Segment Information (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Reconciliation of consolidated net operating income
Consolidated net operating income	$ 84,316	$ 84,030	$ 253,198	$ 251,150
Less:
Interest expense	(32,620)	(32,346)	(99,745)	(99,477)
Deferred financing costs	(1,218)	(1,846)	(3,790)	(3,844)
Depreciation and amortization	(48,738)	(51,943)	(147,618)	(157,157)
Administrative expenses	(6,080)	(6,177)	(18,209)	(18,311)
Plus:
Interest income	311	523	2,635	1,385
Historic tax credit transaction income	11,840	12,026	11,840	12,026
Interest expense — financing obligation	(230)	0	(608)	0
Equity in income of real estate ventures	500	418	1,382	2,739
Net gain on sales of interests in real estate ventures	0	0	0	2,791
Loss on real estate venture formation	(950)	0	(950)	0
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt	(51)	176	(1,549)	(580)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	7,080	4,861	(3,414)	(9,278)
Income from discontinued operations	10,009	1,750	36,641	9,165
Net income (loss)	$ 17,089	$ 6,611	$ 33,227	$ (113)