SCHEDULE III REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Carrying cost:
Balance at beginning of period	$ 18,763,903	$ 17,029,404	$ 6,600,886
Additions during period:
Acquisitions	1,623,648	1,889,592	10,491,275
Capital expenditures	183,929	184,675	102,918
Dispositions:
Sales and/or transfers to assets held for sale	(155,184)	(349,456)	(157,764)
Foreign currency translation	(22,885)	9,688	(7,911)
Balance at end of period	20,393,411	18,763,903	17,029,404
Accumulated depreciation:
Balance at beginning of period	2,289,783	1,729,976	1,368,219
Additions during period:
Depreciation expense	674,141	620,076	380,734
Dispositions:
Sales and/or transfers to assets held for sale	78,061	61,583	16,536
Foreign currency translation	(3,913)	1,314	(2,441)
Balance at end of period	$ 2,881,950	$ 2,289,783	$ 1,729,976