Note 3 - Discontinued Operations (Detail) - Discontinued Operations (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income from other real estate investments			$ 103,743	$ 49,810
Income from discontinued operating properties	9,459	9,924	17,012	13,324
Net loss/(income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(886)	(25)	1,365	202
Income from discontinued operations attributable to the Company	10,345	9,949	15,647	13,122
Segment, Discontinued Operations [Member]
Revenues from rental property	3,524	12,669	15,515	39,593
Rental property expenses	(1,391)	(4,266)	(7,246)	(14,042)
Depreciation and amortization	(1,143)	(3,656)	(10,125)	(12,647)
Interest expense	(199)	(403)	(589)	(1,348)
Income from other real estate investments		1,430	13	1,945
Other expense, net	(35)	(124)	(178)	(57)
Income/(loss) from discontinued operating properties, before income taxes	756	5,650	(2,610)	13,444
Impairment charges	(2,582)	(289)	(15,201)	(8,919)
Gain on disposition of operating properties	13,278	4,535	36,520	8,722
(Provision)/benefit for income taxes, net	(1,993)	28	(1,697)	77
Income from discontinued operating properties	9,459	9,924	17,012	13,324
Net loss/(income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	886	25	(1,365)	(202)
Income from discontinued operations attributable to the Company	$ 10,345	$ 9,949	$ 15,647	$ 13,122