INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES AND INVESTEES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Total real estate, net of depreciation	$ 792,411		$ 792,411		$ 689,121
Other assets	33,287		33,287		37,441
Notes payable	(727,222)		(727,222)		(588,749)
Shareholders' equity	(215,081)		(215,081)		$ (215,284)
Revenue	23,756	$ 18,511	46,060	$ 36,814
Depreciation	(5,107)	(4,271)	(9,751)	(8,552)
Operating expenses	19,310	18,389	38,573	35,765
Income from discontinued operations	(22)	4,076	168	7,882
Net income	419	2,517	231	7,152
Company's proportionate share of earnings	10	(11)	43	(16)
American Realty Investors, Inc [Member]
Total real estate, net of depreciation	14,285	15,149	14,285	15,149
Notes receivable	50,519	68,940	50,519	68,940
Other assets	127,217	128,581	127,217	128,581
Notes payable	(28,193)	(52,369)	(28,193)	(52,369)
Other liabilities	(94,201)	(100,149)	(94,201)	(100,149)
Shareholders' equity	$ (69,627)	$ (60,152)	(69,627)	(60,152)
Revenue			6,359	5,894
Depreciation			(78)	(138)
Operating expenses			(1,810)	(3,093)
Interest expense			(1,448)	(3,447)
Income from continuing operations			3,023	(784)
Net income			3,023	(784)
Company's proportionate share of earnings			$ 30	$ (16)