Single-family properties (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014 property	Dec. 31, 2013 property	May 31, 2014 Single family homes property	Jun. 30, 2014 Single family homes Properties being renovated property	Dec. 31, 2013 Single family homes Properties being renovated property	Jun. 30, 2014 Single family homes Properties being prepared for re-lease property	Dec. 31, 2013 Single family homes Properties being prepared for re-lease property	Jun. 30, 2014 Single family homes Properties held for sale property	Dec. 31, 2013 Single family homes Properties held for sale property	Jun. 30, 2014 Single family homes Leased property	Dec. 31, 2013 Single family homes Leased property	Jun. 30, 2014 Single family homes Vacant property	Dec. 31, 2013 Single family homes Vacant property
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties	27,173	23,268	3,852	1,756	2,463	656	281	36	44	23,364	17,328	1,361	3,152
Net book value	$ 4,483,794	$ 3,861,422		$ 262,977	$ 348,571	$ 111,370	$ 45,404	$ 5,306	$ 6,569	$ 3,879,445	$ 2,914,947	$ 224,696	$ 545,931

Amount of real estate investment property, net of accumulated depreciation, which may include the following: (1) land available-for-sale; (2) land available-for-development; (3) investments in building and building improvements; (4) tenant allowances; (5) developments in-process; (6) rental properties; and (7) other real estate investments.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.1(d))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant