Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Reconciliation of NOI to net income
Net income	$ 279,709	$ 192,407	$ 618,432	$ 588,540
Indirect operating expenses, net of corporate income	20,195	19,742	62,935	58,377
Expensed transaction, development and other pursuit costs, net of recoveries	175	523	2,562	2,212
Interest expense, net	51,493	54,097	149,395	165,795
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net	93	1,678	602	2,717
General and administrative expense	12,769	14,744	45,440	44,384
Equity in income of unconsolidated real estate entities	(1,643)	(10,031)	(780)	(12,560)
Depreciation expense	165,463	156,538	490,213	472,282
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	11,184	29	11,178	87
Casualty and impairment gain, net	0	554	0	612
Gain on sale of communities	(130,484)	(27,243)	(165,849)	(132,444)
Gain on other real estate transactions, net	(73)	(12)	(374)	(335)
Other Selling, General and Administrative Expense	1,108	339	2,526	497
Net operating income from real estate assets sold or held for sale	(880)	(17,876)	(8,600)	(61,623)
Net operating income	$ 409,109	$ 384,381	$ 1,207,680	$ 1,127,317