Summary of Critical and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary of Critical and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Depreciable life of various categories of fixed assets

The depreciable life of various categories of fixed assets is as follows:
Computer software and equipment	3 - 5 years
Interior unit improvements	5 years
Land improvements and certain exterior components of real property	10 years
Real estate structures	30 years

Components of Marketable Securities

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010 marketable securities consist of the following ($ in thousands):

	December 31, 2011
			Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized
	Cost		Gain(Loss)		Fair Value
Available for sale:
Investment-grade unsecured bonds	$	3,615	$	399	$	4,014
Investment funds - US treasuries		11,783		121		11,904
Common stock		10,067		1,552		11,619
Held to maturity:
Mortgage backed securities		46,738		-		46,738
Total	$	72,203	$	2,072	$	74,275

	December 31, 2010
			Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized
	Cost		Gain		Fair Value
Available for sale:
Investment-grade unsecured bonds	$	22,243	$	4,403	$	26,646
Investment funds - US treasuries		14,345		582		14,927
Common stock		8,638		112		8,750
Held to maturity:
Mortgage backed securities		41,987		-		41,987
Total	$	87,213	$	5,097	$	92,310

Components of Interest and Other Income

Interest income is generated primarily from cash balances and marketable securities as well as notes receivables.  Other income primarily consists of gains on sales of marketable securities.  Total interest and other income are comprised of the following for the years ended December 31 ($ in thousands):

	2011		2010		2009
Interest income	$	10,501	$	15,350	$	11,841
Gains on sales of marketable securities		4,956		12,491		1,014
Tax benefit - Taxable REIT Subsidiary		1,682		-		-
Other income		-		-		185
	$	17,139	$	27,841	$	13,040

Status of cash dividends distributed

The status of cash dividends distributed for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 related to common stock, Series H, Series F, and Series G preferred stock are classified for tax purposes as follows:

	2011			2010			2009
Common Stock
Ordinary income		63.68	%		82.46	%		79.82	%
Capital gain		11.16	%		5.61	%		15.76	%
Unrecaptured section 1250 capital gain		0.74	%		0.00	%		4.42	%
Return of capital		24.42	%		11.93	%		0.00	%
		100.00	%		100.00	%		100.00	%

	2011			2010			2009
Series F, G, and H Preferred stock
Ordinary income		100.00	%		93.63	%		79.82	%
Capital gains		0.00	%		6.37	%		15.76	%
Unrecaptured section 1250 capital gain		0.00	%		0.00	%		4.42	%
Return of capital		0.00	%		0.00	%		0.00	%
		100.00	%		100.00	%		100.00	%