Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets
Real estate, at cost	$ 1,069,699	$ 1,074,635
Real estate held for sale at cost, net of depreciation ($1752 in 2011 and $0 in 2010)	15,015
Real estate subject to sales contracts at cost, net of depreciation ($7,213 in 2011 and $58,579 in 2010)	52,555	232,495
Less accumulated depreciation	(148,930)	(94,016)
Total real estate	988,339	1,213,114
Notes and interest receivable
Performing (including $58,465 in 2011 and $66,011 in 2010 from affiliates and related parties)	79,161	71,766
Non-Performing	2,152
Less allowance for estimated losses (including $2,097 in 2011 and $3,061 in 2010 from affiliates and related parties)	(3,942)	(4,741)
Total notes and interest receivable	77,371	67,025
Cash and cash equivalents	19,991	11,259
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees	6,362	8,146
Other assets	68,261	85,217
Total assets	1,160,324	1,384,761
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Notes and interest payable	829,617	830,247
Notes related to assets held for sale	13,830
Notes related to subject to sales contracts	38,376	190,693
Stock secured notes payable	2,482	1,075
Affiliate payables	17,465	47,261
Deferred revenue (from sales to related parties)	65,607	82,841
Accounts payable and other liabilities (including $1,746 in 2011 and $1,485 in 2010 from affiliates and related parties)	51,663	49,196
Total liabilities	1,019,040	1,201,313
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, Series C: $.01 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 30,000 shares in 2011 and 2010 respectively (liquidation preference $100 per share). Series D: $.01 par value, authorized, issued and outstanding 100,000 shares in 2011 and 2010 respectively	1	1
Common Stock, $.01 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued 8,413,669 in 2011 and 8,113,669 in 2010 and outstanding 8,413,469 in 2011 and 8,113,669 in 2010	84	81
Treasury stock at cost; 200 and 200 shares in 2011 and 2010	(2)	(2)
Paid-in capital	273,886	271,682
Retained earnings	(148,235)	(101,914)
Total Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc. shareholders' equity	125,734	169,848
Non-controlling interest	15,550	13,600
Total equity	141,284	183,448
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,160,324	$ 1,384,761