Note 14 - Fair Value Measurements (Detail) - Estimate of Fair Value Differs from Carrying Amounts (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Marketable Securities (1)	$ 35,811	[1]	$ 33,540	[1]
Marketable Securities (1)	36,117	[1]	33,908	[1]
Notes Payable (2)	3,159,943	[2]	2,983,886	[2]
Notes Payable (2)	3,387,913	[2]	3,136,728	[2]
Mortgages Payable (3)	1,015,313	[3]	1,085,371	[3]
Mortgages Payable (3)	1,082,627	[3]	1,166,116	[3]
Construction Loans Payable (3)	42,935	[3]	45,128	[3]
Construction Loans Payable (3)	48,559	[3]	49,345	[3]
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (termination dates ranging from 2019 – 2027) (4)	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) (4)			2,654	[4]
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (termination dates ranging from 2019 – 2027) (4)			$ 5,044	[4]

[1] As of September 30, 2012, $32.7 million of these assets' estimated fair value 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.

[4] The Company sold its investment in the consolidated joint ventures that included mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.