VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (Schedule of Classification, Carrying Value, and Maximum Exposure to Loss of Unconsolidated VIEs) (Details) RSO (Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities, Maximum Exposure to Loss	$ (2,941)
Resource Capital Corp [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities	37,409
Intangible assets	13,105
Total assets	50,514
Borrowings	50,814
Total liabilities	50,814
Net asset (liability)	(300)
Resource Capital Corp [Member] | Investments in Unconsolidated Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities, Maximum Exposure to Loss	37,409
Resource Capital Corp [Member] | Intangible Assets [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities, Maximum Exposure to Loss	13,105
Resource Capital Corp [Member] | LEAF Commercial Capital, Inc. [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities	33,071
Intangible assets	0
Total assets	33,071
Borrowings	0
Total liabilities	0
Net asset (liability)	33,071
Resource Capital Corp [Member] | Unsecured Junior Subordinated Debentures [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities	1,548
Intangible assets	0
Total assets	1,548
Borrowings	50,814
Total liabilities	50,814
Net asset (liability)	(49,266)
Resource Capital Corp [Member] | Resource Capital Asset Management [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities	0
Intangible assets	13,105
Total assets	13,105
Borrowings	0
Total liabilities	0
Net asset (liability)	13,105
Resource Capital Corp [Member] | RRE VIP Borrower, LLC [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities	2,264
Intangible assets	0
Total assets	2,264
Borrowings	0
Total liabilities	0
Net asset (liability)	2,264
Resource Capital Corp [Member] | Varde Investment Partners, LP [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in unconsolidated entities	526
Intangible assets	0
Total assets	526
Borrowings	0
Total liabilities	0
Net asset (liability)	$ 526