Forest City Enterprises (FCEPP) 10-KT 27 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report (with FYE transition) Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Feb. 24, 2014	Feb. 24, 2014
			Common Stock Class A	Common Stock Class B
Entity Registrant Name	'FOREST CITY ENTERPRISES INC	'	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000038067	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-KT	'	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	$2,966,936,699	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	'	179,720,489	20,163,961

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013
Real Estate	'	'
Completed rental properties	$7,307,233,000	$8,631,542,000
Projects under construction and development	535,479,000	1,292,453,000
Land inventory	126,754,000	99,309,000
Total Real Estate	7,969,466,000	10,023,304,000
Less accumulated depreciation	-1,469,328,000	-1,654,632,000
Real Estate, net b (variable interest entities $656.8 million and $1,416.9 million, respectively)	6,500,138,000	8,368,672,000
Cash and equivalents b (variable interest entities $18.8 million and $14.2 million, respectively)	280,206,000	333,220,000
Restricted cash and escrowed funds b (variable interest entities $154.5 million and $114.9 million, respectively)	347,534,000	410,414,000
Notes and accounts receivable, net	455,561,000	426,200,000
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	447,165,000	456,628,000
Other assets b (variable interest entities $55.5 million and $92.5 million, respectively)	415,316,000	614,592,000
Land held for divestiture	1,934,000	2,706,000
Development project held for sale b (variable interest entities $504.2 million and $0, respectively)	504,171,000	0
Total Assets	8,952,025,000	10,612,432,000
Liabilities	'	'
Mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse b (variable interest entities $323.7 million and $624.1 million, respectively)	4,351,506,000	5,738,960,000
Bank revolving credit facility	0	0
Senior and subordinated debt b (variable interest entities $0 and $29.0 million, respectively)	700,000,000	1,032,969,000
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities b (variable interest entities $89.0 million and $76.2 million, respectively)	831,920,000	1,093,963,000
Cash distributions and losses in excess of investments in unconsolidated entities	256,843,000	292,727,000
Deferred income taxes	485,894,000	474,406,000
Mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse of land held for divestiture	0	1,700,000
Mortgage debt, nonrecourse of development project held for sale b (variable interest entities $228.0 million and $0, respectively)	228,000,000	0
Total Liabilities	6,854,163,000	8,634,725,000
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	171,743,000	239,136,000
Commitments and Contingencies	0	0
Common stock b $.33 1/3 par value	'	'
Common stock, value	66,225,000	61,321,000
Additional paid-in capital	1,095,748,000	932,045,000
Retained earnings	570,793,000	576,285,000
Less treasury stock, at cost; 941,853 and 6,582 Class A shares, respectively	-15,978,000	-108,000
Shareholders' equity before accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,716,788,000	1,580,095,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-76,582,000	-103,203,000
Total Shareholdersb Equity	1,640,206,000	1,476,892,000
Noncontrolling interest	285,913,000	261,679,000
Total Equity	1,926,119,000	1,738,571,000
Total Liabilities and Equity	8,952,025,000	10,612,432,000
Series A Preferred Stock	'	'
Shareholdersb Equity	'	'
Preferred stock	0	10,552,000
Common stock b $.33 1/3 par value	'	'
Total Equity	0	10,552,000
Other Preferred Stock	'	'
Shareholdersb Equity	'	'
Preferred stock	0	0
Common Stock Class A	'	'
Common stock b $.33 1/3 par value	'	'
Common stock, value	59,500,000	54,576,000
Total Equity	59,500,000	54,576,000
Common Stock Class B	'	'
Common stock b $.33 1/3 par value	'	'
Common stock, value	6,725,000	6,745,000
Total Equity	$6,725,000	$6,745,000

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013
	Variable interest entities	Variable interest entities	Series A Preferred Stock	Series A Preferred Stock	Other Preferred Stock	Other Preferred Stock	Common Stock Class A	Common Stock Class A	Common Stock Class B	Common Stock Class B
Real Estate, net	$656,800,000	$1,416,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and equivalents	18,800,000	14,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restricted cash and escrowed funds	154,500,000	114,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other assets	55,500,000	92,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Development project held for sale	504,200,000	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse	323,700,000	624,100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior and Subordinated debt	0	29,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	89,000,000	76,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Mortgage debt, nonrecourse of development project held for sale	$200,000	$0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred Stock, without par value	'	'	$0	$0	$0	$0	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, liquidation preference	'	'	$50	$50	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	'	'	6,400,000	6,400,000	13,600,000	13,600,000	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares issued	'	'	0	211,038	0	0	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	'	'	0	211,038	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, dividend rate	'	'	7.00%	7.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock, par value per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.33	$0.33	$0.33	$0.33
Common stock, shares authorized	'	'	'	'	'	'	371,000,000	371,000,000	56,000,000	56,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	'	'	'	'	'	'	178,498,770	163,729,240	20,173,558	20,235,273
Common stock, shares outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	177,556,917	163,722,658	20,173,558	20,235,273
Common stock, shares issuable	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	26,257,961	26,257,961
Treasury stock, Class A Shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,582	6,582	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Revenues from real estate operations	$1,020,108,000	$1,070,972,000	$997,741,000
Expenses	'	'	'
Operating expenses	675,585,000	670,285,000	614,814,000
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	279,189,000	218,695,000	198,290,000
Write-offs of abandoned development projects and demolition costs	40,414,000	26,850,000	8,838,000
Impairment of real estate	475,555,000	30,660,000	235,000
Net (gain) loss on land held for divestiture activity	7,382,000	-6,480,000	115,654,000
Total Expenses	1,478,125,000	940,010,000	937,831,000
Interest expense	-292,324,000	-261,294,000	-241,840,000
Amortization of mortgage procurement costs	-8,561,000	-11,182,000	-10,997,000
Gain on extinguishment of debt	4,549,000	7,096,000	9,590,000
Interest and other income	52,332,000	45,546,000	46,104,000
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	496,092,000	0	17,665,000
Loss before income taxes	-205,929,000	-88,872,000	-119,568,000
Income tax expense (benefit)	'	'	'
Current	-326,000	-61,284,000	-16,939,000
Deferred	-9,008,000	46,559,000	-50,746,000
Total income tax expense (benefit)	-9,334,000	-14,725,000	-67,685,000
Net gain on change in control of interests	2,762,000	6,766,000	0
Earnings from unconsolidated entities, gross of tax	'	'	'
Equity in earnings	107,825,000	85,798,000	21,147,000
Impairment	0	-390,000	-40,284,000
Net gain (loss) on land held for divestiture activity	1,338,000	-40,777,000	-41,902,000
Total equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	109,163,000	44,631,000	-61,039,000
Loss from continuing operations	-84,670,000	-22,750,000	-112,922,000
Discontinued operations, net of tax:	'	'	'
Operating earnings from rental properties	3,106,000	6,119,000	8,935,000
Impairment of real estate	-13,786,000	-2,604,000	-8,382,000
Gain on disposition of rental properties	24,560,000	55,506,000	111,801,000
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	13,880,000	59,021,000	112,354,000
Net earnings (loss)	-70,790,000	36,271,000	-568,000
Noncontrolling interests	'	'	'
(Earnings) loss from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, gross of tax	71,510,000	1,539,000	-2,167,000
Earnings from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	-6,027,000	-1,385,000	-83,751,000
(Earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	65,483,000	154,000	-85,918,000
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	-5,307,000	36,425,000	-86,486,000
Preferred dividends and inducements of preferred stock conversions	-185,000	-32,129,000	-15,400,000
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders	($5,492,000)	$4,296,000	($101,886,000)
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share	'	'	'
Loss from continuing operations attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders	($0.07)	($0.31)	($0.78)
Earnings from discontinued operations attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders	$0.04	$0.32	$0.17
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders	($0.03)	$0.01	($0.61)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net earnings (loss)	($70,790)	$36,271	($568)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'
Unrealized net gains on investment securities (net of tax of $(132), $(41) and $(15), respectively)	208	64	25
Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of tax of $100, $(631) and $16, respectively)	-158	996	-26
Unrealized net gains (losses) on interest rate derivative contracts (net of tax of $(16,833), $(10,261) and $16,517, respectively)	26,605	16,170	-24,980
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	26,655	17,230	-24,981
Comprehensive income (loss)	-44,135	53,501	-25,549
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	65,449	180	-86,968
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	$21,314	$53,681	($112,517)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Tax amount related to unrealized net gains on investment securities	($132)	($41)	($15)
Tax amount related to foreign currency translation adjustments	100	-631	16
Tax amount related to unrealized net gains (losses) on interest rate derivative contracts	($16,833)	($10,261)	$16,517

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)	Total	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	Noncontrolling Interest	Series A Preferred Stock	Common Stock Class A	Common Stock Class B
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of Class A shares in exchange for Senior Notes, Shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,774,039	'
Balance at Jan. 31, 2011	$1,874,260,000	$689,004,000	$673,875,000	($259,000)	($94,429,000)	$330,912,000	$220,000,000	$48,084,000	$7,073,000
Balance, Shares at Jan. 31, 2011	'	'	'	21,000	'	'	4,400,000	144,252,000	21,219,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings (loss), net of $4,567, $9,785 and $16,847 attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	3,999,000	'	-86,486,000	'	'	90,485,000	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-24,981,000	'	'	'	-26,031,000	1,050,000	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-1,670,000	'	'	-1,670,000	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock, Shares	90,104	'	'	90,000	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	95,000	-95,000
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares, Shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	284,000	-284,000
Issuance of Class A shares in exchange for Senior Notes	48,742,000	47,594,000	'	'	'	'	'	1,148,000	'
Issuance of Class A shares in exchange for Senior Notes, Shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,444,000	'
Restricted stock vested	0	-114,000	'	'	'	'	'	114,000	'
Restricted stock vested, Shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	343,000	'
Exercise of stock options	195,000	136,000	'	55,000	'	'	'	4,000	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	'	'	-3,000	'	'	'	13,000	'
Preferred stock dividends	-15,400,000	'	-15,400,000	'	'	'	-15,400,000	'	'
Stock-based compensation	12,585,000	12,585,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Excess income tax deficiency from stock-based compensation	-812,000	-812,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Redeemble noncontrolling interest adjustment	-6,887,000	-6,887,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Acquisition of partners' noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	-20,953,000	-518,000	'	'	'	-20,435,000	'	'	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	6,087,000	'	'	'	'	6,087,000	'	'	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-89,644,000	'	'	'	'	-89,644,000	'	'	'
Change to equity method of accounting for subsidiaries	33,598,000	'	'	'	'	33,598,000	'	'	'
Other changes in noncontrolling interests	-51,000	'	'	'	'	-51,000	'	'	'
Balance at Jan. 31, 2012	1,751,872,000	740,988,000	571,989,000	-1,874,000	-120,460,000	284,806,000	220,000,000	49,445,000	6,978,000
Balance, Shares at Jan. 31, 2012	'	'	'	108,000	'	'	4,400,000	148,336,000	20,935,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings (loss), net of $4,567, $9,785 and $16,847 attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	46,056,000	'	36,425,000	'	'	9,631,000	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	17,230,000	'	'	'	17,257,000	-27,000	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-1,963,000	'	'	-1,963,000	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock, Shares	129,568	'	'	129,000	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	233,000	-233,000
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares, Shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	700,000	-700,000
Issuance of Class A shares in exchange for Series A preferred stock	-22,370,000	201,530,000	-19,069,000	'	'	'	-209,448,000	4,617,000	'
Issuance of Class A shares in exchange for Series A preferred stock, shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4,189,000	13,852,000	'
Restricted stock vested	0	-173,000	'	'	'	'	'	173,000	'
Restricted stock vested, Shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	519,000	'
Exercise of stock options	8,368,000	4,531,000	'	3,729,000	'	'	'	108,000	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	'	'	-230,000	'	'	'	322,000	'
Preferred stock dividends	-13,060,000	'	-13,060,000	'	'	'	-13,060,000	'	'
Stock-based compensation	14,751,000	14,751,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Excess income tax deficiency from stock-based compensation	-961,000	-961,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Redeemble noncontrolling interest adjustment	-8,424,000	-8,424,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Acquisition of partners' noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	-27,335,000	-20,197,000	'	'	'	-7,138,000	'	'	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	1,886,000	'	'	'	'	1,886,000	'	'	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-27,680,000	'	'	'	'	-27,680,000	'	'	'
Change to equity method of accounting for subsidiaries	-724,000	'	'	'	'	-724,000	'	'	'
Other changes in noncontrolling interests	925,000	'	'	'	'	925,000	'	'	'
Balance at Jan. 31, 2013	1,738,571,000	932,045,000	576,285,000	-108,000	-103,203,000	261,679,000	10,552,000	54,576,000	6,745,000
Balance, Shares at Jan. 31, 2013	'	'	'	7,000	'	'	211,000	163,729,000	20,235,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net earnings (loss), net of $4,567, $9,785 and $16,847 attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	-53,943,000	'	-5,307,000	'	'	-48,636,000	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	26,655,000	'	'	'	26,621,000	34,000	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-3,167,000	'	'	-3,167,000	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock, Shares	179,907	'	'	180,000	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	20,000	-20,000
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares, Shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	62,000	-62,000
Issuance of Class A shares in exchange for Series A preferred stock	0	5,368,000	'	'	'	'	-5,489,000	121,000	'
Issuance of Class A shares in exchange for Series A preferred stock, shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	-110,000	363,000	'
Redemption of Series A preferred stock	-5,063,000	'	'	'	'	'	-5,063,000	'	'
Redemption of Series A preferred stock, Shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	-101,000	'	'
Proceeds from settlement of equity call hedge related to issuance of preferred stock	10,231,000	23,099,000	'	-12,868,000	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from settlement of equity call hedge related to issuance of preferred stock, shares	'	'	'	765,000	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of Class A shares in exchange for Senior Notes	194,345,000	189,786,000	'	'	'	'	'	4,559,000	'
Issuance of Class A shares in exchange for Senior Notes, Shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	13,679,000	'
Restricted stock vested	0	-202,000	'	'	'	'	'	202,000	'
Restricted stock vested, Shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	600,000	'
Exercise of stock options	1,153,000	966,000	'	165,000	'	'	'	22,000	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	76,200	'	'	-10,000	'	'	'	66,000	'
Preferred stock dividends	-185,000	'	-185,000	'	'	'	-185,000	'	'
Stock-based compensation	16,197,000	16,197,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Excess income tax deficiency from stock-based compensation	-133,000	-133,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Redeemble noncontrolling interest adjustment	50,546,000	50,546,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Acquisition of partners' noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	-98,687,000	-95,924,000	'	'	'	-2,763,000	'	'	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	80,339,000	'	'	'	'	80,339,000	'	'	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-36,400,000	'	'	'	'	-36,400,000	'	'	'
Change to equity method of accounting for subsidiaries	5,660,000	'	'	'	'	5,660,000	'	'	'
Adjustment due to change in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries	0	-26,000,000	'	'	'	26,000,000	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$1,926,119,000	$1,095,748,000	$570,793,000	($15,978,000)	($76,582,000)	$285,913,000	$0	$59,500,000	$6,725,000
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013	'	'	'	942,000	'	'	0	178,499,000	20,173,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ1

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) (Noncontrolling Interest, USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	'
Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	$16,847	$9,785	$4,567

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Net earnings (loss)	($70,790,000)	$36,271,000	($568,000)
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	279,189,000	218,695,000	198,290,000
Amortization of mortgage procurement costs	8,561,000	11,182,000	10,997,000
Impairment of real estate	475,555,000	30,660,000	235,000
Impairment of unconsolidated entities	0	390,000	40,284,000
Write-off of abandoned development projects	30,214,000	26,850,000	8,838,000
Gain on extinguishment of debt	-4,549,000	-7,096,000	-9,590,000
Other income - net gain on sale of a fiber optics network	-6,734,000	0	0
Net (gain) loss on land held for divestiture activity	7,382,000	-6,480,000	115,654,000
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	-496,092,000	0	-17,665,000
Net gain on change in control of interests	-2,762,000	-6,766,000	0
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	-9,008,000	46,559,000	-50,746,000
Equity in earnings	-107,825,000	-85,798,000	-21,147,000
Net (gain) loss on land held for divestiture activity of unconsolidated entities	-1,338,000	40,777,000	41,902,000
Stock-based compensation expense	10,371,000	9,355,000	7,650,000
Amortization and mark-to-market adjustments of derivative instruments	7,661,000	-7,738,000	2,279,000
Non-cash interest expense related to Senior Notes	290,000	489,000	1,737,000
Cash distributions from operations of unconsolidated entities	64,346,000	80,027,000	59,399,000
Non-cash operating expenses included in discontinued operations	33,119,000	5,929,000	42,157,000
Gain on disposition included in discontinued operations	-41,831,000	-100,900,000	-133,554,000
Decrease (increase) in land inventory	8,966,000	11,401,000	-1,040,000
Decrease in land held for divestiture	199,000	55,650,000	0
(Increase) decrease in notes and accounts receivable	-12,684,000	-2,228,000	3,575,000
Decrease (increase) in other assets	38,612,000	4,888,000	-11,433,000
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	-48,047,000	55,328,000	15,863,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	162,805,000	417,445,000	303,117,000
Cash Flows from Investing Activities	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	-461,628,000	-803,865,000	-760,381,000
Payment of lease procurement costs	-8,308,000	-11,992,000	-22,907,000
Increase in notes receivable	-42,158,000	-37,583,000	-14,489,000
Decrease in restricted cash and escrowed funds used for investing purposes	58,555,000	117,690,000	94,596,000
Proceeds from disposition of full or partial interests in rental properties and other investment	625,027,000	113,842,000	353,243,000
Decrease in investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	97,602,000	167,607,000	37,249,000
Increase in investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	-41,093,000	-56,977,000	-123,069,000
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	227,997,000	-511,278,000	-435,758,000
Cash Flows from Financing Activities	'	'	'
Proceeds from nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable	629,714,000	907,608,000	695,449,000
Principal payments on nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable	-889,566,000	-593,810,000	-572,584,000
Borrowings on bank revolving credit facility	899,794,000	458,700,000	464,575,000
Payments on bank revolving credit facility	-899,794,000	-458,700,000	-601,727,000
Proceeds from issuance of Convertible Senior Notes due 2020, net of $8,750 of issuance costs	291,250,000	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of Convertible Senior Notes due 2018, net of $10,625 of issuance costs	0	0	339,375,000
Redemption of Puttable Equity-Linked Senior Notes due 2014	-1,058,000	0	0
Redemption of Senior Notes due 2015	-53,253,000	0	0
Redemption of Senior Notes due 2017	-132,144,000	0	0
Redemption of Senior Notes due 2034	-218,951,000	0	0
Payment of Puttable Equity-Linked Senior Notes due 2011	0	0	-39,407,000
Make-whole premium and inducements related to exchange of Senior Notes due 2014 for Class A common stock	-5,490,000	0	0
Transaction costs related to exchange of Senior Notes for Class A common stock	-2,300,000	0	-3,200,000
Deferred financing costs	-10,239,000	-25,217,000	-14,923,000
Change in restricted cash and escrowed funds and book overdrafts	0	-8,208,000	-10,371,000
Purchase of treasury stock	-3,167,000	-1,963,000	-1,670,000
Inducements related to conversion of preferred stock for Class A common stock	0	-19,069,000	0
Transaction costs related to conversion of preferred stock for Class A common stock	0	-3,301,000	0
Redemption of Series A preferred stock	-5,063,000	0	0
Proceeds from equity call hedge related to the issuance of Series A preferred stock	10,231,000	0	0
Exercise of stock options	1,153,000	8,368,000	195,000
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders	-185,000	-13,060,000	-15,400,000
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests	-98,687,000	-27,335,000	0
Contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interest	0	11,348,000	0
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	80,339,000	1,886,000	6,087,000
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-36,400,000	-27,680,000	-89,644,000
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-443,816,000	209,567,000	156,755,000
Net (decrease) increase in cash and equivalents	-53,014,000	115,734,000	24,114,000
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	333,220,000	217,486,000	193,372,000
Cash and equivalents at end of period	280,206,000	333,220,000	217,486,000
Operating Activities	'	'	'
(Increase) decrease in land inventory	-59,270,000	-4,201,000	7,628,000
Decrease (increase) in land held for divestiture	1,717,000	-2,944,000	0
Decrease in notes and accounts receivable	10,989,000	7,937,000	16,785,000
Decrease in other assets	104,444,000	2,465,000	155,458,000
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	-47,233,000	-34,991,000	14,188,000
Total effect on operating activities	10,647,000	-31,734,000	194,059,000
Investing Activities	'	'	'
Decrease in projects under construction and development	87,857,000	33,662,000	420,663,000
Decrease in completed rental properties	842,261,000	170,033,000	1,230,710,000
Decrease in restricted cash and escrowed funds	4,326,000	14,463,000	149,586,000
(Increase) decrease in investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	-32,078,000	21,826,000	-298,492,000
Total effect on investing activities	902,366,000	239,984,000	1,502,467,000
Financing Activities	'	'	'
Decrease in nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable	-903,085,000	-215,008,000	-1,648,245,000
Decrease in senior and subordinated debt	-218,675,000	-6,049,000	-40,000,000
Decrease in restricted cash and escrowed funds	0	-8,208,000	0
Decrease in preferred stock	-5,489,000	-209,448,000	0
Increase in Class A common stock	4,680,000	4,617,000	959,000
Increase in additional paid-in capital	241,268,000	200,448,000	36,904,000
Increase in treasury stock	-12,868,000	0	0
(Decrease) increase in redeemable noncontrolling interest	-50,546,000	8,424,000	6,887,000
Increase (decrease) in noncontrolling interest	31,702,000	558,000	-53,031,000
Total effect on financing activities	($913,013,000)	($208,250,000)	($1,696,526,000)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs	$8,750	$10,625

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Nature of Business
	Forest City Enterprises, Inc. (the “Company”) principally engages in the ownership, development, management and acquisition of commercial and residential real estate and land throughout the United States. The Company operates through three strategic business units and has six reportable operating segments. The three strategic business units, which represent four reportable operating segments, are the Commercial Group, Residential Group and Land Development Group (collectively, the “Real Estate Groups”). The Commercial Group, the Company’s largest strategic business unit, owns, develops, acquires and operates regional malls, specialty/urban retail centers, office and life science buildings and mixed-use projects. Additionally, it operates Barclays Center, a sports and entertainment arena located in Brooklyn, New York, which is reported as a separate reportable operating segment ("Arena"). The Residential Group owns, develops, acquires and operates residential rental properties, including upscale and middle-market apartments and adaptive re-use developments. Additionally, the Residential Group owns interests in entities that develop and manage military family housing. The Land Development Group acquires and sells both land and developed lots to residential, commercial and industrial customers at its Stapleton project in Denver, Colorado.
	Corporate Activities and The Nets, a member of the National Basketball Association (“NBA”) in which the Company accounts for its investment on the equity method of accounting, are the other reportable operating segments.
	The Company has approximately $9.0 billion of consolidated assets in 26 states and the District of Columbia at December 31, 2013. The Company’s core markets include Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, the Greater New York City metropolitan area, Philadelphia, the Greater San Francisco metropolitan area and the Greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The Company has offices in Albuquerque, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and the Company’s corporate headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio.
	Change in Fiscal Year-End
	On March 29, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a change to the Company's fiscal year-end to December 31 from January 31, effective December 31, 2013 (the “Year-end change”). As a result, the Company is presenting an 11 month period ended December 31, 2013 as its transition period (the “2013 Transition period”) in this Form 10-KT. Due to the Year-end change, many of the differences in comparisons of the Company's results are impacted by the one-month difference between the 2013 Transition period and the full years. The Company believes the Year-end change is important and useful to its financial statement users to allow for increased comparability of its performance to its peers. The years 2013, 2012 and 2011 refer to the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the fiscal years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Forest City Enterprises, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiaries and entities in which it has a controlling interest in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The accounting guidance for consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIE”) requires an ongoing reassessment of determining whether a variable interest gives a company a controlling financial interest in a VIE. The Company continuously reassesses whether or not it has the (a) power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affect its economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
	Variable Interest Entities
	The Company’s VIEs consist of joint ventures that are engaged in the ownership, development and management of office buildings, regional malls, specialty retail centers, apartment communities, military housing and The Nets. As of December 31, 2013, the Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary of 33 VIEs representing 24 properties, which are consolidated. The creditors of the consolidated VIEs do not have recourse to the Company’s general credit. As of December 31, 2013, the Company held variable interests in 59 VIEs for which it is not the primary beneficiary, which are accounted for as equity method investments. The maximum exposure to loss as a result of the ownership of these unconsolidated VIEs is limited to the Company’s applicable investment balances, which approximates $62,000,000 at December 31, 2013.
	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 VIEs, estimates of useful lives for long-lived assets, reserves for collection on accounts and notes receivable and other investments, impairment of real estate and other-than-temporary impairments on its equity method investments. As a result of the nature of estimates made by the Company, actual results could differ.
	In April 2013, management approved a plan to demolish Ten MetroTech Center, an office building in Brooklyn, New York, to clear the land for its redevelopment or sale. Accordingly, the original useful life, estimated to expire in 2042, of Ten MetroTech Center was adjusted to expire at the demolition date in October 2013, which resulted in $45,500,000 of accelerated depreciation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013.
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior year amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation. Certain parcels of land adjacent to the Company's existing operating assets amounting to $34,250,000 were reclassified from projects under construction and development to land inventory in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 31, 2013.
	Recognition of Revenue
	Real Estate Sales and Assets Held for Sale – The specific timing of a sale transaction and recognition of profit is measured against various criteria in the real estate sales accounting guidance covering the terms of the transaction and any continuing involvement in the form of management or financial assistance associated with the property. If the sales criteria are not met, the Company defers gain recognition and accounts for the transaction by applying the deposit, finance, installment or cost recovery methods, as appropriate.
	Consolidated properties that have been sold or determined to be held for sale are reported as discontinued operations. The determination of when an asset qualifies as held for sale requires significant judgment. Factors the Company considers when evaluating whether an asset qualifies as held for sale include, among other things, whether the potential sale is approved by management, the status of any marketing efforts, interest from prospective buyers, the status of any sale negotiations and the probability of whether the asset will be sold in twelve months. Each potential sale is evaluated based on its separate facts and circumstances.
	Leasing Operations – The Company enters into leases with tenants in its rental properties. The lease terms in the retail centers and office buildings generally range from 1 to 30 years, excluding leases with certain anchor tenants, which typically are longer. Minimum rents are recognized on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable term of the related lease, which include the effects of rent steps and rent abatements under the leases. Overage rents are recognized after the contingency has been removed (i.e., sales thresholds have been achieved). Recoveries from tenants for taxes, insurance and other commercial property operating expenses are recognized as revenues in the period the applicable costs are incurred.
	Construction – Revenues and profit on long-term fixed-price contracts are recorded using the percentage-of-completion method. Revenues on reimbursable cost-plus fee contracts are recorded in the amount of the accrued reimbursable costs plus proportionate fees at the time the costs are incurred.
	Military Housing Fee Revenues – Property management and asset management fees are earned based on a contractual percentage of the annual net rental income and annual operating income, respectively, generated by the military housing privatization projects as defined in the agreements. Additional property management incentive fees are recognized based upon successful completion of criteria set forth in the property management agreements.
	Development fees are earned based on a contractual percentage of the actual development costs incurred. Additional development incentive fees are recognized based upon successful completion of criteria, such as incentives to realize development cost savings, encourage small and local business participation, comply with specified safety standards and other project management incentives as specified in the development agreements.
	Construction management fees are earned based on a contractual percentage of the actual construction costs incurred. Additional construction incentive fees are recognized based upon successful completion of certain criteria as set forth in the construction contracts.
	Arena Revenues – The Arena naming rights agreement with Barclays Services Corporation commenced with the opening of the Arena, has a 20 year term and is subject to certain extension rights. Arena naming rights revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement.
	Arena founding partner and sponsor agreements entitle the parties to certain sponsorship, promotional, media, hospitality and other rights and entitlements. These agreements expire at various terms ranging from one to seven years from the opening of the Arena and revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreements.
	Arena suite licenses entitle the licensee to the use of a luxury suite in the Arena. The terms of the suite license agreements commenced on the date the Arena opened and range from one to seven years. Revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreements.
	Ticketing fee revenue is based on the Arena's share of ticket sale fees in accordance with an agreement with Ticketmaster. Revenue from ticketing fees is deferred and recognized upon settlement of the related event.
	Recognition of Costs and Expenses
	Operating expenses primarily represent the recognition of operating costs, which are charged to operations as incurred, administrative expenses and taxes other than income taxes. Interest expense and real estate taxes during active development and construction are capitalized as a part of the project cost.
	Depreciation and amortization is generally computed on a straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. The estimated useful lives of buildings (other than the Arena) and certain first generation tenant allowances that are considered by management as a component of the building are 40 to 50 years. The estimated useful life of the Arena is 34.5 years, reflecting the ground leases on which the Arena was built. Subsequent tenant improvements and those first generation tenant allowances that are not considered a component of the building are amortized over the lesser of the remaining useful life of the asset or the term of the tenant’s lease. This estimated life is based on the length of time the asset is expected to generate positive operating cash flows. Actual events and circumstances can cause the life of the building and tenant improvement to be different than the estimates made. Additionally, lease terminations can affect the economic life of the tenant improvements.
	Major improvements and tenant improvements that are the Company’s assets are capitalized in real estate costs and expensed through depreciation charges. Tenant improvements that are lease inducements are capitalized into other assets and amortized as a reduction of rental revenues over the term of the tenant’s lease. Repairs, maintenance and minor improvements are expensed as incurred.
	A variety of costs are incurred in the development and leasing of properties. After determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific component of a project that is benefited. Determination of when a development project is substantially complete and capitalization must cease involves judgment. The Company’s capitalization policy on development properties is based on accounting guidance for the capitalization of interest cost and accounting guidance for costs and the initial rental operations of real estate properties. The costs of land and buildings under development include specifically identifiable costs. The capitalized costs include pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, salaries and related costs and other costs incurred during the period of development. The Company considers a construction project as substantially complete and held available for occupancy upon the completion of tenant improvements, but no later than one year from cessation of major construction activity. The Company ceases capitalization on any portion substantially completed and occupied or held available for occupancy, and capitalizes only those costs associated with the portion under construction. Costs and accumulated depreciation applicable to assets retired or sold are eliminated from the respective accounts and any resulting gains or losses are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Impairment of Real Estate
	The Company reviews its real estate portfolio, including land inventory, for impairment whenever events or changes indicate that its carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment indicators include, but are not limited to, significant decreases in property net operating income, significant decreases in occupancy rates, the physical condition of the property and general economic conditions. A property’s value is impaired only if, in management’s estimate, the aggregate future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) to be generated by the property are less than the carrying value of the property. In addition, the undiscounted cash flows may consider a probability-weighted cash flow estimation approach when alternative courses of action to recover the carrying amount of a long-lived asset are under consideration or a range is estimated at the balance sheet date. Significant estimates are made in the determination of future undiscounted cash flows including future net operating income, estimated hold periods, risk of foreclosure and estimated cash proceeds received upon disposition of the asset. To the extent an impairment has occurred, the loss will be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the property over the fair value of the property. Determining fair value of real estate, if required, also involves significant judgments and estimates including discount and capitalization rates. Changes to these estimates made by management could affect whether or not an impairment charge would be required and/or the amount of impairment charges recognized.
	Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities
	The Company reviews its unconsolidated entities for other-than-temporary impairments whenever events or changes indicate that its carrying value in the investments may be in excess of fair value. A loss in value of an equity method investment which is other-than-temporary is recognized as an impairment of unconsolidated entities. This determination is based upon the length of time elapsed, severity of decline, possible recovery period and other relevant facts. Determining fair value of a real estate investment and whether or not a loss is other-than-temporary involves significant judgments and estimates. Examples of these estimates include timing and amounts of expected cash flows, discount rates, capitalization rates and comparable sales data, among other things. Changes to these estimates could affect whether or not an impairment charge would be required and/or the amount of impairment charges recognized.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the date of grant and is based on the fair value of the equity award. The fair value of stock options is computed using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which incorporates assumptions for risk-free rate, expected volatility, dividend yield, and expected life of the options. The fair value of restricted stock is equal to the closing price of the stock on the date of grant. The fair value cost of stock options and restricted stock, as adjusted for estimated forfeitures, is recognized over the requisite service period of the grantee using the straight-line attribution method. Cost recognition is accelerated if the grantee is retirement-eligible (as defined in the 1994 Stock Plan, as amended) or becomes retirement-eligible before the end of the nominal vesting period. The cost is recognized immediately if the grantee is retirement-eligible at the date of grant or on a straight-line basis over the period ending with the first anniversary from the date of grant when the individual becomes retirement-eligible. The fair value of performance shares that do not have a market condition is equal to the closing price of the underlying stock on the date of grant. The compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period if it is probable that the performance goals will be achieved. The fair value of performance shares that have a market condition is computed using a Monte Carlo simulation. The compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period if the requisite service is rendered, even if the market condition is never satisfied.
	Earnings Per Share
	The Company’s restricted stock is considered a participating security pursuant to the two-class method for computing basic earnings per share (“EPS”). The Class A Common Units issued in exchange for Bruce C. Ratner’s noncontrolling interests in the Forest City Ratner Company portfolio in November 2006, 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 shareholders. The Class A Common 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 a put or conversion of the Puttable Equity-Linked Senior Notes due 2014, Convertible Senior Notes due 2016, Convertible Senior Notes due 2018, Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 and Series A Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock are included in the computation of diluted EPS using the if-converted method.
	Acquisition of Rental Properties
	Upon acquisition of a rental property, the purchase price of the property is allocated to net tangible and identified intangible assets acquired based on fair values. Above-market and below-market in-place lease values for acquired properties are recorded based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) the Company's estimate of the fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease. Capitalized above-market lease values are amortized as a reduction of rental revenues (or rental expense for ground leases in which the Company is the lessee) over the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases. Capitalized below-market lease values are amortized as an increase to rental revenues (or rental expense for ground leases in which the Company is the lessee) over the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases, including any fixed-rate renewal periods that are probable of being exercised. For the Company's below market lease and in-place lease intangibles that remain at December 31 and January 31, 2013, there were no fixed rate renewal periods associated with these leases that the Company deemed probable of renewal and included in the calculation of the intangible asset value or related amortization period.
	Intangible assets also include amounts representing the value of tenant relationships and in-place leases based on the Company's evaluation of each tenant’s lease and its overall relationship with the respective tenant. The Company estimates the cost to execute leases with terms similar to in-place leases, including leasing commissions, legal expenses and other related expenses. This intangible asset is amortized to expense over the remaining term of the respective lease. The Company's estimates of value are made using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers or by using independent appraisals. Factors considered by the Company in this analysis include an estimate of the carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods, current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, the Company includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, which primarily range from three to twelve months. The Company also considers information obtained about each property as a result of its pre-acquisition due diligence, marketing and leasing activities in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired. The Company also uses the information obtained as a result of its pre-acquisition due diligence in considering any conditional asset retirement obligations, and when necessary, will record a conditional asset retirement obligation as part of its purchase price.
	When calculating the estimated value to assign to a tenant relationship intangible asset, the Company estimates the likelihood that a lessee will execute a lease renewal and other factors relative to the relationship. In determining the likelihood of lease renewal, the Company utilizes a probability weighted model based on many factors. Other qualitative factors related to the relationship that the Company considers include, but are not limited to, the nature and extent of the business relationship with the tenant, growth prospects for developing new business with the tenant and the tenant’s credit quality. The value of tenant relationship intangibles is amortized over the remaining initial lease term and expected renewals, but in no event longer than the remaining depreciable life of the building. The value of in-place leases is amortized over the remaining non-cancelable term of the respective leases and any fixed-rate renewal periods that are deemed probable.
	In the event that a tenant terminates its lease, the unamortized portion of each intangible asset, including market rate adjustments, in-place lease values and tenant relationship values, would be charged to expense.
	Cash and Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market value.
	Cash flows associated with items intended as hedges of identifiable transactions or events are classified in the same category as the cash flows from the items being hedged. Cash flows from derivatives not designated as cash flow or fair value hedges are generally classified in the investing section in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	Cash flows associated with lease procurement costs are classified as investing activities and consist primarily of lease commissions and related legal fees associated with procuring first generation tenants under long-term lease agreements for office buildings, retail regional malls or specialty retail centers. The Company primarily incurs these costs during the development phase of the project and they are integral to starting construction and ultimately completing the project. Management views these lease procurement costs as part of the initial investment to obtain long-term cash inflow.
	The Company maintains operating cash and reserves for replacement balances in financial institutions which, from time to time, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company periodically assesses the financial condition of these institutions and believes that the risk of loss is minimal.
	Restricted Cash and Escrowed Funds
	Restricted cash and escrowed funds represent restricted amounts with financial institutions for debt services payments, taxes and insurance, collateral, security deposits, capital replacement, improvement and operating reserves, bond funds, development escrows and construction escrows.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Reserves on Notes Receivable
	The Company records allowances against its rent receivables from tenants and other receivables that it considers uncollectible. These allowances are based on management’s estimate of receivables that will not be realized from cash receipts in subsequent periods. The Company also maintains an allowance for receivables arising from the straight-lining of rents. This receivable arises from earnings recognized in excess of amounts currently due under lease agreements. Management exercises judgment in establishing these allowances and considers payment history and current credit status in developing these estimates. The allowance against the straight-line rent receivable is based on historical experience with early lease terminations as well as specific review of significant tenants and tenants that are having known financial difficulties. There is a risk that the estimate of the expected activity of current tenants may not accurately reflect future events. If the estimate does not accurately reflect future tenant vacancies, the reserve for straight-line rent receivable may be over or understated by the actual tenant vacancies that occur.
	The Company estimates the allowance for notes receivable based on its assessment of expected future cash flows estimated to be received with consideration given to any collateral of the respective note. If the estimate of expected future cash flows does not accurately reflect actual events, the reserve on notes receivable may be over or understated by the actual cash flows that occur.
	Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
	The Company accounts for its investments in unconsolidated entities using the equity method of accounting whereby the cost of an investment is adjusted for the Company’s share of income or loss from the date of acquisition, increased for equity contributions made and reduced by distributions received. The income or loss for each unconsolidated entity is allocated in accordance with the provisions of the applicable operating agreements, which may differ from the ownership interest held by each investor. Certain investments in unconsolidated entities' share of cumulative allocated losses and cash distributions received exceeds its cumulative allocated share of income and equity contributions. As a result, the carrying value of certain investments in unconsolidated entities is negative. Unconsolidated entities with negative carrying values are included in cash distributions and losses in excess of investments in unconsolidated entities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Differences between the Company’s carrying value of its investment in unconsolidated entities and the Company’s underlying equity of such unconsolidated entities are amortized over the respective lives of the underlying assets or liabilities, as applicable. The Company records income or loss in certain unconsolidated entities based on the distribution priorities, which may change upon the achievement of certain return thresholds.
	The Company invests in projects through partnerships and limited liability entities. The Company may provide funding in excess of its legal ownership. These fundings are typically interest-bearing or entitle the Company to a preference on and of such advances on property cash flows and are included in investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities.
	Other Assets
	Included in other assets are costs incurred in connection with obtaining financings which are deferred and amortized over the life of the related debt. Costs incurred in connection with leasing space to tenants are also included in other assets and are deferred and amortized using the straight-line method over the lives of the related leases.
	Intangible Assets
Upon an acquisition of a rental property, the Company records intangible assets acquired at their estimated fair value separate and apart from goodwill. The Company amortizes identified intangible assets with finite lives on a straight-line basis over the period the assets are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the future cash flows of the acquired property. Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible asset is not recoverable and its carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value.
In connection with the Company’s military housing projects, intangible assets are recorded based upon the costs associated with acquiring military housing development and management contracts. Intangible assets related to the military housing development contracts are amortized based upon the ratio of development fees earned in relation to overall fee income to be earned throughout the contract period. Intangible assets related to the military housing management contracts are amortized based upon a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the management contracts.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“accumulated OCI”):
	December 31,			January 31,
	2013			2013			2012
	(in thousands)
Unrealized losses on securities	$	—		$	340		$	445
Unrealized (gains) losses on foreign currency translation	189			(69		)	1,558
Unrealized losses on interest rate contracts(1)	125,059			168,497			194,928
	125,248			168,768			196,931
Income tax benefit	(48,517		)	(65,382		)	(76,315		)
Noncontrolling interest	(149		)	(183		)	(156		)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	$	76,582		$	103,203		$	120,460
-1	Included in the amounts as of December 31, 2013, January 31, 2013 and January 31, 2012 are $97,360, $126,506 and $143,303, respectively, of unrealized loss on an interest rate swap associated with New York Times office building on its nonrecourse mortgage debt with a notional amount of $640,000. This swap effectively fixes the mortgage at an all-in lender interest rate of 6.40% and expires in September 2017.
The following table summarizes the changes, net of tax and noncontrolling interest, of accumulated OCI by component for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013:
	Securities			Foreign Currency Translation			Interest Rate Contracts			Total
	(in thousands)
Balance, February 1, 2013	$	(208	)	$	42		$	(103,037	)	$	(103,203	)
OCI before reclassifications	430			(158		)	22,707			22,979
(Gain) loss reclassified from accumulated OCI	(222		)	—			3,864			3,642
Total other comprehensive income	208			(158		)	26,571			26,621
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	—		$	(116	)	$	(76,466	)	$	(76,582	)
The following table summarizes (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated OCI and their location on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013:
Accumulated OCI Components	(Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI				Location on Consolidated Statements of Operations
	(in thousands)
Interest rate contracts	6,258				Interest expense
Interest rate contracts	82				Equity in earnings
	6,340				Total before income tax and noncontrolling interest
	(2,460		)		Income tax benefit
	(16		)		Noncontrolling interest
	$	3,864			Loss on interest rate contracts reclassified from accumulated OCI
Historic and New Market Tax Credit Entities
The Company has investments in properties that have received, or the Company believes are entitled to receive, historic preservation tax credits on qualifying expenditures under Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) section 47 and new market tax credits on qualifying investments in designated community development entities (“CDEs”) under IRC section 45D, as well as various state credit programs, including participation in the New York State Brownfield Tax Credit Program, which entitles the members to tax credits based on qualified expenditures at the time those qualified expenditures are placed in service. The Company typically enters into these investments with sophisticated financial investors. In exchange for the financial investors’ initial contribution into the investment, the financial investor is entitled to substantially all of the benefits derived from the tax credit. Typically, these arrangements have put/call provisions (which range up to 7 years) whereby the Company may be obligated (or entitled) to repurchase the financial investors’ interest. The Company has consolidated each of these entities in its consolidated financial statements and has included these investor contributions in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities.
The Company guarantees to the financial investor that in the event of a subsequent recapture by a taxing authority due to the Company’s noncompliance with applicable tax credit guidelines, it will indemnify the financial investor for any recaptured tax credits. The Company initially records a liability for the cash received from the financial investor. The Company generally records income upon completion and certification of the qualifying development expenditures for historic preservation tax credits and upon certification of the qualifying investments in designated CDEs for new market tax credits, resulting in an adjustment of the liability at each balance sheet date to the amount that would be paid to the financial investor based upon the tax credit compliance regulations, which range from 0 to 7 years. Income related to the sale of tax credits of $19,347,000, $20,800,000 and $27,296,000 was recognized during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which was recorded in interest and other income.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded to reflect the expected tax consequences on future years attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities. The Company has recognized the benefit of its tax loss carryforward, which it expects to use as a reduction of the deferred tax expense. The Company records valuation allowances against deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that a portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company’s financial statements reflect the expected future tax consequences of a tax position if that tax position is more likely than not of being sustained upon examination, presuming the taxing authorities have full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. The Company records interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions as a component of income tax expense.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Derivatives are recorded at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and whether it meets the hedge accounting requirements. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain interest rate risk, even though the contracts do not qualify for or the Company has elected not to apply hedge accounting.
Noncontrolling Interest
Interests held by partners in consolidated entities are reflected in noncontrolling interest, which represents the noncontrolling interests’ share of the underlying net assets of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interest that is not redeemable is reported in the equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Noncontrolling interests where the Company may be required to repurchase the noncontrolling interest at fair value under a put option or other contractual redemption requirements are reported in the mezzanine section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets as redeemable noncontrolling interest. The Company adjusts the redeemable noncontrolling interest to redemption value (which approximates fair value) at each balance sheet date with changes recognized as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital.
2013 Transition Period Comparative Data
The following table presents certain financial information for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, for comparability purposes.
	11 Months Ended December 31,
	2013			2012
				(Unaudited)
	(in thousands)
Revenues from real estate operations	$	1,020,108		$	984,054
Expenses
Operating expenses	675,585			608,422
Depreciation and amortization	279,189			195,044
Write-offs of abandoned development projects and demolition costs	40,414			14,029
Impairment of real estate	475,555			30,660
Net loss on land held for divestiture activity	7,382			4,457
	1,478,125			852,612
Interest expense	(292,324		)	(236,287		)
Amortization of mortgage procurement costs	(8,561		)	(10,186		)
Gain on extinguishment of debt	4,549			6,807
Interest and other income	52,332			42,246
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	496,092			—
Loss before income taxes	(205,929		)	(65,978		)
Income tax benefit	(9,334		)	(13,291		)
Net gain on change in control of interests	2,762			6,766
Earnings from unconsolidated entities, including impairment, gross of tax	107,825			84,543
Net gain (loss) on land held for divestiture activity, gross of tax	1,338			(42,606		)
	109,163			41,937
Loss from continuing operations	(84,670		)	(3,984		)
Discontinued operations, net of tax	13,880			61,074
Net earnings (loss)	(70,790		)	57,090
Noncontrolling interests	65,483			(5,635		)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	(5,307		)	51,455
Preferred dividends and inducements of preferred stock conversions	(185		)	(32,129		)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders	$	(5,492	)	$	19,326
New Accounting Guidance
The following accounting pronouncements were adopted during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013:
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on the use of benchmark interest rates for hedge accounting. This guidance provides an entity the option to use the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate, in addition to the rate on United States Treasuries and London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), for hedge accounting purposes. The guidance also removes restrictions on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. This guidance is effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In February 2013, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance for the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated OCI. This guidance does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. However, the amendments require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated OCI by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated OCI by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The required disclosures upon adoption of this guidance on February 1, 2013 are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In July 2012, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. This guidance provides an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. If an entity concludes otherwise, it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. This guidance is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance on February 1, 2013 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In December 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on derecognition of in substance real estate. This guidance specifies that when a parent company (reporting entity) ceases to have a controlling financial interest (as described in the accounting guidance on consolidation) in a subsidiary that is in substance real estate as a result of a default on the subsidiary’s nonrecourse debt, the reporting entity should apply the guidance on property, plant and equipment to determine whether it should derecognize the in substance real estate. Generally, a reporting entity would not satisfy the requirements to derecognize the in substance real estate before the legal transfer of the real estate to the lender and the extinguishment of the related nonrecourse indebtedness. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning on or after June 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance on February 1, 2013 did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements or their comparability to previously issued financial statements as the guidance in this amendment is consistent with the Company's previous accounting policies.
In December 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance that requires entities to disclose both gross and net information on financial instruments and transactions eligible for offset on the balance sheets and financial instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. In January 2013, the FASB issued guidance clarifying that the scope of disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities should apply only to derivatives and hedging instruments. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The adoption of this guidance on February 1, 2013 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
The following new accounting pronouncement will be adopted on its respective required effective date:
In July 2013, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or tax credit carryforward exists. This guidance, which clarifies whether the unrecognized tax benefit should be recorded as a liability or reduction of the related deferred tax asset, is effective for fiscal years and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Notes_and_Accounts_Receivable_

Notes and Accounts Receivable, Net	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Notes and Accounts Receivable, Net	'
	Notes and Accounts Receivable, Net
	The components of notes and accounts receivable, net are as follows:
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013
		(dollars in thousands)
	Straight-line rent from tenants	$	135,370		$	148,906
	Military Housing, primarily reimbursable construction costs	29,771			32,507
	Stapleton advances	145,917			107,749
	Receivables from tenants	20,008			29,551
	Other accounts receivable	101,411			88,938
	Notes receivable	38,225			44,407
		470,702			452,058
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(15,141		)	(25,858		)
	Notes and Accounts Receivable, Net	$	455,561		$	426,200
	Weighted average interest rate on notes receivable	6.47		%	4.58		%
	Notes receivable due within one year	$	8,534		$	12,157
	Stapleton Advances
	Stapleton Land, LLC, a consolidated subsidiary, has made certain interest-bearing advances to the Park Creek Metropolitan District for in-tract infrastructure. The Company recorded $10,047,000, $7,893,000 and $6,439,000 of interest income related to these advances for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The advances had a weighted average interest rate of 8.66% at December 31, 2013.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The decrease in the allowance for doubtful accounts is primarily attributable to several retail property dispositions, including the partial disposition of retail assets during 2013, which are now accounted for as equity method investments and an overall improvement in the Company's historical write-off history of retail and office operating properties.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	'
	Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
	Investments in unconsolidated entities include investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities and cash distributions and losses in excess of investments in unconsolidated entities that the Company does not control and/or is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary, which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
	The following is a reconciliation of members’ and partners’ equity to the Company’s carrying value:
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Total members’ and partners’ equity	$	798,590		$	637,341
	Equity of other members and partners	777,646			662,358
	Company’s net investment in unconsolidated entities	20,944			(25,017		)
	Basis differences(1)	137,259			114,215
	Advances to and on behalf of affiliates	32,119			74,703
	Total Investments in Unconsolidated Entities, net	$	190,322		$	163,901
	Assets - Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	$	447,165		$	456,628
	Liabilities - Cash distributions and losses in excess of investments in unconsolidated entities	(256,843		)	(292,727		)
	Total Investments in Unconsolidated Entities, net	$	190,322		$	163,901
	-1	Represents the aggregate difference between the Company’s historical cost basis and the basis reflected at the equity method venture level, which is typically amortized over the life of the related assets or liabilities. Basis differences relate to certain acquisition, transaction and other costs, as well as other-than-temporary impairments that are not reflected in the net assets at the equity method venture level.
	Summarized financial information for the equity method investments is as follows:
		(Combined 100%)
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Balance Sheets:
	Real Estate
	Completed rental properties	$	8,142,158		$	7,317,652
	Projects under construction and development	205,465			106,705
	Land inventory (1)	120,592			89,268
	Total Real Estate	8,468,215			7,513,625
	Less accumulated depreciation	(1,676,354		)	(1,413,510		)
	Real Estate, net	6,791,861			6,100,115
	Cash and equivalents	156,491			120,545
	Restricted cash - military housing bond funds	116,372			146,484
	Other restricted cash and escrowed funds	316,315			319,989
	Other assets	1,074,972			730,308
	Total Assets	$	8,456,011		$	7,417,441
	Mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse (2)	$	7,113,515		$	6,261,983
	Other liabilities	543,906			518,117
	Members’ and partners’ equity	798,590			637,341
	Total Liabilities and Members’ and Partners’ Equity	$	8,456,011		$	7,417,441
	-1	The amounts at December 31 and January 31, 2013 include $85,879 and $89,268 of land held by unconsolidated entities in which the Company is currently reviewing its options to divest its interest in the land held by these unconsolidated entities.
	-2	The amounts at December 31 and January 31, 2013 include $17,160 and $18,638 of mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse related to the land held by the unconsolidated entities discussed in footnote (1).
		(Combined 100%)
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Operations:
	Revenues	$	1,177,189		$	1,098,412		$	974,860
	Operating expenses	(677,524		)	(613,282		)	(518,463		)
	Interest expense including extinguishment of debt	(315,168		)	(324,768		)	(312,469		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(211,129		)	(208,599		)	(189,109		)
	Interest and other income	14,797			17,684			14,751
	Net gain (loss) on land held for divestiture activity	2,742			(102		)	—
	Gain on disposition of partial interest in a rental property	—			131,027			—
	Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	(9,093	)	$	100,372		$	(30,430	)
	Discontinued operations:
	Operating earnings (loss) from rental properties	2,923			4,181			(3,093		)
	Gain on disposition of rental properties	68,311			—			—
	Discontinued operations subtotal	71,234			4,181			(3,093		)
	Net earnings (loss) (pre-tax)	$	62,141		$	104,553		$	(33,523	)
	Company’s portion of net earnings (pre-tax)	75,014			69,320			8,580
	Impairment of investments in unconsolidated entities	—			(390		)	(40,284		)
	Impairment of investments in unconsolidated entities with land held for divestiture	—			(40,406		)	(41,902		)
	Gain on disposition or partial disposition of equity method investments	34,149			16,107			12,567
	Net earnings (loss) (pre-tax) from unconsolidated entities	$	109,163		$	44,631		$	(61,039	)
	Gain on Disposition of Partial Interest in a Rental Property
	In December 2012, the Company and its existing 49% partner sold a portion of their equity ownership interests in 8 Spruce Street, an apartment community in Manhattan, New York, for a cash sales price of $250,390,000. The new outside partner received a 49% equity ownership interest in 8 Spruce Street and the Company's ownership interest was reduced from approximately 36% to 18%. The transaction, which resulted in the Company receiving net cash proceeds of $129,037,000, qualified for full gain recognition. Therefore, the Company recognized a gain on disposition of partial interest in a rental property of $34,959,000, net of transaction costs, during the year ended January 31, 2013. Subsequent to the transaction, the Company continues to account for its investment in 8 Spruce Street under the equity method of accounting, as each of the outside partners are deemed to have substantive participating rights.
Impairment of Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
The following table shows the detail of the impairments noted above:
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
Village at Gulfstream Park (Specialty Retail Center)	Hallandale Beach, Florida	$	—		$	—		$	35,674
Commercial land and development rights	Cleveland, Ohio	—			—			4,610
Other		—			390			—
Total impairment of investments in unconsolidated entities		$	—		$	390		$	40,284
Gain on Disposition or Partial Disposition of Rental Properties and Equity Method Investments
Upon disposition, investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting are not classified as discontinued operations; therefore, gains or losses on the disposition of these properties are reported in continuing operations. The following table summarizes the gains and losses on the disposition or partial disposition of unconsolidated entities:
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
Gain on disposition of rental properties:
Westin Convention Center (Hotel)	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	$	65,482		$	—		$	—
Liberty Center (Office Building)	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	2,829			—			—
Gain on disposition of rental properties		68,311			—			—
Company's portion of gain on disposition of rental properties		$	34,281		$	—		$	—
Gain (loss) on disposition of equity method investments:
Specialty Retail Centers:
Marketplace at Riverpark	Fresno, California	$	8,579		$	—		$	—
Plaza at Robinson Town Center	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	(1,510		)	—			—
Village at Gulfstream Park	Hallandale Beach, Florida	—			14,479			—
Chagrin Plaza I & II (Office Buildings)	Beachwood, Ohio	—			1,628			—
Apartment Communities:
Metropolitan Lofts	Los Angeles, California	—			—			9,964
Twin Lake Towers	Denver, Colorado	—			—			2,603
Total gain on disposition of equity method investments		$	7,069		$	16,107		$	12,567
Gain on partial disposition of equity method investments:
Charleston Town Center (Regional Mall)	Charleston, West Virginia	$	27,080		$	—		$	—
Total gain on partial disposition of equity method investments		$	27,080		$	—		$	—
Total gain on disposition or partial disposition of equity method investments		$	34,149		$	16,107		$	12,567
During the 11 months ended December 31, 2013, in connection with the creation of a joint venture with an outside partner, the Company disposed of a portion of its equity ownership interest in Charleston Town Center, a regional mall in Charleston, West Virginia.

Other_Assets

Other Assets	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Other Assets	'
	Other Assets
	Included in other assets are costs incurred in connection with obtaining financing, which are deferred and amortized over the life of the related debt. Costs incurred in connection with leasing space to tenants are also included in other assets and are deferred and amortized using the straight-line method over the lives of the related leases.
		December 31, 2013		January 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Lease procurement costs, net	$	130,628	$	211,856
	Prepaid expenses and other deferred costs, net	140,496		240,594
	Intangible assets, net	81,438		85,692
	Mortgage procurement costs, net	62,754		76,450
	Other Assets	$	415,316	$	614,592
	During the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded $4,460,000, $4,877,000 and $6,998,000, respectively, of amortization expense related to intangible assets.
	The estimated aggregate amortization expense related to intangible assets for the next five years is as follows:
	Years Ending December 31,
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	4,528
	2015	3,956
	2016	3,355
	2017	3,850
	2018	3,105

Mortgage_Debt_and_Notes_Payabl

Mortgage Debt and Notes Payable, Nonrecourse	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Mortgage Debt and Notes Payable, Nonrecourse [Abstract]	'
Mortgage Debt and Notes Payable, Nonrecourse	'
	Mortgage Debt and Notes Payable, Nonrecourse
	Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, including balances associated with development project held for sale and land held for divestiture, which is collateralized solely by completed rental properties, projects under construction and development and undeveloped land, was as follows:
	December 31, 2013	Operating		Development		Total		Total Weighted Average Rate
		Properties		Projects
		(dollars in thousands)
	Fixed (1)	$	2,286,555	$	294,782	$	2,581,337	5.28	%
	Variable
	Taxable	1,381,225		51,500		1,432,725		4.81	%
	Tax-Exempt	511,889		53,555		565,444		1.47	%
		$	4,179,669	$	399,837	$	4,579,506	4.66	%
	-1	Includes $228,000 of mortgage debt, nonrecourse of development project held for sale, which bears interest at 2.5% and matures in May 2017.
	January 31, 2013	Operating		Development		Total		Total Weighted Average Rate
		Properties		and Land Projects
		(dollars in thousands)
	Fixed	$	3,456,879	$	301,265	$	3,758,144	5.51	%
	Variable
	Taxable	1,448,205		62,725		1,510,930		4.93	%
	Tax-Exempt	408,785		62,801		471,586		1.64	%
		$	5,313,869	$	426,791	$	5,740,660	5.04	%
	The following summarizes the mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse maturities, as of December 31, 2013:
	Years Ending December 31,	Total
		Maturities
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	839,972
	2015	469,411
	2016	111,636
	2017	1,021,036
	2018	328,254
	Thereafter	1,809,197
	Total	$	4,579,506

Financing_Arrangements

Financing Arrangements	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Transfers and Servicing [Abstract]	'
Financing Arrangements	'
	Financing Arrangements
	On August 16, 2005, Park Creek Metropolitan District (the “District”) issued $58,000,000 Junior Subordinated Limited Property Tax Supported Revenue Bonds, Series 2005 (the “Junior Subordinated Bonds”). The Junior Subordinated Bonds initially were to pay a variable rate of interest. Upon issuance, the Junior Subordinated Bonds were purchased by a third party and the sales proceeds were deposited with a trustee pursuant to the terms of the Series 2005 Investment Agreement. Under the terms of the Series 2005 Investment Agreement, after March 1, 2006, the District may elect to withdraw funds from the trustee for reimbursement for certain qualified infrastructure and interest expenditures (“Qualifying Expenditures”). In the event that funds from the trustee are used for Qualifying Expenditures, a corresponding amount of the Junior Subordinated Bonds converts to an 8.5% fixed rate and matures in December 2037 (“Converted Bonds”). On August 16, 2005, Stapleton Land, LLC, a consolidated subsidiary, entered into a Forward Delivery Placement Agreement (“FDA”) whereby Stapleton Land, LLC was entitled and obligated to purchase the converted fixed rate Junior Subordinated Bonds through June 2, 2008. The District withdrew $58,000,000 of funds from the trustee for reimbursement of certain Qualifying Expenditures by June 2, 2008 and the Junior Subordinated Bonds became Converted Bonds. The Converted Bonds were acquired by Stapleton Land, LLC under the terms of the FDA. Stapleton Land, LLC immediately transferred the Converted Bonds to investment banks and the Company simultaneously entered into a total rate of return swap (“TRS”) with a notional amount of $58,000,000. The Company receives a fixed rate of 8.5% and pays the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association ("SIFMA") rate plus a spread on the TRS related to the Converted Bonds. The Company determined that the sale of the Converted Bonds to the investment banks and simultaneous execution of the TRS did not surrender control; therefore, the Converted Bonds have been recorded as a secured borrowing and included in mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse.
	Prior to May 12, 2011, consolidated subsidiaries of the Company purchased $23,000,000 of the Converted Bonds from the investment banks. Simultaneous to each purchase, a corresponding amount of a related TRS was terminated and the corresponding secured borrowing was removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheets. On May 12, 2011, the District refinanced $42,000,000 of the outstanding $58,000,000 Junior Subordinated Bonds. The Company received $23,000,000 of the refinancing proceeds as repayment of Converted Bonds held by its consolidated subsidiaries and the investment banks received the remaining $19,000,000 of refinancing proceeds which simultaneously terminated a corresponding amount of the related TRS and corresponding secured borrowing. During the year ended January 31, 2012, an additional $225,000 of the Converted Bonds was redeemed by the District and a corresponding amount of the related TRS and corresponding secured borrowings were simultaneously terminated.
	During the year ended January 31, 2013, the District redeemed $240,000 of the Converted Bonds. In addition, consolidated subsidiaries of the Company purchased $5,000,000 of Converted Bonds from the investment banks. Simultaneous to each of these transactions, a corresponding amount of the related TRS was terminated and the corresponding secured borrowing was removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Converted Bonds were recorded in other assets at January 31, 2013. Outstanding TRS contracts were in place on the $10,610,000 of secured borrowings related to the Converted Bonds at January 31, 2013.
	During the 11 months ended December 31, 2013, the District redeemed the remaining $15,535,000 of Converted Bonds. The Company received $4,925,000 of the proceeds as repayment of Converted Bonds held by its consolidated subsidiaries and the investment banks received the remaining $10,610,000 of refinancing proceeds, which resulted in the termination of the outstanding amount of the related TRS and corresponding secured borrowing. The Company recorded net interest income of $369,000, $875,000 and $1,220,000 related to the TRS for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Bank_Revolving_Credit_Facility

Bank Revolving Credit Facility	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Bank Revolving Credit Facility	'
	Bank Revolving Credit Facility
	In February 2013, the Company entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and a Fourth Amended and Restated Guaranty of Payment of Debt (collectively, the “Credit Facility”), which provided total available borrowings of $465,000,000, subject to certain reserve commitments to be established, as applicable, on certain dates to be used to retire certain of the Company's senior notes that become due during the term of the amendment, and provided an accordion provision allowing the Company to increase its total borrowings to $500,000,000 upon satisfaction of certain conditions set forth in the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility matures on February 21, 2016 and provides for one, 12-month extension option, subject to certain conditions. Borrowings bear interest at LIBOR plus 3.50%. Up to $100,000,000 of the available borrowings may be used, in the aggregate, for letters of credit and/or surety bonds. The Credit Facility has a number of restrictive covenants, including a prohibition on certain consolidations and mergers, limitations on the amount of debt, guarantees and property liens that the Company may incur and restrictions on the pledging of ownership interests in subsidiaries. In addition, the amendment permits the Company to repurchase up to $100,000,000 of Class A Common Stock and to declare or pay dividends in an amount not to exceed $24,000,000 in the aggregate in any four fiscal quarter period to Class A or B common shareholders, subject to certain conditions. Additionally, the Credit Facility contains development limitations and financial covenants, including the maintenance of minimum liquidity, debt yield, debt service and cash flow coverage ratios, and specified levels of shareholders’ equity (all as specified in the Credit Facility). At December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all of these financial covenants.
	On July 3, 2013, the Company exercised the accordion provision, increasing the total available borrowings under the Credit Facility to $500,000,000.
	On July 31, 2013, the Company entered into a First Amendment to the Credit Facility that set forth terms and conditions pursuant to which the Company redeemed its 6.500% Senior Notes due 2017 and 7.375% Senior Notes due 2034.
	The Company also has a Second Amended Pledge Agreement (“Pledge Agreement”) with the banks party to the Credit Facility. The Pledge Agreement secures the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility by granting a security interest to the bank group in its right, title and interest as a member, partner, shareholder or other equity holder of certain direct subsidiaries, including, but not limited to, its right to receive profits, proceeds, accounts, income, dividends, distributions or return of capital from such subsidiaries, to the extent the granting of such security interest would not result in a default under project level financing or the organizational documents of the subsidiary.
	The following table summarizes the available credit on the Credit Facility:
		December 31, 2013		January 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Maximum borrowings	$	500,000	$	450,000
	Less outstanding balances and reserves:
	Borrowings	—		—
	Letters of credit	59,760		67,456
	Surety bonds	—		—
	Available credit	$	440,240	$	382,544

Senior_and_Subordinated_Debt

Senior and Subordinated Debt	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Senior and Subordinated Debt	'
	Senior and Subordinated Debt
	The following table summarizes the Company’s senior and subordinated debt:
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Senior Notes:
	3.625% Puttable Equity-Linked Senior Notes due 2014, net of discount	$	—		$	199,457
	7.625% Senior Notes due 2015	—			53,253
	5.000% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016	50,000			50,000
	6.500% Senior Notes due 2017	—			132,144
	4.250% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018	350,000			350,000
	3.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020	300,000			—
	7.375% Senior Notes due 2034, net of discount	—			219,115
	Total Senior Notes	700,000			1,003,969
	Subordinated Debt:
	Subordinate Tax Revenue Bonds due 2013	—			29,000
	Total Senior and Subordinated Debt	$	700,000		$	1,032,969
	All of the Company’s senior notes 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 such other debt, including the Credit Facility.
	As of December 31, 2013, all of the remaining outstanding senior notes are convertible into Class A common stock based on conversion prices ranging from $13.91 to $24.21 per Class A common share.
	Puttable Equity-Linked Senior Notes due 2014
	In October 2009, the Company issued $167,433,000 of 3.625% Puttable Equity-Linked Senior Notes due October 15, 2014 (“2014 Senior Notes”) to certain holders in exchange for $167,433,000 of the Company's previously outstanding 3.625% Puttable Equity-Linked Senior Notes due 2011. Concurrent with this exchange, the Company issued an additional $32,567,000 of 2014 Senior Notes in a private placement, net of a 5% discount. Interest on the 2014 Senior Notes was payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15.
	Holders were able to put their 2014 Senior Notes to the Company at any time prior to the earlier of (i) stated maturity or (ii) the Put Termination Date, as defined below. Upon a put, a noteholder would have received 68.7758 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2014 Senior Notes. The amount payable upon a put of the 2014 Senior Notes was only payable in shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, except for cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. If the daily volume weighted average price of the Class A common stock equaled or exceeded 130% of the put value price then in effect for at least 20 trading days in any 30 trading day period, the Company could, at its option, elect to terminate the rights of the holders to put their 2014 Senior Notes to the Company. Upon election, the Company was required to issue a put termination notice that designated an effective date on which the holders termination put rights would be terminated (the “Put Termination Date”). Holders who elected to put their 2014 Senior Notes after the mailing of a put termination notice and before the Put Termination Date were entitled to receive a coupon make-whole payment in an amount equal to the remaining scheduled interest payments attributable to such notes from the last applicable interest payment date through and including October 15, 2013. This coupon make-whole payment was payable, at the Company’s option, in either cash or Class A common stock.
	On April 16, 2013, the Company entered into separate, privately negotiated exchange agreements with certain holders of the 2014 Senior Notes to exchange such notes for Class A common stock. Under the terms of the agreements, holders agreed to exchange $138,853,000 in aggregate principal amount of 2014 Senior Notes for a total of 9,549,721 shares of Class A common stock and a cash payment of $4,860,000 for additional exchange consideration, accrued interest and in lieu of fractional shares. The number of shares of Class A common stock issued in exchange for the 2014 Senior Notes equaled the number of shares into which the 2014 Senior Notes were convertible. Under the accounting guidance for induced conversions of convertible debt, the additional amounts paid to induce the holders to exchange their 2014 Senior Notes was expensed, resulting in a loss of $4,762,000 during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013, which is recorded as extinguishment of debt.
	On May 31, 2013, the Company issued a put termination notice to the noteholders. As of July 12, 2013, the last settlement date for noteholders to put the 2014 Senior Notes to the Company, $60,033,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2014 Senior Notes were put, for which noteholders received 4,128,806 shares of Class A common stock and cash payments totaling $1,088,000 for interest payable to October 15, 2013 and in lieu of fractional shares. On November 21, 2013, the Company redeemed all of the remaining $1,114,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2014 Senior Notes at par value.
	Senior Notes due 2015
	In May 2003, the Company issued $300,000,000 of 7.625% Senior Notes due June 1, 2015 (“2015 Senior Notes”) in a public offering. Accrued interest was payable semi-annually on December 1 and June 1.
	In August 2012, the Company redeemed $125,000,000 in principal amount of its outstanding 2015 Senior Notes at par plus accrued interest using net proceeds from the July 2012 issuance of its 7.375% Senior Notes due February 1, 2034, along with additional cash on hand. See further discussion on the July 2012 issuance under "Senior Notes due 2034" in this footnote.
	On March 29, 2013, the Company redeemed all of the remaining $53,253,000 principal amount of its outstanding 2015 Senior Notes at par value.
	Convertible Senior Notes due 2016
	In October 2009, the Company issued $200,000,000 of 5.000% Convertible Senior Notes due October 15, 2016 (“2016 Senior Notes”) in a private placement. The 2016 Senior Notes were issued at par and accrued interest is payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15.
	In May 2011, the Company entered into separate, privately negotiated exchange agreements with certain holders of the 2016 Senior Notes to exchange such notes for shares of Class A common stock. In order to induce the holders to make the exchange, the Company agreed to increase the conversion rate from 71.8894 shares of Class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2016 Senior Notes to 86.1073 shares, which factors in foregone interest to the holders, among other inducements. Under the terms of the agreements, holders agreed to exchange $40,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 2016 Senior Notes for a total of 3,444,293 shares of Class A common stock. Any accrued but unpaid interest was paid in cash. Under the accounting guidance for induced conversion of convertible debt, the additional amounts paid to induce the holders to exchange their 2016 Senior Notes was expensed resulting in a loss of $10,800,000 during the year ended January 31, 2012, which is recorded as extinguishment of debt.
	In January 2011, the Company entered into separate, privately negotiated exchange agreements with certain holders of the 2016 Senior Notes to exchange such notes for shares of Class A common stock. In order to induce the holders to make the exchange, the Company agreed to increase the conversion rate from 71.8894 shares of Class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2016 Senior Notes to 88.8549 shares, which factors in foregone interest to the holders, among other inducements. Under the terms of the agreements, holders agreed to exchange $110,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 2016 Senior Notes for a total of 9,774,039 shares of Class A common stock. Any accrued but unpaid interest was paid in cash. Under the accounting guidance for induced conversions of convertible debt, the additional amounts paid to induce the holders to exchange their 2016 Senior Notes was expensed resulting in a loss of $31,689,000 during the year ended January 31, 2011, which is recorded as extinguishment of debt.
	Holders may convert their 2016 Senior Notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. Upon conversion, a noteholder would receive 71.8894 shares of Class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2016 Senior Notes, based on a conversion price of approximately $13.91 per share of Class A common stock, subject to adjustment. The amount payable upon a conversion of the 2016 Senior Notes is only payable in shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, except for cash paid in lieu of fractional shares.
	In connection with the issuance of the 2016 Senior Notes, the Company entered into a convertible note hedge transaction. The convertible note hedge transaction is intended to reduce, subject to a limit, the potential dilution with respect to the Company’s Class A common stock upon conversion of the 2016 Senior Notes. The net effect of the convertible note hedge transaction, from the Company’s perspective, is to approximate an effective conversion price of $16.37 per share. The terms of the 2016 Senior Notes were not affected by the convertible note hedge transaction. The convertible note hedge transaction was recorded as a reduction of shareholders’ equity through additional paid in capital.
	Senior Notes due 2017
	In January 2005, the Company issued $150,000,000 of 6.500% Senior Notes due February 1, 2017 (“2017 Senior Notes”) in a public offering. On August 23, 2013, the Company redeemed all of the remaining $132,144,000 principal amount of its outstanding 2017 Senior Notes at par value.
	Convertible Senior Notes due 2018
	In July 2011, the Company issued $350,000,000 of 4.250% Convertible Senior Notes due August 15, 2018 (“2018 Senior Notes”) in a private placement. The 2018 Senior Notes were issued at par and accrued interest is payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15.
	Holders may convert their 2018 Senior Notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. Upon conversion, a noteholder would receive 46.1425 shares of Class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2018 Senior Notes, based on a conversion price of approximately $21.67 per share of Class A common stock, subject to adjustment. The amount payable upon a conversion of the 2018 Senior Notes is only payable in shares of Class A common stock, except for cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. If the daily volume weighted average price of the Class A common stock has equaled or exceeded 130% ($28.17 at December 31, 2013) of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days in any 30 trading day period, the Company may, at its option, elect to terminate the conversion rights of the holders at any time. If it so elects, the Company is required to issue a conversion rights termination notice that designates an effective date on which the holders conversion rights will be terminated, which shall be a date at least 20 days after the mailing of such conversion rights termination notice (the “Conversion Termination Date”). Holders electing to convert their 2018 Senior Notes after the mailing of a conversion rights termination notice and before the Conversion Termination Date shall receive cash payments of accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the conversion date and a make-whole premium for an amount equal to the remaining scheduled interest payments attributable to such notes through and including August 15, 2014.
	Convertible Senior Notes due 2020
	In July 2013, the Company issued $300,000,000 of 3.625% Convertible Senior Notes due August 15, 2020 (“2020 Senior Notes”) in a private placement. The 2020 Senior Notes were issued at par and accrued interest is payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15, beginning February 15, 2014. The net cash proceeds from the issuance of the 2020 Senior Notes, after deducting the initial purchaser's discount and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company, were $291,250,000.
	Noteholders may convert their 2020 Senior Notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. Upon conversion, a noteholder would receive 41.3129 shares of Class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2020 Senior Notes converted, based on a conversion price of approximately $24.21 per share of Class A common stock, subject to adjustment. The amount payable upon a conversion of the 2020 Senior Notes is only payable in shares of Class A common stock, except for cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. If the daily volume weighted average price of the Class A common stock has equaled or exceeded 130% ($31.47 at December 31, 2013) of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any period of 30 consecutive trading days, the Company may, at its option, elect to redeem any or all of the 2020 Senior Notes at any time up to August 15, 2018 at par, plus accrued and unpaid interest. If elected, the Company is required to issue a redemption notice that designates the effective date that the 2020 Senior Notes will be redeemed, which shall be a date at least 30 days (but not more than 60 days) after the mailing of such redemption notice (the “Redemption Date”). Noteholders electing to convert their 2020 Senior Notes after the mailing of a redemption notice and before the Redemption Date shall in certain circumstances be entitled to receive a make-whole premium payable in additional shares of Class A common stock.
	Senior Notes due 2034
	In February 2004, the Company issued $100,000,000 of 7.375% Senior Notes due February 1, 2034 ("2034 Senior Notes") in a public offering. Accrued interest was payable quarterly on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1.
	In July 2012, the Company issued $125,000,000 of additional 2034 Senior Notes in a public offering, net of a 4.84% discount. The terms of the 2034 Senior Notes, other than their issue date and public offering price, are identical to the $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 2034 Senior Notes previously issued in February 2004. Proceeds of this offering, net of discounts and underwriters commissions, were $116,792,000. Net proceeds, along with an additional $8,208,000 of cash on hand, were immediately deposited into a restricted cash escrow account established for the August 2012 redemption of $125,000,000 principal amount of the Company's 2015 Senior Notes previously discussed.
	On October 15, 2013, the Company redeemed the entire $225,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 2034 Senior Notes at par value. In connection with this redemption, the Company recognized $12,094,000 as a loss on extinguishment of debt during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013, as a result of the unamortized discount and deferred financing fees.
	Subordinated Debt
	In May 2003, the Company purchased $29,000,000 of subordinate tax revenue bonds that were contemporaneously transferred to a custodian, which in turn issued custodial receipts that represent ownership in the bonds to unrelated third parties. The bonds bear a fixed interest rate of 7.875%. The Company evaluated the transfer pursuant to the accounting guidance on accounting for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishment of liabilities and has determined that the transfer did not qualify for sale accounting treatment principally because the Company has guaranteed the payment of principal and interest in the event that there is insufficient tax revenue to support the bonds when the custodial receipts are subject to mandatory tender on December 1, 2013. As such, the Company is the primary beneficiary of this VIE and the book value (which approximated amortized costs) of the bonds was recorded as a collateralized borrowing reported as senior and subordinated debt and as held-to-maturity securities reported as other assets. During 2013, the bonds were called and fully repaid resulting in the Company's guarantee obligation being satisfied. As a result, the debt and corresponding other asset are no longer recorded on the Company's books.
	Consolidated Interest Expense
	The following table summarizes interest incurred, capitalized and paid on all forms of indebtedness (included in Notes E, G and H):
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Interest incurred	$	309,017		$	357,388		$	435,288
	Interest capitalized	(16,693		)	(96,094		)	(193,448		)
	Net interest expense	$	292,324		$	261,294		$	241,840
	Interest incurred from discontinued operations	$	4,733		$	15,197		$	22,134
	Cash paid for interest (net of amount capitalized)	$	292,692		$	291,509		$	260,822

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
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 that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned impact on earnings and cash flows that may be caused by interest rate volatility. The Company’s strategy includes the use of interest rate swaps and option contracts that have indices related to the pricing of specific balance sheet liabilities. The Company enters into interest rate swaps to convert certain floating-rate debt to fixed-rate long-term debt, and vice-versa, depending on market conditions, or forward starting swaps to hedge the changes in benchmark interest rates on forecasted financings. The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements for hedging purposes for periods that are generally one to ten years. Option products utilized primarily include interest rate caps with typical durations ranging from one to three years. The use of option products is consistent with the Company’s risk management objective to reduce or eliminate exposure to variability in future cash flows primarily attributable to changes in benchmark rates relating to forecasted financings, and the variability in cash flows attributable to increases relating to interest payments 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 in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. During the 11 months ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded $2,963,000 as an increase to interest expense related to ineffectiveness arising primarily from the early reclassification of OCI related to debt associated with entities that were included in the partial disposition of real estate. The hedged debt for these entities was deconsolidated and is now accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under the accounting guidance for cash flow hedges, this resulted in a missed forecasted transaction. The increase to interest expenses was also related to ineffectiveness arising from the early termination of an interest rate swap. The swap was terminated because the hedged debt was paid off early as a result of an asset sale. The amount of ineffectiveness charged to earnings was insignificant for the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012. As of December 31, 2013, the Company expects that within the next twelve months it will reclassify amounts recorded in accumulated OCI into earnings as an increase in interest expense of approximately $25,152,000, net of tax. However, the actual amount reclassified could vary due to future changes in fair value of these derivatives.
	Fair Value Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
	From time to time, the Company and/or certain of its joint ventures (the “Joint Ventures”) enter into TRS on various tax-exempt fixed-rate borrowings. The TRS convert these borrowings from a fixed rate to a variable rate. In exchange for a fixed rate, the TRS require the Company and/or the Joint Ventures to pay a variable rate, generally equivalent to the SIFMA rate plus a spread. At December 31, 2013, the SIFMA rate was 0.06%. Additionally, the Company and/or the Joint Ventures have guaranteed the fair value of the underlying borrowings. Fluctuation in the value of the TRS is offset by the fluctuation in the value of the underlying borrowings, resulting in minimal financial impact. At December 31, 2013, the aggregate notional amount of TRS that are designated as fair value hedging instruments is $358,755,000. The underlying TRS borrowings are subject to a fair value adjustment.
	Nondesignated Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
	The Company entered into derivative contracts that are intended to economically 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 and changes in the fair value are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	In instances where the Company enters into separate derivative instruments effectively hedging the same debt for consecutive annual periods, the 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 presents the fair values and location in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of all derivative instruments:
		Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		December 31, 2013
		Asset Derivatives							Liability Derivatives
		(included in Other Assets)							(included in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities)
		Current			Fair Value				Current			Fair Value
		Notional							Notional
		(in thousands)
	Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
	Interest rate swap agreements	$	—		$	—			$	961,359		$	97,858
	TRS	18,970			903				339,785			9,772
	Total	$	18,970		$	903			$	1,301,144		$	107,630
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
	Interest rate caps	$	447,532		$	155			$	—		$	—
	TRS	—			—				39,052			15,477
	Total	$	447,532		$	155			$	39,052		$	15,477
		January 31, 2013
	Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
	Interest rate swap agreements	$	—		$	—			$	1,019,920		$	129,522
	TRS	28,000			965				238,395			10,915
	Total	$	28,000		$	965			$	1,258,315		$	140,437
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
	Interest rate caps	$	479,085		$	7			$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swap agreements	18,877			241				—			—
	TRS	140,800			20,101				39,562			15,287
	Total	$	638,762		$	20,349			$	39,562		$	15,287
	The following tables present 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:
						Gain (Loss) Reclassified from
						Accumulated OCI
	Derivatives Designated as	Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI				Location on Consolidated Statements of Operations	Effective			Ineffective
	Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	(Effective Portion)					Amount			Amount
		(in thousands)
	11 Months Ended December 31, 2013
	Interest rate swaps	$	37,094			Interest expense	$	(3,295	)	$	(2,963	)
	Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps	—				Equity in earnings	(86		)	4
	Total	$	37,094				$	(3,381	)	$	(2,959	)
	Year Ended January 31, 2013
	Interest rate caps, interest rate swaps and Treasury options	$	21,601			Interest expense	$	(3,916	)	$	—
	Interest rate caps, interest rate swaps and Treasury options	—				Equity in earnings	(342		)	14
	Total	$	21,601				$	(4,258	)	$	14
	Year Ended January 31, 2012
	Interest rate caps, interest rate swaps and Treasury options	$	(48,087	)		Interest expense	$	(3,514	)	$	1
	Treasury options	—				Equity in earnings	(372		)	(565		)
	Total	$	(48,087	)			$	(3,886	)	$	(564	)
	The following table presents 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
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments
	TRS (1)	$	1,081		$	(770	)	$	11,855
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
	Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps	$	(319	)	$	(922	)	$	(1,037	)
TRS	(1,091		)	12,568			2,264
Total	$	(1,410	)	$	11,646		$	1,227
-1	The net gain (loss) recognized in interest expense from the change in fair value of the underlying TRS borrowings was $(1,081), $770 and $(11,855) for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, offsetting the gain (loss) recognized on the TRS.
Credit-risk-related Contingent Features
The principal credit risk to the Company through its interest rate risk management strategy is the potential inability of the financial institution from which the derivative financial instruments were purchased to cover its obligations. If a counterparty fails to fulfill its obligation under a derivative contract, the Company’s risk of loss approximates the fair value of the derivative. To mitigate this exposure, the Company generally purchases its 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 the Company enters into the transaction.
The Company has agreements with its derivative counterparties that contain a provision under which the derivative counterparty could terminate the derivative obligations if the Company defaults on its obligations under the Credit Facility 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, the Company has certain derivative contracts which provide that if the Company’s credit rating falls below certain levels, it may trigger additional collateral to be posted with the counterparty up to the full amount of the liability position of the derivative contracts. Also, certain subsidiaries have agreements that contain provisions whereby the subsidiaries must maintain certain minimum financial ratios.
As of December 31, 2013, the aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments in a liability position, prior to the adjustment for nonperformance risk of $6,817,000, is $129,924,000. The Company had posted collateral consisting primarily of cash and notes receivable of $76,802,000 related to all derivative instruments. If all credit risk contingent features underlying these agreements had been triggered on December 31, 2013, the Company would have been required to post collateral of the full amount of the liability position.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company’s financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements are interest rate caps, interest rate swap agreements, TRS and borrowings subject to TRS (see Note I – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities). The Company’s impairment of real estate and unconsolidated entities is also subject to fair value measurements (see Note L – Land Held for Divestiture, Note T – Impairment of Real Estate, Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities and Write-Off of Abandoned Development Projects and Demolition Costs and Note V – Discontinued Operations and Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Rental Properties).
	Fair Value Hierarchy
	The accounting guidance related to estimating fair value specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based upon whether the inputs to those valuation techniques reflect assumptions that other market participants would use based upon market data obtained from independent sources (also referred to as observable inputs). The following summarizes the fair value hierarchy:
	•	Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets that are unadjusted and accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
	•	Level 2 – Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or financial instruments for which significant observable inputs are available, either directly or indirectly, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals; and
	•	Level 3 – Prices or valuations that require inputs that are unobservable.
	Inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In these cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
	Measurement of Fair Value
	The Company estimates the fair value of its hedging instruments based on interest rate market and bond pricing models. Although the Company has determined that the significant inputs used to value its hedging instruments fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with the Company’s counterparties and its own credit risk utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its hedging instruments’ positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are significant to the overall valuation of one interest rate swap and are not significant to the overall valuation of all of its other hedging instruments. As a result, one interest rate swap is classified in Level 3 and the remaining hedging instruments valuations are classified in Level 2.
	The Company’s TRS have termination values equal to the difference between the fair value of the underlying bonds and the bonds base (acquired) price times the stated par amount of the bonds. Upon termination of the contract with the counterparty, the Company is entitled to receive the termination value if the underlying fair value of the bonds is greater than the base price and is obligated to pay the termination value if the underlying fair value of the bonds is less than the base price. The underlying borrowings generally have call features at par and without prepayment penalties. The call features of the underlying borrowings would result in a significant discount factor to any value attributed to the exchange of cash flows in these contracts by another market participant willing to purchase the Company’s positions. Therefore, the Company believes the termination value of the TRS approximates the fair value another market participant would assign to these contracts. The Company compares estimates of fair value to those provided by the respective counterparties on a quarterly basis. The Company has determined its fair value estimate of TRS is classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
	To determine the fair value of the underlying borrowings subject to TRS, the base price is initially used as the estimate of fair value. The Company adjusts the fair value based upon observable and unobservable measures such as the financial performance of the underlying collateral, interest rate risk spreads for similar transactions and loan to value ratios. In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used. At December 31, 2013, the notional amount of TRS borrowings subject to fair value adjustments is approximately $358,755,000.
	Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
	The Company’s financial assets consist of interest rate caps, interest rate swap agreements and TRS with positive fair values included in other assets. The Company’s financial liabilities consist of interest rate swap agreements and TRS with negative fair values included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities and borrowings subject to TRS included in mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse. The Company records the redeemable noncontrolling interest related to Brooklyn Arena, LLC at redemption value, which approximates fair value.
	The following table presents information about financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interest that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value:
		Fair Value Measurements
		December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
		(in thousands)
	Interest rate caps	$	—		$	155		$	—		$	155
	Interest rate swap agreements (liabilities)	—			(498		)	(97,360		)	(97,858		)
	TRS (assets)	—			—			903			903
	TRS (liabilities)	—			—			(25,249		)	(25,249		)
	Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TRS	—			—			8,869			8,869
	Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—			—			(171,743		)	(171,743		)
	Total	$	—		$	(343	)	$	(284,580	)	$	(284,923	)
		January 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
		(in thousands)
	Interest rate caps	$	—		$	7		$	—		$	7
	Interest rate swap agreements (assets)	—			241			—			241
	Interest rate swap agreements (liabilities)	—			(3,016		)	(126,506		)	(129,522		)
	TRS (assets)	—			—			21,066			21,066
	TRS (liabilities)	—			—			(26,202		)	(26,202		)
	Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TRS	—			—			9,950			9,950
	Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—			—			(239,136		)	(239,136		)
	Total	$	—		$	(2,768	)	$	(360,828	)	$	(363,596	)
	The following table below presents a reconciliation of financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interest measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
		Fair Value Measurements
		Redeemable				Interest Rate				Net			Fair value			Total			Total
		Noncontrolling				Swaps				TRS			adjustment			TRS
		Interest											to the borrowings			Related
													subject to TRS
		(in thousands)
	Balance, February 1, 2012	$	(229,149	)		$	(143,303	)		$	(15,013	)	$	9,180		$	(5,833	)	$	(378,285	)
	Transfers in	—				—				(2,125		)	—			(2,125		)	(2,125		)
	Contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interest	(11,348		)		—				—			—			—			(11,348		)
	Loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	9,785				—				—			—			—			9,785
	Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
	Included in earnings	—				—				11,798			770			12,568			12,568
	Included in noncontrolling interest	—				—				204			—			204			204
	Included in other comprehensive income	—				16,797				—			—			—			16,797
	Included in additional paid-in capital	(8,424		)		—				—			—			—			(8,424		)
	Balance, January 31, 2013	$	(239,136	)		$	(126,506	)		$	(5,136	)	$	9,950		$	4,814		$	(360,828	)
	Loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	16,847				—				—			—			—			16,847
	Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
	Included in earnings	—				—				(10		)	(1,081		)	(1,091		)	(1,091		)
	Included in other comprehensive income	—				29,146				—			—			—			29,146
	Included in additional paid-in capital	50,546				—				—			—			—			50,546
	Settlement	—				—				(19,200		)	—			(19,200		)	(19,200		)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	(171,743	)		$	(97,360	)		$	(24,346	)	$	8,869		$	(15,477	)	$	(284,580	)
	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 December 31, 2013:
		Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value December 31, 2013			Valuation	Unobservable	Range of
				Technique	Input	Input Values
	(in thousands)
Credit valuation adjustment of interest rate swap	$	7,023		Potential future exposure	Credit spread	4.25%
TRS	$	(24,436	)	Bond quote	Discount rate	N/A (1)
					Capitalization rate	N/A (1)
Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TRS	$	8,869		Bond quote	Discount rate	N/A (1)
					Capitalization rate	N/A (1)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	$	(171,743	)	Discounted cash flows	Discount rate	9.89%
-1	The Company does not have access to certain significant unobservable inputs used by third parties to determine these fair values.
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 Company does not deem the impact of changes in unobservable inputs used to determine the fair market value of the credit valuation adjustment, TRS and fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TRS to be significant; however, changes in the discount rate used to determine the fair market value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest could have a significant impact on its fair market value.
Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments
The carrying amount of notes and accounts receivable, excluding the Stapleton advances, and accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities approximates fair value based upon the short-term nature of the instruments. The carrying amount of the Stapleton advances approximates fair value since the interest rates on these advances approximates current market rates. The Company estimates the fair value of its debt instruments by discounting future cash payments at interest rates that 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 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 (exclusive of the fair value of derivatives), bank revolving credit facility, senior and subordinated debt and nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable of land held for divestiture and development project held for sale:
	December 31, 2013							January 31, 2013
	Carrying Value			Fair Value				Carrying Value			Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Fixed Rate Debt	$	3,281,337		$	3,488,406			$	4,791,113		$	5,147,849
Variable Rate Debt	1,998,169			1,954,136				1,982,516			1,940,374
Total	$	5,279,506		$	5,442,542			$	6,773,629		$	7,088,223

Commercial_Group_Land_Sales

Commercial Group Land Sales	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Commercial Group Land Sales	'
	Commercial Group Land Sales
	On January 31, 2011, the Company sold two parcels of land, with air rights, to Rock Ohio Caesars Cleveland, LLC for development of a casino in downtown Cleveland. The land is adjacent to the Company’s Tower City Center mixed-use complex. The sales price for one parcel, an approximate 6 acre land parcel and air rights (“Parcel #1”), was $45,000,000. The sales price for the second parcel, an approximate 10 acre land parcel and air rights (“Parcel #2”), was $40,000,000.
	At January 31, 2011, the Company received a cash deposit of $8,550,000 on Parcel #1. During the three months ended April 30, 2011, the Company received additional cash proceeds of $33,950,000 related to Parcel #1. With the receipt of this payment, the buyer’s initial and continuing investment on the sale of Parcel #1 was adequate for gain recognition under the full accrual method. As such, the entire sales price is included in revenues from real estate operations and the related cost of land is included in operating expenses, resulting in a gain on sale of $42,622,000 during the year ended January 31, 2012. The final $2,500,000 of cash proceeds related to Parcel #1 was received during the three months ended October 31, 2011.
	During the year ended January 31, 2012, the Company received total cash deposits of $7,000,000 of the Parcel #2 purchase price. The minimum initial investment related to Parcel #2 still had not been met and accordingly, the cash deposits were recorded as a deposit liability under the deposit method and included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities at January 31, 2012.
	During the three months ended April 30, 2012, the Company received the remaining cash proceeds of $33,000,000 related to Parcel #2. With receipt of this payment, the buyer’s initial and continuing investment on the sale of Parcel #2 was adequate for gain recognition under the full accrual method. As such, the entire sales price is included in revenues from real estate operations and the related cost of land is included in operating expenses, resulting in a gain on sale of $36,484,000 during the year ended January 31, 2013.

