Investments in Real Estate Partnerships - Investment Reconciliation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Capital - Regency	$ 512,421	$ 557,374
less: Impairment	(5,880)	(8,750)	0
less: Ownership percentage or Restricted Gain Method deferral	(41,456)	(41,830)
less: Net book equity in excess of purchase price	(78,203)	(78,202)
Investments in real estate partnerships	$ 386,882	$ 428,592

The item represents the difference, if any, between the amount at which an investment accounted for under the equity method of accounting is carried (reported) on the balance sheet and the amount of underlying equity in net assets the reporting Entity has in the investee. A difference can arise between the carrying value of the equity method investment and the value of the Entity's amount of underlying equity in net assets of the investee, for example, from appreciation of certain assets which is not recognized in earnings, but is recognized in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity) by the investee.

+ References+ Details

The amount of equity (capital) attributable to noncontrolling interests of an equity method investment of the entity.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(g))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

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

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 18

-Paragraph 20

-Subparagraph d

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph bb

-Article 1

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 323

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6382943&loc=d3e33912-111571

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 159

-Paragraph 18

-Subparagraph f

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 323

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6382943&loc=d3e33918-111571

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 4

-Section 08

-Paragraph g

-Subparagraph 1, 2

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph w

-Article 1

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 825

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (f)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14064-108612

+ Details