Non-controlling Interests (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Non-controlling Interests [Abstract]

Schedule of changes in the Trust's ownership interest in the subsidiaries

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011		2010
Net income attributable to Winthrop Realty Trust	$	24,631		$	10,933	$	16,477
Decrease in Winthop Realty Trust paid in capital adjustments from non-controlling interests		(4,533	)		—		—
Changes from net income attributable to
Winthrop Realty Trust and transfers from non-controlling interests	$	20,098		$	10,933	$	16,477