Document and Entity Information Document Information [Table] Document Information [Line Items] Document and Entity Information Document Type Document Type Document Quarterly Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Title of 12(b) Security No Trading Symbol Flag Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Related Party Transactions By Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Nonrelated Party [Member] Non affiliates Related Party [Member] Affiliates Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Land Land Investment Building and Building Improvements Buildings and improvements Fixtures and Equipment, Gross Furniture, fixtures and equipment Development in Process Construction in progress Real Estate Investment Property At Cost Real estate investments Real estate investments Real Estate Investment Property Accumulated Depreciation Accumulated depreciation Less accumulated depreciation Real Estate Investment Property Net Real estate investments, net Real estate investment acquired Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Restricted deposits Restricted deposits and funded reserves Restricted deposits Investments In Affiliates Subsidiaries Associates And Joint Ventures Investment in unconsolidated affiliates Total investment in unconsolidated affiliates Financing Receivable, Gross Notes receivable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Assets held for sale Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill Lease intangible assets, less accumulated amortization Acquired lease intangible assets The aggregate amount of assets classified as other. Other Assets, Net Amount Other assets, net Assets Total Assets Total Assets Liabilities [Abstract] LIABILITIES Mortgage notes payable, excluding unamortized premium (discount) and debt issuance cost. Mortgage Notes Payable, Net Mortgage notes payable, net Notes Payable. Notes payable, affiliate Notes Payable, Related Party [Extensible Enumeration] Line Of Credit Lines of credit Dividends Payable Current And Noncurrent Dividends payable Security Deposit Liability Tenant security deposits payable Off Market Lease Unfavorable Lease intangible liabilities, less accumulated amortization Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Liabilities related to assets held for sale Accrued Liabilities Current And Noncurrent Accrued expenses and other liabilities Liabilities Total Liabilities Total Liabilities Commitments And Contingencies. COMMITMENTS and CONTINGENCIES - Note 14 Stockholders Equity [Abstract] SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY The beneficial interest of the entity attributable to the parent. Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Beneficial Interest Beneficial interest Minority Interest In Operating Partnerships Operating partnership Operating partnership Carrying amount of the equity interests owned by noncontrolling partners in an partially owned properties included in the entity's consolidated financial statements. Minority Interest In Partially Owned Properties Partially owned properties Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Ending balance Beginning Balance Total Shareholders' Equity Total Shareholders' Equity Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Revenues [Abstract] Income from rental operations Rental income accounted for under revenue recognition standard: Real Estate Revenue Net Real estate rental income Income from rental operations Expenses From Rental Operations [Abstract] Expenses From Rental Operations [Abstract] Expenses from rental operations Real Estate Expenses Information related to operating expenses excluding real estate tax expenses. Operating Expenses, Excluding Real Estate Taxes Operating expenses Real Estate Tax Expense Real Estate Taxes Real estate taxes Depreciation And Amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Financing Interest Expense Interest Cost Of Real Estate Revenue Expenses from rental operations Total expenses from rental operations Impairment, Long-Lived Asset, Held-for-Use Loss on impairment of property General And Administrative Expense Administration of REIT Operating Expenses. Total expenses Operating Income Loss Net operating income Income from operations Other Income [Abstract] Other income (loss) Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliates Equity in income (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates Other Income Other income The gain (loss) on sale of real estate and non-real estate investments. Gain (Loss) on Sale of Real Estate and Non-Real Estate Investments Gain on sale or conversion of real estate investments The gain (loss) on involuntary conversion. Gain Loss On Involuntary Conversions Gain on involuntary conversion Gain on involuntary conversion The aggregate amount of income or expense from ancillary business-related activities (that is to say, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business). Also includes the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. Nonoperating Income (Expense) Including Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investments Total other income (loss) Profit Loss Net income Net income Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest: Amount of net income (loss) for the period allocated to noncontrolling partners of an operating partnership Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Operating Partnerships Operating partnership Amount of net income (loss) for the period allocated to noncontrolling interests of partially owned properties. Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Partially Owned Properties Partially owned properties Net income attributable to Sterling Real Estate Trust Earnings Per Share, Basic Net income attributable to Sterling Real Estate Trust per common share, basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Net income attributable to Sterling Real Estate Trust per common share, diluted (in dollars per share) Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax [Abstract] Comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Gain Loss On Derivatives Arising During Period Net Of Tax. Gain on cash flow hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Cash flow hedge losses reclassified to earnings Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss) Total other comprehensive gain (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Comprehensive income attributable to Sterling Real Estate Trust Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted (in shares) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Statement Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Shares Paid-in Capital Paid-in Capital Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Earnings Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Earnings Beneficial Interest [Member] Total Beneficial Interest Total Beneficial Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest This element represents that portion of equity (net assets) in the Operating Partnership not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the parent. Noncontrolling Interest in Operating Partnership Noncontrolling Interest in Operating Partnership This element represents that portion of equity (net assets) in partially owned properties not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the parent. Noncontrolling Interest in Partially Owned Properties Noncontrolling Interest in Partially Owned Properties Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Comprehensive Income (Loss) Common Stock Shares Outstanding Ending balance (in shares) Beginning Balance (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross Shares issued pursuant to trustee compensation plan Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross Shares issued pursuant to trustee compensation plan (in shares) Noncontrolling Interest Increase From Sale Of Parent Equity Interest Contribution of assets in exchange for UPREIT