Safehold 10-Q 4 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ISTAR FINANCIAL INC
Entity Central Index Key	1095651
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		85,519,852
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Real estate, at cost	$2,988,670		$3,145,563
Less: accumulated depreciation	-452,397		-468,849
Real estate, net	2,536,273		2,676,714
Real estate available and held for sale	292,608		285,982
Total real estate	2,828,881		2,962,696
Loans receivable and other lending investments, net	1,537,846	[1]	1,377,843	[1]
Other investments	341,549		354,119
Cash and cash equivalents	625,352		472,061
Accrued interest and operating lease income receivable, net	18,450		16,367
Deferred operating lease income receivable	96,279		98,262
Deferred expenses and other assets, net	204,223		181,785
Total assets	5,652,580		5,463,133
Liabilities:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	158,251		180,902
Debt obligations, net	4,261,528		4,022,684
Total liabilities	4,419,779		4,203,586
Commitments and contingencies	0		0
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	13,203		11,199
iStar Financial Inc. shareholders' equity:
High Performance Units	9,800		9,800
Common Stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000 shares authorized, 146,181 issued and 85,520 outstanding at March 31, 2015 and 145,807 issued and 85,191 outstanding at December 31, 2014	146		146
Additional paid-in capital	4,007,540		4,007,514
Retained earnings (deficit)	-2,579,771		-2,556,469
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (see Note 11)	-5,116		-971
Treasury stock, at cost, $0.001 par value, 60,661 shares at March 31, 2015 and 60,617 shares at December 31, 2014	-263,512		-262,954
Total iStar Financial Inc. shareholders' equity	1,169,113		1,197,092
Noncontrolling interests	50,485		51,256
Total equity	1,219,598		1,248,348
Total liabilities and equity	5,652,580		5,463,133
Series D, E, F, G and I Preferred Stock
iStar Financial Inc. shareholders' equity:
Preferred Stock	22		22
Series J convertible perpetual preferred stock
iStar Financial Inc. shareholders' equity:
Preferred Stock	$4		$4
[1]	The Company's recorded investment in loans as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 includes accrued interest of $8.8 million and $7.0 million, respectively, which are included in "Accrued interest and operating lease income receivable, net" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00		$0.00
Common Stock, shares authorized	200,000,000		200,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	146,181,000		145,807,000
Common Stock, shares outstanding	85,520,000		85,191,000
Treasury stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00		$0.00
Treasury stock, shares	60,661,000		60,617,000
Series D, E, F, G and I Preferred Stock
Liquidation Preference (in dollars per share)	$25	[1],[2]	$25	[1],[2]
Series J convertible perpetual preferred stock
Liquidation Preference (in dollars per share)	$50	[1],[2]	$50	[1],[2]
[1]	Holders of shares of the Series D, E, F, G, I and J preferred stock are entitled to receive dividends, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends. Dividends are cumulative from the date of original issue and are payable quarterly in arrears on or before the 15th day of each March, June, September and December or, if not a business day, the next succeeding business day. Any dividend payable on the preferred stock for any partial dividend period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dividends will be payable to holders of record as of the close of business on the first day of the calendar month in which the applicable dividend payment date falls or on another date designated by the Board of Directors of the Company for the payment of dividends that is not more than 30 nor less than 10 days prior to the dividend payment date.
[2]	The Company declared and paid dividends of $2.0 million, $2.8 million, $2.0 million, $1.5 million and $2.3 million on its Series D, E, F, G and I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The Company declared and paid dividends of $2.3 million on its Series J Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. All of the dividends qualified as return of capital for tax reporting purposes. There are no dividend arrearages on any of the preferred shares currently outstanding.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Operating lease income	$59,139		$62,108
Interest income	34,896		27,914
Other income	10,564		14,584
Land development revenue	8,258		4,143
Total revenues	112,857		108,749
Costs and expenses:
Interest expense	54,632		57,456
Real estate expense	39,634		42,613
Land development cost of sales	6,891		3,654
Depreciation and amortization	18,501		18,613
General and administrative	20,753		19,788
Provision for (recovery of) loan losses	4,293	[1]	-3,400	[1]
Impairment of assets	0		2,979
Other expense	2,123		221
Total costs and expenses	146,827		141,924
Income (loss) before earnings from equity method investments and other items	-33,970		-33,175
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net	-168		-1,180
Earnings from equity method investments	6,547		3,177
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-27,591		-31,178
Income tax (expense) benefit	-5,878		507
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-33,469	[2]	-30,671	[2]
Income from sales of real estate	21,156		16,494
Net income (loss)	-12,313		-14,177
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,841		-454
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc.	-10,472		-14,631
Preferred dividends	-12,830		-12,830
Net (income) loss allocable to HPU holders and Participating Security holders	749	[3],[4]	889	[3],[4]
Net income (loss) allocable to common shareholders	($22,553)		($26,572)
Per basic and diluted share data:
Income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. from continuing operations—Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.26)	[2]	($0.31)	[2]
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc.—Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.26)	[2]	($0.31)	[2]
Weighted average number of common shares—Basic and diluted	85,497	[2]	84,819	[2]
Per HPU share data:
Income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. from continuing operations—Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	($49.93)	[2],[4]	($59.27)	[2],[4]
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc.—Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	($49.93)	[2],[4]	($59.27)	[2],[4]
Weighted average High Performance Units outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share	15	[2],[4]	15	[2],[4]
[1]	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the provision for loan losses includes recoveries of previously recorded loan loss reserves of $0.2 million and $5.2 million, respectively.
[2]	Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to iStar Financial Inc. was $(31.6) million and $(31.3) million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. See Note 13 for details on the calculation of earnings per share.
[3]	Participating Security holders are non-employee directors who hold common stock equivalents and restricted stock awards granted under the Company's Long Term Incentive Plans that are eligible to participate in dividends (see Note 12 and Note 13).
[4]	HPU holders are current and former Company employees who purchased high performance common stock units under the Company's High Performance Unit Program.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to iStar Financial Inc.	($31.60)	($31.30)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	($12,313)		($14,177)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Reclassification of (gains)/losses on available-for-sale securities into earnings upon realization	-2,531	[1]	0	[1]
Reclassification of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges into earnings upon realization	150	[2]	135	[2]
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities	-575		68
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	-945		-1,762
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cumulative translation adjustment	-244		163
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-4,145		-1,396
Comprehensive income (loss)	-16,458		-15,573
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,844		-454
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc.	($14,614)		($16,027)
[1]	Included in "Other income" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
[2]	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, $35 and $135, respectively, are included in "Interest expense" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, $115 is included in "Earnings from equity method investments" on the Company Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Reclassification of (gains)/losses on available-for-sale securities into earnings upon realization	($2,531)	[1]	$0	[1]
Reclassification of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges into earnings upon realization	150	[2]	135	[2]
Interest Expense
Reclassification of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges into earnings upon realization	35		135
Earnings from Equity Method Investments
Reclassification of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges into earnings upon realization	$115
[1]	Included in "Other income" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
[2]	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, $35 and $135, respectively, are included in "Interest expense" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, $115 is included in "Earnings from equity method investments" on the Company Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (USD $)		Total	Preferred Stock		Series J Preferred Stock		HPU's	Common Stock at Par	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings (Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock at Cost	Noncontrolling Interests
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013		$1,301,465	$22	[1]	$4	[1]	$9,800	$144	$4,022,138	($2,521,618)	($4,276)	($262,954)	$58,205
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest		-484
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Dividends declared—preferred		-12,830								-12,830
Issuance of stock/restricted stock unit amortization, net		-8,588						1	-8,589
Net income (loss) for the period	[2]	-13,693								-14,631			938
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		-1,396									-1,396
Change in additional paid in capital attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest		-246							-246
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		-2,595											-2,595
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014		1,262,117	22	[1]	4	[1]	9,800	145	4,013,303	-2,549,079	-5,672	-262,954	56,548
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014		1,248,348	22	[1]	4	[1]	9,800	146	4,007,514	-2,556,469	-971	-262,954	51,256
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest		-1,022
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Dividends declared—preferred		-12,830								-12,830
Issuance of stock/restricted stock unit amortization, net		3,054							3,054
Net income (loss) for the period	[2]	-11,291								-10,472			-819
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		-4,145									-4,145
Repurchase of stock		-558										-558
Change in additional paid in capital attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest		-3,028							-3,028
Contributions from noncontrolling interests		52											52
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		-4											-4
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015		$1,219,598	$22	[1]	$4	[1]	$9,800	$146	$4,007,540	($2,579,771)	($5,116)	($263,512)	$50,485
[1]	See Note 11 for details on the Company's Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock.
[2]	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, net income (loss) shown above excludes $(1,022) and $(484) of net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	($12,313)		($14,177)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash flows from operating activities:
Provision for (recovery of) loan losses	4,293	[1]	-3,400	[1]
Impairment of assets	0		2,979
Depreciation and amortization	18,501		18,613
Payments for withholding taxes upon vesting of stock-based compensation	-1,683		-13,456
Non-cash expense for stock-based compensation	3,238		2,075
Amortization of discounts/premiums and deferred financing costs on debt	4,025		4,668
Amortization of discounts/premiums and deferred interest on loans	-19,303		-12,527
Earnings from equity method investments	-6,547		-3,177
Distributions from operations of equity method investments	3,946		8,630
Deferred operating lease income	-1,796		-2,691
Income from sales of real estate and land development	-22,523		-16,983
Other operating activities, net	2,463		1,725
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Changes in accrued interest and operating lease income receivable, net	-2,083		-804
Changes in deferred expenses and other assets, net	5,229		6,418
Changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	-27,801		-42,714
Cash flows from operating activities	-52,354		-64,821
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment originations and fundings	-188,044		-193,943
Capital expenditures on real estate assets	-34,669		-27,902
Acquisitions of real estate assets	0		-2,412
Repayments of and principal collections on loans	34,992		102,928
Net proceeds from sales of loans	5,595		0
Net proceeds from sales of real estate	155,372		161,233
Distributions from other investments	4,260		19,558
Contributions to other investments	-1,231		-22,978
Other investing activities, net	7,671		-1,023
Cash flows from investing activities	-16,054		35,461
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings from debt obligations	250,000		2,067
Repayments of debt obligations	-12,328		-60,863
Preferred dividends paid	-12,830		-12,830
Other financing activities, net	-3,143		-2,984
Cash flows from financing activities	221,699		-74,610
Changes in cash and cash equivalents	153,291		-103,970
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	472,061		513,568
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$625,352		$409,598
[1]	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the provision for loan losses includes recoveries of previously recorded loan loss reserves of $0.2 million and $5.2 million, respectively.

Business_and_Organization

Business and Organization	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business and Organization [Abstract]
Business and Organization	Business and Organization
	Business—iStar Financial Inc., or the "Company," is a fully-integrated finance and investment company focused on the commercial real estate industry. The Company provides custom-tailored investment capital to high-end private and corporate owners of real estate and invests directly across a range of real estate sectors. The Company, which is taxed as a real estate investment trust, or "REIT," has invested more than $35 billion over the past two decades. The Company's primary business segments are real estate finance, net lease, operating properties and land (see Note 15).
	Organization—The Company began its business in 1993 through the management of private investment funds and became publicly traded in 1998. Since that time, the Company has grown through the origination of new investments, as well as through corporate acquisitions.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Prin

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	Basis of Presentation—The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10-01 of Regulation S-X for interim financial statements. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") for complete financial statements. These unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as amended on Form 10-K/A on March 27, 2015 (the "2014 Annual Report").
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. Such operating results may not be indicative of the expected results for any other interim periods or the entire year. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes to conform to the 2015 presentation.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company determined that its classification of proceeds received from land sales for the quarterly periods ended March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2014 was incorrectly classified as a component of cash flows from operating activities rather than cash flows from investing activities. The Company evaluated the impact on the previously issued statements of cash flows for the aforementioned periods and concluded that it was not material. However, in order to correctly present such cash flows, the Company will revise the amounts as those financial statements are presented in the respective 2015 quarterly filings. The impact of the correction for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is as follows:
		As Previously Reported			Change			As Revised
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Three months ended March 31, 2014	$	(60,678	)	$	(4,143	)	$	(64,821	)
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Three months ended March 31, 2014	$	31,318		$	4,143		$	35,461
	Principles of Consolidation—The Consolidated Financial Statements include the financial statements of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries, controlled partnerships and variable interest entities ("VIEs") for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company's involvement with VIEs affects its financial performance and cash flows primarily through amounts recorded in "Operating lease income," "Earnings from equity method investments," "Real estate expense" and "Interest expense" in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company has not provided financial support to those VIEs that it was not previously contractually required to provide.
	Consolidated VIEs—As of March 31, 2015, the Company consolidated 4 VIEs for which it is considered the primary beneficiary. At March 31, 2015, the total assets of these consolidated VIEs were $162.7 million and total liabilities were $13.3 million. The classifications of these assets are primarily within "Real estate, net" and "Other investments" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The classifications of liabilities are primarily within "Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The liabilities of these VIEs are non-recourse to the Company and can only be satisfied from each VIE's respective assets. The Company's total unfunded commitments related to consolidated VIEs was $38.8 million as of March 31, 2015.
	Unconsolidated VIEs—As of March 31, 2015, 25 of the Company's investments were in VIEs where it is not the primary beneficiary and accordingly the VIEs have not been consolidated in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. As of March 31, 2015, the Company's maximum exposure to loss from these investments does not exceed the sum of the $166.3 million carrying value of the investments, which are classified in "Other investments" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, and $22.7 million of related unfunded commitments.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	As of March 31, 2015, the Company's significant accounting policies, which are detailed in the Company's 2014 Annual Report, have not changed materially.
	New Accounting Pronouncements—In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09") which supersedes existing industry-specific guidance, including ASC 360-20, Real Estate Sales. The new standard is principles-based and requires more estimates and judgment than current guidance. Certain contracts with customers, including lease contracts and financial instruments and other contractual rights, are not within the scope of the new guidance. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. Management is evaluating the impact of the guidance on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period ("ASU 2014-12") which requires a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition in accordance with Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation. ASU 2014-12 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Management does not believe the guidance will have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15") which requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt that the Company is able to continue operating as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued or available to be issued. If there is substantial doubt, additional disclosure is required, including the principal condition or event that raised the substantial doubt, the Company's evaluation of the condition or event in relation to its ability to meet its obligations and the Company's plan to alleviate (or, which is intended to alleviate) the substantial doubt. ASU 2014-15 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. Management does not believe the guidance will have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-16, Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share is More Akin to Debt or to Equity ("ASU 2014-16") which eliminates the diversity in practice for the accounting for hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of a share. ASU 2014-16 requires management to consider all terms and features, whether stated or implied, of a hybrid instrument when determining whether the nature of the instrument is more akin to a debt instrument or an equity instrument. Embedded derivative features, which are accounted for separately from host contracts, should also be considered in the analysis of the hybrid instrument. ASU 2014-16 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Management does not believe the guidance will have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis ("ASU 2015-02") which updates the consolidation model for limited partnerships and similar legal entities. ASU 2015-02 includes the evaluation of fees paid to a decision maker as a variable interest and amends the effect of fee arrangements and related parties on the primary beneficiary determination. The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Management is evaluating the impact of the guidance on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU 2015-03") which requires debt issuance costs to be presented as a deduction from the carrying value of the related debt obligation in the balance sheet, which is consistent with the presentation of debt discounts. The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Management does not believe the guidance will have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

Real_Estate

Real Estate	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Real Estate	Real Estate
	The Company's real estate assets were comprised of the following ($ in thousands):
		Net Lease				Operating			Land			Total
						Properties
	As of March 31, 2015
	Land and land improvements	$	314,151			$	141,043		$	860,903		$	1,316,097
	Buildings and improvements	1,234,104				438,469			—			1,672,573
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(370,818		)		(72,822		)	(8,757		)	(452,397		)
	Real estate, net	1,177,437				506,690			852,146			2,536,273
	Real estate available and held for sale	11,307				139,853			141,448			292,608
	Total real estate	$	1,188,744			$	646,543		$	993,594		$	2,828,881
	As of December 31, 2014
	Land and land improvements	$	311,890			$	146,417		$	868,650		$	1,326,957
	Buildings and improvements	1,240,593				578,013			—			1,818,606
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(364,323		)		(96,159		)	(8,367		)	(468,849		)
	Real estate, net	1,188,160				628,271			860,283			2,676,714
	Real estate available and held for sale	4,521				162,782			118,679			285,982
	Total real estate	$	1,192,681			$	791,053		$	978,962		$	2,962,696
	Real Estate Available and Held for Sale—As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had $132.9 million and $155.8 million, respectively, of residential properties available for sale in its operating properties portfolio.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company reclassified residential units with a carrying value of $22.9 million to held for sale due to substantial completion of construction and active marketing of the units for sale. In addition, the Company reclassified net lease assets with a carrying value of $7.5 million, residential lots with a carrying value of $3.9 million and land with a carrying value of $2.8 million to held for sale due to executed contracts with third parties.
	Acquisitions—The following acquisitions of real estate were reflected in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 ($ in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Acquisitions of real estate assets	—			2,412		-1
	Explanatory Note:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company purchased one condominium unit for $2.4 million.
	Dispositions—During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company sold residential condominiums for total net proceeds of $49.0 million and $47.7 million, respectively, and recorded income from sales of real estate totaling $17.6 million and $16.5 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company sold residential lots from three of its master planned community properties, condominium units from an infill property and residential lots from another infill property for proceeds of $8.3 million which had associated cost of sales of $6.9 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company sold residential lots from two of our master planned community properties for proceeds of $4.1 million and which had cost of sales of $3.7 million.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company, through a consolidated entity for which it has a 90% ownership interest, sold a leasehold interest in a commercial operating property for net proceeds of $93.5 million and simultaneously entered into a ground lease with an initial term of 99 years. In connection with this transaction, the Company recorded a lease incentive asset of $38.1 million, which is included in "Deferred expenses and other assets, net" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, and deferred a gain of $5.3 million, which is included in "Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company sold a net lease asset for net proceeds of $4.9 million resulting in a gain of $3.5 million. The gain was recorded in "Income from sale of real estate" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company sold a net lease asset for net proceeds of $93.7 million which approximated carrying value to a newly formed unconsolidated entity in which the Company has a noncontrolling equity interest of 51.9% (see Note 6).
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company sold properties with a carrying value of $6.7 million for proceeds that approximated carrying value. During the same period, the Company also sold a net lease asset for net proceeds of $7.8 million. The Company recorded an impairment loss of $3.0 million in connection with the sale.
	Tenant Reimbursements—The Company receives reimbursements from tenants for certain facility operating expenses including common area costs, insurance, utilities and real estate taxes. Tenant expense reimbursements were $7.0 million and $8.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These amounts are included in "Operating lease income" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest—The Company has redeemable noncontrolling interests for which it records changes in the fair value over the redemption periods. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the interest which is not currently redeemable had a carrying value of $9.3 million and $9.9 million, respectively, and an estimated redemption value of $23.6 million at both dates.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts—As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the allowance for doubtful accounts related to real estate tenant receivables was $1.4 million and $1.3 million, respectively, and the allowance for doubtful accounts related to deferred operating lease income was $2.4 million and $2.4 million, respectively.

Loans_Receivable_and_Other_Len

Loans Receivable and Other Lending Investments, net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans Receivable and Other Lending Investments, net	Loans Receivable and Other Lending Investments, net
	The following is a summary of the Company's loans receivable and other lending investments by class ($ in thousands):
		As of
	Type of Investment	March 31,				December 31,
		2015				2014
	Senior mortgages	$	876,765			$	737,535
	Corporate/Partnership loans	548,115				497,796
	Subordinate mortgages	27,822				53,331
	Total gross carrying value of loans	1,452,702				1,288,662
	Reserves for loan losses	(102,783		)		(98,490		)
	Total loans receivable, net	1,349,919				1,190,172
	Other lending investments—securities	187,927				187,671
	Total loans receivable and other lending investments, net(1)	$	1,537,846			$	1,377,843
	Explanatory Note:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	The Company's recorded investment in loans as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 includes accrued interest of $8.8 million and $7.0 million, respectively, which are included in "Accrued interest and operating lease income receivable, net" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company sold a loan with a carrying value of $5.5 million. No gain or loss was recognized as a result of the transaction. Gains and losses on sales of loans are included in "Other income" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Reserve for Loan Losses—Changes in the Company's reserve for loan losses were as follows ($ in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Reserve for loan losses at beginning of period	$	98,490			$	377,204
	Provision for (recovery of) loan losses(1)	4,293				(3,400		)
	Charge-offs	—				(3,728		)
	Reserve for loan losses at end of period	$	102,783			$	370,076
	Explanatory Note:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the provision for loan losses includes recoveries of previously recorded loan loss reserves of $0.2 million and $5.2 million, respectively.
	The Company's recorded investment in loans (comprised of a loan's carrying value plus accrued interest) and the associated reserve for loan losses were as follows ($ in thousands):
		Individually				Collectively				Total
		Evaluated for				Evaluated for
		Impairment(1)				Impairment(2)
	As of March 31, 2015
	Loans	$	137,045			$	1,324,454			$	1,461,499
	Less: Reserve for loan losses	(64,783		)		(38,000		)		(102,783		)
	Total	$	72,262			$	1,286,454			$	1,358,716
	As of December 31, 2014
	Loans	$	139,672			$	1,156,031			$	1,295,703
	Less: Reserve for loan losses	(64,990		)		(33,500		)		(98,490		)
	Total	$	74,682			$	1,122,531			$	1,197,213
	Explanatory Notes:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	The carrying value of these loans include unamortized discounts, premiums, deferred fees and costs aggregating to a net discount of $0.2 million and $0.2 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company's loans individually evaluated for impairment primarily represent loans on non-accrual status and therefore, the unamortized amounts associated with these loans are not currently being amortized into income.
	-2	The carrying value of these loans include unamortized discounts, premiums, deferred fees and costs aggregating to a net discount of $11.5 million and $10.6 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	Credit Characteristics—As part of the Company's process for monitoring the credit quality of its loans, it performs a quarterly loan portfolio assessment and assigns risk ratings to each of its performing loans. Risk ratings are based on judgments which are inherently uncertain and there can be no assurance that actual performance will be similar to current expectation.
	The Company's recorded investment in performing loans, presented by class and by credit quality, as indicated by risk rating, was as follows ($ in thousands):
		As of March 31, 2015							As of December 31, 2014
		Performing				Weighted			Performing				Weighted
		Loans				Average			Loans				Average
						Risk Ratings							Risk Ratings
	Senior mortgages	$	751,828			2.8			$	611,009			2.73
	Corporate/Partnership loans	552,601				3.83			501,620				3.88
	Subordinate mortgages	28,129				3.61			53,836				2.87
	Total	$	1,332,558			3.24			$	1,166,465			3.23
	As of March 31, 2015, the Company's recorded investment in loans, aged by payment status and presented by class, were as follows ($ in thousands):
		Current				Less Than				Greater				Total			Total
						and Equal				Than				Past Due
						to 90 Days				90 Days(1)
	Senior mortgages	$	764,062			$	20,693			$	96,014			$	116,707		$	880,769
	Corporate/Partnership loans	552,601				—				—				—			552,601
	Subordinate mortgages	28,129				—				—				—			28,129
	Total	$	1,344,792			$	20,693			$	96,014			$	116,707		$	1,461,499
	Explanatory Note:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	As of March 31, 2015, the Company had 3 loans which were greater than 90 days delinquent and were in various stages of resolution, including legal proceedings, environmental concerns and foreclosure-related proceedings, and ranged from 5.0 to 6.0 years outstanding.
Impaired Loans—The Company's recorded investment in impaired loans, presented by class, were as follows ($ in thousands)(1):
	As of March 31, 2015									As of December 31, 2014
	Recorded			Unpaid			Related			Recorded			Unpaid		Related
	Investment			Principal			Allowance			Investment			Principal		Allowance
				Balance									Balance
With an allowance recorded:
Senior mortgages	130,336			129,428			(64,440	)		130,645			129,744		(64,440	)
Corporate/Partnership loans	6,709			6,736			(343	)		9,027			9,057		(550	)
Total	137,045			136,164			(64,783	)		139,672			138,801		(64,990	)
Explanatory Note:
_______________________________________________________________________________
-1	All of the Company's non-accrual loans are considered impaired and included in the table above. In addition, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, certain loans modified through troubled debt restructurings with a recorded investment of $8.1 million and $10.4 million, respectively, are also included as impaired loans in accordance with GAAP although they are performing and on accrual status. The Company did not have impaired loans with no related allowance recorded.
The Company's average recorded investment in impaired loans and interest income recognized, presented by class, were as follows ($ in thousands):
	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015								2014
	Average				Interest				Average				Interest
	Recorded				Income				Recorded				Income
	Investment				Recognized				Investment				Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
Senior mortgages	$	—			$	—			$	48,512			$	501
Subtotal	—				—				48,512				501
With an allowance recorded:
Senior mortgages	130,491				17				578,041				53
Corporate/Partnership loans	7,868				9				93,565				65
Subtotal	138,359				26				671,606				118
Total:
Senior mortgages	130,491				17				626,553				554
Corporate/Partnership loans	7,868				9				93,565				65
Total	$	138,359			$	26			$	720,118			$	619
Troubled Debt Restructurings—During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not modify any loans that were determined to be troubled debt restructurings.
Generally when granting concessions, the Company will seek to protect its position by requiring incremental pay downs, additional collateral or guarantees and in some cases lookback features or equity kickers to offset concessions granted should conditions impacting the loan improve. The Company's determination of credit losses is impacted by troubled debt restructurings whereby loans that have gone through troubled debt restructurings are considered impaired, assessed for specific reserves, and are not included in the Company's assessment of general loan loss reserves. Loans previously restructured under troubled debt restructurings that subsequently default are reassessed to incorporate the Company's current assumptions on expected cash flows and additional provision expense is recorded to the extent necessary. As of March 31, 2015, there were no unfunded commitments associated with modified loans considered troubled debt restructurings.
Securities—Other lending investments—securities includes the following ($ in thousands):
	Face Value				Amortized Cost Basis				Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)				Estimated Fair Value			Net Carrying Value
As of March 31, 2015
Available-for-Sale Securities
Municipal debt securities	$	1,010			$	1,010			$	153			$	1,163		$	1,163
Held-to-Maturity Securities
Corporate debt securities	174,227				186,764				—				193,045			186,764
Total	$	175,237			$	187,774			$	153			$	194,208		$	187,927
As of December 31, 2014
Available-for-Sale Securities
Municipal debt securities	$	1,020			$	1,020			$	147			$	1,167		$	1,167
Held-to-Maturity Securities
Corporate debt securities	176,254				186,504				—				190,199			186,504
Total	$	177,274			$	187,524			$	147			$	191,366		$	187,671

Other_Investments

Other Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Other Investments	Other Investments
	The Company's other investments and its proportionate share of results from equity method investments were as follows ($ in thousands):
		Carrying Value as of					Equity in Earnings for the
							Three Months Ended March 31,
		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014			2015			2014
	iStar Net Lease I LLC ("Net Lease Venture")	$	124,464	$	125,361		$	1,633		$	(362	)
	Other real estate equity investments	86,166		88,848			(1,302		)	934
	Other investments	50,725		63,262			1,733			3,334
	Madison Funds	44,997		45,971			(37		)	(402		)
	Marina Palms, LLC ("Marina Palms")	35,197		30,677			4,520			(327		)
	Total other investments	341,549		354,119			$	6,547		$	3,177
	Net Lease Venture—During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company partnered with a sovereign wealth fund to form a new unconsolidated entity in which the Company has a noncontrolling equity interest of approximately 51.9%. This entity is not a VIE and the Company does not have controlling interest due to the substantive participating rights of its partner. The partners plan to contribute up to an aggregate $500 million of equity to acquire and develop net lease assets over time. The Company is responsible for sourcing new opportunities and managing the venture and its assets in exchange for a promote and management fee. Several of the Company's officers whose time is substantially devoted to the net lease venture own a total of 0.6% equity ownership in the venture via co-investment. These officers are also entitled to an amount equal to 50% of any promote payment received based on the 47.5% partner's interest. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company sold a net lease asset for net proceeds of $93.7 million, which approximated carrying value, to the venture. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the venture's carrying value of total assets was $346.8 million and $348.1 million, respectively.
	Marina Palms—As of March 31, 2015, the Company owned a 47.5% equity interest and a $10.0 million preferred partnership interest in Marina Palms. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the venture's carrying value of total assets was $275.8 million and $265.7 million, respectively.
	Other real estate equity investments—As of March 31, 2015, the Company's other real estate equity investments included equity interests in real estate ventures ranging from 16% to 86%, comprised of investments of $12.3 million in operating properties and $73.7 million in land assets. As of December 31, 2014, the Company's real estate equity investments included $13.2 million in operating properties and $75.5 million in land assets.
	Madison Funds—As of March 31, 2015, the Company owned a 29.5% interest in Madison International Real Estate Fund II, LP ("MIRELF II"), a 32.9% interest in Madison International Real Estate Liquidity Fund III, LP ("MIRELF III"), a 32.9% interest in Madison International Real Estate Liquidity Fund III AIV, LP ("MIRELF III AIV") and a 29.5% interest in Madison GP1 Investors, LP (collectively, the "Madison Funds"). The Madison Funds invest in ownership positions of entities that own real estate assets. The Company determined that these entities are VIEs and that the Company is not the primary beneficiary.
	Other investments—As of March 31, 2015, the Company also had smaller investments in real estate related funds and other strategic investments in several other entities that were accounted for under the equity method or cost method. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company sold available-for-sale securities for proceeds of $7.3 million for realized gains of $2.5 million, which is included in "Other income" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. The amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings was determined based on the specific identification method.
	Summarized investee financial information—The following tables present the investee level summarized financial information of the Company's equity method investments, which were significant subsidiaries as of March 31, 2015 ($ in thousands):
		Revenues		Expenses			Net Income Attributable to Parent Entities
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Marina Palms	$	34,998	$	(22,638	)	$	12,360
	Net Lease Venture	7,829		(4,546		)	3,146
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Marina Palms	$	17	$	(710	)	$	(693	)
	Net Lease Venture(1)	944		(1,642		)	(698		)
	Explanatory Note:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	The Company began accounting for its investment in Net Lease Venture under the equity method of accounting on February 13, 2014, when the venture was formed. The amounts in the Company's financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are based on the balances and results from Net Lease Venture for the period from February 13, 2014 to March 31, 2014.

Other_Assets_and_Other_Liabili

Other Assets and Other Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Assets and Other Liabilities [Abstract]
Other Assets and Other Liabilities	Other Assets and Other Liabilities
	Deferred expenses and other assets, net, consist of the following items ($ in thousands):
		As of
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Intangible assets, net(1)	$	80,429		$	50,088
	Other assets	36,599			37,085
	Deferred financing fees, net(2)	35,494			36,774
	Restricted cash	19,124			19,283
	Leasing costs, net(3)	16,662			20,031
	Other receivables	10,802			13,115
	Corporate furniture, fixtures and equipment, net(4)	5,113			5,409
	Deferred expenses and other assets, net	$	204,223		$	181,785
	Explanatory Notes:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	Intangible assets, net are primarily related to the acquisition of real estate assets. This balance also includes a lease incentive asset of $38.1 million (see Note 4). Accumulated amortization on intangible assets was $35.6 million and $45.1 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The amortization of above market leases decreased operating lease income on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations by $2.0 million and $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The amortization expense for other intangible assets was $1.5 million and $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These amounts are included in "Depreciation and amortization" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	-2	Accumulated amortization on deferred financing fees was $18.3 million and $15.4 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	-3	Accumulated amortization on leasing costs was $8.6 million and $9.0 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	-4	Accumulated depreciation on corporate furniture, fixtures and equipment was $7.3 million and $7.1 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities consist of the following items ($ in thousands):
		As of
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Other liabilities(1)	$	58,353		$	48,256
	Accrued interest payable	45,077			57,895
	Accrued expenses	43,202			62,866
	Intangible liabilities, net(2)	11,619			11,885
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	$	158,251		$	180,902
	Explanatory Notes:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, "Other liabilities" includes $10.3 million and $6.8 million, respectively, related to a profit sharing payable to a developer for residential units sold. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, "Other liabilities" also includes $7.5 million and $7.7 million, respectively, related to tax increment financing ("TIF") bonds which were issued by a governmental entity to fund the installation of infrastructure within one of the Company's master planned community developments. The balance represents a special assessment associated with each individual land parcel, which will decrease as the Company sells parcels.
	-2	Intangible liabilities, net are primarily related to the acquisition of real estate assets. Accumulated amortization on intangible liabilities was $5.5 million and $6.2 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The amortization of intangible liabilities increased operating lease income on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations by $0.4 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities of the Company's TRS entities were as follows ($ in thousands):
		As of
		31-Mar-15			December 31, 2014
	Deferred tax assets(1)	$	57,053		$	54,318
	Valuation allowance	(57,053		)	(54,318		)
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	—		$	—
	Explanatory Note:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	Deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2015 include timing differences related primarily to real estate basis of $39.1 million, investment basis of $6.2 million, deferred expenses of $5.6 million, and net operating loss carryforwards of $3.9 million. Deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2014, include timing differences related primarily to real estate basis of $39.3 million, investment basis of $5.9 million, net operating loss carryforwards of $4.1 million, and deferred expenses of $2.7 million.

Debt_Obligations_net

Debt Obligations, net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Obligations, net	Debt Obligations, net
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company's debt obligations were as follows ($ in thousands):
		Carrying Value as of						Stated			Scheduled
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014			Interest Rates			Maturity Date
	Secured credit facilities and term loans:
	2012 Tranche A-2 Facility	$	348,185		$	358,504		LIBOR + 5.75%		-1	Mar-17
	2015 Revolving Credit Facility	250,000			—			Various		-2	Mar-18
	Term loans collateralized by net lease assets	246,792			248,955			4.851% - 7.26%		-3	Various through 2026
	Total secured credit facilities and term loans	844,977			607,459
	Unsecured notes:
	6.05% senior notes	105,765			105,765			6.05	%		Apr-15
	5.875% senior notes	261,403			261,403			5.875	%		Mar-16
	3.875% senior notes	265,000			265,000			3.875	%		Jul-16
	3.0% senior convertible notes(4)	200,000			200,000			3	%		Nov-16
	1.50% senior convertible notes(5)	200,000			200,000			1.5	%		Nov-16
	5.85% senior notes	99,722			99,722			5.85	%		Mar-17
	9.0% senior notes	275,000			275,000			9	%		Jun-17
	4.00% senior notes	550,000			550,000			4	%		Nov-17
	7.125% senior notes	300,000			300,000			7.125	%		Feb-18
	4.875% senior notes	300,000			300,000			4.875	%		Jul-18
	5.00% senior notes	770,000			770,000			5	%		Jul-19
	Total unsecured notes	3,326,890			3,326,890
	Other debt obligations:
	Other debt obligations	100,000			100,000			LIBOR + 1.50%			Oct-35
	Total debt obligations	4,271,867			4,034,349
	Debt discounts, net	(10,339		)	(11,665		)
	Total debt obligations, net	$	4,261,528		$	4,022,684
	Explanatory Notes:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	The loan has a LIBOR floor of 1.25%. As of March 31, 2015, inclusive of the floor, the 2012 Tranche A-2 Facility loan incurred interest at a rate of 7.00%.
	-2	The loan bears interest at the Company's election of either (i) a base rate, which is the greater of (a) prime, (b) federal funds plus 0.5% or (c) LIBOR plus 1.00% and subject to a margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.75%, or (ii) LIBOR subject to a margin ranging from 2.25% to 2.75%. At maturity, the Company may convert outstanding borrowings to a one year term loan which matures in quarterly installments through March 2019.
	-3	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, includes a loan with a floating rate of LIBOR plus 2.00%. As of March 31, 2015, the weighted average interest rate of these loans is 5.3%.
	-4	The Company's 3.0% senior convertible fixed rate notes due November 2016 ("3.0% Convertible Notes") are convertible at the option of the holders, into 85.0 shares per $1,000 principal amount of 3.0% Convertible Notes, at $11.77 per share at any time prior to the close of business on November 14, 2016.
	-5	The Company's 1.50% senior convertible fixed rate notes due November 2016 ("1.50% Convertible Notes") are convertible at the option of the holders, into 57.8 shares per $1,000 principal amount of 1.50% Convertible Notes, at $17.29 per share at any time prior to the close of business on November 14, 2016.
	Future Scheduled Maturities—As of March 31, 2015, future scheduled maturities of outstanding long-term debt obligations are as follows ($ in thousands):
		Unsecured Debt			Secured Debt			Total
	2015 (remaining nine months)	$	105,765		$	—		$	105,765
	2016	926,403			—			926,403
	2017	924,722			348,185			1,272,907
	2018	600,000			264,765			864,765
	2019	770,000			31,936			801,936
	Thereafter	100,000			200,091			300,091
	Total principal maturities	3,426,890			844,977			4,271,867
	Unamortized debt discounts, net	(7,656		)	(2,683		)	(10,339		)
	Total long-term debt obligations, net	$	3,419,234		$	842,294		$	4,261,528
	2015 Revolving Credit Facility—On March 27, 2015, the Company entered into a secured revolving credit facility with a maximum capacity of $250.0 million (the "2015 Revolving Credit Facility"). Borrowings under this credit facility bear interest at a floating rate indexed to one of several base rates plus a margin which adjusts upward or downward based upon the Company's corporate credit rating. Commitments under the revolving facility mature in March 2018. At maturity, the Company may convert outstanding borrowings to a one year term loan which matures in quarterly installments through March 2019. The facility is secured by a borrowing base of assets and there is no requirement that proceeds from the borrowing base be used to pay down outstanding borrowings.
	2012 Secured Credit Facilities—In March 2012, the Company entered into an $880.0 million senior secured credit agreement providing for two tranches of term loans: a $410.0 million 2012 A-1 tranche due March 2016, which bears interest at a rate of LIBOR + 4.00% (the "2012 Tranche A-1 Facility"), and a $470.0 million 2012 A-2 tranche due March 2017, which bears interest at a rate of LIBOR + 5.75% (the "2012 Tranche A-2 Facility," together the "2012 Secured Credit Facilities"). The 2012 A-1 and A-2 tranches were issued at 98.0% of par and 98.5% of par, respectively, and both tranches include a LIBOR floor of 1.25%. Proceeds from the 2012 Secured Credit Facilities, together with cash on hand, were used to repurchase and repay at maturity $606.7 million aggregate principal amount of the Company's convertible notes due October 2012, to fully repay the $244.0 million balance on the Company's unsecured credit facility due June 2012, and to repay, upon maturity, $90.3 million outstanding principal balance of its 5.50% senior unsecured notes.
	The 2012 Secured Credit Facilities are collateralized by a first lien on a fixed pool of assets. Proceeds from principal repayments and sales of collateral are applied to amortize the 2012 Secured Credit Facilities. Proceeds received for interest, rent, lease payments and fee income are retained by the Company. The Company may also make optional prepayments, subject to prepayment fees. The 2012 Tranche A-1 Facility was fully repaid in August 2013. Additionally, through March 31, 2015, the Company made cumulative amortization repayments of $121.8 million on the 2012 Tranche A-2 Facility. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, repayments of the 2012 Tranche A-2 Facility prior to maturity resulted in losses on early extinguishment of debt of $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, related to the accelerated amortization of discounts and unamortized deferred financing fees on the portion of the facility that was repaid. These amounts were included in "Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Encumbered/Unencumbered Assets—As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the carrying value of the Company's encumbered and unencumbered assets by asset type are as follows ($ in thousands):
		As of
		31-Mar-15						31-Dec-14
		Encumbered Assets			Unencumbered Assets			Encumbered Assets				Unencumbered Assets
	Real estate, net	$	886,114		$	1,650,159		$	620,378			$	2,056,336
	Real estate available and held for sale	10,496			282,112			10,496				275,486
	Loans receivable and other lending investments, net(1)	109,798			1,466,048			46,515				1,364,828
	Other investments	16,367			325,182			17,708				336,411
	Cash and other assets	—			944,304			—				768,475
	Total	$	1,022,775		$	4,667,805		$	695,097			$	4,801,536
	Explanatory Note:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the amounts presented exclude general reserves for loan losses of $38.0 million and $33.5 million, respectively.
	Debt Covenants
	The Company's outstanding unsecured debt securities contain corporate level covenants that include a covenant to maintain a ratio of unencumbered assets to unsecured indebtedness of at least 1.2x and a covenant not to incur new indebtedness, if on a pro forma basis, the Company's fixed charge coverage ratio is 1.5x or lower, except for incurrences of permitted debt. If any of the Company's covenants are breached and not cured within applicable cure periods, the breach could result in acceleration of its debt securities unless a waiver or modification is agreed upon with the requisite percentage of the bondholders.
	The Company's 2012 Secured Credit Facilities and the 2015 Revolving Credit Facility contain certain covenants, including covenants relating to collateral coverage, dividend payments, restrictions on fundamental changes, transactions with affiliates, matters relating to the liens granted to the lenders and the delivery of information to the lenders. In particular, the 2012 Secured Credit Facilities require the Company to maintain collateral coverage of at least 1.25x outstanding borrowings on the facilities. The 2015 Revolving Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain both collateral coverage of at least 1.5x outstanding borrowings on the facility and a consolidated ratio of cash flow to fixed charges of at least 1.5x. In addition, for so long as the Company maintains its qualification as a REIT, the 2012 Secured Credit Facilities and the 2015 Revolving Credit Facility permit the Company to distribute 100% of its REIT taxable income on an annual basis (prior to deducting certain cumulative net operating loss carryforwards in the case of the 2015 Revolving Credit Facility). The Company may not pay common dividends if it ceases to qualify as a REIT.
The Company's 2012 Secured Credit Facilities and the 2015 Revolving Credit Facility contain cross default provisions that would allow the lenders to declare an event of default and accelerate the Company's indebtedness to them if the Company fails to pay amounts due in respect of its other recourse indebtedness in excess of specified thresholds or if the lenders under such other indebtedness are otherwise permitted to accelerate such indebtedness for any reason. The indentures governing the Company's unsecured public debt securities permit the bondholders to declare an event of default and accelerate the Company's indebtedness to them if the Company's other recourse indebtedness in excess of specified thresholds is not paid at final maturity or if such indebtedness is accelerated.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Unfunded Commitments—The Company generally funds construction and development loans and build-outs of space in net lease assets over a period of time if and when the borrowers and tenants meet established milestones and other performance criteria. The Company refers to these arrangements as Performance-Based Commitments. In addition, the Company sometimes establishes a maximum amount of additional funding which it will make available to a borrower or tenant for an expansion or addition to a project if it approves of the expansion or addition in its sole discretion. The Company refers to these arrangements as Discretionary Fundings. Finally, the Company has committed to invest capital in several real estate funds and other ventures. These arrangements are referred to as Strategic Investments.
	As of March 31, 2015, the maximum amount of fundings the Company may be required to make under each category, assuming all performance hurdles and milestones are met under the Performance-Based Commitments, that it approves all Discretionary Fundings and that 100% of its capital committed to Strategic Investments is drawn down, are as follows ($ in thousands):
		Loans and Other Lending Investments		Real Estate		Other		Total
						Investments
	Performance-Based Commitments	$	600,213	$	12,081	$	27,221	$	639,515
	Strategic Investments	—		—		45,762		45,762
	Discretionary Fundings	18,065		—		—		18,065
	Total	$	618,278	$	12,081	$	72,983	$	703,342
	Legal Proceedings—The Company and/or one or more of its subsidiaries is party to various pending litigation matters that are considered ordinary routine litigation incidental to the Company's business as a finance and investment company focused on the commercial real estate industry, including loan foreclosure and foreclosure-related proceedings. In addition to such matters, the Company is a party to the following legal proceedings:
	On March 7, 2014, a shareholder action purporting to assert derivative, class and individual claims was filed in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland naming the Company, a number of its current and former senior executives (including its chief executive officer) and current and former directors as defendants.  The complaint sought unspecified damages and other relief and alleged breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract and other causes of action arising out of shares of common stock issued by the Company to its senior executives pursuant to restricted stock unit awards granted in December 2008 and modified in July 2011. On October 30, 2014, the Court granted the defendants’ Motions to Dismiss and plaintiffs’ claims against all of the defendants in this action were dismissed. Plaintiffs have filed a notice of appeal. On March 4, 2015, the Maryland Court of Special Appeals issued a notice docketing the appeal in that court and scheduling oral arguments for November 2015.
	On January 22, 2015, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (the "Court") entered a judgment in favor of the Company in the matter of U.S. Home Corporation ("Lennar") v. Settlers Crossing, LLC, et al. (Civil Action No. DKC 08-1863). The litigation involved a dispute over the purchase and sale of approximately 1,250 acres of land in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The Court found that the Company was entitled to specific performance and awarded damages to it in the aggregate amount of: (i) the remaining purchase price to be paid by Lennar of $114.0 million; plus (ii) interest on the unpaid amount at a rate of 12% per annum, calculated on a per diem basis, from May 27, 2008, until Lennar proceeds to settlement on the land; plus (iii) real estate taxes paid by the Company; plus (iv) actual and reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred by the Company in connection with the litigation. The Court ordered Lennar to proceed to settlement on the land and to pay the total amounts awarded to the Company within 30 days of the judgment. A third party is entitled to a 15% participation interest in all proceeds. Lennar has filed a notice of appeal and other motions regarding the Court’s judgment, orders and rulings in the action. There can be no assurance as to the timing or actual receipt by the Company of amounts awarded by the Court or to the outcome of any appeal.
	On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates developments in legal proceedings that could require a liability to be accrued and/or disclosed. Based on its current knowledge, and after consultation with legal counsel, the Company believes it is not a party to, nor are any of its properties the subject of, any pending legal proceeding that would have a material adverse effect on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

