SEGMENTS - Segment Operating Results (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segments reporting
Land sales	$ 48,081us-gaap_LandSales	$ 47,671us-gaap_LandSales
Builder price participation	5,698hhc_BuilderPriceParticipationRevenue	4,097hhc_BuilderPriceParticipationRevenue
Minimum rents	35,194	20,360
Tenant recoveries	9,667us-gaap_TenantReimbursements	6,015us-gaap_TenantReimbursements
Condominium rights and unit sales	34,857us-gaap_SalesOfRealEstate	3,126us-gaap_SalesOfRealEstate
Other land revenues	3,293hhc_OtherLandRevenues	2,512hhc_OtherLandRevenues
Other rental and property revenues	6,297us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRevenue	5,446us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRevenue
Total revenues	155,090us-gaap_Revenues	98,653us-gaap_Revenues
Cost of sales - land	23,896us-gaap_CostOfRealEstateSales	23,078us-gaap_CostOfRealEstateSales
Other property operating costs	18,145us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating	13,804us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating
Rental property real estate taxes	6,200us-gaap_RealEstateTaxExpense	3,740us-gaap_RealEstateTaxExpense
Rental property maintenance costs	2,744	1,915
Provision for doubtful accounts	809us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts	143us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
Demolition costs	117hhc_DemolitionCosts	2,516hhc_DemolitionCosts
Development-related marketing costs	6,243us-gaap_MarketingExpense	4,224us-gaap_MarketingExpense
Depreciation and amortization	21,510us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization	10,509us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization
Other income	(1,464)us-gaap_OtherIncome	(10,448)us-gaap_OtherIncome
Interest income	(136)us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest	(2,188)us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
Interest expense	13,246us-gaap_InterestExpense	7,321us-gaap_InterestExpense
Equity in Earnings from Real Estate and Other Affiliates	(1,788)	(6,068)
REP EBT	37,815	35,644
Operating Segments [Member] \| Master Planned Communities [Member]
Segments reporting
Land sales	48,081	47,671
Builder price participation	5,698	4,097
Minimum rents	215	197
Other land revenues	3,286	2,504
Other rental and property revenues	(2)	67
Total revenues	57,278	54,536
Cost of sales - land	23,896	23,078
Land sales operations	7,579	7,304
Land sales real estate and business taxes	2,404	1,954
Depreciation and amortization	95	100
Interest income	(16)	(57)
Interest expense	(4,762)	(5,066)
Total expenses	29,196	27,313
REP EBT	28,082	27,223
Operating Segments [Member] \| Operating Assets [Member]
Segments reporting
Minimum rents	34,312	19,900
Tenant recoveries	9,573	5,884
Resort and conference center revenues	12,003	9,426
Other rental and property revenues	6,274	5,110
Total revenues	62,162	40,320
Other property operating costs	17,486	13,181
Rental property real estate taxes	5,520	3,107
Rental property maintenance costs	2,627	1,800
Resort and conference center operations	9,078	7,511
Provision for doubtful accounts	809	143
Demolition costs	117	2,494
Development-related marketing costs	2,266	2,079
Depreciation and amortization	18,762	9,010
Interest income	(10)	(119)
Interest expense	6,495	2,044
Equity in Earnings from Real Estate and Other Affiliates	(885)	(1,805)
Total expenses	62,265	39,445
REP EBT	(103)	875
Operating Segments [Member] \| Strategic Developments [Member]
Segments reporting
Minimum rents	667	263
Tenant recoveries	94	131
Condominium rights and unit sales	34,857	3,126
Other land revenues	6	8
Other rental and property revenues	26	269
Total revenues	35,650	3,797
Condominium rights and unit cost of sales	22,409	1,571
Other property operating costs	659	626
Rental property real estate taxes	680	633
Rental property maintenance costs	117	115
Demolition costs		22
Development-related marketing costs	3,977	2,145
Depreciation and amortization	1,016	424
Other income	(333)	(2,373)
Interest expense	(1,807)	(2,649)
Equity in Earnings from Real Estate and Other Affiliates	(904)	(4,263)
Total expenses	25,814	(3,749)
REP EBT	$ 9,836	$ 7,546

Revenue from sale under builder price participation during the period.

No definition available.

Name:	hhc_BuilderPriceParticipationRevenue
Namespace Prefix:	hhc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate costs related to land sales operations.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hhc_CostOfLandSalesOperations
Namespace Prefix:	hhc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate costs related to land sales real estate and business taxes.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hhc_CostOfLandSalesRealEstateAndBusinessTaxes
Namespace Prefix:	hhc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents expenses related to demolition of real estate properties.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hhc_DemolitionCosts
Namespace Prefix:	hhc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents other land revenues.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hhc_OtherLandRevenues
Namespace Prefix:	hhc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents operating revenues less operating expenses from MPC, Operating and Strategic Development segments.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hhc_RealEstatePropertyEarningsBeforeTaxes
Namespace Prefix:	hhc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the total of real estate property operating expenses.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hhc_RealEstatePropertyExpenses
Namespace Prefix:	hhc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate costs of keeping the property in good condition but that do not appreciably prolong the life or increase the value of the property.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Reflects for the period the total of the carrying amount of the commercial, industrial and residential land and buildings sold plus certain overhead and other costs incurred to place the real estate in saleable condition, capitalized interest costs in the properties sold, and inventory impairment losses recognized. This element would most likely be used by an entity whose principal activities involve real estate or which has significant real estate operations.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CostOfRealEstateSales
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Reflects the carrying amount of the commercial, industrial and residential land and buildings sold during the period plus certain overhead and other costs to place the real estate in saleable condition, but excluding capitalized interest costs. This element would most likely be used by an entity whose principal activities involve real estate or which has significant real estate operations.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CostOfRealEstateSalesExcludingInterest
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The current period expense charged against earnings on long-lived, physical assets not used in production, and which are not intended for resale, to allocate or recognize the cost of such assets over their useful lives; or to record the reduction in book value of an intangible asset over the benefit period of such asset; or to reflect consumption during the period of an asset that is not used in production.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

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-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

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+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate costs incurred directly related to operations of owned hotels.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DirectCostsOfOwnedHotels
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee.

+ References

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Publisher SEC

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-Number 210

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph 11

-Article 7

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of the cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest expense.

+ References

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph 9

-Article 9

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_InterestExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount before accretion (amortization) of purchase discount (premium) of interest income on nonoperating securities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

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-Topic 225

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-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7(b))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Revenue from the sale of land in the reporting period.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LandSales
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Expenditures for planning and executing the conception, pricing, promotion, and distribution of ideas, goods, and services. Costs of public relations and corporate promotions are typically considered to be marketing costs.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MarketingExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The total amount of lease revenue recognized for the period for which the lessee was obligated under leasing arrangements regardless of any other events or conditions. This amount excludes contingent revenue and sublease revenue.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 840

-SubTopic 20

-Section 25

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7501430&loc=d3e39896-112707

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementMinimumLeaseRevenue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The total amount of other operating cost and expense items that are associated with the entity's normal revenue producing operation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.3)

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 3

-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Reflects the sum of all other revenue and income recognized by the entity in the period not otherwise specified in the income statement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.4)

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph 4

-Article 7

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OtherIncome
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Other real estate revenue not otherwise specified in the taxonomy.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRevenue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of expense related to write-down of receivables to the amount expected to be collected. Includes, but is not limited to, accounts receivable and notes receivable.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

A tax based on the assessed value of real estate by the local government. The tax is usually based on the value of property (including the land).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 720

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6419918&loc=d3e35301-107843

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RealEstateTaxExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate revenue generated from managing and operating owned hotels. To the extent that the operations of the hotel or similar operation are presented in detail, this element would not be used; the detailed elements (occupancy, food and beverage, retail) for the various sources of hotel or other lodging revenues would be more appropriate. This element, in those circumstances, would be more appropriate for revenues presented as a single line item in a larger more diverse entity's financial statements.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RevenueFromOwnedHotels
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of revenue recognized from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an earning process. Includes, but is not limited to, investment and interest income before deduction of interest expense when recognized as a component of revenue, and sales and trading gain (loss).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1)

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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 1

-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_Revenues
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Revenue from the sale of commercial, industrial, or residential property during the period. This element is more likely than not relevant to an entity for which real estate operations are a principal activity. If real estate operations are not a principal activity, the reporting entity would likely use a gain (loss) on sale of property, plant, or equipment type element.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SalesOfRealEstate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

In accordance with the provisions of their lease agreement, this element represents allowable charges due a landlord from its tenant. In retail store and office building leases, for example, tenant reimbursements may cover items such as taxes, utilities, and common area expenses.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_TenantReimbursements
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis=us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember
Namespace Prefix:
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Period Type: