Investment in Unconsolidated Entities - Components of Net Loss, Including Share, Related to Joint Venture (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total operating expenses	$ 25,730	$ 21,943	$ 48,727	$ 42,123
Operating income	5,016	4,416	7,798	7,063
Net income (loss)	2,176	1,157	557	(574)
Total Minority Interest Joint Ventures
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Revenue	72,873	73,019	135,064	135,991
Total operating expenses	39,555	41,121	76,385	79,848
Operating income	33,318	31,898	58,679	56,143
Net income (loss)	(648)	6,836	(6,784)	1,343
Total income (loss) from unconsolidated real estate entities attributable to Chatham	$ (89)	$ 703	$ (720)	$ 138