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, 2015
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Maximum Exposure to Loss	$ 1,588
RSO [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities	41,017
Intangible assets	8,990
Total assets	50,007
Borrowings	51,256
Total liabilities	51,256
Net asset (liability)	(1,249)
RSO [Member] | Investments in Unconsolidated Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Maximum Exposure to Loss	41,017
RSO [Member] | Intangible Assets [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Maximum Exposure to Loss	8,990
RSO [Member] | LEAF [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities	39,469
Intangible assets	0
Total assets	39,469
Borrowings	0
Total liabilities	0
Net asset (liability)	39,469
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	51,256
Total liabilities	51,256
Net asset (liability)	(49,708)
RSO [Member] | Resource Capital Asset Management [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities	0
Intangible assets	8,990
Total assets	8,990
Borrowings	0
Total liabilities	0
Net asset (liability)	$ 8,990