MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS, LOAN PARTICIPATIONS AND LOAN SALES (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013 Loan
Activity of Loans in Default [Roll Forward]
Principal outstanding, beginning balances	$ 119,015
Principal Outstanding, Reductions:
Principal outstanding, principal repayments	(7,612)
Principal outstanding recovery of allowance for credit losses	0
Principal outstanding, loans removed from default foreclosure	(87,032)
Principal outstanding, ending balances	24,371
Accrued interest receivable, beginning balance	401
Accrued Interest Receivable, Reductions :
Accrued interest receivable, principal repayments	0
Interest receivable recovery of allowance for credit losses	0
Interest receivable, foreclosure/transfer to real estate owned	0
Accrued interest receivable, ending balance	401
Valuation Allowance, Reductions:
Valuation allowance, beginning balances	(51,600)
Valuation Allowance Principal Repayments	0
Valuation allowance recovery of allowance for credit losses	6,700
Valuation allowance, foreclosure/transfer to real estate owned	26,907
Valuation allowance, ending balances	(17,993)
Mortgage loans, beginning balances, carrying value	67,816
Net Carrying Value, Reductions :
Net carrying value, principal repayments	(7,612)
Carrying value recovery of allowance for credit losses	6,700
Carrying value, foreclosure/transfer to real estate owned	(60,125)
Mortgage loans, ending balances, carrying value	$ 6,779
Number of loans, balances - December 31, 2012 (in loans)	7
Number of Loans, Reductions:
Number of loans, principle repayments	0
Mortgage loans on real estate number of loans recovery allowance for credit losses (in loans)	0
Mortgage loans on real estate number of loans removed from default- foreclosure	(2)
Number of Loans, Balances - September 30, 2013 (in loans)	5