Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Capital In Excess Of Par Value [Member]	Accumulated Distributions In Excess Of Earnings [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 232	$ 191,889	$ (73,197)	$ 118,924
Net income			1,257	1,257
Deferred compensation issuance of restricted shares		(790)		(790)
Issuance of shares of common stock	1	789		790
Amortization of deferred compensation		144		144
Retirement of AmREIT common shares		(36)		(36)
Distributions			(2,334)	(2,334)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2012	$ 233	$ 191,996	$ (74,274)	$ 117,955