Derivatives

Derivatives

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivatives

Derivatives

The Company's use of derivative financial instruments is primarily limited to the utilization of interest rate swaps, interest rate caps and foreign exchange contracts. The principal objective of such financial instruments is to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with the Company's operating and financial structure and to manage its exposure to interest rates and foreign exchange rates. Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and are used to manage the Company's exposure to interest rate movements, foreign exchange rate movements, and other identified risks, but may not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements.

The table below presents the fair value of the Company's derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 ($ in thousands):

Derivative Assets as of

Derivative Liabilities as of

March 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

March 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

Balance Sheet

Fair

Balance Sheet

Fair

Balance Sheet

Fair

Balance Sheet

Fair

Location

Value

Location

Value

Location

Value

Location

Value

Derivatives Designated in Hedging Relationships

Foreign exchange contracts

N/A

$

—

N/A

$

—

Other Liabilities

$

676

Other Liabilities

$

478

Interest rate swaps

N/A

—

Other Assets

52

Other Liabilities

234

N/A

—

Total

$

—

$

52

$

910

$

478

Derivatives not Designated in Hedging Relationships

Foreign exchange contracts

Other Assets

$

2,180

Other Assets

$

1,534

N/A

$

—

N/A

$

—

Interest rate cap

Other Assets

2,739

Other Assets

4,775

N/A

—

N/A

—

Total

$

4,919

$

6,309

$

—

$

—

The tables below present the effect of the Company's derivative financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 ($ in thousands):

Derivatives Designated in Hedging Relationships

Location of Gain (Loss)

Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)

Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Earnings (Effective Portion)

Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Earnings

Recognized in Income

(Ineffective Portion)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015

Interest rate cap

Interest Expense

$

—

$

(77

)

N/A

Interest rate cap

Earnings from equity method investments

(7

)

—

N/A

Interest rate swaps

Interest Expense

(376

)

42

N/A

Interest rate swap

Earnings from equity method investments

(364

)

(115

)

N/A

Foreign exchange contracts

Earnings from equity method investments

(198

)

—

N/A

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014

Interest rate cap

Interest Expense

(962

)

—

N/A

Interest rate swap

Interest Expense

(348

)

(135

)

N/A

Foreign exchange contracts

Earnings from equity method investments

(452

)

—

N/A

Amount of Gain or (Loss)

Recognized in Income

Location of Gain or

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

(Loss) Recognized in

Derivatives not Designated in Hedging Relationships

Income

2015

2014

Interest rate cap

Other Expense

$

(2,036

)

$

—

Foreign exchange contracts

Other Expense

2,289

1,498

Foreign Exchange Contracts—The Company is exposed to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates on investments it holds in foreign entities. The Company uses foreign exchange contracts to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign exchange rates on its foreign investments. Foreign exchange contracts involve fixing the U.S. dollar ("USD") to the respective foreign currency exchange rate for delivery of a specified amount of foreign currency on a specified date. The foreign exchange contracts are typically cash settled in USD for their fair value at or close to their settlement date.

For derivatives designated as net investment hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivatives are reported in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income as part of the cumulative translation adjustment. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. Amounts are reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into earnings when the hedged foreign entity is either sold or substantially liquidated. As of March 31, 2015, the Company had the following outstanding foreign currency derivatives that were used to hedge its net investments in foreign operations that were designated ($ and Rs in thousands):

Derivative Type

Notional

Notional

Maturity

Amount

(USD Equivalent)

Sells Indian rupee ("INR")/Buys USD Forward

₨

456,000

$

6,534

Jun-15

For derivatives not designated as net investment hedges, the changes in the fair value of the derivatives are reported in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations within "Other Expense." As of March 31, 2015, the Company had the following outstanding foreign currency derivatives that were used to hedge its net investments in foreign operations that were not designated ($, €, £ and C$ in thousands):

Derivative Type

Notional

Notional

Maturity

Amount

(USD Equivalent)

Sells euro ("EUR")/Buys USD Forward

€

13,000

$

15,482

Apr-15

Sells pound sterling ("GBP")/Buys USD Forward

£

3,000

$

4,548

Apr-15

Sells Canadian dollar ("CAD")/Buys USD Forward

C$

10,000

$

8,475

Apr-15

The Company marks its foreign investments each quarter based on current exchange rates and records the gain or loss through "Other expense" on its Consolidated Statements of Operations for loan investments or "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)," on its Consolidated Balance Sheets for net investments in foreign subsidiaries. The Company recorded net gains (losses) related to foreign investments of $0.0 million and $0.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, in its Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Interest Rate Hedges—For derivatives designated as interest rate hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivatives are reported in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly within the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of March 31, 2015, the Company had the following outstanding interest rate swap that was used to hedge its variable rate debt that was designated ($ in thousands):

Derivative Type

Notional

Variable Rate

Fixed Rate

Effective Date

Maturity

Amount

Interest rate swap

$

27,324

LIBOR + 2.00%

3.47%

Oct-12

Nov-19

For derivatives not designated as interest rate hedges, the changes in the fair value of the derivatives are reported in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations within "Other Expense." As of March 31, 2015, the Company had the following outstanding interest rate cap that was used to hedge its variable rate debt that was not designated ($ in thousands):

Derivative Type

Notional

Variable Rate

Fixed Rate

Effective Date

Maturity

Amount

Interest rate cap

$

500,000

LIBOR

1.00%

Jul-14

Jul-17

Over the next 12 months, the Company expects that $0.2 million related to terminated cash flow hedges will be reclassified from "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" into interest expense and $0.7 million relating to other cash flow hedges will be reclassified from "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" into earnings.

Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features—The Company has agreements with each of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Company either defaults or is capable of being declared in default on any of its indebtedness, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.

In connection with its foreign currency derivatives, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company has posted collateral of $3.0 million and $3.0 million, respectively, which is included in "Restricted cash" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Equity

Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	Equity
	Preferred Stock—The Company had the following series of Cumulative Redeemable and Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock outstanding as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
								Cumulative Preferential Cash
								Dividends(1)(2)
	Series		Shares Issued and		Par Value			Liquidation Preference		Rate per Annum		Equivalent to
			Outstanding									Fixed Annual
			(in thousands)									Rate (per share)
	D		4,000		$	0.001		$	25	8	%	$	2
	E		5,600		0.001			25		7.875	%	1.97
	F		4,000		0.001			25		7.8	%	1.95
	G		3,200		0.001			25		7.65	%	1.91
	I		5,000		0.001			25		7.5	%	1.88
	J		4,000		0.001			50		4.5	%	2.25
			25,800
	Explanatory Notes:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	Holders of shares of the Series D, E, F, G, I and J preferred stock are entitled to receive dividends, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends. Dividends are cumulative from the date of original issue and are payable quarterly in arrears on or before the 15th day of each March, June, September and December or, if not a business day, the next succeeding business day. Any dividend payable on the preferred stock for any partial dividend period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dividends will be payable to holders of record as of the close of business on the first day of the calendar month in which the applicable dividend payment date falls or on another date designated by the Board of Directors of the Company for the payment of dividends that is not more than 30 nor less than 10 days prior to the dividend payment date.
	-2	The Company declared and paid dividends of $2.0 million, $2.8 million, $2.0 million, $1.5 million and $2.3 million on its Series D, E, F, G and I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The Company declared and paid dividends of $2.3 million on its Series J Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. All of the dividends qualified as return of capital for tax reporting purposes. There are no dividend arrearages on any of the preferred shares currently outstanding.
	Dividends—In order to maintain its election to qualify as a REIT, the Company must currently distribute, at a minimum, an amount equal to 90% of its taxable income, excluding net capital gains, and must distribute 100% of its taxable income (including net capital gains) to avoid paying corporate federal income taxes. The Company has recorded net operating losses and may record net operating losses in the future, which may reduce its taxable income in future periods and lower or eliminate entirely the Company's obligation to pay dividends for such periods in order to maintain its REIT qualification. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had $759.8 million of net operating loss carryforwards at the corporate REIT level that can generally be used to offset both ordinary and capital taxable income in future years and will expire through 2033 if unused. The amount of net operating loss carryforwards as of December 31, 2014 will be determined upon finalization of the Company's 2014 tax return. Because taxable income differs from cash flow from operations due to non-cash revenues and expenses (such as depreciation and certain asset impairments), in certain circumstances, the Company may generate operating cash flow in excess of its dividends or, alternatively, may need to make dividend payments in excess of operating cash flows. The Company's 2012 Tranche A-2 Facility and 2015 Revolving Credit Facility permit the Company to distribute 100% of its REIT taxable income on an annual basis (prior to deducting certain cumulative net operating loss carryforwards in the case of the 2015 Revolving Credit Facility), for so long as the Company maintains its qualification as a REIT. The 2012 Tranche A-2 Facility and 2015 Revolving Credit Facility restrict the Company from paying any common dividends if it ceases to qualify as a REIT. The Company did not declare or pay any Common Stock dividends for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	Stock Repurchase Programs—In September 2013, the Company's Board of Directors approved an increase in the repurchase limit under the Company's previously approved stock repurchase program to $50.0 million. The program authorizes the repurchase of Common Stock from time to time in open market and privately negotiated purchases, including pursuant to one or more trading plans. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company repurchased 44,000 shares of its outstanding Common Stock for $0.6 million, at an average cost of $12.66 per share. As of March 31, 2015, the Company had up to $28.5 million of Common Stock available to repurchase under its Board authorized stock repurchase program.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)—"Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" reflected in the Company's shareholders' equity is comprised of the following ($ in thousands):
		As of
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	$	(123	)	$	2,983
	Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	(1,204		)	(409		)
	Unrealized losses on cumulative translation adjustment	(3,789		)	(3,545		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(5,116	)	$	(971	)

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_

Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefits	Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefits
	Stock-Based Compensation—The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $3.2 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, in "General and administrative" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of March 31, 2015, there was $3.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested restricted stock units ("Units") that are expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining vesting/service period of 1.59 years. As of March 31, 2015, approximately $10.5 million of stock-based compensation was included in "Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	As of March 31, 2015, an aggregate of 3.8 million shares remain available for issuance pursuant to future awards under the Company's 2006 and 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plans.
	2015 Activity—During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company granted 318,482 shares of our Common Stock to certain employees as part of annual incentive awards that included a mix of cash and equity awards. The shares are fully-vested and 189,241 shares were issued net of statutory minimum required tax withholdings. The employees are restricted from selling these shares for up to two years from the date of grant.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company granted new stock-based compensation awards to certain employees in the form of long-term incentive awards, comprised of the following:
	•	64,196 service-based Units were granted on January 30, 2015, representing the right to receive an equivalent number of shares of our Common Stock (after deducting shares for minimum required statutory withholdings) if and when the Units vest. The Units will cliff vest in one installment on December 31, 2017, if the employee remains employed by the Company on the vesting date, subject to certain accelerated vesting rights. Dividends will accrue as and when dividends are declared by the Company on shares of its Common Stock, but will not be paid unless and until the Units vest and are settled. As of March 31, 2015, 64,196 of such service-based Units were outstanding.
	•	49,650 target amount of performance-based Units were granted on January 30, 2015. The performance is based on the Company's total shareholder return, or TSR, measured over a performance period ending on December 31, 2017, which is the date the awards cliff vest. Vesting will range from 0% to 200% of the target amount of the award, depending on the Company's TSR performance relative to the NAREIT All REITs Index (one-half of the target amount of the award) and the Russell 2000 Index (one-half of the target amount of the award) during the performance period. The Company, as well as any companies not included in each index at the beginning and end of the performance period, are excluded from calculation of the performance of such index. To the extent Units vest based on the Company's TSR performance, holders will receive an equivalent number of shares of our Common Stock (after deducting shares for minimum required statutory withholdings), if the employee remains employed by the Company on the vesting date, subject to certain accelerated vesting rights. Dividends will accrue as and when dividends are declared by the Company on shares of its Common Stock, but will not be paid unless and until the Units vest and are settled. The fair values of the performance-based Units were determined by utilizing a Monte Carlo model to simulate a range of possible future stock prices for the Company's Common Stock. The assumptions used to estimate the fair value of these performance-based awards were 0.75% for risk-free interest rate and 28.14% for expected stock price volatility. As of March 31, 2015, 49,650 of such performance-based Units were outstanding.
	As of March 31, 2015, the Company had the following additional stock-based compensation awards outstanding:
	•	64,552 service-based Units, granted on January 10, 2014, representing the right to receive an equivalent number of shares of the Company's Common Stock (after deducting shares for minimum required statutory withholdings) if and when the Units vest. The Units will cliff vest in one installment on December 31, 2016, if the employee remains employed by the Company on the vesting date, subject to certain accelerated vesting rights. Dividends will accrue as and when dividends are declared by the Company on shares of its Common Stock, but will not be paid unless and until the Units vest and are settled.
	•	50,116 target amount of performance-based Units, granted on January 10, 2014 representing the right to receive an equivalent number of shares of the Company's Common Stock (after deducting shares for minimum required statutory withholdings) if and when the Units vest based on the Company’s TSR measured over a performance period ending on December 31, 2016, which is the date the awards cliff vest. Vesting will range from 0% to 200% of the target amount of the awards, depending on the Company’s TSR performance relative to the NAREIT All REITs Index (one-half of the target amount of the award) and the Russell 2000 Index (one-half of the target amount of the award). The Company, as well as any companies not included in the index at the beginning and end of the performance period, are excluded from calculation of the performance of such index. To the extent these Units vest based on the Company's TSR performance, holders will receive an equivalent number of shares of our Common Stock (after deducting shares for minimum required statutory withholdings), if the employee remains employed by the Company on the vesting date, subject to certain accelerated vesting rights. Dividends will accrue as and when dividends are declared by the Company on shares of its Common Stock, but will not be paid unless and until the Units vest and are settled. The fair values of the performance-based Units were determined by utilizing a Monte Carlo model to simulate a range of possible future stock prices for the Company's Common Stock. The assumptions used to estimate the fair value of these performance-based awards were 0.76% for risk-free interest rate and 44.84% for expected stock price volatility.
	•	194,582 service-based Units, granted on February 1, 2013, representing the right to receive an equivalent number of shares of the Company's Common Stock (after deducting shares for minimum required statutory withholdings) if and when the Units vest. The Units will cliff vest in one installment on February 1, 2016, if the employee remains employed by the Company on the vesting date, subject to certain accelerated vesting rights. Dividends will accrue as and when dividends are declared by the Company on shares of its Common Stock, but will not be paid unless and until the Units vest and are settled.
	•	10,666 service-based Units granted on various dates to employees with an original vesting term of three years. Upon vesting of these units, holders will receive shares of the Company's Common Stock in the amount of the vested units, net of statutory minimum required tax withholdings. Dividends will accrue as and when dividends are declared by the Company on shares of its Common Stock, but will not be paid unless and until the Units vest and are settled.
	Directors' Awards—As of March 31, 2015, a total of 278,471 common stock equivalents ("CSEs") and restricted shares of our Common Stock granted to members of the Company's Board of Directors remained outstanding under the Company's Non-Employee Directors Deferral Plan, with an aggregate intrinsic value of $3.6 million.
	401(k) Plan—The Company made gross contributions of $0.6 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	EPS is calculated using the two-class method, which allocates earnings among common stock and participating securities to calculate EPS when an entity's capital structure includes either two or more classes of common stock or common stock and participating securities. HPU holders are current and former Company employees who purchased high performance common stock units under the Company's High Performance Unit (HPU) Program. These HPU units are treated as a separate class of common stock.
	The following table presents a reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations used in the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations ($ in thousands, except for per share data):
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(33,469	)		$	(30,671	)
	Income from sales of real estate	21,156				16,494
	Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,841				(454		)
	Preferred dividends	(12,830		)		(12,830		)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to common shareholders, HPU holders and Participating Security Holders	$	(23,302	)		$	(27,461	)
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Earnings allocable to common shares:
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
	Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to common shareholders	$	(22,553	)		$	(26,572	)
	Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per common share	85,497				84,819
	Basic and diluted earnings per common share:
	Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to common shareholders	$	(0.26	)		$	(0.31	)
	Earnings allocable to High Performance Units:
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per HPU share:
	Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to HPU holders	$	(749	)		$	(889	)
	Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per HPU share:
	Weighted average High Performance Units outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share	15				15
	Basic and diluted earnings per HPU share:
	Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to HPU holders	$	(49.93	)		$	(59.27	)
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the following shares were not included in the diluted EPS calculation because they were anti-dilutive (in thousands)(1):
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Joint venture shares	298			298
	3.00% convertible senior unsecured notes	16,992			16,992
	Series J convertible perpetual preferred stock	15,635			15,635
	1.50% convertible senior unsecured notes	11,567			11,567
	Explanatory Note:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the effect of the Company's unvested Units, performance-based Units, CSEs and restricted stock awards were anti-dilutive.

