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Document And Entity Information (USD $)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Mar. 22, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Entity Registrant Name AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0001102238    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   11,525,389  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Public Float     $ 3,956,131
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes