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Real Estate Disposition Activities (Details) (USD $)
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
Real estate disposition activities        
Proceeds from sale of real estate     $ 182,225,000 $ 22,371,000
Gain on sale of real estate 95,049,000 7,675,000 95,049,000 7,675,000
Summary of income from discontinued operations        
Rental income 3,065,000 9,278,000 6,986,000 18,363,000
Operating and other expenses (1,114,000) (5,600,000) (2,486,000) (11,289,000)
Interest expense, net (53,000) (1,311,000) (133,000) (2,611,000)
Loss on extinguishment of debt (602,000)   (602,000)  
Depreciation expense (144,000) (2,084,000) (895,000) (4,160,000)
Income from discontinued operations 1,152,000 283,000 2,870,000 303,000
Waterford and Arlington Heights
        
Real estate disposition activities        
Number of communities sold 2      
Number of apartment homes sold 953      
Proceeds from sale of real estate 173,750,000      
Gain on sale of real estate 95,049,000      
Unimproved land parcel in Chicago, IL
        
Real estate disposition activities        
Proceeds from sale of land     12,300,000  
Gain on sale of real estate     280,000  
Number of unimproved land parcels sold     1  
Impairment loss - land holdings     $ 16,363,000