| DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details Narrative) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 0 Months Ended | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 15, 2013
 New Residential Spin-Off [Member] | Feb. 13, 2014
 New Media Spin-Off [Member] | Dec. 31, 2013
 New Media Spin-Off [Member] | Sep. 30, 2014
 Beavercreek, OH Planned Sale [Member] | Dec. 31, 2013
 Beavercreek, OH Planned Sale [Member] | |
| Investments in other real estate | $ 6,600 | $ 6,600 | |||
| Cash & cash equivalents | 23,845 | 31,811 | 300 | 200 | |
| Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | 100,695 | 113,251 | 400 | 400 | |
| Reduction in basis for management fee computation | $ 1,200,000 | $ 400,000 | |||
| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition Amount classified as investments in other real estate attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of. No definition available. 
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition The reduction in Newcastle's basis for management fee computation as a result of the spin-off of New Residential. No definition available. 
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition Amount classified as accounts payable and accrued liabilities attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef 
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition Amount classified as cash and cash equivalents attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef 
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