Fair_Values

Fair Values	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Values	Fair Values
	Fair value represents the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The following fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to be used in valuation techniques to measure fair value:
	Level 1:    Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
	Level 2:    Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and
	Level 3:    Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).
	Certain of the Company's assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value either on a recurring or non-recurring basis. Assets required to be marked-to-market and reported at fair value every reporting period are classified as being valued on a recurring basis. Assets not required to be recorded at fair value every period may be recorded at fair value if a specific provision or other impairment is recorded within the period to mark the carrying value of the asset to market as of the reporting date. Such assets are classified as being valued on a non-recurring basis.
	The following fair value hierarchy table summarizes the Company's assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis by the above categories ($ in thousands):
				Fair Value Using
		Total		Quoted market		Significant other		Significant
				prices in		observable		unobservable
				active markets		inputs		inputs
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	As of March 31, 2015
	Recurring basis:
	Derivative assets	$	4,919	$	—	$	4,919	$	—
	Derivative liabilities	910		—		910		—
	Available-for-sale securities(1)	1,163		—		—		1,163
	Non-recurring basis:
	Impaired loans(2)	6,362		—		—		6,362
	As of December 31, 2014
	Recurring basis:
	Derivative assets	$	6,361	$	—	$	6,361	$	—
	Derivative liabilities	478		—		478		—
	Available-for-sale securities	7,906		7,906		—		—
	Non-recurring basis:
	Impaired loans	37,169		—		—		37,169
	Impaired real estate	7,102		—		—		7,102
	Explanatory Notes:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	The fair value of the Company's available-for-sale securities are based upon third-party broker quotes.
	-2	The Company recorded a recovery of loan losses on one loan with a fair value of $6.4 million based on the loan's remaining term of 1.25 years and interest rate of 4.7% using discounted cash flow analysis.
	Fair values of financial instruments—The Company's estimated fair values of its loans receivable and other lending investments and debt obligations were $1.6 billion and $4.4 billion, respectively, as of March 31, 2015 and $1.4 billion and $4.1 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. The Company determined that the significant inputs used to value its loans receivable and other lending investments and debt obligations fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The carrying value of other financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accrued interest receivable and accounts payable, approximate the fair values of the instruments. Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash values are considered Level 1 on the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of other financial instruments, including derivative assets and liabilities, are included in the fair value hierarchy table above.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting
	The Company has determined that it has four reportable segments based on how management reviews and manages its business. These reportable segments include: Real Estate Finance, Net Lease, Operating Properties and Land. The Real Estate Finance segment includes all of the Company's activities related to senior and mezzanine real estate loans and real estate related securities. The Net Lease segment includes all of the Company's activities related to the ownership and leasing of corporate facilities. The Operating Properties segment includes all of the Company's activities and operations related to its commercial and residential properties. The Land segment includes the Company's activities related to its developable land portfolio.
	The Company evaluates performance based on the following financial measures for each segment. The Company's segment information is as follows ($ in thousands):
		Real Estate Finance			Net Lease			Operating Properties			Land			Corporate/Other(1)			Company Total
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015:
	Operating lease income	$	—		$	36,339		$	22,614		$	186		$	—		$	59,139
	Interest income	34,896			—			—			—			—			34,896
	Other income	48			3			8,876			633			1,004			10,564
	Land development revenue	—			—			—			8,258			—			8,258
	Earnings (loss) from equity method investments	—			1,633			535			2,609			1,770			6,547
	Income from sales of real estate	—			3,527			17,629			—			—			21,156
	Total revenue and other earnings	34,944			41,502			49,654			11,686			2,774			140,560
	Real estate expense	—			(5,270		)	(27,424		)	(6,940		)	—			(39,634		)
	Land development cost of sales	—			—			—			(6,891		)	—			(6,891		)
	Other expense	1			—			—			—			(2,124		)	(2,123		)
	Allocated interest expense	(14,235		)	(16,835		)	(7,668		)	(7,544		)	(8,350		)	(54,632		)
	Allocated general and administrative(2)	(3,094		)	(3,761		)	(1,828		)	(2,793		)	(6,039		)	(17,515		)
	Segment profit (loss)(3)	$	17,616		$	15,636		$	12,734		$	(12,482	)	$	(13,739	)	$	19,765
	Other significant non-cash items:
	Provision for (recovery of) loan losses	$	4,293		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	4,293
	Depreciation and amortization	—			9,449			8,344			390			318			18,501
	Capitalized expenditures	—			345			10,094			22,380			—			32,819
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Operating lease income	$	—		$	38,881		$	23,001		$	226		$	—		$	62,108
	Interest income	27,914			—			—			—			—			27,914
	Other income	399			214			12,666			226			1,079			14,584
	Land development revenue	—			—			—			4,143			—			4,143
	Earnings (loss) from equity method investments	—			286			217			(258		)	2,932			3,177
	Income from sales of real estate	—			—			16,494			—			—			16,494
	Total revenue and other earnings	28,313			39,381			52,378			4,337			4,011			128,420
	Real estate expense	—			(5,674		)	(28,614		)	(8,325		)	—			(42,613		)
	Land development cost of sales	—			—			—			(3,654		)	—			(3,654		)
	Other expense	(430		)	—			—			—			209			(221		)
	Allocated interest expense	(15,452		)	(18,610		)	(10,259		)	(7,159		)	(5,976		)	(57,456		)
	Allocated general and administrative(2)	(3,090		)	(3,799		)	(2,189		)	(3,049		)	(5,586		)	(17,713		)
	Segment profit (loss)(3)	$	9,341		$	11,298		$	11,316		$	(17,850	)	$	(7,342	)	$	6,763
	Other significant non-cash items:
	Provision for (recovery of) loan losses	$	(3,400	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(3,400	)
	Impairment of assets	—			2,979			—			—			—			2,979
	Depreciation and amortization	—			10,128			7,864			304			317			18,613
	Capitalized expenditures	—			(627		)	12,854			14,683			—			26,910
		Real Estate Finance			Net Lease			Operating Properties			Land			Corporate/Other(1)			Company Total
	As of March 31, 2015
	Real estate
	Real estate, net	—			1,177,437			506,690			852,146			—			2,536,273
	Real estate available and held for sale	—			11,307			139,853			141,448			—			292,608
	Total real estate	—			1,188,744			646,543			993,594			—			2,828,881
	Loans receivable and other lending investments, net	1,537,846			—			—			—			—			1,537,846
	Other investments	—			124,464			12,291			108,892			95,902			341,549
	Total portfolio assets	$	1,537,846		$	1,313,208		$	658,834		$	1,102,486		$	95,902		4,708,276
	Cash and other assets																944,304
	Total assets																$	5,652,580
	As of December 31, 2014
	Real estate
	Real estate, net	—			1,188,160			628,271			860,283			—			2,676,714
	Real estate available and held for sale	—			4,521			162,782			118,679			—			285,982
	Total real estate	—			1,192,681			791,053			978,962			—			2,962,696
	Loans receivable and other lending investments, net	1,377,843			—			—			—			—			1,377,843
	Other investments	—			125,360			13,220			106,155			109,384			354,119
	Total portfolio assets	$	1,377,843		$	1,318,041		$	804,273		$	1,085,117		$	109,384		4,694,658
	Cash and other assets																768,475
	Total assets																$	5,463,133
	Explanatory Notes:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
-1	Corporate/Other represents all corporate level and unallocated items including any intercompany eliminations necessary to reconcile to consolidated Company totals. This caption also includes the Company's joint venture investments and strategic investments that are not included in the other reportable segments above.
-2	General and administrative excludes stock-based compensation expense of $3.2 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
-3	The following is a reconciliation of segment profit (loss) to net income (loss) ($ in thousands):
	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
Segment profit (loss)	$	19,765		$	6,763
Less: (Provision for) recovery of loan losses	(4,293		)	3,400
Less: Impairment of assets	—			(2,979		)
Less: Stock-based compensation expense	(3,238		)	(2,075		)
Less: Depreciation and amortization	(18,501		)	(18,613		)
Less: Income tax (expense) benefit	(5,878		)	507
Less: Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net	(168		)	(1,180		)
Net income (loss)	$	(12,313	)	$	(14,177	)

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New accounting pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements—In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09") which supersedes existing industry-specific guidance, including ASC 360-20, Real Estate Sales. The new standard is principles-based and requires more estimates and judgment than current guidance. Certain contracts with customers, including lease contracts and financial instruments and other contractual rights, are not within the scope of the new guidance. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. Management is evaluating the impact of the guidance on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period ("ASU 2014-12") which requires a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition in accordance with Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation. ASU 2014-12 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Management does not believe the guidance will have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15") which requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt that the Company is able to continue operating as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued or available to be issued. If there is substantial doubt, additional disclosure is required, including the principal condition or event that raised the substantial doubt, the Company's evaluation of the condition or event in relation to its ability to meet its obligations and the Company's plan to alleviate (or, which is intended to alleviate) the substantial doubt. ASU 2014-15 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. Management does not believe the guidance will have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-16, Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share is More Akin to Debt or to Equity ("ASU 2014-16") which eliminates the diversity in practice for the accounting for hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of a share. ASU 2014-16 requires management to consider all terms and features, whether stated or implied, of a hybrid instrument when determining whether the nature of the instrument is more akin to a debt instrument or an equity instrument. Embedded derivative features, which are accounted for separately from host contracts, should also be considered in the analysis of the hybrid instrument. ASU 2014-16 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Management does not believe the guidance will have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis ("ASU 2015-02") which updates the consolidation model for limited partnerships and similar legal entities. ASU 2015-02 includes the evaluation of fees paid to a decision maker as a variable interest and amends the effect of fee arrangements and related parties on the primary beneficiary determination. The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Management is evaluating the impact of the guidance on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU 2015-03") which requires debt issuance costs to be presented as a deduction from the carrying value of the related debt obligation in the balance sheet, which is consistent with the presentation of debt discounts. The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Management does not believe the guidance will have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Prin1

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation (Reclassification) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments	The impact of the correction for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is as follows:
		As Previously Reported			Change			As Revised
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Three months ended March 31, 2014	$	(60,678	)	$	(4,143	)	$	(64,821	)
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Three months ended March 31, 2014	$	31,318		$	4,143		$	35,461

Real_Estate_Tables

Real Estate (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Schedule of Real Estate Assets	The Company's real estate assets were comprised of the following ($ in thousands):
		Net Lease				Operating			Land			Total
						Properties
	As of March 31, 2015
	Land and land improvements	$	314,151			$	141,043		$	860,903		$	1,316,097
	Buildings and improvements	1,234,104				438,469			—			1,672,573
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(370,818		)		(72,822		)	(8,757		)	(452,397		)
	Real estate, net	1,177,437				506,690			852,146			2,536,273
	Real estate available and held for sale	11,307				139,853			141,448			292,608
	Total real estate	$	1,188,744			$	646,543		$	993,594		$	2,828,881
	As of December 31, 2014
	Land and land improvements	$	311,890			$	146,417		$	868,650		$	1,326,957
	Buildings and improvements	1,240,593				578,013			—			1,818,606
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(364,323		)		(96,159		)	(8,367		)	(468,849		)
	Real estate, net	1,188,160				628,271			860,283			2,676,714
	Real estate available and held for sale	4,521				162,782			118,679			285,982
	Total real estate	$	1,192,681			$	791,053		$	978,962		$	2,962,696
Schedule of Acquisitions of Real Estate Assets, Cash Paid	The following acquisitions of real estate were reflected in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 ($ in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Acquisitions of real estate assets	—			2,412		-1
	Explanatory Note:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company purchased one condominium unit for $2.4 million.

Loans_Receivable_and_Other_Len1

Loans Receivable and Other Lending Investments, net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of the Company's loans and other lending investments by class	The following is a summary of the Company's loans receivable and other lending investments by class ($ in thousands):
		As of
	Type of Investment	March 31,				December 31,
		2015				2014
	Senior mortgages	$	876,765			$	737,535
	Corporate/Partnership loans	548,115				497,796
	Subordinate mortgages	27,822				53,331
	Total gross carrying value of loans	1,452,702				1,288,662
	Reserves for loan losses	(102,783		)		(98,490		)
	Total loans receivable, net	1,349,919				1,190,172
	Other lending investments—securities	187,927				187,671
	Total loans receivable and other lending investments, net(1)	$	1,537,846			$	1,377,843
	Explanatory Note:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	The Company's recorded investment in loans as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 includes accrued interest of $8.8 million and $7.0 million, respectively, which are included in "Accrued interest and operating lease income receivable, net" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Schedule of changes in the Company's reserve for loan losses	Changes in the Company's reserve for loan losses were as follows ($ in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Reserve for loan losses at beginning of period	$	98,490			$	377,204
	Provision for (recovery of) loan losses(1)	4,293				(3,400		)
	Charge-offs	—				(3,728		)
	Reserve for loan losses at end of period	$	102,783			$	370,076
	Explanatory Note:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the provision for loan losses includes recoveries of previously recorded loan loss reserves of $0.2 million and $5.2 million, respectively.
Schedule of recorded investment in loans and associated reserve for loan losses	The Company's recorded investment in loans (comprised of a loan's carrying value plus accrued interest) and the associated reserve for loan losses were as follows ($ in thousands):
		Individually				Collectively				Total
		Evaluated for				Evaluated for
		Impairment(1)				Impairment(2)
	As of March 31, 2015
	Loans	$	137,045			$	1,324,454			$	1,461,499
	Less: Reserve for loan losses	(64,783		)		(38,000		)		(102,783		)
	Total	$	72,262			$	1,286,454			$	1,358,716
	As of December 31, 2014
	Loans	$	139,672			$	1,156,031			$	1,295,703
	Less: Reserve for loan losses	(64,990		)		(33,500		)		(98,490		)
	Total	$	74,682			$	1,122,531			$	1,197,213
	Explanatory Notes:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	The carrying value of these loans include unamortized discounts, premiums, deferred fees and costs aggregating to a net discount of $0.2 million and $0.2 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company's loans individually evaluated for impairment primarily represent loans on non-accrual status and therefore, the unamortized amounts associated with these loans are not currently being amortized into income.
	-2	The carrying value of these loans include unamortized discounts, premiums, deferred fees and costs aggregating to a net discount of $11.5 million and $10.6 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
Schedule of investment in performing loans, presented by class and by credit quality, as indicated by risk rating	The Company's recorded investment in performing loans, presented by class and by credit quality, as indicated by risk rating, was as follows ($ in thousands):
		As of March 31, 2015							As of December 31, 2014
		Performing				Weighted			Performing				Weighted
		Loans				Average			Loans				Average
						Risk Ratings							Risk Ratings
	Senior mortgages	$	751,828			2.8			$	611,009			2.73
	Corporate/Partnership loans	552,601				3.83			501,620				3.88
	Subordinate mortgages	28,129				3.61			53,836				2.87
	Total	$	1,332,558			3.24			$	1,166,465			3.23
Schedule of recorded investment in loans, aged by payment status and presented by class	As of March 31, 2015, the Company's recorded investment in loans, aged by payment status and presented by class, were as follows ($ in thousands):
		Current				Less Than				Greater				Total			Total
						and Equal				Than				Past Due
						to 90 Days				90 Days(1)
	Senior mortgages	$	764,062			$	20,693			$	96,014			$	116,707		$	880,769
	Corporate/Partnership loans	552,601				—				—				—			552,601
	Subordinate mortgages	28,129				—				—				—			28,129
	Total	$	1,344,792			$	20,693			$	96,014			$	116,707		$	1,461,499
	Explanatory Note:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	As of March 31, 2015, the Company had 3 loans which were greater than 90 days delinquent and were in various stages of resolution, including legal proceedings, environmental concerns and foreclosure-related proceedings, and ranged from 5.0 to 6.0 years outstanding.
Schedule of recorded investment in impaired loans, presented by class	The Company's recorded investment in impaired loans, presented by class, were as follows ($ in thousands)(1):
		As of March 31, 2015									As of December 31, 2014
		Recorded			Unpaid			Related			Recorded			Unpaid		Related
		Investment			Principal			Allowance			Investment			Principal		Allowance
					Balance									Balance
	With an allowance recorded:
	Senior mortgages	130,336			129,428			(64,440	)		130,645			129,744		(64,440	)
	Corporate/Partnership loans	6,709			6,736			(343	)		9,027			9,057		(550	)
	Total	137,045			136,164			(64,783	)		139,672			138,801		(64,990	)
	Explanatory Note:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	All of the Company's non-accrual loans are considered impaired and included in the table above. In addition, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, certain loans modified through troubled debt restructurings with a recorded investment of $8.1 million and $10.4 million, respectively, are also included as impaired loans in accordance with GAAP although they are performing and on accrual status. The Company did not have impaired loans with no related allowance recorded.
Schedule of average recorded investment in impaired loans and interest income recognized, presented by class	The Company's average recorded investment in impaired loans and interest income recognized, presented by class, were as follows ($ in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015								2014
		Average				Interest				Average				Interest
		Recorded				Income				Recorded				Income
		Investment				Recognized				Investment				Recognized
	With no related allowance recorded:
	Senior mortgages	$	—			$	—			$	48,512			$	501
	Subtotal	—				—				48,512				501
	With an allowance recorded:
	Senior mortgages	130,491				17				578,041				53
	Corporate/Partnership loans	7,868				9				93,565				65
	Subtotal	138,359				26				671,606				118
	Total:
	Senior mortgages	130,491				17				626,553				554
	Corporate/Partnership loans	7,868				9				93,565				65
	Total	$	138,359			$	26			$	720,118			$	619
Marketable securities	Securities—Other lending investments—securities includes the following ($ in thousands):
		Face Value				Amortized Cost Basis				Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)				Estimated Fair Value			Net Carrying Value
	As of March 31, 2015
	Available-for-Sale Securities
	Municipal debt securities	$	1,010			$	1,010			$	153			$	1,163		$	1,163
	Held-to-Maturity Securities
	Corporate debt securities	174,227				186,764				—				193,045			186,764
	Total	$	175,237			$	187,774			$	153			$	194,208		$	187,927
	As of December 31, 2014
	Available-for-Sale Securities
	Municipal debt securities	$	1,020			$	1,020			$	147			$	1,167		$	1,167
	Held-to-Maturity Securities
	Corporate debt securities	176,254				186,504				—				190,199			186,504
	Total	$	177,274			$	187,524			$	147			$	191,366		$	187,671

Other_Investments_Tables

Other Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Schedule of other investments and its proportionate share of results for equity method investments	The Company's other investments and its proportionate share of results from equity method investments were as follows ($ in thousands):
		Carrying Value as of					Equity in Earnings for the
							Three Months Ended March 31,
		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014			2015			2014
	iStar Net Lease I LLC ("Net Lease Venture")	$	124,464	$	125,361		$	1,633		$	(362	)
	Other real estate equity investments	86,166		88,848			(1,302		)	934
	Other investments	50,725		63,262			1,733			3,334
	Madison Funds	44,997		45,971			(37		)	(402		)
	Marina Palms, LLC ("Marina Palms")	35,197		30,677			4,520			(327		)
	Total other investments	341,549		354,119			$	6,547		$	3,177
Equity Method Investments, Significant Subsidiaries [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	The following tables present the investee level summarized financial information of the Company's equity method investments, which were significant subsidiaries as of March 31, 2015 ($ in thousands):
		Revenues		Expenses			Net Income Attributable to Parent Entities
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Marina Palms	$	34,998	$	(22,638	)	$	12,360
	Net Lease Venture	7,829		(4,546		)	3,146
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Marina Palms	$	17	$	(710	)	$	(693	)
	Net Lease Venture(1)	944		(1,642		)	(698		)
	Explanatory Note:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	The Company began accounting for its investment in Net Lease Venture under the equity method of accounting on February 13, 2014, when the venture was formed. The amounts in the Company's financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are based on the balances and results from Net Lease Venture for the period from February 13, 2014 to March 31, 2014.

