Consolidated Statement of Equity - 7 months ended Jul. 31, 2014 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Series D Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest [Member]	Series D Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest [Member]	Common Shares of Beneficial Interest [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Income [Member]	Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Income [Member] Series D Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) [Member]	Non-Controlling Interests [Member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 509,663		$ 120,500	$ 35,809	$ 647,121	$ (322,432)		$ (124)	$ 28,789
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013			4,820	36,401
Net income attributable to Winthrop Realty Trust	12,481					12,481
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	(3,818)								(3,818)
Distributions to non-controlling interests	(711)								(711)
Contributions from non-controlling interests	873								873
Increase in non-controlling interest due to consolidation of property	16,391								16,391
Decrease in non-controlling interest due to property sale	(3,764)								(3,764)
Dividends declared on Common Shares of Beneficial Interest ($0.325 per share)	(11,642)					(11,642)
Dividends declared on Series D Preferred Shares ($1.348963 per share)	(6,502)	$ (6,502)					$ (6,502)
Dividends declared on Restricted Shares	(192)					(192)
Change in unrealized loss on interest rate derivatives	(193)							(193)
Stock issued pursuant to Dividend Reinvestment Plan	178			$ 16	162
Stock issued pursuant to Dividend Reinvestment Plan, shares				16
Amortization of Restricted Shares	1,450				1,450
Ending balance at Jul. 31, 2014	$ 514,214		$ 120,500	$ 35,825	$ 648,733	$ (328,287)		$ (317)	$ 37,760
Ending balance, shares at Jul. 31, 2014			4,820	36,417