Land_Held_for_Divestiture

Land Held for Divestiture	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Land Held for Divestiture disclosures [Abstract]	'
Land Held for Divestiture	'
	Land Held for Divestiture
	On January 31, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a strategic decision by senior management to reposition portions of the Company's investment in the Land Development Group as part of a greater focus on core rental properties in core markets. Accordingly, the consolidated land assets associated with the land divestiture effort and related nonrecourse mortgage debt have been reclassified as land held for divestiture on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2013 and January 31, 2013. As of January 31, 2012, the Company planned to retain its land investments in only two land development projects: its consolidated Stapleton project in Denver, Colorado and its Central Station project in downtown Chicago, Illinois, which was accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
	The Company recorded the land held for divestiture activity for fully consolidated land projects and those accounted for on the equity method of accounting on their own separate financial statement line items in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The following table summarizes the net gain (loss) on land held for divestiture activity of consolidated entities:
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Sales of land held for divestiture	$	1,941		$	74,150		$	—
	Cost of sales of land held for divestiture	(323		)	(56,247		)	—
	Gain on extinguishment of debt of land held for divestiture	—			4,373			—
	Net gain on closed transactions of land held for divestiture	1,618			22,276			—
	Bad debt expense	(9,000		)	—			—
	Impairment of land held for divestiture	—			(15,796		)	(115,654		)
	Net gain (loss) on land held for divestiture activity	$	(7,382	)	$	6,480		$	(115,654	)
	Held for sale assets are required to be recorded at fair value less cost to sell. As a result of the Company's strategic decision to divest, it dramatically shortened the estimated holding periods of the land projects held for divestiture. This reduced estimate of future undiscounted cash flows was not sufficient to recover the carrying value of the assets, resulting in an impairment charge of $115,654,000 during the year ended January 31, 2012.
	During the year ended January 31, 2013, the Company established and executed upon its strategy relating to the land divestiture effort, resulting in the disposition of the majority of land held for divestiture. These activities primarily represent sales of bulk land projects, the associated cost of sales, gain on extinguishment of debt and impairment of land held for divestiture. Through the competitive bid process and the negotiation process of moving from informal expressions of interest to bona fide purchase offers, the Company obtained additional information regarding the value of its specific projects as viewed by current market participants. Based on the various levels of interest from potential buyers and information obtained from preliminary sales contracts, letters of intent and other negotiations on the remaining land projects discussed above, the Company reviewed its assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the land held for divestiture. As a result, the Company recorded an additional impairment charge of $15,796,000 during the year ended January 31, 2013.
	During the 11 months ended December 31, 2013, the Company continued to dispose of the balance of its remaining land held for divestiture. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has $1,934,000 of remaining carrying value of this land. Ongoing negotiations continue on the few remaining land projects.
	The Company had a note receivable (the “Note”) collateralized by a 1,000 acre land parcel in North Carolina that was in default at July 31, 2013. Negotiations were ongoing to cure the default; however, the Company had no assurance the payee has the intent to pay the Note in full. Accordingly, the Company established a reserve on the Note to reflect the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral of approximately $4,100,000. As a result, bad debt expense of $9,000,000 ($8,300,000, net of noncontrolling interest and $4,980,000, after tax) was recorded during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013. On December 31, 2013, the Company received the underlying collateral in a deed in lieu transaction in full satisfaction of the Note.
	The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value of impairment of consolidated land held for divestiture for the year ended January 31, 2013:
		Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
		Fair Value January 31, 2013			Valuation	Unobservable	Range
					Technique	Input	of Input Values
		(in thousands)
	Impairment of land held for divestiture	$	15,663		Indicative bids	Indicative bids	N/A(1)
	Impairment of land held for divestiture	$	926		Discounted cash flows(2)	N/A	N/A
	-1	These fair value measurements were developed by third party sources, subject to the Company’s corroboration for reasonableness.
	-2	The Company used a discounted cash flow technique to estimate fair value, however due to the estimated holding period being less than twelve months, the impact of discounting was deemed immaterial.
	The Company also has investments held in unconsolidated entities. The following table summarizes the net gain (loss) on investments in unconsolidated entities which are part of the land divestiture strategy:
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Net gain (loss) on sales of land held for divestiture of unconsolidated entities	$	1,338		$	(371	)	$	—
	Impairment of investments in unconsolidated entities	—			(40,406		)	(41,902		)
	Net gain (loss) on land held for divestiture activity of unconsolidated entities	$	1,338		$	(40,777	)	$	(41,902	)
	During the customary due diligence in arriving at the strategic decision, the Company had in-depth interactions with industry consultants, brokers and other land owners. Based on the due diligence, it was apparent that land values for the residential housing market continued to deteriorate in the fourth quarter of 2011, specifically in the southwestern United States. The Company revised its assumptions used to arrive at the estimate of fair value, including future discounted cash flows, comparable sales prices and market discount rates by geographic region. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $41,902,000 during the year ended January 31, 2012.
	During 2012, the Company received an unsolicited offer to purchase its ownership interest in the remaining land parcels at Central Station. The Company evaluated the offer and made a decision to divest its equity method investment in Central Station as part of its formal land divestiture activities. Based on the terms of the letter of intent, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $17,000,000, which is included in impairment of investments in unconsolidated entities during the year ended January 31, 2013. The divestiture of Central Station, which closed during the three months ended January 31, 2013, had a sale price of $29,525,000.
	During 2012, the Company continued to market its equity method ownership interest in Mesa del Sol, a land project in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to several potential buyers. Mesa del Sol is a large 3,000 acre development opportunity in the beginning stage of residential land development and is not expected to generate positive cash flow in the near-term due to the expected level of development expenditures needed to prepare the first phase of lots for sale. During the extensive marketing activities, there were few buyers that expressed interest in taking on the long-term development risk, and those that were, expected larger returns than previously estimated. As a result, based on these negotiations and other market information obtained from these potential buyers and other industry data, the Company updated its assumptions used in estimating the fair value of the investment, including discount rates, absorption rates and commercial and residential land pricing. Based on the updated valuation model, the Company recorded an additional impairment charge of approximately $15,000,000, which is included in impairment of investments in unconsolidated entities during the year ended January 31, 2013.

Net_Gain_on_Disposition_of_Par

Net Gain on Disposition of Partial Interests in Rental Properties	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Net Gain on Disposition of Partial Interests in Rental Properties [Abstract]	'
Net Gain on Disposition of Partial Interests in Rental Properties	'
	Net Gain on Disposition of Partial Interests in Rental Properties
	The net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties is comprised of the following:
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013		January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	QIC Joint Venture	$	381,627		$	—	$	—
	New York Retail Joint Venture	114,465			—		9,561
	Stonecrest Mall Joint Venture	—			—		5,849
	Annex building adjacent to the Dallas Wilson Building	—			—		2,255
		$	496,092		$	—	$	17,665
	QIC Joint Venture
	During the 11 months ended December 31, 2013, the Company entered into joint venture agreements with outside partners, affiliated entities of QIC, one of the largest institutional investment managers in Australia. The outside partners invested in and received 49% of the Company's equity interests in eight regional retail malls (seven fully consolidated assets in September 2013 and one equity method investment in December 2013).
	For its 49% equity interests, the outside partner invested cash and assumed debt of $477,100,000, representing 49% of the nonrecourse mortgage debt on the eight properties. As of December 31, 2013, the Company received approximately $421,700,000 of proceeds, net of transaction costs, of which approximately $187,700,000 represented cash, with the remainder being in the form of a loan. 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. As such, the Company recognized a net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties of $381,627,000 related to the seven fully consolidated assets and a gain on disposition of partial interests in equity method investments of $27,080,000, which is included in equity in earnings during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013. The seven fully consolidated properties are adequately capitalized and do not contain the characteristics of a VIE. Based on this and the substantive participating rights held by the outside partner with regards to the properties, the Company concluded it appropriate to deconsolidate the seven fully consolidated entities and account for them under the equity method of accounting. During the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and prior to admitting the outside party into the joint ventures, the Company acquired noncontrolling interests in two of the regional retail malls for approximately $92,400,000, which has been reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Equity.
	The QIC Joint Venture transaction, which resulted in the deconsolidation of the seven fully consolidated regional retail malls, resulted in the following increases (decreases) to the Consolidated Balance Sheet financial statement line items, inclusive of the Company's acquisition of noncontrolling interests (in thousands):
	Assets
	Real estate, net	$	(920,602	)
	Cash and equivalents	324,549
	Restricted cash and escrowed funds	(4,326		)
	Notes and accounts receivable, net	(23,201		)
	Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	40,249
	Other assets	(90,098		)
	Total Assets	$	(673,429	)
	Liabilities
	Mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse	$	(979,448	)
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(17,446		)
	Total Liabilities	$	(996,894	)
	Equity
	Additional paid-in capital	$	(89,644	)
	Retained earnings	408,707
	Noncontrolling interest	4,402
	Total Equity	323,465
	Total Liabilities and Equity	$	(673,429	)
	New York Retail Joint Venture
	In March 2011, the Company entered into joint venture agreements with an outside partner, an affiliated entity of Madison International Realty LLC. The outside partner invested in and received a 49% equity interest in 15 mature retail properties located in the Greater New York City metropolitan area. For its 49% equity interests, the outside partner invested cash and assumed debt of $244,952,000, representing 49% of the nonrecourse mortgage debt on the 15 properties. As of January 31, 2012, the Company received proceeds of $178,286,000, primarily in the form of a loan. Based on the net amount of cash received, the outside partner’s minimum initial investment requirement of 20% was not met. Since the transaction did not qualify for full gain recognition, the installment method of gain recognition was applied and a net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties of $9,561,000 was recorded during the year ended January 31, 2012. Transaction costs totaling $11,776,000, of which, $5,779,000 relating to participation payments made to the ground lessors of two of the properties in accordance with the respective ground lease agreements did not qualify for deferral and were included in the calculation of the net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties recorded during the year ended January 31, 2012. The 15 retail properties are adequately capitalized and do not contain the characteristics of a VIE. Based on this and the substantive participating rights held by the outside partner with regards to the properties, the Company concluded that it would be appropriate to deconsolidate the entities and account for them under the equity method of accounting. As of January 31, 2013, the remaining gain of $114,465,000 continued to be deferred and was included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities.
	During the 11 months ended December 31, 2013, the Company paid down a portion of the loan, which increased the net cash received for purposes of measuring whether full gain recognition is appropriate. As a result, the outside partner's investment requirement was met and the Company recognized the remaining deferred gain of $114,465,000 as net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties.
	Stonecrest Mall Joint Venture
	In October 2011, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with an outside partner whereby the outside partner invested in the Mall at Stonecrest, a regional mall in Atlanta, Georgia (“Stonecrest”). The outside partner received a 49% equity interest in Stonecrest.
	For its 49% equity interest, the outside partner assumed debt of $49,464,000, representing 49% of the nonrecourse mortgage debt on the property. In addition, the Company is entitled to receive up to $3,750,000 of contingent consideration, based on Stonecrest’s financial results as defined in the partnership agreement, none of which has been recognized through December 31, 2013. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposition of partial interests in rental property of $5,849,000 during the year ended January 31, 2012. The property is adequately capitalized and does not contain the characteristics of a VIE. Based on this and the substantive participating rights held by the outside partner with regards to the property, the Company concluded that it would be appropriate to deconsolidate the entity and account for it under the equity method of accounting.
	Annex building adjacent to the Dallas Wilson Building
	In December 2011, the Company sold an annex building containing eight units adjacent to the Dallas Wilson Building, an apartment building in Dallas, Texas, for $2,800,000. The transaction resulted in a gain of $2,255,000 during the year ended January 31, 2012. The remaining 135 units of the Dallas Wilson Building are wholly-owned by the Company and will continue to be fully consolidated.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The income tax expense (benefit) related to continuing operations consists of the following:
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Current
	Federal	$	(2,480	)	$	(54,871	)	$	(15,745	)
	State	2,154			(6,413		)	(1,194		)
		(326		)	(61,284		)	(16,939		)
	Deferred
	Federal	(4,432		)	48,289			(38,689		)
	State	(4,576		)	(1,730		)	(12,057		)
		(9,008		)	46,559			(50,746		)
	Total income tax benefit	$	(9,334	)	$	(14,725	)	$	(67,685	)
	The effective tax rate for income taxes from continuing operations varies from the federal statutory rate of 35% due to the following items:
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(dollars in thousands)
	Loss before income taxes	$	(205,929	)	$	(88,872	)	$	(119,568	)
	Net gain on change in control of interests	2,762			6,766			—
	Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities, net of impairment	109,163			44,631			(61,039		)
	Less: Noncontrolling interests	71,510			1,539			(2,167		)
	Loss from continuing operations, including noncontrolling interest, before income taxes	(22,494		)	(35,936		)	(182,774		)
	Income taxes computed at the statutory rate	(7,873		)	(12,578		)	(63,971		)
	Increase (decrease) in tax resulting from:
	State taxes, net of federal benefit	(2,994		)	(5,312		)	(6,907		)
	State net operating loss, net of federal benefit	2,845			1,667			2,474
	General business credits	(1,638		)	(947		)	446
	Valuation allowance	(5,205		)	(2,048		)	(6,414		)
	Charitable contributions	3,356			2,628			2,204
	Permanent adjustments	(18		)	3,037			38
	Conversion/Exchange of senior debt	1,667			—			3,780
	Other items	526			(1,172		)	665
	Total income tax benefit	$	(9,334	)	$	(14,725	)	$	(67,685	)
	Effective tax rate	41.5		%	40.98		%	37.03		%
	The components of the deferred income tax expense (benefit) for continuing operations are as follows:
	Excess of tax over financial statement depreciation and amortization	$	(8,059	)	$	19,811		$	17,095
	Costs on land and rental properties under development expensed for tax purposes	4,818			11,048			34,333
	Revenues and expenses recognized in different periods for tax and financial statement purposes	132,330			49,915			(48,152		)
	Difference between tax and financial statements related to unconsolidated entities	(5,246		)	207			(18,674		)
	Impairment of real estate and land held for divestiture	(147,325		)	(16,178		)	(40,346		)
	Deferred state taxes, net of federal benefit	(743		)	885			(3,408		)
	Utilization of (addition to) tax loss carryforward excluding effect of stock options	21,916			(16,230		)	10,974
	Valuation allowance	(5,205		)	(2,048		)	(6,414		)
	General business credits	(520		)	(947		)	446
	Alternative Minimum Tax credits	(974		)	96			3,400
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	$	(9,008	)	$	46,559		$	(50,746	)
	The components of the deferred income tax liability are as follows:
		Temporary Differences							Deferred Tax
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013				December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Depreciation	$	424,595		$	493,489			$	164,671		$	191,390
	Capitalized costs	395,733			1,018,375				153,508			394,956
	Tax loss carryforward	(99,138		)	(161,758		)		(34,698		)	(56,615		)
	State loss carryforward, net of federal benefit	—			—				(21,170		)	(23,974		)
	Valuation allowance	—			—				48,077			53,282
	Federal tax credits and other carryforwards	—			—				(56,274		)	(58,094		)
	Other comprehensive loss	(125,099		)	(168,585		)		(48,517		)	(65,382		)
	Basis in unconsolidated entities	367,892			199,359				142,680			77,317
	Other	370,743			(83,747		)		137,617			(38,474		)
	Total	$	1,334,726		$	1,297,133			$	485,894		$	474,406
	Income taxes paid (refunded) were $5,541,000, $(296,000) and $3,743,000 for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. At December 31, 2013, the Company had a federal net operating loss carryforward for tax purposes of $150,758,000 that will expire in the years ending December 31, 2028 through December 31, 2033, a charitable contribution deduction carryforward of $18,125,000 that will expire in the years ending December 31, 2014 through December 31, 2017, General business credit carryovers of $21,680,000 that will expire in the years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2033, and an alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) credit carryforward of $28,570,000 that is available until used to reduce federal tax to the AMT amount.
	The Company’s policy is to consider a variety of tax-deferral strategies, including tax deferred exchanges, when evaluating its future tax position. The Company has a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset associated with its charitable contributions. The Company has a valuation allowance against its general business credits, other than those general business credits which are eligible to be utilized to reduce future AMT liabilities. The Company has a valuation allowance against certain of its state net operating losses and state bonus depreciation deferred assets. These valuation allowances exist because management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will not realize these benefits.
The Company applies the “with-and-without” methodology for recognizing excess tax benefits from the deduction of stock-based compensation. The net operating loss available for the tax return, as is noted in the paragraph above, is greater than the net operating loss available for the tax provision due to excess deductions from stock-based compensation reported on the return, as well as the impact of adjustments to the net operating loss under accounting guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has not recorded a net deferred tax asset of approximately $18,064,000 from excess stock-based compensation deductions taken on the tax return for which a benefit has not yet been recognized in the Company’s tax provision.
	December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
Deferred tax liabilities	$	1,423,173		$	1,832,038
Deferred tax assets	985,356			1,410,914
Less: valuation allowance (1)	(48,077		)	(53,282		)
	937,279			1,357,632
Net deferred tax liability	$	485,894		$	474,406
-1	The valuation allowance is related to state net operating losses and bonus depreciation, general business credits and charitable contributions.
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
Unrecognized tax benefits represent those tax benefits related to tax positions that have been taken or are expected to be taken in tax returns that are not recognized in the financial statements because management has either concluded that it is not more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained if audited by the appropriate taxing authority or the amount of the benefit will be less than the amount taken or expected to be taken in its income tax returns.
As of December 31 and January 31, 2013, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $968,000 and $584,000, respectively. The Company recognizes estimated interest payable on underpayments of income taxes and estimated penalties as components of income tax expense. As of December 31 and January 31, 2013, the Company had approximately $299,000 and $164,000, respectively, of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions. The Company recorded income tax expense relating to interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions of $135,000, $10,000 and $54,000 for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The Company files a consolidated United States federal income tax return. Where applicable, the Company files combined income tax returns in various states and it files individual separate income tax returns in other states. The Company’s federal consolidated income tax returns for the year ended January 31, 2011 and subsequent years are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. Certain of the Company’s state returns for the years ended January 31, 2003 through January 31, 2010 and all state returns for the year ended January 31, 2011 and subsequent years are subject to examination by various taxing authorities.
A reconciliation of the total amounts of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits, exclusive of interest and penalties, is depicted in the following table:
	Unrecognized Tax Benefit
	December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
Beginning balance, February 1	$	584		$	788
Gross increases (decreases) for tax positions of prior years	527			(107		)
Settlements	—			(97		)
Lapse of statutes of limitation	(143		)	—
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 31 January 31, 2013	$	968		$	584
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the Company’s effective tax rate, if recognized as of December 31 and January 31, 2013, is $629,000 and $286,000, respectively. Based upon the Company’s assessment of the outcome of examinations that are in progress, the settlement of liabilities, or as a result of the expiration of the statutes of limitation for certain jurisdictions, it is reasonably possible that the related unrecognized tax benefits for tax positions taken regarding previously filed tax returns will change from those recorded at December 31, 2013. Due to the reasons above, the entire $968,000 of unrecognized benefits could decrease during the next twelve months.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	The following tables summarize financial data for the Company’s six reportable operating segments. All amounts are presented in thousands.
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013
		Identifiable Assets
	Commercial Group	$	5,120,360		$	7,127,228
	Residential Group	2,468,708			2,060,892
	Arena	984,937			980,321
	Land Development Group	260,070			246,873
	The Nets	—			1,111
	Corporate Activities	117,950			196,007
		$	8,952,025		$	10,612,432
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended						11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012			December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		Revenues from Real Estate Operations									Operating Expenses
	Commercial Group	$	595,380		$	659,439		$	656,611		$	334,107		$	331,374		$	324,222
	Commercial Group Land Sales	20,170			43,999			54,363			10,656			4,942			9,731
	Residential Group	249,677			264,547			240,778			179,405			184,289			168,234
	Arena	104,532			48,353			1,569			72,659			49,175			12,536
	Land Development Group	50,349			54,634			44,420			33,737			48,055			47,506
	The Nets	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Corporate Activities	—			—			—			45,021			52,450			52,585
		$	1,020,108		$	1,070,972		$	997,741		$	675,585		$	670,285		$	614,814
		Depreciation and Amortization Expense									Interest Expense
	Commercial Group	$	187,832		$	155,424		$	146,103		$	175,338		$	177,560		$	166,695
	Residential Group	55,031			51,885			50,433			32,409			18,680			29,200
	Arena	33,231			8,888			—			34,220			(122		)	(14,336		)
	Land Development Group	364			840			240			(320		)	3,801			3,443
	The Nets	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Corporate Activities	2,731			1,658			1,514			50,677			61,375			56,838
		$	279,189		$	218,695		$	198,290		$	292,324		$	261,294		$	241,840
		Interest and Other Income									Capital Expenditures
	Commercial Group	$	18,127		$	14,367		$	14,936		$	171,002		$	327,867		$	355,598
	Residential Group	21,742			21,149			19,807			245,647			149,160			154,475
	Arena	—			—			261			43,928			325,744			249,139
	Land Development Group	12,218			9,866			10,838			819			190			558
	The Nets	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Corporate Activities	245			164			262			232			904			611
		$	52,332		$	45,546		$	46,104		$	461,628		$	803,865		$	760,381
	The Company uses Funds From Operations (“FFO”) to report its operating results. FFO is a non-GAAP measure as defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT") and is a measure of performance used by publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs"). Although the Company is not a REIT, management believes it is important to publish this measure to allow for easier comparison of its performance to its peers. FFO is defined by NAREIT as net earnings excluding the following items at the Company’s proportional share: i) gain (loss) on disposition of rental properties, divisions and other investments (net of tax); ii) non-cash charges for real estate depreciation and amortization; iii) impairment of depreciable real estate (net of tax); iv) extraordinary items (net of tax); and v) cumulative or retrospective effect of change in accounting principle (net of tax).
	The Company believes that, although its business has many facets such as development, acquisitions, disposals, and property management, the core of its business is the recurring operations of its portfolio of real estate assets. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, the chief operating decision maker, uses FFO, as presented, to assess performance of the Company's portfolio of real estate assets by reportable operating segment because it provides information on the financial performance of the core real estate portfolio operations. FFO measures the profitability of a real estate segment’s operations of collecting rent, paying operating expenses and servicing its debt.
	During 2012, 2011 and previous years, the chief operating decision maker used a non-GAAP measure defined as Earnings Before Depreciation, Amortization and Deferred Taxes (“EBDT”). EBDT was similar, but not identical, to FFO. The treatment of deferred taxes is the single biggest difference between EBDT and FFO. The reconciliations for the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012 have been changed to be consistent with the current year's presentation of FFO.
	The reconciliations of net earnings (loss) to FFO by segment are shown in the following tables. All amounts are presented in thousands.
	11 Months Ended December 31, 2013	Commercial			Residential			Arena			Land			The Nets			Corporate			Total
		Group			Group						Development
											Group
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders	$	84,294		$	31,220		$	(19,514	)	$	18,915		$	(2,802	)	$	(117,605	)	$	(5,492	)
	Preferred dividends	—			—			—			—			—			185			185
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	$	84,294		$	31,220		$	(19,514	)	$	18,915		$	(2,802	)	$	(117,420	)	$	(5,307	)
	Depreciation and amortization – Real Estate Groups	226,255			83,154			19,119			258			—			—			328,786
	Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	(496,092		)	—			—			—			—			—			(496,092		)
	Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	(68,430		)	—			—			—			—			—			(68,430		)
	Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	71,668			1,185			—			—			—			—			72,853
	Discontinued operations:
	Depreciation and amortization – Real Estate Groups	6,646			165			—			—			—			—			6,811
	Gain on disposition of rental properties	(19,843		)	(16,028		)	—			—			—			—			(35,871		)
	Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	22,519			—			—			—			—			—			22,519
	Income tax expense (benefit) on non-FFO:
	Gain on disposition of rental properties	—			—			—			—			—			233,980			233,980
	Impairment of depreciable real estate	—			—			—			—			—			(36,988		)	(36,988		)
	FFO	$	(172,983	)	$	99,696		$	(395	)	$	19,173		$	(2,802	)	$	79,572		$	22,261
	Year Ended January 31, 2013
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders	$	82,022		$	132,141		$	(497	)	$	(23,833	)	$	(4,672	)	$	(180,865	)	$	4,296
	Preferred dividends and inducements of preferred stock conversions	—			—			—			—			—			32,129			32,129
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	$	82,022		$	132,141		$	(497	)	$	(23,833	)	$	(4,672	)	$	(148,736	)	$	36,425
Depreciation and amortization – Real Estate Groups	192,547			85,977			5,213			661			—			—			284,398
Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	(16,107		)	(34,959		)	—			—			—			—			(51,066		)
Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	30,660			—			—			—			—			—			30,660
Impairment of unconsolidated real estate	—			—			—			390			—			—			390
Discontinued operations:
Depreciation and amortization – Real Estate Groups	13,925			3,114			—			—			—			—			17,039
Gain on disposition of rental properties	(40,645		)	(59,290		)	—			—			—			—			(99,935		)
Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	4,254			—			—			—			—			—			4,254
Income tax expense (benefit) on non-FFO:
Gain on disposition of rental properties	—			—			—			—			—			58,935			58,935
Impairment of depreciable real estate	—			—			—			—			—			(13,692		)	(13,692		)
FFO	$	266,656		$	126,983		$	4,716		$	(22,782	)	$	(4,672	)	$	(103,493	)	$	267,408
Year Ended January 31, 2012
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders	$	123,925		$	32,322		$	8,197		$	(149,310	)	$	(26,814	)	$	(90,206	)	$	(101,886	)
Preferred dividends	—			—			—			—			—			15,400			15,400
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	$	123,925		$	32,322		$	8,197		$	(149,310	)	$	(26,814	)	$	(74,806	)	$	(86,486	)
Depreciation and amortization – Real Estate Groups	180,692			77,054			—			249			—			—			257,995
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	(15,410		)	(2,255		)	—			—			—			—			(17,665		)
Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	—			(12,567		)	—			—			—			—			(12,567		)
Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	—			235			—			—			—			—			235
Impairment of unconsolidated real estate	40,284			—			—			—			—			—			40,284
Discontinued operations:
Depreciation and amortization – Real Estate Groups	20,525			3,184			—			—			—			—			23,709
Gain on disposition of rental properties	(51,796		)	—			—			—			—			—			(51,796		)
Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	13,692			—			—			—			—			—			13,692
Income tax expense (benefit) on non-FFO:
Gain on disposition of rental properties	—			—			—			—			—			31,812			31,812
Impairment of depreciable real estate	—			—			—			—			—			(21,024		)	(21,024		)
FFO	$	311,912		$	97,973		$	8,197		$	(149,061	)	$	(26,814	)	$	(64,018	)	$	178,189

Leases

Leases	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Leases	'
	Leases
	The following tables include all lease obligations of the Company.
	The Company as Lessor
	The following table summarizes the minimum future rental income to be received on non-cancelable operating leases of commercial properties that generally extend for periods of more than one year:
	Years Ending December 31,
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	397,444
	2015	378,998
	2016	354,586
	2017	330,830
	2018	301,882
	Later years	1,710,400
		$	3,474,140
	Most of the commercial leases include provisions for reimbursements of other charges including real estate taxes, utilities and operating costs which are included in revenues from real estate operations. The following table summarizes total reimbursements (in thousands):
	11 Months Ended December 31, 2013	$	129,017
	Year Ended January 31, 2013	$	148,525
	Year Ended January 31, 2012	$	154,877
	The Company as Lessee
	The Company is a lessee under various operating leasing arrangements for real property and equipment. The most significant of these involve ground leases which expire between the years 2014 and 2100, excluding optional renewal periods. The Company is subject to participation payments under certain of its ground leases, the most significant of which are in New York City. These payments are triggered by defined events within the respective lease agreements and the timing and future amounts are not determinable by the Company.
	Minimum fixed rental payments under long-term leases (over one year) in effect at December 31, 2013 are as follows:
	Years Ending December 31,
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	9,575
	2015	8,713
	2016	7,964
	2017	3,258
	2018	3,168
	Later years	48,441
		$	81,119
	The following table summarizes rent expense (in thousands):
	11 Months Ended December 31, 2013	$	8,316
	Year Ended January 31, 2013	$	9,211
	Year Ended January 31, 2012	$	8,279

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company has various guarantees, including indirect guarantees of indebtedness of others. The Company believes the risk of payment under these guarantees, as described below, is remote and, to date, no payments have been made under these guarantees.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company had $10,048,000 in guarantees associated with various obligations. The Company also had outstanding letters of credit of $59,760,000 as of December 31, 2013. The maximum potential amount of future payments on the letters of credit the Company could be required to make is the total amount noted above.
	The Company has entered into certain partnerships whereby the outside investment partner is allocated certain tax credits. These partnerships typically require the Company to indemnify, on an after-tax or “grossed up” basis, the investment partner against the failure to receive or the loss of allocated tax credits and tax losses. At December 31, 2013, the maximum potential payment under these tax indemnity guarantees was approximately $133,972,000. The Company believes that all necessary requirements for qualifications for such tax credits and partnership structures have been and will continue to be met and that the Company’s investment partners will be able to receive expense allocations associated with the properties. The Company does not expect to make any payments under these guarantees.
	The Company’s mortgage loans are nonrecourse; however, in some cases, lenders carve out certain items from the nonrecourse provisions. These carve-out items enable the lenders to seek recourse if the Company or the joint venture engages in certain acts as defined in the respective agreements such as commit fraud, intentionally misapply funds, or intentionally misrepresent facts. The Company has also provided certain environmental guarantees. Under these environmental remediation guarantees, the Company must remediate any hazardous materials brought onto the property in violation of environmental laws. The maximum potential amount of future payments that the Company could be required to make on the environmental guarantees is limited to the actual losses suffered or actual remediation costs incurred. A portion of these carve-outs and guarantees have been made on behalf of joint ventures and the Company believes any liability would not exceed its partners’ share of the outstanding principal balance of the loans in which these carve-outs and environmental guarantees have been made. At December 31, 2013, the outstanding balance of the partners’ share of these loans was approximately $1,279,443,000. The Company believes the risk of payment on the carve-out guarantees is mitigated, in most cases, by the fact that the Company manages the property, and in the event the Company’s partner violated one of the carve-out items, the Company would seek recovery from its partner for any payments the Company would make. Additionally, the Company further mitigates its exposure through environmental insurance and other types of insurance coverage.
	The Company monitors its properties for the presence of hazardous or toxic substances. Other than those environmental matters identified during the acquisition of a site (which are generally remediated prior to the commencement of development), the Company is not aware of any environmental liability with respect to its operating properties that would have a material adverse effect on its financial position, cash flows or results of operations. However, there can be no assurance that such a material environmental liability does not exist. The existence of any such material environmental liability could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and cash flow. The Company carries environmental insurance and believes that the policy terms, conditions, limits and deductibles are adequate and appropriate under the circumstances, given the relative risk of loss, the cost of such coverage and current industry practice.
	The Company customarily guarantees lien-free completion of projects under construction. Upon completion, as defined, the guarantees are released. The Company currently provides the following completion guarantees on its completed projects and projects under construction and development (including unconsolidated properties):
		Total Costs		Percent
				Completed (Unaudited)
		(dollars in thousands)
	At December 31, 2013
	Openings and acquisitions	$	2,083,623	97	%
	Under construction and development	841,933		40	%
	Total Real Estate	$	2,925,556	81	%
	Additionally, the Company has provided a guaranty of payment, performance and completion of certain obligations associated with certain Military Housing Privatization Initiative (“MHPI”) projects. These guarantees do not include a guaranty of available MHPI project sources and the Company cannot be compelled to replace a deficiency in available sources. In the event the guaranty were called upon, any money advanced by the Company would be replaced by appropriate sources available within the MHPI project. Inclusive of the available MHPI project sources, the Company believes its maximum net exposure to be $219,916,000 at December 31, 2013. Currently, the Company anticipates further MHPI project sources will cover this maximum exposure and future advances by the Company will not be required.
	In addition to what is stated above, the Company has guaranteed the lender the lien free completion of certain horizontal infrastructure associated with certain land development projects. The maximum amount due by the Company under these completion guarantees is limited to $37,664,000.
	The Company is also involved in certain claims and litigation related to its operations and development. Based on the facts known at this time, management has consulted with legal counsel and is of the opinion that the ultimate outcome of all such claims and litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.
	In connection with the Company’s (through its subsidiary, Nets Sports and Entertainment LLC ("NS&E")) August 2004 purchase of The Nets and its May 12, 2010 sale of an 80% interest in The Nets, the Company, certain subsidiaries and certain members have provided an indemnity guarantee to the NBA for any losses arising from the transaction, including the relocation of the team. The Company’s indemnity is effective as long as the Company owns an interest in the team. The indemnification provisions are standard provisions that are required by the NBA. The Company and the other indemnifying parties have insurance coverage of $100,000,000 in connection with this indemnity. The Company evaluated the indemnity guarantee and determined that the fair value of the Company’s known liability for its obligations under the guarantee was not material.
	Certain ground leases include provisions requiring the Company to indemnify the ground lessor against claims or damages occurring on or about the leased property during the term of the ground lease. These indemnities generally were entered into prior to the effective date of accounting guidance related to guarantees; therefore, they have not been recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2013. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make is limited to the actual losses suffered. The Company mitigates its exposure to loss related to these indemnities through insurance coverage.
	The Company is party to an easement agreement under which it has agreed to indemnify a third party for any claims or damages arising from the use of the easement area in one of its unconsolidated apartment communities. The Company mitigates its exposure to loss related to the easement agreement through insurance coverage.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company’s 1994 Stock Plan (the “Plan”) permits the award of Class A stock options, restricted shares, performance shares and other equity awards to key employees and nonemployee directors of the Company. The aggregate maximum number of shares that may be issued under the Plan is 21,750,000 for all types of awards.
	As of December 31, 2013, the total number of shares available for granting of all types of awards was 7,181,821. The maximum annual award to an individual is 500,000 of the aggregate stock options and 500,000 of the aggregate restricted shares and performance shares. In addition, the aggregate grant-date fair value of awards granted to a nonemployee director during any calendar year shall not exceed $250,000. Stock options have a maximum term of 10 years and are awarded with an exercise price at least equal to the market value of the stock on the date of grant. Class A common stock issued upon the exercise of stock options may be issued out of authorized and unissued shares or treasury stock. The Plan, which is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, does not allow the reduction of option prices without shareholder approval, except for the anti-dilution adjustments permitted by the Plan. The Company has not amended the terms of any previously issued equity award. All outstanding stock options have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant, a 10-year term, and graded vesting over three to four years. All outstanding restricted shares have graded vesting over three to four years. The Plan was amended in December 2013 to permit 1‑year cliff vesting of awards granted to nonemployee directors beginning in 2014.
	The amount of stock-based compensation costs and related deferred income tax benefit recognized in the financial statements are as follows:
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Stock option costs	$	3,051		$	3,101		$	2,606
	Restricted stock costs	10,672			10,324			9,979
	Performance share costs	2,474			1,326			—
	Total stock-based compensation costs	16,197			14,751			12,585
	Less amount capitalized into qualifying real estate projects	(5,826		)	(5,396		)	(4,935		)
	Amount charged to operating expenses	10,371			9,355			7,650
	Depreciation expense on capitalized stock-based compensation	876			827			1,246
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	11,247		$	10,182		$	8,896
	Deferred income tax benefit	$	4,111		$	3,671		$	3,184
	Stock-based compensation expensed at the date of grant for awards granted to retirement-eligible grantees during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012 was $973,000, $726,000 and $1,022,000, respectively. During the year ended January 31, 2012, previously recorded stock option costs in the amount of $1,622,000, most of which was previously capitalized into real estate projects, were reversed to reflect actual forfeitures in excess of estimated forfeitures.
	The accounting guidance for share-based payment requires the cash flows resulting from the tax benefits from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options or shares (excess tax benefits) to be classified as financing cash flows in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company records excess tax benefits only if the excess tax deductions reduce taxes payable computed on a with-and-without basis. There were no excess tax benefits classified as financing cash flows for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012.
	Stock Options
	The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for options granted during the respective years:
		11 Months Ended		Years Ended
		December 31, 2013		January 31, 2013		January 31, 2012
	Risk-free interest rate	0.78	%	1.1	%	2.61	%
	Expected volatility	74.1	%	74.1	%	72.4	%
	Expected dividend yield	0	%	0	%	0	%
	Expected term (in years)	5.5		5.5		5.5
	The risk-free interest rate was based on published yields of U.S. zero coupon bonds having a maturity date approximating the expected term of the options. Expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock using the daily closing prices of the Company’s Class A common stock over a period of time equivalent to the expected term of the options. The expected dividend yield was based on the Company’s recent annual dividend divided by the average price of the Company’s Class A common stock during that period. Historical plan experience was used to estimate the expected term of options granted.
	The following table provides a summary of stock option activity for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013:
		Shares		Weighted			Weighted	Intrinsic
				Average			Average	Value
				Exercise Price			Remaining	(in thousands)
							Contractual
							Term
							(in years)
	Outstanding at January 31, 2013	3,984,497		$	35.62
	Granted	241,860		$	17.6
	Exercised	(76,200	)	$	15.14
	Forfeited/expired	(68,092	)	$	32.69
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	4,082,065		$	34.98		4.38	$	6,086
	Options exercisable (fully vested) at December 31, 2013	3,097,724		$	40.83		3.28	$	3,599
	The weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012 was $10.97, $9.24 and $11.20, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012 was $145,000, $954,000 and $84,000, respectively. Cash received from stock options exercised during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012 was $1,153,000, $8,368,000 and $195,000, respectively. There was no income tax benefit realized as a reduction of income taxes payable from stock options exercised during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012. At December 31, 2013, there was $3,727,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.25 years.
	Restricted Stock
	The following table provides a summary of restricted stock activity for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013:
		Shares		Weighted
				Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
	Unvested shares at January 31, 2013	2,116,064		$	15.06
	Granted	653,447		$	17.6
	Vested	(599,864	)	$	12.95
	Forfeited	(10,380	)	$	16.04
	Unvested shares at December 31, 2013	2,159,267		$	16.41
	Restricted stock represents a grant of Class A common stock to key employees and nonemployee directors subject to restrictions on disposition, transferability and risk of forfeiture, while having the rights to vote the shares and receive dividends. Restricted shares subject to the restrictions mentioned above are considered to be nonvested shares under the accounting guidance for share-based payment and are not reflected as issued and outstanding shares until the restrictions lapse. At that time, the shares are released to the grantee and the Company records the issuance of the shares. At December 31, 2013, all unvested shares of restricted stock were excluded from issued and outstanding shares of Class A common stock in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
	The weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted stock granted during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012 was $17.60, $14.75 and $17.72, respectively. The total fair value of shares that vested during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012 was $7,770,000, $9,156,000 and $8,503,000, respectively. At December 31, 2013, there was $18,326,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.47 years.
	In connection with the vesting of restricted stock during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company repurchased into treasury 179,907 shares, 129,568 shares and 90,104 shares, respectively, of Class A common stock to satisfy the employees’ related minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. These shares were placed in treasury with an aggregate cost basis of $3,167,000, $1,963,000 and $1,670,000, respectively.
	Performance Shares
	Performance shares may be granted to selected executives and the vesting of the shares is contingent upon meeting management objectives established by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The management objectives may be company-wide or business unit performance goals and may include market conditions and service requirements. The performance period may not be less than one year. Performance shares will generally be granted at target levels and the ultimate number of shares earned will depend upon the degree performance goals are met at the end of the performance period. The fair value of performance shares that do not have a market condition are based on the closing price of the underlying stock on the date of grant and recorded as stock-based compensation cost over the requisite service period. If the performance goals are not met or below target, then any related recognized compensation costs will be reversed. If the performance goals are exceeded, additional compensation costs will be recorded, as applicable, up to the maximum specified in the grant. The fair value of performance shares that have a market condition is based on a Monte Carlo simulation and is recorded as stock-based compensation cost over the requisite service period. The cost is recognized even if the market condition is not satisfied, provided the service requirement is met.
	The weighted average grant-date fair value of performance shares granted during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the year ended January 31, 2013 was $17.78 and $20.74, respectively. Both grants have performance goals that include a market condition and the fair values were computed using a Monte Carlo simulation. At December 31, 2013, there was $7,242,000 of unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested performance shares that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.56 years.
	The following table provides a summary of the performance share activity for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013:
		Shares		Weighted
				Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
Unvested shares at January 31, 2013	295,337		$	20.74
Granted	299,460		$	17.78
Vested	—		$	—
Forfeited	(7,587	)	$	20.74
Unvested shares at December 31, 2013	587,210		$	19.23
The range of performance shares that can be earned as of December 31, 2013 is as follows:
Performance Period	Range	Minimum Shares		Target		Maximum Shares
				Shares
February 1, 2012 to December 31, 2015	0% to 200%	—		287,750		575,500
February 1, 2013 to December 31, 2016	0% to 200%	—		299,460		598,920
		—		587,210		1,174,420

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
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 basic EPS. The Class A Common Units, which are reflected as noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are considered convertible participating securities as they are entitled to participate in any dividends paid to the Company’s common shareholders. The Class A Common 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 a put or conversion of the 2014 Senior Notes, 2016 Senior Notes, 2018 Senior Notes, 2020 Senior Notes and Series A preferred stock is included in the computation of diluted EPS using the if-converted method. The loss from continuing operations attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012 were allocated solely to holders of common stock as the participating security holders do not share in the losses.
	The reconciliation of the amounts used in the basic and diluted EPS computations is shown in the following table:
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
	Numerators (in thousands)
	Loss from continuing operations attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	$	(13,160	)	$	(21,211	)	$	(115,089	)
	Preferred dividends and inducements of preferred stock conversions	(185		)	(32,129		)	(15,400		)
	Loss from continuing operations attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders - Basic and Diluted	$	(13,345	)	$	(53,340	)	$	(130,489	)
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	$	(5,307	)	$	36,425		$	(86,486	)
	Preferred dividends and inducements of preferred stock conversions	(185		)	(32,129		)	(15,400		)
	Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	—			(1,878		)	—
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders - Basic and Diluted	$	(5,492	)	$	2,418		$	(101,886	)
	Denominators
	Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic and Diluted (1)	193,465,572			172,621,723			168,170,650
	Earnings Per Share
	Loss from continuing operations attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders - Basic and Diluted	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.31	)	$	(0.78	)
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders - Basic and Diluted	$	(0.03	)	$	0.01		$	(0.61	)
	-1	Incremental shares from dilutive options, restricted stock and convertible securities aggregating 35,431,746, 49,642,605 and 45,856,959 for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their effect is anti-dilutive due to loss from continuing operations. Weighted-average options, restricted stock and performance shares of 3,601,719, 4,105,670 and 4,222,955 for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their effect is anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method.

