INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES AND INVESTEES (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Real estate, net of accumulated depreciation	$ 901,882		$ 891,173
Other assets	60,498		55,605
Notes payable	822,922		835,528
Shareholders' equity	(200,529)		$ (205,885)
Rents and interest and other income	31,535	$ 28,903
Depreciation	(6,303)	(5,808)
Operating expenses	26,337	24,823
Net loss	(5,015)	(3,563)
Company's proportionate share of loss	(8)	(2)
American Realty Investors, Inc. [Member]
Real estate, net of accumulated depreciation	14,495	14,619
Notes receivable	44,840	48,681
Other assets	127,106	127,357
Notes payable	7,742	24,015
Other liabilities	(112,388)	(98,687)
Shareholders' equity	(66,311)	(67,955)
Rents and interest and other income	1,713	1,778
Depreciation	(45)	(40)
Operating expenses	(980)	(881)
Interest expense	(1,606)	(1,048)
Net loss	(918)	(191)
Company's proportionate share of loss	$ (8)	$ (2)