Results of operations from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees (dollars in thousands) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Real estate, net of accumulated depreciation	$ 44,951	$ 45,917
Notes receivable from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	44,472	23,106
Other assets from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	132,397	153,627
Notes payable from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	(61,442)	(63,821)
Other liabilities from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	(85,195)	(86,475)
Shareholders equity/partners capital from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	(75,183)	(72,354)
Rents and interest and other income from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	4,709	965
Depreciation from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	(81)	(63)
Operating expenses from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	(1,230)	(1,302)
Gain (loss) on land sales from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	12	(1,444)
Loss on sale of investment from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	0	(361)
Interest expense from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	(1,511)	(1,253)
Income (loss) from continuing operations from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	1,899	(3,458)
Loss from discontinued operations from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	0	(134)
Net Income (loss) from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	1,899	(3,592)
Companys proportionate share of earnings from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	$ 38	$ (73)