v3.5.0.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Oct. 31, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name ST JOE CO  
Trading Symbol JOE  
Entity Central Index Key 0000745308  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)   74,342,826