Other_Assets_and_Other_Liabili1

Other Assets and Other Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Assets and Other Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of deferred expenses and other assets, net	Deferred expenses and other assets, net, consist of the following items ($ in thousands):
		As of
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Intangible assets, net(1)	$	80,429		$	50,088
	Other assets	36,599			37,085
	Deferred financing fees, net(2)	35,494			36,774
	Restricted cash	19,124			19,283
	Leasing costs, net(3)	16,662			20,031
	Other receivables	10,802			13,115
	Corporate furniture, fixtures and equipment, net(4)	5,113			5,409
	Deferred expenses and other assets, net	$	204,223		$	181,785
	Explanatory Notes:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	Intangible assets, net are primarily related to the acquisition of real estate assets. This balance also includes a lease incentive asset of $38.1 million (see Note 4). Accumulated amortization on intangible assets was $35.6 million and $45.1 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The amortization of above market leases decreased operating lease income on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations by $2.0 million and $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The amortization expense for other intangible assets was $1.5 million and $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These amounts are included in "Depreciation and amortization" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	-2	Accumulated amortization on deferred financing fees was $18.3 million and $15.4 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	-3	Accumulated amortization on leasing costs was $8.6 million and $9.0 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	-4	Accumulated depreciation on corporate furniture, fixtures and equipment was $7.3 million and $7.1 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
Schedule of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities consist of the following items ($ in thousands):
		As of
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Other liabilities(1)	$	58,353		$	48,256
	Accrued interest payable	45,077			57,895
	Accrued expenses	43,202			62,866
	Intangible liabilities, net(2)	11,619			11,885
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	$	158,251		$	180,902
	Explanatory Notes:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, "Other liabilities" includes $10.3 million and $6.8 million, respectively, related to a profit sharing payable to a developer for residential units sold. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, "Other liabilities" also includes $7.5 million and $7.7 million, respectively, related to tax increment financing ("TIF") bonds which were issued by a governmental entity to fund the installation of infrastructure within one of the Company's master planned community developments. The balance represents a special assessment associated with each individual land parcel, which will decrease as the Company sells parcels.
	-2	Intangible liabilities, net are primarily related to the acquisition of real estate assets. Accumulated amortization on intangible liabilities was $5.5 million and $6.2 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The amortization of intangible liabilities increased operating lease income on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations by $0.4 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Taxable REIT Subsidiaries [Member]
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Deferred tax assets and liabilities of the Company's TRS entities were as follows ($ in thousands):
		As of
		31-Mar-15			December 31, 2014
	Deferred tax assets(1)	$	57,053		$	54,318
	Valuation allowance	(57,053		)	(54,318		)
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	—		$	—
	Explanatory Note:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	Deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2015 include timing differences related primarily to real estate basis of $39.1 million, investment basis of $6.2 million, deferred expenses of $5.6 million, and net operating loss carryforwards of $3.9 million. Deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2014, include timing differences related primarily to real estate basis of $39.3 million, investment basis of $5.9 million, net operating loss carryforwards of $4.1 million, and deferred expenses of $2.7 million.

Debt_Obligations_net_Tables

Debt Obligations, net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of debt obligations	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company's debt obligations were as follows ($ in thousands):
		Carrying Value as of						Stated			Scheduled
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014			Interest Rates			Maturity Date
	Secured credit facilities and term loans:
	2012 Tranche A-2 Facility	$	348,185		$	358,504		LIBOR + 5.75%		-1	Mar-17
	2015 Revolving Credit Facility	250,000			—			Various		-2	Mar-18
	Term loans collateralized by net lease assets	246,792			248,955			4.851% - 7.26%		-3	Various through 2026
	Total secured credit facilities and term loans	844,977			607,459
	Unsecured notes:
	6.05% senior notes	105,765			105,765			6.05	%		Apr-15
	5.875% senior notes	261,403			261,403			5.875	%		Mar-16
	3.875% senior notes	265,000			265,000			3.875	%		Jul-16
	3.0% senior convertible notes(4)	200,000			200,000			3	%		Nov-16
	1.50% senior convertible notes(5)	200,000			200,000			1.5	%		Nov-16
	5.85% senior notes	99,722			99,722			5.85	%		Mar-17
	9.0% senior notes	275,000			275,000			9	%		Jun-17
	4.00% senior notes	550,000			550,000			4	%		Nov-17
	7.125% senior notes	300,000			300,000			7.125	%		Feb-18
	4.875% senior notes	300,000			300,000			4.875	%		Jul-18
	5.00% senior notes	770,000			770,000			5	%		Jul-19
	Total unsecured notes	3,326,890			3,326,890
	Other debt obligations:
	Other debt obligations	100,000			100,000			LIBOR + 1.50%			Oct-35
	Total debt obligations	4,271,867			4,034,349
	Debt discounts, net	(10,339		)	(11,665		)
	Total debt obligations, net	$	4,261,528		$	4,022,684
	Explanatory Notes:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	The loan has a LIBOR floor of 1.25%. As of March 31, 2015, inclusive of the floor, the 2012 Tranche A-2 Facility loan incurred interest at a rate of 7.00%.
	-2	The loan bears interest at the Company's election of either (i) a base rate, which is the greater of (a) prime, (b) federal funds plus 0.5% or (c) LIBOR plus 1.00% and subject to a margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.75%, or (ii) LIBOR subject to a margin ranging from 2.25% to 2.75%. At maturity, the Company may convert outstanding borrowings to a one year term loan which matures in quarterly installments through March 2019.
	-3	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, includes a loan with a floating rate of LIBOR plus 2.00%. As of March 31, 2015, the weighted average interest rate of these loans is 5.3%.
	-4	The Company's 3.0% senior convertible fixed rate notes due November 2016 ("3.0% Convertible Notes") are convertible at the option of the holders, into 85.0 shares per $1,000 principal amount of 3.0% Convertible Notes, at $11.77 per share at any time prior to the close of business on November 14, 2016.
	-5	The Company's 1.50% senior convertible fixed rate notes due November 2016 ("1.50% Convertible Notes") are convertible at the option of the holders, into 57.8 shares per $1,000 principal amount of 1.50% Convertible Notes, at $17.29 per share at any time prior to the close of business on November 14, 2016.
Schedule of future scheduled maturities of outstanding long-term debt obligations, net	Future Scheduled Maturities—As of March 31, 2015, future scheduled maturities of outstanding long-term debt obligations are as follows ($ in thousands):
		Unsecured Debt			Secured Debt			Total
	2015 (remaining nine months)	$	105,765		$	—		$	105,765
	2016	926,403			—			926,403
	2017	924,722			348,185			1,272,907
	2018	600,000			264,765			864,765
	2019	770,000			31,936			801,936
	Thereafter	100,000			200,091			300,091
	Total principal maturities	3,426,890			844,977			4,271,867
	Unamortized debt discounts, net	(7,656		)	(2,683		)	(10,339		)
	Total long-term debt obligations, net	$	3,419,234		$	842,294		$	4,261,528
Schedule of carrying value of encumbered assets by asset type	Encumbered/Unencumbered Assets—As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the carrying value of the Company's encumbered and unencumbered assets by asset type are as follows ($ in thousands):
		As of
		31-Mar-15						31-Dec-14
		Encumbered Assets			Unencumbered Assets			Encumbered Assets				Unencumbered Assets
	Real estate, net	$	886,114		$	1,650,159		$	620,378			$	2,056,336
	Real estate available and held for sale	10,496			282,112			10,496				275,486
	Loans receivable and other lending investments, net(1)	109,798			1,466,048			46,515				1,364,828
	Other investments	16,367			325,182			17,708				336,411
	Cash and other assets	—			944,304			—				768,475
	Total	$	1,022,775		$	4,667,805		$	695,097			$	4,801,536
	Explanatory Note:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the amounts presented exclude general reserves for loan losses of $38.0 million and $33.5 million, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of unfunded commitments	As of March 31, 2015, the maximum amount of fundings the Company may be required to make under each category, assuming all performance hurdles and milestones are met under the Performance-Based Commitments, that it approves all Discretionary Fundings and that 100% of its capital committed to Strategic Investments is drawn down, are as follows ($ in thousands):
		Loans and Other Lending Investments		Real Estate		Other		Total
						Investments
	Performance-Based Commitments	$	600,213	$	12,081	$	27,221	$	639,515
	Strategic Investments	—		—		45,762		45,762
	Discretionary Fundings	18,065		—		—		18,065
	Total	$	618,278	$	12,081	$	72,983	$	703,342

Derivatives_Tables

Derivatives (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]

Schedule of fair value of derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on Consolidated Balance Sheets

The table below presents the fair value of the Company's derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 ($ in thousands):

Derivative Assets as of

Derivative Liabilities as of

March 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

March 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

Balance Sheet

Fair

Balance Sheet

Fair

Balance Sheet

Fair

Balance Sheet

Fair

Location

Value

Location

Value

Location

Value

Location

Value

Derivatives Designated in Hedging Relationships

Foreign exchange contracts

N/A

$

—

N/A

$

—

Other Liabilities

$

676

Other Liabilities

$

478

Interest rate swaps

N/A

—

Other Assets

52

Other Liabilities

234

N/A

—

Total

$

—

$

52

$

910

$

478

Derivatives not Designated in Hedging Relationships

Foreign exchange contracts

Other Assets

$

2,180

Other Assets

$

1,534

N/A

$

—

N/A

$

—

Interest rate cap

Other Assets

2,739

Other Assets

4,775

N/A

—

N/A

—

Total

$

4,919

$

6,309

$

—

$

—

Schedule of derivative financial instruments on Consolidated Statements of Operations

The tables below present the effect of the Company's derivative financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 ($ in thousands):

Derivatives Designated in Hedging Relationships

Location of Gain (Loss)

Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)

Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Earnings (Effective Portion)

Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Earnings

Recognized in Income

(Ineffective Portion)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015

Interest rate cap

Interest Expense

$

—

$

(77

)

N/A

Interest rate cap

Earnings from equity method investments

(7

)

—

N/A

Interest rate swaps

Interest Expense

(376

)

42

N/A

Interest rate swap

Earnings from equity method investments

(364

)

(115

)

N/A

Foreign exchange contracts

Earnings from equity method investments

(198

)

—

N/A

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014

Interest rate cap

Interest Expense

(962

)

—

N/A

Interest rate swap

Interest Expense

(348

)

(135

)

N/A

Foreign exchange contracts

Earnings from equity method investments

(452

)

—

N/A

Amount of Gain or (Loss)

Recognized in Income

Location of Gain or

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

(Loss) Recognized in

Derivatives not Designated in Hedging Relationships

Income

2015

2014

Interest rate cap

Other Expense

$

(2,036

)

$

—

Foreign exchange contracts

Other Expense

2,289

1,498

Foreign exchange contracts | Designated as hedge

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]

Schedule of notional amounts of outstanding derivative positions

As of March 31, 2015, the Company had the following outstanding foreign currency derivatives that were used to hedge its net investments in foreign operations that were designated ($ and Rs in thousands):

Derivative Type

Notional

Notional

Maturity

Amount

(USD Equivalent)

Sells Indian rupee ("INR")/Buys USD Forward

₨

456,000

$

6,534

Jun-15

Foreign exchange contracts | Not designated as hedge

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]

Schedule of notional amounts of outstanding derivative positions

As of March 31, 2015, the Company had the following outstanding foreign currency derivatives that were used to hedge its net investments in foreign operations that were not designated ($, €, £ and C$ in thousands):

Derivative Type

Notional

Notional

Maturity

Amount

(USD Equivalent)

Sells euro ("EUR")/Buys USD Forward

€

13,000

$

15,482

Apr-15

Sells pound sterling ("GBP")/Buys USD Forward

£

3,000

$

4,548

Apr-15

Sells Canadian dollar ("CAD")/Buys USD Forward

C$

10,000

$

8,475

Apr-15

Interest rate cap

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]

Schedule of notional amounts of outstanding derivative positions

As of March 31, 2015, the Company had the following outstanding interest rate cap that was used to hedge its variable rate debt that was not designated ($ in thousands):

Derivative Type

Notional

Variable Rate

Fixed Rate

Effective Date

Maturity

Amount

Interest rate cap

$

500,000

LIBOR

1.00%

Jul-14

Jul-17

Interest rate swap

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]

Schedule of notional amounts of outstanding derivative positions

As of March 31, 2015, the Company had the following outstanding interest rate swap that was used to hedge its variable rate debt that was designated ($ in thousands):

Derivative Type

Notional

Variable Rate

Fixed Rate

Effective Date

Maturity

Amount

Interest rate swap

$

27,324

LIBOR + 2.00%

3.47%

Oct-12

Nov-19

Equity_Tables

Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of cumulative redeemable preferred stock outstanding by series	Preferred Stock—The Company had the following series of Cumulative Redeemable and Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock outstanding as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
								Cumulative Preferential Cash
								Dividends(1)(2)
	Series		Shares Issued and		Par Value			Liquidation Preference		Rate per Annum		Equivalent to
			Outstanding									Fixed Annual
			(in thousands)									Rate (per share)
	D		4,000		$	0.001		$	25	8	%	$	2
	E		5,600		0.001			25		7.875	%	1.97
	F		4,000		0.001			25		7.8	%	1.95
	G		3,200		0.001			25		7.65	%	1.91
	I		5,000		0.001			25		7.5	%	1.88
	J		4,000		0.001			50		4.5	%	2.25
			25,800
	Explanatory Notes:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	Holders of shares of the Series D, E, F, G, I and J preferred stock are entitled to receive dividends, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends. Dividends are cumulative from the date of original issue and are payable quarterly in arrears on or before the 15th day of each March, June, September and December or, if not a business day, the next succeeding business day. Any dividend payable on the preferred stock for any partial dividend period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dividends will be payable to holders of record as of the close of business on the first day of the calendar month in which the applicable dividend payment date falls or on another date designated by the Board of Directors of the Company for the payment of dividends that is not more than 30 nor less than 10 days prior to the dividend payment date.
	-2	The Company declared and paid dividends of $2.0 million, $2.8 million, $2.0 million, $1.5 million and $2.3 million on its Series D, E, F, G and I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The Company declared and paid dividends of $2.3 million on its Series J Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. All of the dividends qualified as return of capital for tax reporting purposes. There are no dividend arrearages on any of the preferred shares currently outstanding.
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) reflected in the Company's shareholders' equity	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)—"Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" reflected in the Company's shareholders' equity is comprised of the following ($ in thousands):
		As of
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	$	(123	)	$	2,983
	Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	(1,204		)	(409		)
	Unrealized losses on cumulative translation adjustment	(3,789		)	(3,545		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(5,116	)	$	(971	)

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations used in the basic and diluted EPS calculations	The following table presents a reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations used in the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations ($ in thousands, except for per share data):
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(33,469	)		$	(30,671	)
	Income from sales of real estate	21,156				16,494
	Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,841				(454		)
	Preferred dividends	(12,830		)		(12,830		)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to common shareholders, HPU holders and Participating Security Holders	$	(23,302	)		$	(27,461	)
Schedule of earnings per share allocable to common shares and HPU shares
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Earnings allocable to common shares:
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
	Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to common shareholders	$	(22,553	)		$	(26,572	)
	Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per common share	85,497				84,819
	Basic and diluted earnings per common share:
	Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to common shareholders	$	(0.26	)		$	(0.31	)
	Earnings allocable to High Performance Units:
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per HPU share:
	Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to HPU holders	$	(749	)		$	(889	)
	Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per HPU share:
	Weighted average High Performance Units outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share	15				15
	Basic and diluted earnings per HPU share:
	Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to HPU holders	$	(49.93	)		$	(59.27	)
Schedule of anti-dilutive shares	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the following shares were not included in the diluted EPS calculation because they were anti-dilutive (in thousands)(1):
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Joint venture shares	298			298
	3.00% convertible senior unsecured notes	16,992			16,992
	Series J convertible perpetual preferred stock	15,635			15,635
	1.50% convertible senior unsecured notes	11,567			11,567
	Explanatory Note:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the effect of the Company's unvested Units, performance-based Units, CSEs and restricted stock awards were anti-dilutive.

Fair_Values_Tables

Fair Values (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis by levels	The following fair value hierarchy table summarizes the Company's assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis by the above categories ($ in thousands):
				Fair Value Using
		Total		Quoted market		Significant other		Significant
				prices in		observable		unobservable
				active markets		inputs		inputs
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	As of March 31, 2015
	Recurring basis:
	Derivative assets	$	4,919	$	—	$	4,919	$	—
	Derivative liabilities	910		—		910		—
	Available-for-sale securities(1)	1,163		—		—		1,163
	Non-recurring basis:
	Impaired loans(2)	6,362		—		—		6,362
	As of December 31, 2014
	Recurring basis:
	Derivative assets	$	6,361	$	—	$	6,361	$	—
	Derivative liabilities	478		—		478		—
	Available-for-sale securities	7,906		7,906		—		—
	Non-recurring basis:
	Impaired loans	37,169		—		—		37,169
	Impaired real estate	7,102		—		—		7,102
	Explanatory Notes:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	The fair value of the Company's available-for-sale securities are based upon third-party broker quotes.
	-2	The Company recorded a recovery of loan losses on one loan with a fair value of $6.4 million based on the loan's remaining term of 1.25 years and interest rate of 4.7% using discounted cash flow analysis.

