NOTES RECEIVABLE, PREFERRED EQUITY, AND OTHER REAL ESTATE RELATED INVESTMENTS Schedule of Notes Receivable and Preferred Equity Investments Reconciliation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Movement in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		$ 126,656	$ 129,278	$ 59,989
New investments		31,169	45,000	108,629
Collections of principal	(1,200)	(18,095)	(29,583)	(25,388)
Conversion to real estate through receipt of deed or through foreclosure		(38,000)	(18,500)	(14,000)
Non-cash accretion of notes receivable		556	461	453
Reserves		0	0	(405)
Ending Balance		$ 102,286	$ 126,656	$ 129,278