Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Average amortization period for below market leases and in-place leases		8 months	7 months
Capitalized interest	$ 18,200	$ 19,300	$ 22,200
Capitalized real estate taxes	4,500	3,600	4,400
Outstanding notes receivable	$ 17,224	$ 13,161	$ 3,395	$ 3,395
Weighted average interest rate on outstanding notes receivable	4.10%	4.10%
Remaining Commitment Under Notes Receivable	$ 800
Percentage Of Rental Revenue And Other Income From Leasing Of Apartment Homes	99.00%	99.00%	99.00%
Adjustment to cash and cash equivalents on the cash flow statement		$ 6,000	$ 5,900
Adjustment to change in investing activities on the cash flow statement		$ (100)	$ 700