Components of Deferred income tax assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Components of Deferred income tax assets
Net operating losses	$ 56,897	$ 71,071	$ 53,857
AMT credits	1,374	1,374	1,374
Basis difference of Real estate holdings	876	(3,045)	(15,159)
Basis difference of Notes receivable	757	860	860
Basis difference of Investments	(4,693)	(4,703)	(4,757)
Basis difference of Notes payable	6,932	12,496	16,598
Basis difference of Deferred gains	10,146	10,806	11,370
Total deferred tax asset	72,289	88,859	64,143
Deferred tax valuation allowance	(72,289)	(88,859)	(64,143)
Net deferred tax asset	0	0	0
TCI has established a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	72,300	88,900	64,100
TCI has tax net operating loss carryforwards of approximately	146,900
The alternative minimum tax credit balance	$ 1,400