Consolidated Balance Sheets (UNITED DOMINION REALTY, L.P) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Real estate owned:
Real estate held for sale, accumulated depreciation	$ 0	$ 71,708
Partners' Capital:
OP units outstanding related to general partner	174,849,339
OP units outstanding related to limited partner	7,629,676
United Dominion Reality.L.P [Member]
Real estate owned:
Real estate held for sale, accumulated depreciation	$ 0	$ 48,191
Partners' Capital:
OP units outstanding related to operating partnership	182,479,015	179,909,408
OP units outstanding related to general partner	110,883	110,883
OP units outstanding related to limited partner	182,368,132	179,798,525