Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Real estate held for sale at cost, depreciation	$ 1,752	$ 0
Real estate subject to sales contracts at cost, depreciation	7,213	58,579
Performing, affiliates and related parties	58,465	66,011
Allowance for estimated losses ,affiliates and related parties	2,097	3,061
Accounts payable and other liabilities, affiliates and related parties	$ 1,746	$ 1,485
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	8,413,669	8,113,669
Common stock, shares outstanding	8,413,469	8,113,669
Treasury stock, shares	200	200
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	30,000	30,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	30,000	30,000
Preferred stock, liquidation preference per share	$ 100	$ 100
Series D Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000	100,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	100,000	100,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	100,000	100,000