Note 15 - Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Investing / Financing Activities (Detail) - Non-Cash Investing And Financing Activities (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Acquisition of real estate interests by assumption of mortgage debt	$ 59,110	$ 15,445
Issuance of restricted common stock	18,066	4,035
Surrender of restricted common stock	(1,023)
Disposition of real estate through the issuance of an unsecured obligation	1,750
Declaration of dividends paid in succeeding period	$ 92,887	$ 88,074	$ 92,159