Earnings Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Basic and diluted shares outstanding
Weighted average common shares - basic	91,388,357	84,968,804	88,312,930	83,385,833
Weighted average DownREIT units outstanding	7,707	15,346	8,559	15,349
Effect of dilutive securities	944,304	784,546	878,009	728,712
Weighted average common shares - diluted	92,340,368	85,768,696	89,199,498	84,129,894
Calculation of Earnings per Share - basic
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 44,824	$ 24,654	$ 118,537	$ 148,304
Net income allocated to unvested restricted shares	(206)	(68)	(406)	(429)
Net income attributable to common stockholders, adjusted	44,618	24,586	118,131	147,875
Weighted average common shares - basic	91,388,357	84,968,804	88,312,930	83,385,833
Earnings per common share - basic	$ 0.49	$ 0.29	$ 1.34	$ 1.77
Calculation of Earnings per Share - diluted
Net income attributable to common stockholders	44,824	24,654	118,537	148,304
Add: noncontrolling interests of DownREIT unitholders in consolidated partnerships, including discontinued operations	7	14	20	41
Adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 44,831	$ 24,668	$ 118,557	$ 148,345
Weighted average common shares - diluted	92,340,368	85,768,696	89,199,498	84,129,894
Earnings per common share - diluted	$ 0.49	$ 0.29	$ 1.33	$ 1.76

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