(Notes to Schedule III) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015	2014	2013
Real Estate
Real estate, beginning balance	$ 2,619,488	$ 2,164,815	$ 997,323
Additions during the period:
Cost of real property acquired	28,131	523,695	1,321,394
Improvements and other capitalized costs	139,676	109,959	86,376
Depreciation expense	0	0	0
Real estate additions, total	167,807	633,654	1,407,770
Deductions during the period:
Cost of real estate sold or foreclosed	180,952	178,981	240,278
Write-off of fully depreciated assets	0	0	0
Real estate deductions, total	180,952	178,981	240,278
Real estate, ending balance	2,606,343	2,619,488	2,164,815
Accumulated Depreciation
Real estate accumulated depreciation, beginning balance	324,543	257,151	258,258
Additions during the period:
Acquisition	0	0	0
Improvements and other capitalized costs	0	0	0
Depreciation expense	99,067	86,824	56,234
Real estate accumulated depreciation additions, total	99,067	86,824	56,234
Deductions during the period:
Cost of real estate sold or foreclosed	(64,188)	(19,432)	(57,341)
Write-off of fully depreciated assets	0	0	0
Real estate accumulated depreciation deductions, total	(64,188)	(19,432)	(57,341)
Real estate accumulated depreciation, ending balance	$ 359,422	$ 324,543	$ 257,151
Minimum [Member] | Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Deductions during the period:
Useful life		24 years
Maximum [Member] | Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Deductions during the period:
Useful life		42 years