Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Revenues, net
Loans	$ 2,011	$ 7,047
Imputed interest on formation loan	470	554
Other interest income	5	46
Total interest income	2,486	7,647
Bank loan, secured	2,298	3,399
Mortgages	2,317	1,226
Amortization of discount on formation loan	470	554
Other interest expense	90	83
Total interest expense	5,175	5,262
Net interest income/(expense)	(2,689)	2,385
Late fees	37	43
Other	13	54
Total revenues/(expense), net	(2,639)	2,482
Provision for loan losses	6,113	78,566
Operating Expenses
Mortgage servicing fees	2,604	1,505
Asset management fees	938	1,196
Costs from Redwood Mortgage Corp.	1,195	446
Professional services	1,859	1,582
Rental operations, net	(2,228)	(1,336)
Holding costs	978	594
Loss/(gain) on disposal	(521)	575
Impairment loss/(gain)	10,248	1,196
Other	47	100
Total operating expenses	14,594	5,858
Net income (loss)	(23,346)	(81,942)
Net income (loss)
General partners (1%)	(233)	(819)
Limited partners (99%)	(23,113)	(81,123)
	(23,346)	(81,942)
Where Income Is Reinvested [Member]
Net income (loss) per $1,000 invested by limited partners for entire period
Net income (loss) per $1,000 invested by limited partners for entire period (in Dollars per Item)	(89)	(247)
Where Partner Receives Income In Monthly Distributions [Member]
Net income (loss) per $1,000 invested by limited partners for entire period
Net income (loss) per $1,000 invested by limited partners for entire period (in Dollars per Item)	(93)	(241)
Parent [Member]
Operating Expenses
Impairment loss/(gain)	$ 9,722	$ 1,196