Information by Business Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated operating revenues	$ 30,357	$ 25,284	$ 60,873	$ 98,720
Consolidated income (loss) from operations before equity in (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates and income taxes	160	(20,273)	(60)	1,394
Total Assets	666,378		666,378		661,291
Residential real estate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated operating revenues	19,548	16,445	30,066	24,210
Consolidated income (loss) from operations before equity in (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates and income taxes	178	(6,308)	(3,620)	(15,154)
Total Assets	273,566		273,566		272,210
Commercial real estate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated operating revenues	873	598	7,093	895
Consolidated income (loss) from operations before equity in (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates and income taxes	(585)	(2,906)	1,309	(4,772)
Total Assets	71,142		71,142		67,650
Rural land sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated operating revenues	205	75	4,488	2,825
Consolidated income (loss) from operations before equity in (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates and income taxes	45	(388)	2,184	1,897
Total Assets	8,397		8,397		10,048
Forestry
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated operating revenues	9,731	8,166	19,226	70,790
Consolidated income (loss) from operations before equity in (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates and income taxes	3,139	1,753	5,900	54,497
Total Assets	55,268		55,268		58,638
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated income (loss) from operations before equity in (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates and income taxes	(2,617)	(12,424)	(5,833)	(35,074)
Total Assets	$ 258,005		$ 258,005		$ 252,745