OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
Special Improvement District Receivable	$ 41,402	$ 40,580
Other receivables	2,818	4,181
Federal income tax receivable	5,401	5,393
Prepaid expenses	7,209	6,507
Security and escrow deposits	12,944	17,266
Uncertain tax position asset	12,070	11,935
Intangibles	3,714	3,074
Other	4,013	4,661
Total prepaid expenses and other assets	124,752	127,156
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Construction payable	11,470	8,923
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	38,998	45,078
Membership deposits	19,091	16,033
Deferred gains/income	8,112	5,739
Accrued interest	2,218	2,747
Accrued real estate taxes	8,916	3,439
Tenant and other deposits	7,882	5,966
Insurance reserve	6,015	4,728
Accrued payroll and other employee liabilities	10,205	9,658
Interest rate swaps	7,724	4,367
Other	13,500	15,978
Total accounts payable and accrued expenses	136,760	125,404
Below-market ground leases
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
Net carrying amount	20,426	20,680
Above-market tenant leases
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
Net carrying amount	1,042	1,014
In-place leases
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
Net carrying amount	13,713	11,865
Above-market ground leases
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Net carrying amount	$ 2,629	$ 2,748