Impairment_of_Real_Estate_Impa

Impairment of Real Estate, Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities and Write-Off of Abandoned Development Projects and Demolition Costs	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Impairment of Real Estate Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities and Write Off of Abandoned Development Projects and Demolition Costs [Abstract]	'
Impairment of Real Estate, Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities and Write-Off of Abandoned Development Projects and Demolition Costs	'
	Impairment of Real Estate, Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities and Write-Off of Abandoned Development Projects and Demolition Costs
	Impairment of Real Estate
	The Company reviews its real estate portfolio, including land inventory, for impairment whenever events or changes indicate that its carrying value may not be recoverable. In order to determine whether the carrying costs are recoverable from estimated future undiscounted cash flows, the Company uses various assumptions that include future net operating income, estimated holding periods, risk of foreclosure and estimated cash proceeds received 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 are Level 2 or 3 inputs. The Company’s assumptions are based on current information. If the conditions deteriorate or if the Company’s plans regarding its assets change, additional impairment charges may occur in the future.
	The impairments recorded during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012 represent write-downs to estimated fair value due to a change in events, such as a change in strategy for certain assets, bona fide third-party purchase offers or changes in certain assumptions, including estimated holding periods and current market conditions and the impact of these assumptions to the properties’ estimated future cash flows.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s impairment of real estate included in continuing operations:
			11 Months Ended			Years Ended
			December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013		January 31, 2012
			(in thousands)
	Brooklyn Atlantic Yards	Brooklyn, New York	$	289,864		$	—	$	—
	LiveWork Las Vegas	Las Vegas, Nevada	112,838			—		—
	Promenade Bolingbrook (Regional Mall)	Bolingbrook, Illinois	54,194			—		—
	Office Buildings:
	Building J at Illinois Science and Technology Park	Skokie, Illinois	17,474			—		—
	Halle Building	Cleveland, Ohio	—			30,200		—
	Other		1,185			460		235
			$	475,555		$	30,660	$	235
	On December 16, 2013, the Company announced the signing of a definitive agreement with Greenland Group Co. (“Greenland”) for a joint venture to develop the Brooklyn Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn, New York. The joint venture will execute on the remaining development rights, including the infrastructure and vertical construction of the residential units, but excludes Barclays Center and the under construction B2 BKLYN apartment community. Under the joint venture, Greenland will acquire 70% of the project, co-develop the project with the Company and share in the entire project costs going forward at the same percentage interest. If effectuated, the joint venture will develop the project consistent with the approved master plan. All due diligence by Greenland has been completed and no other significant contingencies preventing the transaction from closing remain. The agreement is subject to necessary regulatory approvals but it is expected that all approvals will be received, allowing the transaction to close in mid-2014. The Company has analyzed the agreement and determined that, upon closing, the joint venture will be accounted for on the equity method of accounting, resulting in the deconsolidation of the investment in Brooklyn Atlantic Yards and its allocation of the site acquisition costs. Based on the facts described above, the Company has estimated it is likely the transaction will close and the asset will be sold. As a result, the Company has classified the assets and liabilities as held for sale on its consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 and recorded the asset at estimated fair value less costs to sell, resulting in an impairment of $289,864,000 ($242,417,000, net of noncontrolling interest) recorded during the two months ended December 31, 2013. Additionally, upon closing, evaluation on a quarterly basis for other than temporary impairment of their equity method investment will be required. This could result in future impairments of its equity method investment.
	During 2013, the Company continued to execute its strategy of focusing on core products located in core markets. In executing this strategy, the Company made a strategic business decision to reduce the expected level of development at LiveWork Las Vegas, a mixed-use project on a 13.5 acre parcel in Las Vegas, Nevada and consider ways to maximize the near-term value of the investment, which may include build to suit development, equity joint venture or marketing a portion of the land parcels to third parties. The change in strategy reduced the estimated hold period and expected cash flows. As a result, the Company’s estimated undiscounted cash flows no longer exceed the carrying value of the asset, requiring the Company to adjust the carrying value to its estimated fair value. As such, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $112,838,000 during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013.
	During 2013, the Company continued to make progress on the marketing of Promenade Bolingbrook, a regional mall in Bolingbrook, Illinois. At December 31, 2013, discussions with a potential purchaser were ongoing and remained subject to further negotiation and applicable due diligence periods. However, based on the status of the discussions, the possibility of a sale of the asset increased and was reasonably possible. As a result, the Company reviewed and updated the impairment analysis. The estimated probability weighted undiscounted cash flows no longer exceed the carrying value of the asset requiring the Company to adjust the carrying value to its estimated fair value. As such, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $54,194,000 during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013.
	During 2013, the Company made a strategic business decision to modify its redevelopment plan for Building J at Illinois Science and Technology Park. The building, currently vacant, would require a significant amount of capital in order to re-tenant and continue to hold on a long term basis. The Company has determined it is no longer willing to invest any additional capital in this building without a tenant for a substantial portion of the building or without some form of significant financial subsidy. As a result of this decision, the Company's estimated undiscounted cash flows no longer exceed the carrying value of the asset, requiring the Company to adjust the carrying value to its estimated fair value. As such, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $17,474,000 during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013.
	During 2012, preliminary negotiations with a potential tenant to lease a majority of the Halle Building were discontinued since the Company was unwilling to invest the significant amount of capital necessary to execute the proposed lease. As a result, the Company began evaluating several long-term strategies for the building, as it has below average occupancy, had continued to lose tenants in 2012 and required significant capital investment. The strategies considered included a near-term disposition of the asset in its current state, investing significant capital to re-tenant the space and hold on a long term basis, or invest additional capital to position the asset for sale, which may have increased the sales price. The Company determined it is not likely to invest any significant additional capital and would pursue the repositioning of the asset for redevelopment through a joint venture or exploration of an outright sale. The change in strategy reduced the long-term hold probability and the Company's estimated probability weighted undiscounted cash flows no longer exceed the carrying value of the asset requiring the Company to adjust the carrying value to its estimated fair value of $10,500,000. As such, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $30,200,000 during the year ended January 31, 2013.
	Impairment of Real Estate - Discontinued Operations
	The Company had impairments related to consolidated real estate assets that were disposed of during the periods presented. The following table summarizes the Company’s impairment of real estate included in discontinued operations:
			11 Months Ended			Years Ended
			December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013		January 31, 2012
			(in thousands)
	Orchard Town Center (Regional Mall)	Westminster, Colorado	$	15,649		$	—	$	—
	Investment in triple net lease retail property	Kansas City, Missouri	6,870			—		—
	Investment in triple net lease retail property	Portage, Michigan	—			2,263		3,435
	White Oak Village (Specialty Retail Center)	Richmond, Virginia	—			1,566		—
	250 Huron (Office Building)	Cleveland, Ohio	—			—		10,257
	Other		—			425		—
			$	22,519		$	4,254	$	13,692
	The Company recorded impairments of real estate for properties included in discontinued operations as described in the table above. These impairments represent a write down to the estimated fair value due to changes in events, related to a bona fide third-party purchase offer and consideration of current market conditions and the impact of these events to the properties’ estimated future cash flows.
	The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value of the impairment of real estate (including discontinued operations) for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the year ended January 31, 2013:
		Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
		Fair Value			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range of Input Values
		(in thousands)
	December 31, 2013
	Impairment of real estate	$	734,240		Indicative Bids	Indicative Bids	N/A (1)
	Impairment of real estate	29,500			Comparable Property Market Analysis	Price Per Square Foot	$22 to $55 per square foot (2)
	January 31, 2013
	Impairment of real estate	$	83,193		Indicative Bids	Indicative Bids	N/A (1)
	Impairment of real estate	$	10,500		Discounted Cash Flow	Discount Rate	10.00%
	-1	These fair value measurements were derived from bona fide purchase offers from third party prospective buyers, subject to the Company’s corroboration for reasonableness.
	-2	Weighted average price is $45 per square foot.
	Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities
	The Company reviews its portfolio of unconsolidated entities for other-than-temporary impairments whenever events or changes indicate that 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 order to arrive at estimates of fair value, the Company uses varying assumptions that may 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 newly opened properties, assumptions also include the timing of initial lease up at the property. In the event initial 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 impairment of unconsolidated entities.
			11 Months Ended			Years Ended
			December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013		January 31, 2012
			(in thousands)
	Village at Gulfstream Park (Specialty Retail Center)	Hallandale Beach, Florida	$	—		$	—	$	35,674
	Commercial land and development rights	Cleveland, Ohio	—			—		4,610
	Other		—			390		—
			$	—		$	390	$	40,284
	The impairment recorded during the year ended January 31, 2012 at Village at Gulfstream Park represents an other-than-temporary impairment in the Company’s equity method investment. The specialty retail center was fully opened in February 2010 and was leased during the general economic downturn, which resulted in a longer initial lease up period than originally projected and increased rent concessions to the existing tenant base. During the year ended January 31, 2012, the general economic conditions continued to negatively impact the operating results at the specialty retail center. The specialty retail center continued to experience a slower than anticipated lease-up period and had not reached the expected level of cash flows used in previous estimates of fair value. Based on these conditions, management revised its estimate of future discounted cash flows downward. As a result, the Company’s equity method investment was recorded at its estimated fair value, resulting in an impairment charge of $35,674,000 during the year ended January 31, 2012. During the year ended January 31, 2013, the Company disposed of its equity method investment in Village at Gulfstream Park.
	Write-Off of Abandoned Development Projects and Demolition Costs
	On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews each project under development to determine whether it is probable that the project will be developed. If management determines that the project will not be developed, project costs and other expenses related to the project are written off and expensed 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 wrote off abandoned development projects of $40,414,000, $26,850,000 and $8,838,000 for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The amount for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 includes $8,200,000 of non-capitalizable demolition costs at Ten MetroTech Center.

Gain_on_Extinguishment_of_Debt

Gain on Extinguishment of Debt	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt [Abstract]	'
Gain on Extinguishment of Debt	'
	Gain on Extinguishment of Debt
	For the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded $4,549,000, $7,096,000 and $9,590,000, respectively, as gain on extinguishment of debt. The amount for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 primarily relates to a $24,669,000 gain on the extinguishment of nonrecourse mortgage debt at Ten MetroTech Center partially offset by a $13,077,000 loss on the redemptions of the 2034 and 2017 Senior Notes and a $4,762,000 loss on the exchange of the 2014 Senior Notes for Class A common stock.
	The gain on extinguishment of debt at Ten MetroTech Center resulted from the debt restructuring during the year ended January 31, 2013 of a defaulted nonrecourse mortgage which had a carrying value of $73,500,000. The nonrecourse mortgage consisted of a promissory note ("A note") that was subject to a subordinated participation ("B note"). During 2012, the B noteholder bought out the A noteholder's interest and became the sole holder of the entire nonrecourse mortgage. Concurrent with this transaction, the B noteholder applied restricted cash, which represented accumulated cash flow swept and retained by the loan servicer, of approximately $12,300,000 to the outstanding principal balance and the Company signed a forbearance agreement that included a further reduction of the outstanding principal balance to $40,000,000. The new lender agreed to not continue to prosecute the foreclosure proceedings for two years as long as the Company complies with the terms of the forbearance agreement. The forbearance agreement increased the interest rate to 9% per annum and required a participation payment in the amount equal to 50% of any net proceeds, as defined in the forbearance agreement, in excess of $40,000,000 in the event the Company sells the property during the two-year forbearance period. Under the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructuring, no gain was recorded on the transaction and all amounts paid to the lender for interest, principal or applicable participation fees during the two-year forbearance period was applied to reduce the carrying value of the liability. Upon settlement of the nonrecourse mortgage during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013, a gain was recognized in an amount equal to the then carrying value of the liability in excess of $40,000,000.
	The amount for 2012 primarily relates to a $9,425,000 gain on extinguishment of nonrecourse mortgage debt at Terminal Tower, an office building in Cleveland, Ohio.
	The amount for 2011 primarily relates to a $15,101,000 gain on extinguishment of nonrecourse mortgage debt at LiveWork Las Vegas and a $5,329,000 gain related to the early extinguishment of Urban Development Action Grant loans on Avenue at Tower City Center, a specialty retail center in Cleveland, Ohio. These gains were offset by a $10,800,000 loss on the exchange of a portion of the 2016 Senior Notes for Class A common stock as described in Note H – Senior and Subordinated Debt.

Discontinued_Operations_and_Ga

Discontinued Operations and Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Rental Properties	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations and Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Rental Properties	'
	Discontinued Operations and Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Rental Properties
	The following table lists rental properties included in discontinued operations:
	Property	Location	Square Feet/	Period	11 Months Ended 12/31/13	Year Ended 1/31/13	Year Ended 1/31/12
			Number of Units (Unaudited)	Disposed
	Commercial Group:
	Orchard Town Center	Westminster, Colorado	603,000 square feet	Q4-2013	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Colorado Studios	Denver, Colorado	75,000 square feet	Q3-2013	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Higbee Building	Cleveland, Ohio	815,000 square feet	Q2-2013	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Sheraton Station Square	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	399 rooms	Q2-2013	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Fairmont Plaza	San Jose, California	335,000 square feet	Q4-2012	—	Yes	Yes
	White Oak Village	Richmond, Virginia	843,000 square feet	Q3-2012	—	Yes	Yes
	Quebec Square	Denver, Colorado	739,000 square feet	Q1-2012	—	Yes	Yes
	Ritz-Carlton hotel	Cleveland, Ohio	206 rooms	Q4-2011	—	—	Yes
	250 Huron	Cleveland, Ohio	119,000 square feet	Q4-2011	—	—	Yes
	Waterfront Station – East 4th & West 4th Buildings	Washington, D.C.	631,000 square feet	Q2-2011	—	—	Yes
	Charleston Marriott hotel	Charleston, West Virginia	352 rooms	Q1-2011	—	—	Yes
	Seven triple net lease properties	Various	422,000 square feet	Various (1)	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Residential Group:
	Millender Center	Detroit, Michigan	339 units	Q1-2013	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Emerald Palms	Miami, Florida	505 units	Q4-2012	—	Yes	Yes
	Southfield	Whitemarsh, Maryland	212 units	Q3-2012	—	Yes	Yes
	-1	Includes, one triple net lease property disposed of during Q4-2013, one triple net lease property disposed of during Q1-2013, three triple net lease properties disposed of during Q3-2012 and two triple net lease properties disposed of during Q2-2012.
	The following table summarizes the operating results related to discontinued operations:
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Revenues from real estate operations	$	42,257		$	90,171		$	121,335
	Expenses
	Operating expenses	25,614			46,873			65,478
	Depreciation and amortization	6,774			17,125			24,650
	Impairment of real estate	22,519			4,254			13,692
		54,907			68,252			103,820
	Interest expense	(4,733		)	(15,197		)	(22,134		)
	Amortization of mortgage procurement costs	(290		)	(1,173		)	(1,577		)
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	(40		)	(464		)	—
	Interest income	225			389			6,012
	Gain on disposition of rental properties	41,831			100,900			133,554
	Earnings before income taxes	24,343			106,374			133,370
	Income tax expense (benefit)	10,463			47,353			21,016
	Earnings from discontinued operations	13,880			59,021			112,354
	Noncontrolling interests
	Gain on disposition of rental properties	5,960			965			81,758
	Operating earnings from rental properties	67			420			1,993
		6,027			1,385			83,751
	Earnings from discontinued operations attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	$	7,853		$	57,636		$	28,603
	The following table summarizes the pre-tax gain (loss) on disposition of rental properties:
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Apartment Communities:
	Millender Center	$	21,660		$	—		$	—
	Emerald Palms	—			45,845			—
	Southfield	—			13,445			—
	Hotels:
	Sheraton Station Square	18,096			—			—
	Charleston Marriott	—			—			9,957
	Ritz-Carlton	—			—			2,431
	Office Buildings:
	Higbee Building	2,922			—			—
	Colorado Studios	1,239			—			—
	Fairmont Plaza	—			26,877			—
	Waterfront Station – East 4th & West 4th Buildings	—			—			111,738
	250 Huron	—			—			9,428
Orchard Town Center (Regional Mall)	(2,157		)	—			—
Triple net lease properties	(132		)	6,568			—
Quebec Square (Specialty Retail Center)	—			8,879			—
Other	203			(714		)	—
	$	41,831		$	100,900		$	133,554

Class_A_Common_Units

Class A Common Units	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Class A Common Units [Abstract]	'
Class A Common Units	'
	Class A Common Units
	Master Contribution Agreement
	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”), an Executive Vice President and Director of the Company, and certain entities and individuals affiliated with Mr. Ratner (the “BCR Entities”) on August 14, 2006. Pursuant to the Master Contribution Agreement, on November 8, 2006, the Company issued Class A Common Units (“Units”) in a jointly-owned limited liability company to the BCR Entities in exchange for their interests in a total of 30 retail, office and residential operating properties, and certain service companies, all in the Greater New York City metropolitan area. The Company accounted for the issuance of the Units in exchange for the noncontrolling interests under the purchase method of accounting. The 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. The Company has no rights to redeem or repurchase the Units. At December 31, 2013 and January 31, 2013, 3,646,755 Units were outstanding. The carrying value of the Units of $186,021,000 is included as noncontrolling interests at December 31 and January 31, 2013.
	Also pursuant to the Master Contribution Agreement, the Company and Mr. Ratner agreed that certain projects under development would remain owned jointly until such time as each individual project was completed and achieved “stabilization.” As each of the development projects achieves stabilization, it is valued and the Company, in its discretion, chooses among various options for the ownership of the project following stabilization consistent with the Master Contribution Agreement. As described below, the Company and Mr. Ratner have agreed upon the value of five of the development projects that have reached stabilization. As of December 31, 2013, Westchester's Ridge Hill, a mixed-use retail project in Yonkers, New York, and air rights for any future residential vertical development at East River Plaza, a specialty retail center in Manhattan, New York, remain subject to this agreement. The development projects were not covered by the Tax Protection Agreement (the “Tax Protection Agreement”) that the parties entered into in connection with the Master Contribution 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.
	In accordance with the terms of the Tax Protection Agreement, the Company made no payments to the BCR Entities for tax indemnification during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the year ended January 31, 2013. During the year ended January 31, 2012, the Company paid the BCR Entities $1,074,000 for tax indemnification.
	8 Spruce Street, DKLB BKLN and East River Plaza
	Pursuant to the terms of the Master Contribution Agreement, on January 2, 2014, the Company caused certain of its affiliates to acquire for cash the BCR Entities' interests in three stabilized projects , 8 Spruce Street, an apartment community in Manhattan, New York, DKLB BKLN, an apartment community in Brooklyn, New York, and East River Plaza, all of which were under development at the time of the Master Contribution Agreement. In accordance with the agreements, the applicable BCR Entities assigned and transferred their interests in the three projects to affiliates of the Company and received $14,286,000.
	Prior to the transaction, the Company accounted for the three projects using the equity method of accounting and will continue to account for the projects as equity method investments, resulting in an increase in investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates totaling $14,286,000.
	New York Times and Twelve MetroTech Center
	Pursuant to the terms of the Master Contribution Agreement, in May 2008, the Company caused certain of its affiliates to acquire for cash the BCR Entities’ interests in two stabilized projects, New York Times, an office building in Manhattan, New York, and Twelve MetroTech Center, an office building in Brooklyn, New York. In accordance with the agreements, the applicable BCR Entities assigned and transferred their interests in the two projects to affiliates of the Company and will receive approximately $121,000,000 over a 15 year period. An affiliate of the Company has also agreed to indemnify the applicable BCR Entity against taxes payable by it by reason of a subsequent sale or other disposition of one of the projects. The tax indemnity provided by the affiliate of the Company expires on December 31, 2014 and is similar to the indemnities provided for the operating properties under the Tax Protection Agreement.
	The consideration exchanged by the Company for the BCR Entities’ interest in the two development projects has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Pursuant to the agreements, the BCR Entities received an initial cash amount of $49,249,000. The Company calculated the net present value of the remaining payments over the 15 year period using a discounted interest rate. This initial discounted amount of $56,495,000 was recorded and will be accreted up to the total liability through interest expense over the 15 year period using the effective interest method. At December 31 and January 31, 2013, $13,013,000 and $22,643,000, respectively, is recorded in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities related to this obligation.

Capital_Stock

Capital Stock	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Capital Stock	'
	Capital Stock
	Common Stock
	The Company’s authorized common stock consists of Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The economic rights of each class of common stock are identical, but the voting rights differ. The Class A common stock, voting as a separate class, is entitled to elect four of the members of the Company’s board of directors, while the Class B common stock, voting as a separate class, is entitled to elect the remaining nine members of the Company’s board of directors. When the Class A common stock and Class B common stock vote together as a single class, each share of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote per share and each share of Class B common stock is entitled to ten votes per share. Class B Common Stock is convertible into Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis at the option of the holder.
	In May 2011, the Company entered into separate, privately negotiated exchange agreements with certain holders of the 2016 Senior Notes to exchange such notes for shares of the Company’s Class A common stock as described in Note H ‑ Senior and Subordinated Debt. As part of the exchange, the Company issued 3,444,293 shares of Class A common stock.
	On April 16, 2013, the Company entered into separate, privately negotiated exchange agreements with certain holders of the 2014 Senior Notes to exchange such notes for Class A common stock. Under the terms of the agreements, noteholders agreed to exchange $138,853,000 in aggregate principal amount of 2014 Senior Notes for a total of 9,549,721 shares of Class A common stock and a cash payment of $4,860,000 for additional exchange consideration, accrued interest and in lieu of fractional shares.
	On May 31, 2013, the Company issued a put termination notice to the noteholders. Pursuant to the Indenture, following the put termination notice, holders of the 2014 Senior Notes were permitted to put such notes to the Company through June 20, 2013. As of July 12, 2013, the last settlement date for noteholders to put the 2014 Senior Notes to the Company, $60,033,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2014 Senior Notes were put, for which noteholders received 4,128,806 shares of Class A common stock and cash payments totaling $1,088,000 for interest payable to October 15, 2013 and in lieu of fractional shares.
	In addition, during the year ended January 31, 2013, the Company issued 13,852,435 shares of Class A common stock pursuant to separate privately negotiated exchange transactions for Series A preferred stock as described below.
	Preferred Stock
	The Company’s Amended Articles of Incorporation authorize the Company to issue, from time to time, shares of preferred stock. The Series A Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series A preferred stock") ranked junior to all of the Company’s existing and future debt obligations, including convertible or exchangeable debt securities; senior to the Company’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock and any future equity securities that by their terms rank junior to the Series A preferred stock with respect to distribution rights or payments upon the Company’s liquidation, winding-up or dissolution; equal with future series of preferred stock or other equity securities that by their terms are on a parity with the Series A preferred stock; and junior to any future equity securities that by their terms rank senior to the Series A preferred stock.
	Holders were able to convert the Series A preferred stock, at their option, into shares of Class A common stock at any time. Upon conversion, the holder would receive approximately 3.3 shares of Class A common stock per $50 liquidation preference of Series A preferred stock, based on an initial conversion price of $15.12 per share of Class A common stock, subject to adjustment. The Company was able to elect to mandatorily convert some or all of the Series A preferred stock if the Daily Volume Weighted Average Price of its Class A common stock equaled or exceeded 150% of the initial conversion price then in effect for at least 20 out of 30 consecutive trading days. If the Company elected to mandatorily convert some or all of the Series A preferred stock, the Company was required to make a dividend make-whole payment on the Series A preferred stock equal to the total value of the aggregate amount of dividends that would have accrued and become payable from March 2010 to March 2013, less any dividends already paid on the Series A preferred stock.
	On October 16, 2012 and December 13, 2012, the Company entered into separate, privately negotiated exchange agreements with certain holders of its Series A Preferred Stock to exchange such stock for shares of the Company's Class A common stock. Under the terms of the agreements, holders exchanged $209,447,600 in aggregate amount of liquidation preference consisting of 4,188,952 shares, of Series A preferred stock, for 13,852,435 shares of the Company's Class A common stock. The amount of common shares issued was equivalent to the initial conversion price of $15.12 per share of Class A common stock. The Company made aggregate cash payments of $19,069,000 to the holders for additional exchange consideration, including dividends that would have been payable on December 17, 2012 and March 15, 2013. Under the accounting guidance for induced conversion of convertible preferred stock, the cash inducement payments were recorded as a reduction to retained earnings.
	From January 31, 2013 to March 14, 2013, 109,768 shares of Series A preferred stock were converted by holders into 362,990 shares of Class A common stock in accordance with the original terms of the Series A preferred stock. On March 15, 2013, the Company redeemed the remaining 101,270 shares of Series A preferred stock for approximately $5,100,000, the aggregate amount of liquidation preference plus the dividend that was due and payable on March 15, 2013.
	On March 13, 2013, the Company and the counterparties settled an equity call hedge transaction that was entered into in connection with the original issuance of the Series A preferred stock. As a result, the Company received 765,134 shares of Class A common stock valued at $16.82 per share for a total of $12,868,000 and cash payments of $10,231,000. In accordance with accounting guidance on equity hedge transactions, amounts received upon settlement of equity call hedge transactions in which the Company had the choice of net share settlement or net cash settlement are reflected as an increase to additional paid-in capital.
	The Company declared and paid Series A preferred stock dividends of $185,000, $13,060,000 and $15,400,000 during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
	SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	Description	Balance at		Additions		Deductions		Balance at
		Beginning		Charged to				End of
		of Period		Costs and				Period
				Expenses
		(in thousands)
	Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable
	December 31, 2013	$	25,858	$	13,467	$	24,184	$	15,141
	January 31, 2013	$	25,875	$	6,016	$	6,033	$	25,858
	January 31, 2012	$	31,192	$	5,439	$	10,756	$	25,875
	Valuation reserve on other investments
	December 31, 2013	$	5,277	$	35	$	—	$	5,312
	January 31, 2013	$	5,168	$	109	$	—	$	5,277
	January 31, 2012	$	4,881	$	287	$	—	$	5,168
	Valuation allowances for deferred tax assets
	December 31, 2013	$	53,282	$	1,047	$	6,252	$	48,077
	January 31, 2013	$	55,330	$	4,025	$	6,073	$	53,282
	January 31, 2012	$	61,744	$	1,962	$	8,376	$	55,330

Real_Estate_and_Accumulated_De

Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation	'
	(c) Financial Statements Schedules (continued)
	SCHEDULE III – REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
	Forest City Enterprises, Inc. and Subsidiaries
						Initial Cost to Company						Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition			Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of December 31, 2013						Accumulated Depreciation at December 31, 2013 (C)		Date of Construction/ Acquisition	Range of Lives on Which Depreciation in Latest Income Statement is Computed
	Name	Location	Amount of Encumbrance at December 31, 2013			Land			Buildings and Improvements			Improvements and Carrying Costs			Land		Buildings and Improvements		Total (A)(B)
	Office Buildings		(in thousands)
	2 Hanson Place	Brooklyn, NY	$	103,386		$	—		$	108,940		$	3,739		$	—	$	112,679	$	112,679	$	21,268	2004	-1
	4930 Oakton	Skokie, IL	—			670			1,842			2,554			1,081		3,985		5,066		651		2006	-1
	Ballston Common Office Center	Arlington, VA	43,507			7,301			45,964			6,296			7,301		52,260		59,561		10,193		2005	-1
	Commerce Court	Pittsburgh, PA	24,411			3,432			20,873			2,723			3,432		23,596		27,028		7,547		2007	-1
	Edgeworth Building	Richmond, VA	19,282			942			29,353			2,047			951		31,391		32,342		4,350		2006	-1
	Eleven MetroTech Center	Brooklyn, NY	61,000			—			41,290			17,047			6,270		52,067		58,337		21,588		1995	-1
	Fifteen MetroTech Center	Brooklyn, NY	168,970			3,762			163,414			8,482			—		175,658		175,658		35,653		2003	-1
	Halle Building	Cleveland, OH	11,001			503			9,776			34,604			5,071		39,812		44,883		36,515		1986	-1
	Harlem Center	Manhattan, NY	30,737			—			31,672			8,362			—		40,034		40,034		7,490		2003	-1
	Illinois Science and Technology Park
	- 4901 Searle (A)	Skokie, IL	21,020			837			16,227			4,508			1,674		19,898		21,572		3,232		2006	-1
	- 8025 Lamon (P)	Skokie, IL	15,077			978			6,426			20,634			1,957		26,081		28,038		2,901		2006	-1
	- 8045 Lamon (Q)	Skokie, IL	18,682			3,301			21,198			28,502			6,601		46,400		53,001		6,215		2007	-1
	Johns Hopkins-855 North Wolfe Street	Baltimore, MD	69,885			7,314			76,318			12,135			7,314		88,453		95,767		9,878		2008	-1
	Johns Hopkins Parking Garage	Baltimore, MD	—			1,600			26,185			2,682			1,600		28,867		30,467		606		2012	-1
	Mesa del Sol - 5600 University SE	Albuquerque, NM	606			868			4,625			—			868		4,625		5,493		1,667		2006	-1
	Mesa del Sol - Aperture Center	Albuquerque, NM	—			834			3,010			71			834		3,081		3,915		1,076		2008	-1
	Mesa del Sol - Fidelity	Albuquerque, NM	22,862			5,003			29,872			81			5,003		29,953		34,956		2,669		2008	-1
	New York Times	Manhattan, NY	640,000			91,737			375,931			137,269			141,479		463,458		604,937		57,758		2007	-1
	Nine MetroTech Center North	Brooklyn, NY	60,927			—			64,303			4,250			380		68,173		68,553		23,470		1997	-1
	One MetroTech Center	Brooklyn, NY	163,770			—			212,153			53,775			23,543		242,385		265,928		106,548		1991	-1
	One Pierrepont Plaza	Brooklyn, NY	3,907			—			86,863			99,419			558		185,724		186,282		102,658		1988	-1
	Post Office Plaza	Cleveland, OH	14,851			—			57,213			24,923			—		82,136		82,136		39,202		1990	-1
	Richmond Office Park	Richmond, VA	64,189			11,766			88,632			7,697			11,766		96,329		108,095		17,142		2007	-1
	Skylight Office Tower	Cleveland, OH	27,411			2,500			32,695			33,646			—		68,841		68,841		37,191		1991	-1
	Stapleton-3055 Roslyn	Denver, CO	4,414			225			7,523			1,270			228		8,790		9,018		1,212		2006	-1
	Terminal Tower	Cleveland, OH	—			—			29,422			84,034			—		113,456		113,456		56,605		1983	-1
	Twelve MetroTech Center	Brooklyn, NY	—			—			42,344			16,140			1,847		56,637		58,484		10,122		2004	-1
	Two MetroTech Center	Brooklyn, NY	74,431			—			155,280			34,391			7,137		182,534		189,671		69,920		1990	-1
	University of Pennsylvania	Philadelphia, PA	47,578			—			41,146			10,707			—		51,853		51,853		9,343		2004	-1
	Miscellaneous Investments	Various	—			10,628			85,480			(18,698		)	9,303		68,107		77,410		19,200		Various	-1
	Office Buildings Subtotal		$	1,711,904		$	154,201		$	1,915,970		$	643,290		$	246,198	$	2,467,263	$	2,713,461	$	723,870
	(c) Financial Statements Schedules (continued)
	SCHEDULE III – REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
	Forest City Enterprises, Inc. and Subsidiaries
						Initial Cost to Company						Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition			Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of December 31, 2013						Accumulated Depreciation at December 31, 2013 (C)		Date of Construction/ Acquisition	Range of Lives on Which Depreciation in Latest Income Statement is Computed
	Name	Location	Amount of Encumbrance at December 31, 2013			Land			Buildings and Improvements			Improvements and Carrying Costs			Land		Buildings and Improvements		Total (A)(B)
	Retail
	Atlantic Center Site V	Brooklyn, NY	$	23		$	—		$	3,238		$	1,485		$	1,047	$	3,676	$	4,723	$	1,232	1998	-1
	Avenue at Tower City Center	Cleveland, OH	—			—			174,726			25,198			192		199,732		199,924		100,007		1990	-1
	Ballston Common Mall	Arlington, VA	46,100			170			18,069			67,072			442		84,869		85,311		44,528		1986	-1
	Brooklyn Commons	Brooklyn, NY	21,241			—			23,794			1,688			20,017		5,465		25,482		1,523		2004	-1
	Northfield at Stapleton	Denver, CO	43,401			4,830			80,687			84,499			24,683		145,333		170,016		28,735		2005	-1
	Promenade Bolingbrook	Bolingbrook, IL	74,621			20,271			95,390			(27,642		)	21,018		67,001		88,019		20,943		2007	-1
	Quartermaster Plaza	Philadelphia, PA	64,794			36,443			32,325			1,330			35,340		34,758		70,098		13,491		2004	-1
	Shops at Wiregrass	Tampa, FL	89,170			28,842			109,587			2,114			25,882		114,661		140,543		18,639		2008	-1
	Station Square	Pittsburgh, PA	24,356			5,989			27,519			17,201			6,443		44,266		50,709		19,718		1994	-1
	The Yards - Boilermaker Shops	Washington, D.C.	11,316			529			12,468			4,376			529		16,844		17,373		338		2012	-1
	The Yards - Lumber Shed	Washington, D.C.	6,747			306			12,820			—			306		12,820		13,126		109		2013	-1
	Tower City Parking	Cleveland, OH	—			2,317			11,789			16,036			2,049		28,093		30,142		11,960		1990	-1
	Westchester's Ridge Hill	Yonkers, NY	465,000			236,692			661,705			7,830			238,772		667,455		906,227		46,180		2011	-1
	Miscellaneous Investments	Various	19,253			12,911			20,607			12,861			20,911		25,468		46,379		7,757		Various	-1
	Retail Subtotal		$	866,022		$	349,300		$	1,284,724		$	214,048		$	397,631	$	1,450,441	$	1,848,072	$	315,160
	Arena
	Barclays Center	Brooklyn, NY	$	450,560		$	—		$	890,213		$	43,140		$	9,246	$	924,107	$	933,353	$	41,523	2012	-1
	Apartments
	100 Landsdowne Street	Cambridge, MA	$	45,000		$	728		$	60,020		$	(136	)	$	819	$	59,793	$	60,612	$	12,815	2005	-1
1111 Stratford	Stratford, CT	12,155			2,414			15,798			—			2,414		15,798		18,212		131		2013	-1
1251 S. Michigan	Chicago, IL	9,500			97			13,978			764			106		14,733		14,839		2,738		2006	-1
American Cigar Company	Richmond, VA	11,530			1,395			23,533			528			1,411		24,045		25,456		4,139		2000	-1
Ashton Mill	Cumberland, RI	17,151			2,885			33,844			11,802			3,242		45,289		48,531		8,569		2005	-1
Aster Conservatory Green	Denver, CO	17,843			1,325			13,125			—			1,325		13,125		14,450		121		2013	-1
Botanica Eastbridge	Denver, CO	13,000			765			13,698			26			765		13,724		14,489		703		2012	-1
Brookview Place	Dayton, OH	2,258			155			4,588			324			155		4,912		5,067		3,585		1979	-1
Cameron Kinney	Richmond, VA	—			2,340			23,206			3,457			2,492		26,511		29,003		4,515		2007	-1
Cedar Place	Lansing, MI	3,928			399			7,000			226			399		7,226		7,625		3,613		1974	-1
Consolidated-Carolina	Richmond, VA	21,290			1,028			30,425			1,080			1,032		31,501		32,533		7,237		2003	-1
Cutter's Ridge at Tobacco Row	Richmond, VA	—			389			4,356			(118		)	392		4,235		4,627		1,045		2006	-1
Drake	Philadelphia, PA	27,201			1,353			38,104			8,173			1,353		46,277		47,630		13,184		1998	-1
Easthaven at the Village	Beachwood, OH	25,741			7,919			39,768			7,695			8,087		47,295		55,382		18,995		1994	-1
Forest Trace	Lauderhill, FL	38,907			4,356			41,505			2,195			4,543		43,513		48,056		13,282		2000	-1
Foundry Lofts	Washington, D.C.	45,236			2,086			52,806			3,689			2,089		56,492		58,581		3,312		2011	-1
Grand Lowry Lofts	Denver, CO	17,394			1,448			22,726			2,047			1,621		24,600		26,221		5,385		2000	-1
(c) Financial Statements Schedules (continued)
SCHEDULE III – REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
Forest City Enterprises, Inc. and Subsidiaries
					Initial Cost to Company						Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition			Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of December 31, 2013						Accumulated Depreciation at December 31, 2013 (C)		Date of Construction/ Acquisition	Range of Lives on Which Depreciation in Latest Income Statement is Computed
Name	Location	Amount of Encumbrance at December 31, 2013			Land			Buildings and Improvements			Improvements and Carrying Costs			Land		Buildings and Improvements		Total (A)(B)
Apartments (continued)
Hamel Mill Lofts	Haverhill, MA	41,361			3,974			72,902			607			3,063		74,420		77,483		8,659		2008	-1
Heritage	San Diego, CA	21,914			7,433			42,202			3,874			7,468		46,041		53,509		13,257		2002	-1
Hummingbird Pointe	Parma, OH	6,098			330			5,059			16,613			1,351		20,651		22,002		8,612		1972	-1
Independence Place I	Parma Heights, OH	4,145			210			6,671			1,188			225		7,844		8,069		4,034		1973	-1
Independence Place II	Parma Heights, OH	3,265			498			3,931			2,053			515		5,967		6,482		1,751		2003	-1
Kennedy Biscuit Lofts	Cambridge, MA	20,600			716			23,645			4,446			719		28,088		28,807		15,357		1990	-1
Knolls	Orange, CA	32,520			53			23,759			543			53		24,302		24,355		10,817		1995	-1
Lofts 23	Cambridge, MA	6,085			221			17,026			54			314		16,987		17,301		4,111		2005	-1
Lofts at 1835 Arch	Philadelphia, PA	38,291			2,076			27,430			12,398			2,082		39,822		41,904		10,423		2001	-1
Lucky Strike	Richmond, VA	15,278			1,105			34,095			35			3,019		32,216		35,235		5,465		2008	-1
Mercantile Place on Main	Dallas, TX	36,999			8,876			75,478			5,124			8,798		80,680		89,478		13,900		2008	-1
Metro 417	Los Angeles, CA	48,990			8,545			67,326			4,230			8,547		71,554		80,101		13,550		2005	-1
Metropolitan	Los Angeles, CA	38,900			4,420			36,557			9,732			4,474		46,235		50,709		22,370		1989	-1
Midtown Towers	Parma, OH	13,198			1,215			11,091			11,241			1,306		22,241		23,547		9,526		1969	-1
Museum Towers	Philadelphia, PA	31,344			3,474			18,158			6,372			3,909		24,095		28,004		8,848		1997	-1
North Church Towers	Parma Heights, OH	5,300			789			4,037			2,982			816		6,992		7,808		1,375		2009	-1
One Franklintown	Philadelphia, PA	37,821			1,658			31,489			8,650			1,741		40,056		41,797		19,893		1988	-1
Pavilion	Chicago, IL	53,064			5,250			29,505			14,233			5,274		43,714		48,988		11,926		1992	-1
Perrytown Place	Pittsburgh, PA	4,663			463			6,898			188			463		7,086		7,549		3,946		1973	-1
Presidio Landmark	San Francisco, CA	44,000			2,060			92,687			1,753			2,064		94,436		96,500		10,248		2010	-1
Queenswood	Corona, NY	28,729			321			39,243			841			327		40,078		40,405		17,381		1990	-1
Sky55	Chicago, IL	68,237			3,965			80,930			276			4,016		81,155		85,171		17,696		2006	-1
The Aster Town Center	Denver, CO	8,364			487			9,901			11			487		9,912		10,399		614		2012	-1
The Continental	Dallas, TX	37,486			1,586			48,455			—			1,586		48,455		50,041		1,578		2013	-1
Town Center (Botanica on the Green & Crescent Flats)	Denver, CO	38,073			3,436			63,073			3,952			3,325		67,136		70,461		16,603		2004	-1
Uptown Apartments	Oakland, CA	118,479			—			138,710			—			—		138,710		138,710		2,193		2013	-1
Wilson Building	Dallas, TX	12,776			2,217			16,565			3,561			1,937		20,406		22,343		3,387		2007	-1
Miscellaneous Investments	Various	27,069			447			78,944			3,083			406		82,068		82,474		18,266		Various	-1
Apartments Subtotal		$	1,151,183		$	96,907		$	1,544,247		$	159,792		$	100,530	$	1,700,416	$	1,800,946	$	379,155
(c) Financial Statements Schedules (continued)
SCHEDULE III – REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
Forest City Enterprises, Inc. and Subsidiaries
					Initial Cost to Company						Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition			Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of December 31, 2013						Accumulated Depreciation at December 31, 2013 (C)		Date of Construction/ Acquisition	Range of Lives on Which Depreciation in Latest Income Statement is Computed
Name	Location	Amount of Encumbrance at December 31, 2013			Land			Buildings and Improvements			Improvements and Carrying Costs			Land		Buildings and Improvements		Total (A)(B)
Land Inventory
Stapleton	Denver, CO	$	—		$	64,395		$	—		$	—		$	64,395	$	—	$	64,395	$	—	Various	N/A
LiveWork Las Vegas	Las Vegas, NV	—			29,464			—			—			29,464		—		29,464		—		Various	N/A
Commercial Outlots	Various	—			32,895			—			—			32,895		—		32,895		—		Various	N/A
Land Inventory Subtotal		$	—		$	126,754		$	—		$	—		$	126,754	$	—	$	126,754	$	—
Corporate and Other Equipment
Corporate office	Various	$	—		$	—		$	11,401		$	—		$	—	$	11,401	$	11,401	$	9,620	Various	-1
Construction Projects
2175 Market Street	San Fransisco, CA	$	55		$	3,018		$	15,684		$	—		$	3,018	$	15,684	$	18,702	—		Various	N/A
Brooklyn Atlantic Yards - B2 BKLYN	Brooklyn, NY	56,605			45,700			70,768			—			45,700		70,768		116,468		—		Various	N/A
The Yards - Twelve12	Washington, D.C.	78,857			4,804			76,889			—			4,804		76,889		81,693		—		Various	N/A
Winchester Lofts	New Haven, CT	—			67			14,468			—			67		14,468		14,535		—		Various	N/A
Miscellaneous Investments	Various	—			—			29,181			—			—		29,181		29,181		—		Various	N/A
Development Projects
Brooklyn Atlantic Yards	Brooklyn, NY	228,000			504,171			—			—			504,171		—		504,171		—		Various	N/A
The Yards	Washington, D.C.	4,300			—			68,059			—			—		68,059		68,059		—		Various	N/A
The Science + Technology Park at Johns Hopkins	Baltimore, MD	—			5,386			19,823			—			5,386		19,823		25,209		—		Various	N/A
Waterfront Station	Washington, D.C.	—			559			31,106			—			559		31,106		31,665		—		Various	N/A
Miscellaneous Investments	Various	32,020			19,763			130,204			—			19,763		130,204		149,967		—		Various	N/A
Construction and Development Subtotal		$	399,837		$	583,468		$	456,182		$	—		$	583,468	$	456,182	$	1,039,650	$	—
Total Real Estate		$	4,579,506		$	1,310,630		$	6,102,737		$	1,060,270		$	1,463,827	$	7,009,810	$	8,473,637	$	1,469,328
Land Held for Divestiture	Various	—			1,934			—			—			1,934		—		1,934		—		Various	N/A
Total Real Estate Including Land Held for Divestiture		$	4,579,506		$	1,312,564		$	6,102,737		$	1,060,270		$	1,465,761	$	7,009,810	$	8,475,571	$	1,469,328
(A)	The aggregate cost at December 31, 2013 for federal income tax purposes was $8,170,396. For (B) and (C) refer to the following page.
-1	Depreciation is computed based upon the following estimated useful lives:
	Years
Building and improvements (other than Arena)	40 – 50
Arena	34.5
Equipment and fixtures	5 – 15
Tenant improvements	Shorter of useful life or applicable lease term
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
(B)	Reconciliations of total real estate carrying value are as follows:
	Balance at beginning of period	$	10,026,010		$	9,646,870		$	11,166,539
	Additions during period -
	Improvements	471,653			791,705			874,614
	Other additions, primarily as a result of change in accounting method of property	171,260			60,897			3,577
	Other acquisitions	8,514			12,587			9,201
		651,427			865,189			887,392
	Deductions during period -
	Cost of real estate sold or retired	(439,130		)	(370,110		)	(422,342		)
	Cost of real estate in connection with disposal of partial interests	(1,180,016		)	—			(404,893		)
	Other deductions, primarily due to impairments and as a result of change in accounting method of property	(582,720		)	(115,939		)	(1,579,826		)
		(2,201,866		)	(486,049		)	(2,407,061		)
	Balance at end of period	$	8,475,571		$	10,026,010		$	9,646,870
(C)	Reconciliations of accumulated depreciation are as follows:
	Balance at beginning of period	$	1,654,632		$	1,526,503		$	1,614,399
	Additions during period - Charged to profit or loss	255,824			204,070			181,865
	Net other additions (deductions) during period - Acquisitions, retirements, sales or disposals	(441,128		)	(75,941		)	(269,761		)
	Balance at end of period	$	1,469,328		$	1,654,632		$	1,526,503