partnership units Stock Repurchased During Period Value Shares/units redeemed Stock Repurchased During Period Shares Shares/units redeemed (in shares) Dividends Common Stock Cash Dividends and distributions declared Stock Issued During Period Value Dividend Reinvestment Plan Dividends reinvested - stock dividend Stock Issued During Period Shares Dividend Reinvestment Plan Dividends reinvested - stock dividend (in shares) Value of stock issued during the period from a dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP). A dividend reinvestment plan allows an eligible holder of the stock, who is reinvesting dividends under the plan, to also make additional optional purchases of common shares, not to exceed $10,000 per fiscal quarter with out prior approval. Stock Issued During Period Value Stock Purchase Plan Issuance of shares under optional purchase plan The number of shares issued during the period from a dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP). A dividend reinvestment plan allows an eligible holder of the stock, who is reinvesting dividends under the plan, to also make additional optional purchases of common shares, not to exceed $10,000 per fiscal quarter with out prior approval. Stock Issued During Period Shares Stock Purchase Plan Issuance of shares under optional purchase plan (in shares) Minority Interest Decrease From Distributions To Noncontrolling Interest Holders Distributions paid to consolidated real estate entity noncontrolling interests Amount of increase in noncontrolling interest from reclassification of owner contribution. Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Reclassification Owner Contribution Owner contribution reclassification Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance Contributions from consolidated real estate entity noncontrolling interest Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Dividends and distributions declared (in dollars per share/unit) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] OPERATING ACTIVITIES Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate Gain on sale of real estate investments Gain (loss) on sale of real estate Depreciation Depreciation Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization Amortization of Financing Costs Amortization of debt issuance costs Increase Decrease In Operating Capital [Abstract] Effects on operating cash flows due to changes in Increase Decrease In Other Operating Assets Other assets Increase Decrease In Security Deposits Tenant security deposits payable Increase Decrease In Accrued Liabilities Accrued expenses and other liabilities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities [Abstract] INVESTING ACTIVITIES Payments To Acquire And Develop Real Estate Purchase of real estate investment properties Payments For Leasing Costs Commissions And Tenant Improvements Capital expenditures and tenant improvements The net cash inflow from the sale of distributions from real estate partnership investment and non-real estate investments during the period. Proceeds From Real Estate Partnership Investment And Other Investments Net Proceeds from sale of real estate investments and non-real estate investments Amount of cash inflow for proceeds from settlement of claims from insurance policy, classified as investing activities. Proceeds From Insurance Claims Proceeds from insurance claims Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Investment in unconsolidated affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital Distributions in excess of earnings received from unconsolidated affiliates The net cash outflow to acquire an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the entity (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date. Such amount may include accrued interest receivable in accordance with the terms of the note. The note also may contain provisions including a discount or premium, payable on demand, secured, or unsecured, interest bearing or noninterest bearing, among myriad other features and characteristics. Payments to Acquire Notes Receivable, Net Notes receivable issued net of payments received Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities [Abstract] FINANCING ACTIVITIES Payments Of Financing Costs Payments for financing, debt issuance The cash outflow for principal payments on special assessments payable. Principal Payments On Special Assessments Payable Principal payments on special assessments payable Proceeds from (Repayments of) Notes Payable Proceeds from issuance of mortgage notes payable, net of financing costs Repayments Of Long Term Debt Principal payments on mortgage notes payable Proceeds from Lines of Credit Draws on lines of credit Repayments of Lines of Credit Payments on lines of credit Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Proceeds from contributions received from noncontrolling interest - partially owned properties Proceeds from (Repayments of) Related Party Debt Proceeds on notes payable, affiliate Proceeds From Issuance Of Shares Under Optional Purchase Plan Proceeds From Issuance Of Shares Under Optional Purchase Plan Proceeds from issuance of shares under optional purchase plan Payments For Repurchase Of Common Stock Shares/units redeemed Payments Of Dividends Common Stock Dividends/distributions paid Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED DEPOSITS Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED DEPOSITS AT END OF PERIOD CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED DEPOSITS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD TOTAL CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED DEPOSITS, END OF PERIOD Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED DEPOSITS AT END OF PERIOD Schedule Of Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Schedule Of Cash Flow Information [Abstract] SCHEDULE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION Interest Paid Cash paid during the period for interest Noncash Investing And Financing Items [Abstract] SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES Distributions Reinvested Distributions Reinvested Dividends reinvested Distributions Declared And Not Paid Distributions Declared And Not Paid Dividends declared and not paid Subsidiary Distributions Declared And Not Paid Subsidiary Distributions Declared And Not Paid UPREIT distributions declared and not paid Acquisition Of Assets In Exchange For Issuance Of Noncontrolling Interest Shares Acquisition Of Assets In Exchange For Issuance Of Noncontrolling Interest Shares Acquisition of assets in exchange for the issuance of noncontrolling interest units in UPREIT Increase In Land Improvements Due To Increase In Special Assessments Payable Increase In Land Improvements Due To Increase In Special Assessments Payable Increase in land improvements due to increase in special assessments payable Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Accrued capital expenditures Noncash Or Part Noncash Acquisition Debt Liabilities And Properties Purchased Assumed1 Noncash Or Part Noncash Acquisition Debt Liabilities And Properties Purchased Assumed 1 Acquisition of assets through assumption of debt and liabilities Amount of interest and real estate taxes capitalized related to construction in progress. Real Estate Construction in Progress, Cost of Capitalized Interest and Real Estate Taxes Capitalized interest and real estate taxes related to construction in progress ORGANIZATION Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] ORGANIZATION PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES SEGMENT REPORTING Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] SEGMENT REPORTING RESTRICTED DEPOSITS AND FUNDED RESERVES Restricted Assets Disclosure [Text Block] RESTRICTED DEPOSITS AND FUNDED RESERVES No definition available. CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block] INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES LEASE INTANGIBLES