NOTES RECEIVABLE, PREFERRED EQUITY, AND OTHER REAL ESTATE RELATED INVESTMENTS Schedule of Notes Receivable and Preferred Equity Investments Reconciliation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Movement in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 129,278	$ 59,989	$ 89,202
New investments	45,000	108,629	34,758
Collections of principal	(29,583)	(25,388)	(56,517)
Conversion to real estate through receipt of deed or through foreclosure	(18,500)	(14,000)	0
Reclass to investments in unconsolidated affiliates	0	0	(8,000)
Non-cash accretion of notes receivable	461	453	786
Reserves	0	(405)	(240)
Ending Balance	$ 126,656	$ 129,278	$ 59,989