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Nature of Business	'
	Nature of Business
	Forest City Enterprises, Inc. (the “Company”) principally engages in the ownership, development, management and acquisition of commercial and residential real estate and land throughout the United States. The Company operates through three strategic business units and has six reportable operating segments. The three strategic business units, which represent four reportable operating segments, are the Commercial Group, Residential Group and Land Development Group (collectively, the “Real Estate Groups”). The Commercial Group, the Company’s largest strategic business unit, owns, develops, acquires and operates regional malls, specialty/urban retail centers, office and life science buildings and mixed-use projects. Additionally, it operates Barclays Center, a sports and entertainment arena located in Brooklyn, New York, which is reported as a separate reportable operating segment ("Arena"). The Residential Group owns, develops, acquires and operates residential rental properties, including upscale and middle-market apartments and adaptive re-use developments. Additionally, the Residential Group owns interests in entities that develop and manage military family housing. The Land Development Group acquires and sells both land and developed lots to residential, commercial and industrial customers at its Stapleton project in Denver, Colorado.
	Corporate Activities and The Nets, a member of the National Basketball Association (“NBA”) in which the Company accounts for its investment on the equity method of accounting, are the other reportable operating segments.
	The Company has approximately $9.0 billion of consolidated assets in 26 states and the District of Columbia at December 31, 2013. The Company’s core markets include Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, the Greater New York City metropolitan area, Philadelphia, the Greater San Francisco metropolitan area and the Greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The Company has offices in Albuquerque, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and the Company’s corporate headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio.
Change in Fiscal Year-End	'
	Change in Fiscal Year-End
	On March 29, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a change to the Company's fiscal year-end to December 31 from January 31, effective December 31, 2013 (the “Year-end change”). As a result, the Company is presenting an 11 month period ended December 31, 2013 as its transition period (the “2013 Transition period”) in this Form 10-KT. Due to the Year-end change, many of the differences in comparisons of the Company's results are impacted by the one-month difference between the 2013 Transition period and the full years. The Company believes the Year-end change is important and useful to its financial statement users to allow for increased comparability of its performance to its peers. The years 2013, 2012 and 2011 refer to the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the fiscal years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Forest City Enterprises, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiaries and entities in which it has a controlling interest in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The accounting guidance for consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIE”) requires an ongoing reassessment of determining whether a variable interest gives a company a controlling financial interest in a VIE. The Company continuously reassesses whether or not it has the (a) power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affect its economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
Variable Interest Entities	'
	Variable Interest Entities
	The Company’s VIEs consist of joint ventures that are engaged in the ownership, development and management of office buildings, regional malls, specialty retail centers, apartment communities, military housing and The Nets. As of December 31, 2013, the Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary of 33 VIEs representing 24 properties, which are consolidated. The creditors of the consolidated VIEs do not have recourse to the Company’s general credit. As of December 31, 2013, the Company held variable interests in 59 VIEs for which it is not the primary beneficiary, which are accounted for as equity method investments. The maximum exposure to loss as a result of the ownership of these unconsolidated VIEs is limited to the Company’s applicable investment balances, which approximates $62,000,000 at December 31, 2013.
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 VIEs, estimates of useful lives for long-lived assets, reserves for collection on accounts and notes receivable and other investments, impairment of real estate and other-than-temporary impairments on its equity method investments. As a result of the nature of estimates made by the Company, actual results could differ.
	In April 2013, management approved a plan to demolish Ten MetroTech Center, an office building in Brooklyn, New York, to clear the land for its redevelopment or sale. Accordingly, the original useful life, estimated to expire in 2042, of Ten MetroTech Center was adjusted to expire at the demolition date in October 2013, which resulted in $45,500,000 of accelerated depreciation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior year amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation. Certain parcels of land adjacent to the Company's existing operating assets amounting to $34,250,000 were reclassified from projects under construction and development to land inventory in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 31, 2013.
Recognition of Revenue	'
	Recognition of Revenue
	Real Estate Sales and Assets Held for Sale – The specific timing of a sale transaction and recognition of profit is measured against various criteria in the real estate sales accounting guidance covering the terms of the transaction and any continuing involvement in the form of management or financial assistance associated with the property. If the sales criteria are not met, the Company defers gain recognition and accounts for the transaction by applying the deposit, finance, installment or cost recovery methods, as appropriate.
	Consolidated properties that have been sold or determined to be held for sale are reported as discontinued operations. The determination of when an asset qualifies as held for sale requires significant judgment. Factors the Company considers when evaluating whether an asset qualifies as held for sale include, among other things, whether the potential sale is approved by management, the status of any marketing efforts, interest from prospective buyers, the status of any sale negotiations and the probability of whether the asset will be sold in twelve months. Each potential sale is evaluated based on its separate facts and circumstances.
	Leasing Operations – The Company enters into leases with tenants in its rental properties. The lease terms in the retail centers and office buildings generally range from 1 to 30 years, excluding leases with certain anchor tenants, which typically are longer. Minimum rents are recognized on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable term of the related lease, which include the effects of rent steps and rent abatements under the leases. Overage rents are recognized after the contingency has been removed (i.e., sales thresholds have been achieved). Recoveries from tenants for taxes, insurance and other commercial property operating expenses are recognized as revenues in the period the applicable costs are incurred.
	Construction – Revenues and profit on long-term fixed-price contracts are recorded using the percentage-of-completion method. Revenues on reimbursable cost-plus fee contracts are recorded in the amount of the accrued reimbursable costs plus proportionate fees at the time the costs are incurred.
	Military Housing Fee Revenues – Property management and asset management fees are earned based on a contractual percentage of the annual net rental income and annual operating income, respectively, generated by the military housing privatization projects as defined in the agreements. Additional property management incentive fees are recognized based upon successful completion of criteria set forth in the property management agreements.
	Development fees are earned based on a contractual percentage of the actual development costs incurred. Additional development incentive fees are recognized based upon successful completion of criteria, such as incentives to realize development cost savings, encourage small and local business participation, comply with specified safety standards and other project management incentives as specified in the development agreements.
	Construction management fees are earned based on a contractual percentage of the actual construction costs incurred. Additional construction incentive fees are recognized based upon successful completion of certain criteria as set forth in the construction contracts.
	Arena Revenues – The Arena naming rights agreement with Barclays Services Corporation commenced with the opening of the Arena, has a 20 year term and is subject to certain extension rights. Arena naming rights revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement.
	Arena founding partner and sponsor agreements entitle the parties to certain sponsorship, promotional, media, hospitality and other rights and entitlements. These agreements expire at various terms ranging from one to seven years from the opening of the Arena and revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreements.
	Arena suite licenses entitle the licensee to the use of a luxury suite in the Arena. The terms of the suite license agreements commenced on the date the Arena opened and range from one to seven years. Revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreements.
	Ticketing fee revenue is based on the Arena's share of ticket sale fees in accordance with an agreement with Ticketmaster. Revenue from ticketing fees is deferred and recognized upon settlement of the related event.
Recognition of Costs and Expenses	'
	Recognition of Costs and Expenses
	Operating expenses primarily represent the recognition of operating costs, which are charged to operations as incurred, administrative expenses and taxes other than income taxes. Interest expense and real estate taxes during active development and construction are capitalized as a part of the project cost.
	Depreciation and amortization is generally computed on a straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. The estimated useful lives of buildings (other than the Arena) and certain first generation tenant allowances that are considered by management as a component of the building are 40 to 50 years. The estimated useful life of the Arena is 34.5 years, reflecting the ground leases on which the Arena was built. Subsequent tenant improvements and those first generation tenant allowances that are not considered a component of the building are amortized over the lesser of the remaining useful life of the asset or the term of the tenant’s lease. This estimated life is based on the length of time the asset is expected to generate positive operating cash flows. Actual events and circumstances can cause the life of the building and tenant improvement to be different than the estimates made. Additionally, lease terminations can affect the economic life of the tenant improvements.
	Major improvements and tenant improvements that are the Company’s assets are capitalized in real estate costs and expensed through depreciation charges. Tenant improvements that are lease inducements are capitalized into other assets and amortized as a reduction of rental revenues over the term of the tenant’s lease. Repairs, maintenance and minor improvements are expensed as incurred.
	A variety of costs are incurred in the development and leasing of properties. After determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific component of a project that is benefited. Determination of when a development project is substantially complete and capitalization must cease involves judgment. The Company’s capitalization policy on development properties is based on accounting guidance for the capitalization of interest cost and accounting guidance for costs and the initial rental operations of real estate properties. The costs of land and buildings under development include specifically identifiable costs. The capitalized costs include pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, salaries and related costs and other costs incurred during the period of development. The Company considers a construction project as substantially complete and held available for occupancy upon the completion of tenant improvements, but no later than one year from cessation of major construction activity. The Company ceases capitalization on any portion substantially completed and occupied or held available for occupancy, and capitalizes only those costs associated with the portion under construction. Costs and accumulated depreciation applicable to assets retired or sold are eliminated from the respective accounts and any resulting gains or losses are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Impairment of Real Estate	'
	Impairment of Real Estate
	The Company reviews its real estate portfolio, including land inventory, for impairment whenever events or changes indicate that its carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment indicators include, but are not limited to, significant decreases in property net operating income, significant decreases in occupancy rates, the physical condition of the property and general economic conditions. A property’s value is impaired only if, in management’s estimate, the aggregate future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) to be generated by the property are less than the carrying value of the property. In addition, the undiscounted cash flows may consider a probability-weighted cash flow estimation approach when alternative courses of action to recover the carrying amount of a long-lived asset are under consideration or a range is estimated at the balance sheet date. Significant estimates are made in the determination of future undiscounted cash flows including future net operating income, estimated hold periods, risk of foreclosure and estimated cash proceeds received upon disposition of the asset. To the extent an impairment has occurred, the loss will be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the property over the fair value of the property. Determining fair value of real estate, if required, also involves significant judgments and estimates including discount and capitalization rates. Changes to these estimates made by management could affect whether or not an impairment charge would be required and/or the amount of impairment charges recognized.
Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities	'
	Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities
	The Company reviews its unconsolidated entities for other-than-temporary impairments whenever events or changes indicate that its carrying value in the investments may be in excess of fair value. A loss in value of an equity method investment which is other-than-temporary is recognized as an impairment of unconsolidated entities. This determination is based upon the length of time elapsed, severity of decline, possible recovery period and other relevant facts. Determining fair value of a real estate investment and whether or not a loss is other-than-temporary involves significant judgments and estimates. Examples of these estimates include timing and amounts of expected cash flows, discount rates, capitalization rates and comparable sales data, among other things. Changes to these estimates could affect whether or not an impairment charge would be required and/or the amount of impairment charges recognized.
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the date of grant and is based on the fair value of the equity award. The fair value of stock options is computed using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which incorporates assumptions for risk-free rate, expected volatility, dividend yield, and expected life of the options. The fair value of restricted stock is equal to the closing price of the stock on the date of grant. The fair value cost of stock options and restricted stock, as adjusted for estimated forfeitures, is recognized over the requisite service period of the grantee using the straight-line attribution method. Cost recognition is accelerated if the grantee is retirement-eligible (as defined in the 1994 Stock Plan, as amended) or becomes retirement-eligible before the end of the nominal vesting period. The cost is recognized immediately if the grantee is retirement-eligible at the date of grant or on a straight-line basis over the period ending with the first anniversary from the date of grant when the individual becomes retirement-eligible. The fair value of performance shares that do not have a market condition is equal to the closing price of the underlying stock on the date of grant. The compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period if it is probable that the performance goals will be achieved. The fair value of performance shares that have a market condition is computed using a Monte Carlo simulation. The compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period if the requisite service is rendered, even if the market condition is never satisfied.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	The Company’s restricted stock is considered a participating security pursuant to the two-class method for computing basic earnings per share (“EPS”). The Class A Common Units issued in exchange for Bruce C. Ratner’s noncontrolling interests in the Forest City Ratner Company portfolio in November 2006, 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 shareholders. The Class A Common 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 a put or conversion of the Puttable Equity-Linked Senior Notes due 2014, Convertible Senior Notes due 2016, Convertible Senior Notes due 2018, Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 and Series A Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock are included in the computation of diluted EPS using the if-converted method.
Acquisition of Rental Properties	'
	Acquisition of Rental Properties
	Upon acquisition of a rental property, the purchase price of the property is allocated to net tangible and identified intangible assets acquired based on fair values. Above-market and below-market in-place lease values for acquired properties are recorded based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) the Company's estimate of the fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease. Capitalized above-market lease values are amortized as a reduction of rental revenues (or rental expense for ground leases in which the Company is the lessee) over the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases. Capitalized below-market lease values are amortized as an increase to rental revenues (or rental expense for ground leases in which the Company is the lessee) over the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases, including any fixed-rate renewal periods that are probable of being exercised. For the Company's below market lease and in-place lease intangibles that remain at December 31 and January 31, 2013, there were no fixed rate renewal periods associated with these leases that the Company deemed probable of renewal and included in the calculation of the intangible asset value or related amortization period.
	Intangible assets also include amounts representing the value of tenant relationships and in-place leases based on the Company's evaluation of each tenant’s lease and its overall relationship with the respective tenant. The Company estimates the cost to execute leases with terms similar to in-place leases, including leasing commissions, legal expenses and other related expenses. This intangible asset is amortized to expense over the remaining term of the respective lease. The Company's estimates of value are made using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers or by using independent appraisals. Factors considered by the Company in this analysis include an estimate of the carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods, current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, the Company includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, which primarily range from three to twelve months. The Company also considers information obtained about each property as a result of its pre-acquisition due diligence, marketing and leasing activities in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired. The Company also uses the information obtained as a result of its pre-acquisition due diligence in considering any conditional asset retirement obligations, and when necessary, will record a conditional asset retirement obligation as part of its purchase price.
	When calculating the estimated value to assign to a tenant relationship intangible asset, the Company estimates the likelihood that a lessee will execute a lease renewal and other factors relative to the relationship. In determining the likelihood of lease renewal, the Company utilizes a probability weighted model based on many factors. Other qualitative factors related to the relationship that the Company considers include, but are not limited to, the nature and extent of the business relationship with the tenant, growth prospects for developing new business with the tenant and the tenant’s credit quality. The value of tenant relationship intangibles is amortized over the remaining initial lease term and expected renewals, but in no event longer than the remaining depreciable life of the building. The value of in-place leases is amortized over the remaining non-cancelable term of the respective leases and any fixed-rate renewal periods that are deemed probable.
	In the event that a tenant terminates its lease, the unamortized portion of each intangible asset, including market rate adjustments, in-place lease values and tenant relationship values, would be charged to expense.
Cash and Equivalents	'
	Cash and Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market value.
	Cash flows associated with items intended as hedges of identifiable transactions or events are classified in the same category as the cash flows from the items being hedged. Cash flows from derivatives not designated as cash flow or fair value hedges are generally classified in the investing section in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	Cash flows associated with lease procurement costs are classified as investing activities and consist primarily of lease commissions and related legal fees associated with procuring first generation tenants under long-term lease agreements for office buildings, retail regional malls or specialty retail centers. The Company primarily incurs these costs during the development phase of the project and they are integral to starting construction and ultimately completing the project. Management views these lease procurement costs as part of the initial investment to obtain long-term cash inflow.
	The Company maintains operating cash and reserves for replacement balances in financial institutions which, from time to time, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company periodically assesses the financial condition of these institutions and believes that the risk of loss is minimal.
Restricted Cash and Escrowed Funds	'
	Restricted Cash and Escrowed Funds
	Restricted cash and escrowed funds represent restricted amounts with financial institutions for debt services payments, taxes and insurance, collateral, security deposits, capital replacement, improvement and operating reserves, bond funds, development escrows and construction escrows.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Reserves on Notes Receivable	'
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Reserves on Notes Receivable
	The Company records allowances against its rent receivables from tenants and other receivables that it considers uncollectible. These allowances are based on management’s estimate of receivables that will not be realized from cash receipts in subsequent periods. The Company also maintains an allowance for receivables arising from the straight-lining of rents. This receivable arises from earnings recognized in excess of amounts currently due under lease agreements. Management exercises judgment in establishing these allowances and considers payment history and current credit status in developing these estimates. The allowance against the straight-line rent receivable is based on historical experience with early lease terminations as well as specific review of significant tenants and tenants that are having known financial difficulties. There is a risk that the estimate of the expected activity of current tenants may not accurately reflect future events. If the estimate does not accurately reflect future tenant vacancies, the reserve for straight-line rent receivable may be over or understated by the actual tenant vacancies that occur.
	The Company estimates the allowance for notes receivable based on its assessment of expected future cash flows estimated to be received with consideration given to any collateral of the respective note. If the estimate of expected future cash flows does not accurately reflect actual events, the reserve on notes receivable may be over or understated by the actual cash flows that occur.
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	'
	Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
	The Company accounts for its investments in unconsolidated entities using the equity method of accounting whereby the cost of an investment is adjusted for the Company’s share of income or loss from the date of acquisition, increased for equity contributions made and reduced by distributions received. The income or loss for each unconsolidated entity is allocated in accordance with the provisions of the applicable operating agreements, which may differ from the ownership interest held by each investor. Certain investments in unconsolidated entities' share of cumulative allocated losses and cash distributions received exceeds its cumulative allocated share of income and equity contributions. As a result, the carrying value of certain investments in unconsolidated entities is negative. Unconsolidated entities with negative carrying values are included in cash distributions and losses in excess of investments in unconsolidated entities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Differences between the Company’s carrying value of its investment in unconsolidated entities and the Company’s underlying equity of such unconsolidated entities are amortized over the respective lives of the underlying assets or liabilities, as applicable. The Company records income or loss in certain unconsolidated entities based on the distribution priorities, which may change upon the achievement of certain return thresholds.
	The Company invests in projects through partnerships and limited liability entities. The Company may provide funding in excess of its legal ownership. These fundings are typically interest-bearing or entitle the Company to a preference on and of such advances on property cash flows and are included in investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities.
Other Assets	'
	Other Assets
	Included in other assets are costs incurred in connection with obtaining financings which are deferred and amortized over the life of the related debt. Costs incurred in connection with leasing space to tenants are also included in other assets and are deferred and amortized using the straight-line method over the lives of the related leases.
Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible Assets
	Upon an acquisition of a rental property, the Company records intangible assets acquired at their estimated fair value separate and apart from goodwill. The Company amortizes identified intangible assets with finite lives on a straight-line basis over the period the assets are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the future cash flows of the acquired property. Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible asset is not recoverable and its carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value.
	In connection with the Company’s military housing projects, intangible assets are recorded based upon the costs associated with acquiring military housing development and management contracts. Intangible assets related to the military housing development contracts are amortized based upon the ratio of development fees earned in relation to overall fee income to be earned throughout the contract period. Intangible assets related to the military housing management contracts are amortized based upon a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the management contracts.
Historic and New Market Tax Credit Entities	'
	Historic and New Market Tax Credit Entities
	The Company has investments in properties that have received, or the Company believes are entitled to receive, historic preservation tax credits on qualifying expenditures under Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) section 47 and new market tax credits on qualifying investments in designated community development entities (“CDEs”) under IRC section 45D, as well as various state credit programs, including participation in the New York State Brownfield Tax Credit Program, which entitles the members to tax credits based on qualified expenditures at the time those qualified expenditures are placed in service. The Company typically enters into these investments with sophisticated financial investors. In exchange for the financial investors’ initial contribution into the investment, the financial investor is entitled to substantially all of the benefits derived from the tax credit. Typically, these arrangements have put/call provisions (which range up to 7 years) whereby the Company may be obligated (or entitled) to repurchase the financial investors’ interest. The Company has consolidated each of these entities in its consolidated financial statements and has included these investor contributions in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities.
	The Company guarantees to the financial investor that in the event of a subsequent recapture by a taxing authority due to the Company’s noncompliance with applicable tax credit guidelines, it will indemnify the financial investor for any recaptured tax credits. The Company initially records a liability for the cash received from the financial investor. The Company generally records income upon completion and certification of the qualifying development expenditures for historic preservation tax credits and upon certification of the qualifying investments in designated CDEs for new market tax credits, resulting in an adjustment of the liability at each balance sheet date to the amount that would be paid to the financial investor based upon the tax credit compliance regulations, which range from 0 to 7 years. Income related to the sale of tax credits of $19,347,000, $20,800,000 and $27,296,000 was recognized during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which was recorded in interest and other income.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded to reflect the expected tax consequences on future years attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities. The Company has recognized the benefit of its tax loss carryforward, which it expects to use as a reduction of the deferred tax expense. The Company records valuation allowances against deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that a portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company’s financial statements reflect the expected future tax consequences of a tax position if that tax position is more likely than not of being sustained upon examination, presuming the taxing authorities have full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. The Company records interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions as a component of income tax expense.
Derivatives Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	Derivatives are recorded at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and whether it meets the hedge accounting requirements. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain interest rate risk, even though the contracts do not qualify for or the Company has elected not to apply hedge accounting.
Noncontrolling Interest	'
	Noncontrolling Interest
	Interests held by partners in consolidated entities are reflected in noncontrolling interest, which represents the noncontrolling interests’ share of the underlying net assets of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interest that is not redeemable is reported in the equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Noncontrolling interests where the Company may be required to repurchase the noncontrolling interest at fair value under a put option or other contractual redemption requirements are reported in the mezzanine section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets as redeemable noncontrolling interest. The Company adjusts the redeemable noncontrolling interest to redemption value (which approximates fair value) at each balance sheet date with changes recognized as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital.
New Accounting Guidance	'
	New Accounting Guidance
	The following accounting pronouncements were adopted during the 11 months ended December 31, 2013:
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on the use of benchmark interest rates for hedge accounting. This guidance provides an entity the option to use the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate, in addition to the rate on United States Treasuries and London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), for hedge accounting purposes. The guidance also removes restrictions on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. This guidance is effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance for the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated OCI. This guidance does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. However, the amendments require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated OCI by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated OCI by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The required disclosures upon adoption of this guidance on February 1, 2013 are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2012, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. This guidance provides an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. If an entity concludes otherwise, it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. This guidance is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance on February 1, 2013 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In December 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on derecognition of in substance real estate. This guidance specifies that when a parent company (reporting entity) ceases to have a controlling financial interest (as described in the accounting guidance on consolidation) in a subsidiary that is in substance real estate as a result of a default on the subsidiary’s nonrecourse debt, the reporting entity should apply the guidance on property, plant and equipment to determine whether it should derecognize the in substance real estate. Generally, a reporting entity would not satisfy the requirements to derecognize the in substance real estate before the legal transfer of the real estate to the lender and the extinguishment of the related nonrecourse indebtedness. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning on or after June 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance on February 1, 2013 did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements or their comparability to previously issued financial statements as the guidance in this amendment is consistent with the Company's previous accounting policies.
	In December 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance that requires entities to disclose both gross and net information on financial instruments and transactions eligible for offset on the balance sheets and financial instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. In January 2013, the FASB issued guidance clarifying that the scope of disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities should apply only to derivatives and hedging instruments. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The adoption of this guidance on February 1, 2013 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	The following new accounting pronouncement will be adopted on its respective required effective date:
	In July 2013, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or tax credit carryforward exists. This guidance, which clarifies whether the unrecognized tax benefit should be recorded as a liability or reduction of the related deferred tax asset, is effective for fiscal years and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments
	The carrying amount of notes and accounts receivable, excluding the Stapleton advances, and accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities approximates fair value based upon the short-term nature of the instruments. The carrying amount of the Stapleton advances approximates fair value since the interest rates on these advances approximates current market rates. The Company estimates the fair value of its debt instruments by discounting future cash payments at interest rates that 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 and loan to value ratios. The fair value of the Company’s debt instruments is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“accumulated OCI”):
		December 31,			January 31,
		2013			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Unrealized losses on securities	$	—		$	340		$	445
	Unrealized (gains) losses on foreign currency translation	189			(69		)	1,558
	Unrealized losses on interest rate contracts(1)	125,059			168,497			194,928
		125,248			168,768			196,931
	Income tax benefit	(48,517		)	(65,382		)	(76,315		)
	Noncontrolling interest	(149		)	(183		)	(156		)
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	$	76,582		$	103,203		$	120,460
	-1	Included in the amounts as of December 31, 2013, January 31, 2013 and January 31, 2012 are $97,360, $126,506 and $143,303, respectively, of unrealized loss on an interest rate swap associated with New York Times office building on its nonrecourse mortgage debt with a notional amount of $640,000. This swap effectively fixes the mortgage at an all-in lender interest rate of 6.40% and expires in September 2017.
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The following table summarizes the changes, net of tax and noncontrolling interest, of accumulated OCI by component for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013:
		Securities			Foreign Currency Translation			Interest Rate Contracts			Total
		(in thousands)
	Balance, February 1, 2013	$	(208	)	$	42		$	(103,037	)	$	(103,203	)
	OCI before reclassifications	430			(158		)	22,707			22,979
	(Gain) loss reclassified from accumulated OCI	(222		)	—			3,864			3,642
	Total other comprehensive income	208			(158		)	26,571			26,621
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	—		$	(116	)	$	(76,466	)	$	(76,582	)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The following table summarizes (gains) losses reclassified from accumulated OCI and their location on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013:
	Accumulated OCI Components	(Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI				Location on Consolidated Statements of Operations
		(in thousands)
	Interest rate contracts	6,258				Interest expense
	Interest rate contracts	82				Equity in earnings
		6,340				Total before income tax and noncontrolling interest
		(2,460		)		Income tax benefit
		(16		)		Noncontrolling interest
		$	3,864			Loss on interest rate contracts reclassified from accumulated OCI
Schedule of Transition Period Comparative Data	'
	The following table presents certain financial information for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, for comparability purposes.
		11 Months Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
					(Unaudited)
		(in thousands)
	Revenues from real estate operations	$	1,020,108		$	984,054
	Expenses
	Operating expenses	675,585			608,422
	Depreciation and amortization	279,189			195,044
	Write-offs of abandoned development projects and demolition costs	40,414			14,029
	Impairment of real estate	475,555			30,660
	Net loss on land held for divestiture activity	7,382			4,457
		1,478,125			852,612
	Interest expense	(292,324		)	(236,287		)
	Amortization of mortgage procurement costs	(8,561		)	(10,186		)
	Gain on extinguishment of debt	4,549			6,807
	Interest and other income	52,332			42,246
	Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	496,092			—
	Loss before income taxes	(205,929		)	(65,978		)
	Income tax benefit	(9,334		)	(13,291		)
	Net gain on change in control of interests	2,762			6,766
	Earnings from unconsolidated entities, including impairment, gross of tax	107,825			84,543
	Net gain (loss) on land held for divestiture activity, gross of tax	1,338			(42,606		)
		109,163			41,937
	Loss from continuing operations	(84,670		)	(3,984		)
	Discontinued operations, net of tax	13,880			61,074
	Net earnings (loss)	(70,790		)	57,090
	Noncontrolling interests	65,483			(5,635		)
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	(5,307		)	51,455
	Preferred dividends and inducements of preferred stock conversions	(185		)	(32,129		)
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders	$	(5,492	)	$	19,326

Notes_and_Accounts_Receivable_1

Notes and Accounts Receivable, Net (Tables)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Components of Notes and Accounts Receivable	'
	The components of notes and accounts receivable, net are as follows:
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013
		(dollars in thousands)
	Straight-line rent from tenants	$	135,370		$	148,906
	Military Housing, primarily reimbursable construction costs	29,771			32,507
	Stapleton advances	145,917			107,749
	Receivables from tenants	20,008			29,551
	Other accounts receivable	101,411			88,938
	Notes receivable	38,225			44,407
		470,702			452,058
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(15,141		)	(25,858		)
	Notes and Accounts Receivable, Net	$	455,561		$	426,200
	Weighted average interest rate on notes receivable	6.47		%	4.58		%
	Notes receivable due within one year	$	8,534		$	12,157

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_1

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Members' and Partners' Equity to the Company's Carrying Value	'
	The following is a reconciliation of members’ and partners’ equity to the Company’s carrying value:
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Total members’ and partners’ equity	$	798,590		$	637,341
	Equity of other members and partners	777,646			662,358
	Company’s net investment in unconsolidated entities	20,944			(25,017		)
	Basis differences(1)	137,259			114,215
	Advances to and on behalf of affiliates	32,119			74,703
	Total Investments in Unconsolidated Entities, net	$	190,322		$	163,901
	Assets - Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	$	447,165		$	456,628
	Liabilities - Cash distributions and losses in excess of investments in unconsolidated entities	(256,843		)	(292,727		)
	Total Investments in Unconsolidated Entities, net	$	190,322		$	163,901
	-1	Represents the aggregate difference between the Company’s historical cost basis and the basis reflected at the equity method venture level, which is typically amortized over the life of the related assets or liabilities. Basis differences relate to certain acquisition, transaction and other costs, as well as other-than-temporary impairments that are not reflected in the net assets at the equity method venture level.
Summarized Financial Information for the Equity Method Investments	'
	Summarized financial information for the equity method investments is as follows:
		(Combined 100%)
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Balance Sheets:
	Real Estate
	Completed rental properties	$	8,142,158		$	7,317,652
	Projects under construction and development	205,465			106,705
	Land inventory (1)	120,592			89,268
	Total Real Estate	8,468,215			7,513,625
	Less accumulated depreciation	(1,676,354		)	(1,413,510		)
	Real Estate, net	6,791,861			6,100,115
	Cash and equivalents	156,491			120,545
	Restricted cash - military housing bond funds	116,372			146,484
	Other restricted cash and escrowed funds	316,315			319,989
	Other assets	1,074,972			730,308
	Total Assets	$	8,456,011		$	7,417,441
	Mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse (2)	$	7,113,515		$	6,261,983
	Other liabilities	543,906			518,117
	Members’ and partners’ equity	798,590			637,341
	Total Liabilities and Members’ and Partners’ Equity	$	8,456,011		$	7,417,441
	-1	The amounts at December 31 and January 31, 2013 include $85,879 and $89,268 of land held by unconsolidated entities in which the Company is currently reviewing its options to divest its interest in the land held by these unconsolidated entities.
	-2	The amounts at December 31 and January 31, 2013 include $17,160 and $18,638 of mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse related to the land held by the unconsolidated entities discussed in footnote (1).
		(Combined 100%)
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Operations:
	Revenues	$	1,177,189		$	1,098,412		$	974,860
	Operating expenses	(677,524		)	(613,282		)	(518,463		)
	Interest expense including extinguishment of debt	(315,168		)	(324,768		)	(312,469		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(211,129		)	(208,599		)	(189,109		)
	Interest and other income	14,797			17,684			14,751
	Net gain (loss) on land held for divestiture activity	2,742			(102		)	—
	Gain on disposition of partial interest in a rental property	—			131,027			—
	Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	(9,093	)	$	100,372		$	(30,430	)
	Discontinued operations:
	Operating earnings (loss) from rental properties	2,923			4,181			(3,093		)
	Gain on disposition of rental properties	68,311			—			—
	Discontinued operations subtotal	71,234			4,181			(3,093		)
	Net earnings (loss) (pre-tax)	$	62,141		$	104,553		$	(33,523	)
	Company’s portion of net earnings (pre-tax)	75,014			69,320			8,580
	Impairment of investments in unconsolidated entities	—			(390		)	(40,284		)
	Impairment of investments in unconsolidated entities with land held for divestiture	—			(40,406		)	(41,902		)
	Gain on disposition or partial disposition of equity method investments	34,149			16,107			12,567
	Net earnings (loss) (pre-tax) from unconsolidated entities	$	109,163		$	44,631		$	(61,039	)
Summary of Impairment of Real Estate Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	'
	The following table shows the detail of the impairments noted above:
			11 Months Ended			Years Ended
			December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
			(in thousands)
	Village at Gulfstream Park (Specialty Retail Center)	Hallandale Beach, Florida	$	—		$	—		$	35,674
	Commercial land and development rights	Cleveland, Ohio	—			—			4,610
	Other		—			390			—
	Total impairment of investments in unconsolidated entities		$	—		$	390		$	40,284
Summary of the Gain (Loss) on the Disposition of Unconsolidated Entities	'
	The following table summarizes the gains and losses on the disposition or partial disposition of unconsolidated entities:
			11 Months Ended			Years Ended
			December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
			(in thousands)
	Gain on disposition of rental properties:
	Westin Convention Center (Hotel)	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	$	65,482		$	—		$	—
	Liberty Center (Office Building)	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	2,829			—			—
	Gain on disposition of rental properties		68,311			—			—
	Company's portion of gain on disposition of rental properties		$	34,281		$	—		$	—
	Gain (loss) on disposition of equity method investments:
	Specialty Retail Centers:
	Marketplace at Riverpark	Fresno, California	$	8,579		$	—		$	—
	Plaza at Robinson Town Center	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	(1,510		)	—			—
	Village at Gulfstream Park	Hallandale Beach, Florida	—			14,479			—
	Chagrin Plaza I & II (Office Buildings)	Beachwood, Ohio	—			1,628			—
	Apartment Communities:
	Metropolitan Lofts	Los Angeles, California	—			—			9,964
	Twin Lake Towers	Denver, Colorado	—			—			2,603
	Total gain on disposition of equity method investments		$	7,069		$	16,107		$	12,567
	Gain on partial disposition of equity method investments:
	Charleston Town Center (Regional Mall)	Charleston, West Virginia	$	27,080		$	—		$	—
	Total gain on partial disposition of equity method investments		$	27,080		$	—		$	—
	Total gain on disposition or partial disposition of equity method investments		$	34,149		$	16,107		$	12,567

Other_Assets_Tables

Other Assets (Tables)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Other Assets	'
		December 31, 2013		January 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Lease procurement costs, net	$	130,628	$	211,856
	Prepaid expenses and other deferred costs, net	140,496		240,594
	Intangible assets, net	81,438		85,692
	Mortgage procurement costs, net	62,754		76,450
	Other Assets	$	415,316	$	614,592
Schedule of Future Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets	'
	The estimated aggregate amortization expense related to intangible assets for the next five years is as follows:
	Years Ending December 31,
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	4,528
	2015	3,956
	2016	3,355
	2017	3,850
	2018	3,105

Mortgage_Debt_and_Notes_Payabl1

Mortgage Debt and Notes Payable, Nonrecourse (Tables)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Mortgage Debt and Notes Payable, Nonrecourse [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Mortgage Debt and Notes Payable, Nonrecourse	'
	Nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable, including balances associated with development project held for sale and land held for divestiture, which is collateralized solely by completed rental properties, projects under construction and development and undeveloped land, was as follows:
	December 31, 2013	Operating		Development		Total		Total Weighted Average Rate
		Properties		Projects
		(dollars in thousands)
	Fixed (1)	$	2,286,555	$	294,782	$	2,581,337	5.28	%
	Variable
	Taxable	1,381,225		51,500		1,432,725		4.81	%
	Tax-Exempt	511,889		53,555		565,444		1.47	%
		$	4,179,669	$	399,837	$	4,579,506	4.66	%
	-1	Includes $228,000 of mortgage debt, nonrecourse of development project held for sale, which bears interest at 2.5% and matures in May 2017.
	January 31, 2013	Operating		Development		Total		Total Weighted Average Rate
		Properties		and Land Projects
		(dollars in thousands)
	Fixed	$	3,456,879	$	301,265	$	3,758,144	5.51	%
	Variable
	Taxable	1,448,205		62,725		1,510,930		4.93	%
	Tax-Exempt	408,785		62,801		471,586		1.64	%
		$	5,313,869	$	426,791	$	5,740,660	5.04	%
Composition of Mortgage Debt and Notes Payable, Nonrecourse Maturities	'
	The following summarizes the mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse maturities, as of December 31, 2013:
	Years Ending December 31,	Total
		Maturities
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	839,972
	2015	469,411
	2016	111,636
	2017	1,021,036
	2018	328,254
	Thereafter	1,809,197
	Total	$	4,579,506

Bank_Revolving_Credit_Facility1

Bank Revolving Credit Facility (Tables)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Available Credit on the Bank Revolving Credit Facility	'
	The following table summarizes the available credit on the Credit Facility:
		December 31, 2013		January 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Maximum borrowings	$	500,000	$	450,000
	Less outstanding balances and reserves:
	Borrowings	—		—
	Letters of credit	59,760		67,456
	Surety bonds	—		—
	Available credit	$	440,240	$	382,544

Senior_and_Subordinated_Debt_T

Senior and Subordinated Debt (Tables)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Senior and Subordinated Debt	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s senior and subordinated debt:
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Senior Notes:
	3.625% Puttable Equity-Linked Senior Notes due 2014, net of discount	$	—		$	199,457
	7.625% Senior Notes due 2015	—			53,253
	5.000% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016	50,000			50,000
	6.500% Senior Notes due 2017	—			132,144
	4.250% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018	350,000			350,000
	3.625% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020	300,000			—
	7.375% Senior Notes due 2034, net of discount	—			219,115
	Total Senior Notes	700,000			1,003,969
	Subordinated Debt:
	Subordinate Tax Revenue Bonds due 2013	—			29,000
	Total Senior and Subordinated Debt	$	700,000		$	1,032,969
Summary of Interest Incurred, Capitalized and Paid	'
	The following table summarizes interest incurred, capitalized and paid on all forms of indebtedness (included in Notes E, G and H):
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Interest incurred	$	309,017		$	357,388		$	435,288
	Interest capitalized	(16,693		)	(96,094		)	(193,448		)
	Net interest expense	$	292,324		$	261,294		$	241,840
	Interest incurred from discontinued operations	$	4,733		$	15,197		$	22,134
	Cash paid for interest (net of amount capitalized)	$	292,692		$	291,509		$	260,822

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	'
	The following table presents the fair values and location in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of all derivative instruments:
		Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
		December 31, 2013
		Asset Derivatives							Liability Derivatives
		(included in Other Assets)							(included in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities)
		Current			Fair Value				Current			Fair Value
		Notional							Notional
		(in thousands)
	Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
	Interest rate swap agreements	$	—		$	—			$	961,359		$	97,858
	TRS	18,970			903				339,785			9,772
	Total	$	18,970		$	903			$	1,301,144		$	107,630
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
	Interest rate caps	$	447,532		$	155			$	—		$	—
	TRS	—			—				39,052			15,477
	Total	$	447,532		$	155			$	39,052		$	15,477
		January 31, 2013
	Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
	Interest rate swap agreements	$	—		$	—			$	1,019,920		$	129,522
	TRS	28,000			965				238,395			10,915
	Total	$	28,000		$	965			$	1,258,315		$	140,437
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
	Interest rate caps	$	479,085		$	7			$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swap agreements	18,877			241				—			—
	TRS	140,800			20,101				39,562			15,287
	Total	$	638,762		$	20,349			$	39,562		$	15,287
Gains and Losses Related to Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated OCI	'
	The following tables present 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:
						Gain (Loss) Reclassified from
						Accumulated OCI
	Derivatives Designated as	Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI				Location on Consolidated Statements of Operations	Effective			Ineffective
	Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	(Effective Portion)					Amount			Amount
		(in thousands)
	11 Months Ended December 31, 2013
	Interest rate swaps	$	37,094			Interest expense	$	(3,295	)	$	(2,963	)
	Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps	—				Equity in earnings	(86		)	4
	Total	$	37,094				$	(3,381	)	$	(2,959	)
	Year Ended January 31, 2013
	Interest rate caps, interest rate swaps and Treasury options	$	21,601			Interest expense	$	(3,916	)	$	—
	Interest rate caps, interest rate swaps and Treasury options	—				Equity in earnings	(342		)	14
	Total	$	21,601				$	(4,258	)	$	14
	Year Ended January 31, 2012
	Interest rate caps, interest rate swaps and Treasury options	$	(48,087	)		Interest expense	$	(3,514	)	$	1
	Treasury options	—				Equity in earnings	(372		)	(565		)
	Total	$	(48,087	)			$	(3,886	)	$	(564	)
Impact of Gains and Losses Related to Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Cash Flow Hedges	'
	The following table presents 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
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedging Instruments
	TRS (1)	$	1,081		$	(770	)	$	11,855
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
	Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps	$	(319	)	$	(922	)	$	(1,037	)
	TRS	(1,091		)	12,568			2,264
	Total	$	(1,410	)	$	11,646		$	1,227
	-1	The net gain (loss) recognized in interest expense from the change in fair value of the underlying TRS borrowings was $(1,081), $770 and $(11,855) for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, offsetting the gain (loss) recognized on the TRS.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Financial Assets and Liabilities and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Measured on a Recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents information about financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interest that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value:
		Fair Value Measurements
		December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
		(in thousands)
	Interest rate caps	$	—		$	155		$	—		$	155
	Interest rate swap agreements (liabilities)	—			(498		)	(97,360		)	(97,858		)
	TRS (assets)	—			—			903			903
	TRS (liabilities)	—			—			(25,249		)	(25,249		)
	Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TRS	—			—			8,869			8,869
	Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—			—			(171,743		)	(171,743		)
	Total	$	—		$	(343	)	$	(284,580	)	$	(284,923	)
		January 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
		(in thousands)
	Interest rate caps	$	—		$	7		$	—		$	7
	Interest rate swap agreements (assets)	—			241			—			241
	Interest rate swap agreements (liabilities)	—			(3,016		)	(126,506		)	(129,522		)
	TRS (assets)	—			—			21,066			21,066
	TRS (liabilities)	—			—			(26,202		)	(26,202		)
	Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TRS	—			—			9,950			9,950
	Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—			—			(239,136		)	(239,136		)
	Total	$	—		$	(2,768	)	$	(360,828	)	$	(363,596	)
Reconciliation of Financial Assets and Liabilities and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs	'
	The following table below presents a reconciliation of financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interest measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
		Fair Value Measurements
		Redeemable				Interest Rate				Net			Fair value			Total			Total
		Noncontrolling				Swaps				TRS			adjustment			TRS
		Interest											to the borrowings			Related
													subject to TRS
		(in thousands)
	Balance, February 1, 2012	$	(229,149	)		$	(143,303	)		$	(15,013	)	$	9,180		$	(5,833	)	$	(378,285	)
	Transfers in	—				—				(2,125		)	—			(2,125		)	(2,125		)
	Contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interest	(11,348		)		—				—			—			—			(11,348		)
	Loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	9,785				—				—			—			—			9,785
	Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
	Included in earnings	—				—				11,798			770			12,568			12,568
	Included in noncontrolling interest	—				—				204			—			204			204
	Included in other comprehensive income	—				16,797				—			—			—			16,797
	Included in additional paid-in capital	(8,424		)		—				—			—			—			(8,424		)
	Balance, January 31, 2013	$	(239,136	)		$	(126,506	)		$	(5,136	)	$	9,950		$	4,814		$	(360,828	)
	Loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	16,847				—				—			—			—			16,847
	Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
	Included in earnings	—				—				(10		)	(1,081		)	(1,091		)	(1,091		)
	Included in other comprehensive income	—				29,146				—			—			—			29,146
	Included in additional paid-in capital	50,546				—				—			—			—			50,546
	Settlement	—				—				(19,200		)	—			(19,200		)	(19,200		)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	(171,743	)		$	(97,360	)		$	(24,346	)	$	8,869		$	(15,477	)	$	(284,580	)
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 December 31, 2013:
		Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
		Fair Value December 31, 2013			Valuation	Unobservable	Range of
					Technique	Input	Input Values
		(in thousands)
	Credit valuation adjustment of interest rate swap	$	7,023		Potential future exposure	Credit spread	4.25%
	TRS	$	(24,436	)	Bond quote	Discount rate	N/A (1)
						Capitalization rate	N/A (1)
	Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TRS	$	8,869		Bond quote	Discount rate	N/A (1)
						Capitalization rate	N/A (1)
	Redeemable noncontrolling interest	$	(171,743	)	Discounted cash flows	Discount rate	9.89%
	-1	The Company does not have access to certain significant unobservable inputs used by third parties to determine these fair values.
Schedule of Fair Value of Nonrecourse Mortgage Debt and Notes Payable, Bank Revolving Credit Facility and Senior and Subordinated Debt	'
	The following table summarizes the fair value of nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable (exclusive of the fair value of derivatives), bank revolving credit facility, senior and subordinated debt and nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable of land held for divestiture and development project held for sale:
		December 31, 2013							January 31, 2013
		Carrying Value			Fair Value				Carrying Value			Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	Fixed Rate Debt	$	3,281,337		$	3,488,406			$	4,791,113		$	5,147,849
	Variable Rate Debt	1,998,169			1,954,136				1,982,516			1,940,374
	Total	$	5,279,506		$	5,442,542			$	6,773,629		$	7,088,223

Land_held_for_Divestiture_Tabl

Land held for Divestiture (Tables)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Land Held for Divestiture disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Land Held for Divestiture	'
	The following table summarizes the net gain (loss) on land held for divestiture activity of consolidated entities:
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Sales of land held for divestiture	$	1,941		$	74,150		$	—
	Cost of sales of land held for divestiture	(323		)	(56,247		)	—
	Gain on extinguishment of debt of land held for divestiture	—			4,373			—
	Net gain on closed transactions of land held for divestiture	1,618			22,276			—
	Bad debt expense	(9,000		)	—			—
	Impairment of land held for divestiture	—			(15,796		)	(115,654		)
	Net gain (loss) on land held for divestiture activity	$	(7,382	)	$	6,480		$	(115,654	)
Unobservable Inputs Used to Determine Fair Value of Impairment of Land Held for Divestiture	'
	The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value of impairment of consolidated land held for divestiture for the year ended January 31, 2013:
		Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
		Fair Value January 31, 2013			Valuation	Unobservable	Range
					Technique	Input	of Input Values
		(in thousands)
	Impairment of land held for divestiture	$	15,663		Indicative bids	Indicative bids	N/A(1)
	Impairment of land held for divestiture	$	926		Discounted cash flows(2)	N/A	N/A
	-1	These fair value measurements were developed by third party sources, subject to the Company’s corroboration for reasonableness.
	-2	The Company used a discounted cash flow technique to estimate fair value, however due to the estimated holding period being less than twelve months, the impact of discounting was deemed immaterial.
Schedule of Land Held for Divestiture Unconsolidated Entities	'
	The Company also has investments held in unconsolidated entities. The following table summarizes the net gain (loss) on investments in unconsolidated entities which are part of the land divestiture strategy:
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Net gain (loss) on sales of land held for divestiture of unconsolidated entities	$	1,338		$	(371	)	$	—
	Impairment of investments in unconsolidated entities	—			(40,406		)	(41,902		)
	Net gain (loss) on land held for divestiture activity of unconsolidated entities	$	1,338		$	(40,777	)	$	(41,902	)

Net_Gain_Loss_on_Disposition_o

Net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Partial Interests in Rental Properties (Tables)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Net Gain on Disposition of Partial Interests in Rental Properties [Abstract]	'
Net Gain on Disposition of Partial Interest in Rental Properties	'
	The net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties is comprised of the following:
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013		January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	QIC Joint Venture	$	381,627		$	—	$	—
	New York Retail Joint Venture	114,465			—		9,561
	Stonecrest Mall Joint Venture	—			—		5,849
	Annex building adjacent to the Dallas Wilson Building	—			—		2,255
		$	496,092		$	—	$	17,665
Changes to Consolidated Balance Sheet due to Joint Venture Transaction	'
	The QIC Joint Venture transaction, which resulted in the deconsolidation of the seven fully consolidated regional retail malls, resulted in the following increases (decreases) to the Consolidated Balance Sheet financial statement line items, inclusive of the Company's acquisition of noncontrolling interests (in thousands):
	Assets
	Real estate, net	$	(920,602	)
	Cash and equivalents	324,549
	Restricted cash and escrowed funds	(4,326		)
	Notes and accounts receivable, net	(23,201		)
	Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	40,249
	Other assets	(90,098		)
	Total Assets	$	(673,429	)
	Liabilities
	Mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse	$	(979,448	)
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(17,446		)
	Total Liabilities	$	(996,894	)
	Equity
	Additional paid-in capital	$	(89,644	)
	Retained earnings	408,707
	Noncontrolling interest	4,402
	Total Equity	323,465
	Total Liabilities and Equity	$	(673,429	)

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'
	The income tax expense (benefit) related to continuing operations consists of the following:
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Current
	Federal	$	(2,480	)	$	(54,871	)	$	(15,745	)
	State	2,154			(6,413		)	(1,194		)
		(326		)	(61,284		)	(16,939		)
	Deferred
	Federal	(4,432		)	48,289			(38,689		)
	State	(4,576		)	(1,730		)	(12,057		)
		(9,008		)	46,559			(50,746		)
	Total income tax benefit	$	(9,334	)	$	(14,725	)	$	(67,685	)
Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations	'
	The effective tax rate for income taxes from continuing operations varies from the federal statutory rate of 35% due to the following items:
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(dollars in thousands)
	Loss before income taxes	$	(205,929	)	$	(88,872	)	$	(119,568	)
	Net gain on change in control of interests	2,762			6,766			—
	Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities, net of impairment	109,163			44,631			(61,039		)
	Less: Noncontrolling interests	71,510			1,539			(2,167		)
	Loss from continuing operations, including noncontrolling interest, before income taxes	(22,494		)	(35,936		)	(182,774		)
	Income taxes computed at the statutory rate	(7,873		)	(12,578		)	(63,971		)
	Increase (decrease) in tax resulting from:
	State taxes, net of federal benefit	(2,994		)	(5,312		)	(6,907		)
	State net operating loss, net of federal benefit	2,845			1,667			2,474
	General business credits	(1,638		)	(947		)	446
	Valuation allowance	(5,205		)	(2,048		)	(6,414		)
	Charitable contributions	3,356			2,628			2,204
	Permanent adjustments	(18		)	3,037			38
	Conversion/Exchange of senior debt	1,667			—			3,780
	Other items	526			(1,172		)	665
	Total income tax benefit	$	(9,334	)	$	(14,725	)	$	(67,685	)
	Effective tax rate	41.5		%	40.98		%	37.03		%
	The components of the deferred income tax expense (benefit) for continuing operations are as follows:
	Excess of tax over financial statement depreciation and amortization	$	(8,059	)	$	19,811		$	17,095
	Costs on land and rental properties under development expensed for tax purposes	4,818			11,048			34,333
	Revenues and expenses recognized in different periods for tax and financial statement purposes	132,330			49,915			(48,152		)
	Difference between tax and financial statements related to unconsolidated entities	(5,246		)	207			(18,674		)
	Impairment of real estate and land held for divestiture	(147,325		)	(16,178		)	(40,346		)
	Deferred state taxes, net of federal benefit	(743		)	885			(3,408		)
	Utilization of (addition to) tax loss carryforward excluding effect of stock options	21,916			(16,230		)	10,974
	Valuation allowance	(5,205		)	(2,048		)	(6,414		)
	General business credits	(520		)	(947		)	446
	Alternative Minimum Tax credits	(974		)	96			3,400
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	$	(9,008	)	$	46,559		$	(50,746	)
Deferred Tax Liability Components [Table] [Table Text Block]	'
	The components of the deferred income tax liability are as follows:
		Temporary Differences							Deferred Tax
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013				December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Depreciation	$	424,595		$	493,489			$	164,671		$	191,390
	Capitalized costs	395,733			1,018,375				153,508			394,956
	Tax loss carryforward	(99,138		)	(161,758		)		(34,698		)	(56,615		)
	State loss carryforward, net of federal benefit	—			—				(21,170		)	(23,974		)
	Valuation allowance	—			—				48,077			53,282
	Federal tax credits and other carryforwards	—			—				(56,274		)	(58,094		)
	Other comprehensive loss	(125,099		)	(168,585		)		(48,517		)	(65,382		)
	Basis in unconsolidated entities	367,892			199,359				142,680			77,317
	Other	370,743			(83,747		)		137,617			(38,474		)
	Total	$	1,334,726		$	1,297,133			$	485,894		$	474,406
Schedule of Net Deferred Tax Liability	'
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Deferred tax liabilities	$	1,423,173		$	1,832,038
	Deferred tax assets	985,356			1,410,914
	Less: valuation allowance (1)	(48,077		)	(53,282		)
		937,279			1,357,632
	Net deferred tax liability	$	485,894		$	474,406
	-1	The valuation allowance is related to state net operating losses and bonus depreciation, general business credits and charitable contributions.
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
	A reconciliation of the total amounts of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits, exclusive of interest and penalties, is depicted in the following table:
		Unrecognized Tax Benefit
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
	Beginning balance, February 1	$	584		$	788
	Gross increases (decreases) for tax positions of prior years	527			(107		)
	Settlements	—			(97		)
	Lapse of statutes of limitation	(143		)	—
	Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 31 January 31, 2013	$	968		$	584

