5. OTHER INVESTMENTS (Detail) - (Table 2) Investments in Continuous Unrealized Loss Position (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Partnerships owning investments in technology related industries [Member] | Investment in a Continuous Loss Position For Less Than Twelve Months [Member]
Fair Value	$ 11,000	$ 327,000
Unrealized Loss	(13,000)	(20,000)
Partnerships owning investments in technology related industries [Member] | Investments in a Continuous Loss Position For More Than Twelve Months[Member]
Fair Value	371,000	47,000
Unrealized Loss	(67,000)	(39,000)
Partnerships owning investments in technology related industries [Member] | Other Investment Total [Member]
Fair Value	382,000	374,000
Unrealized Loss	(80,000)	(59,000)
Partnerships owning diversified businesses [Member] | Investments in a Continuous Loss Position For More Than Twelve Months[Member]
Fair Value	213,000	228,000
Unrealized Loss	(37,000)	(61,000)
Partnerships owning diversified businesses [Member] | Other Investment Total [Member]
Fair Value	213,000	228,000
Unrealized Loss	(37,000)	(61,000)
Partnerships owning real estate and related investments [Member] | Investments in a Continuous Loss Position For More Than Twelve Months[Member]
Fair Value	241,000	256,000
Unrealized Loss	(51,000)	(56,000)
Partnerships owning real estate and related investments [Member] | Other Investment Total [Member]
Fair Value	241,000	256,000
Unrealized Loss	(51,000)	(56,000)
Investment in a Continuous Loss Position For Less Than Twelve Months [Member]
Fair Value	11,000	327,000
Unrealized Loss	(13,000)	(20,000)
Investments in a Continuous Loss Position For More Than Twelve Months[Member]
Fair Value	825,000	531,000
Unrealized Loss	(155,000)	(156,000)
Other Investment Total [Member]
Fair Value	836,000	858,000
Unrealized Loss	$ (168,000)	$ (176,000)