interest Rate (in thousands) Stapleton $ 195,846 $ 141,034 Various 8.56% The Nets sale 125,100 125,100 January 2021 4.50% Barclays Center sale 92,600 92,600 January 2019 4.50% Other 16,544 24,429 Various 4.94% Total $ 430,090 $ 383,163

Nonrecourse Mortgage Debt and N

Nonrecourse Mortgage Debt and Notes Payable, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Nonrecourse Mortgage Debt and Notes Payable, Net [Abstract]
Nonrecourse Mortgage Debt and Notes Payable, Net	Nonrecourse Mortgage Debt and Notes Payable, Net The following table summarizes the nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net maturities as of September 30, 2017 : Years Ending December 31, (in thousands) 2017 $ 190,767 2018 494,058 2019 474,981 2020 228,929 2021 194,944 Thereafter 1,578,094 3,161,773 Net unamortized mortgage procurement costs (32,484 ) Total $ 3,129,289

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility In November 2015, the Company entered into a Revolving Credit Agreement which provided for total available borrowings of $500,000,000 (increased to $600,000,000 in May 2016) and contains an accordion provision, subject to bank approval, allowing the Company to increase total available borrowings to $750,000,000 (“Revolving Credit Facility”). The Revolving Credit Facility matures in November 2019, and provides for two six -month extension periods, subject to certain conditions. Borrowings bear interest at the Company’s option at either London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) ( 1.23% at September 30, 2017 ) plus a margin of 1.15% - 1.85% ( 1.25% at September 30, 2017 ) or the Prime Rate ( 4.25% at September 30, 2017 ) plus a margin of 0.15% - 0.85% ( 0.25% at September 30, 2017 ). In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility is subject to an annual facility fee of 0.20% - 0.35% ( 0.25% at September 30, 2017 ) of total available borrowings. Up to $150,000,000 of the available borrowings can be used for letters of credit. The applicable margins and annual facility fee are based on the Company’s total leverage ratio (adjusted quarterly, if applicable). The Revolving Credit Facility has restrictive covenants, including a prohibition on certain types of dispositions, mergers, consolidations, and limitations on lines of business the Company is allowed to conduct. Additionally, the Revolving Credit Facility contains financial covenants, including the maintenance of a maximum total leverage ratio, maximum secured and unsecured leverage ratios, maximum secured recourse leverage ratio, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, and a minimum unencumbered interest coverage ratio (all as specified in the Revolving Credit Agreement). At September 30, 2017 , the Company was in compliance with all of these financial covenants. The following table summarizes available credit on the Revolving Credit Facility: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Total available borrowings $ 600,000 $ 600,000 Less: Outstanding borrowings — — Letters of credit 42,873 44,215 Available credit $ 557,127 $ 555,785 As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , unamortized debt issuance costs related to the Revolving Credit Facility of $2,038,000 and $2,757,000 , respectively, are included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Term Loan, Net

Term Loan, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Term Loan, Net [Abstract]
Term Loan, Net	Term Loan, Net In May 2016, the Company entered into a Term Loan Credit Agreement which provides a $335,000,000 senior unsecured term loan credit facility (“Term Loan”). The Term Loan matures in May 2021 and bears interest at the Company’s option at either LIBOR (based on the approximate date of the initial borrowings and adjusted monthly thereafter) ( 1.24% at September 30, 2017 ) plus a margin of 1.30% - 2.20% ( 1.45% at September 30, 2017 ) or the Prime Rate plus a margin of 0.30% - 1.20% ( 0.45% at September 30, 2017 ). The applicable margins are based on the Company’s total leverage ratio. Upon the Company obtaining an investment grade credit rating, established by certain debt rating agencies for the Company’s long term, senior, unsecured non-credit enhanced debt (the “Debt Ratings”), the applicable margin will, at the Company’s election, be based on the Company’s then-current Debt Ratings. The Term Loan contains identical financial covenants as the Revolving Credit Facility as described in Note D – Revolving Credit Facility . Additionally, the Term Loan contains customary events of default provisions, including failure to pay indebtedness, breaches of covenants and bankruptcy or other insolvency events, which could result in the acceleration of all amounts and cancellation of all commitments outstanding under the Term Loan, as well as customary representations and warranties and affirmative and negative covenants. The following table summarizes outstanding borrowings of the Term Loan, net: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Total outstanding borrowings $ 335,000 $ 335,000 Net unamortized debt procurement costs (1,432 ) (1,732 ) Total $ 333,568 $ 333,268 Convertible Senior Debt, Net The following table summarizes the convertible senior debt, net: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) 4.250% Notes due 2018 $ 73,215 $ 73,216 3.625% Notes due 2020 40,021 40,021 113,236 113,237 Net unamortized debt procurement costs (713 ) (1,056 ) Total $ 112,523 $ 112,181 During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company entered into separate, privately negotiated exchange agreements with certain holders of the Company’s convertible senior notes. Under the terms of the agreements, holders agreed to exchange certain notes for either shares of Class A common stock or cash payments. Under the accounting guidance for induced conversions of convertible debt, additional amounts paid to induce the holders to exchange the notes were expensed resulting in a loss on extinguishment of debt. The following table summarizes the convertible senior debt transactions completed during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 : Agreement Date Issuance Aggregate Principal Class A Common Shares Issued Cash Payments to Noteholders Loss on Extinguishment (in thousands, except share data) January 20, 2016 2016 Senior Notes $ 125 9,298 $ — $ 59 March 14, 2016 2018 Senior Notes 77,310 — 90,958 15,370 March 17, 2016 2018 Senior Notes 4,000 — 4,707 795 March 14, 2016 2020 Senior Notes 76,334 — 86,858 12,823 Total $ 157,769 9,298 $ 182,523 $ 29,047 All of the senior debt are unsecured senior obligations and rank equally with all existing and future unsecured indebtedness; however, they are effectively subordinated to all existing and future secured indebtedness and other liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries to the extent of the value of the collateral securing that other debt.

Convertible Senior Debt, Net

Convertible Senior Debt, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Convertible Senior Debt, Net	Term Loan, Net In May 2016, the Company entered into a Term Loan Credit Agreement which provides a $335,000,000 senior unsecured term loan credit facility (“Term Loan”). The Term Loan matures in May 2021 and bears interest at the Company’s option at either LIBOR (based on the approximate date of the initial borrowings and adjusted monthly thereafter) ( 1.24% at September 30, 2017 ) plus a margin of 1.30% - 2.20% ( 1.45% at September 30, 2017 ) or the Prime Rate plus a margin of 0.30% - 1.20% ( 0.45% at September 30, 2017 ). The applicable margins are based on the Company’s total leverage ratio. Upon the Company obtaining an investment grade credit rating, established by certain debt rating agencies for the Company’s long term, senior, unsecured non-credit enhanced debt (the “Debt Ratings”), the applicable margin will, at the Company’s election, be based on the Company’s then-current Debt Ratings. The Term Loan contains identical financial covenants as the Revolving Credit Facility as described in Note D – Revolving Credit Facility . Additionally, the Term Loan contains customary events of default provisions, including failure to pay indebtedness, breaches of covenants and bankruptcy or other insolvency events, which could result in the acceleration of all amounts and cancellation of all commitments outstanding under the Term Loan, as well as customary representations and warranties and affirmative and negative covenants. The following table summarizes outstanding borrowings of the Term Loan, net: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Total outstanding borrowings $ 335,000 $ 335,000 Net unamortized debt procurement costs (1,432 ) (1,732 ) Total $ 333,568 $ 333,268 Convertible Senior Debt, Net The following table summarizes the convertible senior debt, net: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) 4.250% Notes due 2018 $ 73,215 $ 73,216 3.625% Notes due 2020 40,021 40,021 113,236 113,237 Net unamortized debt procurement costs (713 ) (1,056 ) Total $ 112,523 $ 112,181 During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company entered into separate, privately negotiated exchange agreements with certain holders of the Company’s convertible senior notes. Under the terms of the agreements, holders agreed to exchange certain notes for either shares of Class A common stock or cash payments. Under the accounting guidance for induced conversions of convertible debt, additional amounts paid to induce the holders to exchange the notes were expensed resulting in a loss on extinguishment of debt. The following table summarizes the convertible senior debt transactions completed during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 : Agreement Date Issuance Aggregate Principal Class A Common Shares Issued Cash Payments to Noteholders Loss on Extinguishment (in thousands, except share data) January 20, 2016 2016 Senior Notes $ 125 9,298 $ — $ 59 March 14, 2016 2018 Senior Notes 77,310 — 90,958 15,370 March 17, 2016 2018 Senior Notes 4,000 — 4,707 795 March 14, 2016 2020 Senior Notes 76,334 — 86,858 12,823 Total $ 157,769 9,298 $ 182,523 $ 29,047 All of the senior debt are unsecured senior obligations and rank equally with all existing and future unsecured indebtedness; however, they are effectively subordinated to all existing and future secured indebtedness and other liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries to the extent of the value of the collateral securing that other debt.

Derivative Instruments and Hedg

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives The Company maintains an overall interest rate risk management strategy using derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned impact on earnings and cash flows caused by interest rate volatility. The strategy uses interest rate swaps and caps having indices related to the pricing of specific liabilities. The Company enters into interest rate swaps to convert floating-rate debt to fixed-rate long-term debt, and vice-versa, depending on market conditions. Interest rate swaps are generally for periods of one to ten years. Interest rate caps are generally for periods of one to three years. The use of interest rate caps is consistent with the Company’s risk management objective to reduce or eliminate exposure to variability in future cash flows primarily attributable to increases in interest rates on its floating-rate debt. Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage exposure to interest rate movements. The Company primarily uses interest rate caps and swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate caps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an upfront premium. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated OCI and is subsequently reclassified into earnings during the period the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value is recognized directly in earnings. Ineffectiveness was insignificant during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 . As of September 30, 2017 , the Company expects it will reclassify amounts recorded in accumulated OCI into earnings as an increase in interest expense of approximately $4,338,000 within the next twelve months. However, the actual amount reclassified could vary due to future changes in the fair value of these derivatives. Fair Value Hedges of Interest Rate Risk The Company enters into total rate of return swaps (“TROR”) on various tax-exempt fixed-rate borrowings. The TROR convert borrowings from a fixed rate to a variable rate. The TROR requires the payment of a variable interest rate, generally equivalent to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (“SIFMA”) rate ( 0.94% at September 30, 2017 ) plus a spread. Additionally, the Company has guaranteed the fair value of the underlying borrowings. Fluctuation in the value of the TROR is offset by the fluctuation in the value of the underlying borrowings, resulting in minimal financial impact. At September 30, 2017 , the aggregate notional amount of TROR designated as fair value hedging instruments is $555,936,000 . The underlying TROR borrowings are subject to a fair value adjustment. Nondesignated Hedges of Interest Rate Risk The Company uses derivative contracts to hedge certain interest rate risk, even though the contracts do not qualify for, or the Company has elected not to apply, hedge accounting. In these situations, the derivative is recorded at its fair value with changes reflected in earnings. The Company has certain undesignated TROR where the associated debt is held by an unconsolidated affiliate or unrelated third parties. The change in fair value of these TROR is recognized in earnings. At September 30, 2017 , the aggregate notional amount of these TROR is $137,517,000 . In instances where the Company enters into separate derivative instruments effectively hedging the same debt for consecutive annual periods, the duplicate amount of notional is excluded from the following disclosure in an effort to provide information that enables the financial statement user to understand the Company’s volume of derivative activity. The following table summarizes the fair values and location in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of all derivative instruments: Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Asset Derivatives (included in Other Assets) Liability Derivatives (included in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities) Current Notional Fair Value Current Notional Fair Value (in thousands) September 30, 2017 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Interest rate swaps $ 63,591 $ 680 $ 34,248 $ 1,253 TROR 319,921 4,695 236,015 2,762 Total $ 383,512 $ 5,375 $ 270,263 $ 4,015 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Interest rate caps $ 69,518 $ — $ — $ — TROR 100,551 5,076 36,966 11,849 Total $ 170,069 $ 5,076 $ 36,966 $ 11,849 December 31, 2016 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Interest rate swaps $ 64,248 $ 593 $ 34,666 $ 1,504 TROR 235,970 5,008 316,015 12,442 Total $ 300,218 $ 5,601 $ 350,681 $ 13,946 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Interest rate caps $ 69,518 $ — $ — $ — TROR 100,800 4,117 37,044 12,256 Total $ 170,318 $ 4,117 $ 37,044 $ 12,256 The following table summarizes the impact of gains and losses related to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges included in the accumulated OCI section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets and in equity in earnings and interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations: Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion) Location on Consolidated Statements of Operations Effective Amount Ineffective Amount (in thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps $ (49 ) Interest expense $ (683 ) $ (1 ) Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities (605 ) — Total $ (49 ) $ (1,288 ) $ (1 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps $ (385 ) Interest expense $ (2,144 ) $ (50 ) Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities (1,981 ) — Total $ (385 ) $ (4,125 ) $ (50 ) Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps $ 1,406 Interest expense $ (9,103 ) $ 3 Net gain (loss) on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties, net of tax — — Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities (796 ) — Total $ 1,406 $ (9,899 ) $ 3 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps $ (10,184 ) Interest expense $ (27,512 ) $ (24 ) Net gain (loss) on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties, net of tax (113 ) — Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities (2,421 ) — Total $ (10,184 ) $ (30,046 ) $ (24 ) The following table summarizes the impact of gains and losses related to derivative instruments not designated as cash flow hedges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations: Net Gain (Loss) Recognized Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in thousands) Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments TROR (1) $ 2,869 $ (1,153 ) $ 9,367 $ (1,776 ) Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps $ (45 ) $ — $ (45 ) $ (94 ) TROR (432 ) 26 1,366 (1,955 ) Total $ (477 ) $ 26 $ 1,321 $ (2,049 ) (1) The net gain (loss) recognized in interest expense from the change in fair value of the underlying TROR borrowings was $(2,869) and $(9,367) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and $1,153 and $1,776 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively, offsetting the gain (loss) recognized on the TROR. Credit-risk-related Contingent Features The principal credit risk of the Company’s interest rate risk management strategy is the potential inability of a counterparty to cover its obligations. If a counterparty fails to fulfill its obligation, the risk of loss approximates the fair value of the derivative. To mitigate this exposure, the Company generally purchases derivative financial instruments from the financial institution that issues the related debt, from financial institutions with which the Company has other lending relationships, or from financial institutions with a minimum credit rating of AA at the time of the transaction. Agreements with derivative counterparties contain provisions under which the counterparty could terminate the derivative obligations if the Company defaults on its obligations under the Revolving Credit Agreement and designated conditions are fulfilled. In instances where the Company’s subsidiaries have derivative obligations secured by a mortgage, the derivative obligations could be terminated if the indebtedness between the two parties is terminated, either by loan payoff or default of the indebtedness. In addition, certain subsidiaries have agreements containing provisions whereby the subsidiaries must maintain certain minimum financial ratios. As of September 30, 2017 , the Company does not have any derivative contracts containing credit-risk related contingent features, such as a credit rating downgrade, that may trigger collateral to be posted with a counterparty. The following table summarizes information about collateral posted for derivatives in liability positions as of September 30, 2017 : Collateral Information Notional Amount Fair Value Prior to Nonperformance Risk Nonperformance Risk Collateral Posted Nature of Collateral Credit Risk Contingent Feature (in thousands) Property Specific Swaps $ 34,248 $ 1,314 $ (61 ) $ — Mortgage liens None TROR 272,981 14,590 21 67,806 Restricted cash, notes receivable, letters of credit None Total $ 307,229 $ 15,904 $ (40 ) $ 67,806

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis The Company’s financial assets consist of interest rate caps, interest rate swaps and TROR with positive fair values included in other assets. The Company’s financial liabilities consist of interest rate swaps and TROR with negative fair values included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities and borrowings subject to TROR included in nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net. The following table summarizes information about financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value: September 30, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in thousands) Interest rate swaps (assets) $ — $ 680 $ — $ 680 Interest rate swaps (liabilities) — (1,253 ) — (1,253 ) TROR (assets) — — 9,771 9,771 TROR (liabilities) — — (14,611 ) (14,611 ) Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TROR — — (1,933 ) (1,933 ) Total $ — $ (573 ) $ (6,773 ) $ (7,346 ) December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Interest rate swaps (assets) $ — $ 593 $ — $ 593 Interest rate swaps (liabilities) — (1,504 ) — (1,504 ) TROR (assets) — — 9,125 9,125 TROR (liabilities) — — (24,698 ) (24,698 ) Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TROR — — 7,434 7,434 Total $ — $ (911 ) $ (8,139 ) $ (9,050 ) The following table presents a reconciliation of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): Net TROR Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TROR Total (in thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Balance, January 1, 2017 $ (15,573 ) $ 7,434 $ (8,139 ) Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in earnings 10,733 (9,367 ) 1,366 Balance, September 30, 2017 $ (4,840 ) $ (1,933 ) $ (6,773 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Balance, January 1, 2016 $ (10,785 ) $ 2,810 $ (7,975 ) Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in earnings (3,731 ) 1,776 (1,955 ) Balance, September 30, 2016 $ (14,516 ) $ 4,586 $ (9,930 ) The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2017 : Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements Fair Value September 30, 2017 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Input Values (in thousands) TROR $ (4,840 ) Third party bond pricing Bond valuation 94.85 - 120.73 Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TROR $ (1,933 ) Third party bond pricing Bond valuation 94.85 - 102.59 Third party service providers involved in fair value measurements are evaluated for competency and qualifications. Fair value measurements, including unobservable inputs, are evaluated based on current transactions and experience in the real estate and capital markets. The impact of changes in unobservable inputs used to determine the fair market value of the credit valuation adjustment, TROR and fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TROR are not deemed to be significant. Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments The carrying amount of accounts receivable and accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities approximates fair value based upon the short-term nature of the instruments. The carrying amount of notes receivable approximates fair value since the interest rates on these notes approximates current market rates for similar instruments when considering the risk profile and quality of the collateral, if applicable. The Company estimates the fair value of its debt instruments by discounting future cash payments at interest rates the Company believes approximate the current market. Estimated fair value is based upon market prices of public debt, available industry financing data, current treasury rates, recent financing transactions, conversion features on convertible senior debt and loan to value ratios. The fair value of the Company’s debt instruments is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The following table summarizes the fair value of nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net (exclusive of the fair value of derivatives), term loan, net and convertible senior debt, net: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value (in thousands) Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net $ 3,129,289 $ 3,135,150 $ 3,120,833 $ 3,105,587 Term loan, net 333,568 333,686 333,268 333,527 Convertible senior debt, net 112,523 134,064 112,181 122,795 Total $ 3,575,380 $ 3,602,900 $ 3,566,282 $ 3,561,909

Capital Stock

Capital Stock	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Capital Stock	Capital Stock Pursuant to the Reclassification Agreement, the Board submitted a proposal for stockholder approval to eliminate the dual-class share structure at the Company’s 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. This proposal was approved by the stockholders at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders on June 9, 2017 and became effective following the market close on June 12, 2017. As a result, each of the 18,788,163 shares of Class B common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time were reclassified into 1.31 shares of Class A common stock. As such, 24,612,495 additional shares of Class A common stock were issued to the prior Class B common stockholders. Upon completion of this transaction, all outstanding shares of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters brought to the Company’s stockholders, including but not limited to, the election of the entire Board of Directors. Certain professional and consulting fees, including investment banking success fees, incurred directly related to the stock conversion were recorded as a $9,305,000 reduction to additional paid-in capital, in accordance with applicable accounting requirements when raising permanent equity. Amounts include costs paid on behalf of RMS in accordance with the Reimbursement Agreement. See the “Related Party Transactions” section of Note A – Accounting Policies for detailed information on the Reimbursement Agreement.

