Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Revenue
Rents and reimbursements	$ 51,375	$ 42,789	$ 36,274
Interest, dividends and discount accretion	21,123	25,458	17,128
Total Revenue	72,498	68,247	53,402
Expenses
Property operating	15,666	14,387	7,758
Real estate taxes	4,765	4,427	2,412
Depreciation and amortization	17,666	13,234	9,628
Interest	17,658	15,759	15,114
Impairment loss on investment in real estate	2,562	7,600
General and administrative	3,561	3,558	3,402
Related party fees	8,953	7,690	5,096
Transaction costs	421	519	321
State and local taxes	234	379	133
Total expenses	71,486	67,553	43,864
Other income (loss)
Equity in income (loss) of equity investments (inclusive of impairments of $0, $21,058 and $0)/(Income) loss of equity investments	(14,678)	12,712	2,007
Realized gain on sale of securities carried at fair value	41	123	558
Unrealized gain on securities carried at fair value	6,916	2,788	5,060
(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt, net	(121)	9,258
Realized gain on loan securities carried at fair value	614		469
Unrealized gain on loan securities carried at fair value	447	2,738	5,011
Earnings from preferred equity investments		338	338
Settlement income	592	5,868
Gain on consolidation of property		818
Interest and other income	699	1,179	139
Total other income (loss)	23,439	10,398	9,568
Income from continuing operations	24,451	11,092	19,106
Discontinued operations
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	(67)	655	(1,741)
Consolidated net income	24,384	11,747	17,365
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest	247	(814)	(888)
Net income attributable to Winthrop Realty Trust	24,631	10,933	16,477
Preferred dividend of Series C Preferred Shares		(585)	(288)
Preferred dividend of Series D Preferred Shares	(9,285)	(339)
Net income attributable to Common Shares	15,346	10,009	16,189
Per Common Share data - Basic
Income from continuing operations	$ 0.46	$ 0.30	$ 0.80
(Loss) income from discontinued operations		$ 0.02	$ (0.08)
Net income attributable to Winthrop Realty Trust	$ 0.46	$ 0.32	$ 0.72
Per Common Share data - Diluted
Income from continuing operations	$ 0.46	$ 0.30	$ 0.80
(Loss) income from discontinued operations		$ 0.02	$ (0.08)
Net income attributable to Winthrop Realty Trust	$ 0.46	$ 0.32	$ 0.72
Basic Weighted-Average Common Shares	33,062	31,428	22,566
Diluted Weighted-Average Common Shares	33,062	31,428	22,568
Comprehensive income
Consolidated net income	24,384	11,747	17,365
Change in unrealized gain on available for sale securities			2
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate derivative	42	(29)	22
Consolidated comprehensive income	24,426	11,718	17,389
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest	247	(814)	(888)
Other comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	247	(814)	(888)
Comprehensive income attributable to Winthrop Realty Trust	$ 24,673	$ 10,904	$ 16,501