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           REAL ESTATE SECURITIES - Holdings in an Unrealized Loss Position and the Associated Intent to Sell (Details 2) (USD $) 
        In Thousands, unless otherwise specified  | 
        
           Dec. 31, 2013 
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           RE Securities Intended to Sell 
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| Fair Value | $ 179,225 | |||||||
| Amortized Cost Basis | 179,225 | |||||||
| Unrealized Credit Losses | (817) | [1] | ||||||
| Unrealized Non-Credit Losses | [2] | |||||||
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           RE Securities More Likely to Sell 
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| Fair Value | [3] | |||||||
| Amortized Cost Basis | ||||||||
| Unrealized Credit Losses | [1],[3] | |||||||
| Unrealized Non-Credit Losses | [2],[3] | |||||||
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           RE Securities No Intent to Sell Credit Impaired 
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| Fair Value | ||||||||
| Amortized Cost Basis | 1 | |||||||
| Unrealized Credit Losses | (2,873) | [1] | ||||||
| Unrealized Non-Credit Losses | (1) | [2] | ||||||
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           RE Securities No Intent to Sell Non Credit Impaired 
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| Fair Value | 24,822 | |||||||
| Amortized Cost Basis | 25,112 | |||||||
| Unrealized Credit Losses | [1] | |||||||
| Unrealized Non-Credit Losses | (290) | [2] | ||||||
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           Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position 
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| Fair Value | 204,047 | |||||||
| Amortized Cost Basis | 204,338 | |||||||
| Unrealized Credit Losses | (3,690) | [1] | ||||||
| Unrealized Non-Credit Losses | $ (291) | [2] | ||||||
          
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition 
          This item represents the cost of debt securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments including accretion, amortization, collection of cash, previous other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings (less any cumulative-effect adjustments recognized, as defined), and fair value hedge accounting adjustments, if any. No definition available. 
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition 
          Gross Unrealized losses on real estate securities that are in an unrealized loss position due to credit and appear on the intent to sell schedule. No definition available. 
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition 
          Gross Unrealized losses on real estate securities that are in an unrealized loss position due to non-credit issues and appear on the intent to sell schedule. No definition available. 
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition 
          This item represents the aggregate fair value of investments in debt and equity securities in an unrealized loss position which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef 
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