Dividends

Dividends	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Dividends [Abstract]
Dividends [Text Block]	Dividends Prior to the taxable year ended December 31, 2016, our predecessor, Forest City Enterprises, Inc., operated as a C corporation. A REIT is not permitted to retain earnings and profits (“E&P”) accumulated during the periods when the company or its predecessor was taxed as a C corporation or accumulated by the Company’s or its predecessor’s TRS not converted to a qualified REIT subsidiary. The Company was required to make a distribution to its stockholders that equaled or exceeded its accumulated positive E&P. The 2016 E&P dividend summarized below was based on the estimated cumulative positive E&P of the Company’s predecessor. The following table summarizes cash dividends declared by the Board of Directors on the Company’s common stock (in thousands, except per share data): Type Date Declared Record Date Payment Date Amount Per Share Total Cash Payment 2017 Quarterly August 22, 2017 September 5, 2017 September 18, 2017 $ 0.14 $ 37,343 Quarterly May 17, 2017 June 9, 2017 June 23, 2017 $ 0.09 $ 23,482 Quarterly March 1, 2017 March 13, 2017 March 27, 2017 $ 0.09 $ 23,441 Total $ 0.32 $ 84,266 2016 Quarterly November 30, 2016 December 12, 2016 December 23, 2016 $ 0.06 $ 15,620 Quarterly August 18, 2016 September 2, 2016 September 16, 2016 $ 0.06 $ 15,621 Quarterly May 17, 2016 June 10, 2016 June 24, 2016 $ 0.06 $ 15,623 Quarterly February 18, 2016 March 4, 2016 March 18, 2016 $ 0.06 $ 15,596 E&P February 18, 2016 March 4, 2016 March 18, 2016 $ 0.10 $ 25,992 Total $ 0.34 $ 88,452

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company granted 26,112 stock options, 672,876 shares of restricted stock and 243,571 performance shares under the Company’s 1994 Stock Plan. The stock options had a grant-date fair value of $4.79 , which was computed using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model using the following assumptions: expected term of 5.5 years , expected volatility of 25.1% , risk-free interest rate of 2.12% , and expected dividend yield of 1.69% . The exercise price of the options is $21.83 , the closing price of the underlying Class A common stock on the date of grant. The restricted stock had a weighted average grant-date fair value of $21.85 per share, based on the closing price of the Class A common stock on the respective dates of grant. The performance shares had a grant-date fair value of $24.91 per share, which was computed using a Monte Carlo simulation. At September 30, 2017 , $210,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 6 months , $16,125,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 23 months , and $7,228,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to performance shares is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 19 months . The following table summarizes stock-based compensation costs and related deferred income tax benefit recognized in the financial statements: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in thousands) Stock option costs $ 126 $ 205 $ 463 $ 731 Restricted stock costs 4,494 3,439 13,440 11,367 Performance share costs 2,633 2,496 7,391 7,213 Total stock-based compensation costs 7,253 6,140 21,294 19,311 Less amount capitalized into qualifying real estate projects (2,101 ) (1,592 ) (6,401 ) (4,151 ) Amount charged to operating expenses 5,152 4,548 14,893 15,160 Depreciation expense on capitalized stock-based compensation 216 202 665 621 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 5,368 $ 4,750 $ 15,558 $ 15,781 Deferred income tax benefit $ 152 $ 136 $ 429 $ 457 The amount of grant-date fair value expensed immediately for awards granted to retirement-eligible grantees during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $867,000 and $1,166,000 , respectively. In connection with the vesting of restricted stock and performance shares during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the Company repurchased 252,161 shares and 385,380 shares, respectively, of Class A common stock to satisfy the employees’ related minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. Shares repurchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were returned to unissued shares with an aggregate cost basis of $5,598,000 and $7,825,000 , respectively.

Write-Offs of Abandoned Develop

Write-Offs of Abandoned Development Projects and Demolition Costs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Write-Offs of Abandoned Development Projects and Demolition Costs [Abstract]
Write-Offs of Abandoned Development Projects and Demolition Costs [Text Block]	Write-Offs of Abandoned Development Projects and Demolition Costs The Company reviews each project under development to determine whether it is probable the project will be developed. If management determines the project will not be developed, its project costs and other related expenses are written off as an abandoned development project cost. The Company abandons projects under development for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to, changes in local market conditions, increases in construction or financing costs or third party challenges related to entitlements or public financing. The Company recorded no write-offs of abandoned development projects and demolition costs during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and $1,596,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . The Company incurred $10,058,000 as write-offs of abandoned development projects and demolition costs during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 . The Company incurred $1,179,000 and $1,926,000 as write-offs of abandoned development projects and demolition costs of unconsolidated entities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , which is included in equity in earnings and primarily represents non-capitalizable demolition costs at a redevelopment property. The Company incurred no write-offs of abandoned development projects and demolition costs of unconsolidated entities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 .

Impairment of Real Estate and I

Impairment of Real Estate and Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Impairment of Real Estate and Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities [Abstract]
Impairment of Real Estate and Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities	Impairment of Real Estate and Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities Impairment of Real Estate The Company reviews its real estate for impairment whenever events or changes indicate its carrying value may not be recoverable. In determining whether the carrying costs are recoverable from estimated future undiscounted cash flows, the Company uses various assumptions including future estimated net operating income, estimated holding periods, risk of foreclosure and estimated cash proceeds upon the disposition of the asset. If the carrying costs are not recoverable, the Company records an impairment charge to reduce the carrying value to estimated fair value. The assumptions used to estimate fair value, which are based on current information, are Level 2 or 3 inputs. If the conditions deteriorate or if plans regarding the assets change, additional impairment charges may occur in future periods. The following table summarizes the Company’s impairment of real estate included in continuing operations: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in thousands) 461 Dean Street (Apartment) Brooklyn, New York $ 44,288 $ — $ 44,288 $ — Regional Malls: Shops at Northfield Stapleton Denver, Colorado — 68,821 — 68,821 Boulevard Mall Amherst, New York — 52,510 — 52,510 Shops at Wiregrass Tampa, Florida — — — 12,464 Office Buildings: Post Office Plaza Cleveland, Ohio — 11,800 — 11,800 Illinois Science and Technology Park Skokie, Illinois — 7,900 — 7,900 Land inventory Las Vegas, Nevada — 1,230 — 1,230 Other — — — 2,100 Total $ 44,288 $ 142,261 $ 44,288 $ 156,825 During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company began the marketing process of 461 Dean Street . The initiation of the marketing process triggered management to update its undiscounted cash flow analysis, including its probability weighted estimated holding period. As a result, the estimated probability weighted undiscounted cash flows no longer exceeded the carrying value, requiring the Company to adjust the carrying value to its estimated fair value during the three months ended September 30, 2017. The Company has not entered into any agreements, and can not ensure a transaction can or will be consummated. During the three months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a process to review strategic alternatives for the Company’s retail portfolio and had begun discussions with certain strategic partners and other potential buyers for several of its retail assets. In connection with this review and discussions to date, the Company updated its impairment analysis on its retail assets, including increasing the likelihood of near-term sales. As a result, the estimated probability weighted undiscounted cash flows no longer exceeded the carrying value of the Shops at Northfield Stapleton and Boulevard Mall, requiring the Company to adjust the carrying value to their estimated fair value during the three months ended September 30, 2016 . The Company completed the sale of Shops at Northfield Stapleton in October 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company decided to pursue the partial sale, through a joint venture, of Shops at Wiregrass. At March 31, 2016, negotiations and buyer due diligence were substantially complete and closing of the transaction remained subject to receipt of a third party consent. The advanced status of the transaction at March 31, 2016 triggered management to further update its undiscounted cash flow analysis including its probability weighted estimated holding period. As a result, the estimated probability weighted undiscounted cash flows no longer exceeded the carrying value, requiring the Company to adjust the carrying value to its estimated fair value during the three months ended March 31, 2016. The Company received the third party consent and closed on the disposition of 49% of its equity interest in October 2016. During the three months ended September 30, 2016 , based on the loss of a potential tenant to fill a significant vacancy, the Company updated its undiscounted cash flow analysis including its probability weighted estimated holding period for Post Office Plaza office building. As a result, the estimated probability weighted undiscounted cash flows no longer exceeded the carrying value, requiring the Company to adjust the carrying value to its estimated fair value during the three months ended September 30, 2016 . The Company closed on the sale of Post Office Plaza in August 2017. During the three months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company received a letter of intent for the operating assets at Illinois Science & Technology Park . Based on the letter of intent pricing, the Company updated its undiscounted cash flow analysis resulting in the estimated undiscounted cash flows no longer exceeding the carrying value of the assets, requiring the Company to adjust the carrying value to its estimated fair value during the three months ended September 30, 2016 . The Company closed on the sale of Illinois Science & Technology Park in January 2017. Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities The Company reviews its portfolio of unconsolidated entities for other-than-temporary impairments whenever events or changes indicate its carrying value in the investments may be in excess of fair value. An equity method investment’s value is impaired if management’s estimate of its fair value is less than the carrying value and the difference is deemed to be other-than-temporary. In estimating fair value, assumptions that may be used include comparable sale prices, market discount rates, market capitalization rates and estimated future discounted cash flows specific to the geographic region and property type, all of which are considered Level 3 inputs. For recently opened properties, assumptions also include the timing of initial property lease up. In the event initial property lease up assumptions differ from actual results, estimated future discounted cash flows may vary, resulting in impairment charges in future periods. The following table summarizes the Company’s other-than-temporary impairment of unconsolidated entities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in thousands) Westchester’s Ridge Hill Yonkers, New York $ 10,600 $ — $ 10,600 $ — Pacific Park Brooklyn Brooklyn, New York — 299,300 — 299,300 Other — 7,100 — 7,100 Total $ 10,600 $ 306,400 $ 10,600 $ 306,400 During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company signed a definitive agreement for the sale of Westchester’s Ridge Hill , a regional mall in Yonkers, New York, to its partner. This triggered management to update its impairment analysis, including its estimated selling price. As a result, the estimated fair value no longer exceeded the carrying value, requiring the Company to adjust the carrying value to its estimated fair value during the three months ended September 30, 2017. See the Financial Condition and Liquidity section of the MD&A of this 10-Q for additional information regarding the definitive agreement to sell the Company’s regional mall portfolio. Pacific Park Brooklyn is a 22 acre mixed-use project in Brooklyn, New York. On June 30, 2014, the Company entered into a joint venture with Greenland Atlantic Yards, LLC, a subsidiary of Shanghai-based Greenland Holding Group Company Limited (“Greenland”), to develop the project. Under the joint venture, Greenland acquired 70% of the project and agreed to co-develop the project with the Company, along with sharing in the entire project costs going forward in proportion to ownership interests. The joint venture was formed to execute on the remaining development rights, including the infrastructure and vertical construction of the residential units, but excluded Barclay’s Center and 461 Dean Street apartment community. Consistent with the approved master plan, the joint venture agreed to develop the remaining portion of Phase I and all of Phase II of the project, including the permanent rail yard. At the time of closing, the remaining portion of Phase I included seven buildings, totaling approximately 3.1 million square feet. Phase II consists of seven buildings totaling approximately 3.3 million square feet and further obligations to complete significant additional infrastructure improvements including a platform over the permanent rail yard. Upon closing of the partial sale on June 30, 2014, it was determined the Company was not the primary beneficiary of the joint venture and the entity was deconsolidated and subsequently accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The transaction resulted in net cash proceeds of $208,275,000 . The basis of the investment at the time approximated fair value as supported by the sales price and underlying discounted cash flow model used by both parties to underwrite the transaction. Due to the nature of the project in terms of size, duration and complexity, the underlying discounted cash flow model included many estimates and assumptions of future events. Key estimates in the discounted cash flow model include horizontal infrastructure costs including, among other things, estimates of completing the permanent rail yard and the platform over the rail yard, rent growth in the rental buildings and sales prices for condominium buildings, trade costs for vertical construction, timing of starting vertical construction and opening buildings, terminal cap rates and the underlying discount rate. The joint venture broke ground on the first affordable apartment community, 535 Carlton , in December, 2014. In mid-2015, the joint venture commenced construction on two more buildings, 38 Sixth Avenue , an affordable apartment building, and 550 Vanderbilt, a condominium building. From the formation of the joint venture in June 2014 through the quarter ended June 30, 2016, the Company reviewed the estimates and assumptions in the discounted cash flow model and updated them as necessary. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, it became evident the occupancy and rental rate declines in the Brooklyn market were not temporary as a result of an increased supply of new rental product amplified by the sun-setting and the uncertainty around the 421 A real estate tax abatement program. Also the condominium market in New York had softened, causing the projected sale schedule for 550 Vanderbilt to be adjusted accordingly. Separately, the construction costs across the New York market continued to trend upward, resulting in increased estimated trade costs for certain infrastructure as well as vertical construction. As a result, during the three months ended September 30, 2016, as part of the Company’s formal strategic plan update, a decision was made to revise the overall project schedule for Pacific Park Brooklyn . Accordingly, the Company updated the discounted cash flow model to reflect the updated timing of the project schedule as well as the revenue, expense and cost assumptions. Based on the above, the estimated fair value of the investment no longer exceeded the carrying value. As a result, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment of $299,300,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2016. Impairment of Real Estate - Fair Value Information The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value of the impairment of real estate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 : Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range of Input Values (in thousands) September 30, 2017 Impairment of real estate $ 152,575 Indicative bid Indicative bid N/A (1) Impairment of unconsolidated investments $ 225,890 Indicative bid Indicative bid N/A (1) September 30, 2016 Impairment of real estate $ 371,139 Indicative bids Indicative bids N/A (1) Impairment of real estate $ 18,500 Comparable property market analysis Price per square foot $39 per square foot Impairment of unconsolidated investments $ — Discounted cash flows Discount rate 9.8% Market capitalization rate 3.9% - 6.0% Impairment of unconsolidated investments $ 3,600 Indicative bids Indicative bids N/A (1) (1) This fair value measurement was derived from a bona fide purchase offer from a third party prospective buyer, subject to the Company’s corroboration for reasonableness.

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Extinguishment of Debt Disclosures [Abstract]
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt	Loss on Extinguishment of Debt For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company recorded $0 and $2,843,000 , respectively, as loss on extinguishment of debt primarily related to a loss on extinguishment of nonrecourse mortgage debt at Illinois Science and Technology Park, office buildings in Skokie, Illinois that were sold during the three months ended March 31, 2017. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company recorded $0 , and $29,084,000 , respectively, as loss on extinguishment of debt. The loss on extinguishment of debt recorded for 2016 primarily relates to separate, privately negotiated exchange transactions involving a portion of the Company’s 2016, 2018 and 2020 Senior Notes. See Note F – Convertible Senior Debt, Net for detailed information.

Net Gain on Disposition of Inte

Net Gain on Disposition of Interest in Unconsolidated Entities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Net Gain on Disposition of Interest in Unconsolidated Entities [Abstract]
Net Gain on Disposition of Interest in Unconsolidated Entities	Net Gain on Disposition of Interest in Unconsolidated Entities The following table summarizes the net gain on disposition of interest in unconsolidated entities which are included in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in thousands) Federally assisted housing apartments Various $ 28,828 $ — $ 73,130 $ — Shops at Bruckner Boulevard (Specialty Retail Center) Bronx, New York — — 8,183 — Steinway Street Theaters (Specialty Retail Center) Queens, New York — — — 12,613 Other — — 469 — $ 28,828 $ — $ 81,782 $ 12,613 During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company completed the sale of unconsolidated federally assisted housing (“FAH”) apartment communities, consisting of 5,227 units. The dispositions resulted in net cash proceeds of $56,969,000 . During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company sold its ownership interest in Shops at Bruckner Boulevard , an unconsolidated specialty retail center in Bronx, New York. The sale generated net cash proceeds of $8,863,000 at the Company’s ownership share. During the three months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company sold its ownership interest in Steinway Street Theaters , an unconsolidated specialty retail center in Queens, New York. The disposition resulted in net cash proceeds of $14,059,000 .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company has historically filed a consolidated United States federal tax return, which includes all of its wholly owned subsidiaries. For its taxable year ended December 31, 2016, the Company filed as a REIT and the Company’s TRSs filed as C corporations. The Company files individual separate income tax returns in various states. As a REIT, the Company is required to annually distribute to its stockholders an amount equal to at least 90% of its REIT taxable income (computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and net capital gain and net of any available net operating losses). The Company may be subject to certain state gross income and franchise taxes, as well as taxes on any undistributed income and federal and state corporate taxes on any income earned by its TRSs. In addition, the Company could be subject to corporate income taxes related to assets held by the REIT which are sold during the five year period following the date of conversion (ending December 31, 2020), to the extent such sold assets had a built-in gain on the date of conversion. Income tax expense was $304,000 and $4,817,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and $525,000 and $2,167,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively. The Company did not recognize any federal corporate income tax on its earnings in the REIT for any of the periods presented. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company reversed $83,645,000 of deferred tax assets associated with the Military Housing, Westchester’s Ridge Hill , the Nets and Barclays Center disposals. At December 31, 2016 , the TRSs had a federal net operating loss carryforward for tax purposes of $204,752,000 available to use on their tax returns expiring in the years ending December 31, 2029 through 2036, and a charitable contribution deduction carryforward of $1,940,000 expiring in the years ending December 31, 2017 through 2021. At December 31, 2016 , the Company had a federal net operating loss carryforward of $180,698,000 available to use on its REIT tax return expiring in the years ending December 31, 2029 through 2036.

Net Gain (Loss) on Disposition

Net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Interest in Development Project	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Development Project [Abstract]
Net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Interest in Development Project	Net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Interest in Development Project In January 2016, the Company completed the sale of 625 Fulton Avenue , a development site in Brooklyn, New York. The transaction resulted in net cash proceeds of $151,776,000 , of which $93,776,000 was received at closing and the remaining $58,000,000 was received during the three months ended June 30, 2016. The Company recorded a net pre-tax gain on disposition of interest in development project of $136,687,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 .

Net Gain on Disposition of Full

Net Gain on Disposition of Full or Partial Interest in Rental Properties, Net of Tax	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Full or Partial Interest in Rental Properties, Net of Tax [Abstract]
Net Gain on Disposition of Full or Partial Interest in Rental Properties	Net Gain on Disposition of Full or Partial Interest in Rental Properties, Net of Tax The following table summarizes the net gain (loss) on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties, net of tax: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in thousands) Specialty Retail Centers: Fairmont Cinema San Jose, California $ — $ — $ 4,128 $ — Avenue at Tower City Center & Tower City Parking Cleveland, Ohio — — 500 14,207 Office Buildings: Post Office Plaza Cleveland, Ohio (1,244 ) — (1,244 ) — Terminal Tower Cleveland, Ohio — 14,391 — 14,391 Illinois Science and Technology Park (4 buildings) Skokie, Illinois — — 3,771 — Brookview Place (Federally Assisted Housing) Dayton, Ohio 375 — 375 — Military Housing Various — — — 141,675 QIC Joint Venture-Westchester’s Ridge Hill (Regional Mall) Yonkers, New York — — — 343 Other 613 (324 ) 6,235 (1,118 ) (256 ) 14,067 13,765 169,498 Income tax effect — — (192 ) (66,413 ) $ (256 ) $ 14,067 $ 13,573 $ 103,085 The 2016 income tax effect on the net gain on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties, net of tax primarily relates to the deferred taxes recognized upon the partial disposition of Westchester’s Ridge Hill, a formerly wholly owned regional mall in Yonkers, New York, and the disposal of military housing entities, as these assets were held by our TRS and remained subject to federal income tax. Terminal Tower During the three months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company completed the sale of Terminal Tower , an office building in Cleveland, Ohio. The Company’s corporate headquarters is located in the Terminal Tower and the Company was evaluating options to relocate its headquarters in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. In connection with the sale, the Company entered into an 18 month lease agreement, (minimum initial term) with various options to extend up to 48 months, to provide the Company the necessary time to evaluate and relocate its corporate headquarters. While the Company transferred all risks and rewards of ownership of the property to the buyer, the Company’s expected estimated lease term resulted in more than a minor, but less than substantially all of the use of the asset through the leaseback transaction. As a result, the Company deferred $7,917,000 which will be amortized as an offset to rent expense over the lease term, and recorded a net gain on disposition of $14,391,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2016 . The sale generated net cash proceeds of $38,027,000 . Military Housing During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company completed the sale of its interests in entities that develop and manage military family housing. The sale generated net cash proceeds of $208,305,000 . These entities were primarily service providers generating fee revenue. The primary assets acquired by the buyer were intangible assets of approximately $29,000,000 and investments in unconsolidated entities, net, of approximately $14,600,000 . QIC Joint Venture Westchester’s Ridge Hill During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with outside partners, affiliated entities of QIC, one of the largest institutional investment managers in Australia. The outside partner invested in and received 51% of our equity interests in Westchester’s Ridge Hill. The Company received net cash proceeds of $75,448,000 along with the buyer assuming debt of $169,369,000 , representing 51% of the nonrecourse mortgage debt of the property. Based on the amount of cash received, the outside partner’s minimum initial investment requirement was met and the transaction qualified for full gain recognition related to the partial sale. The property is adequately capitalized and does not contain the characteristics of a VIE. Based on the substantive participating rights in all significant decision making areas held by the outside partner with regards to the joint venture, the Company concluded it appropriate to deconsolidate the entity and account for it under the equity method of accounting. Ballston Quarter On April 1, 2016, the Company formed and entered into a joint venture with outside partners, affiliated entities of QIC. The Company contributed its equity interest in Ballston Quarter , a formerly wholly-owned regional mall in Arlington, Virginia, and certain residential development rights to the joint venture. The outside partner invested $36,269,000 of cash directly into the joint venture and assumed debt of $20,825,000 , representing 49% of the nonrecourse mortgage debt of the property. The transaction does not meet the requirements to be recognized as a sale for accounting purposes as the Company formed and entered into a joint venture and has a commitment to re-invest its entire cash proceeds received from the sale as a part of a major redevelopment plan of the asset. Upon closing, the entity was deemed to have insufficient equity and was assessed for consolidation purposes using the VIE model. Based on this and the substantive participating rights in all significant decision making areas of the outside partner, the Company concluded it appropriate to deconsolidate the entity and account for its interest under the equity method of accounting at historical cost.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations On January 29, 2016, the Company completed the sale of its 55% ownership interest in Barclays Center and 20% equity method ownership interest in the Nets (collectively, the “Disposal Group”). The sales price for our equity interest in Barclays Center was $162,600,000 , generating net cash proceeds of $60,924,000 and a note receivable of $92,600,000 , which bears interest at 4.50% per annum payable semi-annually and matures in 2019. In addition, the buyer assumed the gross debt totaling $457,745,000 . The sales price for our equity interest in the Nets was $125,100,000 payable entirely in the form of a note receivable, which bears interest at 4.50% per annum payable at maturity in 2021. The following tables summarize the operating results related to discontinued operations: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands) Revenues $ 14,792 Expenses Operating expenses 12,540 Depreciation and amortization 23 12,563 Interest expense (3,540 ) Amortization of mortgage procurement costs (61 ) Loss before income taxes and loss from unconsolidated entities (1,372 ) Loss from unconsolidated entities (1,400 ) Loss before income taxes (2,772 ) Income tax benefit (824 ) Loss before gain on disposal group (1,948 ) Gain on disposition of disposal group, net of tax 64,553 Earnings from discontinued operations 62,605 Noncontrolling interest Operating loss from disposal group (776 ) Earnings from discontinued operations attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 63,381 The following table summarizes the gain on disposition of the Disposal Group, net of tax: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands) The Nets $ 136,247 Barclays Center (56,481 ) 79,766 Income tax effect (1) (15,213 ) $ 64,553 (1) Primarily represents non-cash deferred taxes recognized upon the reversal of the deferred tax asset used to offset the taxable gain on the sales of assets held by the TRS.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share The Company’s restricted stock is considered a participating security pursuant to the two-class method for computing earnings per share (“EPS”). The 2006 Units, which are reflected as noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are considered convertible participating securities as they are entitled to participate in dividends paid to the Company’s common stockholders. The 2006 Units are included in the computation of basic EPS using the two-class method and are included in the computation of diluted EPS using the if-converted method. The Class A common stock issuable in connection with conversion of the 2016 Senior Notes, 2018 Senior Notes and 2020 Senior Notes is included in the computation of diluted EPS using the if-converted method. The loss from continuing operations attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was allocated solely to holders of common stock as the participating security holders do not share in losses. The reconciliation of the basic and diluted EPS computations is shown in the following table: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Numerators (in thousands) Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 5,454 $ (430,861 ) $ 103,124 $ (223,608 ) Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities (205 ) — (720 ) — Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders ‑ Basic $ 5,249 $ (430,861 ) $ 102,404 $ (223,608 ) Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities — — 125 — Preferred distribution on Class A Common Units — — 553 — Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders ‑ Diluted $ 5,249 $ (430,861 ) $ 103,082 $ (223,608 ) Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 5,454 $ (430,861 ) $ 103,124 $ (160,227 ) Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities (205 ) — (720 ) — Net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders ‑ Basic $ 5,249 $ (430,861 ) $ 102,404 $ (160,227 ) Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities — — 125 — Preferred distribution on Class A Common Units — — 553 — Net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders ‑ Diluted $ 5,249 $ (430,861 ) $ 103,082 $ (160,227 ) Denominators Weighted average shares outstanding ‑ Basic 265,260,403 258,713,429 261,566,151 258,437,586 Effect of stock options and performance shares 1,001,792 — 718,584 — Effect of convertible Class A Common Units — — 1,757,072 — Weighted average shares outstanding ‑ Diluted (1) 266,262,195 258,713,429 264,041,807 258,437,586 Earnings Per Share Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders ‑ Basic $ 0.02 $ (1.67 ) $ 0.39 $ (0.87 ) Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders ‑ Diluted $ 0.02 $ (1.67 ) $ 0.39 $ (0.87 ) Net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders ‑ Basic $ 0.02 $ (1.67 ) $ 0.39 $ (0.62 ) Net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders ‑ Diluted $ 0.02 $ (1.67 ) $ 0.39 $ (0.62 ) (1) Incremental shares from restricted stock and convertible securities aggregating 7,453,768 and 5,893,292 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their effect is anti-dilutive. Incremental shares from dilutive options, restricted stock, performance shares and convertible securities aggregating 8,157,781 and 10,035,997 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their effect is anti-dilutive due to the loss from continuing operations. Weighted-average options, restricted stock and performance shares of 698,333 and 1,375,366 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and 2,446,901 and 2,711,273 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their effect is anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The following tables summarize financial data for the Company’s reportable operating segments. All amounts are presented in thousands. September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Identifiable Assets Office $ 3,044,916 $ 3,192,840 Apartments 2,289,688 2,406,768 Retail 496,448 521,015 Total Operations 5,831,052 6,120,623 Development 1,959,519 1,799,138 Corporate 328,377 308,836 $ 8,118,948 $ 8,228,597 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenues Operating Expenses Office $ 108,165 $ 116,787 $ 339,087 $ 352,960 $ 41,104 $ 48,486 $ 128,618 $ 142,835 Apartments 72,086 74,170 216,498 219,211 30,874 33,415 96,968 102,327 Retail 14,009 20,496 43,803 61,622 9,532 14,812 30,882 40,877 Total Operations 194,260 211,453 599,388 633,793 81,510 96,713 256,468 286,039 Development 39,284 26,077 86,604 52,445 29,337 19,357 71,236 56,580 Corporate — — — — 19,113 26,009 60,102 74,272 Other — — — 3,518 — — — 2,730 $ 233,544 $ 237,530 $ 685,992 $ 689,756 $ 129,960 $ 142,079 $ 387,806 $ 419,621 Depreciation and Amortization Capital Expenditures Office $ 28,471 $ 33,541 $ 97,382 $ 102,587 $ 12,831 $ 5,749 $ 40,132 $ 19,774 Apartments 19,442 18,994 57,452 56,345 9,264 3,369 19,370 9,070 Retail 2,889 5,384 8,404 17,618 912 4,032 3,073 8,473 Total Operations 50,802 57,919 163,238 176,550 23,007 13,150 62,575 37,317 Development 8,764 4,669 24,299 10,915 80,368 116,673 241,990 396,243 Corporate 628 304 1,959 930 2,008 99 2,372 99 Other — — — 126 — — — — $ 60,194 $ 62,892 $ 189,496 $ 188,521 $ 105,383 $ 129,922 $ 306,937 $ 433,659 The Company uses Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA") to report its operating results by segment. Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, is defined as net earnings excluding the following items at the Company's ownership: i) non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization; ii) interest expense; iii) amortization of mortgage procurement costs; iv) income taxes; v) impairment of real estate; vi) gains or losses from extinguishment of debt; vii) gains or losses on full or partial disposition of rental properties, development projects and other investments; viii) gains or losses on change in control of interests; ix) other transactional items, including organizational transformation and termination benefits; and x) the Nets pre-tax EBITDA. The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA is an appropriate measure to assess operating performance by segment as it represents ongoing key operating components of each segment without regard to how the business is financed. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, the chief operating decision maker, uses Adjusted EBITDA, as presented, to assess performance of the Company’s real estate assets by reportable operating segment because it provides information on the financial performance of the core real estate portfolio operations, development, corporate general and administrative expenses and interest and other income derived from the Company's investments. Adjusted EBITDA measures the profitability of each real estate segment in operations based on the process of collecting rent and paying operating expenses and represents the equivalent of Net Operating Income (“NOI”), a non-GAAP measure, as all property level interest expense is reported in the Corporate segment. NOI by operating segment is discussed in the Net Operating Income section of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) of this Form 10-Q. For the development segment, adjusted EBITDA measures the profitability of our land development sales activity and any recently opened unstabilized properties, offset by development expenses that do not qualify for capitalization. Interest expense is monitored and evaluated by the chief operating decision maker on an overall company-wide basis and is not a factor in evaluating individual segment performance. The reconciliations of net earnings (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA by segment are shown in the following tables. All amounts are presented in thousands. Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Office Apartments Retail Total Operations Development Corporate Other Total Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 39,073 $ 50,708 $ 12,017 $ 101,798 $ (45,620 ) $ (50,724 ) $ — $ 5,454 Depreciation and amortization 29,408 22,347 17,654 69,409 7,814 628 — 77,851 Interest expense — — — — — 50,836 — 50,836 Amortization of mortgage procurement costs — — — — — 1,807 — 1,807 Income tax expense — — — — — 304 — 304 Impairment of consolidated real estate — — — — 44,288 — — 44,288 Impairment of unconsolidated real estate — — 10,600 10,600 — — — 10,600 Net (gain) loss on disposition of full or partial interests in rental properties 1,182 1,876 (517 ) 2,541 — — — 2,541 Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities — (27,721 ) — (27,721 ) — — — (27,721 ) Organizational transformation and termination benefits — — — — — 2,633 — 2,633 Adjusted EBITDA Attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 69,663 $ 47,210 $ 39,754 $ 156,627 $ 6,482 $ 5,484 $ — $ 168,593 Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Office Apartments Retail Total Operations Development Corporate Other Total Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 30,091 $ 27,038 $ (100,889 ) $ (43,760 ) $ (315,806 ) $ (71,295 ) $ — $ (430,861 ) Depreciation and amortization 33,650 23,413 19,016 76,079 3,259 304 — 79,642 Interest expense — — — — — 54,408 — 54,408 Amortization of mortgage procurement costs — — — — — 2,239 — 2,239 Income tax expense — — — — — 525 — 525 Impairment of consolidated real estate 19,700 — 121,331 141,031 1,230 — — 142,261 Impairment of unconsolidated real estate — — — — 306,400 — — 306,400 Net (gain) loss on disposition of full or partial interests in rental properties (14,391 ) — — (14,391 ) 324 — — (14,067 ) Organizational transformation and termination benefits — — — — — 8,092 — 8,092 Adjusted EBITDA Attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 69,050 $ 50,451 $ 39,458 $ 158,959 $ (4,593 ) $ (5,727 ) $ — $ 148,639 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Office Apartments Retail Total Operations Development Corporate Other Total Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 120,967 $ 154,712 $ 70,411 $ 346,090 $ (61,492 ) $ (181,474 ) $ — $ 103,124 Depreciation and amortization 100,039 67,439 50,294 217,772 19,260 1,959 — 238,991 Interest expense — — — — — 147,524 — 147,524 Amortization of mortgage procurement costs — — — — — 5,548 — 5,548 Income tax expense — — — — — 5,009 — 5,009 Impairment of consolidated real estate — — — 44,288 — — 44,288 Impairment of unconsolidated real estate — — 10,600 10,600 — — — 10,600 Loss on extinguishment of debt — — — — — 4,468 — 4,468 Net (gain) loss on disposition of full or partial interests in rental properties (2,589 ) (3,746 ) (5,145 ) (11,480 ) — — (11,480 ) Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities — (71,835 ) (8,183 ) (80,018 ) — — — (80,018 ) Organizational transformation and termination benefits — — — — — 14,021 — 14,021 Adjusted EBITDA Attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 218,417 $ 146,570 $ 117,977 $ 482,964 $ 2,056 $ (2,945 ) $ — $ 482,075 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Office Apartments Retail Total Operations Development Corporate Other Total Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 102,549 $ 76,355 $ (40,430 ) $ 138,474 $ (190,377 ) $ (330,512 ) $ 222,188 $ (160,227 ) Depreciation and amortization 102,583 69,458 58,144 230,185 7,413 930 302 238,830 Interest expense — — — — — 168,023 — 168,023 Amortization of mortgage procurement costs — — — — — 6,676 — 6,676 Income tax expense — — — — — 83,539 — 83,539 Impairment of consolidated real estate 19,700 2,100 133,795 155,595 1,230 — — 156,825 Impairment of unconsolidated real estate — — — — 306,400 — — 306,400 Loss on extinguishment of debt — — — — — 29,933 — 29,933 Net (gain) loss on disposition of interest in development project — — — — (136,687 ) — — (136,687 ) Net (gain) loss on disposition of full or partial interests in rental properties (13,782 ) — (14,550 ) (28,332 ) 324 — (141,675 ) (169,683 ) Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities — — (12,613 ) (12,613 ) — — — (12,613 ) Organizational transformation and termination benefits — — — — — 22,493 — 22,493 Discontinued operations: Depreciation and Amortization - Real Estate — — — — — — 35 35 Loss on disposition of rental properties — — — — — — 56,481 56,481 Net gain on disposition of partial interest in other investment - Nets — — — — — — (136,247 ) (136,247 ) Nets pre-tax EBITDA — — — — — — 1,400 1,400 Adjusted EBITDA Attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 211,050 $ 147,913 $ 124,346 $ 483,309 $ (11,697 ) $ (18,918 ) $ 2,484 $ 455,178

Accounting Policies (Policies)

Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . The results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or any subsequent period. In management’s opinion, all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring matters) necessary for a fair statement of financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of and for the periods presented have been included.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes. Some of the critical estimates made by the Company include, but are not limited to, determination of the primary beneficiary of variable interest entities (“VIEs”), estimates of useful lives for long-lived assets, reserves for collection on accounts and notes receivable and other investments, gain on change of control of interests, impairment of real estate and other-than-temporary impairments on equity method investments. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
New Accounting Guidance	New Accounting Guidance The following accounting pronouncements were adopted during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 : In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an amendment to the accounting guidance to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption of this guidance effective January 1, 2017 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on the classification of certain transactions on the statement of cash flows where diversity in practice currently exists. The guidance addresses certain specific cash flow issues, including, but not limited to, debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs and distributions received from equity method investments. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and for interim reporting periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, and the Company has elected to adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. In January 2017, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance for business combinations to clarify the definition of a business. The objective of this guidance is to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted, and the Company has elected to adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2017. The impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements resulting from the adoption of this guidance will depend on the Company’s level of acquisitions, but will most likely increase the number of acquisitions accounted for as asset acquisitions rather than business combinations. The following new accounting pronouncements will be adopted on their respective effective dates: In May 2014, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance for revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of this guidance is an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance defines steps an entity should apply to achieve the core principle. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim reporting periods within that annual period and allows for both retrospective and modified retrospective methods of adoption. Early adoption was permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company intends to adopt the guidance using the modified retrospective method. Rental revenue from lease contracts represents a significant portion of our total revenues and is a specific scope exception provided by this guidance. However, common area maintenance and other tenant reimbursable expenses provided to the lessee are considered a non-lease component and will be required to be separated from rental revenue and recorded on a separate financial statement line item upon adoption of the new accounting guidance on leases discussed below. The Company has finalized a project plan, including determination of each applicable revenue stream required to be analyzed within the scope of this accounting guidance. The Company has completed its analysis of service and management fee revenues and parking and other revenues and has concluded the adoption will not have any impact on the method of revenue recognition. The Company continues the process of reviewing various contracts (primarily consisting of land and real estate sales) to analyze the overall impact the adoption will have on the Company’s Statement of Operations. In February 2016, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on leases. This guidance sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e., lessees and lessors). The new guidance requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease, respectively. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. The new standard requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. The guidance is expected to impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the Company has certain operating and land lease arrangements for which it is the lessee. The new guidance supersedes the previous leases accounting standard. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and for interim reporting periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of the new guidance is expected to have an impact on the consolidated financial statements as the Company has material ground lease arrangements, as well as other lease agreements. In addition, the Company believes it will be precluded from capitalizing its internal leasing costs, as the costs are not expected to be directly incremental to the successful execution of a lease, as required by the new guidance. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this guidance. In November 2016, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. The guidance requires restricted cash to be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown in the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and for interim reporting periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance should be adopted using a retrospective transition method. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. In February 2017, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on the derecognition of nonfinancial assets. The guidance clarifies the definition of an in substance nonfinancial asset and the recognition of gains and losses from the transfer of nonfinancial assets and for partial sales of nonfinancial assets, which would include real estate. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and for interim reporting periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this guidance. In August 2017, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on derivatives and hedging activities. The purpose of this updated guidance is to better align a company’s financial reporting for hedging activities with the economic objectives of those activities. The transition method is a modified retrospective approach that will require the Company to recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance as an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year that an entity adopts the update. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and for interim reporting periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this guidance.

Accounting Policies (Tables)

Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“accumulated OCI”): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Unrealized losses on interest rate derivative contracts (1) $ 10,683 $ 14,473 Noncontrolling interest (52 ) (63 ) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss $ 10,631 $ 14,410 (1) Includes unrealized losses on interest rate swaps accounted for as hedges held by certain of the Company’s equity method investees.
Schedule of changes of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component	The following table summarizes the changes, net of noncontrolling interest, of accumulated OCI by component: Foreign Currency Translation Interest Rate Contracts Total (in thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Balance, January 1, 2017 $ — $ (14,410 ) $ (14,410 ) Loss recognized in accumulated OCI — (385 ) (385 ) Loss reclassified from accumulated OCI — 4,164 4,164 Total other comprehensive income — 3,779 3,779 Balance, September 30, 2017 $ — $ (10,631 ) $ (10,631 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Balance, January 1, 2016 $ (95 ) $ (67,810 ) $ (67,905 ) Gain (loss) recognized in accumulated OCI 95 (10,184 ) (10,089 ) Loss reclassified from accumulated OCI — 30,058 30,058 Total other comprehensive income 95 19,874 19,969 Balance, September 30, 2016 $ — $ (47,936 ) $ (47,936 )
Losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The following table summarizes losses reclassified from accumulated OCI and their location on the Consolidated Statements of Operations: Accumulated OCI Components Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Location on Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate contracts $ 2,194 Interest expense Interest rate contracts 1,981 Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities 4,175 Total before noncontrolling interest (11 ) Noncontrolling interest $ 4,164 Loss reclassified from accumulated OCI Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Interest rate contracts $ 27,536 Interest expense Interest rate contracts 113 Net gain on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties, net of tax Interest rate contracts 2,421 Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities 30,070 Total before noncontrolling interest (12 ) Noncontrolling interest $ 30,058 Loss reclassified from accumulated OCI
Summary of components of organizational transformation and termination benefits	The following table summarizes the components of organizational transformation and termination benefits: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in thousands) Termination benefits $ 1,764 $ 2,710 $ 10,501 $ 10,273 Shareholder activism costs 869 — 3,520 — Reorganization costs — 5,382 — 11,357 REIT conversion costs — — — 863 Total $ 2,633 $ 8,092 $ 14,021 $ 22,493
Schedule of Accrued Severance	The following table summarizes the activity in the accrued severance balance for termination benefits: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in thousands) Accrued severance benefits, beginning balance $ 11,710 $ 11,277 $ 9,969 $ 16,338 Termination benefits expense 1,764 2,710 10,501 10,273 Payments (4,615 ) (3,394 ) (11,611 ) (16,018 ) Accrued severance benefits, ending balance $ 8,859 $ 10,593 $ 8,859 $ 10,593
Supplemental non-cash disclosures	The following table summarizes the impact to the applicable balance sheet line items as a result of various non-cash transactions. Non-cash transactions primarily include dispositions of operating properties whereby the nonrecourse mortgage debt is assumed by the buyer or otherwise extinguished at closing, exchanges of 2006 Units or senior notes for Class A common stock or rental property, changes in consolidation methods of fully consolidated properties due to the occurrence of triggering events including, but not limited to, disposition of a partial interest in rental properties, change in construction payables and other capital expenditures, notes receivable from the sale of rental properties or development project, redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interest, adoption of new accounting guidance for debt issuance costs and capitalization of stock-based compensation granted to employees directly involved with the development and construction of real estate. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Non-cash changes to balance sheet - Investing Activities Projects under construction and development $ (51,996 ) $ (37,542 ) Completed rental properties (126,810 ) (1,173,460 ) Restricted cash 3,331 (12,265 ) Notes receivable 2,500 277,050 Investments in and advances to affiliates - due to dispositions or change in control 603 125,741 Investments in and advances to affiliates - other activity (218 ) 2,708 Total non-cash effect on investing activities $ (172,590 ) $ (817,768 ) Non-cash changes to balance sheet - Financing Activities Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net $ (109,751 ) $ (846,965 ) Convertible senior debt, net (1 ) (125 ) Class A common stock 59 — Additional paid-in capital 49,335 (12,065 ) Redeemable noncontrolling interest — (159,202 ) Noncontrolling interest (54,129 ) 19,059 Total non-cash effect on financing activities $ (114,487 ) $ (999,298 )

Notes Receivable (Tables)

Notes Receivable (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Notes Receivable [Abstract]
Schedule of notes receivable	The following table summarizes the Company’s interest bearing notes receivable: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Maturity Date Weighted Average Interest Rate (in thousands) Stapleton $ 195,846 $ 141,034 Various 8.56% The Nets sale 125,100 125,100 January 2021 4.50% Barclays Center sale 92,600 92,600 January 2019 4.50% Other 16,544 24,429 Various 4.94% Total $ 430,090 $ 383,163

Nonrecourse Mortgage Debt and33

Nonrecourse Mortgage Debt and Notes Payable, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Nonrecourse Mortgage Debt and Notes Payable, Net [Abstract]
Summary of nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net maturities	The following table summarizes the nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net maturities as of September 30, 2017 : Years Ending December 31, (in thousands) 2017 $ 190,767 2018 494,058 2019 474,981 2020 228,929 2021 194,944 Thereafter 1,578,094 3,161,773 Net unamortized mortgage procurement costs (32,484 ) Total $ 3,129,289

Revolving Credit Facility (Tabl

Revolving Credit Facility (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Available credit on the Credit Facility	The following table summarizes available credit on the Revolving Credit Facility: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Total available borrowings $ 600,000 $ 600,000 Less: Outstanding borrowings — — Letters of credit 42,873 44,215 Available credit $ 557,127 $ 555,785

Term Loan, Net (Tables)

Term Loan, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Term Loan, Net [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes outstanding borrowings of the Term Loan, net: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Total outstanding borrowings $ 335,000 $ 335,000 Net unamortized debt procurement costs (1,432 ) (1,732 ) Total $ 333,568 $ 333,268 The following table summarizes the convertible senior debt, net: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) 4.250% Notes due 2018 $ 73,215 $ 73,216 3.625% Notes due 2020 40,021 40,021 113,236 113,237 Net unamortized debt procurement costs (713 ) (1,056 ) Total $ 112,523 $ 112,181

Convertible Senior Debt, Net (T

Convertible Senior Debt, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Convertible Senior Debt, Net	The following table summarizes outstanding borrowings of the Term Loan, net: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Total outstanding borrowings $ 335,000 $ 335,000 Net unamortized debt procurement costs (1,432 ) (1,732 ) Total $ 333,568 $ 333,268 The following table summarizes the convertible senior debt, net: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in thousands) 4.250% Notes due 2018 $ 73,215 $ 73,216 3.625% Notes due 2020 40,021 40,021 113,236 113,237 Net unamortized debt procurement costs (713 ) (1,056 ) Total $ 112,523 $ 112,181
Schedule of Exchange Agreement Transactions	The following table summarizes the convertible senior debt transactions completed during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 : Agreement Date Issuance Aggregate Principal Class A Common Shares Issued Cash Payments to Noteholders Loss on Extinguishment (in thousands, except share data) January 20, 2016 2016 Senior Notes $ 125 9,298 $ — $ 59 March 14, 2016 2018 Senior Notes 77,310 — 90,958 15,370 March 17, 2016 2018 Senior Notes 4,000 — 4,707 795 March 14, 2016 2020 Senior Notes 76,334 — 86,858 12,823 Total $ 157,769 9,298 $ 182,523 $ 29,047

Derivative Instruments and He37

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	The following table summarizes the fair values and location in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of all derivative instruments: Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Asset Derivatives (included in Other Assets) Liability Derivatives (included in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities) Current Notional Fair Value Current Notional Fair Value (in thousands) September 30, 2017 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Interest rate swaps $ 63,591 $ 680 $ 34,248 $ 1,253 TROR 319,921 4,695 236,015 2,762 Total $ 383,512 $ 5,375 $ 270,263 $ 4,015 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Interest rate caps $ 69,518 $ — $ — $ — TROR 100,551 5,076 36,966 11,849 Total $ 170,069 $ 5,076 $ 36,966 $ 11,849 December 31, 2016 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Interest rate swaps $ 64,248 $ 593 $ 34,666 $ 1,504 TROR 235,970 5,008 316,015 12,442 Total $ 300,218 $ 5,601 $ 350,681 $ 13,946 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Interest rate caps $ 69,518 $ — $ — $ — TROR 100,800 4,117 37,044 12,256 Total $ 170,318 $ 4,117 $ 37,044 $ 12,256
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance and Financial Position	The following table summarizes the impact of gains and losses related to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges included in the accumulated OCI section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets and in equity in earnings and interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations: Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion) Location on Consolidated Statements of Operations Effective Amount Ineffective Amount (in thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps $ (49 ) Interest expense $ (683 ) $ (1 ) Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities (605 ) — Total $ (49 ) $ (1,288 ) $ (1 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps $ (385 ) Interest expense $ (2,144 ) $ (50 ) Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities (1,981 ) — Total $ (385 ) $ (4,125 ) $ (50 ) Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps $ 1,406 Interest expense $ (9,103 ) $ 3 Net gain (loss) on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties, net of tax — — Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities (796 ) — Total $ 1,406 $ (9,899 ) $ 3 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps $ (10,184 ) Interest expense $ (27,512 ) $ (24 ) Net gain (loss) on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties, net of tax (113 ) — Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities (2,421 ) — Total $ (10,184 ) $ (30,046 ) $ (24 )
Impact of Gains (Losses) Related to Derivative Instruments	The following table summarizes the impact of gains and losses related to derivative instruments not designated as cash flow hedges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations: Net Gain (Loss) Recognized Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in thousands) Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments TROR (1) $ 2,869 $ (1,153 ) $ 9,367 $ (1,776 ) Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps $ (45 ) $ — $ (45 ) $ (94 ) TROR (432 ) 26 1,366 (1,955 ) Total $ (477 ) $ 26 $ 1,321 $ (2,049 ) (1) The net gain (loss) recognized in interest expense from the change in fair value of the underlying TROR borrowings was $(2,869) and $(9,367) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and $1,153 and $1,776 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively, offsetting the gain (loss) recognized on the TROR.
Collateral Posted for Derivatives in Liability Positions	The following table summarizes information about collateral posted for derivatives in liability positions as of September 30, 2017 : Collateral Information Notional Amount Fair Value Prior to Nonperformance Risk Nonperformance Risk Collateral Posted Nature of Collateral Credit Risk Contingent Feature (in thousands) Property Specific Swaps $ 34,248 $ 1,314 $ (61 ) $ — Mortgage liens None TROR 272,981 14,590 21 67,806 Restricted cash, notes receivable, letters of credit None Total $ 307,229 $ 15,904 $ (40 ) $ 67,806

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis	The following table summarizes information about financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value: September 30, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in thousands) Interest rate swaps (assets) $ — $ 680 $ — $ 680 Interest rate swaps (liabilities) — (1,253 ) — (1,253 ) TROR (assets) — — 9,771 9,771 TROR (liabilities) — — (14,611 ) (14,611 ) Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TROR — — (1,933 ) (1,933 ) Total $ — $ (573 ) $ (6,773 ) $ (7,346 ) December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Interest rate swaps (assets) $ — $ 593 $ — $ 593 Interest rate swaps (liabilities) — (1,504 ) — (1,504 ) TROR (assets) — — 9,125 9,125 TROR (liabilities) — — (24,698 ) (24,698 ) Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TROR — — 7,434 7,434 Total $ — $ (911 ) $ (8,139 ) $ (9,050 )
Reconciliation of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs	The following table presents a reconciliation of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): Net TROR Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TROR Total (in thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Balance, January 1, 2017 $ (15,573 ) $ 7,434 $ (8,139 ) Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in earnings 10,733 (9,367 ) 1,366 Balance, September 30, 2017 $ (4,840 ) $ (1,933 ) $ (6,773 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Balance, January 1, 2016 $ (10,785 ) $ 2,810 $ (7,975 ) Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in earnings (3,731 ) 1,776 (1,955 ) Balance, September 30, 2016 $ (14,516 ) $ 4,586 $ (9,930 )
Significant Unobservable Inputs Used to Estimate Fair Value of Financial Instruments	The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2017 : Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements Fair Value September 30, 2017 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Input Values (in thousands) TROR $ (4,840 ) Third party bond pricing Bond valuation 94.85 - 120.73 Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TROR $ (1,933 ) Third party bond pricing Bond valuation 94.85 - 102.59
Schedule of Fair Value of Nonrecourse Mortgage Debt and Notes Payable, Net, Bank Revolving Credit Facility and Convertible Senior Debt, Net	The following table summarizes the fair value of nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net (exclusive of the fair value of derivatives), term loan, net and convertible senior debt, net: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value (in thousands) Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net $ 3,129,289 $ 3,135,150 $ 3,120,833 $ 3,105,587 Term loan, net 333,568 333,686 333,268 333,527 Convertible senior debt, net 112,523 134,064 112,181 122,795 Total $ 3,575,380 $ 3,602,900 $ 3,566,282 $ 3,561,909

Dividends (Tables)

Dividends (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Dividends [Abstract]
Dividends Declared	The following table summarizes cash dividends declared by the Board of Directors on the Company’s common stock (in thousands, except per share data): Type Date Declared Record Date Payment Date Amount Per Share Total Cash Payment 2017 Quarterly August 22, 2017 September 5, 2017 September 18, 2017 $ 0.14 $ 37,343 Quarterly May 17, 2017 June 9, 2017 June 23, 2017 $ 0.09 $ 23,482 Quarterly March 1, 2017 March 13, 2017 March 27, 2017 $ 0.09 $ 23,441 Total $ 0.32 $ 84,266 2016 Quarterly November 30, 2016 December 12, 2016 December 23, 2016 $ 0.06 $ 15,620 Quarterly August 18, 2016 September 2, 2016 September 16, 2016 $ 0.06 $ 15,621 Quarterly May 17, 2016 June 10, 2016 June 24, 2016 $ 0.06 $ 15,623 Quarterly February 18, 2016 March 4, 2016 March 18, 2016 $ 0.06 $ 15,596 E&P February 18, 2016 March 4, 2016 March 18, 2016 $ 0.10 $ 25,992 Total $ 0.34 $ 88,452

Stock-Based Compensation (Tabl

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Amount of Stock-Based Compensation Costs and Related Deferred Income Tax Benefit Recognized in the Financial Statements	The following table summarizes stock-based compensation costs and related deferred income tax benefit recognized in the financial statements: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in thousands) Stock option costs $ 126 $ 205 $ 463 $ 731 Restricted stock costs 4,494 3,439 13,440 11,367 Performance share costs 2,633 2,496 7,391 7,213 Total stock-based compensation costs 7,253 6,140 21,294 19,311 Less amount capitalized into qualifying real estate projects (2,101 ) (1,592 ) (6,401 ) (4,151 ) Amount charged to operating expenses 5,152 4,548 14,893 15,160 Depreciation expense on capitalized stock-based compensation 216 202 665 621 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 5,368 $ 4,750 $ 15,558 $ 15,781 Deferred income tax benefit $ 152 $ 136 $ 429 $ 457

Impairment of Real Estate and41

Impairment of Real Estate and Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Impairment of Real Estate and Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities [Abstract]
Schedule of Impairment of Real Estate Included in Continuing Operations	The following table summarizes the Company’s impairment of real estate included in continuing operations: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in thousands) 461 Dean Street (Apartment) Brooklyn, New York $ 44,288 $ — $ 44,288 $ — Regional Malls: Shops at Northfield Stapleton Denver, Colorado — 68,821 — 68,821 Boulevard Mall Amherst, New York — 52,510 — 52,510 Shops at Wiregrass Tampa, Florida — — — 12,464 Office Buildings: Post Office Plaza Cleveland, Ohio — 11,800 — 11,800 Illinois Science and Technology Park Skokie, Illinois — 7,900 — 7,900 Land inventory Las Vegas, Nevada — 1,230 — 1,230 Other — — — 2,100 Total $ 44,288 $ 142,261 $ 44,288 $ 156,825
Schedule of Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the Company’s other-than-temporary impairment of unconsolidated entities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in thousands) Westchester’s Ridge Hill Yonkers, New York $ 10,600 $ — $ 10,600 $ — Pacific Park Brooklyn Brooklyn, New York — 299,300 — 299,300 Other — 7,100 — 7,100 Total $ 10,600 $ 306,400 $ 10,600 $ 306,400
Summary of Significant Unobservable Inputs Used to Determine the Fair Value of the Impairment of Real Estate	The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value of the impairment of real estate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 : Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range of Input Values (in thousands) September 30, 2017 Impairment of real estate $ 152,575 Indicative bid Indicative bid N/A (1) Impairment of unconsolidated investments $ 225,890 Indicative bid Indicative bid N/A (1) September 30, 2016 Impairment of real estate $ 371,139 Indicative bids Indicative bids N/A (1) Impairment of real estate $ 18,500 Comparable property market analysis Price per square foot $39 per square foot Impairment of unconsolidated investments $ — Discounted cash flows Discount rate 9.8% Market capitalization rate 3.9% - 6.0% Impairment of unconsolidated investments $ 3,600 Indicative bids Indicative bids N/A (1) (1) This fair value measurement was derived from a bona fide purchase offer from a third party prospective buyer, subject to the Company’s corroboration for reasonableness.

Net Gain on Disposition of In42

Net Gain on Disposition of Interest in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Net Gain on Disposition of Interest in Unconsolidated Entities [Abstract]
Summary of Net Gain on Disposition of Interest in Unconsolidated Entities	The following table summarizes the net gain on disposition of interest in unconsolidated entities which are included in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in thousands) Federally assisted housing apartments Various $ 28,828 $ — $ 73,130 $ — Shops at Bruckner Boulevard (Specialty Retail Center) Bronx, New York — — 8,183 — Steinway Street Theaters (Specialty Retail Center) Queens, New York — — — 12,613 Other — — 469 — $ 28,828 $ — $ 81,782 $ 12,613

Net Gain on Disposition of Fu43

Net Gain on Disposition of Full or Partial Interest in Rental Properties, Net of Tax (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Full or Partial Interest in Rental Properties, Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Gain on Disposition of Full or Partial Interest in Rental Properties, Net of Tax [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the net gain (loss) on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties, net of tax: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in thousands) Specialty Retail Centers: Fairmont Cinema San Jose, California $ — $ — $ 4,128 $ — Avenue at Tower City Center & Tower City Parking Cleveland, Ohio — — 500 14,207 Office Buildings: Post Office Plaza Cleveland, Ohio (1,244 ) — (1,244 ) — Terminal Tower Cleveland, Ohio — 14,391 — 14,391 Illinois Science and Technology Park (4 buildings) Skokie, Illinois — — 3,771 — Brookview Place (Federally Assisted Housing) Dayton, Ohio 375 — 375 — Military Housing Various — — — 141,675 QIC Joint Venture-Westchester’s Ridge Hill (Regional Mall) Yonkers, New York — — — 343 Other 613 (324 ) 6,235 (1,118 ) (256 ) 14,067 13,765 169,498 Income tax effect — — (192 ) (66,413 ) $ (256 ) $ 14,067 $ 13,573 $ 103,085

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Summary of Operating Results of Discontinued Operations	The following tables summarize the operating results related to discontinued operations: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands) Revenues $ 14,792 Expenses Operating expenses 12,540 Depreciation and amortization 23 12,563 Interest expense (3,540 ) Amortization of mortgage procurement costs (61 ) Loss before income taxes and loss from unconsolidated entities (1,372 ) Loss from unconsolidated entities (1,400 ) Loss before income taxes (2,772 ) Income tax benefit (824 ) Loss before gain on disposal group (1,948 ) Gain on disposition of disposal group, net of tax 64,553 Earnings from discontinued operations 62,605 Noncontrolling interest Operating loss from disposal group (776 ) Earnings from discontinued operations attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 63,381
Pre-tax Gain on Disposition of the Disposal Group	The following table summarizes the gain on disposition of the Disposal Group, net of tax: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands) The Nets $ 136,247 Barclays Center (56,481 ) 79,766 Income tax effect (1) (15,213 ) $ 64,553 (1) Primarily represents non-cash deferred taxes recognized upon the reversal of the deferred tax asset used to offset the taxable gain on the sales of assets held by the TRS.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted EPS Computations	The reconciliation of the basic and diluted EPS computations is shown in the following table: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Numerators (in thousands) Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 5,454 $ (430,861 ) $ 103,124 $ (223,608 ) Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities (205 ) — (720 ) — Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders ‑ Basic $ 5,249 $ (430,861 ) $ 102,404 $ (223,608 ) Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities — — 125 — Preferred distribution on Class A Common Units — — 553 — Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders ‑ Diluted $ 5,249 $ (430,861 ) $ 103,082 $ (223,608 ) Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 5,454 $ (430,861 ) $ 103,124 $ (160,227 ) Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities (205 ) — (720 ) — Net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders ‑ Basic $ 5,249 $ (430,861 ) $ 102,404 $ (160,227 ) Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities — — 125 — Preferred distribution on Class A Common Units — — 553 — Net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders ‑ Diluted $ 5,249 $ (430,861 ) $ 103,082 $ (160,227 ) Denominators Weighted average shares outstanding ‑ Basic 265,260,403 258,713,429 261,566,151 258,437,586 Effect of stock options and performance shares 1,001,792 — 718,584 — Effect of convertible Class A Common Units — — 1,757,072 — Weighted average shares outstanding ‑ Diluted (1) 266,262,195 258,713,429 264,041,807 258,437,586 Earnings Per Share Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders ‑ Basic $ 0.02 $ (1.67 ) $ 0.39 $ (0.87 ) Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders ‑ Diluted $ 0.02 $ (1.67 ) $ 0.39 $ (0.87 ) Net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders ‑ Basic $ 0.02 $ (1.67 ) $ 0.39 $ (0.62 ) Net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders ‑ Diluted $ 0.02 $ (1.67 ) $ 0.39 $ (0.62 ) (1) Incremental shares from restricted stock and convertible securities aggregating 7,453,768 and 5,893,292 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their effect is anti-dilutive. Incremental shares from dilutive options, restricted stock, performance shares and convertible securities aggregating 8,157,781 and 10,035,997 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their effect is anti-dilutive due to the loss from continuing operations. Weighted-average options, restricted stock and performance shares of 698,333 and 1,375,366 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and 2,446,901 and 2,711,273 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their effect is anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method.

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Financial Data of Reportable Operating Segments	The following tables summarize financial data for the Company’s reportable operating segments. All amounts are presented in thousands. September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Identifiable Assets Office $ 3,044,916 $ 3,192,840 Apartments 2,289,688 2,406,768 Retail 496,448 521,015 Total Operations 5,831,052 6,120,623 Development 1,959,519 1,799,138 Corporate 328,377 308,836 $ 8,118,948 $ 8,228,597 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenues Operating Expenses Office $ 108,165 $ 116,787 $ 339,087 $ 352,960 $ 41,104 $ 48,486 $ 128,618 $ 142,835 Apartments 72,086 74,170 216,498 219,211 30,874 33,415 96,968 102,327 Retail 14,009 20,496 43,803 61,622 9,532 14,812 30,882 40,877 Total Operations 194,260 211,453 599,388 633,793 81,510 96,713 256,468 286,039 Development 39,284 26,077 86,604 52,445 29,337 19,357 71,236 56,580 Corporate — — — — 19,113 26,009 60,102 74,272 Other — — — 3,518 — — — 2,730 $ 233,544 $ 237,530 $ 685,992 $ 689,756 $ 129,960 $ 142,079 $ 387,806 $ 419,621 Depreciation and Amortization Capital Expenditures Office $ 28,471 $ 33,541 $ 97,382 $ 102,587 $ 12,831 $ 5,749 $ 40,132 $ 19,774 Apartments 19,442 18,994 57,452 56,345 9,264 3,369 19,370 9,070 Retail 2,889 5,384 8,404 17,618 912 4,032 3,073 8,473 Total Operations 50,802 57,919 163,238 176,550 23,007 13,150 62,575 37,317 Development 8,764 4,669 24,299 10,915 80,368 116,673 241,990 396,243 Corporate 628 304 1,959 930 2,008 99 2,372 99 Other — — — 126 — — — — $ 60,194 $ 62,892 $ 189,496 $ 188,521 $ 105,383 $ 129,922 $ 306,937 $ 433,659
Reconciliation of Net Earning Loss to Adjusted EBIDTA by Segment	The reconciliations of net earnings (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA by segment are shown in the following tables. All amounts are presented in thousands. Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Office Apartments Retail Total Operations Development Corporate Other Total Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 39,073 $ 50,708 $ 12,017 $ 101,798 $ (45,620 ) $ (50,724 ) $ — $ 5,454 Depreciation and amortization 29,408 22,347 17,654 69,409 7,814 628 — 77,851 Interest expense — — — — — 50,836 — 50,836 Amortization of mortgage procurement costs — — — — — 1,807 — 1,807 Income tax expense — — — — — 304 — 304 Impairment of consolidated real estate — — — — 44,288 — — 44,288 Impairment of unconsolidated real estate — — 10,600 10,600 — — — 10,600 Net (gain) loss on disposition of full or partial interests in rental properties 1,182 1,876 (517 ) 2,541 — — — 2,541 Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities — (27,721 ) — (27,721 ) — — — (27,721 ) Organizational transformation and termination benefits — — — — — 2,633 — 2,633 Adjusted EBITDA Attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 69,663 $ 47,210 $ 39,754 $ 156,627 $ 6,482 $ 5,484 $ — $ 168,593 Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Office Apartments Retail Total Operations Development Corporate Other Total Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 30,091 $ 27,038 $ (100,889 ) $ (43,760 ) $ (315,806 ) $ (71,295 ) $ — $ (430,861 ) Depreciation and amortization 33,650 23,413 19,016 76,079 3,259 304 — 79,642 Interest expense — — — — — 54,408 — 54,408 Amortization of mortgage procurement costs — — — — — 2,239 — 2,239 Income tax expense — — — — — 525 — 525 Impairment of consolidated real estate 19,700 — 121,331 141,031 1,230 — — 142,261 Impairment of unconsolidated real estate — — — — 306,400 — — 306,400 Net (gain) loss on disposition of full or partial interests in rental properties (14,391 ) — — (14,391 ) 324 — — (14,067 ) Organizational transformation and termination benefits — — — — — 8,092 — 8,092 Adjusted EBITDA Attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 69,050 $ 50,451 $ 39,458 $ 158,959 $ (4,593 ) $ (5,727 ) $ — $ 148,639 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Office Apartments Retail Total Operations Development Corporate Other Total Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 120,967 $ 154,712 $ 70,411 $ 346,090 $ (61,492 ) $ (181,474 ) $ — $ 103,124 Depreciation and amortization 100,039 67,439 50,294 217,772 19,260 1,959 — 238,991 Interest expense — — — — — 147,524 — 147,524 Amortization of mortgage procurement costs — — — — — 5,548 — 5,548 Income tax expense — — — — — 5,009 — 5,009 Impairment of consolidated real estate — — — 44,288 — — 44,288 Impairment of unconsolidated real estate — — 10,600 10,600 — — — 10,600 Loss on extinguishment of debt — — — — — 4,468 — 4,468 Net (gain) loss on disposition of full or partial interests in rental properties (2,589 ) (3,746 ) (5,145 ) (11,480 ) — — (11,480 ) Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities — (71,835 ) (8,183 ) (80,018 ) — — — (80,018 ) Organizational transformation and termination benefits — — — — — 14,021 — 14,021 Adjusted EBITDA Attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 218,417 $ 146,570 $ 117,977 $ 482,964 $ 2,056 $ (2,945 ) $ — $ 482,075 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Office Apartments Retail Total Operations Development Corporate Other Total Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 102,549 $ 76,355 $ (40,430 ) $ 138,474 $ (190,377 ) $ (330,512 ) $ 222,188 $ (160,227 ) Depreciation and amortization 102,583 69,458 58,144 230,185 7,413 930 302 238,830 Interest expense — — — — — 168,023 — 168,023 Amortization of mortgage procurement costs — — — — — 6,676 — 6,676 Income tax expense — — — — — 83,539 — 83,539 Impairment of consolidated real estate 19,700 2,100 133,795 155,595 1,230 — — 156,825 Impairment of unconsolidated real estate — — — — 306,400 — — 306,400 Loss on extinguishment of debt — — — — — 29,933 — 29,933 Net (gain) loss on disposition of interest in development project — — — — (136,687 ) — — (136,687 ) Net (gain) loss on disposition of full or partial interests in rental properties (13,782 ) — (14,550 ) (28,332 ) 324 — (141,675 ) (169,683 ) Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities — — (12,613 ) (12,613 ) — — — (12,613 ) Organizational transformation and termination benefits — — — — — 22,493 — 22,493 Discontinued operations: Depreciation and Amortization - Real Estate — — — — — — 35 35 Loss on disposition of rental properties — — — — — — 56,481 56,481 Net gain on disposition of partial interest in other investment - Nets — — — — — — (136,247 ) (136,247 ) Nets pre-tax EBITDA — — — — — — 1,400 1,400 Adjusted EBITDA Attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. $ 211,050 $ 147,913 $ 124,346 $ 483,309 $ (11,697 ) $ (18,918 ) $ 2,484 $ 455,178

Accounting Policies (Details)

Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("accumulated OCI")
Unrealized losses on interest rate derivative contracts	[1]	$ 10,683	$ 14,473
Noncontrolling interest		(52)	(63)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		$ 10,631	$ 14,410	$ 47,936	$ 67,905
[1]	Includes unrealized losses on interest rate swaps accounted for as hedges held by certain of the Company’s equity method investees.

Accounting Policies (Details 1)

Accounting Policies (Details 1) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance, beginning	$ (14,410,000)	$ (67,905,000)
Loss recognized in accumulated OCI	(385,000)	(10,089,000)
Loss reclassified from accumulated OCI	4,164,000	30,058,000
Total other comprehensive income	3,779,000	19,969,000
Balance, ending	(10,631,000)	(47,936,000)
Foreign Currency Translation
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance, beginning	0	(95,000)
Loss recognized in accumulated OCI	0	95,000
Loss reclassified from accumulated OCI	0	0
Total other comprehensive income	0	95,000
Balance, ending	0	0
Interest Rate Contracts
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance, beginning	(14,410,000)	(67,810,000)
Loss recognized in accumulated OCI	(385,000)	(10,184,000)
Loss reclassified from accumulated OCI	4,164,000	30,058,000
Total other comprehensive income	3,779,000	19,874,000
Balance, ending	$ (10,631,000)	$ (47,936,000)

Accounting Policies (Details 2)

Accounting Policies (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense	$ 31,597	$ 34,060	$ 88,473	$ 101,130
Net gain on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties, net of tax	256	(14,067)	(13,573)	(103,085)
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities	(8,295)	(6,433)	(23,834)	(25,520)
Total before noncontrolling interest	(13,051)	443,121	(102,968)	455,480
Noncontrolling Interest	$ 7,037	$ 1,282	8,487	5,163
Loss reclassified from accumulated OCI			4,164	30,058
Reclassification out of accumulated OCI [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense			2,194	27,536
Net gain on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties, net of tax				113
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated entities			1,981	2,421
Total before noncontrolling interest			4,175	30,070
Noncontrolling Interest			(11)	(12)
Loss reclassified from accumulated OCI			$ (4,164)	$ (30,058)

Accounting Policies (Details 3)

Accounting Policies (Details 3) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Termination benefits	$ 1,764,000	$ 2,710,000	$ 10,501,000	$ 10,273,000
Shareholder activism costs	869,000	0	3,520,000	0
Reorganization costs	0	5,382,000	0	11,357,000
REIT conversion costs	0	0	0	863,000
Organizational transformation and termination benefits	$ 2,633,000	$ 8,092,000	$ 14,021,000	$ 22,493,000

Accounting Policies (Details 4)

Accounting Policies (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accrued severance benefits, beginning balance	$ 11,710	$ 11,277	$ 9,969	$ 16,338
Termination benefits expense	1,764	2,710	10,501	10,273
Payments	(4,615)	(3,394)	(11,611)	(16,018)
Accrued severance benefits, ending balance	$ 8,859	$ 10,593	$ 8,859	$ 10,593

Accounting Policies (Details 5)

Accounting Policies (Details 5) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Non-cash changes to balance sheet - Investing Activities
Projects under construction and development	$ (51,996,000)	$ (37,542,000)
Completed rental properties	(126,810,000)	(1,173,460,000)
Restricted cash	3,331,000	(12,265,000)
Notes receivable	2,500,000	277,050,000
Investments in and advances to affiliates - due to dispositions or change in control	603,000	125,741,000
Investments in and advances to affiliates - other activity	(218,000)	2,708,000
Total non-cash effect on investing activities	(172,590,000)	(817,768,000)
Non-cash changes to balance sheet - Financing Activities
Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net	(109,751,000)	(846,965,000)
Convertible senior debt, net	(1,000)	(125,000)
Class A common stock	59,000	0
Additional paid-in capital	49,335,000	(12,065,000)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	0	(159,202,000)
Noncontrolling interest	(54,129,000)	19,059,000
Total non-cash effect on financing activities	$ (114,487,000)	$ (999,298,000)

Accounting Policies (Details Te

Accounting Policies (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)State	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Total Assets	$ 8,118,948		$ 8,228,597
Number of States in which Entity Operates | State	20
Occupancy rate of stabilized properties	92.00%
Stabilization, minimum years open and operating	1 year
Stabilization, maximum years open and operating	2 years
Ownership interest prior to exercise of promote option	25.00%
Ownership interest after exercise of promote option	29.63%
Exercise of promote option in joint venture	$ 10,931
Acquisitions of Partner's Interests		$ 38,951

Accounting Policies (Details 54

Accounting Policies (Details Textual 1) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)entity
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Maximum exposure to loss of unconsolidated VIEs | $	$ 166
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of Variable Interest Entities	43
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of Variable Interest Entities	36

Accounting Policies (Details 55

Accounting Policies (Details Textual 2)	1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)shares	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)shares	Jan. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)shares	Jan. 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2006property
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Increase to additional paid-in capital	$ 2,532,432,000				$ 2,532,432,000		$ 2,532,432,000		$ 2,483,275,000
Ownership Interest Prior to Exchange		100.00%
Basis for determining the number of Units to be exchanged for rental property | $ / shares		$ 20
Reduction of noncontrolling interest	446,057,000				446,057,000		446,057,000		501,161,000
Reduction of completed rental properties	7,280,498,000				7,280,498,000		7,280,498,000		7,112,347,000
Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net	3,129,289,000				$ 3,129,289,000		$ 3,129,289,000		$ 3,120,833,000
Payment for the overpayment of closing costs	$ 222,000
Common Unit, Outstanding | shares	1,111,044				1,111,044		1,111,044		1,940,788
Increase to common stock	$ 2,653,000				$ 2,653,000		$ 2,653,000		$ 2,587,000
Conversion Ratio							1.31
Common Class A [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Increase to common stock	$ 2,653,000				2,653,000		$ 2,653,000		2,399,000
BCR transaction [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of Real Estate Properties | property											30
Distribution preference payment					219,000	$ 116,000	553,000	$ 543,000
Tax indemnity payment accrual				$ 482,000						$ 6,238,000
Tax Indemnity Payment				$ 1,558,000			$ 361,000		4,680,000
BCR exchange transaction [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Increase to additional paid-in capital		$ 22,805,000	$ 7,287,000
Exchange of Class A common units for rental property, units exchanged | shares		686,865
Reduction of noncontrolling interest		$ 35,037,000	$ 7,288,000
Reduction of completed rental properties		45,044,000
Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net		$ 34,382,000
Exchange of Class A common Units for Class A Shares, Units Exchanged | shares			142,879
BCR exchange transaction [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Exchange of Class A Common Units for Class A Shares, Shares Issued | shares			142,879
Increase to common stock			$ 1,000
BCR share of retainage release [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction amount					997,000
RMS reimbursement under Reimbursement Agreement [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction amount					4,060,000				$ 1,207,000
Ratners purchase of life insurance policy [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction amount					$ 826,000

Notes Receivable (Details)

Notes Receivable (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes receivable	$ 430,090,000	$ 383,163,000
Stapleton
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes receivable	$ 195,846,000	141,034,000
Weighted Average Interest Rate on Notes Receivable	8.56%
The Nets sale
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes receivable	$ 125,100,000	125,100,000
Weighted Average Interest Rate on Notes Receivable	4.50%
Barclays Center sale
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes receivable	$ 92,600,000	92,600,000
Weighted Average Interest Rate on Notes Receivable	4.50%
Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes receivable	$ 16,544,000	$ 24,429,000
Weighted Average Interest Rate on Notes Receivable	4.94%

Nonrecourse Mortgage Debt and57

Nonrecourse Mortgage Debt and Notes Payable, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net maturities
Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable total maturities in 2017	$ 190,767
Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable total maturities in 2018	494,058
Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable total maturities in 2019	474,981
Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable total maturities in 2020	228,929
Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable total maturities in 2021	194,944
Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable total maturities thereafter	1,578,094
Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, gross	3,161,773
Net unamortized mortgage procurement costs	(32,484)
Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net	$ 3,129,289	$ 3,120,833

Revolving Credit Facility (Deta

Revolving Credit Facility (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Total available borrowings	$ 600,000,000	$ 600,000,000
Outstanding borrowings	0	0
Letters of credit	42,873,000	44,215,000
Available credit	$ 557,127,000	$ 555,785,000

Revolving Credit Facility (De59

Revolving Credit Facility (Details Textual)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total available borrowings	$ 600,000,000	$ 600,000,000
Line of Credit Maximum Borrowings Under Accordion Provision	750,000,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs	2,038,000	$ 2,757,000
Original maximum borrowing capacity [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total available borrowings	$ 500,000,000
Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Number of Credit Facility extension options	2
Term of Credit Facility Extension Option	6 months
Annual facility fee	0.25%
Amount of available borrowings that can be used for letters of credit	$ 150,000,000
New maximum borrowing capacity [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total available borrowings	$ 600,000,000
LIBOR [Member] | Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable rate basis spread of debt instrument	1.23%
Prime Rate [Member] | Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable rate basis spread of debt instrument	4.25%
Minimum [Member] | Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Annual facility fee	0.20%
Minimum [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable rate basis spread of debt instrument	1.15%
Minimum [Member] | Prime Rate [Member] | Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable rate basis spread of debt instrument	0.15%
Maximum [Member] | Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Annual facility fee	0.35%
Maximum [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable rate basis spread of debt instrument	1.85%
Maximum [Member] | Prime Rate [Member] | Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable rate basis spread of debt instrument	0.85%
Current Period [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable rate basis spread of debt instrument	1.25%
Current Period [Member] | Prime Rate [Member] | Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable rate basis spread of debt instrument	0.25%

Term Loan, Net (Details)

Term Loan, Net (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Term Loan, Net [Abstract]
Total outstanding borrowings	$ 335,000,000	$ 335,000,000
Net unamortized debt procurement costs	(1,432,000)	(1,732,000)
Total	$ 333,568,000	$ 333,268,000

Term Loan, Net (Details Textual

Term Loan, Net (Details Textuals) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 335,000,000
Total outstanding borrowings	$ 335,000,000	$ 335,000,000
Term Loan [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis spread of debt instrument	1.24%
Term Loan [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Current Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis spread of debt instrument	1.45%
Term Loan [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis spread of debt instrument	1.30%
Term Loan [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis spread of debt instrument	2.20%
Term Loan [Member] | Prime Rate [Member] | Current Period [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis spread of debt instrument	0.45%
Term Loan [Member] | Prime Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis spread of debt instrument	0.30%
Term Loan [Member] | Prime Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis spread of debt instrument	1.20%

Convertible Senior Debt, Net (D

Convertible Senior Debt, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible Senior Notes	$ 113,236	$ 113,237
Net unamortized debt procurement costs	(713)	(1,056)
Convertible subordinated debt, net	$ 112,523	$ 112,181
Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.25%	4.25%
Convertible Senior Notes	$ 73,215	$ 73,216
Notes due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.625%	3.625%
Convertible Senior Notes	$ 40,021	$ 40,021

Convertible Senior Debt, Net 63

Convertible Senior Debt, Net (Details 1) - USD ($)	Mar. 17, 2016	Mar. 14, 2016	Jan. 20, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment				$ 0	$ 0	$ (2,843,000)	$ (29,084,000)
Notes due 2016 [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Aggregate Principal			$ 125,000
Cash payments to noteholders			0
Loss on extinguishment			$ 59,000
Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Aggregate Principal	$ 4,000,000	$ 77,310,000
Cash payments to noteholders	4,707,000	90,958,000
Loss on extinguishment	$ 795,000	15,370,000
Notes due 2020 [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Aggregate Principal		76,334,000
Cash payments to noteholders		86,858,000
Loss on extinguishment		$ 12,823,000
2016, 2018 and 2020 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Aggregate Principal							157,769,000
Cash payments to noteholders							182,523,000
Loss on extinguishment							$ 29,047,000
Common stock Class A | Notes due 2016 [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Class A Common Shares Issued			9,298
Common stock Class A | Notes due 2018 [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Class A Common Shares Issued	0	0
Common stock Class A | Notes due 2020 [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Class A Common Shares Issued		0
Common stock Class A | 2016, 2018 and 2020 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Class A Common Shares Issued							9,298

Derivative Instruments and He64

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Liability Derivatives, Current Notional	$ 307,229,000
Other Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Asset Derivatives, Current Notional	383,512,000	$ 300,218,000
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	5,375,000	5,601,000
Other Assets [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Asset Derivatives, Current Notional	170,069,000	170,318,000
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	5,076,000	4,117,000
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Liability Derivatives, Current Notional	270,263,000	350,681,000
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	4,015,000	13,946,000
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Liability Derivatives, Current Notional	36,966,000	37,044,000
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	11,849,000	12,256,000
Interest rate caps [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Asset Derivatives, Current Notional	69,518,000	69,518,000
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	0	0
Interest rate caps [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Liability Derivatives, Current Notional	0	0
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	0	0
Interest rate swaps [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Asset Derivatives, Current Notional	63,591,000	64,248,000
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	680,000	593,000
Interest rate swaps [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Liability Derivatives, Current Notional	34,248,000	34,666,000
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	1,253,000	1,504,000
TROR [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Liability Derivatives, Current Notional	272,981,000
TROR [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Asset Derivatives, Current Notional	319,921,000	235,970,000
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	4,695,000	5,008,000
TROR [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Asset Derivatives, Current Notional	100,551,000	100,800,000
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	5,076,000	4,117,000
TROR [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Liability Derivatives, Current Notional	236,015,000	316,015,000
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	2,762,000	12,442,000
TROR [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Accrued Liabilities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Liability Derivatives, Current Notional	36,966,000	37,044,000
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	$ 11,849,000	$ 12,256,000

Derivative Instruments and He65

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details 1) - Cash Flow Hedging [Member] - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivative instruments gain (loss) in financial statements
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion)	$ (49,000)	$ 1,406,000	$ (385,000)	$ (10,184,000)
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI, effective amount	(1,288,000)	(9,899,000)	(4,125,000)	(30,046,000)
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI, ineffective amount	(1,000)	3,000	(50,000)	(24,000)
Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps [Member]
Derivative instruments gain (loss) in financial statements
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion)	(49,000)	1,406,000	(385,000)	(10,184,000)
Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps [Member] | Interest expense [Member]
Derivative instruments gain (loss) in financial statements
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI, effective amount	(683,000)	(9,103,000)	(2,144,000)	(27,512,000)
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI, ineffective amount	(1,000)	3,000	(50,000)	(24,000)
Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps [Member] | Net gain (loss) on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties, net of tax [Member]
Derivative instruments gain (loss) in financial statements
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI, effective amount		0		(113,000)
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI, ineffective amount		0		0
Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps [Member] | Earnings from unconsolidated entities [Member]
Derivative instruments gain (loss) in financial statements
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI, effective amount	(605,000)	(796,000)	(1,981,000)	(2,421,000)
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI, ineffective amount	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Derivative Instruments and He66

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details 2) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative net gain (loss) recognized in income statement		$ (477,000)	$ 26,000	$ 1,321,000	$ (2,049,000)
TROR [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative net gain (loss) recognized in income statement		(432,000)	26,000	1,366,000	(1,955,000)
TROR [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative net gain (loss) recognized in income statement	[1]	2,869,000	(1,153,000)	9,367,000	(1,776,000)
Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative net gain (loss) recognized in income statement		$ (45,000)	$ 0	$ (45,000)	$ (94,000)
[1]	The net gain (loss) recognized in interest expense from the change in fair value of the underlying TROR borrowings was $(2,869) and $(9,367) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and $1,153 and $1,776 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, offsetting the gain (loss) recognized on the TROR.

Derivative Instruments and He67

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details 3)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 307,229,000
Fair Value Prior to Nonperformance Risk	15,904,000
Nonperformance Risk	(40,000)
Collateral Posted	67,806,000
Property Specific Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	34,248,000
Fair Value Prior to Nonperformance Risk	1,314,000
Nonperformance Risk	(61,000)
Collateral Posted	$ 0
Nature of Collateral	Mortgage liens
Credit Risk Contingent Feature	None
TROR [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 272,981,000
Fair Value Prior to Nonperformance Risk	14,590,000
Nonperformance Risk	21,000
Collateral Posted	$ 67,806,000
Nature of Collateral	Restricted cash, notes receivable, letters of credit
Credit Risk Contingent Feature	None

Derivative Instruments and He68

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
SIFMA rate	0.94%		0.94%
Minimum [Member] | Interest rate swap agreements [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract			1 year
Minimum [Member] | Interest rate caps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract			1 year
Maximum [Member] | Interest rate swap agreements [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract			10 years
Maximum [Member] | Interest rate caps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, term of contract			3 years
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | TROR [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of TROR	$ 137,517		$ 137,517
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Loss on cash flow hedges to be reclassified within next twelve months			4,338
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | TROR [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of TROR	555,936		555,936
Net gain (loss) from change in fair value of underlying TROR borrowings recognized in interest expense	$ (2,869)	$ 1,153	$ (9,367)	$ 1,776

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair value measurement, recurring basis [Member] - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis
Fair value adjustment to the borrowing subject to TROR	$ (1,933,000)	$ 7,434,000
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	(7,346,000)	(9,050,000)
Interest rate swaps [Member]
Financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis
Derivative assets	680,000	593,000
Derivative liabilities	(1,253,000)	(1,504,000)
TROR [Member]
Financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis
Derivative assets	9,771,000	9,125,000
Derivative liabilities	(14,611,000)	(24,698,000)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis
Fair value adjustment to the borrowing subject to TROR	0	0
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]
Financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis
Derivative assets	0	0
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | TROR [Member]
Financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis
Derivative assets	0	0
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis
Fair value adjustment to the borrowing subject to TROR	0	0
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	(573,000)	(911,000)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]
Financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis
Derivative assets	680,000	593,000
Derivative liabilities	(1,253,000)	(1,504,000)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | TROR [Member]
Financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis
Derivative assets	0	0
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis
Fair value adjustment to the borrowing subject to TROR	(1,933,000)	7,434,000
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	(6,773,000)	(8,139,000)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]
Financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis
Derivative assets	0	0
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | TROR [Member]
Financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis
Derivative assets	9,771,000	9,125,000
Derivative liabilities	$ (14,611,000)	$ (24,698,000)

Fair Value Measurements (Deta70

Fair Value Measurements (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	$ (8,139)	$ (7,975)
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in earnings	1,366	(1,955)
Balance, ending	(6,773)	(9,930)
Net TROR [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	(15,573)	(10,785)
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in earnings	10,733	(3,731)
Balance, ending	(4,840)	(14,516)
Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TROR [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	7,434	2,810
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in earnings	(9,367)	1,776
Balance, ending	$ (1,933)	$ 4,586

Fair Value Measurements (Deta71

Fair Value Measurements (Details 2) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ (6,773)	$ (8,139)	$ (9,930)	$ (7,975)
Fair value adjustment to borrowings subject to TROR [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value	(1,933)	$ 7,434	$ 4,586	$ 2,810
Bond Valuation [Member] | Fair value measurement, recurring basis [Member] | TROR [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value	(4,840)
Bond Valuation [Member] | Fair value measurement, recurring basis [Member] | Fair value adjustment to borrowings subject to TROR [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ (1,933)
Bond Valuation [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Fair value measurement, recurring basis [Member] | TROR [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Bond Valuation	$ 94.85
Bond Valuation [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Fair value measurement, recurring basis [Member] | Fair value adjustment to borrowings subject to TROR [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Bond Valuation	94.85
Bond Valuation [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Fair value measurement, recurring basis [Member] | TROR [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Bond Valuation	120.73
Bond Valuation [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Fair value measurement, recurring basis [Member] | Fair value adjustment to borrowings subject to TROR [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Bond Valuation	$ 102.59

Fair Value Measurements (Deta72

Fair Value Measurements (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair value of nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net (exclusive of fair value of derivatives), term loan, net and convertible senior debt, net [Abstract]
Carrying Value	$ 3,575,380	$ 3,566,282
Fair Value	3,602,900	3,561,909
Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net [Member]
Fair value of nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net (exclusive of fair value of derivatives), term loan, net and convertible senior debt, net [Abstract]
Carrying Value	3,129,289	3,120,833
Fair Value	3,135,150	3,105,587
Term loan, net [Member]
Fair value of nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net (exclusive of fair value of derivatives), term loan, net and convertible senior debt, net [Abstract]
Carrying Value	333,568	333,268
Fair Value	333,686	333,527
Convertible senior debt, net [Member]
Fair value of nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, net (exclusive of fair value of derivatives), term loan, net and convertible senior debt, net [Abstract]
Carrying Value	112,523	112,181
Fair Value	$ 134,064	$ 122,795

Capital Stock (Detail Textuals)

Capital Stock (Detail Textuals) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 12, 2017shares
Equity [Abstract]
Class B common shares reclassified pursuant to the Reclassification			18,788,163
Conversion Ratio	1.31
Class A common shares issued pursuant to the Reclassification Agreement			24,612,495
Common Stock, Voting Rights per Share	one vote per share
Costs incurred for conversion of Class B stock to Class A stock | $	$ 9,305	$ 3,896

Dividends (Details)

Dividends (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Sep. 18, 2017	Aug. 22, 2017	Jun. 23, 2017	May 17, 2017	Mar. 27, 2017	Mar. 01, 2017	Dec. 23, 2016	Nov. 30, 2016	Sep. 16, 2016	Aug. 18, 2016	Jun. 24, 2016	May 17, 2016	Mar. 18, 2016	Feb. 18, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Amount per Share															$ 0.32	$ 0.34
Total Cash Payments															$ 84,266	$ 88,452
E&P
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Amount per Share														$ 0.10
Total Cash Payments													$ 25,992
Quarterly
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Amount per Share		$ 0.14		$ 0.09		$ 0.09		$ 0.06		$ 0.06		$ 0.06		$ 0.06
Total Cash Payments	$ 37,343		$ 23,482		$ 23,441		$ 15,620		$ 15,621		$ 15,623		$ 15,596

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation costs	$ 7,253	$ 6,140	$ 21,294	$ 19,311
Less amount capitalized into qualifying real estate projects	(2,101)	(1,592)	(6,401)	(4,151)
Amount charged to operating expenses	5,152	4,548	14,893	15,160
Depreciation expense on capitalized stock-based compensation	216	202	665	621
Total stock-based compensation expense	5,368	4,750	15,558	15,781
Deferred income tax benefit	152	136	429	457
Stock option costs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation costs	126	205	463	731
Restricted stock costs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation costs	4,494	3,439	13,440	11,367
Performance share costs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation costs	$ 2,633	$ 2,496	$ 7,391	$ 7,213

Stock-Based Compensation (Det76

Stock-Based Compensation (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Amount of grant-date fair value expensed immediately for awards granted to retirement-eligible grantees	$ 867	$ 1,166
Repurchase of Class A common stock, Shares	252,161	385,380
Repurchase of Class A common stock	$ 5,598	$ 7,825	$ 7,945
Stock options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted	26,112
Stock options grant-date fair value	$ 4.79
Stock options expected term	5 years 6 months
Stock options expected volatility	25.10%
Stock options risk-free interest rate	2.12%
Stock options expected dividend yield	1.69%
Exercise price of options	$ 21.83
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 210
Weighted-average period of unrecognized compensation cost expected to be recognized	6 months
Restricted stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	672,876
Grant-date fair value	$ 21.85
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 16,125
Weighted-average period of unrecognized compensation cost expected to be recognized	23 months
Performance shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	243,571
Grant-date fair value	$ 24.91
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 7,228
Weighted-average period of unrecognized compensation cost expected to be recognized	19 months

Write-Offs of Abandoned Devel77

Write-Offs of Abandoned Development Projects and Demolition Costs (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Write-Offs of Abandoned Development Projects and Demolition Costs [Abstract]
Write-offs of abandoned development projects and demolition costs	$ 0	$ 10,058,000	$ 1,596,000	$ 10,058,000
Write-offs of abandoned development projects and demolition costs of unconsolidated entities	$ 1,179,000	$ 0	$ 1,926,000	$ 0

Impairment of Real Estate and78

Impairment of Real Estate and Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Schedule of Impairment of Real Estate Included in Continuing Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of real estate	$ 44,288,000	$ 142,261,000	$ 44,288,000	$ 156,825,000
461 Dean Street [Member]
Schedule of Impairment of Real Estate Included in Continuing Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of real estate	44,288,000	0	44,288,000	0
Shops at Northfield Stapleton [Member]
Schedule of Impairment of Real Estate Included in Continuing Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of real estate	0	68,821,000	0	68,821,000
Boulevard Mall [Member]
Schedule of Impairment of Real Estate Included in Continuing Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of real estate	0	52,510,000	0	52,510,000
Shops at Wiregrass [Member]
Schedule of Impairment of Real Estate Included in Continuing Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of real estate	0	0	0	12,464,000
Post Office Plaza [Member]
Schedule of Impairment of Real Estate Included in Continuing Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of real estate	0	11,800,000	0	11,800,000
Illinois Science and Technology Park [Member]
Schedule of Impairment of Real Estate Included in Continuing Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of real estate	0	7,900,000	0	7,900,000
Land inventory [Member]
Schedule of Impairment of Real Estate Included in Continuing Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of real estate	0	1,230,000	0	1,230,000
Other [Member]
Schedule of Impairment of Real Estate Included in Continuing Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of real estate	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,100,000

Impairment of Real Estate and79

Impairment of Real Estate and Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities Impairment of Real Estate and Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities (Details 1) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Impairment of unconsolidated entities	$ 10,600,000	$ 306,400,000	$ 10,600,000	$ 306,400,000
Westchester's Ridge Hill [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Impairment of unconsolidated entities	10,600,000	0	10,600,000	0
Pacific Park Brooklyn [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Impairment of unconsolidated entities	0	299,300,000	0	299,300,000
Other [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Impairment of unconsolidated entities	$ 0	$ 7,100,000	$ 0	$ 7,100,000

Impairment of Real Estate and80

Impairment of Real Estate and Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities (Details 2) - Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017
Impairment of real estate [Member] | Indicative bids [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 371,139,000	$ 152,575,000
Impairment of real estate [Member] | Comparable Property Market Analysis [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Price Per Square Foot	39
Fair Value	$ 18,500,000
Impairment of unconsolidated investment [Member] | Indicative bids [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 3,600,000	$ 225,890,000
Impairment of unconsolidated investment [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Discount Rate	9.80%
Fair Value	$ 0
Minimum [Member] | Impairment of unconsolidated investment [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Market Capitalization Rate	3.90%
Maximum [Member] | Impairment of unconsolidated investment [Member] | Discounted cash flow [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Market Capitalization Rate	6.00%

Impairment of Real Estate and81

Impairment of Real Estate and Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities (Detail Textual) ft² in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)aft²properties	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)aft²properties	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015properties	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)
Impairment of unconsolidated entities | $	$ 10,600,000	$ 306,400,000	$ 10,600,000	$ 306,400,000
Shops at Wiregrass [Member]
Percentage Ownership Sold					49.00%
Pacific Park Brooklyn [Member]
Area of Land | a	22		22
Percentage Ownership Sold							70.00%
Net cash proceeds | $							$ 208,275,000
Buildings Commenced in 2015 | properties						2
Impairment of unconsolidated entities | $	$ 0	$ 299,300,000	$ 0	$ 299,300,000
Phase I [Member] | Pacific Park Brooklyn [Member]
Number of Buildings | properties	7		7
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²	3.1		3.1
Phase II [Member] | Pacific Park Brooklyn [Member]
Number of Buildings | properties	7		7
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²	3.3		3.3

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt (Details Textuals) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Extinguishment of Debt Disclosures [Abstract]
Loss on extinguishment of debt	$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,843,000	$ 29,084,000

Net Gain on Disposition of In83

Net Gain on Disposition of Interest in Unconsolidated Entities (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Net gain on disposition of interest in unconsolidated entities [Line Items]
Net gain on disposition of interest in unconsolidated entities	$ 28,828,000	$ 0	$ 81,782,000	$ 12,613,000
Federally assisted housing apartments [Member]
Net gain on disposition of interest in unconsolidated entities [Line Items]
Net gain on disposition of interest in unconsolidated entities	28,828,000	0	73,130,000	0
Shops at Bruckner Boulevard [Member]
Net gain on disposition of interest in unconsolidated entities [Line Items]
Net gain on disposition of interest in unconsolidated entities	0	0	8,183,000	0
Steinway Street Theaters [Member]
Net gain on disposition of interest in unconsolidated entities [Line Items]
Net gain on disposition of interest in unconsolidated entities	0	0	0	12,613,000
Other [Member]
Net gain on disposition of interest in unconsolidated entities [Line Items]
Net gain on disposition of interest in unconsolidated entities	$ 0	$ 0	$ 469,000	$ 0

Net Gain on Disposition of In84

Net Gain on Disposition of Interest in Unconsolidated Entities (Details Textuals) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)units
Shops at Bruckner Boulevard [Member]
Disposal Group, not including discontinued operations [Line Items]
Net cash proceeds from disposition		$ 8,863
Federally assisted housing apartment communities [Member]
Disposal Group, not including discontinued operations [Line Items]
Net cash proceeds from disposition		$ 56,969
Number of apartment units sold | units		5,227
Steinway Street Theaters [Member]
Disposal Group, not including discontinued operations [Line Items]
Net cash proceeds from disposition	$ 14,059

Income Taxes (Details Textuals)

Income Taxes (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of annual REIT taxable income to be distributed annually to shareholders			90.00%
Period after REIT Conversion Assets Sold Subject to Income Taxes			5 years
Income tax expense	$ 304	$ 525	$ 4,817	$ 2,167
Deferred tax assets reversed associated with disposals				$ 83,645

Income Taxes (Details Textual 1

Income Taxes (Details Textual 1) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	$ 204,752
Operating Loss Carryforward for REIT tax return	180,698
Charitable contribution deduction carryforward [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax carryforward	$ 1,940

Net Gain (Loss) on Disposition

Net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Development Project (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Interest in Development Project [Abstract]
Disposition of Interest in Development Project Net Cash Proceeds			$ 151,776
Disposition of Interest in Development Project Cash Received	$ 58,000	$ 93,776
Pre-tax net gain on disposition of interest in development project			$ 136,687

Net Gain on Disposition of Fu88

Net Gain on Disposition of Full or Partial Interest in Rental Properties, Net of Tax (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Disposal Group, not including discontinued operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties	$ (256,000)	$ 14,067,000	$ 13,765,000	$ 169,498,000
Income tax effect	0	0	(192,000)	(66,413,000)
Net gain on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties, net of tax	(256,000)	14,067,000	13,573,000	103,085,000
Fairmont Cinema [Member]
Disposal Group, not including discontinued operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties	0	0	4,128,000	0
Avenue at Tower City Center & Tower City Parking [Member]
Disposal Group, not including discontinued operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties	0	0	500,000	14,207,000
Post Office Plaza [Member]
Disposal Group, not including discontinued operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties	(1,244,000)	0	(1,244,000)	0
Terminal Tower [Member]
Disposal Group, not including discontinued operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties	0	14,391,000	0	14,391,000
Illinois Science and Technology Park [Member]
Disposal Group, not including discontinued operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties	0	0	3,771,000	0
Brookview Place [Member]
Disposal Group, not including discontinued operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties	375,000	0	375,000	0
Military Housing [Member]
Disposal Group, not including discontinued operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties	0	0	0	141,675,000
QIC Joint Venture-Westchester's Ridge Hill [Member]
Disposal Group, not including discontinued operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties	0	0	0	343,000
Other [Member]
Disposal Group, not including discontinued operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties	$ 613,000	$ (324,000)	$ 6,235,000	$ (1,118,000)

Net Gain of Disposition of Full

Net Gain of Disposition of Full or Partial Interest in Rental Properties, Net of Tax (Details Textuals) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016
Net Gain on Disposition of Full or Partial Interest in Rental Properties
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	$ (256,000)	$ 14,067,000	$ 13,765,000	$ 169,498,000
Terminal Tower [Member]
Net Gain on Disposition of Full or Partial Interest in Rental Properties
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Deferred Gain, Net		7,917,000		7,917,000
Net cash proceeds from disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties		38,027,000
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	0	14,391,000	0	14,391,000
Military Housing [Member]
Net Gain on Disposition of Full or Partial Interest in Rental Properties
Net cash proceeds from disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties				208,305,000
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	0	0	0	141,675,000
Significant acquisitions and disposals intangible assets sold						$ 29,000,000
Significant acquisitions and disposals investments in unconsolidated entities, net sold						$ 14,600,000
QIC Joint Venture-Westchester's Ridge Hill [Member]
Net Gain on Disposition of Full or Partial Interest in Rental Properties
Net cash proceeds from disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties				75,448,000
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	343,000
Percentage Ownership Sold						51.00%
Debt Assumed by Outside Partner						$ 169,369,000
Ballston Quarter [Member]
Net Gain on Disposition of Full or Partial Interest in Rental Properties
Percentage Ownership Sold					49.00%
Partner cash investment into joint venture				$ 36,269,000
Debt Assumed by Outside Partner					$ 20,825,000

