Mortgages and Notes Receivable (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011 transactions	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of mortgages and notes receivable
Seller financing (first mortgages)	$ 15,807		$ 17,180
Less allowance	0		0
Seller financing, net	15,807		17,180
Promissory notes	1,434		1,481
Less allowance	(122)		(61)
Promissory notes, net	1,312		1,420
Mortgages and notes receivable, net	17,119		18,600
Notes receivable allowance, promissory notes
Beginning notes receivable allowance	61	868
Bad debt expense	0	22
Recoveries/write-offs/other	61	(393)
Total notes receivable allowance	$ 122	$ 497
Number of transactions with seller financing		2

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Number of transactions with seller financing.

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The reserve to cover probable credit losses related to specifically identified fixed maturity real estate loans as well as probable credit losses inherent in the remainder of that loan portfolio.

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For an unclassified balance sheet, the valuation allowance relating to a written agreement to receive money (at a specified future date(s), consisting of principal as well as any accrued interest) for the portion that is expected to be uncollectible.

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The amount of the recorded investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable (with terms exceeding one year), notes receivable and receivables relating to lessor's rights to payments from leases other than operating leases that have been recorded as assets.

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A valuation allowance for financing receivables that are expected to be uncollectible.

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Charge to expense for financing receivables that are expected to be uncollectible.

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Reduction to the allowance for credit losses related to collections on financing receivables which have been partially or fully charged off as bad debts.

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Reflects the sum of the gross carrying amounts of unpaid loans issued to businesses to acquire, develop, construct, improve, or refinance land or a building. Includes [but is not limited to] commercial mortgage loans, which are secured by a [legal] security interest in real property [commercial building or business real property] which thereby serves as collateral securing repayment of the loan; and construction financing, which is an obligation generally in the form of a [promissory] note, used for the funding of construction projects.

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The balance represents the amount of loans that are secured by real estate mortgages, offset by the reserve to cover probable credit losses on the loan portfolio.

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For an unclassified balance sheet, an amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the Company (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date(s). Such amount may include accrued interest receivable in accordance with the terms of the note. The note also may contain provisions and related items including a discount or premium, payable on demand, secured, or unsecured, interest bearing or noninterest bearing, among a myriad of other features and characteristics. This amount does not include amounts related to receivables held-for-sale.

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