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]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Non-Controlling Interest [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2008	$ 217	$ 185,350	$ (46,383)	$ (409)	$ (10,151)	$ 1,244	$ 129,868
Net income			5,255				5,255
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest			(121)			121	(121)
Change in fair value of hedge liability				25			25
Deferred compensation issuance of restricted shares		(464)			464
Merger between AmREIT and REITPlus	13	6,098	(10,171)		9,687		5,627
Amortization of deferred compensation		499					499
Purchase of ownership in consolidated entity		(160)				(992)	(1,152)
Retirement of AmREIT common shares		(348)					(348)
Distributions			(12,488)			(108)	(12,596)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2009	230	190,975	(63,908)	(384)		265	127,178
Net income			6,305				6,305
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest			(173)			173	(173)
Change in fair value of hedge liability				38			38
Deferred compensation issuance of restricted shares		(1,669)					(1,669)
Issuance of shares of common stock	2	1,621			115		1,738
Amortization of deferred compensation		442					442
Repurchase of shares of common stock					(143)		(143)
Distributions			(10,384)			(438)	(10,822)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	232	191,369	(68,160)	(346)	(28)		123,067
Net income			4,240				4,240
Change in fair value of hedge liability				346			346
Deferred compensation issuance of restricted shares		(762)					(762)
Issuance of shares of common stock	1	761					762
Amortization of deferred compensation		561					561
Forfeitures of shares of common stock		30			(43)		(13)
Retirement of AmREIT common shares	(1)	(70)			71
Distributions			(9,277)				(9,277)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 232	$ 191,889	$ (73,197)				$ 118,924