Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Fair Value (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Real estate assets \| Estimate of Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Assets, fair value disclosure	$ 37,272
Real estate assets \| Fair Value, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Assets, fair value disclosure	0
Real estate assets \| Fair Value, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Assets, fair value disclosure	0
Real estate assets \| Fair Value, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Assets, fair value disclosure	37,272
Derivative financial instruments \| Estimate of Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	(15,595)
Derivative financial instruments \| Fair Value, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	0
Derivative financial instruments \| Fair Value, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	(15,595)
Derivative financial instruments \| Fair Value, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	$ 0

COLONIAL REALTY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP 10-Q