INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES AND INVESTEES (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Real estate, net of accumulated depreciation	$ 389,938	$ 977,985	$ 384,504
Other assets	67,238		63,557
Notes payable	(283,934)		(277,237)
Shareholders' equity/partners capital	(354,044)		$ (359,720)
Rents,interest and other income	11,929	31,082
Operating expenses	(13,182)	(25,894)
Loss from continuing operations	(5,426)	(101)
Net loss	(5,426)	(101)
Company's proportionate share of loss	(7)	11
American Realty Investors, INC. [Member]
Real estate, net of accumulated depreciation	549	5,193
Notes receivable	41,992	45,414
Other assets	65,823	58,253
Notes payable	(9,444)	(6,266)
Other liabilities	(30,902)	(32,539)
Shareholders' equity/partners capital	(68,018)	(70,055)
Rents,interest and other income	1,654	1,629
Operating expenses	(482)	(417)
Interest expense	(2,009)	(1,631)
Loss from continuing operations	(837)	(419)
Net loss	(837)	(419)
Company's proportionate share of loss	$ (8)	$ (4)