Equity Investments (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Expenses
Real estate taxes	$ 946	$ 1,192
Vintage Housing LLC [Member]
Summarized statements of operations of real estate equity investments
Total revenue	10,579	9,152
Expenses
Operating	4,817	3,704
Real estate taxes	156	169
Interest	453	1,670
Depreciation and amortization	447	2,303
Other expenses	1,352	1,181
Total expenses	7,225	9,027
Net income	3,354	125
(Income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests	(22)	404
Net income attributable to VHH	3,332	529
Trust's share of net income	$ 1,921	$ 339