Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 03, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	RESOURCE AMERICA, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0000083402
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 88,286
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		19,978,423
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K/A
Amendment Flag	true
Amendment Description	The restatement reflects the consolidation of RSO which the Company previously treated as an unconsolidated variable interest entity.
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2012