Cover - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Nov. 12, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	TRANSCONTINENTAL REALTY INVESTORS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000733590
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
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 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
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020