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of financial measures for each segment based on which performance is evaluated	The Company evaluates performance based on the following financial measures for each segment. The Company's segment information is as follows ($ in thousands):
		Real Estate Finance			Net Lease			Operating Properties			Land			Corporate/Other(1)			Company Total
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015:
	Operating lease income	$	—		$	36,339		$	22,614		$	186		$	—		$	59,139
	Interest income	34,896			—			—			—			—			34,896
	Other income	48			3			8,876			633			1,004			10,564
	Land development revenue	—			—			—			8,258			—			8,258
	Earnings (loss) from equity method investments	—			1,633			535			2,609			1,770			6,547
	Income from sales of real estate	—			3,527			17,629			—			—			21,156
	Total revenue and other earnings	34,944			41,502			49,654			11,686			2,774			140,560
	Real estate expense	—			(5,270		)	(27,424		)	(6,940		)	—			(39,634		)
	Land development cost of sales	—			—			—			(6,891		)	—			(6,891		)
	Other expense	1			—			—			—			(2,124		)	(2,123		)
	Allocated interest expense	(14,235		)	(16,835		)	(7,668		)	(7,544		)	(8,350		)	(54,632		)
	Allocated general and administrative(2)	(3,094		)	(3,761		)	(1,828		)	(2,793		)	(6,039		)	(17,515		)
	Segment profit (loss)(3)	$	17,616		$	15,636		$	12,734		$	(12,482	)	$	(13,739	)	$	19,765
	Other significant non-cash items:
	Provision for (recovery of) loan losses	$	4,293		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	4,293
	Depreciation and amortization	—			9,449			8,344			390			318			18,501
	Capitalized expenditures	—			345			10,094			22,380			—			32,819
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Operating lease income	$	—		$	38,881		$	23,001		$	226		$	—		$	62,108
	Interest income	27,914			—			—			—			—			27,914
	Other income	399			214			12,666			226			1,079			14,584
	Land development revenue	—			—			—			4,143			—			4,143
	Earnings (loss) from equity method investments	—			286			217			(258		)	2,932			3,177
	Income from sales of real estate	—			—			16,494			—			—			16,494
	Total revenue and other earnings	28,313			39,381			52,378			4,337			4,011			128,420
	Real estate expense	—			(5,674		)	(28,614		)	(8,325		)	—			(42,613		)
	Land development cost of sales	—			—			—			(3,654		)	—			(3,654		)
	Other expense	(430		)	—			—			—			209			(221		)
	Allocated interest expense	(15,452		)	(18,610		)	(10,259		)	(7,159		)	(5,976		)	(57,456		)
	Allocated general and administrative(2)	(3,090		)	(3,799		)	(2,189		)	(3,049		)	(5,586		)	(17,713		)
	Segment profit (loss)(3)	$	9,341		$	11,298		$	11,316		$	(17,850	)	$	(7,342	)	$	6,763
	Other significant non-cash items:
	Provision for (recovery of) loan losses	$	(3,400	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(3,400	)
	Impairment of assets	—			2,979			—			—			—			2,979
	Depreciation and amortization	—			10,128			7,864			304			317			18,613
	Capitalized expenditures	—			(627		)	12,854			14,683			—			26,910
		Real Estate Finance			Net Lease			Operating Properties			Land			Corporate/Other(1)			Company Total
	As of March 31, 2015
	Real estate
	Real estate, net	—			1,177,437			506,690			852,146			—			2,536,273
	Real estate available and held for sale	—			11,307			139,853			141,448			—			292,608
	Total real estate	—			1,188,744			646,543			993,594			—			2,828,881
	Loans receivable and other lending investments, net	1,537,846			—			—			—			—			1,537,846
	Other investments	—			124,464			12,291			108,892			95,902			341,549
	Total portfolio assets	$	1,537,846		$	1,313,208		$	658,834		$	1,102,486		$	95,902		4,708,276
	Cash and other assets																944,304
	Total assets																$	5,652,580
	As of December 31, 2014
	Real estate
	Real estate, net	—			1,188,160			628,271			860,283			—			2,676,714
	Real estate available and held for sale	—			4,521			162,782			118,679			—			285,982
	Total real estate	—			1,192,681			791,053			978,962			—			2,962,696
	Loans receivable and other lending investments, net	1,377,843			—			—			—			—			1,377,843
	Other investments	—			125,360			13,220			106,155			109,384			354,119
	Total portfolio assets	$	1,377,843		$	1,318,041		$	804,273		$	1,085,117		$	109,384		4,694,658
	Cash and other assets																768,475
	Total assets																$	5,463,133
	Explanatory Notes:
	_______________________________________________________________________________
	-1	Corporate/Other represents all corporate level and unallocated items including any intercompany eliminations necessary to reconcile to consolidated Company totals. This caption also includes the Company's joint venture investments and strategic investments that are not included in the other reportable segments above.
	-2	General and administrative excludes stock-based compensation expense of $3.2 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
-3	The following is a reconciliation of segment profit (loss) to net income (loss) ($ in thousands):
	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
Segment profit (loss)	$	19,765		$	6,763
Less: (Provision for) recovery of loan losses	(4,293		)	3,400
Less: Impairment of assets	—			(2,979		)
Less: Stock-based compensation expense	(3,238		)	(2,075		)
Less: Depreciation and amortization	(18,501		)	(18,613		)
Less: Income tax (expense) benefit	(5,878		)	507
Less: Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net	(168		)	(1,180		)
Net income (loss)	$	(12,313	)	$	(14,177	)
Reconciliation of segment profit (loss) to income (loss) from continuing operations	The following is a reconciliation of segment profit (loss) to net income (loss) ($ in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Segment profit (loss)	$	19,765		$	6,763
	Less: (Provision for) recovery of loan losses	(4,293		)	3,400
	Less: Impairment of assets	—			(2,979		)
	Less: Stock-based compensation expense	(3,238		)	(2,075		)
	Less: Depreciation and amortization	(18,501		)	(18,613		)
	Less: Income tax (expense) benefit	(5,878		)	507
	Less: Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net	(168		)	(1,180		)
	Net income (loss)	$	(12,313	)	$	(14,177	)

Business_and_Organization_Deta

Business and Organization (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Business and Organization [Abstract]
Investment across a range of real estate sectors over the past two decades	$35

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Prin2

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	entity
Consolidated VIEs
Total revenues and total expenses related to consolidated VIEs
Number of variable interest entities (in investments)	4
Variable interest entity, consolidated, carrying amount, assets	$162.70
Variable interest entity, consolidated, carrying amount, liabilities	13.3
Variable interest entity unfunded commitment	38.8
Unconsolidated VIEs
Total revenues and total expenses related to consolidated VIEs
Number of variable interest entities (in investments)	25
Variable interest entity unfunded commitment	22.7
Carrying value of the investments	$166.30

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Prin3

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation (Reclassification) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:	($52,354)	($64,821)
Cash flows from investing activities:	-16,054	35,461
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:		-60,678
Cash flows from investing activities:		31,318
Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:		-4,143
Cash flows from investing activities:		4,143
Scenario, Actual [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:		-64,821
Cash flows from investing activities:		$35,461

Real_Estate_Schedule_of_Real_E

Real Estate (Schedule of Real Estate Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Land and land improvements	$1,316,097	$1,326,957
Buildings and improvements	1,672,573	1,818,606
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	-452,397	-468,849
Real estate, net	2,536,273	2,676,714
Real estate available and held for sale	292,608	285,982
Total real estate	2,828,881	2,962,696
Net Lease
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Land and land improvements	314,151	311,890
Buildings and improvements	1,234,104	1,240,593
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	-370,818	-364,323
Real estate, net	1,177,437	1,188,160
Real estate available and held for sale	11,307	4,521
Total real estate	1,188,744	1,192,681
Operating Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Land and land improvements	141,043	146,417
Buildings and improvements	438,469	578,013
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	-72,822	-96,159
Real estate, net	506,690	628,271
Real estate available and held for sale	139,853	162,782
Total real estate	646,543	791,053
Land
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Land and land improvements	860,903	868,650
Buildings and improvements	0	0
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	-8,757	-8,367
Real estate, net	852,146	860,283
Real estate available and held for sale	141,448	118,679
Total real estate	$993,594	$978,962

Real_Estate_Real_Estate_Availa

Real Estate (Real Estate Available and Held for Sale) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Real estate available and held for sale	$292,608,000		$285,982,000
Residential Operating Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Real estate available and held for sale	132,900,000		155,800,000
Condominium Units
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Income from sales of real estate	17,600,000	16,500,000
Net Lease
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Real estate available and held for sale	11,307,000		4,521,000
Operating Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Real estate available and held for sale	139,853,000		162,782,000
Construction Substantially Complete | Residential Units [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Property Transferred to Held for Sale, Aggregate, Carrying Value	22,900,000
Executed Contract with Third Party | Land
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Property Transferred to Held for Sale, Aggregate, Carrying Value	2,800,000
Executed Contract with Third Party | Net Lease
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Property Transferred to Held for Sale, Aggregate, Carrying Value	7,500,000
Executed Contract with Third Party | Land One [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Property Transferred to Held for Sale, Aggregate, Carrying Value	$3,900,000

Real_Estate_Acquisitions_Detai

Real Estate (Acquisitions) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Acquisitions of real estate assets	$0	$2,412
Condominium Units
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Acquisitions of real estate assets		$2,400
Number of properties acquired		1

Real_Estate_Dispositions_Detai

Real Estate (Dispositions) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Land development revenue	$8,258,000	$4,143,000
Land development cost of sales	6,891,000	3,654,000
Income from sales of real estate	21,156,000	16,494,000
Property sold, aggregate, carrying value		6,700,000
Net Lease
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sales of real estate		7,800,000
Impairment of long-lived assets to be disposed of or sold		3,000,000
Net Lease Asset One
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Initial term of ground lease	99 years
Lease incentive asset	38,100,000
Net Lease Asset Two [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of property held-for-sale	4,900,000
Income from sales of real estate	3,500,000
Condominium Units
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of other real estate	49,000,000	47,700,000
Income from sales of real estate	17,600,000	16,500,000
Operating Properties
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sales of real estate	93,500,000
Deferred gain on sale of property	5,300,000
Net Lease Venture | Net Lease
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sales of real estate		93,700,000
iStar's ownership percentage	51.90%	51.90%
Net Lease Venture | Net Lease Asset One
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sales of real estate		$93,700,000
Master Planned Community [Member] | Residential Real Estate
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties sold	3	2

Real_Estate_Tenant_Reimburseme

Real Estate (Tenant Reimbursements) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Real Estate [Abstract]
Tenant reimbursements	$7	$8.50

Real_Estate_Redeemable_Noncont

Real Estate (Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	$13,203,000	$11,199,000
Not Currently Redeemable [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	9,300,000	9,900,000
Redeemable estimated redemption value	$23,600,000	$23,600,000

Real_Estate_Allowance_for_doub

Real Estate (Allowance for doubtful accounts) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Real Estate Tenant Receivables [Member]
Schedule of Operating Lease Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Line Items]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$1.40	$1.30
Deferred Operating Lease [Member]
Schedule of Operating Lease Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Line Items]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$2.40	$2.40

Loans_Receivable_and_Other_Len2

Loans Receivable and Other Lending Investments, net (Schedule of Loans Receivable) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	$102,783,000		$98,490,000		$370,076,000	$377,204,000
Total gross carrying value of loans	1,452,702,000		1,288,662,000
Total loans receivable, net	1,349,919,000		1,190,172,000
Other lending investments—securities	187,927,000		187,671,000
Total loans receivable and other lending investments, net	1,537,846,000	[1]	1,377,843,000	[1]
Interest receivable	8,800,000		7,000,000
Senior mortgages
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total gross carrying value of loans	876,765,000		737,535,000
Corporate/Partnership loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total gross carrying value of loans	548,115,000		497,796,000
Subordinate mortgages
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total gross carrying value of loans	$27,822,000		$53,331,000
[1]	The Company's recorded investment in loans as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 includes accrued interest of $8.8 million and $7.0 million, respectively, which are included in "Accrued interest and operating lease income receivable, net" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Loans_Receivable_and_Other_Len3

Loans Receivable and Other Lending Investments, net (Reserve for Loan Losses) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for Loan Losses [Roll Forward]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	$102,783,000		$370,076,000		$98,490,000	$377,204,000
Provision for (recovery of) loan losses	4,293,000	[1]	-3,400,000	[1]
Charge-offs	0		-3,728,000
Recoveries of previously recorded loan loss reserves	$200,000		$5,200,000
[1]	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the provision for loan losses includes recoveries of previously recorded loan loss reserves of $0.2 million and $5.2 million, respectively.

Loans_Receivable_and_Other_Len4

Loans Receivable and Other Lending Investments, net (Loans and Associated Reserve for Loan Losses) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	$1,461,499,000		$1,295,703,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	102,783,000		98,490,000		370,076,000	377,204,000
Financing Receivable, Net	1,358,716,000		1,197,213,000
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Unamortized Loan Commitment and Origination Fees and Unamortized Discounts or Premiums	-11,500,000		-10,600,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,324,454,000	[1]	1,156,031,000	[1]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	38,000,000	[1]	33,500,000	[1]
Financing Receivable, Net	1,286,454,000	[1]	1,122,531,000	[1]
Individually Evaluated for Impairment [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Unamortized Loan Commitment and Origination Fees and Unamortized Discounts or Premiums	-200,000		-200,000
Financing Receivable, Gross	137,045,000	[2]	139,672,000	[2]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	64,783,000	[2]	64,990,000	[2]
Financing Receivable, Net	$72,262,000	[2]	$74,682,000	[2]
[1]	The carrying value of these loans include unamortized discounts, premiums, deferred fees and costs aggregating to a net discount of $11.5 million and $10.6 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
[2]	The carrying value of these loans include unamortized discounts, premiums, deferred fees and costs aggregating to a net discount of $0.2 million and $0.2 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company's loans individually evaluated for impairment primarily represent loans on non-accrual status and therefore, the unamortized amounts associated with these loans are not currently being amortized into income.

Loans_Receivable_and_Other_Len5

Loans Receivable and Other Lending Investments, net (Credit Characteristics for Performing Loans) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Recorded Investments in loans, presented by class and by credit quality, as indicated by risk rating
Financing Receivable, Gross	$1,461,499	$1,295,703
Senior mortgages
Recorded Investments in loans, presented by class and by credit quality, as indicated by risk rating
Financing Receivable, Gross	880,769
Corporate/Partnership loans
Recorded Investments in loans, presented by class and by credit quality, as indicated by risk rating
Financing Receivable, Gross	552,601
Subordinate mortgages
Recorded Investments in loans, presented by class and by credit quality, as indicated by risk rating
Financing Receivable, Gross	28,129
Real Estate Finance
Recorded Investments in loans, presented by class and by credit quality, as indicated by risk rating
Weighted Average Risk Ratings	3.24	3.23
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,332,558	1,166,465
Real Estate Finance | Senior mortgages
Recorded Investments in loans, presented by class and by credit quality, as indicated by risk rating
Weighted Average Risk Ratings	2.8	2.73
Financing Receivable, Gross	751,828	611,009
Real Estate Finance | Corporate/Partnership loans
Recorded Investments in loans, presented by class and by credit quality, as indicated by risk rating
Weighted Average Risk Ratings	3.83	3.88
Financing Receivable, Gross	552,601	501,620
Real Estate Finance | Subordinate mortgages
Recorded Investments in loans, presented by class and by credit quality, as indicated by risk rating
Weighted Average Risk Ratings	3.61	2.87
Financing Receivable, Gross	$28,129	$53,836

Loans_Receivable_and_Other_Len6

Loans Receivable and Other Lending Investments, net (Credit Characteristics by Payment Status) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
	Loan
Recorded investment in loans, aged by payment status and presented by class
Current	$1,344,792
Less Than and Equal to 90 Days	20,693
Greater Than 90 Days	96,014	[1]
Total Past Due	116,707
Total	1,461,499		1,295,703
Financing receivable, number of loans greater than 90 days past due	3
Financing receivables, past due time period	90 days
Senior mortgages
Recorded investment in loans, aged by payment status and presented by class
Current	764,062
Less Than and Equal to 90 Days	20,693
Greater Than 90 Days	96,014	[1]
Total Past Due	116,707
Total	880,769
Corporate/Partnership loans
Recorded investment in loans, aged by payment status and presented by class
Current	552,601
Less Than and Equal to 90 Days	0
Greater Than 90 Days	0
Total Past Due	0
Total	552,601
Subordinate mortgages
Recorded investment in loans, aged by payment status and presented by class
Current	28,129
Less Than and Equal to 90 Days	0
Greater Than 90 Days	0
Total Past Due	0
Total	$28,129
Minimum
Recorded investment in loans, aged by payment status and presented by class
Financing receivables, past due time period	5 years
Maximum
Recorded investment in loans, aged by payment status and presented by class
Financing receivables, past due time period	6 years
[1]	As of March 31, 2015, the Company had 3 loans which were greater than 90 days delinquent and were in various stages of resolution, including legal proceedings, environmental concerns and foreclosure-related proceedings, and ranged from 5.0 to 6.0 years outstanding.

Loans_Receivable_and_Other_Len7

Loans Receivable and Other Lending Investments, net (Impaired Loans) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Loans modified through troubled debt restructurings	$8,100,000			$10,400,000
Average Recorded Investment	138,359,000		720,118,000
Interest Income Recognized	26,000		619,000
Senior mortgages
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average Recorded Investment	130,491,000		626,553,000
Interest Income Recognized	17,000		554,000
Corporate/Partnership loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average Recorded Investment	7,868,000		93,565,000
Interest Income Recognized	9,000		65,000
With no related allowance recorded
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average Recorded Investment	0		48,512,000
Interest Income Recognized	0		501,000
With no related allowance recorded | Senior mortgages
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Average Recorded Investment	0		48,512,000
Interest Income Recognized	0		501,000
With an allowance recorded
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	137,045,000	[1]		139,672,000	[1]
Unpaid Principal Balance	136,164,000	[1]		138,801,000	[1]
Related Allowance	-64,783,000	[1]		-64,990,000	[1]
Average Recorded Investment	138,359,000		671,606,000
Interest Income Recognized	26,000		118,000
With an allowance recorded | Senior mortgages
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	130,336,000	[1]		130,645,000	[1]
Unpaid Principal Balance	129,428,000	[1]		129,744,000	[1]
Related Allowance	-64,440,000	[1]		-64,440,000	[1]
Average Recorded Investment	130,491,000		578,041,000
Interest Income Recognized	17,000		53,000
With an allowance recorded | Corporate/Partnership loans
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Recorded Investment	6,709,000	[1]		9,027,000	[1]
Unpaid Principal Balance	6,736,000	[1]		9,057,000	[1]
Related Allowance	-343,000	[1]		-550,000	[1]
Average Recorded Investment	7,868,000		93,565,000
Interest Income Recognized	$9,000		$65,000
[1]	All of the Company's non-accrual loans are considered impaired and included in the table above. In addition, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, certain loans modified through troubled debt restructurings with a recorded investment of $8.1 million and $10.4 million, respectively, are also included as impaired loans in accordance with GAAP although they are performing and on accrual status. The Company did not have impaired loans with no related allowance recorded.

