Basis of presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Summary of the Partnership's loan receivables and other financing receivables
Direct financing leases	$ 409,541	$ 415,695
Other Receivable [Abstract]
Long-term receivable included in other assets	786	410
Advances to joint venture included in investment in and advances to joint ventures	830	0
Advances to joint venture partner (Note 8)	10,200	10,200
Total loan receivables and other financing receivables	$ 421,357	$ 426,305

The net investment in direct financing leases as of the balance sheet date consisting of: (a) minimum lease payments due on direct financing leases, (b) unguaranteed residual value, and (c) any unamortized initial direct costs; less: (i) executory costs, (ii) unearned income, and (iii) the accumulated allowance for uncollectible minimum lease payments.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 13

-Paragraph 23

-Subparagraph a(i)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 840

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952072&loc=d3e45377-112738

Name:	us-gaap_CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInDirectFinancingLeases
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant