VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (Schedule of Classification, Carrying Value, and Maximum Exposure to Loss of Unconsolidated VIEs) (Details) RSO (Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012 RSO [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 RSO [Member] Investments in Unconsolidated Entities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 RSO [Member] Intangible Assets [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 RSO [Member] LEAF [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 RSO [Member] Unsecured Junior Subordinated Debentures [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 RSO [Member] Resource Capital Asset Management [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 RSO [Member] RRE VIP Borrower, LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 RSO [Member] Varde Investment Partners, LP [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities		$ 37,409			$ 33,071	$ 1,548	$ 0	$ 2,264	$ 526
Intangible assets		13,105			0	0	13,105	0	0
Total assets		50,514			33,071	1,548	13,105	2,264	526
Borrowings		50,814			0	50,814	0	0	0
Total liabilities		50,814			0	50,814	0	0	0
Net asset (liability)		(300)			33,071	(49,266)	13,105	2,264	526
Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities, Maximum Exposure to Loss	$ 2,642		$ 37,409	$ 13,105