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Financial Data of Reportable Operating Segments	'
	The following tables summarize financial data for the Company’s six reportable operating segments. All amounts are presented in thousands.
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013
		Identifiable Assets
	Commercial Group	$	5,120,360		$	7,127,228
	Residential Group	2,468,708			2,060,892
	Arena	984,937			980,321
	Land Development Group	260,070			246,873
	The Nets	—			1,111
	Corporate Activities	117,950			196,007
		$	8,952,025		$	10,612,432
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended						11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012			December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		Revenues from Real Estate Operations									Operating Expenses
	Commercial Group	$	595,380		$	659,439		$	656,611		$	334,107		$	331,374		$	324,222
	Commercial Group Land Sales	20,170			43,999			54,363			10,656			4,942			9,731
	Residential Group	249,677			264,547			240,778			179,405			184,289			168,234
	Arena	104,532			48,353			1,569			72,659			49,175			12,536
	Land Development Group	50,349			54,634			44,420			33,737			48,055			47,506
	The Nets	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Corporate Activities	—			—			—			45,021			52,450			52,585
		$	1,020,108		$	1,070,972		$	997,741		$	675,585		$	670,285		$	614,814
		Depreciation and Amortization Expense									Interest Expense
	Commercial Group	$	187,832		$	155,424		$	146,103		$	175,338		$	177,560		$	166,695
	Residential Group	55,031			51,885			50,433			32,409			18,680			29,200
	Arena	33,231			8,888			—			34,220			(122		)	(14,336		)
	Land Development Group	364			840			240			(320		)	3,801			3,443
	The Nets	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Corporate Activities	2,731			1,658			1,514			50,677			61,375			56,838
		$	279,189		$	218,695		$	198,290		$	292,324		$	261,294		$	241,840
		Interest and Other Income									Capital Expenditures
	Commercial Group	$	18,127		$	14,367		$	14,936		$	171,002		$	327,867		$	355,598
	Residential Group	21,742			21,149			19,807			245,647			149,160			154,475
	Arena	—			—			261			43,928			325,744			249,139
	Land Development Group	12,218			9,866			10,838			819			190			558
	The Nets	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Corporate Activities	245			164			262			232			904			611
		$	52,332		$	45,546		$	46,104		$	461,628		$	803,865		$	760,381
Reconciliation of Net Earnings (Loss) to FFO by Segment	'
	11 Months Ended December 31, 2013	Commercial			Residential			Arena			Land			The Nets			Corporate			Total
		Group			Group						Development
											Group
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders	$	84,294		$	31,220		$	(19,514	)	$	18,915		$	(2,802	)	$	(117,605	)	$	(5,492	)
	Preferred dividends	—			—			—			—			—			185			185
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	$	84,294		$	31,220		$	(19,514	)	$	18,915		$	(2,802	)	$	(117,420	)	$	(5,307	)
	Depreciation and amortization – Real Estate Groups	226,255			83,154			19,119			258			—			—			328,786
	Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	(496,092		)	—			—			—			—			—			(496,092		)
	Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	(68,430		)	—			—			—			—			—			(68,430		)
	Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	71,668			1,185			—			—			—			—			72,853
	Discontinued operations:
	Depreciation and amortization – Real Estate Groups	6,646			165			—			—			—			—			6,811
	Gain on disposition of rental properties	(19,843		)	(16,028		)	—			—			—			—			(35,871		)
	Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	22,519			—			—			—			—			—			22,519
	Income tax expense (benefit) on non-FFO:
	Gain on disposition of rental properties	—			—			—			—			—			233,980			233,980
	Impairment of depreciable real estate	—			—			—			—			—			(36,988		)	(36,988		)
	FFO	$	(172,983	)	$	99,696		$	(395	)	$	19,173		$	(2,802	)	$	79,572		$	22,261
	Year Ended January 31, 2013
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders	$	82,022		$	132,141		$	(497	)	$	(23,833	)	$	(4,672	)	$	(180,865	)	$	4,296
	Preferred dividends and inducements of preferred stock conversions	—			—			—			—			—			32,129			32,129
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	$	82,022		$	132,141		$	(497	)	$	(23,833	)	$	(4,672	)	$	(148,736	)	$	36,425
	Depreciation and amortization – Real Estate Groups	192,547			85,977			5,213			661			—			—			284,398
	Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	(16,107		)	(34,959		)	—			—			—			—			(51,066		)
	Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	30,660			—			—			—			—			—			30,660
	Impairment of unconsolidated real estate	—			—			—			390			—			—			390
	Discontinued operations:
	Depreciation and amortization – Real Estate Groups	13,925			3,114			—			—			—			—			17,039
	Gain on disposition of rental properties	(40,645		)	(59,290		)	—			—			—			—			(99,935		)
	Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	4,254			—			—			—			—			—			4,254
	Income tax expense (benefit) on non-FFO:
	Gain on disposition of rental properties	—			—			—			—			—			58,935			58,935
	Impairment of depreciable real estate	—			—			—			—			—			(13,692		)	(13,692		)
	FFO	$	266,656		$	126,983		$	4,716		$	(22,782	)	$	(4,672	)	$	(103,493	)	$	267,408
	Year Ended January 31, 2012
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders	$	123,925		$	32,322		$	8,197		$	(149,310	)	$	(26,814	)	$	(90,206	)	$	(101,886	)
	Preferred dividends	—			—			—			—			—			15,400			15,400
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	$	123,925		$	32,322		$	8,197		$	(149,310	)	$	(26,814	)	$	(74,806	)	$	(86,486	)
	Depreciation and amortization – Real Estate Groups	180,692			77,054			—			249			—			—			257,995
	Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	(15,410		)	(2,255		)	—			—			—			—			(17,665		)
	Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	—			(12,567		)	—			—			—			—			(12,567		)
	Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	—			235			—			—			—			—			235
	Impairment of unconsolidated real estate	40,284			—			—			—			—			—			40,284
	Discontinued operations:
	Depreciation and amortization – Real Estate Groups	20,525			3,184			—			—			—			—			23,709
	Gain on disposition of rental properties	(51,796		)	—			—			—			—			—			(51,796		)
	Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	13,692			—			—			—			—			—			13,692
	Income tax expense (benefit) on non-FFO:
	Gain on disposition of rental properties	—			—			—			—			—			31,812			31,812
	Impairment of depreciable real estate	—			—			—			—			—			(21,024		)	(21,024		)
	FFO	$	311,912		$	97,973		$	8,197		$	(149,061	)	$	(26,814	)	$	(64,018	)	$	178,189

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Minimum Future Rental Income	'
	The following table summarizes the minimum future rental income to be received on non-cancelable operating leases of commercial properties that generally extend for periods of more than one year:
	Years Ending December 31,
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	397,444
	2015	378,998
	2016	354,586
	2017	330,830
	2018	301,882
	Later years	1,710,400
		$	3,474,140
Reimbursements on Commercial Leases	'
	The following table summarizes total reimbursements (in thousands):
	11 Months Ended December 31, 2013	$	129,017
	Year Ended January 31, 2013	$	148,525
	Year Ended January 31, 2012	$	154,877
Minimum Fixed Rental Payments Under Long-term Leases	'
	Minimum fixed rental payments under long-term leases (over one year) in effect at December 31, 2013 are as follows:
	Years Ending December 31,
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	9,575
	2015	8,713
	2016	7,964
	2017	3,258
	2018	3,168
	Later years	48,441
		$	81,119
Rent Expense	'
	The following table summarizes rent expense (in thousands):
	11 Months Ended December 31, 2013	$	8,316
	Year Ended January 31, 2013	$	9,211
	Year Ended January 31, 2012	$	8,279

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Completion Guarantees	'
	The Company currently provides the following completion guarantees on its completed projects and projects under construction and development (including unconsolidated properties):
		Total Costs		Percent
				Completed (Unaudited)
		(dollars in thousands)
	At December 31, 2013
	Openings and acquisitions	$	2,083,623	97	%
	Under construction and development	841,933		40	%
	Total Real Estate	$	2,925,556	81	%

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Costs and Related Deferred Income Tax Benefit	'
	The amount of stock-based compensation costs and related deferred income tax benefit recognized in the financial statements are as follows:
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Stock option costs	$	3,051		$	3,101		$	2,606
	Restricted stock costs	10,672			10,324			9,979
	Performance share costs	2,474			1,326			—
	Total stock-based compensation costs	16,197			14,751			12,585
	Less amount capitalized into qualifying real estate projects	(5,826		)	(5,396		)	(4,935		)
	Amount charged to operating expenses	10,371			9,355			7,650
	Depreciation expense on capitalized stock-based compensation	876			827			1,246
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	11,247		$	10,182		$	8,896
	Deferred income tax benefit	$	4,111		$	3,671		$	3,184
Schedule of Stock Options Valuation Assumptions	'
	The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for options granted during the respective years:
		11 Months Ended		Years Ended
		December 31, 2013		January 31, 2013		January 31, 2012
	Risk-free interest rate	0.78	%	1.1	%	2.61	%
	Expected volatility	74.1	%	74.1	%	72.4	%
	Expected dividend yield	0	%	0	%	0	%
	Expected term (in years)	5.5		5.5		5.5
Schedule of Stock Options Activity	'
	The following table provides a summary of stock option activity for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013:
		Shares		Weighted			Weighted	Intrinsic
				Average			Average	Value
				Exercise Price			Remaining	(in thousands)
							Contractual
							Term
							(in years)
	Outstanding at January 31, 2013	3,984,497		$	35.62
	Granted	241,860		$	17.6
	Exercised	(76,200	)	$	15.14
	Forfeited/expired	(68,092	)	$	32.69
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	4,082,065		$	34.98		4.38	$	6,086
	Options exercisable (fully vested) at December 31, 2013	3,097,724		$	40.83		3.28	$	3,599
Schedule of Restricted Stock Activity	'
	The following table provides a summary of restricted stock activity for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013:
		Shares		Weighted
				Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
	Unvested shares at January 31, 2013	2,116,064		$	15.06
	Granted	653,447		$	17.6
	Vested	(599,864	)	$	12.95
	Forfeited	(10,380	)	$	16.04
	Unvested shares at December 31, 2013	2,159,267		$	16.41
Schedule of Performance Share Activity	'
	The following table provides a summary of the performance share activity for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013:
		Shares		Weighted
				Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
	Unvested shares at January 31, 2013	295,337		$	20.74
	Granted	299,460		$	17.78
	Vested	—		$	—
	Forfeited	(7,587	)	$	20.74
	Unvested shares at December 31, 2013	587,210		$	19.23
	The range of performance shares that can be earned as of December 31, 2013 is as follows:
	Performance Period	Range	Minimum Shares		Target		Maximum Shares
					Shares
	February 1, 2012 to December 31, 2015	0% to 200%	—		287,750		575,500
	February 1, 2013 to December 31, 2016	0% to 200%	—		299,460		598,920
			—		587,210		1,174,420

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted EPS Computations	'
	The reconciliation of the amounts used in the basic and diluted EPS computations is shown in the following table:
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
	Numerators (in thousands)
	Loss from continuing operations attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	$	(13,160	)	$	(21,211	)	$	(115,089	)
	Preferred dividends and inducements of preferred stock conversions	(185		)	(32,129		)	(15,400		)
	Loss from continuing operations attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders - Basic and Diluted	$	(13,345	)	$	(53,340	)	$	(130,489	)
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	$	(5,307	)	$	36,425		$	(86,486	)
	Preferred dividends and inducements of preferred stock conversions	(185		)	(32,129		)	(15,400		)
	Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	—			(1,878		)	—
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders - Basic and Diluted	$	(5,492	)	$	2,418		$	(101,886	)
	Denominators
	Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic and Diluted (1)	193,465,572			172,621,723			168,170,650
	Earnings Per Share
	Loss from continuing operations attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders - Basic and Diluted	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.31	)	$	(0.78	)
	Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders - Basic and Diluted	$	(0.03	)	$	0.01		$	(0.61	)
	-1	Incremental shares from dilutive options, restricted stock and convertible securities aggregating 35,431,746, 49,642,605 and 45,856,959 for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their effect is anti-dilutive due to loss from continuing operations. Weighted-average options, restricted stock and performance shares of 3,601,719, 4,105,670 and 4,222,955 for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their effect is anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method.

Impairment_of_Real_Estate_Impa1

Impairment of Real Estate, Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities and Write-Off of Abandoned Development Projects and Demolition Costs (Tables)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Impairment of Real Estate Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities and Write Off of Abandoned Development Projects and Demolition Costs [Abstract]	'
Impairment of Real Estate Included in Continuing Operations	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s impairment of real estate included in continuing operations:
			11 Months Ended			Years Ended
			December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013		January 31, 2012
			(in thousands)
	Brooklyn Atlantic Yards	Brooklyn, New York	$	289,864		$	—	$	—
	LiveWork Las Vegas	Las Vegas, Nevada	112,838			—		—
	Promenade Bolingbrook (Regional Mall)	Bolingbrook, Illinois	54,194			—		—
	Office Buildings:
	Building J at Illinois Science and Technology Park	Skokie, Illinois	17,474			—		—
	Halle Building	Cleveland, Ohio	—			30,200		—
	Other		1,185			460		235
			$	475,555		$	30,660	$	235
Impairment of Real Estate included in Discontinued Operations	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s impairment of real estate included in discontinued operations:
			11 Months Ended			Years Ended
			December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013		January 31, 2012
			(in thousands)
	Orchard Town Center (Regional Mall)	Westminster, Colorado	$	15,649		$	—	$	—
	Investment in triple net lease retail property	Kansas City, Missouri	6,870			—		—
	Investment in triple net lease retail property	Portage, Michigan	—			2,263		3,435
	White Oak Village (Specialty Retail Center)	Richmond, Virginia	—			1,566		—
	250 Huron (Office Building)	Cleveland, Ohio	—			—		10,257
	Other		—			425		—
			$	22,519		$	4,254	$	13,692
Unobservable Inputs Used to Determine the Fair Value of the Non-recurring 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 (including discontinued operations) for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the year ended January 31, 2013:
		Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
		Fair Value			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range of Input Values
		(in thousands)
	December 31, 2013
	Impairment of real estate	$	734,240		Indicative Bids	Indicative Bids	N/A (1)
	Impairment of real estate	29,500			Comparable Property Market Analysis	Price Per Square Foot	$22 to $55 per square foot (2)
	January 31, 2013
	Impairment of real estate	$	83,193		Indicative Bids	Indicative Bids	N/A (1)
	Impairment of real estate	$	10,500		Discounted Cash Flow	Discount Rate	10.00%
	-1	These fair value measurements were derived from bona fide purchase offers from third party prospective buyers, subject to the Company’s corroboration for reasonableness.
	-2	Weighted average price is $45 per square foot.
Schedule of Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s impairment of unconsolidated entities.
			11 Months Ended			Years Ended
			December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013		January 31, 2012
			(in thousands)
	Village at Gulfstream Park (Specialty Retail Center)	Hallandale Beach, Florida	$	—		$	—	$	35,674
	Commercial land and development rights	Cleveland, Ohio	—			—		4,610
	Other		—			390		—
			$	—		$	390	$	40,284

Discontinued_Operations_and_Ga1

Discontinued Operations and Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Rental Properties (Tables)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Summary of Rental Properties Included in Discontinued Operations	'
	The following table lists rental properties included in discontinued operations:
	Property	Location	Square Feet/	Period	11 Months Ended 12/31/13	Year Ended 1/31/13	Year Ended 1/31/12
			Number of Units (Unaudited)	Disposed
	Commercial Group:
	Orchard Town Center	Westminster, Colorado	603,000 square feet	Q4-2013	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Colorado Studios	Denver, Colorado	75,000 square feet	Q3-2013	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Higbee Building	Cleveland, Ohio	815,000 square feet	Q2-2013	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Sheraton Station Square	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	399 rooms	Q2-2013	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Fairmont Plaza	San Jose, California	335,000 square feet	Q4-2012	—	Yes	Yes
	White Oak Village	Richmond, Virginia	843,000 square feet	Q3-2012	—	Yes	Yes
	Quebec Square	Denver, Colorado	739,000 square feet	Q1-2012	—	Yes	Yes
	Ritz-Carlton hotel	Cleveland, Ohio	206 rooms	Q4-2011	—	—	Yes
	250 Huron	Cleveland, Ohio	119,000 square feet	Q4-2011	—	—	Yes
	Waterfront Station – East 4th & West 4th Buildings	Washington, D.C.	631,000 square feet	Q2-2011	—	—	Yes
	Charleston Marriott hotel	Charleston, West Virginia	352 rooms	Q1-2011	—	—	Yes
	Seven triple net lease properties	Various	422,000 square feet	Various (1)	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Residential Group:
	Millender Center	Detroit, Michigan	339 units	Q1-2013	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Emerald Palms	Miami, Florida	505 units	Q4-2012	—	Yes	Yes
	Southfield	Whitemarsh, Maryland	212 units	Q3-2012	—	Yes	Yes
	-1	Includes, one triple net lease property disposed of during Q4-2013, one triple net lease property disposed of during Q1-2013, three triple net lease properties disposed of during Q3-2012 and two triple net lease properties disposed of during Q2-2012.
Summary of Operating Results of Discontinued Operations	'
	The following table summarizes the operating results related to discontinued operations:
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Revenues from real estate operations	$	42,257		$	90,171		$	121,335
	Expenses
	Operating expenses	25,614			46,873			65,478
	Depreciation and amortization	6,774			17,125			24,650
	Impairment of real estate	22,519			4,254			13,692
		54,907			68,252			103,820
	Interest expense	(4,733		)	(15,197		)	(22,134		)
	Amortization of mortgage procurement costs	(290		)	(1,173		)	(1,577		)
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	(40		)	(464		)	—
	Interest income	225			389			6,012
	Gain on disposition of rental properties	41,831			100,900			133,554
	Earnings before income taxes	24,343			106,374			133,370
	Income tax expense (benefit)	10,463			47,353			21,016
	Earnings from discontinued operations	13,880			59,021			112,354
	Noncontrolling interests
	Gain on disposition of rental properties	5,960			965			81,758
	Operating earnings from rental properties	67			420			1,993
		6,027			1,385			83,751
	Earnings from discontinued operations attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	$	7,853		$	57,636		$	28,603
Summary of Gains (Losses) on Disposition of Rental Properties	'
	The following table summarizes the pre-tax gain (loss) on disposition of rental properties:
		11 Months Ended			Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			January 31, 2013			January 31, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Apartment Communities:
	Millender Center	$	21,660		$	—		$	—
	Emerald Palms	—			45,845			—
	Southfield	—			13,445			—
	Hotels:
	Sheraton Station Square	18,096			—			—
	Charleston Marriott	—			—			9,957
	Ritz-Carlton	—			—			2,431
	Office Buildings:
	Higbee Building	2,922			—			—
	Colorado Studios	1,239			—			—
	Fairmont Plaza	—			26,877			—
	Waterfront Station – East 4th & West 4th Buildings	—			—			111,738
	250 Huron	—			—			9,428
	Orchard Town Center (Regional Mall)	(2,157		)	—			—
	Triple net lease properties	(132		)	6,568			—
	Quebec Square (Specialty Retail Center)	—			8,879			—
	Other	203			(714		)	—
		$	41,831		$	100,900		$	133,554

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Jan. 31, 2013		Jan. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'		'		'
Unrealized losses on securities	$0		$340,000		$445,000
Unrealized (gains) losses on foreign currency translation	189,000		-69,000		1,558,000
Unrealized losses on interest rate contracts	125,059,000	[1]	168,497,000	[1]	194,928,000	[1]
Total unrealized losses	125,248,000		168,768,000		196,931,000
Income tax benefit	-48,517,000		-65,382,000		-76,315,000
Noncontrolling Interest	-149,000		-183,000		-156,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	$76,582,000		$103,203,000		$120,460,000
[1]	Included in the amounts as of DecemberB 31,B 2013, JanuaryB 31,B 2013 and JanuaryB 31,B 2012 are $97,360, $126,506 and $143,303, respectively, of unrealized loss on an interest rate swap associated with New York Times office building on its nonrecourse mortgage debt with a notional amount of $640,000. This swap effectively fixes the mortgage at an all-in lender interest rate of 6.40% and expires in September 2017.

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Balance, February 1, 2013	($103,203,000)	($120,460,000)
OCI before reclassifications	22,979,000	'
(Gain) loss reclassified from accumulated OCI	3,642,000	'
Total other comprehensive income	26,621,000	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	-76,582,000	-120,460,000
Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Balance, February 1, 2013	-208,000	'
OCI before reclassifications	430,000	'
(Gain) loss reclassified from accumulated OCI	-222,000	'
Total other comprehensive income	208,000	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	0	'
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Balance, February 1, 2013	42,000	'
OCI before reclassifications	-158,000	'
(Gain) loss reclassified from accumulated OCI	0	'
Total other comprehensive income	-158,000	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	-116,000	'
Interest Rate Contracts [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Balance, February 1, 2013	-103,037,000	'
OCI before reclassifications	22,707,000	'
(Gain) loss reclassified from accumulated OCI	3,864,000	'
Total other comprehensive income	26,571,000	'
Balance, December 31, 2013	($76,466,000)	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $)	11 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	$292,324,000	$236,287,000	$261,294,000	$241,840,000
Equity in earnings	-107,825,000	'	-85,798,000	-21,147,000
Income tax benefit	-9,334,000	-13,291,000	-14,725,000	-67,685,000
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	6,258,000	'	'	'
Equity in earnings	82,000	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, extraordinary items, noncontrolling interest	-6,340,000	'	'	'
Income tax benefit	-2,460,000	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	-16,000	'	'	'
Loss on interest rate contracts reclassified from accumulated OCI	$3,864,000	'	'	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4) (USD $)	11 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Schedule of Transition Period Comparative Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from real estate operations	$1,020,108,000	$984,054,000	$1,070,972,000	$997,741,000
Operating expenses	675,585,000	608,422,000	670,285,000	614,814,000
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	279,189,000	195,044,000	218,695,000	198,290,000
Write-offs of abandoned development projects and demolition costs	40,414,000	14,029,000	26,850,000	8,838,000
Impairment of real estate	475,555,000	30,660,000	30,660,000	235,000
Net loss on land held for divestiture activity	7,382,000	4,457,000	-6,480,000	115,654,000
Total Expenses	1,478,125,000	852,612,000	940,010,000	937,831,000
Interest expense	-292,324,000	-236,287,000	-261,294,000	-241,840,000
Amortization of mortgage procurement costs	-8,561,000	-10,186,000	-11,182,000	-10,997,000
Gain on extinguishment of debt	4,549,000	6,807,000	7,096,000	9,590,000
Interest and other income	52,332,000	42,246,000	45,546,000	46,104,000
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	496,092,000	0	0	17,665,000
Loss before income taxes	-205,929,000	-65,978,000	-88,872,000	-119,568,000
Income tax benefit	-9,334,000	-13,291,000	-14,725,000	-67,685,000
Net gain on change in control of interests	2,762,000	6,766,000	6,766,000	0
Earnings from unconsolidated entities, including impairment, gross of tax	107,825,000	84,543,000	'	'
Net gain (loss) on land held for divestiture activity, gross of tax	1,338,000	-42,606,000	-40,777,000	-41,902,000
Total equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	109,163,000	41,937,000	44,631,000	-61,039,000
Loss from continuing operations	-84,670,000	-3,984,000	-22,750,000	-112,922,000
Discontinued operations, net of tax	13,880,000	61,074,000	59,021,000	112,354,000
Net earnings (loss)	-70,790,000	57,090,000	36,271,000	-568,000
Noncontrolling interests	65,483,000	-5,635,000	154,000	-85,918,000
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	-5,307,000	51,455,000	36,425,000	-86,486,000
Preferred dividends and inducements of preferred stock conversions	-185,000	-32,129,000	-32,129,000	-15,400,000
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders	($5,492,000)	$19,326,000	$4,296,000	($101,886,000)

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual 1) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
	unit
	State
Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of strategic business units	3	'	'
Number of reportable segments	6	'	'
Number of operating segments	4	'	'
Assets	$8,952,025,000	$10,612,432,000	'
Number of states in which entity has consolidated assets	26	'	'
Land parcels reclassified from projects under construction and development to land inventory	'	34,250,000	'
Maximum period from cessation of construction activity to project completion and availability for occupancy	'1 year	'	'
HIstoric and New Market Tax Credits Entities (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Put/call provisions maximum contract term	'7 years	'	'
Minimum compliance regulation on tax credit	'0 years	'	'
Maximum compliance regulation on tax credit	'7 years	'	'
Income related to the sale of tax credits	$19,347,000	$20,800,000	$27,296,000
Arena [Member]	'	'	'
Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Naming rights agreement contract term	'20 years	'	'
Estimated useful life of property	'34 years 6 months	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Lease terms of tenants in retail centers and office buildings	'1 year	'	'
Expected lease-up period	'3 months	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Arena [Member]	'	'	'
Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Arena founding partner and sponsor agreement term	'1 year	'	'
Arena suite license agreement term	'1 year	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Building and Building Improvements [Member]	'	'	'
Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Estimated useful life of property	'40 years	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Lease terms of tenants in retail centers and office buildings	'30 years	'	'
Expected lease-up period	'12 months	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Arena [Member]	'	'	'
Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Arena founding partner and sponsor agreement term	'7 years	'	'
Arena suite license agreement term	'7 years	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Building and Building Improvements [Member]	'	'	'
Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Estimated useful life of property	'50 years	'	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'
Maximum loss exposure for unconsolidated variable interest entities	$62
Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'
Number of variable interest entities	33
Number of properties represented by variable interest entities	24
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'
Number of variable interest entities	59

Summary_of_Significant_Account9

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual 3) (Ten MetroTech Center [Member], USD $)	11 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Ten MetroTech Center [Member]	'
Depreciation, by Property [Line Items]	'
Accelerated Depreciation Expense	$45.50

Recovered_Sheet1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual 4) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Unrealized losses on an interest rate swap associated with office building	$97,360,000	$126,506,000	$143,303,000
Nonrecourse mortgage debt [Member]	'	'	'
Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
All-in lender interest rate	6.40%	'	'
Maturity date of swap agreement	1-Sep-17	'	'
New York Times [Member]	'	'	'
Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Notional amount	$640,000,000	'	'

Notes_and_Accounts_Receivable_2

Notes and Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of notes and accounts receivable	'	'
Notes and accounts receivable, gross	$470,702	$452,058
Allowance for doubtful accounts	-15,141	-25,858
Notes and accounts receivable, net	455,561	426,200
Weighted average interest rate on notes receivable	6.47%	4.58%
Notes receivable due within one year	8,534	12,157
Straight-line rent from tenants [Member]	'	'
Components of notes and accounts receivable	'	'
Notes and accounts receivable, gross	135,370	148,906
Military Housing, primarily reimbursable construction costs [Member]	'	'
Components of notes and accounts receivable	'	'
Notes and accounts receivable, gross	29,771	32,507
Stapleton advances [Member]	'	'
Components of notes and accounts receivable	'	'
Notes and accounts receivable, gross	145,917	107,749
Receivables from tenants [Member]	'	'
Components of notes and accounts receivable	'	'
Notes and accounts receivable, gross	20,008	29,551
Other accounts receivable [Member]	'	'
Components of notes and accounts receivable	'	'
Notes and accounts receivable, gross	101,411	88,938
Notes receivable [Member]	'	'
Components of notes and accounts receivable	'	'
Notes and accounts receivable, gross	$38,225	$44,407

Notes_and_Accounts_Receivable_3

Notes and Accounts Receivable Net (Details Textual) (Stapleton advances [Member], USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Stapleton advances [Member]	'	'	'
Notes and Accounts Receivable, Net (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest income related to infrastructure advances	$10,047	$7,893	$6,439
Weighted average interest rate	8.66%	'	'

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Jan. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Reconciliation of members' and partners' equity to the Company's Carrying Value	'		'
Total membersb and partnersb equity	$798,590		$637,341
Equity of other members and partners	777,646		662,358
Companybs net investment in unconsolidated entities	20,944		-25,017
Basis differences	137,259	[1]	114,215	[1]
Advances to and on behalf of affiliates	32,119		74,703
Assets - Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	447,165		456,628
Liabilities - Cash distributions and losses in excess of investments in unconsolidated entities	-256,843		-292,727
Total Investments in Unconsolidated Entities, net	$190,322		$163,901
[1]	Represents the aggregate difference between the Companybs historical cost basis and the basis reflected at the equity method venture level, which is typically amortized over the life of the related assets or liabilities. Basis differences relate to certain acquisition, transaction and other costs, as well as other-than-temporary impairments that are not reflected in the net assets at the equity method venture level.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_3

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details 1) (USD $)	11 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013		Jan. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011
Real Estate	'		'	'		'	'
Completed rental properties	$7,307,233,000		'	$8,631,542,000		'	'
Projects under construction and development	535,479,000		'	1,292,453,000		'	'
Land inventory	126,754,000		'	99,309,000		'	'
Total Real Estate	7,969,466,000		'	10,023,304,000		'	'
Less accumulated depreciation	-1,469,328,000		'	-1,654,632,000		'	'
Real Estate, net	6,500,138,000		'	8,368,672,000		'	'
Cash and equivalents	280,206,000		'	333,220,000		217,486,000	193,372,000
Other assets	415,316,000		'	614,592,000		'	'
Mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse	4,579,506,000		'	5,740,660,000		'	'
Members' and partners' equity	798,590,000		'	637,341,000		'	'
Operations:	'		'	'		'	'
Operating expenses	-675,585,000		-608,422,000	-670,285,000		-614,814,000	'
Depreciation and amortization	-279,189,000		-195,044,000	-218,695,000		-198,290,000	'
Interest and other income	52,332,000		42,246,000	45,546,000		46,104,000	'
Net gain (loss) on land held for divestiture activity	-7,382,000		-4,457,000	6,480,000		-115,654,000	'
Gain on disposition of partial interest in a rental property	496,092,000		0	0		17,665,000	'
Discontinued operations:	'		'	'		'	'
Gain on disposition of rental properties	68,311,000		'	0		0	'
Discontinued operations subtotal	24,343,000		'	106,374,000		133,370,000	'
Impairment of investments in unconsolidated entities with land held for divestiture	0		'	-40,406,000		-41,902,000	'
Gain on disposition or partial disposition of equity method investments	34,149,000		'	16,107,000		12,567,000	'
Net earnings (loss) (pre-tax) from unconsolidated entities	109,163,000		'	44,631,000		-61,039,000	'
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Textual) [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'
Mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse related to the land held by the unconsolidated entities	0		'	1,700,000		'	'
Equity Method Investee [Member]	'		'	'		'	'
Real Estate	'		'	'		'	'
Completed rental properties	8,142,158,000		'	7,317,652,000		'	'
Projects under construction and development	205,465,000		'	106,705,000		'	'
Land inventory	120,592,000	[1]	'	89,268,000	[1]	'	'
Total Real Estate	8,468,215,000		'	7,513,625,000		'	'
Less accumulated depreciation	-1,676,354,000		'	-1,413,510,000		'	'
Real Estate, net	6,791,861,000		'	6,100,115,000		'	'
Cash and equivalents	156,491,000		'	120,545,000		'	'
Restricted cash - military housing bond funds	116,372,000		'	146,484,000		'	'
Other restricted cash and escrowed funds	316,315,000		'	319,989,000		'	'
Other assets	1,074,972,000		'	730,308,000		'	'
Total Assets	8,456,011,000		'	7,417,441,000		'	'
Mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse	7,113,515,000	[2]	'	6,261,983,000	[2]	'	'
Other liabilities	543,906,000		'	518,117,000		'	'
Members' and partners' equity	798,590,000		'	637,341,000		'	'
Total Liabilities and Members' and Partners' Equity	8,456,011,000		'	7,417,441,000		'	'
Operations:	'		'	'		'	'
Revenues	1,177,189,000		'	1,098,412,000		974,860,000	'
Operating expenses	-677,524,000		'	-613,282,000		-518,463,000	'
Interest expense including extinguishment of debt	-315,168,000		'	-324,768,000		-312,469,000	'
Depreciation and amortization	-211,129,000		'	-208,599,000		-189,109,000	'
Interest and other income	14,797,000		'	17,684,000		14,751,000	'
Net gain (loss) on land held for divestiture activity	2,742,000		'	-102,000		0	'
Gain on disposition of partial interest in a rental property	0		'	131,027,000		0	'
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	-9,093,000		'	100,372,000		-30,430,000	'
Discontinued operations:	'		'	'		'	'
Operating earnings (loss) from rental properties	2,923,000		'	4,181,000		-3,093,000	'
Gain on disposition of rental properties	68,311,000		'	0		0	'
Discontinued operations subtotal	71,234,000		'	4,181,000		-3,093,000	'
Net earnings (loss) (pre-tax)	62,141,000		'	104,553,000		-33,523,000	'
Company's portion of net earnings (pre-tax)	75,014,000		'	69,320,000		8,580,000	'
Impairment of investments in unconsolidated entities	0		'	-390,000		-40,284,000	'
Impairment of investments in unconsolidated entities with land held for divestiture	0		'	-40,406,000		-41,902,000	'
Gain on disposition or partial disposition of equity method investments	34,149,000		'	16,107,000		12,567,000	'
Net earnings (loss) (pre-tax) from unconsolidated entities	109,163,000		'	44,631,000		-61,039,000	'
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Textual) [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'
Land held by unconsolidated entities in which the Company is currently reviewing its options to divest its interest	85,879,000		'	89,268,000		'	'
Mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse related to the land held by the unconsolidated entities	$17,160,000		'	$18,638,000		'	'
[1]	The amounts at DecemberB 31 and JanuaryB 31,B 2013 include $85,879 and $89,268 of land held by unconsolidated entities in which the Company is currently reviewing its options to divest its interest in the land held by these unconsolidated entities.
[2]	The amounts at DecemberB 31 and JanuaryB 31,B 2013 include $17,160 and $18,638 of mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse related to the land held by the unconsolidated entities discussed in footnote (1).

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_4

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details 2) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Impairment of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment of investments in unconsolidated entities	$0	$390,000	$40,284,000
Village at Gulfstream Park [Member]	'	'	'
Impairment of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment of investments in unconsolidated entities	0	0	35,674,000
Commercial land and development rights [Member]	'	'	'
Impairment of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment of investments in unconsolidated entities	0	0	4,610,000
Other [Member]	'	'	'
Impairment of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment of investments in unconsolidated entities	$0	$390,000	$0

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_5

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details 3) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of rental properties	$68,311,000	$0	$0
Company's portion of gain on disposition of rental properties	34,281,000	0	0
Gain (loss) on disposition of equity method investments	7,069,000	16,107,000	12,567,000
Gain on partial disposition of equity method investments	27,080,000	0	0
Gain on disposition or partial disposition of equity method investments	34,149,000	16,107,000	12,567,000
Westin Convention Center [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of rental properties	65,482,000	0	0
Liberty Center [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of rental properties	2,829,000	0	0
Marketplace at Riverpark [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of equity method investments	8,579,000	0	0
Plaza at Robinson Town Center [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of equity method investments	-1,510,000	0	0
Village at Gulfstream Park [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of equity method investments	0	14,479,000	0
Chagrin Plaza I & II [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of equity method investments	0	1,628,000	0
Metropolitan Lofts [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of equity method investments	0	0	9,964,000
Twin Lake Towers [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of equity method investments	0	0	2,603,000
Charleston Town Center [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gain on partial disposition of equity method investments	$27,080,000	$0	$0

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_6

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details Textuals) (USD $)	11 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013
					8 Spruce Street [Member]	8 Spruce Street [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Company's partner, ownership percentage	'	'	'	'	49.00%	'
Cash sales price	'	'	'	'	$250,390,000	'
Ownership interest prior to sale	'	'	'	'	36.00%	'
Ownership interest	'	'	'	'	18.00%	'
Net cash proceeds	'	'	'	'	129,037,000	'
Gain on disposition of partial interest in a rental property	$496,092,000	$0	$0	$17,665,000	'	$34,959,000

Other_Assets_Details

Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of other assets	'	'
Lease procurement costs, net	$130,628	$211,856
Prepaid expenses and other deferred costs, net	140,496	240,594
Intangible assets, net	81,438	85,692
Mortgage procurement costs, net	62,754	76,450
Other Assets	$415,316	$614,592

Other_Assets_Details_1

Other Assets (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Assets [Abstract]	'
2014	$4,528
2015	3,956
2016	3,355
2017	3,850
2018	$3,105

Other_Assets_Details_Textual

Other Assets (Details Textual) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Other Assets (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Amortization expense related to intangible assets	$4,460	$4,877	$6,998

Mortgage_Debt_and_Notes_Payabl2

Mortgage Debt and Notes Payable, Nonrecourse (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Operating Properties [Member]

Operating Properties [Member]

Development Projects [Member]

Development and Land Projects [Member]

Fixed Rate Debt [Member]

Fixed Rate Debt [Member]

Fixed Rate Debt [Member]

Fixed Rate Debt [Member]

Fixed Rate Debt [Member]

Fixed Rate Debt [Member]

Variable Rate Debt, Taxable [Member]

Variable Rate Debt, Taxable [Member]

Variable Rate Debt, Taxable [Member]

Variable Rate Debt, Taxable [Member]

Variable Rate Debt, Taxable [Member]

Variable Rate Debt, Taxable [Member]

Variable Rate Debt, Tax-Exempt [Member]

Variable Rate Debt, Tax-Exempt [Member]

Variable Rate Debt, Tax-Exempt [Member]

Variable Rate Debt, Tax-Exempt [Member]

Variable Rate Debt, Tax-Exempt [Member]

Variable Rate Debt, Tax-Exempt [Member]

Nonrecourse Mortgage Debt [Member]

Operating Properties [Member]

Operating Properties [Member]

Development Projects [Member]

Development and Land Projects [Member]

Operating Properties [Member]

Operating Properties [Member]

Development Projects [Member]

Development and Land Projects [Member]

Operating Properties [Member]

Operating Properties [Member]

Development Projects [Member]

Development and Land Projects [Member]

Development project held for sale [Member]

Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse

$4,579,506,000

$5,740,660,000

$4,179,669,000

$5,313,869,000

$399,837,000

$426,791,000

$2,581,337,000

[1]

$3,758,144,000

$2,286,555,000

$3,456,879,000

$294,782,000

[1]

$301,265,000

$1,432,725,000

$1,510,930,000

$1,381,225,000

$1,448,205,000

$51,500,000

$62,725,000

$565,444,000

$471,586,000

$511,889,000

$408,785,000

$53,555,000

$62,801,000

'

Total weighted average rate

4.66%

5.04%

'

'

'

'

5.28%

[1]

5.51%

'

'

'

'

4.81%

4.93%

'

'

'

'

1.47%

1.64%

'

'

'

'

'

Mortgage debt nonrecourse of development project held for sale

$228,000,000

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.50%

Derivative, Maturity Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-May-17

[1]

Includes $228,000 of mortgage debt, nonrecourse of development project held for sale, which bears interest at 2.5% and matures in May 2017

Mortgage_Debt_and_Notes_Payabl3

Mortgage Debt and Notes Payable, Nonrecourse (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Composition of mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse maturities	'
Mortgage debt and notes payable nonrecourse maturities total maturities in 2014	$839,972
Mortgage debt and notes payable nonrecourse maturities total maturities in 2015	469,411
Mortgage debt and notes payable nonrecourse maturities total maturities in 2016	111,636
Mortgage debt and notes payable nonrecourse maturities total maturities in 2017	1,021,036
Mortgage debt and notes payable nonrecoures maturities total maturities in 2018	328,254
Mortgage debt and notes payable nonrecourse maturities total maturities thereafter	1,809,197
Mortgage Debt and Notes Payable Nonrecourse	$4,579,506

Financing_Arrangements_Details

Financing Arrangements (Details) (USD $)

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

34 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Jun. 02, 2008

12-May-11

Aug. 16, 2005

31-May-11

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

12-May-11

Aug. 16, 2005

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Jun. 02, 2008

Park Creek Metropolitan District [Member]

Junior Subordinated Bonds [Member]

Junior Subordinated Bonds [Member]

Converted Bonds [Member]

Converted Bonds [Member]

Converted Bonds [Member]

Converted Bonds [Member]

Converted Bonds [Member]

Converted Bonds [Member]

Converted Bonds [Member]

Converted Bonds [Member]

Total Return Swap [Member]

Park Creek Metropolitan District [Member]

Park Creek Metropolitan District [Member]

Park Creek Metropolitan District [Member]

Park Creek Metropolitan District [Member]

Park Creek Metropolitan District [Member]

Financing Arrangements (Textual) [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Junior Subordinated Bonds issued

'

'

'

'

'

$58,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Converted bonds, fixed interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.50%

'

'

'

'

Fund withdrawn from Trustee

'

'

'

58,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional amount of total rate of return swap

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

58,000,000

Fixed interest rate of total rate of return swap

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.50%

Purchase of Converted Bonds from investment banks

'

'

'

'

'

'

23,000,000

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Junior Subordinated Bonds refinanced by District

'

'

'

'

42,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding Junior Subordinated Bonds

'

'

'

'

58,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Refinancing proceeds received by the Company

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,925,000

23,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Refinancing Proceeds received by investment banks

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,610,000

19,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Converted Bonds redeemed by the District

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,535,000

240,000

225,000

'

Secured borrowings related to Converted Bonds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,610,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net interest income related to TRS

$369,000

$875,000

$1,220,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Bank_Revolving_Credit_Facility2

Bank Revolving Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Maximum borrowings	$500,000,000	$450,000,000
Borrowings	0	0
Letters of credit	59,760,000	67,456,000
Surety bonds	0	0
Available credit	$440,240,000	$382,544,000

Bank_Revolving_Credit_Facility3

Bank Revolving Credit Facility (Details Textual) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 03, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2005

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Feb. 29, 2004

Bank Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Bank Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Bank Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Common Class A or B [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2034 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2034 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2034 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2034 [Member]

option

Bank Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Bank Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total available borrowings

$500,000,000

$450,000,000

'

$500,000,000

$465,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total available borrowings capacity under accordion provision

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit agreement maturity terms

'

'

'FebruaryB 21,B 2016 and provides for one, 12-month extension option

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Credit Facility extension options

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term of Credit Facility extension option

'

'

'12 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit Facility interest rate

'

'

'LIBOR plus 3.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable rate basis of debt instrument

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable rate basis spread of debt instrument

'

'

3.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of available borrowing that can be used for letters of credit and/or surety bonds

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum Class A common stock repurchase amount

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum dividend restriction in any four fiscal quarter period

'

'

'

'

'

'

$24,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.50%

6.50%

6.50%

7.38%

7.38%

7.38%

7.38%

Senior_and_Subordinated_Debt_D

Senior and Subordinated Debt (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

31-May-03

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2005

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Feb. 29, 2004

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Puttable Equity Linked Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]

Puttable Equity Linked Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]

Puttable Equity Linked Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2034 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2034 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2034 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2034 [Member]

Subordinate Tax Revenue Bonds due 2013 [Member]

Subordinate Tax Revenue Bonds due 2013 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest Rate

'

'

3.63%

3.63%

3.63%

7.63%

7.63%

7.63%

5.00%

5.00%

5.00%

6.50%

6.50%

6.50%

4.25%

4.25%

4.25%

3.63%

3.63%

3.63%

7.38%

7.38%

7.38%

7.38%

'

'

Senior Notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior Notes

$700,000,000

$1,003,969,000

$0

$199,457,000

'

$0

$53,253,000

'

$50,000,000

$50,000,000

'

$0

$132,144,000

'

$350,000,000

$350,000,000

'

$300,000,000

'

$0

$0

$219,115,000

'

'

'

'

Subordinated Debt [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Subordinate Tax Revenue Bonds due 2013

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

29,000,000

Senior and Subordinated debt

$700,000,000

$1,032,969,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior_and_Subordinated_Debt_D1

Senior and Subordinated Debt (Details 1) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Interest incurred, capitalized and paid	'	'	'
Interest incurred	$309,017	$357,388	$435,288
Interest capitalized	-16,693	-96,094	-193,448
Net interest expense	292,324	261,294	241,840
Interest incurred from discontinued operations	4,733	15,197	22,134
Cash paid for interest (net of amount capitalized)	$292,692	$291,509	$260,822

Senior_and_Subordinated_Debt_D2

Senior and Subordinated Debt (Details Textuals) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Apr. 16, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Jul. 12, 2013

Oct. 31, 2009

Apr. 16, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 21, 2013

Jul. 12, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 29, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

31-May-03

31-May-11

Jan. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2011

Jan. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 23, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2005

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 15, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Feb. 29, 2004

31-May-03

Apr. 16, 2013

31-May-11

Jan. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Jul. 12, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Puttable Equity Linked Senior Notes due 2011 [Member]

