Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Reconciliation of NOI to net income
Net income	$ 165,194	$ 197,319	$ 400,975	$ 435,197
Indirect operating expenses, net of corporate income	16,423	15,477	32,720	32,015
Investments and investment management expense	1,455	1,194	2,776	2,340
Expensed acquisition, development and other pursuit costs, net of recoveries	570	1,436	1,298	4,897
Interest expense, net	50,102	46,581	99,397	89,991
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net	24,162	2,461	24,162	2,461
General and administrative expense	13,947	12,011	27,153	23,414
Equity in income of unconsolidated real estate entities	(1,146)	(27,151)	(17,819)	(55,120)
Depreciation expense	141,439	132,469	282,060	259,685
Income tax expense	58	36	78	73
Casualty and impairment (gain) loss, net	0	(1,732)	11,688	(3,935)
Gain on sale of real estate	(44,067)	(31,133)	(132,382)	(82,563)
Net operating income from real estate assets sold or held for sale	(1,038)	(9,345)	(3,900)	(19,321)
Net operating income	$ 367,099	$ 339,623	$ 728,206	$ 689,134