Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information [Abstract]
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	$ 25,960	$ 35,616	$ 40,219
Income taxes refunded, net of payments	(551)	(3,308)	(891)
Non Cash Transactions
Transfer from other assets to investment in joint venture	6,193
Transfer from land to operating properties	5,159	1,410
Decrease in land and notes payable due to foreclosure	3,374
Adjustments to Property Expenditures for Amounts Included in Accounts Payable	1,559	1,976	5,093
Issuance of common stock for payment of common dividends		(95)	0
Land collateral received from note receivable default		5,030
Increase in notes receivable for lease termination and land and lot sales		3,312
Transfer from notes receivable to multi-family residential units			8,167
Transfer from notes payable to redeemable noncontrolling interests			8,767
Transfer from other assets to land			2,440
Increase in notes payable upon consolidation of entities			11,918
Issuance of note payable for purchase of townhomes			3,150
Transfer from investment in joint venture to land upon consolidation of entities			9,116
Change in fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 766	$ 378	$ (180)