Puttable Equity Linked Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]

Puttable Equity Linked Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]

Puttable Equity Linked Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]

Puttable Equity Linked Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]

Puttable Equity Linked Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]

Puttable Equity Linked Senior Notes due 2014 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]

Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2034 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2034 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2034 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2034 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2034 [Member]

Senior Notes due 2034 [Member]

Subordinated Debt [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

D

D

D

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion price per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$13.91

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$21.67

'

'

$24.21

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$13.91

$24.21

Senior and subordinated debt, face amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

$167,433,000

'

'

'

'

'

$167,433,000

'

'

'

'

$300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$200,000,000

'

'

'

$150,000,000

'

'

$350,000,000

'

$300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

$125,000,000

$100,000,000

$29,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.63%

'

3.63%

'

'

3.63%

3.63%

7.63%

'

7.63%

'

7.63%

'

'

5.00%

'

'

5.00%

5.00%

6.50%

'

6.50%

6.50%

4.25%

4.25%

4.25%

3.63%

3.63%

3.63%

7.38%

'

7.38%

7.38%

'

7.38%

7.88%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional senior notes issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32,567,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Discount rate of senior notes issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.84%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest payable on notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'semi-annually on AprilB 15 and OctoberB 15

'

'

'

'

'semi-annually on December 1 and June 1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'semi-annually on April 15 and OctoberB 15

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'semi-annually on FebruaryB 15 and AugustB 15

'

'

'semi-annually on FebruaryB 15 and AugustB 15

'

'

'quarterly on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares received by the note holder upon a put

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

68.7758

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,128,806

'

'

Principal amount of senior notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

1,000

1,000

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of weighted average price of common stock equaled or exceeded put value price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

130.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum trading days during which daily volume weighted average price exceeds or equals put value price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number consecutive trading days, convertible debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior notes exchanged for Class A common stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

138,853,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40,000,000

110,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share of Class A common stock issued in exchange of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,549,721

3,444,293

9,774,039

13,679,000

3,444,000

'

'

'

Cash payment for additional exchange consideration, accrued interest and in lieu of fractional shares

4,860,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on extinguishment of debt

'

4,549,000

6,807,000

7,096,000

9,590,000

'

'

'

-4,762,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-10,800,000

-31,689,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-12,094,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate principal amount of senior notes put to the company

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

60,033,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash payments for interest payable and in lieu of fractional shares for put transaction

'

'

'

'

'

1,088,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Principal amount of notes redeemed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,114,000

'

'

'

'

53,253,000

'

125,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

132,144,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

225,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of common shares issued upon conversion of senior notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

71.8894

71.8894

71.8894

'

71.8894

'

'

'

'

'

'

46.1425

'

'

41.3129

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.3

'

'

'

'

Increased number of shares issued in exchange of senior notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

86.1073

88.8549

'

'

88.8549

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective conversion price per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$16.37

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of weighted average price of common stock equaled or exceeded conversion price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

130.00%

'

'

130.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average price of common stock equaled or exceeded conversion price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$28.17

'

'

$31.47

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum trading days during which daily volume weighted average price exceeds or equals conversion price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20

'

'

20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum number of days after mailing conversion rights termination notice for effective termination date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'20 days

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net cash proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

291,250,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum number of days after mailing redemption notice for effective redemption date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'60 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds net of discounts and underwriters commissions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

116,792,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash deposited to be used to redeem debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$8,208,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013
Other Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	'	'
Asset Derivative, Current Notional	$18,970,000	$28,000,000
Asset Derivative, Fair Value	903,000	965,000
Other Assets [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	'	'
Asset Derivative, Current Notional	447,532,000	638,762,000
Asset Derivative, Fair Value	155,000	20,349,000
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	'	'
Liability Derivative, Current Notional	1,301,144,000	1,258,315,000
Liability Derivative, Fair Value	107,630,000	140,437,000
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	'	'
Liability Derivative, Current Notional	39,052,000	39,562,000
Liability Derivative, Fair Value	15,477,000	15,287,000
Interest rate caps [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	'	'
Asset Derivative, Current Notional	447,532,000	479,085,000
Asset Derivative, Fair Value	155,000	7,000
Interest rate caps [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	'	'
Liability Derivative, Current Notional	0	0
Liability Derivative, Fair Value	0	0
Interest rate swap agreements [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	'	'
Asset Derivative, Current Notional	0	0
Asset Derivative, Fair Value	0	0
Interest rate swap agreements [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	'	'
Asset Derivative, Current Notional	'	18,877,000
Asset Derivative, Fair Value	'	241,000
Interest rate swap agreements [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	'	'
Liability Derivative, Current Notional	961,359,000	1,019,920,000
Liability Derivative, Fair Value	97,858,000	129,522,000
Interest rate swap agreements [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	'	'
Liability Derivative, Current Notional	'	0
Liability Derivative, Fair Value	'	0
Total Return Swap [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	'	'
Asset Derivative, Current Notional	18,970,000	28,000,000
Asset Derivative, Fair Value	903,000	965,000
Total Return Swap [Member] | Other Assets [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	'	'
Asset Derivative, Current Notional	0	140,800,000
Asset Derivative, Fair Value	0	20,101,000
Total Return Swap [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	'	'
Liability Derivative, Current Notional	339,785,000	238,395,000
Liability Derivative, Fair Value	9,772,000	10,915,000
Total Return Swap [Member] | Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	'	'
Liability Derivative, Current Notional	39,052,000	39,562,000
Liability Derivative, Fair Value	$15,477,000	$15,287,000

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed3

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details 1) (Cash Flow Hedging [Member], USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Derivative instruments gain loss in financial statements	'	'	'
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion)	$37,094,000	$21,601,000	($48,087,000)
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI, effective amount	-3,381,000	-4,258,000	-3,886,000
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI, ineffective amount	-2,959,000	14,000	-564,000
Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative instruments gain loss in financial statements	'	'	'
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion)	37,094,000	'	'
Interest rate swaps [Member] | Interest expense [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative instruments gain loss in financial statements	'	'	'
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI, effective amount	-3,295,000	'	'
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI, ineffective amount	-2,963,000	'	'
Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative instruments gain loss in financial statements	'	'	'
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion)	0	'	'
Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps [Member] | Equity in earnings [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative instruments gain loss in financial statements	'	'	'
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI, effective amount	-86,000	'	'
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI, ineffective amount	4,000	'	'
Interest rate caps, interest rate swaps and Treasury options [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative instruments gain loss in financial statements	'	'	'
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion)	'	21,601,000	-48,087,000
Interest rate caps, interest rate swaps and Treasury options [Member] | Interest expense [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative instruments gain loss in financial statements	'	'	'
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI, effective amount	'	-3,916,000	-3,514,000
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI, ineffective amount	'	0	1,000
Interest rate caps, swaps and treasury options [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative instruments gain loss in financial statements	'	'	'
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion)	'	0	'
Interest rate caps, swaps and treasury options [Member] | Equity in earnings [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative instruments gain loss in financial statements	'	'	'
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI, effective amount	'	-342,000	'
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI, ineffective amount	'	14,000	'
Treasury options [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative instruments gain loss in financial statements	'	'	'
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion)	'	'	0
Treasury options [Member] | Equity in earnings [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative instruments gain loss in financial statements	'	'	'
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI, effective amount	'	'	-372,000
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI, ineffective amount	'	'	($565,000)

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed4

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details 2) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Impact of gains and losses related to derivative instruments	'	'	'
Net gain (loss) recognized on derivatives	($1,410)	$11,646	$1,227
Total Return Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Impact of gains and losses related to derivative instruments	'	'	'
Net gain (loss) recognized on derivatives	1,081	-770	11,855	[1]
Total Return Swap [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Impact of gains and losses related to derivative instruments	'	'	'
Net gain (loss) recognized on derivatives	-1,091	12,568	2,264
Interest rate caps and interest rate swaps [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Impact of gains and losses related to derivative instruments	'	'	'
Net gain (loss) recognized on derivatives	($319)	($922)	($1,037)
[1]	The net gain (loss) recognized in interest expense from the change in fair value of the underlying TRS borrowings was $(1,081), $770 and $(11,855) for theB 11B months ended DecemberB 31,B 2013 and the years ended JanuaryB 31,B 2013 and 2012, respectively, offsetting the gain (loss) recognized on the TRS.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed5

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details Textual) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			11 Months Ended					11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012	Jun. 02, 2008	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
				Total Return Swap [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
					Interest rate swap agreements [Member]	Interest rate caps [Member]	Interest rate swap agreements [Member]	Interest rate caps [Member]	Total Return Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative, term of contract	'	'	'	'	'1 year	'1 year	'10 years	'3 years	'	'
Loss on interest rate cash flow hedge ineffectiveness	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$2,963,000
Loss on cash flow hedges to be reclassified within next twelve months	25,152,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
SIFMA rate	0.06%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Notional amount	'	'	'	58,000,000	'	'	'	'	358,755,000	'
Net gain (loss) from change in fair value of underlying TRS borrowings recognized in interest expense	-1,081,000	770,000	-11,855,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Adjustment for nonperformance risk	6,817,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate fair value of derivative instruments in a liability position	129,924,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Posted collateral consisting of cash and notes receivable	$76,802,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Fair value measurement, recurring basis [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013
Financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests on a recurring basis	'	'
Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TRS	$8,869,000	$9,950,000
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	-171,743,000	-239,136,000
Fair value of financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests on a recurring basis	-284,923,000	-363,596,000
Interest rate caps [Member]	'	'
Financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests on a recurring basis	'	'
Derivative assets	155,000	7,000
Interest rate swap agreements [Member]	'	'
Financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests on a recurring basis	'	'
Derivative assets	'	241,000
Derivative liabilities	-97,858,000	-129,522,000
Total Return Swap [Member]	'	'
Financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests on a recurring basis	'	'
Derivative assets	903,000	21,066,000
Derivative liabilities	-25,249,000	-26,202,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests on a recurring basis	'	'
Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TRS	0	0
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	0	0
Fair value of financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests on a recurring basis	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Interest rate caps [Member]	'	'
Financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests on a recurring basis	'	'
Derivative assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Interest rate swap agreements [Member]	'	'
Financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests on a recurring basis	'	'
Derivative assets	'	0
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]	'	'
Financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests on a recurring basis	'	'
Derivative assets	0	0
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests on a recurring basis	'	'
Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TRS	0	0
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	0	0
Fair value of financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests on a recurring basis	-343,000	-2,768,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Interest rate caps [Member]	'	'
Financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests on a recurring basis	'	'
Derivative assets	155,000	7,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Interest rate swap agreements [Member]	'	'
Financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests on a recurring basis	'	'
Derivative assets	'	241,000
Derivative liabilities	-498,000	-3,016,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]	'	'
Financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests on a recurring basis	'	'
Derivative assets	0	0
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests on a recurring basis	'	'
Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TRS	8,869,000	9,950,000
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	-171,743,000	-239,136,000
Fair value of financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests on a recurring basis	-284,580,000	-360,828,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Interest rate caps [Member]	'	'
Financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests on a recurring basis	'	'
Derivative assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Interest rate swap agreements [Member]	'	'
Financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests on a recurring basis	'	'
Derivative assets	'	0
Derivative liabilities	-97,360,000	-126,506,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]	'	'
Financial assets and liabilities and redeemable noncontrolling interests on a recurring basis	'	'
Derivative assets	903,000	21,066,000
Derivative liabilities	($25,249,000)	($26,202,000)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail1

Fair Value Measurements (Details 1) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	($360,828,000)	($378,285,000)	'
Transfers in	'	-2,125,000	'
Contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interest	0	11,348,000	0
Loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	16,847,000	9,785,000	'
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'
Included in earnings	-1,091,000	12,568,000	'
Included In noncontrolling interest	'	204,000	'
Included in other comprehensive income	29,146,000	16,797,000	'
Included in additional paid-in capital	50,546,000	-8,424,000	'
Settlement	-19,200,000	'	'
Ending balance	-284,580,000	-360,828,000	-378,285,000
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	-239,136,000	-229,149,000	'
Transfers in	'	0	'
Contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interest	'	11,348,000	'
Loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	16,847,000	9,785,000	'
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'
Included in earnings	0	0	'
Included In noncontrolling interest	'	0	'
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	'
Included in additional paid-in capital	50,546,000	-8,424,000	'
Settlement	0	'	'
Ending balance	-171,743,000	-239,136,000	'
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	-126,506,000	-143,303,000	'
Transfers in	'	0	'
Contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interest	'	0	'
Loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	0	0	'
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'
Included in earnings	0	0	'
Included In noncontrolling interest	'	0	'
Included in other comprehensive income	29,146,000	16,797,000	'
Included in additional paid-in capital	0	0	'
Settlement	0	'	'
Ending balance	-97,360,000	-126,506,000	'
Net TRS [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	-5,136,000	-15,013,000	'
Transfers in	'	-2,125,000	'
Contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interest	'	0	'
Loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	0	0	'
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'
Included in earnings	-10,000	11,798,000	'
Included In noncontrolling interest	'	204,000	'
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	'
Included in additional paid-in capital	0	0	'
Settlement	-19,200,000	'	'
Ending balance	-24,346,000	-5,136,000	'
Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TRS [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	9,950,000	9,180,000	'
Transfers in	'	0	'
Contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interest	'	0	'
Loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	0	0	'
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'
Included in earnings	-1,081,000	770,000	'
Included In noncontrolling interest	'	0	'
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	'
Included in additional paid-in capital	0	0	'
Settlement	0	'	'
Ending balance	8,869,000	9,950,000	'
TRS Related [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	4,814,000	-5,833,000	'
Transfers in	'	-2,125,000	'
Contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interest	'	0	'
Loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	0	0	'
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):	'	'	'
Included in earnings	-1,091,000	12,568,000	'
Included In noncontrolling interest	'	204,000	'
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	'
Included in additional paid-in capital	0	0	'
Settlement	-19,200,000	'	'
Ending balance	($15,477,000)	$4,814,000	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail2

Fair Value Measurements (Details 2) (Fair value measurement, recurring basis [Member], USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Credit valuation adjustment of interest rate swap [Member]

Total Return Swap [Member]

Total Return Swap [Member]

Total Return Swap [Member]

Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TRS [Member]

Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TRS [Member]

Fair value adjustment to the borrowings subject to TRS [Member]

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Discount rate [Member]

Capitalization rate [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Discount rate [Member]

Capitalization rate [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair value of financial instruments measured on a recurring basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit valuation adjustment of interest rate swap

'

'

'

'

$7,023,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value measurement of total return swaps

'

'

'

'

'

-24,436,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value adjustment to borrowings subject to total rate of return swaps

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,869,000

'

'

'

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

($171,743,000)

($239,136,000)

($171,743,000)

($239,136,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($171,743,000)

Fair value valuation techniques

'

'

'

'

'PotentialB futureB exposure

'Bond quote

'

'

'Bond quote

'

'

'Discounted cash flows

Fair value unobservable input credit valuation adjustment of interest rate swaps

'

'

'

'

'CreditB spread

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value unobservable input of total return swap

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Discount rate

'Capitalization rate

'

'

'

'

Fair value unobservable input adjustment to borrowings subject to total rate of return swaps

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Discount rate

'Capitalization rate

'

Fair value unobservable input redeemable noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Discount rate

Percentage of input values credit valuation adjustment of interest rate swap

'

'

'

'

4.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Input values total rate of return swaps

'

'

'

'

'

'

'N/A

[1]

'N/A

[1]

'

'

'

'

Input values of fair value adjustment to the borrowing subject total rate of return swaps

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'N/A

[1]

'N/A

[1]

'

Percentage of input values redeemable noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9.89%

[1]

The Company does not have access to certain significant unobservable inputs used by third parties to determine these fair values.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail3

Fair Value Measurements (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value of nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable (including land held for divestiture debt), bank revolving credit facility and senior and subordinated debt	'	'
Carrying value	$5,279,506	$6,773,629
Fair value	5,442,542	7,088,223
Fixed Rate Debt [Member]	'	'
Fair Value of nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable (including land held for divestiture debt), bank revolving credit facility and senior and subordinated debt	'	'
Carrying value	3,281,337	4,791,113
Fair value	3,488,406	5,147,849
Variable Rate Debt [Member]	'	'
Fair Value of nonrecourse mortgage debt and notes payable (including land held for divestiture debt), bank revolving credit facility and senior and subordinated debt	'	'
Carrying value	1,998,169	1,982,516
Fair value	$1,954,136	$1,940,374

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail4

Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Number of interest rate swaps	1
Total Return Swap [Member]	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Notional amount of TRS borrowings subject to fair value adjustments	358,755,000

Commercial_Group_Land_Sales_De

Commercial Group Land Sales (Details Textual) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011
	parcel	Parcel 1 [Member]	Parcel 1 [Member]	Parcel 1 [Member]	Parcel 1 [Member]	Parcel 2 [Member]	Parcel 2 [Member]	Parcel 2 [Member]	Parcel 2 [Member]
					acre				acre
Commercial Group Land Sales (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of parcels of land and air rights sold	2	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Area of land parcel sold (in acres)	'	'	'	'	6	'	'	'	10
Sales price of land parcel and air rights	'	'	'	'	$45,000,000	'	'	'	$40,000,000
Cash deposit received	'	'	'	'	8,550,000	'	'	7,000,000	'
Amount of purchase price received	'	2,500,000	33,950,000	'	'	33,000,000	'	'	'
Gain on sale of land parcel and air rights	'	'	'	$42,622,000	'	'	$36,484,000	'	'

Land_Held_for_Divestiture_Deta

Land Held for Divestiture (Details) (USD $)	11 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Schedule of net gain loss on land held for divestiture [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Sales of land held for divestiture	$1,941,000	'	$74,150,000	$0
Cost of sales of land held for divestiture	-323,000	'	-56,247,000	0
Gain on extinguishment of debt of land held for divestiture	0	'	4,373,000	0
Net gain on closed transactions of land held for divestiture	1,618,000	'	22,276,000	0
Bad debt expense	-9,000,000	'	0	0
Impairment of land held for divestiture	0	'	-15,796,000	-115,654,000
Net gain (loss) on land held for divestiture activity	($7,382,000)	($4,457,000)	$6,480,000	($115,654,000)

Land_Held_for_Divestiture_Deta1

Land Held for Divestiture (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2013
Indicative bids [Member]	'
Fair value of land held for divestiture [Line Items]	'
Fair value of impairment of land held for divestiture	$15,663
Fair value valuation technique	'Indicative bids
Fair value unobservable input	'Indicative bids
Fair value range of input values	'N/A	[1]
Discounted cash flows [Member]	'
Fair value of land held for divestiture [Line Items]	'
Fair value of impairment of land held for divestiture	$926
Fair value valuation technique	'Discounted cash flows	[2]
Fair value unobservable input	'N/A
Fair value range of input values	'N/A
[1]	These fair value measurements were developed by third party sources, subject to the Companybs corroboration for reasonableness.
[2]	The Company used a discounted cash flow technique to estimate fair value, however due to the estimated holding period being less than twelve months, the impact of discounting was deemed immaterial.

Land_Held_for_Divestiture_Deta2

Land Held for Divestiture (Details 2) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Land Held for Divestiture disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net gain (loss) on sales of land held for divestiture of unconsolidated entities	$1,338,000	($371,000)	$0
Impairment of investments in unconsolidated entities	0	40,406,000	41,902,000
Net gain (loss) on land held for divestiture activity of unconsolidated entities	$1,338,000	($40,777,000)	($41,902,000)

Recovered_Sheet2

Land held for divestiture (Details Textuals) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		11 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013
			project	North Carolina land parcel [Member]	Central Station [Member]	Central Station [Member]	Mesa del Sol [Member]
				acre			acre
Land held for divestiture [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of land developments projects	'	'	2	'	'	'	'
Impairment of land held for divestiture	$0	$15,796,000	$115,654,000	'	'	'	'
Carrying value of land held for divestiture	1,934,000	2,706,000	'	'	'	'	'
Area of land parcel sold (in acres)	'	'	'	1,000	'	'	'
Estimated fair value of the underlying collateral	'	'	'	4,100,000	'	'	'
Bad debt expense	9,000,000	0	0	9,000,000	'	'	'
Bad debt expense, net of noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	8,300,000	'	'	'
Bad debt expense, after tax	'	'	'	4,980,000	'	'	'
Maximum estimated holding period for land held for divestiture	'	'12 months	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment of investments in unconsolidated entities	0	40,406,000	41,902,000	'	'	17,000,000	15,000,000
Sale price of land	'	'	'	'	$29,525,000	'	'
Acres of land held for divestiture (in acres)	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,000

Net_Gain_Loss_on_Disposition_o1

Net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Partial Interests in Rental Properties (Details) (USD $)	11 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	'	'	'	'
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	$496,092,000	$0	$0	$17,665,000
QIC Joint Venture [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	'	'	'	'
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	381,627,000	'	0	0
New York Retail Joint Venture [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	'	'	'	'
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	114,465,000	'	0	9,561,000
Stonecrest Mall Joint Venture [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	'	'	'	'
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	0	'	0	5,849,000
Annex building adjacent to the Dallas Wilson Building [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	'	'	'	'
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	$0	'	$0	$2,255,000

Net_Gain_Loss_on_Disposition_o2

Net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Partial Interests in Rental Properties (Details 1) (QIC Joint Venture [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
QIC Joint Venture [Member]	'
Assets [Abstract]	'
Real estate, net	($920,602)
Cash and equivalents	324,549
Restricted cash and escrowed funds	-4,326
Notes and accounts receivable, net	-23,201
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities	40,249
Other assets	-90,098
Total Assets	-673,429
Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Mortgage debt and notes payable, nonrecourse	-979,448
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	-17,446
Total Liabilities	-996,894
Equity [Abstract]	'
Additional paid-in capital	-89,644
Retained earnings	408,707
Noncontrolling interest	4,402
Total Equity	323,465
Total Liabilities and Equity	($673,429)

Net_Gain_Loss_on_Disposition_o3

Net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Partial Interests in Rental Properties (Details Textual) (USD $)

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

QIC Joint Venture [Member]

QIC Joint Venture [Member]

QIC Joint Venture [Member]

QIC Joint Venture [Member]

New York Retail Joint Venture [Member]

New York Retail Joint Venture [Member]

New York Retail Joint Venture [Member]

New York Retail Joint Venture [Member]

Stonecrest Mall Joint Venture [Member]

Stonecrest Mall Joint Venture [Member]

Stonecrest Mall Joint Venture [Member]

Stonecrest Mall Joint Venture [Member]

Annex building adjacent to the Dallas Wilson Building [Member]

Annex building adjacent to the Dallas Wilson Building [Member]

Annex building adjacent to the Dallas Wilson Building [Member]

Annex building adjacent to the Dallas Wilson Building [Member]

properties

properties

properties

rentals

property

Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of ownership sold

'

'

'

'

49.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

49.00%

'

'

'

49.00%

'

'

'

'

Number of properties held by newly formed joint venture

'

'

'

'

8

'

'

'

'

'

'

15

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of fully consolidated assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of equity method investments

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt assumed by the outside partner

'

'

'

'

$477,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$244,952,000

'

'

'

$49,464,000

'

'

'

'

Proceeds received, net of transaction costs

'

'

'

'

421,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash proceeds

'

'

'

'

187,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties

496,092,000

0

0

17,665,000

381,627,000

0

0

'

114,465,000

0

9,561,000

'

0

0

5,849,000

'

'

0

0

2,255,000

Gain on disposition of partial interests in equity method investments

27,080,000

'

0

0

27,080,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of regional retail malls in which Company acquired noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests

98,687,000

'

27,335,000

0

92,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds in the form of loan from the joint venture

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

178,286,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outside partner's minimum initial investment requirement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Transaction costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,776,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Participation payment made to the ground lessor of two properties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,779,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred gain

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

114,465,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contingent consideration

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,750,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of units sold

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8

'

'

'

Proceeds from sale of buildings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,800,000

'

'

'

Remaining units wholly-owned by the Company

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

135

'

'

'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	11 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Current	'	'	'	'
Federal	($2,480)	'	($54,871)	($15,745)
State	2,154	'	-6,413	-1,194
Current income tax expense (benefit)	-326	'	-61,284	-16,939
Deferred	'	'	'	'
Federal	-4,432	'	48,289	-38,689
State	-4,576	'	-1,730	-12,057
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	-9,008	'	46,559	-50,746
Income tax benefit	($9,334)	($13,291)	($14,725)	($67,685)

Income_Taxes_Details_1

Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $)	11 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Effective tax rate for income taxes from continuing operations	'	'	'	'
Loss before income taxes	($205,929,000)	($65,978,000)	($88,872,000)	($119,568,000)
Net gain on change in control of interests	2,762,000	6,766,000	6,766,000	0
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated entities, net of impairment	109,163,000	'	44,631,000	-61,039,000
Less: Noncontrolling interests	71,510,000	'	1,539,000	-2,167,000
Loss from continuing operations, including noncontrolling interest, before income taxes	-22,494,000	'	-35,936,000	-182,774,000
Income taxes computed at the statutory rate	-7,873,000	'	-12,578,000	-63,971,000
Increase (decrease) in tax resulting from:	'	'	'	'
State taxes, net of federal benefit	-2,994,000	'	-5,312,000	-6,907,000
State net operating loss, net of federal benefit	2,845,000	'	1,667,000	2,474,000
General business credits	-1,638,000	'	-947,000	446,000
Valuation allowance	-5,205,000	'	-2,048,000	-6,414,000
Charitable contributions	3,356,000	'	2,628,000	2,204,000
Permanent adjustments	-18,000	'	3,037,000	38,000
Conversion/Exchange of senior debt	1,667,000	'	0	3,780,000
Other items	526,000	'	-1,172,000	665,000
Total income tax expense (benefit)	-9,334,000	-13,291,000	-14,725,000	-67,685,000
Effective tax rate	41.50%	'	40.98%	37.03%
The components of the deferred income tax expense (benefit) for continuing operations are as follows:	'	'	'	'
Excess of tax over financial statement depreciation and amortization	-8,059,000	'	19,811,000	17,095,000
Costs on land and rental properties under development expensed for tax purposes	4,818,000	'	11,048,000	34,333,000
Revenues and expenses recognized in different periods for tax and financial statement purposes	132,330,000	'	49,915,000	-48,152,000
Difference between tax and financial statements related to unconsolidated entities	-5,246,000	'	207,000	-18,674,000
Impairment of real estate and land held for divestiture	-147,325,000	'	-16,178,000	-40,346,000
Deferred state taxes, net of federal benefit	-743,000	'	885,000	-3,408,000
Utilization of (addition to) tax loss carryforward excluding effect of stock options	21,916,000	'	-16,230,000	10,974,000
Valuation allowance	-5,205,000	'	-2,048,000	-6,414,000
General business credits	-520,000	'	-947,000	446,000
Alternative Minimum Tax credits	-974,000	'	96,000	3,400,000
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	($9,008,000)	'	$46,559,000	($50,746,000)

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013
Components of Deferred Income Tax Liability [Line Items]	'	'
Total	$485,894,000	$474,406,000
Temporary Differences [Member]	'	'
Components of Deferred Income Tax Liability [Line Items]	'	'
Depreciation	424,595,000	493,489,000
Capitalized costs	395,733,000	1,018,375,000
Tax loss carryforward	-99,138,000	-161,758,000
State loss carryforward, net of federal benefit	0	0
Valuation allowance	0	0
Federal tax credits and other carryforwards	0	0
Other comprehensive loss	-125,099,000	-168,585,000
Basis in unconsolidated entities	367,892,000	199,359,000
Other	370,743,000	-83,747,000
Total	1,334,726,000	1,297,133,000
Deferred Tax [Member]	'	'
Components of Deferred Income Tax Liability [Line Items]	'	'
Depreciation	164,671,000	191,390,000
Capitalized costs	153,508,000	394,956,000
Tax loss carryforward	-34,698,000	-56,615,000
State loss carryforward, net of federal benefit	-21,170,000	-23,974,000
Valuation allowance	48,077,000	53,282,000
Federal tax credits and other carryforwards	-56,274,000	-58,094,000
Other comprehensive loss	-48,517,000	-65,382,000
Basis in unconsolidated entities	142,680,000	77,317,000
Other	137,617,000	-38,474,000
Total	$485,894,000	$474,406,000

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Jan. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Net Deferred Tax Liability	'		'
Deferred tax liabilities	$1,423,173		$1,832,038
Deferred tax assets	985,356		1,410,914
Less: valuation allowance	-48,077	[1]	-53,282	[1]
Net deferred tax assets	937,279		1,357,632
Total	$485,894		$474,406
[1]	The valuation allowance is related to state net operating losses and bonus depreciation, general business credits and charitable contributions.

Income_Taxes_Details_4

Income Taxes (Details 4) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013
Unrecognized tax benefits	'	'
Beginning balance, February 1, 2013 and 2012	$584,000	$788,000
Gross increases (decreases)for tax positions of prior years	527,000	-107,000
Settlements	0	-97,000
Lapse of statutes of limitation	-143,000	0
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 31, 2013 and January 31, 2013	$968,000	$584,000

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]	'	'	'
Effective tax rate from continuing operations	35.00%	'	'
Income taxes paid	$5,541	'	$3,743
Income taxes refunded	'	-296	'
Net operating loss carryforward	150,758	'	'
Net operating loss carryfowards expirations dates	'years ending DecemberB 31,B 2028 through DecemberB 31,B 2033	'	'
Alternative Minimum Tax credit carryforward	28,570	'	'
Net deferred tax asset unrecognized	18,064	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	968	584	788
Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions	299	164	'
Income tax expense relating to interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions	135	10	54
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	629	286	'
Charitable contribution deduction carryforward [Member]	'	'	'
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax credit carryforward	18,125	'	'
Carryforward expiration dates	'years ending DecemberB 31,B 2014 through DecemberB 31,B 2017	'	'
General Business Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]	'	'	'
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax credit carryforward	$21,680	'	'
Carryforward expiration dates	'years ending DecemberB 31,B 2018 through DecemberB 31,B 2033	'	'

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	11 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
	unit
Financial data of reportable operating segments	'	'	'	'
Number of reportable operating segments	6	'	'	'
Identifiable assets	$8,952,025,000	'	$10,612,432,000	'
Revenues from real estate operations	1,020,108,000	984,054,000	1,070,972,000	997,741,000
Operating expenses	675,585,000	608,422,000	670,285,000	614,814,000
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	279,189,000	195,044,000	218,695,000	198,290,000
Interest expense	292,324,000	236,287,000	261,294,000	241,840,000
Interest and other income	52,332,000	42,246,000	45,546,000	46,104,000
Capital expenditures	461,628,000	'	803,865,000	760,381,000
Commercial Group [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial data of reportable operating segments	'	'	'	'
Identifiable assets	5,120,360,000	'	7,127,228,000	'
Revenues from real estate operations	595,380,000	'	659,439,000	656,611,000
Operating expenses	334,107,000	'	331,374,000	324,222,000
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	187,832,000	'	155,424,000	146,103,000
Interest expense	175,338,000	'	177,560,000	166,695,000
Interest and other income	18,127,000	'	14,367,000	14,936,000
Capital expenditures	171,002,000	'	327,867,000	355,598,000
Commercial Group Land Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial data of reportable operating segments	'	'	'	'
Revenues from real estate operations	20,170,000	'	43,999,000	54,363,000
Operating expenses	10,656,000	'	4,942,000	9,731,000
Residential Group [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial data of reportable operating segments	'	'	'	'
Identifiable assets	2,468,708,000	'	2,060,892,000	'
Revenues from real estate operations	249,677,000	'	264,547,000	240,778,000
Operating expenses	179,405,000	'	184,289,000	168,234,000
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	55,031,000	'	51,885,000	50,433,000
Interest expense	32,409,000	'	18,680,000	29,200,000
Interest and other income	21,742,000	'	21,149,000	19,807,000
Capital expenditures	245,647,000	'	149,160,000	154,475,000
Arena [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial data of reportable operating segments	'	'	'	'
Identifiable assets	984,937,000	'	980,321,000	'
Revenues from real estate operations	104,532,000	'	48,353,000	1,569,000
Operating expenses	72,659,000	'	49,175,000	12,536,000
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	33,231,000	'	8,888,000	0
Interest expense	34,220,000	'	-122,000	-14,336,000
Interest and other income	0	'	0	261,000
Capital expenditures	43,928,000	'	325,744,000	249,139,000
Land Development Group [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial data of reportable operating segments	'	'	'	'
Identifiable assets	260,070,000	'	246,873,000	'
Revenues from real estate operations	50,349,000	'	54,634,000	44,420,000
Operating expenses	33,737,000	'	48,055,000	47,506,000
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	364,000	'	840,000	240,000
Interest expense	-320,000	'	3,801,000	3,443,000
Interest and other income	12,218,000	'	9,866,000	10,838,000
Capital expenditures	819,000	'	190,000	558,000
The Nets [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial data of reportable operating segments	'	'	'	'
Identifiable assets	0	'	1,111,000	'
Revenues from real estate operations	0	'	0	0
Operating expenses	0	'	0	0
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	0	'	0	0
Interest expense	0	'	0	0
Interest and other income	0	'	0	0
Capital expenditures	0	'	0	0
Corporate Activities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial data of reportable operating segments	'	'	'	'
Identifiable assets	117,950,000	'	196,007,000	'
Revenues from real estate operations	0	'	0	0
Operating expenses	45,021,000	'	52,450,000	52,585,000
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	2,731,000	'	1,658,000	1,514,000
Interest expense	50,677,000	'	61,375,000	56,838,000
Interest and other income	245,000	'	164,000	262,000
Capital expenditures	$232,000	'	$904,000	$611,000

Segment_Information_Details_1

Segment Information (Details 1) (USD $)	11 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Net Earnings (Loss) to FFO by Segment	'	'	'	'
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders	($5,492,000)	$19,326,000	$4,296,000	($101,886,000)
Preferred dividends	185,000	'	13,060,000	15,400,000
Preferred dividends and inducements of preferred stock conversions	185,000	32,129,000	32,129,000	15,400,000
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	-5,307,000	51,455,000	36,425,000	-86,486,000
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	279,189,000	195,044,000	218,695,000	198,290,000
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	-496,092,000	0	0	-17,665,000
Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	-68,430,000	'	-51,066,000	-12,567,000
Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	72,853,000	'	30,660,000	235,000
Impairment of unconsolidated real estate	0	'	390,000	40,284,000
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of rental properties	-35,871,000	'	-99,935,000	-51,796,000
Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	22,519,000	'	4,254,000	13,692,000
Income tax expense (benefit) on non-FFO:	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of rental properties	233,980,000	'	58,935,000	31,812,000
Impairment of depreciable real estate	-36,988,000	'	-13,692,000	-21,024,000
FFO	22,261,000	'	267,408,000	178,189,000
Real Estate Groups [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of Net Earnings (Loss) to FFO by Segment	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	328,786,000	'	284,398,000	257,995,000
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	6,811,000	'	17,039,000	23,709,000
Commercial Group [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of Net Earnings (Loss) to FFO by Segment	'	'	'	'
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders	84,294,000	'	82,022,000	123,925,000
Preferred dividends	0	'	'	0
Preferred dividends and inducements of preferred stock conversions	'	'	0	'
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	84,294,000	'	82,022,000	123,925,000
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	187,832,000	'	155,424,000	146,103,000
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	-496,092,000	'	'	-15,410,000
Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	-68,430,000	'	-16,107,000	0
Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	71,668,000	'	30,660,000	0
Impairment of unconsolidated real estate	'	'	0	40,284,000
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of rental properties	-19,843,000	'	-40,645,000	-51,796,000
Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	22,519,000	'	4,254,000	13,692,000
Income tax expense (benefit) on non-FFO:	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of rental properties	0	'	0	0
Impairment of depreciable real estate	0	'	0	0
FFO	-172,983,000	'	266,656,000	311,912,000
Commercial Group [Member] | Real Estate Groups [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of Net Earnings (Loss) to FFO by Segment	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	226,255,000	'	192,547,000	180,692,000
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	6,646,000	'	13,925,000	20,525,000
Residential Group [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of Net Earnings (Loss) to FFO by Segment	'	'	'	'
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders	31,220,000	'	132,141,000	32,322,000
Preferred dividends	0	'	'	0
Preferred dividends and inducements of preferred stock conversions	'	'	0	'
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	31,220,000	'	132,141,000	32,322,000
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	55,031,000	'	51,885,000	50,433,000
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	0	'	'	-2,255,000
Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	0	'	-34,959,000	-12,567,000
Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	1,185,000	'	0	235,000
Impairment of unconsolidated real estate	'	'	0	0
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of rental properties	-16,028,000	'	-59,290,000	0
Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	0	'	0	0
Income tax expense (benefit) on non-FFO:	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of rental properties	0	'	0	0
Impairment of depreciable real estate	0	'	0	0
FFO	99,696,000	'	126,983,000	97,973,000
Residential Group [Member] | Real Estate Groups [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of Net Earnings (Loss) to FFO by Segment	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	83,154,000	'	85,977,000	77,054,000
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	165,000	'	3,114,000	3,184,000
Arena [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of Net Earnings (Loss) to FFO by Segment	'	'	'	'
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders	-19,514,000	'	-497,000	8,197,000
Preferred dividends	0	'	'	0
Preferred dividends and inducements of preferred stock conversions	'	'	0	'
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	-19,514,000	'	-497,000	8,197,000
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	33,231,000	'	8,888,000	0
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	0	'	'	0
Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	0	'	0	0
Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	0	'	0	0
Impairment of unconsolidated real estate	'	'	0	0
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of rental properties	0	'	0	0
Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	0	'	0	0
Income tax expense (benefit) on non-FFO:	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of rental properties	0	'	0	0
Impairment of depreciable real estate	0	'	0	0
FFO	-395,000	'	4,716,000	8,197,000
Arena [Member] | Real Estate Groups [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of Net Earnings (Loss) to FFO by Segment	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	19,119,000	'	5,213,000	0
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	0	'	0	0
Land Development Group [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of Net Earnings (Loss) to FFO by Segment	'	'	'	'
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders	18,915,000	'	-23,833,000	-149,310,000
Preferred dividends	0	'	'	0
Preferred dividends and inducements of preferred stock conversions	'	'	0	'
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	18,915,000	'	-23,833,000	-149,310,000
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	364,000	'	840,000	240,000
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	0	'	'	0
Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	0	'	0	0
Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	0	'	0	0
Impairment of unconsolidated real estate	'	'	390,000	0
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of rental properties	0	'	0	0
Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	0	'	0	0
Income tax expense (benefit) on non-FFO:	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of rental properties	0	'	0	0
Impairment of depreciable real estate	0	'	0	0
FFO	19,173,000	'	-22,782,000	-149,061,000
Land Development Group [Member] | Real Estate Groups [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of Net Earnings (Loss) to FFO by Segment	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	258,000	'	661,000	249,000
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	0	'	0	0
The Nets [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of Net Earnings (Loss) to FFO by Segment	'	'	'	'
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders	-2,802,000	'	-4,672,000	-26,814,000
Preferred dividends	0	'	'	0
Preferred dividends and inducements of preferred stock conversions	'	'	0	'
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	-2,802,000	'	-4,672,000	-26,814,000
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	0	'	0	0
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	0	'	'	0
Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	0	'	0	0
Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	0	'	0	0
Impairment of unconsolidated real estate	'	'	0	0
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of rental properties	0	'	0	0
Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	0	'	0	0
Income tax expense (benefit) on non-FFO:	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of rental properties	0	'	0	0
Impairment of depreciable real estate	0	'	0	0
FFO	-2,802,000	'	-4,672,000	-26,814,000
The Nets [Member] | Real Estate Groups [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of Net Earnings (Loss) to FFO by Segment	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	0	'	0	0
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	0	'	0	0
Corporate Activities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of Net Earnings (Loss) to FFO by Segment	'	'	'	'
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders	-117,605,000	'	-180,865,000	-90,206,000
Preferred dividends	185,000	'	'	15,400,000
Preferred dividends and inducements of preferred stock conversions	'	'	32,129,000	'
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	-117,420,000	'	-148,736,000	-74,806,000
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	2,731,000	'	1,658,000	1,514,000
Net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties	0	'	'	0
Gain on disposition of unconsolidated entities	0	'	0	0
Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	0	'	0	0
Impairment of unconsolidated real estate	'	'	0	0
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of rental properties	0	'	0	0
Impairment of consolidated depreciable real estate	0	'	0	0
Income tax expense (benefit) on non-FFO:	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of rental properties	233,980,000	'	58,935,000	31,812,000
Impairment of depreciable real estate	-36,988,000	'	-13,692,000	-21,024,000
FFO	79,572,000	'	-103,493,000	-64,018,000
Corporate Activities [Member] | Real Estate Groups [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of Net Earnings (Loss) to FFO by Segment	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	0	'	0	0
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization b Real Estate Groups	$0	'	$0	$0

Leases_Details

Leases (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Minimum future rental income to be received on non-cancelable operating leases	'
2014	$397,444
2015	378,998
2016	354,586
2017	330,830
2018	301,882
Later years	1,710,400
Total rental income	$3,474,140

Leases_Details_1

Leases (Details 1) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Summarizes total reimbursements	'	'	'
Reimbursements on commercial leases	$129,017	$148,525	$154,877

Leases_Details_2

Leases (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Minimum fixed rental payments under long-term leases	'
2014	$9,575
2015	8,713
2016	7,964
2017	3,258
2018	3,168
Later years	48,441
Total rental payment	$81,119

Leases_Details_3

Leases (Details 3) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Summarizes rent expense	'	'	'
Rent expense	$8,316	$9,211	$8,279

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	11 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Completion Guarantees	'
Openings and acquisitions, Total Costs	$2,083,623
Openings And acquisitions, Percent Completed	97.00%
Under construction and development, Total Costs	841,933
Under construction and development, Percent Completed	40.00%
Total Real Estate, Total Costs	$2,925,556
Total Real Estate, Percent Completed	81.00%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) (USD $)	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	12-May-10
			The Nets [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Guarantees associated with various obligations	$10,048,000	'	'
Outstanding letters of credit	59,760,000	67,456,000	'
Maximum potential payment under tax indemnity guarantees	133,972,000	'	'
Outstanding balance of partners share of carve-outs and environmental guarantees	1,279,443,000	'	'
Maximum net exposure related to MHPI projects	219,916,000	'	'
Maximum amount due under completion guarantee	37,664,000	'	'
Percentage of ownership sold	'	'	80.00%
Insurance coverage related to NBA indemnity guarantee	$100,000,000	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Amount of stock-based compensation costs and related deferred income tax benefit recognized in the financial statements	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation costs	$16,197	$14,751	$12,585
Less amount capitalized into qualifying real estate projects	-5,826	-5,396	-4,935
Amount charged to operating expenses	10,371	9,355	7,650
Depreciation expense on capitalized stock-based compensation	876	827	1,246
Total stock-based compensation expense	11,247	10,182	8,896
Deferred income tax benefit	4,111	3,671	3,184
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Amount of stock-based compensation costs and related deferred income tax benefit recognized in the financial statements	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation costs	3,051	3,101	2,606
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Amount of stock-based compensation costs and related deferred income tax benefit recognized in the financial statements	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation costs	10,672	10,324	9,979
Performance Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Amount of stock-based compensation costs and related deferred income tax benefit recognized in the financial statements	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation costs	$2,474	$1,326	$0

StockBased_Compensation_Detail1

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 1)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate	0.78%	1.10%	2.61%
Expected volatility	74.10%	74.10%	72.40%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected term (in years)	'5 years 6 months	'5 years 6 months	'5 years 6 months

StockBased_Compensation_Detail2

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2) (USD $)	11 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'
Shares outstanding at January 31, 2013	3,984,497
Shares granted	241,860
Shares exercised	-76,200
Shares forfeited/expired	-68,092
Shares outstanding at December 31, 2013	4,082,065
Options, exercisable (fully vested) at December 31, 2013	3,097,724
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at January 31, 2013	$35.62
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	$17.60
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$15.14
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited/expired	$32.69
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at December 31, 2013	$34.98
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable as of December 31, 2013	$40.83
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding at December 31, 2013	'4 years 4 months 17 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable (fully vested) at December 31, 2013	'3 years 3 months 10 days
Intrinsic Value, Outstanding at December 31, 2013	$6,086
Intrinsic Value, Exercisable (fully vested) at December 31, 2013	$3,599

StockBased_Compensation_Detail3

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 3) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Restricted Shares, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Unvested shares at January 31, 2013	2,116,064	'	'
Shares granted	653,447	'	'
Shares vested	-599,864	'	'
Shares forfeited	-10,380	'	'
Unvested shares at December 31, 2013	2,159,267	2,116,064	'
Restricted Shares, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Unvested shares at January 31, 2013	$15.06	'	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$17.60	$14.75	$17.72
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$12.95	'	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	$16.04	'	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Unvested shares at December 31, 2013	$16.41	$15.06	'

Recovered_Sheet3

Stock-based Compensation (Details 4) (Performance Shares [Member], USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013
Performance Shares, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'
Unvested shares at January 31, 2013	295,337	'
Shares granted	299,460	'
Shares vested	0	'
Shares forfeited	-7,587	'
Unvested shares at December 31, 2013	587,210	'
Performance Shares, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Unvested shares at January 31, 2013	$20.74	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$0	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	$20.74	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Unvested shares at December 31, 2013	$19.23	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Performance Shares, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Range of performance shares that can be earned	0	'
Target [Member]	'	'
Performance Shares, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Range of performance shares that can be earned	587,210	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Performance Shares, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Range of performance shares that can be earned	1,174,420	'
February 1, 2012 to December 31, 2015 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Performance Shares, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Range of performance shares that can be earned	0	'
February 1, 2012 to December 31, 2015 [Member] | Target [Member]	'	'
Performance Shares, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Range of performance shares that can be earned	287,750	'
February 1, 2012 to December 31, 2015 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Performance Shares, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Range of performance shares that can be earned	575,500	'
February 1, 2013 to December 31, 2016 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Performance Shares, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Range of performance shares that can be earned	0	'
February 1, 2013 to December 31, 2016 [Member] | Target [Member]	'	'
Performance Shares, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Range of performance shares that can be earned	299,460	'
February 1, 2013 to December 31, 2016 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Performance Shares, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Range of performance shares that can be earned	598,920	'
Executive [Member]	'	'
Performance Shares, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$17.78	$20.74
Executive [Member] | February 1, 2012 to December 31, 2015 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Performance Shares, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Percentage of shares earned	0.00%	'
Executive [Member] | February 1, 2012 to December 31, 2015 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Performance Shares, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Percentage of shares earned	200.00%	'
Executive [Member] | February 1, 2013 to December 31, 2016 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Performance Shares, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Percentage of shares earned	'	0.00%
Executive [Member] | February 1, 2013 to December 31, 2016 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Performance Shares, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Percentage of shares earned	'	200.00%