Loans_Receivable_and_Other_Len8

Loans Receivable and Other Lending Investments, net (Troubled Debt Restructurings) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Unfunded commitments, troubled debt restructurings	$0

Loans_Receivable_and_Other_Len9

Loans Receivable and Other Lending Investments, net (Securities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Available-for-Sale Securities
Available-for-sale Securities, Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)	$153	$147
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Face Value	175,237	177,274
Amortized Cost Basis	187,774	187,524
Estimated Fair Value	194,208	191,366
Net Carrying Value	187,927	187,671
Municipal Bonds
Available-for-Sale Securities
Available-for-sale Securities, Face Value	1,010	1,020
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,010	1,020
Available-for-sale Securities, Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)	153	147
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Fair Value	1,163	1,167
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,163	1,167
Corporate Debt Securities
Held-to-Maturity Securities
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Face Value	174,227	176,254
Held-to-Maturity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	186,764	186,504
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	193,045	190,199
Held-to-maturity Securities	$186,764	$186,504

Recovered_Sheet1

Loans Receivable and Other Lending Investments, net (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
(Narrative) [Abstract]
Loans, Sold Loans Carrying Value	$5,500,000
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	$0

Other_Investments_Schedule_of_

Other Investments (Schedule of Other Investments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$341,549		$354,119
Earnings (loss) from equity method investments	6,547	3,177
Net Lease Venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	124,464		125,361
Earnings (loss) from equity method investments	1,633	-362
Other real estate equity investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	86,166		88,848
Earnings (loss) from equity method investments	-1,302	934
Other Investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	50,725		63,262
Earnings (loss) from equity method investments	1,733	3,334
Madison Funds
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	44,997		45,971
Earnings (loss) from equity method investments	-37	-402
Marina Palms
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	35,197		30,677
Earnings (loss) from equity method investments	$4,520	($327)

Other_Investments_Narrative_De

Other Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$341,549,000		$354,119,000
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Equity	7,300,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)	2,500,000
Marina Palms
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	35,197,000		30,677,000
MIRELF III
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
iStar's ownership percentage	32.90%
MIRELF III AIV
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
iStar's ownership percentage	32.90%
Madison GP1 Investors LP
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
iStar's ownership percentage	29.50%
Net Lease Venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	124,464,000		125,361,000
Madison International Real Estate Fund IILP [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
iStar's ownership percentage	29.50%
Net Lease Asset One | Net Lease Venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sales of real estate		93,700,000
Land | Marina Palms
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
iStar's ownership percentage	47.50%
Equity method investment, preferred interest	10,000,000
Total assets	275,800,000		265,700,000
Land | Other real estate equity investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	73,700,000		75,500,000
Net Lease
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sales of real estate		7,800,000
Net Lease | Net Lease Venture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
iStar's ownership percentage	51.90%	51.90%
Partners' capital account, contributions		500,000,000
Equity method investment, related party ownership percentage		0.60%
Equity method investment, related party promote fee percentage		50.00%
Equity method investment, partner ownership percentage		47.50%
Net proceeds from sales of real estate		93,700,000
Total assets	346,800,000		348,100,000
Operating Properties | Other real estate equity investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$12,300,000		$13,200,000
Minimum | Other real estate equity investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
iStar's ownership percentage	16.00%
Maximum | Other real estate equity investments
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
iStar's ownership percentage	86.00%

Other_Investments_Schedule_of_1

Other Investments (Schedule of Summarized Investee Financial Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Marina Palms
Equity Method Investments, Summarized Financial Information [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue	$34,998	$17
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Costs and Expenses	22,638	710
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss)	12,360	-693
Net Lease Venture
Equity Method Investments, Summarized Financial Information [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue	7,829	944	[1]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Costs and Expenses	4,546	1,642	[1]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss)	$3,146	($698)	[1]
[1]	The Company began accounting for its investment in Net Lease Venture under the equity method of accounting on February 13, 2014, when the venture was formed. The amounts in the Company's financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are based on the balances and results from Net Lease Venture for the period from February 13, 2014 to March 31, 2014.

Other_Assets_and_Other_Liabili2

Other Assets and Other Liabilities (Schedule of Other Assets) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, net	$80,429,000	[1]		$50,088,000	[1]
Other assets	36,599,000			37,085,000
Deferred financing fees, net	35,494,000	[2]		36,774,000	[2]
Restricted cash	19,124,000			19,283,000
Leasing costs, net	16,662,000	[3]		20,031,000	[3]
Other receivables	10,802,000			13,115,000
Corporate furniture, fixtures and equipment, net	5,113,000	[4]		5,409,000	[4]
Deferred expenses and other assets, net	204,223,000			181,785,000
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	35,600,000			45,100,000
Amortization of above market lease	2,000,000		2,300,000
Amortization of intangible assets	1,500,000		2,500,000
Accumulated amortization of deferred financing fees	18,300,000			15,400,000
Accumulated amortization on leasing costs	8,600,000			9,000,000
Accumulated depreciation on corporate furniture, fixtures and equipment	7,300,000			7,100,000
Net Lease Asset One
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lease incentive asset	$38,100,000
[1]	Intangible assets, net are primarily related to the acquisition of real estate assets. This balance also includes a lease incentive asset of $38.1 million (see Note 4). Accumulated amortization on intangible assets was $35.6 million and $45.1 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The amortization of above market leases decreased operating lease income on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations by $2.0 million and $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The amortization expense for other intangible assets was $1.5 million and $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These amounts are included in "Depreciation and amortization" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
[2]	Accumulated amortization on deferred financing fees was $18.3 million and $15.4 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
[3]	Accumulated amortization on leasing costs was $8.6 million and $9.0 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
[4]	Accumulated depreciation on corporate furniture, fixtures and equipment was $7.3 million and $7.1 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Other_Assets_and_Other_Liabili3

Other Assets and Other Liabilities (Schedule of Other Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Assets and Other Liabilities [Abstract]
Other Liabilities	$58,353,000	[1]		$48,256,000	[1]
Accrued interest payable	45,077,000			57,895,000
Accrued expenses	43,202,000			62,866,000
Intangible liabilities, net	11,619,000	[2]		11,885,000	[2]
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	158,251,000			180,902,000
Profit sharing payable	10,300,000			6,800,000
Special assessment bond	7,500,000			7,700,000
Below market lease, accumulated amortization	5,500,000			6,200,000
Amortization of below market lease	$400,000		$700,000
[1]	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, "Other liabilities" includes $10.3 million and $6.8 million, respectively, related to a profit sharing payable to a developer for residential units sold. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, "Other liabilities" also includes $7.5 million and $7.7 million, respectively, related to tax increment financing ("TIF") bonds which were issued by a governmental entity to fund the installation of infrastructure within one of the Company's master planned community developments. The balance represents a special assessment associated with each individual land parcel, which will decrease as the Company sells parcels.
[2]	Intangible liabilities, net are primarily related to the acquisition of real estate assets. Accumulated amortization on intangible liabilities was $5.5 million and $6.2 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The amortization of intangible liabilities increased operating lease income on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations by $0.4 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Other_Assets_and_Other_Liabili4

Other Assets and Other Liabilities (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	$759,800,000
Taxable REIT Subsidiaries [Member]
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets		57,053,000	[1]	54,318,000	[1]
Valuation allowance		-57,053,000		-54,318,000
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)		0		0
Real estate basis differences		39,100,000		39,300,000
Investments basis differences		6,200,000		5,900,000
Deferred expenses differences		5,600,000		2,700,000
Operating loss carryforwards		$3,900,000		$4,100,000
[1]	Deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2015 include timing differences related primarily to real estate basis of $39.1 million, investment basis of $6.2 million, deferred expenses of $5.6 million, and net operating loss carryforwards of $3.9 million. Deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2014, include timing differences related primarily to real estate basis of $39.3 million, investment basis of $5.9 million, net operating loss carryforwards of $4.1 million, and deferred expenses of $2.7 million.

Debt_Obligations_net_Schedule_

Debt Obligations, net (Schedule of Debt) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt obligations	$4,271,867		$4,034,349
Debt discounts, net	-10,339		-11,665
Total debt obligations, net	4,261,528		4,022,684
2012 Tranche A-2 Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt obligations	348,185	[1]	358,504	[1]
Stated Interest Rates	7.00%
Variable interest rate, spread	5.75%	[1]
Variable interest rate, basis	LIBOR	[1]
2015 Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt obligations	250,000	[2]	0	[2]
Term loans collateralized by net lease assets
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt obligations	246,792	[3]	248,955	[3]
Weighted average interest rate	5.30%
Stated interest rate, minimum	4.85%	[3]
Stated interest rate, maximum	7.26%	[3]
Total secured credit facilities and term loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt obligations	844,977		607,459
6.05% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt obligations	105,765		105,765
Stated Interest Rates	6.05%
5.875% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt obligations	261,403		261,403
Stated Interest Rates	5.88%
3.875% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt obligations	265,000		265,000
Stated Interest Rates	3.88%
3.0% senior convertible notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt obligations	200,000	[4]	200,000	[4]
Stated Interest Rates	3.00%	[4]
Convertible debt conversion ratio	0.085
Convertible debt conversion price	$11.77
1.50% senior convertible notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt obligations	200,000	[5]	200,000	[5]
Stated Interest Rates	1.50%	[5]
Convertible debt conversion ratio	0.0578
Convertible debt conversion price	$17.29
5.85% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt obligations	99,722		99,722
Stated Interest Rates	5.85%
9.0% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt obligations	275,000		275,000
Stated Interest Rates	9.00%
4.00% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt obligations	550,000		550,000
Stated Interest Rates	4.00%
7.125% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt obligations	300,000		300,000
Stated Interest Rates	7.13%
4.875% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt obligations	300,000		300,000
Stated Interest Rates	4.88%
5.00% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt obligations	770,000		770,000
Stated Interest Rates	5.00%
Unsecured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt obligations	3,326,890		3,326,890
Other debt obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt obligations	$100,000		$100,000
Variable interest rate, spread	1.50%
Variable interest rate, basis	LIBOR
Minimum | 2012 Tranche A-2 Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate, spread	1.25%
Property One | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Term loans collateralized by net lease assets
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate, spread	2.00%
Base Rate [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | 2015 Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate, spread	1.00%
Base Rate [Member] | Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] | 2015 Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate, spread	0.50%
Base Rate [Member] | Minimum | 2015 Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, margin	1.25%
Base Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member] | 2015 Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, margin	1.75%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Minimum | 2015 Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, margin	2.25%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Maximum [Member] | 2015 Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, margin	2.75%
[1]	The loan has a LIBOR floor of 1.25%. As of March 31, 2015, inclusive of the floor, the 2012 Tranche A-2 Facility loan incurred interest at a rate of 7.00%.
[2]	The loan bears interest at the Company's election of either (i) a base rate, which is the greater of (a) prime, (b) federal funds plus 0.5% or (c) LIBOR plus 1.00% and subject to a margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.75%, or (ii) LIBOR subject to a margin ranging from 2.25% to 2.75%. At maturity, the Company may convert outstanding borrowings to a one year term loan which matures in quarterly installments through March 2019.
[3]	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, includes a loan with a floating rate of LIBOR plus 2.00%. As of March 31, 2015, the weighted average interest rate of these loans is 5.3%.
[4]	The Company's 3.0% senior convertible fixed rate notes due November 2016 ("3.0% Convertible Notes") are convertible at the option of the holders, into 85.0 shares per $1,000 principal amount of 3.0% Convertible Notes, at $11.77 per share at any time prior to the close of business on November 14, 2016.
[5]	The Company's 1.50% senior convertible fixed rate notes due November 2016 ("1.50% Convertible Notes") are convertible at the option of the holders, into 57.8 shares per $1,000 principal amount of 1.50% Convertible Notes, at $17.29 per share at any time prior to the close of business on November 14, 2016.

Debt_Obligations_net_Future_Sc

Debt Obligations, net (Future Scheduled Maturities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2015 (remaining nine months)	$105,765
2016	926,403
2017	1,272,907
2018	864,765
2019	801,936
Thereafter	300,091
Total principal maturities	4,271,867	4,034,349
Unamortized debt discounts, net	-10,339	-11,665
Total debt obligations, net	4,261,528	4,022,684
Unsecured Debt
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2015 (remaining nine months)	105,765
2016	926,403
2017	924,722
2018	600,000
2019	770,000
Thereafter	100,000
Total principal maturities	3,426,890
Unamortized debt discounts, net	-7,656
Total debt obligations, net	3,419,234
Secured Debt
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2015 (remaining nine months)	0
2016	0
2017	348,185
2018	264,765
2019	31,936
Thereafter	200,091
Total principal maturities	844,977
Unamortized debt discounts, net	-2,683
Total debt obligations, net	$842,294

Debt_Obligations_net_Secured_C

Debt Obligations, net (Secured Credit Facility Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	36 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 27, 2015
				tranches
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Repayment of principal amount	$12,328,000		$60,863,000
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net	168,000		1,180,000
2012 Secured Credit Facilities
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount				880,000,000
Number of tranches				2
2012 Tranche A-1 Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount				410,000,000
Variable interest rate, basis	LIBOR
Percentage of par credit facilities were issued at				98.00%
Variable interest rate, spread	4.00%
Unsecured Notes LIBOR plus 0.50% senior convertible notes
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Repayment of principal amount				606,700,000
Unsecured Line of credit due June 2012
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Repayment of principal amount				244,000,000
Unsecured Notes 5.50% senior notes
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Repayment of principal amount				90,300,000
Stated Interest Rates				5.50%
2012 Tranche A-2 Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount				470,000,000
Repayment of principal amount					121,800,000
Stated Interest Rates	7.00%				7.00%
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net	200,000		300,000
Variable interest rate, basis	LIBOR	[1]
Percentage of par credit facilities were issued at				98.50%
Variable interest rate, spread	5.75%	[1]
2015 Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity						$250,000,000
Converted term loan, term	1 year
Minimum | 2012 Tranche A-2 Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable interest rate, spread	1.25%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Minimum | 2012 Tranche A-1 Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable interest rate, spread	1.25%
[1]	The loan has a LIBOR floor of 1.25%. As of March 31, 2015, inclusive of the floor, the 2012 Tranche A-2 Facility loan incurred interest at a rate of 7.00%.

Debt_Obligations_net_Encumbere

Debt Obligations, net (Encumbered/Unencumbered Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Real estate, net	$2,536,273		$2,676,714
Real estate available and held for sale	292,608		285,982
Loans receivable and other lending investments, net	1,537,846	[1]	1,377,843	[1]
Other investments	341,549		354,119
Cash and other assets	944,304		768,475
Total assets	5,652,580		5,463,133
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	102,783		98,490		370,076	377,204
Encumbered Assets
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Real estate, net	886,114		620,378
Real estate available and held for sale	10,496		10,496
Loans receivable and other lending investments, net	109,798	[2]	46,515	[2]
Other investments	16,367		17,708
Cash and other assets	0		0
Total assets	1,022,775		695,097
Unencumbered Assets
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Real estate, net	1,650,159		2,056,336
Real estate available and held for sale	282,112		275,486
Loans receivable and other lending investments, net	1,466,048	[2]	1,364,828	[2]
Other investments	325,182		336,411
Cash and other assets	944,304		768,475
Total assets	4,667,805		4,801,536
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	$38,000	[3]	$33,500	[3]
[1]	The Company's recorded investment in loans as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 includes accrued interest of $8.8 million and $7.0 million, respectively, which are included in "Accrued interest and operating lease income receivable, net" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[2]	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the amounts presented exclude general reserves for loan losses of $38.0 million and $33.5 million, respectively.
[3]	The carrying value of these loans include unamortized discounts, premiums, deferred fees and costs aggregating to a net discount of $11.5 million and $10.6 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Debt_Obligations_net_Debt_Cove

Debt Obligations, net (Debt Covenants) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Unsecured Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum ratio of unencumbered assets to unsecured indebtedness	1.2
Debt instrument covenant multiple of minimum fixed charges on outstanding borrowings	1.5
2012 Secured Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Multiple of the minimum collateral coverage on outstanding borrowings	1.25
Total secured credit facilities and term loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of REIT taxable income permitted for distribution under debt covenants	100.00%
2015 Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Multiple of the minimum collateral coverage on outstanding borrowings	1.5
Debt instrument covenant multiple of minimum fixed charges on outstanding borrowings	1.5

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (Land, Real Estate Sales [Member], USD $)	Jan. 22, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	acre
Land | Real Estate Sales [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Area of real estate property	1,250
Unpaid purchase price	$114
Unpaid purchase price, interest rate	12.00%
Noncontrolling Interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners	15.00%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Unfunded Commitments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of capital committed to strategic investments that may be drawn down	100.00%
Unfunded Financial Commitments [Line Items]
Performance-Based Commitments	$639,515
Strategic Investments	45,762
Discretionary Fundings	18,065
Total	703,342
Loans and Other Lending Investments
Unfunded Financial Commitments [Line Items]
Performance-Based Commitments	600,213
Strategic Investments	0
Discretionary Fundings	18,065
Total	618,278
Real Estate
Unfunded Financial Commitments [Line Items]
Performance-Based Commitments	12,081
Strategic Investments	0
Discretionary Fundings	0
Total	12,081
Other Investments
Unfunded Financial Commitments [Line Items]
Performance-Based Commitments	27,221
Strategic Investments	45,762
Discretionary Fundings	0
Total	$72,983

Derivatives_Derivatives_Detail

Derivatives (Derivatives) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Designated as hedge
Derivative financial instruments on consolidated balance sheets
Derivative Assets, Fair Value	$0	$52
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	910	478
Designated as hedge | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Assets
Derivative financial instruments on consolidated balance sheets
Derivative Assets, Fair Value	0	0
Designated as hedge | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments on consolidated balance sheets
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	676	478
Designated as hedge | Interest rate swaps | Other Assets
Derivative financial instruments on consolidated balance sheets
Derivative Assets, Fair Value	0	52
Designated as hedge | Interest rate swaps | Other Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments on consolidated balance sheets
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	234	0
Not designated as hedge
Derivative financial instruments on consolidated balance sheets
Derivative Assets, Fair Value	4,919	6,309
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	0	0
Not designated as hedge | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Assets
Derivative financial instruments on consolidated balance sheets
Derivative Assets, Fair Value	2,180	1,534
Not designated as hedge | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments on consolidated balance sheets
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	0	0
Not designated as hedge | Interest rate cap | Other Assets
Derivative financial instruments on consolidated balance sheets
Derivative Assets, Fair Value	2,739	4,775
Not designated as hedge | Interest rate cap | Other Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments on consolidated balance sheets
Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value	$0	$0

Derivatives_Classification_on_

Derivatives (Classification on the Consolidated Statements of Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Expense | Foreign exchange contracts | Designated as hedge
Derivative financial instruments on consolidated statements of operations
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)	($198)	($452)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Earnings (Effective Portion)	0	0
Other Expense | Foreign exchange contracts | Not designated as hedge
Derivative financial instruments on consolidated statements of operations
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income	2,289	1,498
Earnings from Equity Method Investments | Interest rate cap | Designated as hedge
Derivative financial instruments on consolidated statements of operations
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)	-7
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Earnings (Effective Portion)	0
Earnings from Equity Method Investments | Interest rate swaps | Designated as hedge
Derivative financial instruments on consolidated statements of operations
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)	-364
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Earnings (Effective Portion)	-115
Interest Expense | Interest rate cap | Designated as hedge
Derivative financial instruments on consolidated statements of operations
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)	0	-962
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Earnings (Effective Portion)	-77	0
Interest Expense | Interest rate cap | Not designated as hedge
Derivative financial instruments on consolidated statements of operations
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income	-2,036	0
Interest Expense | Interest rate swaps | Designated as hedge
Derivative financial instruments on consolidated statements of operations
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)	-376	-348
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Earnings (Effective Portion)	$42	($135)

Derivatives_Foreign_Exchange_C

Derivatives (Foreign Exchange Contracts) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
	USD ($)	USD ($)	Sells euro (EUR)/Buys USD Forward	Sells euro (EUR)/Buys USD Forward	Sells Indian rupee (INR)/Buys USD Forward	Sells Indian rupee (INR)/Buys USD Forward	Sells pound sterling (GBP)/Buys USD Forward	Sells pound sterling (GBP)/Buys USD Forward	Sells Canadian dollar (CAD)/Buys USD Forward	Sells Canadian dollar (CAD)/Buys USD Forward
			USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)	INR	USD ($)	GBP (£)	USD ($)	CAD
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount			$15,482,000	€ 13,000,000	$6,534,000	456,000,000	$4,548,000	£ 3,000,000	$8,475,000	10,000,000
Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives			7-Apr-15	7-Apr-15	30-Jun-15	30-Jun-15	7-Apr-15	7-Apr-15	7-Apr-15	7-Apr-15
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)	$0	$300,000

Derivatives_Interest_Rate_Hedg

Derivatives (Interest Rate Hedges) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Interest rate cap
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$500,000,000
Derivative, Cap Interest Rate	1.00%
Interest rate swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Variable Interest Rate	2.00%
Derivative, Notional Amount	27,324,000
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.47%
Terminated Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months	200,000
Interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months	$700,000

Derivatives_Credit_RiskRelated

Derivatives (Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features) (Details) (Forward Contracts, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Forward Contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Collateral Posted For Hedges	$3	$3

