RSO VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (Schedule of Classification, Carrying Value, and Maximum Exposure to Loss of Unconsolidated VIEs) (Details) (Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Maximum Exposure to Loss	$ 3,382
Resource Capital Corp [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities	36,520
Intangible assets	12,589
Total assets	49,109
Borrowings	50,861
Total liabilities	50,861
Net asset (liability)	(1,752)
Resource Capital Corp [Member] | Investments in Unconsolidated Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Maximum Exposure to Loss	36,520
Resource Capital Corp [Member] | Intangible Assets [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Maximum Exposure to Loss	12,589
Resource Capital Corp [Member] | LEAF Commercial Capital Inc
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities	32,736
Intangible assets	0
Total assets	32,736
Borrowings	0
Total liabilities	0
Net asset (liability)	32,736
Resource Capital Corp [Member] | Unsecured Junior Subordinated Debentures [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities	1,548
Intangible assets	0
Total assets	1,548
Borrowings	50,861
Total liabilities	50,861
Net asset (liability)	(49,313)
Resource Capital Corp [Member] | Resource Capital Asset Management [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities	0
Intangible assets	12,589
Total assets	12,589
Borrowings	0
Total liabilities	0
Net asset (liability)	12,589
Resource Capital Corp [Member] | RRE VIP Borrower, LLC [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities	1,686
Intangible assets	0
Total assets	1,686
Borrowings	0
Total liabilities	0
Net asset (liability)	1,686
Resource Capital Corp [Member] | Varde Investment Partners, LP [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities	550
Intangible assets	0
Total assets	550
Borrowings	0
Total liabilities	0
Net asset (liability)	$ 550