StockBased_Compensation_Detail4

Stock-Based Compensation (Details Textual) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maximum number of shares to be issued	21,750,000	'	'
Number of shares available for granting	7,181,821	'	'
Maximum annual award to individuals, aggregate grant-date fair value	$250,000	'	'
Vesting period of stock awards	'1 year	'	'
Amount of grant date fair value expensed for awards granted to retirement-eligible grantees	973,000	726,000	1,022,000
Stock based compensation reversed	'	'	1,622,000
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation as financing cash flows	0	0	0
Weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options	$17.60	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock, shares	179,907	129,568	90,104
Purchase of treasury stock	3,167,000	1,963,000	1,670,000
Restricted Shares and Performance Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maximum annual award to individuals, shares	500,000	'	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maximum annual award to individuals, shares	500,000	'	'
Maximum term of stock options	'10 years	'	'
Weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options	$10.97	$9.24	$11.20
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	145,000	954,000	84,000
Cash received from stock options exercised	1,153,000	8,368,000	195,000
Income tax benefit realized	0	0	0
Unrecognized compensation cost	3,727,000	'	'
Weighted average period of unrecognized compensation cost	'2 years 2 months 29 days	'	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	18,326,000	'	'
Weighted average period of unrecognized compensation cost	'2 years 5 months 21 days	'	'
Weighted average grant-date fair value	$17.60	$14.75	$17.72
Total fair value of shares that vested	7,770,000	9,156,000	8,503,000
Performance Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	$7,242,000	'	'
Weighted average period of unrecognized compensation cost	'2 years 6 months 23 days	'	'
Executive [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted average grant-date fair value	$17.78	$20.74	'
Minimum performance period	'1 year	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Vesting period of stock awards	'3 years	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Vesting period of stock awards	'3 years	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Vesting period of stock awards	'4 years	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Vesting period of stock awards	'4 years	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	11 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013		Jan. 31, 2012
Numerators	'		'	'		'
Loss from continuing operations attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	($13,160,000)		'	($21,211,000)		($115,089,000)
Preferred dividends and inducements of preferred stock conversions	-185,000		-32,129,000	-32,129,000		-15,400,000
Loss from continuing operations attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders - Basic and Diluted	-13,345,000		'	-53,340,000		-130,489,000
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc.	-5,307,000		51,455,000	36,425,000		-86,486,000
Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	0		'	-1,878,000		0
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders - Basic and Diluted	($5,492,000)		'	$2,418,000		($101,886,000)
Denominators	'		'	'		'
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Basic and Diluted	193,465,572	[1]	'	172,621,723	[1]	168,170,650	[1]
Earnings per share	'		'	'		'
Loss from continuing operations attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders - Basic and Diluted	($0.07)		'	($0.31)		($0.78)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc. common shareholders - Basic and Diluted	($0.03)		'	$0.01		($0.61)
[1]	Incremental shares from dilutive options, restricted stock and convertible securities aggregating 35,431,746, 49,642,605 and 45,856,959 for the 11 months ended DecemberB 31, 2013 and the years ended JanuaryB 31,B 2013 and 2012, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their effect is anti-dilutive due to loss from continuing operations. Weighted-average options, restricted stock and performance shares of 3,601,719, 4,105,670 and 4,222,955 for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended JanuaryB 31,B 2013 and 2012, 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)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Dilutive options, restricted stock and convertible securities [Member]	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Shares excluded from computation of earnings per share because effect is anti-dilutive under treasury stock method	35,431,746	49,642,605	45,856,959
Weighted-average options, restricted stock and performance shares [Member]	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Shares excluded from computation of earnings per share because effect is anti-dilutive under treasury stock method	3,601,719	4,105,670	4,222,955

Impairment_of_Real_Estate_Impa2

Impairment of Real Estate, Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities and Write-Off of Abandoned Development Projects and Demolition Costs (Details) (USD $)

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Brooklyn Atlantic Yards [Member]

Brooklyn Atlantic Yards [Member]

Brooklyn Atlantic Yards [Member]

Brooklyn Atlantic Yards [Member]

LiveWork Las Vegas [Member]

LiveWork Las Vegas [Member]

LiveWork Las Vegas [Member]

Promenade Bolingbrook [Member]

Promenade Bolingbrook [Member]

Promenade Bolingbrook [Member]

Building J at Illinois Science and Technology Park [Member]

Building J at Illinois Science and Technology Park [Member]

Building J at Illinois Science and Technology Park [Member]

Halle Building [Member]

Halle Building [Member]

Halle Building [Member]

Other [Member]

Other [Member]

Other [Member]

Schedule of Impairment of Real Estate [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment of real estate

$475,555,000

$30,660,000

$30,660,000

$235,000

$289,864,000

$289,864,000

$0

$0

$112,838,000

$0

$0

$54,194,000

$0

$0

$17,474,000

$0

$0

$0

$30,200,000

$0

$1,185,000

$460,000

$235,000

Impairment_of_Real_Estate_Impa3

Impairment of Real Estate, Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities and Write-Off of Abandoned Development Projects and Demolition Costs (Details 1) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Schedule of Impairment of Real Estate Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment of real estate on discontinued operations	$22,519,000	$4,254,000	$13,692,000
Orchard Town Center [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Impairment of Real Estate Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment of real estate on discontinued operations	15,649,000	0	0
Kansas City, Missouri triple net lease retail property [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Impairment of Real Estate Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment of real estate on discontinued operations	6,870,000	0	0
Portgage, Michigan triple net lease retail property [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Impairment of Real Estate Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment of real estate on discontinued operations	0	2,263,000	3,435,000
White Oak Village [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Impairment of Real Estate Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment of real estate on discontinued operations	0	1,566,000	0
250 Huron [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Impairment of Real Estate Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment of real estate on discontinued operations	0	0	10,257,000
Other [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Impairment of Real Estate Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment of real estate on discontinued operations	$0	$425,000	$0

Impairment_of_Real_Estate_Impa4

Impairment of Real Estate, Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities and Write-Off of Abandoned Development Projects and Demolition Costs (Details 2) (Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member], USD $)	11 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Jan. 31, 2013
Indicative bids [Member]	'		'
Non-recurring Impairment of Real Estate Including Discontiued Operations	'		'
Fair value of impairment of real estate	$734,240,000		$83,193,000
Fair value valuation technique	'IndicativeB Bids		'IndicativeB Bids
Fair value unobservable input	'IndicativeB Bids		'IndicativeB Bids
Fair value range of input values	'N/A	[1]	'N/A	[1]
Comparable Property Market Analysis [Member]	'		'
Non-recurring Impairment of Real Estate Including Discontiued Operations	'		'
Fair value of impairment of real estate	29,500,000		'
Fair value valuation technique	'Comparable Property Market Analysis		'
Fair value unobservable input	'Price Per Square Foot		'
Discounted cash flows [Member]	'		'
Non-recurring Impairment of Real Estate Including Discontiued Operations	'		'
Fair value of impairment of real estate	'		10,500,000
Fair value valuation technique	'		'Discounted Cash Flow
Fair value unobservable input	'		'Discount Rate
Percentage of input values impairment of real estate	'		10.00%
Minimum [Member] | Comparable Property Market Analysis [Member]	'		'
Non-recurring Impairment of Real Estate Including Discontiued Operations	'		'
Range of input values impairment of real estate	22	[2]	'
Maximum [Member] | Comparable Property Market Analysis [Member]	'		'
Non-recurring Impairment of Real Estate Including Discontiued Operations	'		'
Range of input values impairment of real estate	$55	[2]	'
[1]	These fair value measurements were derived from bona fide purchase offers from third party prospective buyers, subject to the Companybs corroboration for reasonableness.
[2]	Weighted average price is $45 per square foot.

Impairment_of_Real_Estate_Impa5

Impairment of Real Estate, Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities and Write-Off of Abandoned Development Projects and Demolition Costs (Details 3) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment of unconsolidated entities	$0	$390,000	$40,284,000
Village at Gulfstream Park [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment of unconsolidated entities	0	0	35,674,000
Commercial land and development rights [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment of unconsolidated entities	0	0	4,610,000
Other [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impairment of unconsolidated entities	$0	$390,000	$0

Impairment_of_Real_Estate_Impa6

Impairment of Real Estate, Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities and Write-Off of Abandoned Development Projects and Demolition Costs (Detail Textuals) (USD $)

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 16, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Brooklyn Atlantic Yards [Member]

Brooklyn Atlantic Yards [Member]

Brooklyn Atlantic Yards [Member]

Brooklyn Atlantic Yards [Member]

Brooklyn Atlantic Yards [Member]

LiveWork Las Vegas [Member]

LiveWork Las Vegas [Member]

LiveWork Las Vegas [Member]

Promenade Bolingbrook [Member]

Promenade Bolingbrook [Member]

Promenade Bolingbrook [Member]

Building J at Illinois Science and Technology Park [Member]

Building J at Illinois Science and Technology Park [Member]

Building J at Illinois Science and Technology Park [Member]

Halle Building [Member]

Halle Building [Member]

Halle Building [Member]

Village at Gulfstream Park [Member]

Village at Gulfstream Park [Member]

Village at Gulfstream Park [Member]

Ten MetroTech Center [Member]

Comparable Property Market Analysis [Member]

acre

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]

Impairment of Real Estate Impairment of Unconsolidated Entities and Write Off of Abandoned Development Projects and Demolition Costs [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of ownership to be acquired by outside partner

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

70.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment of real estate

$475,555,000

$30,660,000

$30,660,000

$235,000

$289,864,000

$289,864,000

$0

$0

'

$112,838,000

$0

$0

$54,194,000

$0

$0

$17,474,000

$0

$0

$0

$30,200,000

$0

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment of real estate, net of noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

242,417,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Area of land parcel

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average of input values impairment of real estate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

45

Impairment of unconsolidated entities

0

'

390,000

40,284,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

35,674,000

'

'

Write-offs of abandoned development projects and demolition costs

40,414,000

14,029,000

26,850,000

8,838,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-capitalizable demolition costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$8,200,000

'

Gain_on_Extinguishment_of_Debt1

Gain on Extinguishment of Debt (Details Textuals) (USD $)

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2011

Ten MetroTech Center [Member]

Ten MetroTech Center [Member]

2034 and 2017 Senior Notes [Member]

Terminal Tower [Member]

LiveWork Las Vegas [Member]

Avenue at Tower City Center [Member]

2014 Senior Notes [Member]

2016 Senior Notes [Member]

2016 Senior Notes [Member]

Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt

$4,549,000

$6,807,000

$7,096,000

$9,590,000

$24,669,000

'

($13,077,000)

$9,425,000

$15,101,000

$5,329,000

($4,762,000)

($10,800,000)

($31,689,000)

Carrying value of nonrecourse mortgage

4,579,506,000

'

5,740,660,000

'

'

73,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted cash applied to outstanding principal balance

'

'

'

'

'

12,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding principal balance, forbearance agreement

'

'

'

'

'

$40,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forbearance period

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest Rate, forbearance agreement

'

'

'

'

'

9.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Participation payment percentage, forbearance agreement

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Discontinued_Operations_and_Ga2

Discontinued Operations and Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Rental Properties (Details 1)

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Millender Center [Member]

Millender Center [Member]

Millender Center [Member]

Emerald Palms [Member]

Emerald Palms [Member]

Emerald Palms [Member]

Southfield [Member]

Southfield [Member]

Southfield [Member]

Orchard Town Center [Member]

Orchard Town Center [Member]

Orchard Town Center [Member]

Colorado Studios [Member]

Colorado Studios [Member]

Colorado Studios [Member]

Higbee Building [Member]

Higbee Building [Member]

Higbee Building [Member]

Sheraton Station Square [Member]

Sheraton Station Square [Member]

Sheraton Station Square [Member]

Fairmont Plaza [Member]

Fairmont Plaza [Member]

Fairmont Plaza [Member]

White Oak Village [Member]

White Oak Village [Member]

White Oak Village [Member]

Quebec Square [Member]

Quebec Square [Member]

Quebec Square [Member]

Ritz-Carlton hotel [Member]

Ritz-Carlton hotel [Member]

Ritz-Carlton hotel [Member]

250 Huron [Member]

250 Huron [Member]

250 Huron [Member]

Waterfront Station - East 4th & West 4th Buildings [Member]

Waterfront Station - East 4th & West 4th Buildings [Member]

Waterfront Station - East 4th & West 4th Buildings [Member]

Charleston Marriott hotel [Member]

Charleston Marriott hotel [Member]

Charleston Marriott hotel [Member]

Seven triple net lease properties [Member]

Seven triple net lease properties [Member]

Seven triple net lease properties [Member]

One triple net lease property [Member]

One triple net lease property [Member]

Three triple net lease properties [Member]

Two triple net lease properties [Member]

apartmentunit

apartmentunit

apartmentunit

sqft

sqft

sqft

room

sqft

sqft

sqft

room

sqft

sqft

room

sqft

property

property

property

property

Summary of rental properties included in discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Location

'Detroit, Michigan

'

'

'Miami, Florida

'

'

'Whitemarsh, Maryland

'

'

'Westminster, Colorado

'

'

'Denver, Colorado

'

'

'Cleveland, Ohio

'

'

'Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

'

'

'San Jose, California

'

'

'Richmond, Virginia

'

'

'Denver,B Colorado

'

'

'Cleveland, Ohio

'

'

'Cleveland, Ohio

'

'

'Washington, D.C.

'

'

'Charleston,B WestB Virginia

'

'

'Various

'

'

'

'

'

'

Square Feet

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

603,000

'

'

75,000

'

'

815,000

'

'

'

'

'

335,000

'

'

843,000

'

'

739,000

'

'

'

'

'

119,000

'

'

631,000

'

'

'

'

'

422,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Units/Rooms

339

'

'

505

'

'

212

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

399

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

206

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

352

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period Disposed

'Q1-2013

'

'

'Q4-2012

'

'

'Q3-2012

'

'

'Q4-2013

'

'

'Q3-2013

'

'

'Q2-2013

'

'

'Q2-2013

'

'

'Q4-2012

'

'

'Q3-2012

'

'

'Q1-2012

'

'

'Q4-2011

'

'

'Q4-2011

'

'

'Q2-2011

'

'

'Q1-2011

'

'

'Various

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period Status

'Yes

'Yes

'Yes

'0

'Yes

'Yes

'0

'Yes

'Yes

'Yes

'Yes

'Yes

'Yes

'Yes

'Yes

'Yes

'Yes

'Yes

'Yes

'Yes

'Yes

'0

'Yes

'Yes

'0

'Yes

'Yes

'0

'Yes

'Yes

'0

'0

'Yes

'0

'0

'Yes

'0

'0

'Yes

'0

'0

'Yes

'Yes

'Yes

'Yes

'

'

'

'

Number of triple net lease properties disposed of

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

1

3

2

[1]

Includes, one triple net lease property disposed of during Q4-2013, one triple net lease property disposed of during Q1-2013, three triple net lease properties disposed of during Q3-2012 and two triple net lease properties disposed of during Q2-2012.

Discontinued_Operations_and_Ga3

Discontinued Operations and Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Rental Properties (Details 2) (USD $)	11 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Summary of operating results of discontinued operations	'	'	'	'
Revenues from real estate operations	$42,257,000	'	$90,171,000	$121,335,000
Expenses	'	'	'	'
Operating expenses	25,614,000	'	46,873,000	65,478,000
Depreciation and amortization	6,774,000	'	17,125,000	24,650,000
Impairment of real estate	22,519,000	'	4,254,000	13,692,000
Total expenses	54,907,000	'	68,252,000	103,820,000
Interest expense	-4,733,000	'	-15,197,000	-22,134,000
Amortization of mortgage procurement costs	-290,000	'	-1,173,000	-1,577,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt	-40,000	'	-464,000	0
Interest income	225,000	'	389,000	6,012,000
Gain on disposition of rental properties	41,831,000	'	100,900,000	133,554,000
Discontinued operations subtotal	24,343,000	'	106,374,000	133,370,000
Income tax expense (benefit)	10,463,000	'	47,353,000	21,016,000
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	13,880,000	61,074,000	59,021,000	112,354,000
Noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of rental properties	5,960,000	'	965,000	81,758,000
Operating earnings from rental properties	67,000	'	420,000	1,993,000
Earnings from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	6,027,000	'	1,385,000	83,751,000
Earnings from discontinued operations attributable to Forest City Enterprises, Inc	$7,853,000	'	$57,636,000	$28,603,000

Discontinued_Operations_and_Ga4

Discontinued Operations and Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Rental Properties (Details 3) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Gain Loss on Disposition of Rental Properties	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of rental properties	$41,831,000	$100,900,000	$133,554,000
Millender Center [Member]	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Disposition of Rental Properties	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of rental properties	21,660,000	0	0
Emerald Palms [Member]	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Disposition of Rental Properties	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of rental properties	0	45,845,000	0
Southfield [Member]	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Disposition of Rental Properties	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of rental properties	0	13,445,000	0
Sheraton Station Square [Member]	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Disposition of Rental Properties	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of rental properties	18,096,000	0	0
Charleston Marriott [Member]	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Disposition of Rental Properties	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of rental properties	0	0	9,957,000
Ritz Carlton [Member]	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Disposition of Rental Properties	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of rental properties	0	0	2,431,000
Higbee Building [Member]	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Disposition of Rental Properties	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of rental properties	2,922,000	0	0
Colorado Studios [Member]	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Disposition of Rental Properties	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of rental properties	1,239,000	0	0
Fairmont Plaza [Member]	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Disposition of Rental Properties	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of rental properties	0	26,877,000	0
Waterfront Station - East 4th and West 4th Buildings [Member]	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Disposition of Rental Properties	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of rental properties	0	0	111,738,000
250 Huron [Member]	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Disposition of Rental Properties	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of rental properties	0	0	9,428,000
Orchard Town Center [Member]	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Disposition of Rental Properties	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of rental properties	-2,157,000	0	0
Triple net lease properties [Member]	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Disposition of Rental Properties	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of rental properties	-132,000	6,568,000	0
Quebec Square [Member]	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Disposition of Rental Properties	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of rental properties	0	8,879,000	0
Other [Member]	'	'	'
Gain Loss on Disposition of Rental Properties	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on disposition of rental properties	$203,000	($714,000)	$0

Class_A_Common_Units_Detail_Te

Class A Common Units (Detail Textual) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	31-May-08	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012	Nov. 08, 2006	Jan. 02, 2014
	project	projects			Common Class A	Common Class A	Common Class A	Common Class A	BCR Transaction [Member]
								property	project
Number of retail, office and residential operating properties	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	30	'
Class A Common Units outstanding	'	'	'	'	3,646,755	3,646,755	'	'	'
Carrying value of Class A Common Units	'	'	'	'	$186,021,000	$186,021,000	'	'	'
Number of development projects	'	5	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of projects	2	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3
Payment for tax indemnification	'	'	'	'	0	0	1,074,000	'	'
Cost of interest transferred to affiliates of the company	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14,286,000
Increase in investments in and advances to affiliates	'	32,078,000	-21,826,000	298,492,000	'	'	'	'	14,286,000
Amount to be paid over 15 year period	121,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Payment period of cost of interest transferred	'15 years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Initial cash received by BCR entities	49,249,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Initial discounted amount	56,495,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Obligation included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	'	$13,013,000	$22,643,000	'	'	'	'	'	'

Capital_Stock_Detail_Textuals

Capital Stock (Detail Textuals) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Apr. 16, 2013

Mar. 13, 2013

Dec. 13, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Jul. 12, 2013

Apr. 16, 2013

Mar. 14, 2013

31-May-11

Jan. 31, 2011

Dec. 13, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Jul. 12, 2013

Mar. 13, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 15, 2013

Mar. 14, 2013

Dec. 13, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Apr. 16, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 12, 2013

Common Class A [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Common Class A [Member]

Common Class B [Member]

Series A Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

2014 Senior Notes [Member]

2014 Senior Notes [Member]

2014 Senior Notes [Member]

D

Class of Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock voting rights, number of board members elected

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

'

'

'

9

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock voting rights, votes per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'one vote per share

'

'

'

'ten votes per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share of Class A common stock issued in exchange of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,549,721

'

3,444,293

9,774,039

'

13,679,000

3,444,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior note exchanged for stock, value of senior note exchanged

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$138,853,000

'

'

Cash payment for additional exchange consideration, accrued interest and in lieu of fractional shares

4,860,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate principal amount of senior notes put to the company

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

60,033,000

Number of shares received by the note holder upon a put

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,128,806

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

68.7758

'

Cash payments for interest payable and in lieu of fractional shares for put transaction

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,088,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common shares issued for preferred stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,852,435

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock conversion description

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Holder would receive approximately 3.3 shares of ClassB A common stock per $50 liquidation preference of Series A preferred stock

'

'

'

'

'

Number of common shares in lieu of preferred stock liquidation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock, liquidation preference

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$50

$50

'

'

'

'

Exchange of preferred stock, initial conversion price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$15.12

$15.12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock conversion description

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Daily Volume Weighted Average Price of its ClassB A common stock equaled or exceeded 150% of the initial conversion price then in effect for at least 20 out of 30 consecutive trading days

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage initial conversion price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Number of initial conversion days for determination of conversion price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20

'

'

'

'

'

Number of consecutive trading days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30

'

'

'

'

'

Exchange of preferred stock, aggregate liquidation preference amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

209,447,600

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exchange of preferred stock, preferred shares exchanged

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,188,952

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash payments for additional exchange consideration

'

'

19,069,000

0

-19,069,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion of stock, shares converted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

362,990

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

109,768

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining shares of Series A preferred stock redeemed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

101,270

'

'

101,000

'

'

'

'

'

Redeemed stock, aggregate amount of liquidation preference plus dividend

'

'

'

5,063,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,100,000

'

'

5,063,000

'

'

'

'

'

Shares received upon settlement of equity call hedge

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

765,134

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Value of shares received upon settlement of equity call hedge

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$16.82

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount received upon settlement of equity call hedge

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,868,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash payments received upon settlement of equity call hedge

'

10,231,000

'

10,231,000

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred dividends declared and paid

'

'

'

$185,000

$13,060,000

$15,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$185,000

$13,060,000

$15,400,000

'

'

'

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	$25,858,000	$25,875,000	$31,192,000
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	13,467,000	6,016,000	5,439,000
Deductions	24,184,000	6,033,000	10,756,000
Balance at End of Period	15,141,000	25,858,000	25,875,000
Valuation reserve on other investments [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	5,277,000	5,168,000	4,881,000
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	35,000	109,000	287,000
Deductions	0	0	0
Balance at End of Period	5,312,000	5,277,000	5,168,000
Valuation allowances for deferred tax assets [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	53,282,000	55,330,000	61,744,000
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	1,047,000	4,025,000	1,962,000
Deductions	6,252,000	6,073,000	8,376,000
Balance at End of Period	$48,077,000	$53,282,000	$55,330,000

Real_Estate_and_Accumulated_De1

Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
					Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Office Buildings [Member]	Retail [Member]	Retail [Member]	Retail [Member]	Retail [Member]	Retail [Member]	Retail [Member]	Retail [Member]	Retail [Member]	Retail [Member]	Retail [Member]	Retail [Member]	Retail [Member]	Retail [Member]	Retail [Member]	Retail [Member]	Arena [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Apartments [Member]	Land Inventory [Member]	Land Inventory [Member]	Land Inventory [Member]	Land Inventory [Member]	Corporate and Other Equipment [Member]	Construction Projects [Member]	Construction Projects [Member]	Construction Projects [Member]	Construction Projects [Member]	Construction Projects [Member]	Construction Projects [Member]	Development Projects [Member]	Development Projects [Member]	Development Projects [Member]	Development Projects [Member]	Development Projects [Member]	Construction and Development [Member]	Real Estate [Member]	Land Held for Divestiture [Member]
						2 Hanson Place [Member]	4930 Oakton [Member]	Ballston Common Office Center [Member]	Commerce Court [Member]	Edgeworth Building [Member]	Eleven MetroTech Center [Member]	Fifteen MetroTech Center [Member]	Halle Building [Member]	Harlem Center [Member]	4901 Searle (A) [Member]	8025 Lamon (P) [Member]	8045 Lamon (Q) [Member]	Johns Hopkins - 855 North Wolfe Street [Member]	Johns Hopkins Parking Garage [Member]	Mesa del Sol - 5600 University SE [Member]	Mesa del Sol - Aperture Center [Member]	Mesa del Sol - Fidelity [Member]	New York Times [Member]	Nine MetroTech Center North [Member]	One MetroTech Center [Member]	One Pierrepont Plaza [Member]	Post Office Plaza [Member]	Richmond Office Park [Member]	Skylight Office Tower [Member]	Stapleton-3055 Roslyn [Member]	Terminal Tower [Member]	Twelve MetroTech Center [Member]	Two MetroTech Center [Member]	University of Pennsylvania [Member]	Miscellaneous Investments [Member]		Miscellaneous Investments [Member]	Atlantic Center Site V [Member]	Avenue at Tower City Center [Member]	Ballston Common Mall [Member]	Brooklyn Commons [Member]	Northfield at Stapleton [Member]	Promenade Bolingbrook [Member]	Quartermaster Plaza [Member]	Shops at Wiregrass [Member]	Station Square [Member]	The Yards - Boilermaker Shops [Member]	The Yards - Lumber Shed [Member]	Tower City Parking [Member]	Westchester's Ridge Hill [Member]	Barclays Center [Member]		Miscellaneous Investments [Member]	100 Landsdowne Street [Member]	1111 Stratford [Member]	1251 S. Michigan [Member]	American Cigar Company [Member]	Ashton Mill [Member]	Aster Conservatory Green [Member]	Botanica Eastbridge [Member]	Brookview Place [Member]	Cameron Kinney [Member]	Cedar Place [Member]	Consolidated-Carolina [Member]	Cutter's Ridge at Tobacco Row [Member]	Drake [Member]	Easthaven at the Village [Member]	Forest Trace [Member]	Foundry Lofts [Member]	Grand Lowry Lofts [Member]	Hamel Mill Lofts [Member]	Heritage [Member]	Hummingbird Pointe [Member]	Independence Place I [Member]	Independence Place II [Member]	Kennedy Biscuit Lofts [Member]	Knolls [Member]	Lofts 23 [Member]	Lofts at 1835 Arch [Member]	Lucky Strike [Member]	Mercantile Place on Main [Member]	Metro 417 [Member]	Metropolitan [Member]	Midtown Towers [Member]	Museum Towers [Member]	North Church Towers [Member]	One Franklintown [Member]	Pavilion [Member]	Perrytown Place [Member]	Presidio Landmark [Member]	Queenswood [Member]	Sky55 [Member]	The Aster Town Center [Member]	The Continental [Member]	Town Center ( Botanica on the Green & Crescent Flats) [Member]	Uptown Apartments [Member]	Wilson Building [Member]		Stapleton [Member]	LiveWork Las Vegas [Member]	Commercial Outlots [Member]	Corporate office [Member]	Miscellaneous Investments [Member]	The Continental [Member]	2175 Market Street [Member]	Brooklyn Atlantic Yards - B2 BKLYN [Member]	The Yards - Twelve12 [Member]	Winchester Lofts [Member]	Miscellaneous Investments [Member]	Brooklyn Atlantic Yards [Member]	The Yards [Member]	The Science + Technology Park at Johns Hopkins [Member]	Waterfront Station [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Location	'	'	'	'	'	'Brooklyn,B NY	'Skokie, IL	'Arlington,B VA	'Pittsburgh,B PA	'Richmond,B VA	'Brooklyn, NY	'Brooklyn, NY	'Cleveland, OH	'Manhattan,B NY	'Skokie, IL	'Skokie, IL	'Skokie, IL	'Baltimore,B MD	'Baltimore,B MD	'Albuquerque, NM	'Albuquerque, NM	'Albuquerque, NM	'Manhattan, NY	'Brooklyn, NY	'Brooklyn, NY	'Brooklyn, NY	'Cleveland, OH	'Richmond, VA	'Cleveland, OH	'Denver, CO	'Cleveland, OH	'Brooklyn, NY	'Brooklyn, NY	'Philadelphia, PA	'Various	'	'Various	'Brooklyn,B NY	'Cleveland,B OH	'Arlington, VA	'Brooklyn, NY	'Denver, CO	'Bolingbrook, IL	'Philadelphia, PA	'Tampa, FL	'Pittsburgh, PA	'Washington, D.C.	'Washington, D.C.	'Cleveland, OH	'Yonkers, NY	'Brooklyn,B NY	'	'Various	'Cambridge, MA	'Stratford, CT	'Chicago, IL	'Richmond, VA	'Cumberland, RI	'Denver, CO	'Denver, CO	'Dayton, OH	'Richmond, VA	'Lansing, MI	'Richmond, VA	'Richmond, VA	'Philadelphia,B PA	'Beachwood, OH	'Lauderhill, FL	'Washington, D.C.	'Denver, CO	'Haverhill, MA	'San Diego, CA	'Parma, OH	'Parma Heights, OH	'Parma Heights, OH	'Cambridge, MA	'Orange, CA	'Cambridge, MA	'Philadelphia, PA	'Richmond, VA	'Dallas, TX	'LosB Angeles,B CA	'Los Angeles, CA	'Parma, OH	'Philadelphia, PA	'ParmaB Heights,B OH	'Philadelphia, PA	'Chicago, IL	'Pittsburgh, PA	'San Francisco, CA	'Corona, NY	'Chicago, IL	'Denver, CO	'	'Denver, CO	'Oakland, CA	'Dallas, TX	'	'Denver, CO	'Las Vegas, NV	'Various	'Various	'Various	'Dallas, TX	'San Fransisco, CA	'Brooklyn,B NY	'Washington, D.C.	'New Haven, CT	'Various	'Brooklyn, NY	'Washington, D.C.	'Baltimore, MD	'Washington, D.C.	'	'	'Various
Amount of Encumbrance at December 31,2013	$4,579,506,000	'	'	'	$1,711,904,000	$103,386,000	$0	$43,507,000	$24,411,000	$19,282,000	$61,000,000	$168,970,000	$11,001,000	$30,737,000	$21,020,000	$15,077,000	$18,682,000	$69,885,000	$0	$606,000	$0	$22,862,000	$640,000,000	$60,927,000	$163,770,000	$3,907,000	$14,851,000	$64,189,000	$27,411,000	$4,414,000	$0	$0	$74,431,000	$47,578,000	$0	$866,022,000	$19,253,000	$23,000	$0	$46,100,000	$21,241,000	$43,401,000	$74,621,000	$64,794,000	$89,170,000	$24,356,000	$11,316,000	$6,747,000	$0	$465,000,000	$450,560,000	$1,151,183,000	$27,069,000	$45,000,000	$12,155,000	$9,500,000	$11,530,000	$17,151,000	$17,843,000	$13,000,000	$2,258,000	$0	$3,928,000	$21,290,000	$0	$27,201,000	$25,741,000	$38,907,000	$45,236,000	$17,394,000	$41,361,000	$21,914,000	$6,098,000	$4,145,000	$3,265,000	$20,600,000	$32,520,000	$6,085,000	$38,291,000	$15,278,000	$36,999,000	$48,990,000	$38,900,000	$13,198,000	$31,344,000	$5,300,000	$37,821,000	$53,064,000	$4,663,000	$44,000,000	$28,729,000	$68,237,000	$8,364,000	'	$38,073,000	$118,479,000	$12,776,000	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$37,486,000	$55,000	$56,605,000	$78,857,000	$0	$32,020,000	$228,000,000	$4,300,000	$0	$0	$399,837,000	$4,579,506,000	$0
Initial Cost to Company, Land	1,312,564,000	'	'	'	154,201,000	0	670,000	7,301,000	3,432,000	942,000	0	3,762,000	503,000	0	837,000	978,000	3,301,000	7,314,000	1,600,000	868,000	834,000	5,003,000	91,737,000	0	0	0	0	11,766,000	2,500,000	225,000	0	0	0	0	10,628,000	349,300,000	12,911,000	0	0	170,000	0	4,830,000	20,271,000	36,443,000	28,842,000	5,989,000	529,000	306,000	2,317,000	236,692,000	0	96,907,000	447,000	728,000	2,414,000	97,000	1,395,000	2,885,000	1,325,000	765,000	155,000	2,340,000	399,000	1,028,000	389,000	1,353,000	7,919,000	4,356,000	2,086,000	1,448,000	3,974,000	7,433,000	330,000	210,000	498,000	716,000	53,000	221,000	2,076,000	1,105,000	8,876,000	8,545,000	4,420,000	1,215,000	3,474,000	789,000	1,658,000	5,250,000	463,000	2,060,000	321,000	3,965,000	487,000	'	3,436,000	0	2,217,000	126,754,000	64,395,000	29,464,000	32,895,000	0	0	1,586,000	3,018,000	45,700,000	4,804,000	67,000	19,763,000	504,171,000	0	5,386,000	559,000	583,468,000	1,310,630,000	1,934,000
Initial Cost to Company, Buildings and Improvements	6,102,737,000	'	'	'	1,915,970,000	108,940,000	1,842,000	45,964,000	20,873,000	29,353,000	41,290,000	163,414,000	9,776,000	31,672,000	16,227,000	6,426,000	21,198,000	76,318,000	26,185,000	4,625,000	3,010,000	29,872,000	375,931,000	64,303,000	212,153,000	86,863,000	57,213,000	88,632,000	32,695,000	7,523,000	29,422,000	42,344,000	155,280,000	41,146,000	85,480,000	1,284,724,000	20,607,000	3,238,000	174,726,000	18,069,000	23,794,000	80,687,000	95,390,000	32,325,000	109,587,000	27,519,000	12,468,000	12,820,000	11,789,000	661,705,000	890,213,000	1,544,247,000	78,944,000	60,020,000	15,798,000	13,978,000	23,533,000	33,844,000	13,125,000	13,698,000	4,588,000	23,206,000	7,000,000	30,425,000	4,356,000	38,104,000	39,768,000	41,505,000	52,806,000	22,726,000	72,902,000	42,202,000	5,059,000	6,671,000	3,931,000	23,645,000	23,759,000	17,026,000	27,430,000	34,095,000	75,478,000	67,326,000	36,557,000	11,091,000	18,158,000	4,037,000	31,489,000	29,505,000	6,898,000	92,687,000	39,243,000	80,930,000	9,901,000	'	63,073,000	138,710,000	16,565,000	0	0	0	0	11,401,000	29,181,000	48,455,000	15,684,000	70,768,000	76,889,000	14,468,000	130,204,000	0	68,059,000	19,823,000	31,106,000	456,182,000	6,102,737,000	0
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition, Improvements and Carrying Costs	1,060,270,000	'	'	'	643,290,000	3,739,000	2,554,000	6,296,000	2,723,000	2,047,000	17,047,000	8,482,000	34,604,000	8,362,000	4,508,000	20,634,000	28,502,000	12,135,000	2,682,000	0	71,000	81,000	137,269,000	4,250,000	53,775,000	99,419,000	24,923,000	7,697,000	33,646,000	1,270,000	84,034,000	16,140,000	34,391,000	10,707,000	-18,698,000	214,048,000	12,861,000	1,485,000	25,198,000	67,072,000	1,688,000	84,499,000	-27,642,000	1,330,000	2,114,000	17,201,000	4,376,000	0	16,036,000	7,830,000	43,140,000	159,792,000	3,083,000	-136,000	0	764,000	528,000	11,802,000	0	26,000	324,000	3,457,000	226,000	1,080,000	-118,000	8,173,000	7,695,000	2,195,000	3,689,000	2,047,000	607,000	3,874,000	16,613,000	1,188,000	2,053,000	4,446,000	543,000	54,000	12,398,000	35,000	5,124,000	4,230,000	9,732,000	11,241,000	6,372,000	2,982,000	8,650,000	14,233,000	188,000	1,753,000	841,000	276,000	11,000	'	3,952,000	0	3,561,000	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1,060,270,000	0
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of December 31, 2013, Land	1,465,761,000	'	'	'	246,198,000	0	1,081,000	7,301,000	3,432,000	951,000	6,270,000	0	5,071,000	0	1,674,000	1,957,000	6,601,000	7,314,000	1,600,000	868,000	834,000	5,003,000	141,479,000	380,000	23,543,000	558,000	0	11,766,000	0	228,000	0	1,847,000	7,137,000	0	9,303,000	397,631,000	20,911,000	1,047,000	192,000	442,000	20,017,000	24,683,000	21,018,000	35,340,000	25,882,000	6,443,000	529,000	306,000	2,049,000	238,772,000	9,246,000	100,530,000	406,000	819,000	2,414,000	106,000	1,411,000	3,242,000	1,325,000	765,000	155,000	2,492,000	399,000	1,032,000	392,000	1,353,000	8,087,000	4,543,000	2,089,000	1,621,000	3,063,000	7,468,000	1,351,000	225,000	515,000	719,000	53,000	314,000	2,082,000	3,019,000	8,798,000	8,547,000	4,474,000	1,306,000	3,909,000	816,000	1,741,000	5,274,000	463,000	2,064,000	327,000	4,016,000	487,000	'	3,325,000	0	1,937,000	126,754,000	64,395,000	29,464,000	32,895,000	0	0	1,586,000	3,018,000	45,700,000	4,804,000	67,000	19,763,000	504,171,000	0	5,386,000	559,000	583,468,000	1,463,827,000	1,934,000
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of December 31, 2013, Buildings and Improvements	7,009,810,000	'	'	'	2,467,263,000	112,679,000	3,985,000	52,260,000	23,596,000	31,391,000	52,067,000	175,658,000	39,812,000	40,034,000	19,898,000	26,081,000	46,400,000	88,453,000	28,867,000	4,625,000	3,081,000	29,953,000	463,458,000	68,173,000	242,385,000	185,724,000	82,136,000	96,329,000	68,841,000	8,790,000	113,456,000	56,637,000	182,534,000	51,853,000	68,107,000	1,450,441,000	25,468,000	3,676,000	199,732,000	84,869,000	5,465,000	145,333,000	67,001,000	34,758,000	114,661,000	44,266,000	16,844,000	12,820,000	28,093,000	667,455,000	924,107,000	1,700,416,000	82,068,000	59,793,000	15,798,000	14,733,000	24,045,000	45,289,000	13,125,000	13,724,000	4,912,000	26,511,000	7,226,000	31,501,000	4,235,000	46,277,000	47,295,000	43,513,000	56,492,000	24,600,000	74,420,000	46,041,000	20,651,000	7,844,000	5,967,000	28,088,000	24,302,000	16,987,000	39,822,000	32,216,000	80,680,000	71,554,000	46,235,000	22,241,000	24,095,000	6,992,000	40,056,000	43,714,000	7,086,000	94,436,000	40,078,000	81,155,000	9,912,000	'	67,136,000	138,710,000	20,406,000	0	0	0	0	11,401,000	29,181,000	48,455,000	15,684,000	70,768,000	76,889,000	14,468,000	130,204,000	0	68,059,000	19,823,000	31,106,000	456,182,000	7,009,810,000	0
Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of December 31, 2013, Total	8,475,571,000	10,026,010,000	9,646,870,000	11,166,539,000	2,713,461,000	112,679,000	5,066,000	59,561,000	27,028,000	32,342,000	58,337,000	175,658,000	44,883,000	40,034,000	21,572,000	28,038,000	53,001,000	95,767,000	30,467,000	5,493,000	3,915,000	34,956,000	604,937,000	68,553,000	265,928,000	186,282,000	82,136,000	108,095,000	68,841,000	9,018,000	113,456,000	58,484,000	189,671,000	51,853,000	77,410,000	1,848,072,000	46,379,000	4,723,000	199,924,000	85,311,000	25,482,000	170,016,000	88,019,000	70,098,000	140,543,000	50,709,000	17,373,000	13,126,000	30,142,000	906,227,000	933,353,000	1,800,946,000	82,474,000	60,612,000	18,212,000	14,839,000	25,456,000	48,531,000	14,450,000	14,489,000	5,067,000	29,003,000	7,625,000	32,533,000	4,627,000	47,630,000	55,382,000	48,056,000	58,581,000	26,221,000	77,483,000	53,509,000	22,002,000	8,069,000	6,482,000	28,807,000	24,355,000	17,301,000	41,904,000	35,235,000	89,478,000	80,101,000	50,709,000	23,547,000	28,004,000	7,808,000	41,797,000	48,988,000	7,549,000	96,500,000	40,405,000	85,171,000	10,399,000	'	70,461,000	138,710,000	22,343,000	126,754,000	64,395,000	29,464,000	32,895,000	11,401,000	29,181,000	50,041,000	18,702,000	116,468,000	81,693,000	14,535,000	149,967,000	504,171,000	68,059,000	25,209,000	31,665,000	1,039,650,000	8,473,637,000	1,934,000
Accumulated Depreciation at December 31, 2013	$1,469,328,000	$1,654,632,000	$1,526,503,000	$1,614,399,000	$723,870,000	$21,268,000	$651,000	$10,193,000	$7,547,000	$4,350,000	$21,588,000	$35,653,000	$36,515,000	$7,490,000	$3,232,000	$2,901,000	$6,215,000	$9,878,000	$606,000	$1,667,000	$1,076,000	$2,669,000	$57,758,000	$23,470,000	$106,548,000	$102,658,000	$39,202,000	$17,142,000	$37,191,000	$1,212,000	$56,605,000	$10,122,000	$69,920,000	$9,343,000	$19,200,000	$315,160,000	$7,757,000	$1,232,000	$100,007,000	$44,528,000	$1,523,000	$28,735,000	$20,943,000	$13,491,000	$18,639,000	$19,718,000	$338,000	$109,000	$11,960,000	$46,180,000	$41,523,000	$379,155,000	$18,266,000	$12,815,000	$131,000	$2,738,000	$4,139,000	$8,569,000	$121,000	$703,000	$3,585,000	$4,515,000	$3,613,000	$7,237,000	$1,045,000	$13,184,000	$18,995,000	$13,282,000	$3,312,000	$5,385,000	$8,659,000	$13,257,000	$8,612,000	$4,034,000	$1,751,000	$15,357,000	$10,817,000	$4,111,000	$10,423,000	$5,465,000	$13,900,000	$13,550,000	$22,370,000	$9,526,000	$8,848,000	$1,375,000	$19,893,000	$11,926,000	$3,946,000	$10,248,000	$17,381,000	$17,696,000	$614,000	'	$16,603,000	$2,193,000	$3,387,000	$0	$0	$0	$0	$9,620,000	$0	$1,578,000	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$1,469,328,000	$0
Date of Construction/Acquisition	'	'	'	'	'	'2004	'2006	'2005	'2007	'2006	'1995	'2003	'1986	'2003	'2006	'2006	'2007	'2008	'2012	'2006	'2008	'2008	'2007	'1997	'1991	'1988	'1990	'2007	'1991	'2006	'1983	'2004	'1990	'2004	'	'	'	'1998	'1990	'1986	'2004	'2005	'2007	'2004	'2008	'1994	'2012	'2013	'1990	'2011	'2012	'	'	'2005	'2013	'2006	'2000	'2005	'2013	'2012	'1979	'2007	'1974	'2003	'2006	'1998	'1994	'2000	'2011	'2000	'2008	'2002	'1972	'1973	'2003	'1990	'1995	'2005	'2001	'2008	'2008	'2005	'1989	'1969	'1997	'2009	'1988	'1992	'1973	'2010	'1990	'2006	'2012	'2013	'2004	'2013	'2007	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Date of Construction/Acquisition Miscellaneous	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'Various	'	'Various	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'Various	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'Various	'Various	'Various	'Various	'Various	'	'Various	'Various	'Various	'Various	'Various	'Various	'Various	'Various	'Various	'	'	'Various

Real_Estate_and_Accumulated_De2

Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Details 1) (USD $)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Reconciliations of total real estate carrying value are as follows:	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$10,026,010,000	$9,646,870,000	$11,166,539,000
Additions during period-	'	'	'
Improvements	471,653,000	791,705,000	874,614,000
Other additions, primarily as a result of change in accounting method of property	171,260,000	60,897,000	3,577,000
Other acquisitions	8,514,000	12,587,000	9,201,000
Total additions	651,427,000	865,189,000	887,392,000
Deductions during period-	'	'	'
Cost of real estate sold or retired	-439,130,000	-370,110,000	-422,342,000
Cost of real estate in connection with disposal of partial interests	-1,180,016,000	0	-404,893,000
Other deductions, primarily due to impairments and as a result of change in accounting method of property	-582,720,000	-115,939,000	-1,579,826,000
Total deductions	-2,201,866,000	-486,049,000	-2,407,061,000
Balance at end of period	8,475,571,000	10,026,010,000	9,646,870,000
Reconciliations of accumulated depreciation are as follows:	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	1,654,632,000	1,526,503,000	1,614,399,000
Additions during period - Charged to profit or loss	255,824,000	204,070,000	181,865,000
Acquisitions, retirements, sales or disposals	-441,128,000	-75,941,000	-269,761,000
Balance at end of period	$1,469,328,000	$1,654,632,000	$1,526,503,000

Real_Estate_and_Accumulated_De3

Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Details Textual) (USD $)	11 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes	8,170,396
Arena [Member]	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Estimated useful life of building and improvements	'34 years 6 months
Tenant Improvements [Member]	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Estimated useful life of tenant improvements	'Shorter of useful life or applicable lease term
Minimum [Member] | Building and Improvements (Other than Arena) [Member]	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Estimated useful life of building and improvements	'40 years
Minimum [Member] | Equipment and Fixtures [Member]	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Estimated useful life of building and improvements	'5 years
Maximum [Member] | Building and Improvements (Other than Arena) [Member]	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Estimated useful life of building and improvements	'50 years
Maximum [Member] | Equipment and Fixtures [Member]	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Estimated useful life of building and improvements	'15 years