Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 25, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Cover [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	TRANSCONTINENTAL REALTY INVESTORS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000733590
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity File Number	001-09240
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	NV
Entity Reporting Status Current	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Well-Known Season Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		8,717,767
Entity Public Float			$ 24,391,302
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019