Represents the reduction to interest expense related to the accretion of the net gains. Accretion of Deferred Hedge Gains Reduction to interest expense related to the accretion of the net gains Estimated interest due on reissued bonds Accrual of Interest on Reissued Collateralized Debt Obligations Represents the noncash investing and financing activities in relation to reissuance of CDO debt of the reporting entity. Estimated interest due through maturity Schedule of composition of loan and investment portfolio Investment [Table Text Block] Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Building Real Estate Owned Building, accumulated depreciation Represents the cumulative amount of depreciation related to building of real estate owned. Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Buildings and Intangible Assets Real Estate Owned Building and intangible asset, accumulated depreciation and amortization Represents the cumulative amount of depreciation and amortization related to building and intangible asset of real estate owned. Cumulative amount of other comprehensive loss related to net unrealized losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges attributable to fair value of qualifying cash flow hedges Accumulated change in accumulated gains and losses related to the change in fair value of derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Cumulative Changes in Fair Value of Cash Flow Hedges, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Deferred Hedge Gains, Net of Tax Cumulative amount of other comprehensive loss related to net unrealized losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges attributable to deferred gains on terminated interest swaps After tax net amount of deferred hedged gains on terminated swaps that are recognized as increases (decreases) in other comprehensive income. Cumulative amount of other comprehensive loss related to net unrealized losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges attributable to deferred losses terminated interest swaps After tax net amount of deferred hedged losses on terminated swaps that are recognized as increases (decreases) in other comprehensive income. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Deferred Hedge Losses, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net, Deferred Hedge Gains (Losses) Net of Tax Net deferred loss in accumulated other comprehensive loss After tax net amount of deferred hedged gains (losses) on terminated swaps that are recognized as increases (decreases) in other comprehensive income. Acquisition of Tangible Assets Through Restructure of Loan Represents the value of tangible assets acquired through the restructure of loans in noncash investing or financing transactions. Acquisition of tangible asset through restructure of loan Additional Shares for which Over Allotment Option was Granted to Underwriter Additional shares for which an over-allotment option was granted to the underwriter Represents the number of additional shares for which an over-allotment option was granted to the underwriter. Amendment Description Amortization and accretion of interest, fees and intangible assets, net Adjustment for Amortization and Accretion of Interest and Fees Represents the adjustment for amortization and accretion of interest and fees during the period by the reporting entity. Amendment Flag Affiliate Entities [Member] Affiliate entities Represents information pertaining to the affiliate entities. Affiliate of Mr Ivan Kaufman [Member] Affiliate of Mr. Ivan Kaufman Represents information pertaining to an affiliate of Mr. Ivan Kaufman. Affiliated entity of Mr. Ivan Kaufman Amount of outstanding principal on mortgage loans due from an entity that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership. Affiliates Debt Instrument Principal Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance of Loans to Equity Affiliates Investment [Axis] Charge-offs on loans reclassified to real estate owned, net Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Charge Offs Reclassification Real Estate Owned Reflects the amount of loans and leases that have been removed or charged-off, from both loan receivables and the reserve for credit losses due to reclassification to real estate owned. Charged-off loan loss reserves on loans reclassified to real estate owned, net California CALIFORNIA Investment [Domain] Represents the ratio of net charge-offs during the period to average loans and investments outstanding during the period. Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Net Charge Offs Ratio Ratio of net charge-offs during the period to average loans and investments outstanding during the period Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Provision for Loss Gross Loans Not Previously Impaired The portion of the gross provision for loan and lease losses (before recoveries) that relates to items that have not previously been reserved for impairment. Loans without previous reserves Loans with previous reserves Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Provision for Loss Gross Loans Previously Impaired The portion of the gross provision for loan and lease losses (before recoveries) that relates to items that were previously reserved for impairment. Charge-offs Charge-offs to previously recorded reserves Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Total Charge Offs Reflects the total amount of loans and leases that have been removed or charged-off, from both loan receivables and the reserve for credit losses. Reflects the total amount of loans and leases that have been removed or charged-off, from both loan receivables and the reserve for credit losses, net of total recoveries for the period. Net Charge-offs Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Total Charge Offs Net Recoveries Allowance for Loan Loss, Charge Offs Reflects the amount of loans and leases that have been removed or charged-off, from both loan receivables and the reserve for credit losses when the loan has been repaid, forgiven or sold. Charge-offs Florida FLORIDA Area of property Area of Real Estate Property Allowance For Loan Loss Total Chargeoffs The amount of additions to mortgage loans due to loan charge-offs during the reporting period. Loan charge-offs Represents the amount of federal alternative minimum tax recorded during the reporting period. Alternative Minimum Tax Federal Alternative minimum tax Management fees to be remitted Amount Due to Related Parties to be Remitted in Next Quarter Represents the amount of obligations due to related parties which will be remitted in the next quarter. Amount Financed for Recapitalization of Partnership Amount Financed for recapitalization of partnership Represents the amount financed for recapitalization of partnership. Amount Financed for Recapitalization of Partnership from Unfunded Portion Unfunded portion used to finance recapitalization of partnership Represents the portion funded by the unfunded portion to be used to develop the property, now used to finance recapitalization of partnership. Apartment building Apartment Building [Member] Amount of New Debt Guaranteed Amount of new debt guaranteed Represents the amount of new debt guaranteed. Current Fiscal Year End Date Award Type [Axis] Arbor Commercial Mortgage LLC [Member] ACM Represents the information pertaining to Arbor Commercial Mortgage, LLC (ACM). Fixed interest rate (as a percent) Investment Interest Rate Represents the information pertaining to Arbor ESH II, LLC. Arbor ESH II LLC [Member] Arbor ESH II, LLC Arbor Realty Limited Partnership [Member] ARLP Represents the information pertaining to Arbor Realty Limited Partnership (ARLP). Assets Pledged as Collateral Assets serving as collateral Represents information pertaining to the amount of assets, which serve as a collateral. Available Amount to Fund Unfunded Commitments Available amount to fund unfunded commitments Represents the amount of restricted cash balance and CDO III revolver capacity available to fund the portion of the unfunded commitments for loans financed by the entity's CDO vehicles. Collateral Securities, Carrying Value Available For Sale Securities Carrying Value Represents the carrying value of available-for-sale securities that serve as collateral. Tabular disclosure of available-for-sale securities by credit quality indicator. The credit quality indicator is a statistic about the credit quality of available-for-sale securities. Examples include, but are not limited to, consumer credit risk scores, credit-rating-agency ratings, the entity's internal credit risk grades and other internal metrics. Summary of the underlying credit ratings of the Company's available-for-sale securities Available For Sale Securities Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Collateral Securities, Face Value Available For Sale Securities, Face Value Face Value Represents the face value of available-for-sale securities that serve as collateral. Number of securities Represents the number of available-for-sale securities held by the entity. Available For Sale Securities, Number Represents the available-for-sale securities expressed as a percentage. Available For Sale Securities, Percentage Percent of Total Number of securities sold Represents the number of available for sale securities sold. Available For Sale Securities, Sold Number Document Period End Date Basis Swaps and Caps [Member] Basis Swaps / Caps Represents the interest rate swap contracts where both rates are variable but are tied to different index rates and contracts in which the cap writer, in return for a premium, agrees to limit or cap the cap holder's risk associated with an increase in interest rates. Bridge Loan and Preferred Equity Loan [Member] Bridge loan and a preferred equity loan Represents information pertaining to a bridge loan and a preferred equity loan of the entity. Represents information pertaining to bridge loans, a mezzanine loan and a preferred equity investment of the entity. Bridge Loans Mezzanine Loan and Preferred Equity Investment [Member] Bridge loans, a mezzanine loan and a preferred equity investment Broadway 1107 [Member] 1107 Broadway Represents information pertaining to 1107 Broadway. Broker quotes Broker quotes valuation technique used to measure fair value. Broker Quotes [Member] Buildings and Intangible Assets Net Real Estate Owned Building and intangible asset, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization Represents the building and intangible asset, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, of real estate owned. Buildings Net Real Estate Owned Represents buildings of real estate owned. Buildings, net of accumulated depreciation Business Description and Form of Ownership [Line Items] Description of Business/Form of Ownership New York NEW YORK Chetrit Group LLC [Member] Chetrit Group L.L.C. Represents information pertaining to Chetrit Group L.L.C. Entity [Domain] Class of Warrant Exercisable after 2010 July, 23 [Member] Warrants exercisable after July 23, 2010 Represents the class of warrants which are exercisable after July 23, 2010. Class of Warrant Exercisable after 2011 July, 23 [Member] Warrants exercisable after July 23, 2011 Represents the class of warrants which are exercisable after July 23, 2011. Class of Warrant Exercisable Immediately [Member] Warrants exercisable immediately Represents the class of warrants which are exercisable immediately. Classification of Dividend for Tax Purpose [Domain] Classification of dividend for tax purposes. Collateral Carrying Value Collateral Carrying Value, Total repurchase agreements and credit facilities Collateral Carrying Value The balance represents the carrying value of loans and securities held as collateral. Collateralized Debt, Obligation Bonds, Fair Value Disclosure CDO Bonds Represents the fair value of securities collateralized by a pool of assets. Collateralized Debt Obligations and Collateralized Loan Obligations [Member] Collateralized debt obligations and collateralized loan obligations Securities collateralized by a pool of assets and loans. Represents the information pertaining to investment grade rated class A2 notes issued by the CDO issuing entity. Collateralized Debt Obligations, Class A2 Notes [Member] Class A2 Texas TEXAS Collateralized Debt Obligations Class B and E Notes [Member] Class B and E Represents the information pertaining to investment grade rated class B and E notes issued by the CDO issuing entity. Collateralized Debt Obligations Class B C D E F G and H Notes [Member] Class B, C, D, E, F, G and H Represents the information pertaining to investment grade rated class B, C, D, E, F, G and H notes issued by the CDO issuing entity. Collateralized Debt Obligations, Class B Notes [Member] Class B Represents the information pertaining to investment grade rated class B notes issued by the CDO issuing entity. Collateralized Debt Obligations, Class D Notes [Member] Class D Represents the information pertaining to investment grade rated class D notes issued by the CDO issuing entity. Collateralized Debt Obligations, Class E Notes [Member] Class E Represents the information pertaining to investment grade rated class E notes issued by the CDO issuing entity. Class G Represents the information pertaining to investment grade rated class G notes issued by the CDO issuing entity. Collateralized Debt Obligations, Class G Notes [Member] Collateralized Debt Obligations Class H Notes [Member] Class H Represents the information pertaining to investment grade rated class H notes issued by the CDO issuing entity. Collateralized Debt Obligations Class Three A2 B C D E F and G Notes [Member] Class A2, B, C, D, E ,F and G notes Represents the information pertaining to investment grade rated Class A2, B, C, D, E ,F and G notes issued by the CDO issuing entity. Collateralized Debt Obligations Class Three B C D E and F Notes [Member] Class B, C, D, E and F notes Represents the information pertaining to investment grade rated class B,C, D, E and F notes issued by the CDO issuing entity. CDO I - Issued four investment grade tranches January 19, 2005. Reinvestment period through April 2009. Stated maturity date of February 2040. Interest is variable based on three-month LIBOR; the weighted average note rate was 3.12% and 3.28% at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 respectively CDO I Collateralized Debt Obligations One [Member] CDO I debt Represents the information pertaining to securities collateralized by a pool of assets and whose reinvestment period is through April 2009, stated maturity date of February 2040, interest is variable based on three-month LIBOR. All States and Provinces [Domain] Collateralized Debt Obligations, Revolving Note Facility [Member] Revolving note facility Represents the information pertaining to revolving note facility provided under CDO III. Collateralized Debt Obligations Revolving Note [Member] Revolving note class Represents the information pertaining to revolving note class that provides revolving note facility under CDO III. Represents the information pertaining to investment grade rated class C notes issued by the CDO III issuing entity. Collateralized Debt Obligations, Three Class C Notes [Member] Class C Collateralized Debt Obligations, Three Class F Notes [Member] Class F Represents the information pertaining to investment grade rated class F notes issued by the CDO III issuing entity. Collateralized Debt Obligations Three [Member] CDO III debt Represents the information pertaining to securities collateralized by a pool of assets and whose reinvestment period is through January 2012, stated maturity date of January 2042, interest is variable based on three-month LIBOR. CDO III - Issued ten investment grade tranches December 14, 2006. Reinvestment period through January 2012. Stated maturity date of January 2042. Interest is variable based on three-month LIBOR; the weighted average note rate was 0.74% and 0.68% at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 respectively CDO III CDO II debt Represents the information pertaining to securities collateralized by a pool of assets and whose reinvestment period is through April 2011, stated maturity date of April 2038, interest is variable based on three-month LIBOR. CDO II - Issued nine investment grade tranches January 11, 2006. Reinvestment period through April 2011. Stated maturity date of April 2038. Interest is variable based on three-month LIBOR; the weighted average note rate was 3.29% and 3.24% at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 respectively CDO II Collateralized Debt Obligations Two [Member] Represents the face value of collateral in default, as defined by the CDO indenture, as well as assets deemed to be a credit risk. Credit risk assets are reported by each of the CDOs and are generally defined as the one that, in the CDO collateral manager's reasonable business judgment, has a significant risk of declining in credit quality or, with a passage of time, becoming a defaulted asset. Collateralized Loan Obligation, Collateral at Risk Collateral-At-Risk Collateralized Loan Obligations Collateralized loan obligations (includes $264,500,000 and $87,500,000 from consolidated VIEs, respectively) Carrying value as of the balance sheet date, including the current and noncurrent portions, of collateralized loan obligations (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer). Such obligations include mortgage loans, chattel loans, and any other borrowings secured by assets of the borrower. Collateralized loan obligations Class A senior secured floating rate notes Represents information pertaining to investment grade rated Class A senior secured floating rate notes issued by the CLO issuing entity. Collateralized Loan Obligations Class A Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes [Member] Class B secured floating rate notes Represents information pertaining to investment grade rated Class B secured floating rate notes issued by the CLO issuing entity. Collateralized Loan Obligations Class B Secured Floating Rate Notes [Member] Collateralized Loan Obligations One [Member] CLO I - Issued two investment grade tranches September 24, 2012. Replacement period through September 2014. Stated maturity date of October 2022. Interest is variable based on three-month LIBOR; the weighted average note rate was 3.64% and 3.65% at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 respectively Represents information pertaining to securities collateralized by a pool of assets and whose replacement period is through September 2014, stated maturity date of October 2022 and interest is variable based on three-month LIBOR. CLO I Collateralized Loan Obligations Two [Member] CLO II Represents information pertaining to securities collateralized by a pool of assets and which has two-year replacement period, stated maturity date of February 15, 2023 and interest is variable based on one-month LIBOR. CLO II - Issued two investment grade tranches January 28, 2013. Replacement period through January 2015. Stated maturity date of February 2023. Interest is variable based on three-month LIBOR; the weighted average note rate was 2.59% Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities, Fair Value Disclosure CMBS Represents the fair value of securities collateralized by commercial real estate mortgage loans. Common Equity and Former Trust Preferred Securities [Member] Common equity and trust preferred securities Represents information pertaining to the common equity and trust preferred securities. Common Stock Dividend Rate Percentage Percentage rate used to calculate dividends payments on common stock The percentage rate used to calculate dividend payments on common stock. Comparable sales and discounted cash flows Represents the comparable sales and discounted cash flows valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Comparable Sales and Discounted Cash Flows [Member] Compensating Balance by Entity and Affiliates, Covenant Compliance Required compensating balance to be maintained by the entity and its affiliates Represents the compensating balance required to be maintained according to covenants related to credit facility. Concentration Credit Internal Risk Rating Wtd. Avg. Internal Risk Rating Represents the individual ratings assigned to credit risk during the loan valuation and risk assessment process. Consolidated Entity And Prime Outlet LLC [Member] Consolidated entity and POM Represents information pertaining to the consolidated entity and Prime Outlets Member, LLC. Contractual Commitments [Line Items] Contractual Commitments Available-for-sale Securities Available-for-sale securities Available-for-sale Securities [Member] Contractual Commitments [Table] Disclosure of contractual commitments of the entity. Current Interest Coverage Ratio, Covenant Compliance Current interest coverage ratio for cash flow triggers (as a percent) Represents the interest coverage ratio maintained during the period under covenant compliance. Interest coverage ratio is calculated by dividing interest income by interest expense for the classes senior to those retained by the entity. Current Overcollateralization Ratio, Covenant Compliance Current overcollateralization ratio for cash flow triggers (as a percent) Represents the overcollateralization ratio maintained during the period under covenant compliance. Overcollateralization ratio is calculated by dividing the total principal balance of all collateral in the CDO by the total principal balance of the bonds associated with the applicable ratio. Debt Instrument, Advance Rate Advance rate (as a percent) Represents the advance rate related to debt instruments. Deferred amount Debt Instrument, Amount Due at Maturity Amount of the principal payments due at maturity, which is being amortized into expense over the life of the debt. Deferred amount Due at maturity Variable rate, spread before amendment (as a percent) The percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument before amendment. Debt Instrument Basis Spread on Variable Rate before Amendment Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Debt Instrument Classes of Secured Floating Rate Notes, Number Number of classes of secured floating rate notes Represents the number of classes of secured floating rate notes. Entity Voluntary Filers Debt Instrument Description of Variable Rate Basis before Amendment Variable interest rate, description before amendment The reference rate for the variable rate of the debt instrument before amendment, such as LIBOR or the US Treasury rate and the maturity of the reference rate used, such as three months or six months LIBOR. Entity Current Reporting Status Debt Instrument Discounted Payoff Amount to be Paid Debt repayment, discounted payoff amount Represents information pertaining to the amount of discounted payoff at which the debt can be retired. Entity Filer Category Debt Instrument, Amount of Facility used to Finance Retail and Office Property Amount of the facility used to finance retail and office properties Represents the amount of the facility which is used to finance retail and office properties. Entity Public Float Represents information pertaining to the amount of discounted payoff as a percentage of face amount of debt at which the debt can be retired. Debt Instrument Discounted Payoff Amount to be Paid as Percentage of Face Amount of Debt Debt repayment, discounted payoff amount as a percentage of face amount of debt (as a percent) Entity Registrant Name Debt Instrument Financing Replacement Period Replacement period Represents the replacement period of financing that allows the principal proceeds and sale proceeds (if any) of the loan obligations to be reinvested in qualifying replacement loan obligations. Entity Central Index Key Debt Instrument Increased Advance Rate under Specific Conditions and Several Restrictions Increase advance rate under specified conditions and several restrictions (as a percent) Represents the increased advance rate related to debt instruments under specified conditions and several restrictions. Debt Instrument Investment Grade Tranches, Issued, Number Number of investment grade tranches issued Represents the number of investment grade tranches issued by the entity under collateralized debt obligations. Represents the amount of debt issued as a percentage of its face value. Debt Instrument, Issuance as Percentage of Face Value Percentage of original face amount at which debt was issued Represents the difference between face value and amount at which debt was issued, expressed as a percentage. Debt Instrument, Issuance as Percentage of Face Value Difference Percentage above face value at which debt was issued (as a percent) Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Nonredeemable period from issue date (in years) Represents the period from issuance during which debt instrument was not redeemable. Debt Instrument, Issue Date Non Redemption Period Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Length of Extension Period Extension of maturity date (in years) Length of the extension period of the warehouse facility, which may be presented in years. Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Length of Extension Period Option Optional extension period (in years) Length of the optional extension period of the debt instrument, which may be presented in a years. Debt Instrument, Number of Paydowns Number of paydowns The number of times the paydown is required to be made under the borrowing facility. Loss Contingency Number of Lawsuit Consolidated Number of lawsuits consolidated Represents the number of lawsuits consolidated. Loss Contingency Number of Defendants Removed due to Consolidation of Lawsuits Number of defendants removed due to consolidation of lawsuits Represents the number of defendants removed due to consolidation of lawsuits. Loss Contingency Number of Remaining Defendants due to Consolidation of Lawsuits Number of defendants remaining due to consolidation of lawsuits Represents the number of defendants remaining due to consolidation of lawsuits. Original maturity period (in years) Represents the maturity period of the borrowings of the entity. Debt Instrument, Original Maturity Period Debt Instrument, Paydowns Percentage Paydowns (as a percent) Represents the paydowns required to be made under the borrowing facility, expressed as a percentage. Debt Instrument, Period of Advance Repayment in Case of Number of Days Past Due Period by which loans become past due requiring full payment of an advance (in days) Represents the period by which loans become past due requiring full payment of an advance. Debt Instrument, Periodic Principal Payments, No Longer Made after Replenishment Date Amount of the periodic principal payments that will no longer be made as of the replenishment date. Unpaid amortization payments made on replenishment date Debt Instrument, Permissible Percentage of Taxable Income Distributable to Common Stockholders under Modification Period Permissible percentage of taxable income distributable to common stockholders under modification period (as a percent) Represents the permissible percentage of taxable income distributable to common stockholders under debt instrument modification period. Debt Instrument Third Party Receivable Received as Part of Borrowings Receivable from the third party member, received as a part of borrowings Represents information pertaining to the amount of receivable from the third party member, received as a part of borrowings. Debt Instrument Transaction Fees Related to Debt Restructuring Transaction fees related to the restructuring of notes Represents information pertaining to the amount of transaction fees incurred related to the restructuring of debt. Debt Instrument Variable Rate LIBOR [Member] LIBOR The London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) used to calculate the variable interest rate of the debt instrument. Debt Instrument Variable Rate Prime Rate [Member] Prime The prime rate used to calculate the variable interest rate of the debt instrument. Debt Instrument Warehousing Period Warehousing period Represents the warehousing period allowed under the terms of debt agreement. Document Fiscal Year Focus Weighted average remaining maturity Represents the weighted average remaining period when the debt instrument is scheduled to be fully repaid. Debt Instrument Weighted Average Remaining Maturity Period Document Fiscal Period Focus Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, Excluding Swap Effect Weighted average note rate excluding the swap effect (as a percent) Reflects the calculation, as of the balance sheet date, of the average interest rate excluding the effect of swap weighted by the amount of debt outstanding by type or by instrument at that time. Debt Weighted Average Interest Rate Including Fees and Costs Weighted average note rate including certain fees and costs (as a percent) Represents the calculation as of the balance sheet date of the average interest rate weighted by the amount of debt outstanding, including certain fees and costs. Deferred Compensation Arrangement Additional Number of Shares Authorized The additional number of shares authorized for issuance under the deferred compensation arrangement as of the balance sheet date. Additional stock reserved for issuance (in shares) Deferred Management Fees Deferred management incentive fee Represents information pertaining to the amount of deferred management incentive fees. Entity by Location [Axis] Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards, net of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences. Deferred Tax Assets, Liabilities Net Before Valuation Allowances Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets Non Deductible Expenses Expenses not currently deductible Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from expenses not currently deductible. Net operating and capital loss carryforwards Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible operating loss carryforwards and capital loss carryforwards. Deferred Tax Assets Operating and Capital Loss Carryforwards Collateral posted Derivative Collateral Posted The amount of the right to reclaim cash collateral. The estimated net amount of deferred gains (losses) on terminated hedges, as of the reporting date, expected to be reclassified to earnings within the next 12 months. Derivative Instruments Deferred Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months Net Amount of net deferred loss expected to be recorded to interest expense over the next twelve months Derivative Notional Amount Decrease Decrease in notional value Represents the decrease in the notional value of derivative instruments. Derivative Number of Instruments for which Notional Amount Decreased Number of derivative instruments, the notional amount of which decreased Represents the number of derivative instruments, the notional amount of which decreased. Legal Entity [Axis] The number of derivative instruments matured during the period. Derivative Number of Instruments Matured Number of swaps matured Document Type Direct Capitalization, Analysis and Discounted Cash Flows [Member] Direct capitalization analysis and discounted cash flows Direct capitalization analysis and discounted cash flows valuation technique used to measure fair value. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Director who is Officer of Managing Member of Related Party [Member] Director is also an officer of the managing member of related party Represents the director is also an officer of the managing member of related party of the entity. Director who was Corporate Secretary [Member] Director who was also the corporate secretary Represents the director who was also the corporate secretary of the entity. Discounted Cash Flows [Member] Discounted cash flows Discounted cash flows valuation technique used to measure fair value. Distributions Distributions Distributions Disclosure [Line Items] Represents the entire disclosure in relation to dividends payable to common shareholders. Distributions Disclosure [Text Block] Distributions Distributions [Table] Disclosure of information pertaining to distributions of cash dividends declared. Dividend Classified as Ordinary Income [Member] Dividend Classified as Ordinary Income Represents information pertaining to dividend classified as ordinary income for tax purposes. Document and Entity Information Due to borrowers The obligation from funds furnished by a borrower to a lender to assure future payments. Escrow deposits may be received for a variety of purposes such as earnest money and contingent payments. Due to borrowers (includes $0 and $1,320,943 from consolidated VIEs, respectively) Due to Borrowers. Due to Borrowers Due to Borrowers Due to Borrowers Disclosure [Text Block] Due to borrowers represents borrowers' funds held by the company to fund certain expenditures or to be released at the company's discretion upon the occurrence of certain pre-specified events, and to serve as an additional collateral for borrowers' loans. While retained, these balances earn interest in accordance with the specific loan terms they are associated with. Due to borrowers and reserves Represents the adjustment in respect of borrowers' funds held by the company to fund certain expenditures or to be released at the company's discretion upon the occurrence of certain pre-specified events and to serve as additional collateral for borrowers' loans. While retained, these balances earn interest in accordance with the specific loan terms they are associated with. Due To (Due from) Borrowers and Reserves Amount of retired debt instrument Early Retirement of Subordinated Debt The retirement of long-term borrowing where a lender is placed in a lien position behind debt having a higher priority of repayment (senior) in case of liquidation of the entity's assets before its maturity. Amount of exchanged debt instrument Represents information pertaining to the employee compensation and benefit. Employee Compensation and Benefit [Member] Employee compensation and benefits Employees of Entity and Related Party [Member] Employees of the company and a related party Represents information pertaining to the employees of the entity and a related party. Non-employees Represents information pertaining to non-employees of the entity. Non Employees [Member] Employees Employees [Member] Represents information pertaining to employees of the entity. Equity Method Investment Dividends or Distributions Portion Used to Pay Down Debt Distribution used to pay down debt Represents information pertaining to the amount of distribution used to pay down debt. Equity Method Investment, Estimated Additional Cost Estimated additional costs Represents information pertaining to the estimated additional costs to be incurred in connection with the closing of the equity method investment transaction. Equity Method Investment Net Sales Proceeds Fair Value of Consideration Value of preferred and common operating partnership units received in exchange for interest sold Represents the amount of net sales proceeds received on disposal of an equity method investment. Equity Method Investment Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interest in equity method investment (as a percent) Represents information pertaining to the percentage of noncontrolling interest in equity method investment. Noncontrolling interest in equity method investment acquired (as a percent) Represents the percentage of noncontrolling interest in the equity method investment acquired by the entity. Equity Method Investment Noncontrolling Interest Acquired Noncontrolling interest in equity method investment acquired (as a percent) Equity Method Investment Number of Affiliate Entities Formed Number of affiliate entities formed Represents the number of equity affiliates formed. Represents information pertaining to the percentage of carried profit and equity interest owned. Carried profit and economic interest owned (as a percent) Equity Method Investment Percentage of Carried Profit and Equity Interest Equity Method Investment Percentage of Carried Profit Interest Carried profit interest owned (as a percent) Represents the information pertaining to the percentage of carried profit interest owned. Equity Method Investment Preferred Return on Investments Percentage Preferred return on investment (as a percent) Represents the percentage of preferred return on investment for the noncontrolling interest acquired in the equity method investment. Equity Method Investment Return on Investments Percentage Return on investment (as a percent) Represents the percentage return on investment for the noncontrolling interest acquired in the equity method investment. Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Cash and Cash Equivalents The amount of cash and cash equivalents reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Cash and cash equivalents Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Depreciation and Amortization The amount of depreciation and amortization expenses reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Depreciation and amortization Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Expenses Total expenses The amount of expenses reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Expenses [Abstract] Expenses: Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Interest Expense The amount of interest expense reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Interest expense Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Interest Income The amount of revenue from interest income reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Interest income Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Net Income (Loss) after Adjusting Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Represents information pertaining to the amount of net income (loss) reported by an equity method investment of the entity after adjusting realized gain loss on disposal. Arbor's Share of net (loss) income The amount of notes payable reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Notes payable Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Notes Payable Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Operating Expenses The amount of operating expenses reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Operating expenses The amount of revenue from operating income reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Operating income Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Operating Income Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Other Assets The amount of other assets reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Other assets Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Other Expenses The amount of other expenses reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Other expenses Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Other Income The amount of revenue from other income reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Other income Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Other Liabilities The amount of other liabilities reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Other liabilities Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Real Estate Assets The amount of real estate assets reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Real estate assets Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Reimbursement Income The amount of revenue from reimbursement income reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Reimbursement income Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Rental Income The amount of revenue from rental income reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Rental income Equity Method Investment Value of Carried Profit Interest Owned Carried profit interest owned Represents information pertaining to the amount of carried profit interest owned. Equity Method Investments Ownership Interest Retained Ownership interest retained Represents the ownership interest retained by the entity. Ownership value retained Equity Method Investments Ownership Value Retained Represents the ownership value retained by the entity. Economic interest sold (as a percent) Equity Method Investments Ownership Percentage Sold The percentage of ownership sold of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Equity Method Investments Ownership Transferred Ownership transferred Represents the ownership of the underlying equity transferred. Equity Method Investments Property Air Rights Retained Property air rights retained Represents the property air rights retained by the entity. Equity Method Investments Return on Investments Return on investment Represents the return on investment for the noncontrolling interest acquired in the equity method investment. Return on invested capital Estimated Period of Tax Deferral Estimated period of tax deferral Represents the estimated period of tax deferral. Extinguishment of Debt Other Expense and Commission Other various expenses and commissions Represents information pertaining to other expense and commission recognized on extinguishment of debt. Extinguishment of Debt Warrant Expense Stock warrant expense Represents information pertaining to warrant expense recognized on extinguishment of debt. Extinguishment of trust preferred securities Extinguishment of Trust Preferred Securities Represents the non cash investing and financing activities in relation to extinguishment of trust preferred securities of the reporting entity. Fair Value, Inputs Price Per Acre Dollar per acre Cost of construction of real property stated is a price per acre, used as an input to measure fair value. Fiduciary Duty Claims [Member] Fiduciary Duty Claims Represents information pertaining to the Fiduciary Duty Claims which are claims related to aided and abetted, induced or participated in breaches of fiduciary duty, waste and unjust enrichment. Motion to Amendment Lawsuits [Member] Motion to amend the lawsuits Represents information pertaining to the motion filed by the Trust to amend the lawsuits. Fifth 200 Avenue Property [Member] 200 Fifth Avenue property Represents information pertaining to 200 Fifth Avenue property. Represents information pertaining to 200 Fifth LLC partnership. Fifth 200 LLC Partnership [Member] 200 Fifth LLC Percentage of finance to individual investment Financial Institution Refinance Amount Percentage to Held To Maturity Securities Investments Percentage of finance to individual investment by financial institution Represents the percentage of investments in securities categorized as held-to-maturity that is financed by the financial institution. Financing Agreement Facility Due December 2010 [Member] Financing agreement due December 2010 Represents the information pertaining to financing agreement maturing in December 2010. Financing Receivable Modifications Made Considered Trouble Debt Restructurings Number of Loans The number of financing receivables that have been modified during the period that the company considered to be troubled debt restructurings. Number of loans considered to be troubled debt restructurings The number of financing receivables that have been modified during the period that the company considered to be troubled debt restructurings that subsequently considered non-performing. Financing Receivable Modifications Made Considered Trouble Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Considered Non Performing, Number of Loans Number of loans considered to be troubled debt restructurings that subsequently considered non-performing Number of additional loans considered to be troubled debt restructurings Represents the number of additional financing receivables that have been modified during the period that the entity considered to be troubled debt restructurings. Financing Receivable Additional Modifications Made Considered Trouble Debt Restructurings, Number of Loans Represents the number of financing receivables modified during the period that were not considered to be troubled debt restructurings by the entity. Financing Receivable Modifications Made Not Considered Trouble Debt Restructurings Number of Loans Number of loans not considered to be troubled debt restructurings Financing Receivable Modifications Made Not Considered Trouble Debt Restructurings Recorded Investment The amount of the outstanding recording investment related to financing receivables modified during the period that were not considered to be troubled debt restructurings by the entity. Unpaid principal balance of loans not considered to be troubled debt restructurings Financing Receivable Modifications Made Post Modification Unpaid Principal Balance The amount of unpaid principal balance (after modification) in financing receivables that have been modified during the period that the company considered to be troubled debt restructurings. Modified Unpaid Principal Balance Financing Receivable, Modifications Made Recorded Investment The amount of the outstanding recording investment related to financing receivables modified during the period that the company considered to be troubled debt restructurings. Original Unpaid Principal Balance Modified Weighted Average Rate of Interest (as a percent) Represents the weighted average interest rate on a group of loans after modifications that the company considered to be troubled debt restructurings. Financing Receivable Modifications Post Modification Weighted Average Rate of Interest Original Weighted Average Rate of Interest (as a percent) Represents the weighted average interest rate on a group of loans before modifications that the company considered to be troubled debt restructurings. Financing Receivable Modifications Pre Modification Weighted Average Rate of Interest Financing Receivable Portfolio Segments Number Number of portfolio segments Represents the number of portfolio segments of financing receivables. Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Less than 90 Days Past Due Less Than 90 Days Past Due Financing receivables on nonaccrual status that are less than 90 days past due. Number of loans that were refinanced and/or modified Number of financing receivable loans, that have been refinanced and/or modified by entity. Financing Receivable Refinancing or Modifications Number of Loans Financing Receivable Refinancing or Modifications Recorded Investment The amount of the outstanding recorded investment related to financing receivables that have been refinanced and/or modified during the period by the entity. Amount of loans that were refinanced and/or modified Unfunded commitments on modified loans classified as troubled debt restructurings Reflects the amount of the unfunded commitments related to loans considered to be troubled debt restructurings. Financing Receivables Impaired Troubled Debt Restructuring Unfunded Commitments First Dollar LTV Ratio (as percent) Represents the First Dollar LTV Ratio that is calculated by comparing the total of the company's senior most dollar and all senior lien positions within the capital stack to the fair value of the underlying collateral to determine the point at which the company will absorb a total loss of its position. First Dollar LTV Ratio Five Loans Sold Off [Member] Five loans sold off Represents information pertaining to the five loans sold off. Flushing 930 and Evergreen 80 [Member] 930 Flushing & 80 Evergreen Represents the investment in 930 Flushing & 80 Evergreen, an equity affiliate of the entity accounted under the equity method of accounting. Accretion of discount on investments Accretion (Amortization) of Discounts and Premiums, Investments Former Trust Preferred Securities [Member] Retired outstanding trust preferred securities Represents the information pertaining to former trust preferred securities issued by the entity consisting of junior subordinated notes and common stock issued. Four Loans Written Off [Member] Four loans written down Represents information pertaining to the four loans written off. Fred Weber [Member] Mr. Fred Weber Represents information pertaining to Mr. Fred Weber, the chairman and chief executive officer of the entity. Total interest reserves Funded Interest Reserves Amount of funds placed into an interest reserve, based on contractual requirements, to cover debt service costs. Funded Interest Reserves Number of Loans Number of loans Represents the number of loans with funded interest reserves. Aggregate unpaid principal balance Funded Interest Reserves Unpaid Principal Balance Amount of unpaid principal balance of receivables with funded interest reserves. Represents the gain (loss) from continuing operations before gain on extinguishment of debt, income (loss) from equity affiliates of the reporting entity, and (provision) benefit for income taxes. Income (loss) from continuing operations before gain on extinguishment of debt, loss from equity affiliates and (provision) benefit for income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Gain on Extinguishment of Debt, Net Income (Loss) from Equity Affiliates and Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes Proceeds from repayment of note payable Gain on exchange of profits interest Gain (Loss) on Exchange of Profits Interest Gain (loss) included in earnings resulting from the exchange of profits interest. Gain on exchange of profits interest Gain (Loss) on Sale of Mortgage Note Payable Held For Sale Gain on sale of real estate held-for-sale Represents the gain (loss) on sale of mortgage notes held-for-sale by the reporting entity. Tabular disclosure of held-to-maturity securities by credit quality indicator. The credit quality indicator is a statistic about the credit quality of held-to-maturity securities. Examples include, but are not limited to, consumer credit risk scores, credit-rating-agency ratings, the entity's internal credit risk grades and other internal metrics. Held To Maturity Securities Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Summary of the underlying credit ratings of the Company's held-to-maturity securities Represents the discount received to acquire investments which are neither classified as trading nor available-for-sale securities. Held To Maturity Securities Discount Discount received to acquire investments Represents the face value of investments categorized as held-to-maturity. Held To Maturity Securities, Face Value Face Value Represents the amount provided by the financial institution to the entity on purchase of investment securities categorized as held-to-maturity. Purchase amount of securities financed by financial institution Investments financed with a repurchase agreement with a financial institution Amount of repurchase agreement for financing the purchase of investments Held To Maturity Securities, Financed with Repurchase Agreement with Financial Institution Amount Number of investments financed with a repurchase agreement with a financial institution Held To Maturity Securities, Number Number of securities Represents the number of securities owned by the entity categorized as held-for-sale. Held To Maturity Securities, Percentage Percent of Total Represents the held-to-maturity securities expressed as a percentage. Held To Maturity Securities Premium Premium paid to acquire investments Represents the premium paid to acquire investments which are neither classified as trading nor available-for-sale securities. Represents the number of held-to-maturity securities purchased. Held To Maturity, Securities Purchased Number of investments purchased Held To Maturity Securities Purchased at Discount Number Number of investments purchased at discount Represents the number of held-to-maturity securities purchased at discount. Held To Maturity Securities, Purchased at Par Number Number of investments purchased at par Represents the number of held-to-maturity securities purchased at par. Represents the number of held-to-maturity securities purchased at premium. Held To Maturity Securities, Purchased at Premium Number Number of investments purchased at premium Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance Number of Loans Number of impaired loans Represents the number of impaired loans for which there is a related allowance for credit losses. Aggregate carrying value of impaired loans before reserves Impaired Financing Receivables Carrying Amount The carrying value of impaired financing receivables derived after deducting unearned revenue and other holdbacks. Carrying value Aggregate carrying value, before reserves Impaired Financing Receivables Carrying Value before, Write Down This represents the carrying value of impaired financing receivables prior to the write-down of the carrying value to the fair value of underlying collateral. Carrying value of impaired loans Number of impaired loans Represents the number of impaired loans. Impaired Loans Number Number of Loan for which No Provision for Loan Loss Made Number of loans for which no provision for loan loss made Represents the number of loans for which the value of the collateral securing the loan was less than the carrying value of the loan for which the entity has not recorded a provision for loan loss. Incentive Compensation to Manager Related Party The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based compensation given as incentive to the manager, also considered a related party, during the reporting period. Incentive compensation to manager-related party This element represents the net cash inflow or outflow for the increase (decrease) associated with funds that are not available for withdrawal or use, which includes restricted cash and cash equivalent net cash. Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalent Change in restricted cash Dilutive effect of incentive management fee shares Represents the additional shares included in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the potentially dilutive effect of incentive management fee using the treasury stock method. Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Incentive Management Fees Independent Members [Member] Independent members Represents information pertaining to independent members of the entity. Indianapolis, Indiana Represents the information pertaining to real estate properties located in Indianapolis city in Indiana. Indianapolis [Member] Represents the interest coverage ratio required to be maintained under covenant compliance. Interest coverage ratio is calculated by dividing interest income by interest expense for the classes senior to those retained by the entity. Interest Coverage Ratio, Covenant Compliance Limit interest coverage ratio for cash flow triggers (as a percent) Interest Rate Swaps / Caps Represents the forward based contracts in which two parties agree to swap periodic payments that are fixed at the outset of the swap contract with variable payments based on a market interest rate (index rate) over a specified period and contracts in which the cap writer, in return for a premium, agrees to limit or cap the cap holder's risk associated with an increase in interest rates. Interest Rate Swaps and Caps [Member] Risk rating, five Credit rating five, as defined under internal credit risk assessment. This rating is defined by the entity as the entity expects the loan to underperform over its term, and that there could be loss of interest and/or principal. Internal Credit Five Rating [Member] Internal Credit Four Point Five Rating [Member] Risk rating, 4.5 Credit rating four point five, as defined under internal credit risk assessment. This rating is defined by the entity indicate loans that have characteristics of both the immediately higher and lower classifications. United States UNITED STATES Credit rating four, as defined under internal credit risk assessment. This rating is defined by the entity as the entity expects that the loan will require a modification of some kind. Risk rating, four Internal Credit Four Rating [Member] Represents the individual ratings assigned to credit risk during the loan valuation and risk assessment process. Internal Credit Risk Rating Credit risk individual ratings Internal Credit Three Point Five Rating [Member] Risk rating, 3.5 Credit rating three point five, as defined under internal credit risk assessment. This rating is defined by the entity indicate loans that have characteristics of both the immediately higher and lower classifications. Risk rating, three Credit rating three, as defined under internal credit risk assessment. This rating is defined by the entity as the entity expects the loan to make both principal and interest payments according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, and is not considered impaired. Internal Credit Three Rating [Member] Interest spread (as a percent) The percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the investment securities. Investment Basis Spread on Variable Rate Base rate The reference rate for the variable rate of the investment securities, such as LIBOR or the U.S. Treasury rate and the maturity of the reference rate used, such as three months or six months LIBOR. Investment Description of Variable Rate Basis Represents the estimated remaining maturity period of the investment securities. Investment Estimated Remaining Maturity Period Estimated remaining life (in years) Investment in Common Equity Outstanding Remaining common equity Represents information pertaining to the carrying value of remaining common equity. Investment in Equity Affiliates Investments in the Series A1 Preferred Units of a holding company of Extended Stay, Inc. Represents the information pertaining to the investment in the Series A1 preferred units of a holding company of Extended Stay, Inc. Investment in Holding Company of Debtors Investment through consolidated entity Represents information pertaining to the investment in Prime Outlets Member through a consolidated entity . Investment in Prime Outlet Through Consolidated Entity [Member] Investment through unconsolidated joint venture Represents information pertaining to the investment in Prime Outlets Member through an unconsolidated joint venture. Investment in Prime Outlet Through Joint Venture [Member] Stated maturity period (in years) Represents the maturity period of the investment securities. Investment Maturity Period Number of investments sold Held to Maturity Securities Sold Represents the number of held-to-maturity securities sold. Represents the value of investment transferred to real estate held-for-sale in noncash transactions during the reporting period. Investment transferred to real estate held-for-sale, net Investment Transferred to Real Estate Held For Sale Fair Value Investment classified as real estate held-for-sale Investment Unamortized Discount Original discount Total original discount Represents the discount amount at the time of purchase of debt security categorized as neither trading nor held-to-maturity. Represents the weighted average yield on investment securities bases on their face values, including the amortization of premium. Investment Weighted Average Yield Weighted average yield (as a percent) Investor group Represents information pertaining to investor group. Investor Group [Member] Issuers of Junior Subordinated Notes [Member] Issuers of Junior Subordinated Notes Represents the investment in the issuers of the Junior Subordinated Notes, an equity affiliate of the entity accounted under the equity method of accounting. Ivan Kaufman and His Affiliated Entity [Member] Kaufman Entities Represents the information pertaining to Mr. Ivan Kaufman, chairman, chief executive officer and president and the affiliated entity of Mr. Ivan Kaufman. JT Prime [Member] JT Prime Represents the investment in JT Prime, an equity affiliate of the entity accounted under the equity method of accounting. Represents the information pertaining to a junior participating interest in a first mortgage loan. Junior Participating Interest [Member] Junior participating interest Junior participating loans Represents the information pertaining to junior participating loans. Junior Participating Loans [Member] Land and Buildings, Net Real Estate Held For Sale Land and buildings, net of accumulated depreciation Represents land and buildings of real estate held for sale. Land and Land Improvements and Hotel [Member] Land and Hotel Represents real estate held and assets that are an addition or improvement to real estate held and also assets including hotels. Office Building and Land and Land Improvements [Member] Represents buildings designed primarily for the conduct of business and real estate held and assets that are an addition or improvement to real estate held. Office and Land Land Net Real Estate Owned Represents land of real estate owned. Land Last Dollar LTV Ratio Last Dollar LTV Ratio (as percent) Represents the weighted average loan to value ratio that is calculated by comparing the total of the carrying value of the company's loan and all senior lien positions within the capital stack to the fair value of the underlying collateral to determine the point at which the company will initially absorb a loss. Lawsuit Filed by Extended Stay Litigation Trust [Member] Lawsuits filed by Extended Stay Litigation Trust (the Trust) Represents the information pertaining to the lawsuits filed by the Extended Stay Litigation Trust (the Trust) formerly the Extended Stay, Inc. and the Homestead Village L.L.C. family of companies (together ESI). Lexford Portfolio [Member] Lexford Portfolio Represents the investment in Lexford Portfolio, an equity affiliate of the entity accounted under the equity method of accounting. Lexford Represents the investment in Lightstone Value Plus REIT L.P, an equity affiliate of the entity accounted under the cost method of accounting. Lightstone Value Plus REIT LP [Member] Lightstone Value Plus REIT L.P Line of Credit Facility Commitment Fee Payable Period Commitment fee payable period Represents information pertaining to the period for which commitment fee needs to be paid. Liquidity Covenant Compliance Liquidity requirement Represents the liquidity amount required according to covenants related to credit facility. Repurchase agreement Represents the information pertaining to loans represented by an agreement between the entity and another party for repurchase of identical or substantially the same loans at a date certain for a specified price. Loan Repurchase Agreements [Member] Loan Repurchase Agreements One [Member] Repurchase agreement, one Represents the information pertaining to loans represented by the first agreement between the entity and another party for repurchase of identical or substantially the same loans at a date certain for a specified price. Repurchase agreement, two Represents the information pertaining to loans represented by the second agreement between the entity and another party for repurchase of identical or substantially the same loans at a date certain for a specified price. Loan Repurchase Agreements Two [Member] Represents information pertaining to a loan sold to a third party. Loan Sold to Third Party [Member] Loan sold to a third party Loan to Third Party Amount Received Amount of loan that was repaid by third party Represents the amount received from loan to a third party borrower for a portfolio of properties. Loan to Third Party Unpaid Principal Balance Loan to third party borrower, unpaid principal balance Represents the amount receivable from loan to a third party borrower for a portfolio of properties. Loans and Investments Portfolio [Member] Loans and investments portfolio Loans and investment portfolio, when it serves as a benchmark in a concentration of risk calculation, representing the sum of all reported loans and investment portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Loans and Investments Unfunded Commitments Unfunded commitments related to loans and investments Represents the amount of outstanding unfunded commitments related to loans and investments that the entity is obligated to fund as the borrowers meet certain requirements. Loans and Lease Receivable Collateralized by Land Development Project, Number of Loans Number of loans collateralized by a land development project Reflects the number of loans collateralized by a land development project. Loss Contingency Number of Defendants Related to Company Number of defendants related to the entity Represents related to the Company number of defendants related to the entity. Loans and Lease Receivable Collateralized by Land Development Project Principal Unpaid Balance Unpaid principal balance of loans collateralized by a land development project Reflects the unpaid principal balance of loans collateralized by a land development project. Cumulative allowances for loan losses Represents the amount of cumulative allowances for loan losses on loans collateralized by a land development project. Loans and Leases Receivable Allowance on Loans Collateralized by Land Development Project Loans and Leases Receivable Impaired Nonperforming Loan Loss Reserves Loan loss reserves Reflects the amount of reserves on loans on which no interest is continuing to be recognized. Loss Contingency Seeking of Amounts from Affiliates of Entity Aggregate amount which the Trust would be seeking from the affiliates of the entity Represents the aggregate amount which the Trust would be seeking from the affiliates of the entity If the amended complaint is filed. Loans and Leases Receivable without Loan Loss Reserves Impaired Nonperforming Loans Number of Loans Number of loans classified as non-performing which did not have loan loss reserve Reflects the number of loans which did not have loan loss reserves deemed to be questionable as to collection, on which no interest is continuing to be recognized. Loans and Leases Receivable without Loan Loss Reserves Impaired Nonperforming Nonaccrual of Interest Carrying value of loans classified as non-performing which did not have loan loss reserve Reflects the carrying amount of loans which did not have loan loss reserves on which no interest is continuing to be recognized. Loans in Excess of Three Percent [Member] Represents the loans in excess of 3 percent. Loans in excess of 3% Loans less than 3% Loans Less than Three Percent [Member] Represents the loans less than 3 percent. Represents type of loans receivable by maturity dates. Loans Receivable [Domain] Maturity Date July 2013 [Member] Maturity date of July 2013 Represents information pertaining to the maturity date of July 2013 of loans receivable. Maturity Date September 2013 [Member] Maturity date of September 2013 Represents information pertaining to the maturity date of September 2013 of loans receivable. Represents the minimum LIBOR rate on the loans receivable. LIBOR Floor rate (as a percent) Loans Receivable Floor Rate Loans Receivable Maturity [Axis] Represents information pertaining to loans receivable, by their maturity dates. Long Beach [Member] Long Beach, California Represents the information pertaining to real estate properties located in Long Beach City in California. Loss Contingency, Damages Sought Value Due to Wrongful Receipt Amount alleged to be wrongfully received by holders of Series A1 Preferred Units The value of the award the plaintiff seeks in the legal matter as the plaintiff alleges the amount has been wrongfully received by the holders of the Series A1 Preferred Units. Number of defendants who are corporate and partnership entities Number of defendants named in a legal action who are corporate and partnership entities. Loss Contingency, Number of Defendants who are Corporate and Partnership Entities Loss Contingency, Number of Defendants who are Individuals Number of defendants named in a legal action who are individuals Number of defendants named in a legal action who are individuals. Loss Contingency Number of Lawsuits before Consolidation of Lawsuit Number of lawsuits before amendment Represents the number of lawsuits before amendment. Loss Contingency Number of Lawsuits after Consolidation of Lawsuit Number of lawsuits after amendment Represents the number of lawsuits after amendment. Loss Contingency, Number of New Claims Filed in United States Bankruptcy Court Number of lawsuits filed in United States Bankruptcy Court The total number of new claims filed pertaining to a loss contingency in the United states Bankruptcy Court during the period. Loss on sale and restructuring of loans Losses (Gains) on Sale and Restructuring of Loans For a lender, the aggregate loss (gain) recognized on the sale or restructuring of loans arises from the difference between the carrying value of the loan before the sale or restructuring and the sales price or fair value of the loan, net of payments received, after restructuring is complete. This element refers to the loss (gain) included in earnings and not to the cash proceeds of the sale or restructuring. (Losses) Gains on Sale and Restructuring of Loans from Execution of Forbearance Agreement Loss on sale and restructuring of loans from the execution of a forbearance agreement For a lender, the aggregate loss (gain) recognized on the sale or restructuring of loans from the execution of a forbearance agreement arises from the difference between the carrying value of the loan before the sale or restructuring and the sales price or fair value of the loan, net of payments received, after restructuring is complete. This element refers to the loss (gain) included in earnings and not to the cash proceeds of the sale or restructuring. (Losses) Gains on Sale and Restructuring of Loans from Sale of Loans to Third Party Loss on sale and restructuring of loans from the sale of loan to a third party For a lender, the aggregate loss (gain) recognized on the sale or restructuring of loans from the sale of loan to a third party arises from the difference between the carrying value of the loan before the sale or restructuring and the sales price or fair value of the loan, net of payments received, after restructuring is complete. This element refers to the loss (gain) included in earnings and not to the cash proceeds of the sale or restructuring. Management Agreement Base Management Fee Represents the amount the entity reimbursed to the manager for its actual costs incurred in managing the company's business based on the parties' agreement. Base Basis spread added to the U.S. Treasury Rate for computation of incentive fee (as a percent) Represents the basis spread added to the U.S. Treasury Rate for computation of incentive fee. Management Agreement Basis Spread Added to U S Treasury Rate for Calculation of Incentive Fee Management Agreement Management Agreement Disclosure [Text Block] Management Agreement Represents the entire disclosure in relation to management agreement to provide us with certain services. We pay a base management fee and under certain circumstances an annual incentive fee. Management Agreement Estimated Base Management Fee in Current Fiscal Year Expected base management fees during current period Represents the anticipated amount of base management fees that the entity will be reimbursing to the manager during current period. These fees are paid on the basis of arrangement whereby the entity reimburses the other party for its actual costs incurred in managing the entity's business based on the parties' agreement in advance on an annual budget with subsequent quarterly true-ups to actual costs. Represents the incentive fee charged for operating and managing the entity's business during the reporting period which is based on meeting certain profitability metrics. Management Agreement Incentive Fee Incentive Management Agreement, Incentive Percent, Fee Incentive fee calculation percentage Represents the percentage of incentive fee charged for operating and managing the entity's business during the reporting period which is based on meeting certain profitability metrics. Management Agreement, Interest Rate Used in Calculation of Incentive Fee Annual interest rate used in computation of incentive fee (as a percent) Represents the annual interest rate used in computation of incentive fee. Management Agreement [Line Items] Management Agreement Management Agreement, Loan Loss Reserve Recoveries Period for Calculation of Incentive, Fee Period during which the loan loss reserve recoveries are to be taken into consideration for calculation of incentive fee Represents the period during which the loan loss reserve recoveries are to be taken into consideration for calculation of incentive fee. Net unrealized losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Cumulative amount of other comprehensive loss related to net unrealized losses on derivatives designated as qualifying hedges Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Management Agreement Multiplier used in Calculation of Incentive Fee Multiplier used in computation of incentive fee Represents the multiplier used in computation of incentive fee. Unrealized gain related to available-for-sale securities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Represents the percentage of loan loss reserve recoveries used in calculation of incentive fee. Management Agreement, Percentage of Loan Loss Reserve Recoveries Used in Calculation of Incentive Fee Percentage of loan loss reserve recoveries used in calculation of incentive fee Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Management Agreement, Renewable Period Renewable period for management agreement Represents the period for which the management agreement is automatically renewable unless terminated. Disclosure of information pertaining to the agreement with other party related to management services provided by them. Management Agreement [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Term of U.S. Treasury Rate used in computation of incentive fee Represents the term of the U.S. Treasury Rate used in computation of incentive fee. Management Agreement, Term of US Treasury Rate Used in Calculation of Incentive Fee Termination fee Represents the amount of termination fee payable on termination of the management agreement. Management Agreement, Termination Fee Management Agreement, Termination Notice Period Prior written notice period for termination Represents the period for which notice is required to be served for termination of the management agreement. This notice is required to be served prior to termination. Management Fee Amount, Outstanding Base management fee expenses due to related party Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of obligations due all related parties for base management fee expenses. Management Fees, Incentive Payment Period Period after each fiscal quarter in which the incentive fee is payable Represents the period after each fiscal quarter in which the incentive fee is required to be paid. Maturity Date April 2013 [Member] Maturity date of April 2013 Represents the information pertaining loans receivable with the maturity date as April 2013. Represents the information pertaining loans receivable with the maturity date as Feb 2013. Maturity Date Feb 2013 [Member] Maturity date of February 2013 Maturity Date June 2012 [Member] Maturity date of June 2012 Represents the information pertaining loans receivable with the maturity date as June 2012. Maturity Date March 2013 [Member] Maturity date of March 2013 Represents information pertaining to the maturity date of March 2013 of loans receivable. Maturity Date March 2014 [Member] Maturity date of March 2014 Represents the information pertaining loans receivable with the maturity date as March 2014. Maturity Date November 2014 [Member] Maturity date of November 2014 Represents information pertaining to the maturity date of November 2014, of loans receivable. Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Maturity Date January 2015 [Member] Maturity date of January 2015 Represents information pertaining to the maturity date of January 2015, of loans receivable. Maturity Date May 2014 [Member] Maturity date of May 2014 Represents information pertaining to the maturity date of May 2014 of loans receivable. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Maturity Date May 2015 [Member] Maturity date of May 2015 Represents information pertaining to May 2015 as the maturity date of loans receivable. Maturity Date May 2016 [Member] Maturity date of May 2016 Represents the information pertaining loans receivable with the maturity date as May 2016. Represented the maximum permissible percentage of taxable income payable as annual dividends to common shareholders in form of the company's stock under the terms of the junior subordinated note agreement. Maximum permissible percentage of taxable income payable as annual dividends to common shareholders in the form of company's stock (as a percent) Maximum Percentage of Taxable Income Payable as Annual Dividends in Form of Company's Stock Mezzanine loan Mezzanine Loans Represents information pertaining to mezzanine loans issued by the entity. Mezzanine Loan [Member] Minimum taxable income to be distributed to stockholders to qualify as a REIT (as a percent) Represents the minimum percentage of adjusted taxable income required to be distributed to shareholders for qualifying as a real estate investment trust. Minimum Percentage of Taxable Income to be Distributed as Dividend to Maintain Qualification as REIT Minimum Percentage of Taxable Income to be Distributed to Claim Exemption from Corporate Federal Income Taxes on Retained Income Minimum taxable income to be distributed in order not to be subject to corporate federal income taxes on retained income (as a percent) Represents information pertaining to the minimum percentage of taxable income to be distributed to stockholders in order not to be subject to corporate federal income taxes on retained income. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Accretion of Unearned Revenue Accretion of unearned revenue The amount of additions to mortgage loans due to accretion of unearned revenue during the reporting period. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Additional Investment The entity's interest of the additional investment made in the mortgage loans on real estate during the reporting period. Interest held in the additional investment made Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Additional Investment by Entity and Independent Outside Investors Additional investment made by the company along with a consortium of independent outside investors The amount of additional investment made by the company, along with a consortium of independent outside investors, in the mortgage loans on real estate during the reporting period. Market value adjustments The amount of additions to mortgage loans due to market value adjustments during the reporting period. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Additions Market Value Adjustments Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Aggregate Carrying Amount of Loans Related to which Portion has Been Sold to Third Party Aggregate carrying value of loans related to which a portion has been sold to third party Represents the aggregate carrying value of loans related to which a portion has been sold to third party. Represents information pertaining to the amount of interest reserve funded in the partnership. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Amount of Interest Reserve Funded Amount of interest reserve funded Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Area of Submerged Land Area of pledged submerged land (in acres) Represents information pertaining to the area of submerged land held as mortgage-related securities. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Area of Usable Land Area of pledged usable land (in acres) Represents information pertaining to the area of usable land held as mortgage-related securities. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Carrying Amount of Loan Sold to Third Party Carrying value of loans sold to third party Represents information pertaining to the amount of carrying value of loans sold to third party, which had been fully reserved in a prior period. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Carrying Amount of Mortgages Prior to Provision for Loan Loss Carrying value prior to provision for loan loss The carrying amount of the outstanding balance due under the mortgage loan prior to provision for loan loss. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Carrying Value Represents the carrying value of the mortgage loans that serve as collateral. Collateral Loans, Carrying Value Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Deductions Market Value Adjustments Market value adjustments The amount of reductions of mortgage loans due to market value adjustments, during the reporting period. The reference rate for the modified variable rate on the mortgage loan receivable, such as LIBOR or the U.S. Treasury rate and the maturity of the reference rate used, such as three months or six months LIBOR. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Description of Modified Variable Rate, Basis Modified variable rate basis Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Description of Original Variable Rate, Basis Original variable rate basis The reference rate for the original variable rate on the mortgage loan receivable, such as LIBOR or the U.S. Treasury rate and the maturity of the reference rate used, such as three months or six months LIBOR. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Excess Proceeds from Loans Distributed to Members in Accordance with Operating Agreement Excess proceeds from loans distributed to members in accordance with operating agreement Represents the excess proceeds from mortgage loans on real estate distributed to members in accordance with operating agreement. Represents the extended period of mortgage loans on real estate. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Extended Period of Loan Extended period of loan Represents information pertaining to the face value of mortgage assumed. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Face Amount of Mortgages Assumed Face value assumed Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Fixed Interest Rate Fixed rate of interest (as a percent) Represents the fixed interest rate on the mortgage loan receivable or the weighted average interest rate on a group of loans. The amount of additions to mortgage loans due to funding of unfunded loan commitments during the reporting period. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Funding of Unfunded Loan Commitments Funding of unfunded loan commitments Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Gross Carrying Amount of Mortgages Loan carrying amount before write down The gross carrying amount before any write-off of the outstanding balance due under the mortgage loan. The gross carrying amount before any write-off of the outstanding balance due under the mortgage loan. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Gross Carrying Amount of Mortgages Prior to Provision for Loan Loss Loan carrying value prior to provision for loan losses Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Loss on Sale and Restructuring of Loans Loss on sale and restructuring of loans The amount of reductions of mortgage loans due to loss on sale and restructuring of loans, during the reporting period. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Modified Basis Spread on Variable Rate Modified basis spread (as a percent) The percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the modified variable rate on the mortgage loan receivable. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Number of Options to Extend Loan Number of options to extend loan Represents the number of options to extend the mortgage loans on real estate. Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Number of Properties Refinanced Number of properties refinanced Represents the number of properties refinanced under mortgage loans on real estate. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Original Basis Spread on Variable Rate Original basis spread (as a percent) The percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the original variable rate on the mortgage loan receivable. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Other Operational Costs of Acquiring and Maintaining Property Contributed by Entity Amount contributed by the entity to cover other operational costs of acquiring and maintaining the property Represents information pertaining to the amount contributed by the entity to cover other operational costs of acquiring and maintaining the property. Mortgage notes payable - real estate owned Represents the information pertaining to liability for mortgage notes payable by the reporting entity in connection with the acquisition of real property in which the reporting entity had a loan secured by the real estate property. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Owned [Member] The amount of partial principal collected on mortgage loans on real estate during the reporting period. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Partial Collections of Principal Loan paydowns Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Percentage Percent of Total Represents a category of loans on real estate expressed as a percentage of total loans on real estate. Percentage of Portfolio Pledged land, number of dwellings per acre Represents information pertaining to the number of dwellings per acre on pledged land held as mortgage-related securities. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Pledged Land Number of Dwellings Per Acre Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Principal Amount of Mortgages Collateral Loans, Unpaid Principal Represents the unpaid principal balance of the mortgage loans that serve as collateral. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Proceeds Against Junior Loan Participations Proceeds used against junior loan participations Represents the amount reductions of mortgage loans due to proceeds and used against junior loan participations during the reporting period. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Proceeds and Receivables from Sale of Loans Proceeds and receivables from sale of loans The amount of reductions of mortgage loans due to proceeds and receivables from sale of loans, during the reporting period. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Property Location [Domain] The location of real estate properties that secure real estate mortgage loans. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Reclassification from Due to Borrowers Reclassification from due to borrowers The amount of reductions of mortgage loans due to reclassification from due to borrowers, during the reporting period. Reclassification of allowance for loan loss to real estate owned The amount of additions to mortgage loans due to reclassification of allowance for loan loss to real estate owned during the reporting period. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Reclassification of Allowance for Loan Loss to Real Estate Owned The amount of additions to mortgage loans due to reclassification of interest receivable during the reporting period. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Reclassification of Interest Receivable Reclassification of interest receivable Represents the weighted average remaining maturity period of mortgage loans. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Remaining Maturity Period Wtd. Avg. Remaining Months to Maturity Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Restructured Loan restructured The amount of mortgage loans on real estate which were restructured during the reporting period. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Unearned Revenue and Costs Unearned revenue and costs The amount of reductions of mortgage loans due to unearned revenue and costs, during the reporting period. The amount of reductions of mortgage loans due to use of loan charge-offs, during the reporting period. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Use of Loan Charge Offs Use of loan charge-offs Mortgage Loans on Real Estate with Interest, Number of Loans Number of loans that contain a pay rate of interest Represents the number of loans collateralized by a land development project that contain a pay rate of interest. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate with Interest Unpaid Principal Balance Unpaid principal balance of loans that contain a pay rate of interest Represents the amount of unpaid principal balance of loans collateralized by a land development project that contain a pay rate of interest. Mortgage Note Payable, Held For Sale Represents the liability for mortgage notes payable by the reporting entity in connection with the acquisition of real property which is held-for-sale. Mortgage notes payable-held-for-sale Mortgage note payable - real estate held-for-sale Mortgage Notes Payable, Real Estate Owned Represents the liability for mortgage notes payable by the reporting entity in connection with the acquisition of real property. Mortgage note payable - real estate owned Mortgage note payable Represents the information pertaining to mortgage notes payable with maturity date of December 2013 secured by real estate held-for-sale by the entity. Mortgage Notes Payable, Secured by Real Estate Held For Sale Due December, 2013 [Member] Mortgage Note Payable - Held-For-Sale with maturity date of December 2013 Mortgage Note Payable - Held-For-Sale with maturity date of June 2012 Represents the information pertaining to mortgage notes payable with maturity date of June 2012 secured by real estate held-for-sale by the entity. Mortgage Notes Payable, Secured by Real Estate Held For Sale Due June, 2012 [Member] Mortgage Notes Payable - Real Estate Owned with maturity date of March 2014 Represents the information pertaining to mortgage notes payable with maturity date of March 2014 secured by real estate owned by the entity. Mortgage Notes Payable, Secured by Real Estate Owned Due March, 2014 [Member] Motel [Member] Motel Represents information pertaining to motel. Movement in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Additions [Abstract] Additions during period: Deductions during period: Movement in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Deductions [Abstract] Represents information pertaining to the amount of noncontrolling interest due to the third party member. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Due to Third Party Noncontrolling interest due to the third party member Net Proceeds from Issuance of Stock to Underwriters Proceeds from underwriters following the exercise of a portion of their over-allotment option, net Represents the proceeds from exercise of over-allotment option by underwrites, net of the underwriting discount. Net Recoveries of Bad Debt Expense Net recoveries of previously recorded loan loss reserves Reflects the net recoveries of previously recorded bad debt expense. Net recoveries of previously recorded loan loss reserves related to loans in which the underlying properties were sold Reflects the net recoveries of previously recorded bad debt expense related to loans in which the underlying properties were sold. Net Recoveries of Bad Debt Expense Related to Loans in which Underlying Properties were Sold Net worth required under covenant Represents the net worth required to be maintained under covenant related to credit facility. Net Worth Covenant Compliance New Preferred Equity Investments in Mortgage Loans [Member] New preferred equity investment Represents the entity's new preferred equity investments in mortgage loans on real estate. Represents information pertaining to non-management members of the Board of Directors. Non Management Members of the Board of Directors [Member] Non-management members of the Board of Directors Noncash (Losses) Gains on Sale and Restructuring of Loans Loss on sale and restructuring of loans For a lender, the aggregate noncash loss (gain) recognized on the sale or restructuring of loans arises from the difference between the carrying value of the loan before the sale or restructuring and the sales price or fair value of the loan, net of payments received, after restructuring is complete. This element refers to the loss (gain) included in earnings and not to the cash proceeds of the sale or restructuring. Investment in real estate, net The amount of investments in real estate that an Entity acquires in a noncash (or part noncash) acquisition. Noncash is defined as information about all investing and financing activities of an enterprise during a period that affect recognized assets or liabilities but that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition of Real Estate Notes Payable, Expiring July 2016 [Member] Note payable relating to investment in equity affiliates, expiration July 2016, interest is fixed, the weighted average note rate was 4.06% Represents the information pertaining to notes payable related to investment in equity affiliates, expiring in July 2016. Note payable related to the exchange of POM profits interest transaction Notes payable Represents the information pertaining to notes payable related to investment in equity affiliates and junior loans in which the entity has interest. Notes Payable [Member] Senior participation face value The stated principal amount of the senior participation portion of notes payable at time of issuance, which may vary from the carrying amount because of unamortized premium or discount. Notes Payable, Senior Participation, Face Amount Represents the notional value of derivative instruments that have matured during the reporting period. Notional Amount of Derivatives Matured Notional value of matured instruments Issuance of warrants in conjunction with debt restructuring Number of Days Average Closing Common Stock Price to be Considered for Incentive Fee Paid in Common Stock Number of days during the end of fiscal quarter with respect to which incentive fee is being paid Represents the number of days during which the average closing price of the entity's common stock is considered in order to issue common stock shares as a part of management incentive fee. Represents the number of impaired loans. Number of Impaired Loans Number of impaired loans Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance, Number of Loans Number of loans with unpaid principal balance Represents the number of loans with unpaid principal balance. Number of Loans not Previously Impaired Number of loans on which Company had not previously recorded reserves Represents the number of loans for which entity had not previously recorded reserves. Represents the number of loans in which the underlying properties were sold. Number of Loans in which Underlying Properties were Sold Number of loans in which the underlying properties were sold Number of Loans Sold Off Number of loans sold off Represents the number of loans sold off during the period. Number of loans written off Represents the number of loans written off during the period. Number of Loans Written Off Number of Mortgage Loans Reclassified Number of loans reclassified to real estate owned Represents the number of mortgage loan reclassified during the period. Number of Multi Family Loans Held as Collateral Number of multi-family loans held as collateral Represents information pertaining to the number of multi-family loans held as collateral. Number of Preferred Equity Investments Written Off Number of preferred equity investments written-off Represents the number of preferred equity investments written-off. Number of Real Estate Properties Sold Number of properties sold Represents the number of real estate properties sold within the portfolio. Number of Securities Reclassified from Held To Maturity to Available For Sale Number of securities reclassified from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale Represents information pertaining to the number of securities reclassified from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale. Number of Shares Authorized to be Issued under Agreement Number of shares which the entity may issue and sell through JMP Represents the number of shares permitted to be issued under the equity offering plan. Number of Unrelated Borrowers Number of different borrowers Represents the number of unrelated borrowers. Represents the number of common stock shares issued upon redemption of each operating partnership unit. Operating Partnership Unit Redemption Rate to Shares Common stock shares issued on redemption of operating partnership units Operating Partnership Units Redeemed Value of operating partnership units redeemed Represents the number of operating partnership units redeemed. Operating Partnership Warrants Exercised Units Issued Operating partnership units issued for which warrants were exercised Represents the number of operating partnership units issued for which warrants were exercised. Original Preferred Equity Investments in Mortgage Loans [Member] Original preferred equity investment Represents the entity's original preferred equity investments in mortgage loans on real estate. Overcollateralization Ratio, Covenant Compliance Limit overcollateralization ratio for cash flow triggers (as a percent) Represents the overcollateralization ratio required to be maintained under covenant compliance. Overcollateralization ratio is calculated by dividing the total principal balance of all collateral in the CDO by the total principal balance of the bonds associated with the applicable ratio. Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Ownership Percentage Limit Ownership interest allowed under company charter (as a percent) Represents the maximum percentage of ownership interest allowed under the company's charter. Ownership Percentage Limit before Amendment Ownership interest allowed under company charter before amendment (as a percent) Represents the maximum percentage of ownership interest allowed under the company's charter before amendment. Payment for Loans and Investments Funded Originated and Purchased, Net Represents the cash outflow during the reporting period in respect of payments for loans and investments funded and purchased by the reporting entity. Loans and investments funded, originated and purchased, net Payment for Payoff of Junior Subordinated Notes to Subsidiary Trust Issuing Preferred Securities Represents the cash outflow during the period for the payoff by the reporting entity of junior subordinated notes to a subsidiary trust issuing preferred securities. Payoff of junior subordinated notes to subsidiary trust issuing preferred securities Payments for Early Retirement of Subordinated Debt Cash payments for debt instrument retired Represents the amount paid for the retirement of long-term borrowing where a lender is placed in a lien position behind debt having a higher priority of repayment (senior) in case of liquidation of the entity's assets before its maturity. Payments on financial instruments underlying linked transactions The cash outflow for financing RMBS investments through repurchase agreement with the same counterparty during the period , which are classified as Linked transactions. Payments on Financial Instruments Underlying Linked Transactions The cash outflow associated with the purchase of or advances to equity method investments by the company, along with a consortium of independent outside investors. Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments by Entity and Independent Outside Investors Equity investment made Percentage of incentive fee paid by issuance of common stock shares Represents the percentage of incentive fee paid by way of issuance of common stock shares. Percentage of Incentive Fee Paid in Common Stock Percentage of Maximum Permissible Annual Cash Dividends Payable on Expiration Percentage of taxable income payable as annual dividends to common shareholders in cash upon expiration (as a percent) Represents the maximum percentage of taxable income payable as annual dividends to common shareholders in cash on expiration of the terms of the junior subordinated note agreement. Percentage of Ownership of Related Party in Other Related Party Percentage of outstanding membership interest of related party in another related party Represents the percentage of outstanding membership interest of a related party in another related party. Percentage of related party receivable due to be repaid in cash Represents information pertaining to the percentage of related party receivable due to be repaid in cash. Percentage of Related Party Receivable Due to be Repaid in Cash Percentage of services provided by asset management group per quarter over the level of activity anticipated based on which base management fee can be negotiated in good faith Represents information pertaining to the percentage of services provided in each quarter over the level of activity anticipated based on which base management fee can be negotiated in good faith. Percentage of Services Provided over Anticipated Activity per Quarter at which Base Management Fees can be Negotiated Period for which Repayment of Loans is Replenished with Substitute Collateral Period for which repayment of loans is replenished with a substitute collateral Represents information pertaining to the period for which repayment of loans is replenished with a substitute collateral. Period within which the entity must sell the loan Represents the period within which the entity is required to sell the loan receivable from a third party borrower. Period within which Loan to Third Party Must be Sold Represents the entity's preferred equity investments in mortgage loans on real estate. Preferred Equity Investments in Mortgage Loans [Member] Preferred equity investments Preferred Equity Loans Carrying value of preferred equity investments written-off Represents the carrying value of preferred equity investments written-off. Preferred Equity Investments Written Off Carrying Value Prepaid Expense Offset Against Incentive Management Fees Amount offset against the 2010 incentive management fee Represents information pertaining to the amount of receivable that was offset against the incentive management fee for a specified period. Prepaid Management Fees Prepaid management fees Represents the management fees paid in advance by the entity. Prime Outlet LLC [Member] Represents information pertaining to Prime Outlets Member, LLC. POM Proceeds from Issuance of Additional Secured Loan Obligations Proceeds from additional loan obligations The cash inflow from amounts received from issuance of additional long-term debt that is wholly or partially secured by collateral. Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Loan Obligation The cash inflow from amounts received from issuance of long-term debt that is wholly or partially secured by collateral. Proceeds from collateralized loan obligations Represents the cash inflow (outflow) during the reporting period from the acquisition (disposition) of investments in real estate owned by the reporting entity. Principal payoffs Proceeds from Payments for Investments in Real Estate Owned, Net Represents the cash inflow during the reporting period in respect of payoffs and paydowns of loans and investments held by the reporting entity. Principal paydowns of loan sold Payoffs and paydowns of loans and investments Proceeds from Payoffs and Paydowns of Loans and Investments Proceeds from Sale of Investment in Joint Venture to Related Party Amount received by related party on sale of investment in joint venture to a related party Represents the amount received on sale of investment in joint venture in to a related party. Proceeds from Sale of Loans Receivable to Third Party Sale value of loan sold to third party The proceeds associated with the sale of a loan to a third party. Property Management Contract Period Contract period with the new entity Represents the period of the property management contract. Loans Receivable Extended Period of Loan Extended period of loan Represents the extended period of the loans receivable. Property Management Fees as Percentage of Gross Revenues of Underlying Properties Fees as a percentage of gross revenues of the underlying properties Represents the fees payable as a percentage of gross revenues of the underlying properties under the property management contract. Purchase price of debt instrument The purchase price of debt instrument originally issued by a wholly-owned subsidiary. Purchase Price of Debt Instrument Real Estate Condo [Member] Condo A building or complex in which units of property, such as apartments, are owned by individuals and common parts of the property, such as the grounds and building structure, are owned jointly by the unit owners. Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Real Estate Held For Sale [Line Items] Real Estate held for sale Represents real estate held for sale by the entity. Real Estate Held For Sale [Member] Real Estate held for sale Represents the period of time in which the probability of a sale will be completed for real estate to be classified as held-for-sale. Real Estate, Held For Sale Probable Period for Completion of Sale Period in within the probable sale will be completed for real estate to be classified as held-for-sale Restricted cash, real estate owned asset The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items of the entity's real estate owned assets which are restricted as to its withdrawal or usage. Real Estate Investment Property Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents The number of real estate investments reclassified from real estate owned to held-for-sale during the reporting period. Real Estate Investments Reclassification to Held For Sale Number of real estate investments reclassified from real estate owned to real estate held-for-sale Multi-family and Office Represents the properties, such as apartments, duplexes and others that are constructed for use by multiple family groups and also includes building designed primarily for the conduct of business, for example, but not limited to, administration, clerical services, and consultation. Real Estate Multi Family and Office Building [Member] Real Estate, Multi Family [Member] Multifamily Portfolio Properties, such as apartments, duplexes and others that are constructed for use by multiple family groups. Multifamily Real Estate Held-For-Sale Real Estate Owned and Held For Sale [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for real estate owned and held for sale. Real Estate owned Real Estate Owned [Line Items] Real Estate owned Represents real estate owned by the entity. Real Estate Owned [Member] Real Estate Owned Properties, Number Number of properties classified as real estate owned Represents the number of properties classified as real estate owned by the entity, as of the balance sheet date. Real Estate Owned Properties Weighted Average Occupancy Rate Weighted average occupancy rate of properties classified as real estate owned (as a percent) Represents the weighted average occupancy rate of properties classified as real estate owned. Realty Finance Corporation Represents information pertaining to Realty Finance Corporation, formerly CBRE Realty Finance, Inc. Realty Finance Corporation [Member] CBRE Reappointed Director [Member] Director who was re-appointed to the board of directors on December 19, 2011 Represents the director who was re-appointed to the Board of Directors of the entity. Receipts on Financial Instruments Underlying Linked Transactions Receipts on financial instruments underlying linked transactions The cash inflow provided by financial instruments during the period, which are classified as Linked transactions. Reduction to Available For Sale Securities Reduction to securities available-for-sale Represents information pertaining to the amount of reduction to securities available-for-sale. Reissuance of Debt Represents the non cash investing and financing activities in relation to re-issuance of CDO debt of the reporting entity. Portion of the entity's bonds that were exchanged Re-issuance of CDO debt Related Party Transaction, Amount of Bridge Loan Receivable Amount of bridge loan purchased from related party Represents the amount of bridge loan purchased from the related party. Related Party Transaction, Amount of Mortgage Loan Secured by Property Purchased from Related Party Amount of mortgage loan secured by property purchased from related party Represents the amount of mortgage loan secured by property purchased by the related party. Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Loan Purchased by Related Party Loan amount purchased by related party Represents the amount of loan on the property purchased by the related party. Related Party Transaction, Contribution by Related Party to Acquire Interest in Third Party Entity Contribution by related party for acquiring non-controlling interest in a third party entity Represents the contribution made by the related party for acquiring a non-controlling interest in a third party entity. Related Party Transaction, Debt Instrument Purchased from Third Party Investor by Related Party Amount of debt instrument purchased from third party investor by related party Represents information pertaining to the amount of debt instrument purchased from third party investor by related party. Related Party Transaction, Number of Mortgage Loans Secured by Property Purchased from Related Party Number of mortgage loans secured by property purchased from related party Represents the number of mortgage loans secured by property purchased from the related party. Related Party Transaction, Number of Properties Purchased by Related Party Number of properties purchased by the related party Represents the number of properties in the portfolio purchased by the related party. Related Party Transaction, Percentage of Non Controlling Interest Acquired in Third Party Entity Percentage of non-controlling interest acquired on contribution Represents the percentage of non-controlling interest acquired on contribution. Related Party Ownership Percentage Percentage of ownership interest of related party in the entity Represents the percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation owned by related party in the entity. Related Party Transaction, Percentage of Ownership Percentage of voting power held by related party Represents the percentage of voting power held by a related party. Related Party Transaction, Percentage of Ownership Interest Percentage of ownership of third party entity in joint venture Represents the percentage of ownership of the third party entity in joint venture. Related Party Transaction, Shares Held by Related Party Number of shares held by related party Represents the number of common shares held by a related party. Release of Mortgage Note Payable Held For Sale Release of mortgage note payable held-for-sale Represents the amount of mortgage note payables released through noncash transactions. Repayment Installment Percentage Repayment installments (as a percent) Represents information pertaining to the repayment percent of a prepaid management fee. Repayment of due from related party through acquisition of treasury stock Value of treasury stock acquired to repay the amount due from related party in noncash investing or financing transactions. Repayment of Due from Related Party Through Acquisition of Treasury Stock Repayment of Due from Related Party through Reduction of Due to Related Party Reduction in value of due to related party used to settle the amount due from related party in noncash investing or financing transactions. Repayment of due from related party through reduction of due to related party Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Purchased at Discount [Member] RMBS investment purchased at discount Represents information pertaining to the security collateralized by residential real estate mortgage loans purchased at discount. RMBS investment purchased at par Represents information pertaining to the security collateralized by residential real estate mortgage loans purchased at par. Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Purchased at Par [Member] Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Purchased at Premium [Member] RMBS investment purchased at premium Represents information pertaining to the security collateralized by residential real estate mortgage loans purchased at premium. Restricted Cash [Abstract] Restricted Cash Represents the amount of Participation loan retired through noncash transactions. Retirement of Participation Liability Retirement of participation liability Return of capital from contribution Represents the return of capital from contribution. Interest received Return of Capital from Contribution Reversal of liabilities related to discontinued operations Represents the amount of reversal of liabilities upon the transfer of ownership of real estate held for sale. Reversal of Liabilities Related to Discontinued Operations Represents the investment in Ritz-Carlton Club, an equity affiliate of the entity accounted under the equity method of accounting. Ritz Carlton Club [Member] Ritz-Carlton Club Represents the amount of Participation loan settled through noncash transactions. Satisfaction of Participation Loan Satisfaction of participation loan Schedule of Base Management Fees and Incentive Fees [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the base management fees and incentive fees paid as per the terms of agreement with management. Schedule of Company's base and incentive compensation management fees Schedule of information related to description of business and nature of ownership. Schedule of Business Description and Form of Ownership [Table] Tabular disclosure of financing receivable charge-offs and recoveries. Schedule of Charge Offs and Recoveries on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Summary of charge-offs and recoveries Schedule of Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance [Table Text Block] Summary of the company's CDO and CLO compliance tests as of the most recent determination dates Tabular disclosure of information pertaining to debt instruments' compliance tests for determination whether the entity was in compliance with all financial covenants and restrictions. Schedule of Dividends Paid [Table Text Block] Schedule of dividends paid by the Company on its common stock Tabular disclosure of all or some of the information related to dividends paid, as of the financial reporting date. Tabular disclosure of a condensed balance sheet of equity method investment. Schedule of Equity Method Investment Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Summary of condensed combined balance sheets for the Company's unconsolidated investments in equity affiliates Tabular disclosure of a condensed income statement of equity method investment. Schedule of Equity Method Investment Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Summary of condensed combined statements of operations for the Company's unconsolidated investments in equity affiliates Schedule of Overcollateralization Ratio Covenant Compliance [Table Text Block] Summary of the Company's CDO and CLO overcollateralization ratios Tabular disclosure of overcollateralization ratio maintained during the period under covenant compliance. Schedule of Real Estate Held For Sale [Table] Schedule detailing quantitative information concerning real estate held for sale. Schedule of Real Estate Owned [Table] Schedule detailing information of real estate owned. Secured Debt Repurchase Agreements and Warehouse Agreement Borrowings Repurchase agreements and credit facilities Carrying value, as of the balance sheet date, of securities sold under agreements to repurchase and the carrying value, as of the balance sheet date, of the outstanding borrowings under warehouse and revolving lines of credit. Total debt amount Debt Carrying Value, Total repurchase agreements and credit facilities Carrying value, as of the balance sheet date, of securities sold under agreements to repurchase and the carrying value, as of the balance sheet date, of the outstanding borrowings under warehouse and revolving lines of credit used by mortgage bankers to finance the origination or purchase of loans. Secured Debt Repurchase Agreements and Warehouse Agreement Borrowings [Member] Repurchase agreements and credit facilities Represents the notional amount of equity interest retained in the portfolio of secured floating rate notes. Secured Floating Rate Notes, Notional Amount Notional amount of equity interest retained Represents the information pertaining to secured junior participating loans, expiring in August 2012. Secured Junior Participating Loans, Expiring August 2012, [Member] Junior loan participation, maturity of August 2012, secured by the Company's interest in a mezzanine loan with a principal balance of $11.8 million. The participation had a 0% rate of interest Junior loan participation secured by the Company's interest in a mezzanine loan with a principal balance of $32.0 million, participation interest was based on a portion of the interest received from the loan which had a variable rate of LIBOR plus 4.35% Represents the information pertaining to secured junior participating loans, expiring in July 2012. Secured Junior Participating Loans, Expiring July 2012 [Member] Secured Junior Participating Loans [Member] Junior loan participation, secured by the Company's interest in a first mortgage loan with a principal balance of $1.3 million, participation interest was based on a portion of the interest received from the loan which has a fixed rate of 9.57% Represents the information pertaining to junior participating loans secured by first mortgage loan. Secured Junior Participating Loans Expiring September 2014 One [Member] Junior loan participation, maturity of September 30, 2014, secured by the Company's interest in a first mortgage loan with a principal balance of $1.0 million, participation interest was based on a portion of the interest received from the loan which has a variable rate of LIBOR plus 2.00%, one Represents information pertaining to the first junior participating loans secured by first mortgage loan, expiring in September 2014. Secured Junior Participating Loans Expiring September 2014 Two [Member] Junior loan participation, maturity of September 30, 2014, secured by the Company's interest in a first mortgage loan with a principal balance of $1.0 million, participation interest was based on a portion of the interest received from the loan which has a variable rate of LIBOR plus 2.00%, two Represents information pertaining to the second junior participating loans secured by first mortgage loan, expiring in September 2014. Represents the non cash financing activities in relation to the exchange of securities classified as available-for-sale. Securities Exchanged Available For Sale Available-for-sale securities exchanged Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 8.25 Percent [Member] Represents information pertaining to the 8.25% Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stock. 8.25% Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stock 8.25% Series A preferred stock Represents information pertaining to the 9.0% Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stock. Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 9.0 Percent [Member] 9.0% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 7.75% Series B preferred stock Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 7.75 Percent [Member] 7.75% Series B cumulative redeemable preferred stock Represents information pertaining to the 7.75% Series B cumulative redeemable preferred stock. Shareholder Equity Notes [Abstract] Common stock Shelf Registration Statement, Amount Aggregate amount of securities for which the entity filed shelf registration statement Represents the amount of securities for which the entity filed shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act). Shares available under the shelf registration Represents the amount of shares for which the entity filed shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act) that are currently available under shelf registration. Number of shares of common stock remain available under shelf registration Shelf Registration Statement Shares Available Amount Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grant Date Fair Value Total grant date fair value The total fair value of equity-based payment equity instruments, excluding stock or unit options, as of grant date. Share-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense St. John's Development Represents the investment in St. John's Development, an equity affiliate of the entity accounted under the equity method of accounting. St Johns Development [Member] Represents the information pertaining to real estate properties located in St. Louis city in Missouri. St Louis [Member] St. Louis, Missouri NR No rating has been requested, or there is insufficient information on which to base a rating by the external credit rating agency, Standard & Poor's. Standard Poors Unrated [Member] Represents the number of shares issued to underwriters as a result of exercise of over-allotment option. Stock Issued During Period Shares Issued to Underwriters Additional shares issued due to exercise of portion of over-allotment option by underwriters Stock Issued during Period Shares New Issues on Exercise of Overallotment Option by Underwriter Option exercised by underwriters (in shares) Number of new stock issued during the period on exercise of over-allotment option by underwriters. Over-allotment option exercised by underwriters (in shares) Common stock shares issued from exercise of warrants Number of share warrants exercised during the period. Stock Issued During Period Shares Warrants Exercised Equity impact of the value of new stock issued during the period on exercise of over-allotment option by underwriters. Additional net proceeds from exercise of over-allotment option by underwriters Stock Issued during Period Value New Issues on Exercise of Overallotment Option by Underwriter Additional net proceeds from exercise of option by underwriters Subordinated Debt Restructured Amount of debt restructured Represents information pertaining to the amount of debt restructured. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Information related to various accounting policies of the entity. Tangible Net Worth, Covenant Compliance Tangible net worth including junior subordinated notes as equity Represents the tangible net worth including junior subordinated notes as equity required according to covenants related to credit facility. Term Credit Agreement and Working Capital Facility [Member] Wachovia Bank Represents information pertaining to term credit agreement and working capital facility. Term Credit Agreement [Member] Represents the information pertaining to term credit agreement. Term debt Terminated Hedges [Member] Terminated hedges Derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments which have been terminated. Third Party member [Member] Third Party Represents information pertaining to a third party with common ownership interest. Threshold for reporting loans (as a percent) Threshold Percentage for Reporting Loans The threshold percentage for reporting loans in the schedule of mortgage loans on real estate. Total Liabilities Less Subordinated Debt, Covenant Compliance Total liabilities less subordinated debt Represents the total liabilities less subordinated debt required according to covenants related to credit facility. Transfer of real estate held-for-sale to first lien holder Transfer of Real Estate Held For Sale Value of real estate held for sale transferred to first mortgage holder in satisfaction of mortgage note payable in noncash transactions. Acquisition of treasury stock (in shares) Represents the number of common stock shares that were acquired during the period. Treasury Stock Shares Acquisition Shares surrendered Equity impact of the acquisition of common stock during the period. Acquisition of treasury stock Treasury Stock Value Acquisition Value of shares surrendered Portion of related party receivable due for partial payment (as a percent) Treasury Stock Value Acquisition as Percentage of Related Party Receivable Represents information pertaining to the percentage of related party receivable due for partial payment. Tucson [Member] Tucson, Arizona Represents the information pertaining to real estate properties located in Tucson city in Arizona. Unearned Discounts Recorded on Restructured Loans Unearned discounts recorded on restructured loans Unearned discount used in lieu of cash to restructure a loan. Unsecured Junior Subordinated Notes, April 2037 One [Member] Junior subordinated notes, maturity April 2037, unsecured, face amount of $15.7 million, interest rate fixed until 2012 then variable based on three-month LIBOR, the weighted average note rate was 2.71% and 2.74%, respectively Represents the first unsecured junior subordinated notes with maturity date of April 2037. Unsecured Junior Subordinated Notes, due April 2035 One [Member] Junior subordinated notes, maturity April 2035, unsecured, face amount of $7.0 million, interest rate fixed until 2012 then variable based on three-month LIBOR, the weighted average note rate was 3.48% and 3.51%, respectively Represents the first unsecured junior subordinated notes with maturity date of April 2035. Unsecured Junior Subordinated Notes, Due April 2035 Two [Member] Junior subordinated notes, maturity April 2035, unsecured, face amount of $21.2 million, interest rate fixed until 2012 then variable based on three-month LIBOR, the weighted average note rate was 3.48% and 3.51%, respectively Represents the second unsecured junior subordinated notes with maturity date of April 2035. Summary of the changes in the allowance for loan losses Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Represents the second unsecured junior subordinated notes with maturity date of April 2037. Unsecured Junior Subordinated Notes, Due April 2037 Two [Member] Junior subordinated notes, maturity April 2037, unsecured, face amount of $31.5 million, interest rate fixed until 2012 then variable based on three-month LIBOR, the weighted average note rate was 2.71% and 2.74%, respectively Unsecured Junior Subordinated Notes, due June 2036 One [Member] Junior subordinated notes, maturity June 2036, unsecured, face amount of $14.6 million, interest rate fixed until 2012 then variable based on three-month LIBOR, the weighted average note rate was 2.79% and 2.83%, respectively Represents the first unsecured junior subordinated notes with maturity date of June 2036. Junior subordinated notes, maturity June 2036, unsecured, face amount of $2.6 million, interest rate fixed until 2012 then variable based on three-month LIBOR, the weighted average note rate was 2.79% and 2.83%, respectively Represents the second unsecured junior subordinated notes with maturity date of June 2036. Unsecured Junior Subordinated Notes, Due June 2036 Two [Member] Junior subordinated notes, maturity March 2034, unsecured, face amount of $28.0 million, interest rate fixed until 2012 then variable based on three-month LIBOR, the weighted average note rate was 3.15% and 3.18%, respectively Represents the first unsecured junior subordinated notes with maturity date of March 2034. Unsecured Junior Subordinated Notes, due March 2034 One [Member] Unsecured Junior Subordinated Notes, due March 2034 Three [Member] Junior subordinated notes, maturity March 2034, unsecured, face amount of $27.3 million, interest rate fixed until 2012 then variable based on three-month LIBOR, the weighted average note rate was 3.15% and 3.18%, respectively Represents the third unsecured junior subordinated notes with maturity date of March 2034. Unsecured Junior Subordinated Notes, due March 2034 Two [Member] Junior subordinated notes, maturity March 2034, unsecured, face amount of $28.0 million, interest rate fixed until 2012 then variable based on three-month LIBOR, the weighted average note rate was 3.15% and 3.18%, respectively Represents the second unsecured junior subordinated notes with maturity date of March 2034. Valuation Models [Member] Valuation models Represents the valuation models and techniques used to measure fair value. Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entities Disclosure [Text Block] Represents the entire disclosure of Variable Interest Entities and evaluation by entity of its loans and investments, mortgage related securities, investments in equity affiliates, junior subordinated notes and CDOs, in order to determine if they qualify as VIEs or as variable interests in VIEs. A VIE is defined as an entity in which equity investors (i) do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, and/or (ii) do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional financial support from other parties. Three CDO subsidiaries, which qualify as VIEs, of which the company is the primary beneficiary. Variable Interest Entities Charge-offs to the allowance for loan losses Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-offs CDO Bonds Represents the investment in securities collateralized by a pool of assets, of a VIE. Variable Interest Entity, Collateralized Debt Obligation Bonds [Member] Represents the investment in securities collateralized by commercial real estate mortgage loans, of a VIE. Variable Interest Entity, Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] CMBS Variable Interest Entity, Exposure to Loss Exposure to loss Represents the exposure to loss on investments that relate to the reporting entity's variable interest in the Variable Interest Entity (VIE). Variable Interest Entity, Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] Junior subordinated notes Represents the investment in junior subordinated notes, of a VIE. Variable Interest Entity, Loan and Investment [Member] Loans and equity investments Represents the loan and investment in a VIE. Variable Interest Entity, Loan [Member] Loans Represents the loan in a VIE. Variable Interest Entity Not Primary Beneficiary Number Number of VIEs where the reporting entity is not VIE's primary beneficiary Represents the number of variable interest entities (VIEs) in which the entity is not a primary beneficiary. Number of collateralized debt obligations and collateralized loan obligations subsidiaries Number of consolidated CDO and CLO subsidiaries which qualify as VIEs where the reporting entity is primary beneficiary Variable Interest Entity Primary Beneficiary Number Represents the number of variable interest entities in which the entity is a primary beneficiary. Collateralized Debt Obligation, Subsidiaries, Number Number of collateralized debt obligation subsidiaries Represents the number of collateralized debt obligation subsidiaries in which the entity is a primary beneficiary. Number of consolidated CDO subsidiaries which qualify as VIEs where the reporting entity is primary beneficiary Represents the number of collateralized loan obligation subsidiaries in which the entity is a primary beneficiary. Number of consolidated CLO subsidiaries which qualify as VIEs where the reporting entity is primary beneficiary Collateralized Loan Obligation, Subsidiaries, Number Number of collateralized loan obligation subsidiaries Carrying amount of the total liabilities that relate to the reporting entity's variable interest in the Variable Interest Entity (VIE). Variable Interest Entity Real Estate Debt Exposure Exposure to real estate debt Variable Interest Entity, Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] RMBS Represents the investment in securities collateralized by residential real estate mortgage loans, of a VIE. Warehousing credit facility due December 2013, one Represents the information pertaining to first warehousing credit facility expiring in December 2013. Warehousing Credit Facility Due December 2013 One [Member] Warehousing Credit Facility Due December 2013 Two [Member] Warehousing credit facility due December 2013, two Represents the information pertaining to second warehousing credit facility expiring in December 2013. Warehousing Credit Facility Due December 2013 Three [Member] Warehousing credit facility due December 2013, three Represents information pertaining to the three warehousing credit facility expiring in December 2013. Warehousing Credit Facility Due February 2014 [Member] $50.0 million warehousing credit facility Represents information pertaining to the warehousing credit facility, which will expire in February 2014. $75.0 million warehousing credit facility Represents information pertaining to warehousing credit facility expiring in April 2015. Warehousing Credit Facility Due April 2015 [Member] Warehousing Credit Facility Due June 2014 [Member] $40.0 million warehousing credit facility Represents information pertaining to the warehousing credit facility expiring in June 2014. Warehousing Credit Facility One [Member] $12.6 million warehousing credit facility Represents information pertaining to the warehousing credit facility one. Recoveries of reserves Recoveries Allowance for Loan and Lease Loss, Recovery of Bad Debts Warehousing Credit Facility Two [Member] $17.3 million warehousing credit facility Represents information pertaining to the warehousing credit facility two. West 450 Street 33 [Member] 450 West 33rd Street Represents the investment in 450 West 33rd Street, an equity affiliate of the entity accounted under the cost method of accounting. West Shore Cafe [Member] West Shore Cafe Represents the investment in West Shore Cafe, an equity affiliate of the entity accounted under the equity method of accounting. Working Capital Facility [Member] Working capital facility Represents information pertaining to working capital facility. Preferred Stock Issued during Period, Value, New Issues Issuance of preferred stock Represents the equity impact of the value of new preferred stock issued during the period. Changes in allowance for loan losses Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward] Preferred Stock Issued during Period, Shares, New Issues Issuance of preferred stock (in shares) Represents the number of new preferred stock shares issued during the period. Payment of Expenses on Issuance of Preferred Stock Expenses paid on issuance of preferred stock Represents the cash outflow for costs incurred directly with the issuance of preferred stock. Impaired Financing Receivable Adjustments Made to Appraisals Adjustments made to appraisals Represents the amount of impaired financing receivable adjustments made to appraisals during the period. Debt Instrument Covenants Amount Payable on Default of Senior Debt Amount payable on default of senior debt Represents the amount payable on default of senior debt under debt instrument. Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights Exercised Warrants exercised (in shares) Represents the specified number of securities that each class of warrants or rights outstanding give the holder the right but not the obligation to exercise from the issuer at a specific price, on or before a certain date. Private REIT preferred stock Private REIT Preferred Stock [Member] Outstanding private REIT preferred stock. Number of Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Held To Maturity Debt Securities Number of investments acquired with deteriorated credit quality had accretable yields Represents the number of investments acquired with deteriorated credit quality having accretable yields. Chief Financial Officer of Affiliated Entity [Member] Chief financial officer of the affiliated entity Represents information pertaining to the chief financial officer of the affiliated entity. Loans Receivable Libor Cap The maximum LIBOR rate for the variable rate of the loans receivable. Libor cap (as a percent) Preferred Stock Amount of Accrued Dividend Distributions accrued on preferred stock Aggregate amount of preferred dividend accrued. Future cash outflow to pay for preferred stock offering expenses that have occurred. Preferred Stock Offering Expenditures Incurred But Not Yet Paid Accrued and unpaid expenses on preferred stock offering Collateralized Loan Obligation Offering Expenditures Incurred but not yet Paid Accrued and unpaid expenses on CLO offerings Future cash outflow to pay for collateralized loan obligation offering expenses that have occurred. Future cash outflow to pay for common stock offering expenses that have occurred. Common Stock Offering Expenditures Incurred But Not Yet Paid Accrued and unpaid expenses on common stock offerings Preferred dividend accrued Accrued Preferred Dividend Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable, pertaining to preferred dividend. Number of Loans, Unpaid Principal Balance [Axis] Information pertaining to number of loans with an unpaid principal balance. Number of Loans, Unpaid Principal Balance [Domain] Represents information pertaining to number of loans with an unpaid principal balance. Maturity Date April 2015 [Member] Maturity date of April 2015 Represents information pertaining loans receivable with the maturity date as April 2015. Maturity date of March 2015 Maturity Date March 2015 [Member] Represents information pertaining loans receivable with the maturity date as March 2015. Four Loans Collateralized by A Land Development Project [Member] Four loans collateralized by a land development project Represents four loans collateralized by a land development project with an unpaid principal balance. Five Loans Collateralized by A Land Development Project [Member] Five loans collateralized by a land development project Represents five loans collateralized by a land development project with an unpaid principal balance. Impaired Financing Receivable, Weighted Average, Accrual Rate of Interest Weighted average accrual rate of interest (as a percent) Represents the weighted average accrual rate of interest. Loans Receivable, Number of Options to Extend Loan Number of options to extend loan Represents the number of options to extend the loans receivable. Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Period [Axis] Information pertaining to period during which specified interest rate is applicable on borrowings. Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Period [Domain] Represents information pertaining to period during which specified interest rate is applicable on borrowings. First Year [Member] First year Represents information pertaining to first year of loan. Thereafter [Member] Thereafter Represents information pertaining to period after first year of loan. Related Party Transaction, Number of Bridge Loans Originated Number of bridge loans originated Represents the number of bridge loan purchased from the related party. Personal Guaranty Represents the amount of a legally binding contract by a person to repay a debt in the case a company defaults. Personal guaranty Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity [Domain] Represents the details of unused credit capacity under the credit facility. Additional interest expense related to the amortization of the loss Amortization of Deferred Hedge Gains First 5.0 million Represents information pertaining to the first 5.0 million unused credit capacity under the credit facility. Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, First 5.0 Million [Member] Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Excess of 5.0 Million [Member] Excess of 5.0 million Represents information pertaining to the excess of 5.0 million unused credit capacity under the credit facility. Line of Credit Facility, Extension Fee, Percentage Extension fee (as a percent) The fee, expressed as a percentage of the line of credit facility, for extension of maturity of credit facility. Line of Credit Facility Fee for Not Extending Fee for not extending line of credit The fee for not extending maturity of credit facility. Threshold for non-use fee Line of Credit Facility Unused Capacity Threshold for Basis of Commitment Fee The threshold for the calculation of non-use fee for available but unused credit capacity under the credit facility. Available For Sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) Accumulated in Investments Net amount of the difference between the fair value and market value on investments in available-for-sale securities. Cumulative Unrealized Gain Held To Maturity Securities, Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Loss This item represents the excess of amortized cost basis over fair value of securities in a loss position and which are categorized as held-to-maturity. Unrealized Loss Held To Maturity Securities, Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Gain Amount of accumulated unrecognized gain on investments in held-to-maturity securities. Unrealized Gain Incentive Fee Amount Paid to Manager Entity Amount of incentive fee paid to managing entity. Cash paid for incentive management fees Impaired loans, provision for loan losses Represents the gross amount charged against earnings during the period as credit losses (bad debt expense) based on review of the loan and lease portfolio and application of the methodology for estimating credit losses. Provision for Loan and Lease Losses Gross Number of real estate properties classified as held-for-sale Represents the number of real estate properties classified as held-for-sale within the portfolio. Number of Real Estate Properties Classified as Held For Sale Redemption of investment in preferred shares, net Represents the cash inflows from redemption of investment in preferred shares during the period. Redemption of Investment in Preferred Shares Proceeds from Sale of Financial Instruments Underlying Linked Transactions Proceeds from sale of financial instruments underlying linked transactions Represents the cash inflows from sale of financial instruments during the period, which are classified as linked transactions. Potential Transaction with Manager Expenditures Incurred But Not Yet Paid Accrued and unpaid expenses for potential transaction with manager Represents the future cash outflow to pay for potential transactions with manager that have occurred. Mortgage Notes Payable Real Estate Owned Transferred to Real Estate Held for Sale Mortgage note payable - real estate owned transferred to held-for-sale Represents the value of liability for mortgage notes payable by the reporting entity, transferred to real estate held-for-sale in noncash transactions during the reporting period. Secured Junior Participating Loans Expiring March 2014 [Member] Junior loan participation, maturity of March 2014, secured by the Company's interest in a mezzanine loan with a principal balance of $3.0 million, participation interest is a fixed rate of 15.00% Represents information pertaining to the secured junior participating loans, expiring in March 2014. Consolidated Entity [Member] Consolidated entity Represents information pertaining to the consolidated entity. Investment in Lightstone Value Plus REITLP through Consolidated Entity [Member] Investment through consolidated entity Represents information pertaining to the investment in Lightstone Value Plus REIT L.P. through a consolidated entity. Amount charged to interest expense as a result of amortization of discount on participating loan Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Schedule of Real Estate Owned [Table Text Block] Schedule of real estate owned Tabular disclosure of real estate owned. Schedule of real estate held-for-sale Tabular disclosure of real estate held-for-sale. Schedule of Real Estate Held for Sale [Table Text Block] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Sub Type of Property [Axis] Information by sub-type of real estate property. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Sub Type of Property [Domain] Represents the name of sub-type of real estate property. Building and Intangible Assets [Member] Building and intangible assets Represents information pertaining to the building and intangible assets. Revenue: Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Revenue [Abstract] Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Expenses [Abstract] Expenses: Class of Warrants Exercisable at Dollars 3.50 [Member] Warrants exercisable at $3.50 Represents the class of warrants, which are exercisable at exercise price of 3.50 dollars. Class of Warrants Exercisable at Dollars 4.00 [Member] Warrants exercisable at $4.00 Represents the class of warrants which are exercisable at exercise price of 4.00 dollars. Class of Warrants Exercisable at Dollars 5.00 [Member] Warrants exercisable at $5.00 Represents the class of warrants which are exercisable at exercise price of 5.00 dollars. Real Estate Held For Sale [Abstract] Real Estate Held-For-Sale Line of Credit Facility Fee for Not Extending Percentage Fee for not extending line of credit (as a percent) The fee, expressed as a percentage of the line of credit facility, for not extending maturity of credit facility. Management Agreement Success Based Payments Amount of success-based payments made under the terms of management agreement. Success-based payments made Related Party Transaction, Number of Bridge Loans Paid Off Number of bridge loans paid off Represents the number of bridge loans paid off to the related party. Redemption of Preferred Limited Partnership Interest and Satisfaction of Note Payable Redemption of preferred limited partnership interest and satisfaction of note payable Represents the amount of redemption of preferred limited partnership interest and satisfaction of note payable through noncash transactions. Mortgage Notes Payable Real Estate Owned and Held for Sale Mortgage note payable - real estate owned and held-for-sale Represents the liability for mortgage notes payable by the reporting entity in connection with the acquisition of real property and held-for-sale. Number of warrants that did not have a dilutive effect (in shares) Impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges Total assets Assets Assets: Assets [Abstract] Total assets Assets, Total [Member] Net unrealized gain recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Available-for-sale securities, at fair value (includes $0 and $1,100,000 from consolidated VIEs, respectively) Carrying Value / Estimated Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities Available-for-sale securities Available-for-sale securities, at fair value Collateral Securities, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities Pledged as Collateral Amortized Cost Carrying value Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Basis Swaps Basis Swap [Member] Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Bridge Loans Bridge loan Bridge Loan [Member] Impairment of a cost method investment Cost-method Investments, Other than Temporary Impairment Capital Loss Carryforward Capital Loss Carryforward [Member] Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Additions Accretable Yield Accretion Paydowns Beginning balance Ending balance Beginning balance Ending balance Aggregate carrying value of investment with deteriorated credit quality Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Accounted for as Held-to-maturity Debt Securities, Carrying Amount, Net Equity Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Exercise price (in dollars per share) Warrant exercise price Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Warrants Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Warrant or Right [Table] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Joint venture members Co-venturer [Member] Collateralized loan obligations Collateralized loan obligation Collateralized Loan Obligations [Member] Collateralized debt obligations Collateralized debt obligation (CDO) bond CDO debt CDO Bonds Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] Commercial mortgage-backed security (CMBS) CMBS Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Commercial Commercial Real Estate [Member] Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock Common equity securities Common Stock [Member] Common stock, $0.01 par value: 500,000,000 shares authorized; 51,787,075 shares issued, 49,136,308 shares outstanding at September 30, 2013 and 33,899,992 shares issued, 31,249,225 shares outstanding at December 31, 2012 Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) Cash dividend declared (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance Common Stock, Shares Authorized Dividend Paid Per Share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Common stock outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Provision for income taxes Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Deferred tax assets (liabilities): Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block] Comprehensive income attributable to Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income Comprehensive (Loss) Income Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration risk, percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Variable Interest Entities Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] 2014 Contractual Obligation, Due in Second Year 2017 Contractual Obligation, Due in Fifth Year Schedule of material contractual obligations Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Table Text Block] 2016 Contractual Obligation, Due in Fourth Year 2013 Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months 2015 Contractual Obligation, Due in Third Year Thereafter Contractual Obligation, Due after Fifth Year Contractual Obligations, Payments Due by Period Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Total Contractual Obligation Other joint ventures Investment in Equity Affiliates Cost and Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block] Property operating expenses Cost of Real Estate Revenue Cost method investments Cost Method Investments Credit Facility [Axis] Credit risk concentration Credit Concentration Risk [Member] Credit Rating, Standard & Poor's [Axis] Credit Rating, AM Best [Domain] Credit Rating, AM Best [Axis] State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Current tax (benefit) provision: Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current tax (benefit) provision Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Customer risk concentration Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Qualifying Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Variable interest rate, description Description of variable rate basis Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Debt instrument purchased Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount Debt Obligations Debt Covenants Debt Instrument [Line Items] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Number of warrants issued (in shares) Number of warrants issued Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Warrants or Options Issued Face amount of debt instrument re-issued Face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount New note payable Debt, Face Value Variable rate, spread (as a percent) Weighted average spread (as a percent) Variable rate, spread (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Obligations Repurchase amount Face Amount Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount Debt Security [Axis] Debt Obligations Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Maturity period (in years) Debt Instrument, Term Period of additional loan obligations Debt Instrument [Axis] Weighted average note rate (as a percent) Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Issuance costs Debt Issuance Cost Effective rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] CDO bond and CMBS investments Debt Securities [Member] Interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Increase, Additional Borrowings (Deprecated 2013-01-31) New note payable Newly issued debt instrument Deferred amount Accrued deferred compensation expense Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Federal-net of valuation allowance Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total deferred tax (benefit) provision Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Deferred tax (benefit) provision: Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Unearned revenue Deferred Discounts, Finance Charges and Interest Included in Receivables Deferred tax asset Total deferred tax (benefit) provision Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State-net of valuation allowance Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net Deferred revenue Deferred revenue recognized on transfer of control of 450 West 33rd Street property Deferred Revenue Deferred tax asset on equity affiliate Deferred Tax Assets, Equity Method Investments Gross deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Net operating loss carryforwards Valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Interest in equity affiliates-net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investment in Noncontrolled Affiliates Depreciation and amortization Depreciation Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Derivative financial instruments Derivative Liability Notional Value, classified in Other Assets Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Repurchase financing Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Change in fair value of non-qualifying swaps Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative financial instruments Forward Contract Derivatives Derivative Asset Notional Value, classified in Other Liabilities Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Fair Value, classified in Other Assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Cap rate (as a percent) Derivative, Cap Interest Rate Fair Value, classified in Other Liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Change in fair value Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Net losses in fair value of RMBS investments Derivative, Gain on Derivative Count Number of interest rate swaps Derivative, Number of Instruments Held Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Amount of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Interest Expense (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion Amount of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Fair value of derivatives in a net liability position Total principal paydowns Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Hedging Activities and Derivatives Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Director William C. Green Director [Member] (Loss) income from operations of real estate held-for-sale (Loss) income from operations of real estate held-for-sale Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax Gain on sale of real estate held-for-sale Gain on sale of real estate held-for-sale Gain on sale of real estate Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Property operating income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense, discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Interest Expense Property operating expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense Depreciation Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Depreciation and Amortization Distributions - common stock Dividends, Common Stock Dividends [Axis] Total Dividends Paid Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Dividends from the preferred and common operating partnership units Dividends Distributions - preferred stock Distributions declared and paid on preferred shares issued to third parties by its subsidiary REIT Dividends, Preferred Stock Due from related party (includes $11,970 and $0 from consolidated VIEs, respectively) Due from related party Receivable from related party Due from Related Parties Due to related party Due to Related Parties External Credit Rating, Standard & Poor's [Domain] Basic earnings per common share: Basic (loss) earnings per common share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Diluted earnings per common share: Diluted (loss) earnings per common share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings (Loss) Per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Net income attributable to Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Net income attributable to Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Earnings Per Share Effective income tax rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Effective income tax rate as a percentage of pretax income or loss differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Refund Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Change in valuation allowance (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent U.S. federal statutory rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent REIT non-taxable income (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Exempt Income, Percent Shareholders' equity Arbor Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Equity Excluding Noncontrolling Interests Total revenues Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Total liabilities and deficit Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities and Equity Shareholders' (deficit) equity Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncontrolling Interest Deferred gain on equity affiliate Equity Method Investment, Deferred Gain on Sale Equity investment, balance Equity Investment Equity Method Investments Total assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets Statements of Operations: Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract] Voting interest in entities accounted for primarily under the equity method (as a percent) Ownership interest (as a percent) Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Other-than-temporary impairment Other-than-temporary impairment on remaining amount of investment Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Gain on exchange of profits interest Gain on the sale of an equity method investment Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Condensed Combined Balance Sheets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information [Abstract] Net (loss) income Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Revenue: Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit (Loss) [Abstract] Equity Component [Domain] Liabilities: Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Total liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities Assets: Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets [Abstract] Distributions of operations from equity affiliates Proceeds from equity affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Total shareholders' (deficit) equity Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information, Equity Investment in Equity Affiliates Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Estimated Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] State income taxes on gain on extinguishment of debt Extinguishment of Debt, Gain (Loss), Income Tax Gain on extinguishment of debt per basic and diluted common share (in dollars per share) Extinguishment of Debt, Gain (Loss), Per Share, Net of Tax Extinguishment of notes payable Amount of debt instrument purchased from third party investor Repayment of outstanding debt Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Net gain on extinguishment of debt Extinguishment of Debt, Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Discount rate (as a percent) Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate Capitalization rate (as a percent) Fair Value Inputs, Cap Rate Recurring basis Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Schedule of quantitative information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements on a recurring and non-recurring basis Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block] Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Table] Paydowns Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Fair value of these assets and liabilities Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Sales and settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Asset Class [Axis] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table] Quantitative information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements on a recurring and non-recurring basis Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information [Line Items] Additions Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Measurement Basis [Axis] Net accretion and amortization Fair Value Measurement Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Schedule of fair value of assets and liabilities Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Revenue growth rate (as a percent) Fair Value Inputs, Long-term Revenue Growth Rate Changes in unrealized gain Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Fair Value Nonrecurring basis Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Adjustments to fair value: Fair Value, Adjustment Disclosure [Abstract] Asset Class [Domain] Schedule of certain financial and non-financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Fair Value Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Financial assets Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Schedule of financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Summary of the carrying values and the estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Net changes in fair value Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Period Increase (Decrease) Balance at the end of the period Balance at the beginning of the period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Other (loss) income, net Other Income Fees and Commissions, Other Loans, Investments and Securities Finance, Loans and Leases Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Financial liabilities: Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Financial assets: Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Non-performing loans by asset class Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Troubled debt restructurings by asset class Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items] Carrying Value Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status Financing Receivable, by Credit Quality Indicator [Domain] (Deprecated 2013-01-31) Greater Than 90 Days Past Due Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due Revenue Recognition Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items] Summary of the loan portfolio's weighted average internal risk ratings and LTV ratios by asset class Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Credit Quality Indicator [Axis] (Deprecated 2013-01-31) First mortgage First Mortgage [Member] Forward Contracts Forward Contract Derivatives Derivative Financial Instruments Forward Contracts [Member] Loss on termination of swaps Loss on termination of swaps Gain (Loss) on Sale of Derivatives Gain on sale of securities Gain on sale of securities Gain (Loss) on Sale of Securities, Net Gain on extinguishment of debt Gain on extinguishment of debt Gain Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Amortized Cost Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment Maturing after five years through ten years Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value Maturing after one year through five years Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Securities held-to-maturity, net Carrying Value Securities held-to-maturity, net (includes $730,480 and $0 from consolidated VIEs, respectively) Held-to-maturity Securities Maturing within one year Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Rolling Twelve Months, Fair Value Maturing after ten years Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling after Ten Years, Fair Value Summary of the company's securities classified as held-to-maturity Held-to-maturity Securities [Table Text Block] Net loss on sale of investments Held-to-maturity Securities, Sold Security, Realized Gain (Loss) Aggregate carrying value of investments sold Held-to-maturity Securities, Sold Security, at Carrying Value Securities held-to-maturity, net Estimated Fair Value Net fair value Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Hotel Portfolio Hotel [Member] Held-to-maturity securities Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] Impaired Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses, Loss on Sale and Restructuring of Loans and Charge-offs Impaired Financing Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Average Recorded Investment Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Average Recorded Investment Summary of the company's impaired loans by asset class Impaired Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Interest Income Recognized Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Interest Income, Accrual Method Unpaid principal balance on loans Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance Impaired loans, net Impaired loans Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment Allowance for Loan losses Impaired Financing Receivable, Related Allowance Unpaid Principal Balance Impaired Financing Receivable, with Related Allowance, Unpaid Principal Balance Impairment loss on real estate held-for-sale Impairment loss Impairment of Real Estate Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interest and preferred stock dividends (in dollars per share) Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interest and preferred stock dividends, per common share (Loss) income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interest (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Loss from equity affiliates Loss from equity affiliates Income (loss) from equity affiliates Income from equity affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interest and preferred stock dividends Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Income before (provision) benefit for income taxes (Loss) income before (provision) benefit for income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Income attributable to noncontrolling interest Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest (Loss) income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) (Loss) income from discontinued operations per common share (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Taxes Income Taxes Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interest and preferred stock dividends (in dollars per share) Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interest and preferred stock dividends, per common share (Loss) income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interest (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share (Loss) income from discontinued operations (Loss) income from discontinued operations Property operating income, discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Loss from discontinued operations Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement Location [Domain] (Loss) income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) (Loss) income from discontinued operations per common share (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Income tax receivable for the expected refund of income taxes paid by a taxable REIT subsidiary Income Taxes Receivable (Provision) benefit for income taxes Total (benefit) provision Benefit (provision) for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Cash used for taxes Income Taxes Paid Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Due to/from related party Increase (Decrease) in Due from Related Parties, Current Deferred fees Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Change in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Dilutive effect of warrants (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Call Options and Warrants Interest expense Interest expense Interest Expense Interest income recorded Interest Income, Related Party Net interest income Interest income Interest Income, Operating Net interest income Net interest income Interest Income (Expense), Net Interest expense expected to be reclassified from qualifying cash flow hedges over the next twelve months Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Cash used to pay interest Interest Paid Interest Rate Swaps Interest Rate Swap [Member] LIBOR Caps Interest Rate Cap [Member] Interest Expense Interest expense Interest Expense [Member] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Real estate held-for-sale, net (includes $0 and $2,550,000 from consolidated VIEs, respectively) Real estate held-for-sale, net Inventory, Real Estate, Held-for-sale Premium amortized/accretion of discount into interest income Net interest income Investment Income, Net, Amortization of Discount and Premium Premium amortized into interest income Investments [Domain] Fair value of real estate owned Investment Owned, at Fair Value Number of shares of common stock purchased Investment Owned, Balance, Shares Investment Type [Axis] Investment Holdings [Table] Investment in equity affiliates Investment in Equity Affiliates Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Investment in Equity Affiliates Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items] Summary of the company's investment in equity affiliates Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Table Text Block] Securities Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Table] Securities Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Junior Participations Loans Junior Loans [Member] Junior subordinated notes Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] Junior subordinated notes to subsidiary trust issuing preferred securities Carrying value Junior subordinated notes Debt Carrying Value Junior Subordinated Debenture Owed to Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trust Employee compensation and benefits Labor and Related Expense Land Land and Land Improvements [Member] Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities Liabilities Liabilities and Equity: Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Commitment fee upon closing (as a percent) Commitment fee (as a percent) Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Non-use fee (as a percent) Commitment fee on the undrawn portion (as a percent) Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Committed line Revolving note amount Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Fixed interest rate (as a percent) Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Outstanding balance of facility Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Axis] Impaired Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses, Loss on Sale and Restructuring of Loans and Charge-offs Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Abstract] Investments acquired Base spread (as a percent) Loans Receivable, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Base rate Loans Receivable, Description of Variable Rate Basis Loan loss reserves related to VIEs Allowance for loan losses Allowance at beginning of the period Allowance at end of the period Provision for loan losses Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance Amount of bridge loans paid off Loans and Leases Receivable, Related Parties, Collections Loan held-for-sale Unpaid principal balance of loans classified as held-for-sale Loans and Investments Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Long-term Debt Aggregate outstanding balance of related party debt Fixed interest rate (as a percent) Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingencies [Table] Number of defendants Loss Contingency, Number of Defendants Total damages that the plaintiff is seeking Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Litigation Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Number of lawsuits or complaints filed Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number Major Types of Debt Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Customer [Axis] Maximum Less than Maximum [Member] Minimum Minimum [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Decrease in non-controlling interest Distributions attributable to noncontrolling interest Distribution to noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Voting interest owned by the company for consolidation (as a percent) Noncontrolling interest in consolidated entity Noncontrolling interest in the entity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Third party's interest in the equity of a consolidated subsidiary Fixed interest rate, maximum (as a percent) Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Maximum Interest Rate in Range SCHEDULE IV - LOANS AND OTHER LENDING INVESTMENTS Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, by Loan Disclosure [Text Block] Wtd. Avg. Pay Rate (as a percent) Weighted average interest rate (as a percent) Weighted average variable interest rate (as a percent) Preferred interest in a joint venture (as a percent) Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Interest Rate Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Category [Domain] New mortgage note payable assumed New loan originations Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, New Mortgage Loans Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Type [Domain] Secured amount of loan Mortgage Loans on Real Estate SCHEDULE IV - LOANS AND OTHER LENDING INVESTMENTS Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Schedule [Table] LOANS AND OTHER LENDING INVESTMENTS Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items] Loans converted to real estate owned Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Foreclosures Loan payoffs Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Collections of Principal Loans and investments, net (includes $1,238,973,709 and $1,113,745,356 from consolidated VIEs, respectively) Loans and investments, net Loans and investments, net Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net Principal balance Loan amount retained by related party Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Face Amount of Mortgages Fixed interest rate, minimum (as a percent) Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Minimum Interest Rate in Range Number of loans Loan Count Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Number of Loans Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Loan Type [Axis] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Description, Loan Category [Axis] Loans to VIEs Carrying value of loans before loan loss reserves Additional preferred equity investment outstanding Loans and investments, gross Unpaid Principal Balance Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages Real Estate [Domain] Prior Liens Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Prior Liens Federal income tax basis Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Federal Income Tax Basis Reconciliation of the Company's loans and investments carrying amounts Movement in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Roll Forward] Non-performing loans Non-performing Nonperforming Financing Receivable [Member] Customer [Domain] Financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net income attributable to Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders Net (loss) income Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Net cash (used in) / provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net cash provided by / (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Non-recourse junior loan participation amount at a discount Non-Recourse Debt Assumption of mortgage notes payable-real estate owned Notes Assumed Notes payable Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Notes payable Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Debt Carrying Value Notes Payable Number of real estate owned properties Number of properties owned Number of Real Estate Properties Non-controlling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest Non-Qualifying Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Office Office building Office Building [Member] Other expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Total other expenses Total other expenses Operating Expenses Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Income Taxes Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Description of Business Description of Business Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Amount of net unrealized loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss due to a reclassification of securities Other-than-temporary impairment charge Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net, Available-for-sale Securities Net realized losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax Realization of unrealized gain reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss Reclassification of unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale realized into earnings Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax Net realized gain on sale of available-for-sale investments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax Reclassification of net realized loss on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges into earnings Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Other assets Other assets (includes $14,329,327 and $11,709,103 from consolidated VIEs, respectively) Other Assets Other revenue: Component of Operating Income [Abstract] Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale, net Unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments, net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Total other revenue Total other revenue Other Income Other liabilities Other liabilities (includes $16,302,638 and $22,013,896 from consolidated VIEs, respectively) Other Liabilities Other Income Other income Other Income [Member] Summary of the company's non-performing loans by asset class Past Due Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Total Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. Stockholders' Equity Parent [Member] Partnerships Purchases of treasury stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Payments on swaps and margin calls to counterparties Payments for Hedge, Financing Activities Distributions paid on preferred stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Noncontrolling interest Equity investment made Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Purchase price Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Distributions paid on common stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Contributions to equity affiliates Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Expenses paid on issuance of common stock Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Investment in real estate, net Payments to Acquire and Develop Real Estate Purchase of securities held-to-maturity, net Purchase price Investments purchased Payments to Acquire Held-to-maturity Securities Payment of deferred financing costs Payments of Financing Costs Distributions paid to noncontrolling interest Equity investment made Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share Return on the preferred shares issued to third parties by its subsidiary REIT (as a percent) Dividend rate (as a percent) Preferred stock, dividend rate (as a percent) Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Cash dividend declared on redeemable preferred stock (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared Preferred stock, $0.01 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized; 8.25% Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stock, $38,787,500 aggregate liquidation preference; 1,551,500 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013, no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012; 7.75% Series B cumulative redeemable preferred stock, $31,500,000 aggregate liquidation preference; 1,260,000 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013, no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred Stock Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, dividend, variable rate basis Preferred Stock, Dividend Payment Rate, Variable Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Number of shares of preferred stock authorized for issuance Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock dividends Less: Preferred stock dividends Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Preferred stock, aggregate liquidation preference Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Prepaid management fee - related party Incentive fee installment recorded as prepaid management fee Prepaid Expense Mr. Ivan Kaufman President [Member] Additional debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Net proceeds from exercise of warrants Proceeds from Warrant Exercises Proceeds received from loan repayments held as collateral Proceeds from Collection of Loans Receivable Distributions from equity affiliates Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Change in restricted cash Change in restricted cash Proceeds from (Repayments of) Restricted Cash, Financing Activities Deposits received relating to loan held-for-sale Proceeds from repurchase agreements, credit facilities and notes payable Proceeds from sale of properties Proceeds from (Repayments of) Notes Payable Amount of payoff received on mortgage notes payable Receipts on swaps and margin calls from counterparties Proceeds from Hedge, Financing Activities Proceeds from exercise of warrants Proceeds from Issuance of Warrants Proceeds from collateralized debt obligations Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Private equity offering, gross proceeds Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement Cash recorded Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Principal collection on available-for-sale securities Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Available-for-sale Securities Tax refund Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Principal collection on securities held-to-maturity, net Total principal paydowns Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Held-to-maturity Securities Proceeds from issuance of common stock Proceeds from issuance of shares under public offering Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Proceeds from sale of securities held-to-maturity, net Proceeds from Sale of Held-to-maturity Securities Proceeds from sale of investments Proceeds from sale of property Value of property sold by the borrower Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate Proceeds from sale of loan Proceeds from Sale of Mortgage Loans Held-for-sale Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale security Proceeds from sale of securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Cash received in exchange for interest Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Proceeds from sale of real estate, net Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate Held-for-investment Legal, financial and accounting fees Professional Fees Net income (loss) Net income Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Provision for loan losses (net of recoveries) Provision for loan losses Provision for Loan and Lease Losses Summary Quarterly Consolidated Financial Information-Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Summary Quarterly Consolidated Financial Information-Unaudited Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Real Estate Owned and Held-For-Sale Real Estate Owned and Held-For-Sale Real Estate Disclosure [Text Block] Real Estate Properties [Domain] Real Estate Property Ownership [Axis] Real estate owned, gross Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost Real estate owned, net Real estate owned, net (includes $80,787,215 and $80,787,215 from consolidated VIEs, respectively) Real Estate Investment Property, Net Real estate owned, net Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization Real Estate Investment Property, Accumulated Depreciation Real Estate Held-For-Sale Real Estate Held for Development and Sale, Policy [Policy Text Block] Carrying value of real estate properties classified as held-for-sale Real Estate Held-for-sale Property operating income Property operating income relating to real estate owned properties Real Estate Revenue, Net Loans and Investments Schedule of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Management Fees: Related Party Fees and Other Arrangements, Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP) [Abstract] Related party transactions Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Management fee - related party Total Management fee Related Party Costs Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party Transactions Payoffs and paydowns of collateralized debt obligations Repayments of Secured Debt Paydowns and payoffs of repurchase agreements and credit facilities Repayments of Bank Debt Payoff and paydown of mortgage notes payable Repayments of Notes Payable Reduction of outstanding debt balance Debt paid down due to principal paydowns received Payment of debt Face Amount Repayments of Debt Payoff of notes payable-related party Residential mortgage-backed security (RMBS) RMBS Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Restricted cash Restricted cash (includes $111,640,664 and $41,537,212 from consolidated VIEs, respectively) Collateral Cash, Restricted Cash Restricted cash due to escrow requirement Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted common stock Restricted Stock [Member] Retail Retail Site [Member] Accumulated Deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revolving credit facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Higher credit risk Risk Level, High [Member] Lower credit risk Risk Level, Low [Member] Vesting percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Value of common shares issued to the public (in dollars per share) Sale of Stock, Price Per Share Revenue Sales [Member] Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Schedule of Impaired Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of certain financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructurings [Table] Schedule of (benefit) provision for income taxes Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of borrowings Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of difference between effective income tax rate as a percentage of pretax income or loss that and the U.S. federal statutory rate Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Summary of significant components of deferred tax assets (liabilities) Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Summary of quarterly financial data Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale securities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Summary of the company's securities classified as available-for-sale Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of dividends declared by the Company Schedule of Dividends Payable [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits, by Title of Individual and by Type of Deferred Compensation [Table] Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of face amount and gain on extinguishment of the company's CDO bonds repurchased by bond class Held-to-maturity securities Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of derivative financial instruments held by the company Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Summary of the company's variable interests in identified VIEs, of which the company is not the primary beneficiary Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of the effect of the company's derivative financial instruments on the statements of operations Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Collateralized debt obligations Collateralized debt obligations (includes $736,434,556 and $812,452,845 from consolidated VIEs, respectively) Debt, Carrying Value Secured debt Secured Debt Selling and administrative expense Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Selling and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Deferred Compensation Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity Award [Domain] Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] AA Standard & Poor's, AA Rating [Member] CCC Standard & Poor's, CCC Rating [Member] AAA Standard & Poor's AAA rating Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating [Member] BB- Standard & Poor's, BB- Rating [Member] CCC- Standard & Poor's CCC- rating Standard & Poor's, CCC- Rating [Member] CC Standard & Poor's, CC Rating [Member] BB Standard & Poor's, BB Rating [Member] AA+ Standard & Poor's, AA+ Rating [Member] D Standard & Poor's, D Rating [Member] State taxes for the entity's taxable REIT subsidiaries State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Scenario [Axis] Statement [Table] Statement Statement [Line Items] CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY Geographical [Axis] CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Equity Components [Axis] CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Class of Stock [Axis] Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Period Increase (Decrease) Common stock, shares issued as an incentive management fee (in shares) Common stock issued to entity Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Value of warrants using Black-Scholes method Stock and Warrants Issued During Period, Value, Preferred Stock and Warrants Purchase of treasury stock Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Forfeiture of unvested restricted stock (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited Private equity offering, common stock shares sold Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Units Issuance of common stock for management incentive fee Stock Issued Forfeiture of unvested restricted stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeitures Stock-based compensation (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Number of shares of common stock authorized to be repurchased under the stock repurchase program Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Issuance of common stock (in shares) Number of shares of common stock sold under public offering Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Number of fully vested shares issued Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross Stock-based compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Purchase of treasury stock (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Issuance of common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Total Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total equity Balance Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Equity Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Subsequent event Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] REIT subsidiaries Subsidiaries [Member] Supplemental cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Federal and state capital loss carryover Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Investments transferred to available-for-sale securities, at fair value Transfer from Investments Loans transferred to real estate owned, net Real Estate Owned, Transfer from Real Estate Owned Total cost of shares repurchased Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Number of shares repurchased Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury stock, shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Average cost (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Treasury stock, at cost - 2,650,767 shares at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 Treasury Stock, Value Summary of loan modifications and extensions by asset class that the entity considered to be troubled debt restructurings by asset class Troubled Debt Restructurings on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Unconsolidated VIEs Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Consolidated VIEs Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Carrying Amount Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets Weighted average Weighted Average Weighted Average [Member] Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted