Investment in Unconsolidated Entities (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Assets
Development in Process	$ 0		$ 91,184		$ 50,781
Liabilities and Equity
Carrying value of investment in HSRE and other non-Copper Beech entities	259,740		324,838
HSRE and DCV Holdings [Member]
Assets
Student housing properties, net	437,108		289,797
Development in Process	7,429		81,994
Other assets	12,947		15,341
Total assets	457,484		387,132
Liabilities and Equity
Mortgage and construction loans	354,759		165,445
Other liabilities	29,364		58,948
Owners’ equity	73,361		162,739
Total liabilities and owners' equity	457,484		387,132
Company's share of historical owners' equity	30,481		41,390
Preferred investment	7,322	[1]	16,468	[1]
Net difference in carrying value of investment versus net book value of underlying net assets	3,219	[2]	5,568	[2]
Carrying value of investment in HSRE and other non-Copper Beech entities	41,022		63,426
Copper Beech [Member]
Assets
Student housing properties, net	906,614		748,280
Intangible assets	7,212		37,100
Other assets	14,293		5,201
Total assets	928,119		790,581
Liabilities and Equity
Mortgage and construction loans	476,985		421,239
Other liabilities	15,541		13,112
Owners’ equity	435,593		356,230
Total liabilities and owners' equity	928,119		790,581
Company's share of historical owners' equity	199,281		244,964
Net difference in carrying value of investment versus net book value of underlying net assets	19,437	[3]	16,628	[3]
Carrying value of investment in HSRE and other non-Copper Beech entities	$ 218,718		$ 261,592

[1] As of December 31, 2014, the Company had Class B membership interests in The Grove at Indiana, Pennsylvania, The Grove at Greensboro, North Carolina, and The Grove at Louisville, Kentucky, of approximately $2.7 million, $2.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively, entitling the Company to a 9.0% return on its investment upon the respective property being operational. The Company also had, from January to September 2, 2014, a CAD 16 million ($13.8 million at December 31, 2014 exchange rate) Class A interest in CSH Holdings entitling it to a commitment fee of 1.0% of the Class A interest each quarter and a 10.0% annual return on its investment.

[2] This amount represents the aggregate difference between the Company’s carrying amount and its underlying equity in the net assets of its investments, which is typically amortized over the life of the related asset. The basis differential occurs primarily due to the other than temporary impairments recorded during 2014 (see Note 4), the difference between the allocated value to acquired entity interests and the venture’s basis in those interests, the capitalization of additional investment in the unconsolidated entity, and the elimination of service related revenue to the extent of the Company’s percentage ownership.

[3] This amount represents the aggregate difference between the historical cost basis and the basis reflected at the entity level, which is typically amortized over the life of the related asset. The basis differential occurs primarily due to the impairment recognized in connection with not exercising the Copper Beech purchase option offset by the capitalization of transaction costs incurred to acquire the Company's interests in the Copper Beech entities.