Results of operations from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees (dollars in thousands) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Results of operations from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees
Real estate, net of accumulated depreciation	$ 44,886	$ 45,829
Notes receivable from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	44,544	23,486
Other assets from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	132,221	150,771
Notes payable from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	(61,410)	(60,055)
Other liabilities from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	(87,474)	(84,593)
Shareholders equity/partners capital from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	(72,767)	(75,438)
Revenue from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	6,948	3,706
Depreciation from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	(152)	(126)
Operating expenses from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	(3,776)	(2,423)
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	(2,922)	(2,472)
Income (loss) from continuing operations from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	110	(3,120)
Loss from discontinued operations from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	(15)	2,731
Net Income (loss) from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	95	(389)
Companys proportionate share of earnings from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	$ 2	$ (8)