Discontinued Operations (Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Summary of operating results of discontinued operations
Revenues				$ 14,792,000
Expenses
Operating expenses				12,540,000
Depreciation and amortization				23,000
Total expenses				12,563,000
Interest expense				(3,540,000)
Amortization of mortgage procurement costs				(61,000)
Loss before income taxes and loss from unconsolidated entities				(1,372,000)
Loss from unconsolidated entities				(1,400,000)
Loss before income taxes				(2,772,000)
Income tax benefit				(824,000)
Loss before gain on disposal group				(1,948,000)
Gain on disposition of disposal group, net of tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	64,553,000
Earnings from discontinued operations	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	62,605,000
Noncontrolling interest
Operating loss from disposal group				(776,000)
Earnings from discontinued operations attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc.				$ 63,381,000

Discontinued Operations (Deta91

Discontinued Operations (Details 1) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Disposal Group [Line Items]
Pre-tax gain on disposition of disposal group				$ 79,766,000
Income tax effect				(15,213,000)
Gain on disposition of disposal group, net of tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	64,553,000
Nets [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Disposal Group [Line Items]
Pre-tax gain on disposition of disposal group				136,247,000
Barclays Center [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Disposal Group [Line Items]
Pre-tax gain on disposition of disposal group				$ (56,481,000)

Discontinued Operations (Deta92

Discontinued Operations (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 29, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Percentage of Ownership Sold			100.00%
Nets [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Percentage of Ownership Sold	20.00%
Notes Receivable from Sale of Equity Interest	$ 125,100
Interest Rate Notes Receivable from Sale of Equity Interest		4.50%
Barclays Center [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Percentage of Ownership Sold	55.00%
Sales Price of Equity Interest	$ 162,600
Net Cash Proceeds	60,924
Notes Receivable from Sale of Equity Interest	92,600
Interest Rate Notes Receivable from Sale of Equity Interest		4.50%
Nonrecourse Mortgage Debt Assumed by Buyer	$ 457,745

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Numerators
Earnings from continuing operations attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc.		$ 5,454,000	$ (430,861,000)	$ 103,124,000	$ (223,608,000)
Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities, Basic		(205,000)	0	(720,000)	0
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders ‑ Basic		5,249,000	(430,861,000)	102,404,000	(223,608,000)
Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities		0	0	125,000	0
Preferred Distribution on Common Stock Units		0	0	553,000	0
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders ‑ Diluted		5,249,000	(430,861,000)	103,082,000	(223,608,000)
Net earnings attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc.		5,454,000	(430,861,000)	103,124,000	(160,227,000)
Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities, Diluted		(205,000)	0	(720,000)	0
Net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders ‑ Basic		5,249,000	(430,861,000)	102,404,000	(160,227,000)
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Diluted		0	0	125,000	0
Net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders - Diluted		$ 5,249,000	$ (430,861,000)	$ 103,082,000	$ (160,227,000)
Denominators
Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic		265,260,403	258,713,429	261,566,151	258,437,586
Effect of stock options and performance shares		1,001,792	0	718,584	0
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Common Units		0	0	1,757,072	0
Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted	[1]	266,262,195	258,713,429	264,041,807	258,437,586
Earnings per share
Earnings from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders - Basic		$ 0.02	$ (1.67)	$ 0.39	$ (0.87)
Earnings from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders - Diluted		0.02	(1.67)	0.39	(0.87)
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders - Basic		0.02	(1.67)	0.39	(0.62)
Net earnings attributable to common stockholders - Diluted		$ 0.02	$ (1.67)	$ 0.39	$ (0.62)
[1]	Incremental shares from restricted stock and convertible securities aggregating 7,453,768 and 5,893,292 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their effect is anti-dilutive. Incremental shares from dilutive options, restricted stock, performance shares and convertible securities aggregating 8,157,781 and 10,035,997 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their effect is anti-dilutive due to the loss from continuing operations. Weighted-average options, restricted stock and performance shares of 698,333 and 1,375,366 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and 2,446,901 and 2,711,273 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their effect is anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method.

Earnings Per Share (Details Tex

Earnings Per Share (Details Textual) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Restricted Stock and Convertible Securities [Member]
Earnings Per Share (Textual) [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	7,453,768	8,157,781	5,893,292	10,035,997
Weighted-average options, restricted stock and performance shares [Member]
Earnings Per Share (Textual) [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	698,333	2,446,901	1,375,366	2,711,273

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Financial data of reportable segments
Identifiable Assets	$ 8,118,948,000		$ 8,118,948,000		$ 8,228,597,000
Revenues	233,544,000	$ 237,530,000	685,992,000	$ 689,756,000
Operating Expenses	129,960,000	142,079,000	387,806,000	419,621,000
Depreciation and amortization	60,194,000	62,892,000	189,496,000	188,521,000
Capital expenditures	105,383,000	129,922,000	306,937,000	433,659,000
Office
Financial data of reportable segments
Identifiable Assets	3,044,916,000		3,044,916,000		3,192,840,000
Revenues	108,165,000	116,787,000	339,087,000	352,960,000
Operating Expenses	41,104,000	48,486,000	128,618,000	142,835,000
Depreciation and amortization	28,471,000	33,541,000	97,382,000	102,587,000
Capital expenditures	12,831,000	5,749,000	40,132,000	19,774,000
Apartments
Financial data of reportable segments
Identifiable Assets	2,289,688,000		2,289,688,000		2,406,768,000
Revenues	72,086,000	74,170,000	216,498,000	219,211,000
Operating Expenses	30,874,000	33,415,000	96,968,000	102,327,000
Depreciation and amortization	19,442,000	18,994,000	57,452,000	56,345,000
Capital expenditures	9,264,000	3,369,000	19,370,000	9,070,000
Retail
Financial data of reportable segments
Identifiable Assets	496,448,000		496,448,000		521,015,000
Revenues	14,009,000	20,496,000	43,803,000	61,622,000
Operating Expenses	9,532,000	14,812,000	30,882,000	40,877,000
Depreciation and amortization	2,889,000	5,384,000	8,404,000	17,618,000
Capital expenditures	912,000	4,032,000	3,073,000	8,473,000
Total Operations
Financial data of reportable segments
Identifiable Assets	5,831,052,000		5,831,052,000		6,120,623,000
Revenues	194,260,000	211,453,000	599,388,000	633,793,000
Operating Expenses	81,510,000	96,713,000	256,468,000	286,039,000
Depreciation and amortization	50,802,000	57,919,000	163,238,000	176,550,000
Capital expenditures	23,007,000	13,150,000	62,575,000	37,317,000
Development
Financial data of reportable segments
Identifiable Assets	1,959,519,000		1,959,519,000		1,799,138,000
Revenues	39,284,000	26,077,000	86,604,000	52,445,000
Operating Expenses	29,337,000	19,357,000	71,236,000	56,580,000
Depreciation and amortization	8,764,000	4,669,000	24,299,000	10,915,000
Capital expenditures	80,368,000	116,673,000	241,990,000	396,243,000
Corporate
Financial data of reportable segments
Identifiable Assets	328,377,000		328,377,000		$ 308,836,000
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Expenses	19,113,000	26,009,000	60,102,000	74,272,000
Depreciation and amortization	628,000	304,000	1,959,000	930,000
Capital expenditures	2,008,000	99,000	2,372,000	99,000
Other
Financial data of reportable segments
Revenues	0	0	0	3,518,000
Operating Expenses	0	0	0	2,730,000
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	126,000
Capital expenditures	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Segment Information (Details 1)

Segment Information (Details 1) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc.	$ 5,454,000	$ (430,861,000)	$ 103,124,000	$ (160,227,000)
Depreciation and amortization	60,194,000	62,892,000	189,496,000	188,521,000
Interest expense	31,597,000	34,060,000	88,473,000	101,130,000
Amortization of mortgage procurement costs	1,338,000	1,314,000	4,067,000	4,395,000
Income tax expense	304,000	525,000	4,817,000	2,167,000
Impairment of consolidated real estate	44,288,000	142,261,000	44,288,000	156,825,000
Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities	10,600,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	(2,843,000)	(29,084,000)
Net gain on disposition of interest in development project				136,687,000
Net gain on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties	(256,000)	14,067,000	13,573,000	103,085,000
Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	28,828,000	0	81,782,000	12,613,000
Discontinued operations:
Net gain on disposition of partial interest in other investment - Nets				79,766,000
Nets pre-tax EBITDA	8,295,000	6,433,000	23,834,000	25,520,000
Nets [Member]
Discontinued operations:
Net gain on disposition of partial interest in other investment - Nets				136,247,000
Total
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc.	5,454,000	(430,861,000)	103,124,000	(160,227,000)
Interest expense	50,836,000	54,408,000	147,524,000	168,023,000
Amortization of mortgage procurement costs	1,807,000	2,239,000	5,548,000	6,676,000
Income tax expense	304,000	525,000	5,009,000	83,539,000
Impairment of consolidated real estate	44,288,000	142,261,000	44,288,000	156,825,000
Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities		306,400,000	10,600,000	306,400,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt			4,468,000	29,933,000
Net gain on disposition of interest in development project				(136,687,000)
Net gain on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties	2,541,000	(14,067,000)	(11,480,000)	(169,683,000)
Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	(27,721,000)		(80,018,000)	(12,613,000)
Organizational transformation and termination benefits	2,633,000	8,092,000	14,021,000	22,493,000
Discontinued operations:
Depreciation and amortization - Real Estate				35,000
Loss on disposition of rental properties				56,481,000
Nets pre-tax EBITDA				1,400,000
Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization	168,593,000	148,639,000	482,075,000	455,178,000
Total | Nets [Member]
Discontinued operations:
Net gain on disposition of partial interest in other investment - Nets				(136,247,000)
Total | Adjusted EBIDTA Depreciation
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	77,851,000	79,642,000	238,991,000	238,830,000
Office
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc.	39,073,000	30,091,000	120,967,000	102,549,000
Depreciation and amortization	28,471,000	33,541,000	97,382,000	102,587,000
Interest expense	0		0	0
Amortization of mortgage procurement costs	0		0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Impairment of consolidated real estate	0	19,700,000	0	19,700,000
Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities	0	0	0	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt			0	0
Net gain on disposition of interest in development project				0
Net gain on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties	1,182,000	(14,391,000)	(2,589,000)	(13,782,000)
Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	0		0	0
Organizational transformation and termination benefits	0	0	0	0
Discontinued operations:
Depreciation and amortization - Real Estate				0
Loss on disposition of rental properties				0
Nets pre-tax EBITDA				0
Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization	69,663,000	69,050,000	218,417,000	211,050,000
Office | Nets [Member]
Discontinued operations:
Net gain on disposition of partial interest in other investment - Nets				0
Office | Adjusted EBIDTA Depreciation
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	29,408,000	33,650,000	100,039,000	102,583,000
Apartments
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc.	50,708,000	27,038,000	154,712,000	76,355,000
Depreciation and amortization	19,442,000	18,994,000	57,452,000	56,345,000
Interest expense	0		0	0
Amortization of mortgage procurement costs	0		0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Impairment of consolidated real estate	0	0		2,100,000
Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities	0	0	0	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt			0	0
Net gain on disposition of interest in development project				0
Net gain on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties	1,876,000	0	(3,746,000)	0
Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	(27,721,000)		(71,835,000)	0
Organizational transformation and termination benefits	0	0	0	0
Discontinued operations:
Depreciation and amortization - Real Estate				0
Loss on disposition of rental properties				0
Nets pre-tax EBITDA				0
Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization	47,210,000	50,451,000	146,570,000	147,913,000
Apartments | Nets [Member]
Discontinued operations:
Net gain on disposition of partial interest in other investment - Nets				0
Apartments | Adjusted EBIDTA Depreciation
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	22,347,000	23,413,000	67,439,000	69,458,000
Retail
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc.	12,017,000	(100,889,000)	70,411,000	(40,430,000)
Depreciation and amortization	2,889,000	5,384,000	8,404,000	17,618,000
Interest expense	0		0	0
Amortization of mortgage procurement costs	0		0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Impairment of consolidated real estate	0	121,331,000	0	133,795,000
Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities	10,600,000	0	10,600,000	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt			0	0
Net gain on disposition of interest in development project				0
Net gain on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties	(517,000)	0	(5,145,000)	(14,550,000)
Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	0		(8,183,000)	(12,613,000)
Organizational transformation and termination benefits	0	0	0	0
Discontinued operations:
Depreciation and amortization - Real Estate				0
Loss on disposition of rental properties				0
Nets pre-tax EBITDA				0
Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization	39,754,000	39,458,000	117,977,000	124,346,000
Retail | Nets [Member]
Discontinued operations:
Net gain on disposition of partial interest in other investment - Nets				0
Retail | Adjusted EBIDTA Depreciation
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	17,654,000	19,016,000	50,294,000	58,144,000
Total Operations
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc.	101,798,000	(43,760,000)	346,090,000	138,474,000
Depreciation and amortization	50,802,000	57,919,000	163,238,000	176,550,000
Interest expense	0		0	0
Amortization of mortgage procurement costs	0		0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Impairment of consolidated real estate	0	141,031,000	0	155,595,000
Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities	10,600,000	0	10,600,000	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt			0	0
Net gain on disposition of interest in development project				0
Net gain on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties	2,541,000	(14,391,000)	(11,480,000)	(28,332,000)
Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	(27,721,000)		(80,018,000)	(12,613,000)
Organizational transformation and termination benefits	0	0	0	0
Discontinued operations:
Depreciation and amortization - Real Estate				0
Loss on disposition of rental properties				0
Nets pre-tax EBITDA				0
Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization	156,627,000	158,959,000	482,964,000	483,309,000
Total Operations | Nets [Member]
Discontinued operations:
Net gain on disposition of partial interest in other investment - Nets				0
Total Operations | Adjusted EBIDTA Depreciation
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	69,409,000	76,079,000	217,772,000	230,185,000
Development
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc.	(45,620,000)	(315,806,000)	(61,492,000)	(190,377,000)
Depreciation and amortization	8,764,000	4,669,000	24,299,000	10,915,000
Interest expense	0		0	0
Amortization of mortgage procurement costs	0		0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Impairment of consolidated real estate	44,288,000	1,230,000	44,288,000	1,230,000
Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities	0	306,400,000	0	306,400,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt			0	0
Net gain on disposition of interest in development project				(136,687,000)
Net gain on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties	0	324,000	0	324,000
Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	0		0	0
Organizational transformation and termination benefits	0	0	0	0
Discontinued operations:
Depreciation and amortization - Real Estate				0
Loss on disposition of rental properties				0
Nets pre-tax EBITDA				0
Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization	6,482,000	(4,593,000)	2,056,000	(11,697,000)
Development | Nets [Member]
Discontinued operations:
Net gain on disposition of partial interest in other investment - Nets				0
Development | Adjusted EBIDTA Depreciation
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	7,814,000	3,259,000	19,260,000	7,413,000
Corporate
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc.	(50,724,000)	(71,295,000)	(181,474,000)	(330,512,000)
Depreciation and amortization	628,000	304,000	1,959,000	930,000
Interest expense	50,836,000	54,408,000	147,524,000	168,023,000
Amortization of mortgage procurement costs	1,807,000	2,239,000	5,548,000	6,676,000
Income tax expense	304,000	525,000	5,009,000	83,539,000
Impairment of consolidated real estate	0	0	0	0
Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities	0	0	0	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt			4,468,000	29,933,000
Net gain on disposition of interest in development project				0
Net gain on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties	0	0	0	0
Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	0		0	0
Organizational transformation and termination benefits	2,633,000	8,092,000	14,021,000	22,493,000
Discontinued operations:
Depreciation and amortization - Real Estate				0
Loss on disposition of rental properties				0
Nets pre-tax EBITDA				0
Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization	5,484,000	(5,727,000)	(2,945,000)	(18,918,000)
Corporate | Nets [Member]
Discontinued operations:
Net gain on disposition of partial interest in other investment - Nets				0
Corporate | Adjusted EBIDTA Depreciation
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	628,000	304,000	1,959,000	930,000
Other
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Realty Trust, Inc.	0	0	0	222,188,000
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	126,000
Interest expense	0		0	0
Amortization of mortgage procurement costs	0		0	0
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Impairment of consolidated real estate	0	0	0	0
Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities	0	0	0	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt			0	0
Net gain on disposition of interest in development project				0
Net gain on disposition of full or partial interest in rental properties	0	0		(141,675,000)
Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	0		0	0
Organizational transformation and termination benefits	0	0	0	0
Discontinued operations:
Depreciation and amortization - Real Estate				35,000
Loss on disposition of rental properties				56,481,000
Nets pre-tax EBITDA				1,400,000
Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization	0	0	0	2,484,000
Other | Nets [Member]
Discontinued operations:
Net gain on disposition of partial interest in other investment - Nets				(136,247,000)
Other | Adjusted EBIDTA Depreciation
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 302,000