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	Mar. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities, Maximum Exposure to Loss	$ 6,292
RSO [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities	41,969
Intangible assets	10,790
Total assets	52,759
Borrowings	51,054
Total liabilities	51,054
Net asset (liability)	1,705
RSO [Member] | Investments in Unconsolidated Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities, Maximum Exposure to Loss	41,969
RSO [Member] | Intangible Assets [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities, Maximum Exposure to Loss	10,790
RSO [Member] | LEAF [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities	40,421
Intangible assets	0
Total assets	40,421
Borrowings	0
Total liabilities	0
Net asset (liability)	40,421
RSO [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	51,054
Total liabilities	51,054
Net asset (liability)	(49,506)
RSO [Member] | Resource Capital Asset Management [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities	0
Intangible assets	10,790
Total assets	10,790
Borrowings	0
Total liabilities	0
Net asset (liability)	$ 10,790