Note 14 - Fair Value Measurements (Detail) - Estimate of Fair Value Differs from Carrying Amounts (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Marketable Securities (1)	$ 34,439	[1]	$ 33,540	[1]
Marketable Securities (1)	34,730	[1]	33,908	[1]
Notes Payable (2)	3,161,028	[2]	2,983,886	[2]
Notes Payable (2)	3,345,973	[2]	3,136,728	[2]
Mortgages Payable (3)	990,586	[3]	1,085,371	[3]
Mortgages Payable (3)	1,054,937	[3]	1,166,116	[3]
Construction Loans Payable (3)	40,002	[3]	45,128	[3]
Construction Loans Payable (3)	45,207	[3]	49,345	[3]
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (termination dates ranging from 2019 – 2027)	95,059		95,074		95,059	95,060
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (termination dates ranging from 2019 – 2027)	1,831		2,654
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (termination dates ranging from 2019 – 2027)	$ 1,831		$ 5,044

[1] As of June 30, 2012, $31.3 million of these assets were classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy and the remaining $3.4 million were classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

[2] The Company determined that its valuation of these Notes payable was classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

[3] The Company determined that its valuation of these liabilities was classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.