Equity_Preferred_Stock_Details

Equity (Preferred Stock) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares Issued and Outstanding (in thousands)	25,800				25,800
Number of days in year used in the computation of preferred stock dividends for any partial dividend period	360 days		360 days
Number of months used in the computation of preferred stock dividends for any partial dividend period	12 months		12 months
Number of days in month, dividends computation of dividends payable for any partial dividend period	30 days		30 days
Amount of preferred dividends in arrears	$0
Maximum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of days prior to dividend payment date that Board of Directors may elect to designate as the payment date	30 days		30 days
Minimum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of days prior to dividend payment date that Board of Directors may elect to designate as the payment date	10 days		10 days
Series D
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares Issued and Outstanding (in thousands)	4,000				4,000
Par Value (in dollars per share)	$0.00				0.001
Liquidation Preference (in dollars per share)	$25	[1],[2]			25	[1],[2]
Rate per Annum	8.00%	[1],[2]	8.00%	[1],[2]
Equivalent to Fixed Annual Rate (per share)	$2	[1],[2]	2	[1],[2]
Dividends declared and paid	2,000,000		2,000,000
Series E
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares Issued and Outstanding (in thousands)	5,600				5,600
Par Value (in dollars per share)	$0.00				0.001
Liquidation Preference (in dollars per share)	$25	[1],[2]			25	[1],[2]
Rate per Annum	7.88%	[1],[2]	7.88%	[1],[2]
Equivalent to Fixed Annual Rate (per share)	$1.97	[1],[2]	1.97	[1],[2]
Dividends declared and paid	2,800,000		2,800,000
Series F
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares Issued and Outstanding (in thousands)	4,000				4,000
Par Value (in dollars per share)	$0.00				0.001
Liquidation Preference (in dollars per share)	$25	[1],[2]			25	[1],[2]
Rate per Annum	7.80%	[1],[2]	7.80%	[1],[2]
Equivalent to Fixed Annual Rate (per share)	$1.95	[1],[2]	1.95	[1],[2]
Dividends declared and paid	2,000,000		2,000,000
Series G
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares Issued and Outstanding (in thousands)	3,200				3,200
Par Value (in dollars per share)	$0.00				0.001
Liquidation Preference (in dollars per share)	$25	[1],[2]			25	[1],[2]
Rate per Annum	7.65%	[1],[2]	7.65%	[1],[2]
Equivalent to Fixed Annual Rate (per share)	$1.91	[1],[2]	1.91	[1],[2]
Dividends declared and paid	1,500,000		1,500,000
Series I
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares Issued and Outstanding (in thousands)	5,000				5,000
Par Value (in dollars per share)	$0.00				0.001
Liquidation Preference (in dollars per share)	$25	[1],[2]			25	[1],[2]
Rate per Annum	7.50%	[1],[2]	7.50%	[1],[2]
Equivalent to Fixed Annual Rate (per share)	$1.88	[1],[2]	1.88	[1],[2]
Dividends declared and paid	2,300,000		2,300,000
Series J
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares Issued and Outstanding (in thousands)	4,000				4,000
Par Value (in dollars per share)	$0.00				0.001
Liquidation Preference (in dollars per share)	$50	[1],[2]			50	[1],[2]
Rate per Annum	4.50%	[1],[2]	4.50%	[1],[2]
Equivalent to Fixed Annual Rate (per share)	$2.25	[1],[2]	2.25	[1],[2]
Dividends declared and paid	$2,300,000		2,300,000
[1]	Holders of shares of the Series D, E, F, G, I and J preferred stock are entitled to receive dividends, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends. Dividends are cumulative from the date of original issue and are payable quarterly in arrears on or before the 15th day of each March, June, September and December or, if not a business day, the next succeeding business day. Any dividend payable on the preferred stock for any partial dividend period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dividends will be payable to holders of record as of the close of business on the first day of the calendar month in which the applicable dividend payment date falls or on another date designated by the Board of Directors of the Company for the payment of dividends that is not more than 30 nor less than 10 days prior to the dividend payment date.
[2]	The Company declared and paid dividends of $2.0 million, $2.8 million, $2.0 million, $1.5 million and $2.3 million on its Series D, E, F, G and I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The Company declared and paid dividends of $2.3 million on its Series J Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. All of the dividends qualified as return of capital for tax reporting purposes. There are no dividend arrearages on any of the preferred shares currently outstanding.

Equity_Dividends_Details

Equity (Dividends) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013
Dividends [Abstract]
Minimum percentage of taxable income (excluding net capital gains) to be distributed in order to qualify as REIT	90.00%
Percentage of taxable income (including net capital gains) to be distributed in order to qualify as REIT	100.00%
Operating loss carryforwards		$759.80

Equity_Stock_Repurchase_Progra

Equity (Stock Repurchase Program) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock Repurchase Program
Repurchase of common stock, authorized amount		$50,000,000
Treasury stock, shares, acquired	44,000
Treasury stock value acquired including acquisition costs	600,000
Treasury stock acquired, average cost per share	$12.66
Available repurchase of common stock, authorized amount	$28,500,000

Equity_Accumulated_Other_Compr

Equity (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) reflected in the Company's shareholders' equity
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	($123)	$2,983
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	-1,204	-409
Unrealized losses on cumulative translation adjustment	-3,789	-3,545
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	($5,116)	($971)

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_1

Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefits (Stock-based Compensation) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2013	Jan. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$3,238,000	$2,075,000
Unrecognized compensation cost	3,300,000
Weighted-average period to recognize the unrecognized compensation cost	1 year 7 months 2 days
Deferred compensation share-based arrangements, liability, current and noncurrent	$10,500,000
Long-term Incentive Plan 2006 and 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for issuance	3,800,000
Employees | Common Stock Subject to Sales Restriction
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vested, Number of Shares	318,482
Granted, Number of Shares	318,482
Restricted shares awarded	189,241
Sale restriction period	2 years
Employees | Service Based Restricted Stock Units Vesting on December 31, 2017 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted units						64,196
Non-vested, outstanding (in shares)	64,196
Employees | Performance-based restricted stock units vesting on December 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-vested, outstanding (in shares)	50,116
Risk-free interest rate			0.76%
Expected stock price volatility			44.84%
Employees | Performance-based restricted stock units vesting on December 31, 2016 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			0.00%
Employees | Performance-based restricted stock units vesting on December 31, 2016 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			200.00%
Employees | Performance Based Restricted Stock Units Vesting on December 31, 2017 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted units						49,650
Non-vested, outstanding (in shares)	49,650
Risk-free interest rate				0.75%
Expected stock price volatility				28.14%
Employees | Performance Based Restricted Stock Units Vesting on December 31, 2017 [Member] | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage				0.00%
Employees | Performance Based Restricted Stock Units Vesting on December 31, 2017 [Member] | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage				200.00%
Employees | Service Based Restricted Stock Units Vesting on December 31, 2016 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-vested, outstanding (in shares)	64,552
Employees | Service-based restricted stock units vesting on February 1, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-vested, outstanding (in shares)	194,582
Employees | Service based restricted stock units with specified vesting dates
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-vested, outstanding (in shares)	10,666
Employees | Service based restricted stock units with specified vesting dates | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting term					3 years

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_2

Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefits (Directors' Awards) (Details) (Directors, CSE and restricted stock units, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Directors | CSE and restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-vested, outstanding (in shares)	278,471
Aggregate intrinsic value for directors	$3.60

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_3

Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefits (401(k) Plan) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Gross contributions made by the Company	$0.60	$0.60

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Earnings Per Share) (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	($33,469)	[1]	($30,671)	[1]
Income from sales of real estate	21,156		16,494
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,841		-454
Preferred dividends	12,830		12,830
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to common shareholders, HPU holders and Participating Security Holders	($23,302)		($27,461)
[1]	Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to iStar Financial Inc. was $(31.6) million and $(31.3) million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. See Note 13 for details on the calculation of earnings per share.

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_of1

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Earnings Per Share) (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per common share	85,497	[1]	84,819	[1]
Weighted average High Performance Units outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share	15	[1],[2]	15	[1],[2]
Per basic and diluted share data:
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc.and allocable to HPU holders—Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.26)	[1]	($0.31)	[1]
Common Stock
Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per common share	85,497		84,819
Per basic and diluted share data:
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc.and allocable to HPU holders—Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.26)		($0.31)
HPU's
Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average High Performance Units outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share	15		15
Basic and Diluted | Common Stock
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to common shareholders	($22,553)		($26,572)
Basic and Diluted | HPU's
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to HPU holders	($749)		($889)
Per basic and diluted share data:
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc.and allocable to HPU holders—Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	($49.93)		($59.27)
[1]	Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to iStar Financial Inc. was $(31.6) million and $(31.3) million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. See Note 13 for details on the calculation of earnings per share.
[2]	HPU holders are current and former Company employees who purchased high performance common stock units under the Company's High Performance Unit Program.

Earnings_Per_Share_Antidilutiv

Earnings Per Share (Anti-dilutive Shares) (Details)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Joint venture shares
Anti-dilutive shares
Anti-dilutive shares	298	[1]	298	[1]
3.00% convertible senior unsecured notes
Anti-dilutive shares
Anti-dilutive shares	16,992	[1]	16,992	[1]
Series J convertible perpetual preferred stock
Anti-dilutive shares
Anti-dilutive shares	15,635	[1]	15,635	[1]
1.50% convertible senior unsecured notes
Anti-dilutive shares
Anti-dilutive shares	11,567	[1]	11,567	[1]
[1]	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the effect of the Company's unvested Units, performance-based Units, CSEs and restricted stock awards were anti-dilutive.

Fair_Values_Schedule_of_Fair_V

Fair Values (Schedule of Fair Value Measurement) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
	Loan
Recurring basis | Quoted market prices in active markets (Level 1)
Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value
Available-for-sale securities			$7,906
Recurring basis | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value
Derivative assets	4,919		6,361
Derivative liabilities	910		478
Recurring basis | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value
Available-for-sale securities	1,163	[1]
Non-recurring basis | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value
Impaired loans	6,362	[2]	37,169
Impaired real estate			7,102
Total | Recurring basis
Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value
Derivative assets	4,919		6,361
Derivative liabilities	910		478
Available-for-sale securities	1,163	[1]	7,906
Total | Non-recurring basis
Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value
Impaired loans	6,362	[2]	37,169
Impaired real estate			$7,102
Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] | Loans Receivable One [Member] | Non-recurring basis
Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value
Number of Impaired Loans	1
Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Expected Term	1 year 3 months
Discount rate	4.70%
[1]	The fair value of the Company's available-for-sale securities are based upon third-party broker quotes.
[2]	The Company recorded a recovery of loan losses on one loan with a fair value of $6.4 million based on the loan's remaining term of 1.25 years and interest rate of 4.7% using discounted cash flow analysis.

Fair_Values_Narrative_Details

Fair Values (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial assets:
Loans receivable and other lending investments, net	$1,537,846	[1]	$1,377,843	[1]
Financial liabilities:
Debt obligations, net	4,261,528		4,022,684
Fair Value
Financial assets:
Loans receivable and other lending investments, net	1,600,000		1,400,000
Financial liabilities:
Debt obligations, net	$4,400,000		$4,100,000
[1]	The Company's recorded investment in loans as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 includes accrued interest of $8.8 million and $7.0 million, respectively, which are included in "Accrued interest and operating lease income receivable, net" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Segment_Reporting_Schedule_of_

Segment Reporting (Schedule of Segments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014
	segments
Segment Reporting
Number of reportable segments	4
Operating lease income	$59,139		$62,108
Interest income	34,896		27,914
Other income	10,564		14,584
Land development revenue	8,258		4,143
Earnings (loss) from equity method investments	6,547		3,177
Income from sales of real estate	21,156		16,494
Total revenue and other earnings	140,560		128,420
Real estate expense	-39,634		-42,613
Land development cost of sales	-6,891		-3,654
Other expense	-2,123		-221
Allocated interest expense	-54,632		-57,456
Allocated general and administrative	-17,515	[1]	-17,713	[1]
Segment profit (loss)	19,765	[2]	6,763	[2]
Provision for (recovery of) loan losses	4,293	[3]	-3,400	[3]
Impairment of assets			2,979
Depreciation and amortization	18,501		18,613
Capitalized expenditures	32,819		26,910
Real estate, net	2,536,273				2,676,714
Real estate available and held for sale	292,608				285,982
Total real estate	2,828,881				2,962,696
Loans receivable and other lending investments, net	1,537,846	[4]			1,377,843	[4]
Other investments	341,549				354,119
Total portfolio assets	4,708,276				4,694,658
Cash and other assets	944,304				768,475
Total assets	5,652,580				5,463,133
Stock-based compensation expense	3,238		2,075
Operating Segments | Real Estate Finance
Segment Reporting
Operating lease income	0		0
Interest income	34,896		27,914
Other income	48		399
Land development revenue	0		0
Earnings (loss) from equity method investments	0		0
Income from sales of real estate	0		0
Total revenue and other earnings	34,944		28,313
Real estate expense	0		0
Land development cost of sales	0		0
Other expense	1		-430
Allocated interest expense	-14,235		-15,452
Allocated general and administrative	-3,094	[1]	-3,090	[1]
Segment profit (loss)	17,616	[2]	9,341	[2]
Provision for (recovery of) loan losses	4,293		-3,400
Impairment of assets			0
Depreciation and amortization	0		0
Capitalized expenditures	0		0
Real estate, net	0				0
Real estate available and held for sale	0				0
Total real estate	0				0
Loans receivable and other lending investments, net	1,537,846				1,377,843
Other investments	0				0
Total portfolio assets	1,537,846				1,377,843
Operating Segments | Net Lease
Segment Reporting
Operating lease income	36,339		38,881
Interest income	0		0
Other income	3		214
Land development revenue	0		0
Earnings (loss) from equity method investments	1,633		286
Income from sales of real estate	3,527		0
Total revenue and other earnings	41,502		39,381
Real estate expense	-5,270		-5,674
Land development cost of sales	0		0
Other expense	0		0
Allocated interest expense	-16,835		-18,610
Allocated general and administrative	-3,761	[1]	-3,799	[1]
Segment profit (loss)	15,636	[2]	11,298	[2]
Provision for (recovery of) loan losses	0		0
Impairment of assets			2,979
Depreciation and amortization	9,449		10,128
Capitalized expenditures	345		-627
Real estate, net	1,177,437				1,188,160
Real estate available and held for sale	11,307				4,521
Total real estate	1,188,744				1,192,681
Loans receivable and other lending investments, net	0				0
Other investments	124,464				125,360
Total portfolio assets	1,313,208				1,318,041
Operating Segments | Operating Properties
Segment Reporting
Operating lease income	22,614		23,001
Interest income	0		0
Other income	8,876		12,666
Land development revenue	0		0
Earnings (loss) from equity method investments	535		217
Income from sales of real estate	17,629		16,494
Total revenue and other earnings	49,654		52,378
Real estate expense	-27,424		-28,614
Land development cost of sales	0		0
Other expense	0		0
Allocated interest expense	-7,668		-10,259
Allocated general and administrative	-1,828	[1]	-2,189	[1]
Segment profit (loss)	12,734	[2]	11,316	[2]
Provision for (recovery of) loan losses	0		0
Impairment of assets			0
Depreciation and amortization	8,344		7,864
Capitalized expenditures	10,094		12,854
Real estate, net	506,690				628,271
Real estate available and held for sale	139,853				162,782
Total real estate	646,543				791,053
Loans receivable and other lending investments, net	0				0
Other investments	12,291				13,220
Total portfolio assets	658,834				804,273
Operating Segments | Land
Segment Reporting
Operating lease income	186		226
Interest income	0		0
Other income	633		226
Land development revenue	8,258		4,143
Earnings (loss) from equity method investments	2,609		-258
Income from sales of real estate	0		0
Total revenue and other earnings	11,686		4,337
Real estate expense	-6,940		-8,325
Land development cost of sales	-6,891		-3,654
Other expense	0		0
Allocated interest expense	-7,544		-7,159
Allocated general and administrative	-2,793	[1]	-3,049	[1]
Segment profit (loss)	-12,482	[2]	-17,850	[2]
Provision for (recovery of) loan losses	0		0
Impairment of assets			0
Depreciation and amortization	390		304
Capitalized expenditures	22,380		14,683
Real estate, net	852,146				860,283
Real estate available and held for sale	141,448				118,679
Total real estate	993,594				978,962
Loans receivable and other lending investments, net	0				0
Other investments	108,892				106,155
Total portfolio assets	1,102,486				1,085,117
Corporate, Non-Segment | Corporate/Other
Segment Reporting
Operating lease income	0	[5]	0	[5]
Interest income	0	[5]	0	[5]
Other income	1,004	[5]	1,079	[5]
Land development revenue	0	[5]	0	[5]
Earnings (loss) from equity method investments	1,770	[5]	2,932	[5]
Income from sales of real estate	0	[5]	0	[5]
Total revenue and other earnings	2,774	[5]	4,011	[5]
Real estate expense	0	[5]	0	[5]
Land development cost of sales	0	[5]	0	[5]
Other expense	-2,124	[5]	209	[5]
Allocated interest expense	-8,350	[5]	-5,976	[5]
Allocated general and administrative	-6,039	[1],[5]	-5,586	[1],[5]
Segment profit (loss)	-13,739	[2],[5]	-7,342	[2],[5]
Provision for (recovery of) loan losses	0	[5]	0	[5]
Impairment of assets			0	[5]
Depreciation and amortization	318	[5]	317	[5]
Capitalized expenditures	0	[5]	0	[5]
Real estate, net	0	[5]			0	[5]
Real estate available and held for sale	0	[5]			0	[5]
Total real estate	0	[5]			0	[5]
Loans receivable and other lending investments, net	0	[5]			0	[5]
Other investments	95,902	[5]			109,384	[5]
Total portfolio assets	$95,902	[5]			$109,384	[5]
[1]	General and administrative excludes stock-based compensation expense of $3.2 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
[2]	The following is a reconciliation of segment profit (loss) to net income (loss) ($ in thousands): For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 2014Segment profit (loss)$19,765 $6,763Less: (Provision for) recovery of loan losses(4,293) 3,400Less: Impairment of assets— (2,979)Less: Stock-based compensation expense(3,238) (2,075)Less: Depreciation and amortization(18,501) (18,613)Less: Income tax (expense) benefit(5,878) 507Less: Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net(168) (1,180)Net income (loss)$(12,313) $(14,177)
[3]	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the provision for loan losses includes recoveries of previously recorded loan loss reserves of $0.2 million and $5.2 million, respectively.
[4]	The Company's recorded investment in loans as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 includes accrued interest of $8.8 million and $7.0 million, respectively, which are included in "Accrued interest and operating lease income receivable, net" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[5]	Corporate/Other represents all corporate level and unallocated items including any intercompany eliminations necessary to reconcile to consolidated Company totals. This caption also includes the Company's joint venture investments and strategic investments that are not included in the other reportable segments above.

Segment_Reporting_Reconciliati

Segment Reporting (Reconciliation of Segment Profit (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Reconciliation of segment profit (loss) to income (loss) from continuing operations
Segment profit (loss)	$19,765	[1]	$6,763	[1]
Less: (Provision for) recovery of loan losses	-4,293		3,400
Less: Impairment of assets	0		-2,979
Less: Stock-based compensation expense	-3,238		-2,075
Less: Depreciation and amortization	-18,501		-18,613
Less: Income tax (expense) benefit	-5,878		507
Less: Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net	-168		-1,180
Net income (loss)	($12,313)		($14,177)
[1]	The following is a reconciliation of segment profit (loss) to net income (loss) ($ in thousands): For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 2014Segment profit (loss)$19,765 $6,763Less: (Provision for) recovery of loan losses(4,293) 3,400Less: Impairment of assets— (2,979)Less: Stock-based compensation expense(3,238) (2,075)Less: Depreciation and amortization(18,501) (18,613)Less: Income tax (expense) benefit(5,878) 507Less: Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net(168) (1,180)Net income (loss)$(12,313) $(14,177)