Securities Carried at Fair Value (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Securities carried at fair value and cost
Cost	$ 26,775	$ 23,559
Fair Value	37,191	28,856
REIT Preferred shares [Member]
Securities carried at fair value and cost
Cost		2,067
Fair Value		4,277
REIT Common shares [Member]
Securities carried at fair value and cost
Cost	26,775	21,492
Fair Value	37,191	24,579
Loan Securities [Member]
Securities carried at fair value and cost
Cost	1,661	1,661
Fair Value	5,756	5,309
Securities Carried at Fair Value Total [Member]
Securities carried at fair value and cost
Cost	28,436	25,220
Fair Value	$ 42,947	$ 34,165