Business Combination, Carryover Basis

No definition available.

Name:	amh_BusinessCombinationCarryoverBasis
Namespace Prefix:	amh_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities, Assumed Lease.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	amh_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedLease
Namespace Prefix:	amh_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Other Current Assets Acquired and Other Current Liabilities Assumed, Net

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	amh_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableOtherCurrentAssetsAcquiredandOtherCurrentLiabilitiesAssumedNet
Namespace Prefix:	amh_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The number of properties contributed to the Operating Partnership.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	amh_ContributionOfPropertyNumberOfProperties
Namespace Prefix:	amh_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of units issued during the period pursuant to acquisitions.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	amh_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitsIssuedDuringPeriodAcquisitions
Namespace Prefix:	amh_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage Of Promotional Interest Of All Distributable Cash Available For Distribution

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	amh_PercentageOfPromotionalInterestOfAllDistributableCashAvailableForDistribution
Namespace Prefix:	amh_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Preferred Units, Initial Basis, Value

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	amh_PreferredUnitsInitialBasisValue
Namespace Prefix:	amh_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Ratio applied to the conversion of stock issued during period as a result of acquisition, for example but not limited to, one share converted to two or two shares converted to one.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	amh_StockIssuedDuringPeriodAcquisitionsConversionRatio
Namespace Prefix:	amh_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage of voting equity interests acquired at the acquisition date in the business combination.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56956515&loc=d3e1392-128463

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This element represents the fair value of the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (e)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56956791&loc=d3e4845-128472

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of facility held for productive use including, but not limited to, office, production, storage and distribution facilities, acquired at the acquisition date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56956791&loc=d3e4845-128472

+ Details

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

- Definition

Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions, acquired at the acquisition date. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56956791&loc=d3e4845-128472

+ Details

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

- Definition

Amount of liabilities incurred for goods and services received that are used in an entity's business and related party payables, assumed at the acquisition date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56956791&loc=d3e4845-128472

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of real estate acquired, at the acquisition date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56956791&loc=d3e4845-128472

+ Details

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

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount recognized as of the acquisition date for the assets, including goodwill, in excess of (less than) the aggregate liabilities assumed, less the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56956791&loc=d3e4845-128472

+ Details

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

- Definition

Carrying amount of the equity interests owned by noncontrolling preferred unit holders in an entity included in the reporting entity's consolidated financial statements.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MinorityInterestInPreferredUnitHolders
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The equity interest of noncontrolling shareholders, partners or other equity holders in consolidated entity.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of increase in noncontrolling interest from subsidiary issuance of equity interests to noncontrolling interest holders.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (c)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 23
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51664549&loc=SL4569655-111683

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of real estate properties owned as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The number of preferred units issued.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.F)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187171-122770

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 272
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6373374&loc=d3e70434-108055

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section F

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PreferredUnitsIssued
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of shares of stock issued during the period pursuant to acquisitions.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of shares issued during the period as a result of the conversion of convertible securities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29-30)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=us-gaap_CommonClassBMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=amh_AHLLCMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=us-gaap_CommonClassAMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=amh_EllingtonPortfolioAcquisitonMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=amh_AlaskaJointVentureAcquisitionMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=amh_RaymondJamesOneMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=amh_RJAmericanHomesFourRentInvestmentsLLCRJAmericanHomesFourRentOneLLCRJAmericanHomesFourRentTwoLLCMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=amh_RJAmericanHomesFourRentInvestmentsLLCMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=amh_RaymondJamesTwoMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=amh_RJAmericanHomesFourRentInvestmentsLLCRJAmericanHomesFourRentOneLLCRJAmericanHomesFourRentTwoLLCMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CapitalUnitsByClassAxis=amh_ClassAUnitsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=amh_OperatingPartnershipLegalEntityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Acquisitions and Dispositions - RJ JV Acquisition 1 (Details 3)						12 Months Ended
	Dec. 12, 2014 single_family_property property shares	Jun. 14, 2013 USD ($) single_family_property shares	Jun. 11, 2013 USD ($) shares	Feb. 28, 2013 shares	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 single_family_property	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) single_family_property	Mar. 15, 2013 single_family_property	Sep. 20, 2012 single_family_property
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of properties \| single_family_property							38,780	34,599
Initial basis, value					$ 0
Formation of consolidated joint venture						$ 500,000
Class B common shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Preferred units issued (in shares) \| shares		653,492			653,492
Percentage of promotional interest of all distributable cash available for distribution					20.00%
Carryover basis					$ 0
AH LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of single-family properties \| property	45
Percentage of units outstanding							22.10%	21.80%
AH LLC \| Class A common shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Preferred units, units converted to common shares \| shares		653,492
Carrying value of preferred units		$ 0
Common shares issued to Sponsor in 2012 offering (in shares) \| shares		705,167
Formation of consolidated joint venture		$ 11,300,000
Conversion ratio		1
Percentage of units outstanding							3.30%	3.30%
AH LLC \| Class B common shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Common shares issued to Sponsor in 2012 offering (in shares) \| shares				634,408
Ellington portfolio acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership interest								100.00%
Estimated fair values of the net assets
Land								$ 25,615,000
Buildings and improvements								98,117,000
Value of in-place leases								$ 2,268,000
Alaska Joint Venture Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership interest			100.00%
Estimated fair values of the net assets
Land			$ 156,648,000
Buildings and improvements			740,396,000
Value of in-place leases			5,547,000
Cash and cash equivalents			$ 23,000,000
Alaska Joint Venture Acquisition \| Class A common shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Common shares issued to Sponsor in 2012 offering (in shares) \| shares			43,609,394
RJ American Homes 4 Rent One, LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of properties \| single_family_property										177
Ownership interest										100.00%
RJ American Homes 4 Rent One, LLC \| Class A common shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership interest										67.00%
RJ American Homes 4 Rent One, LLC \| Class B common shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership interest										33.00%
R J American Homes Four Rent Investments L L C R J American Homes Four Rent One L L C R J American Homes Four Rent Two L L C [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of single-family properties \| single_family_property		377
Estimated fair values of the net assets
Land		$ 10,340,000
Buildings and improvements		54,123,000
Value of in-place leases		539,000
Cash and cash equivalents		1,128,000
Other current assets and liabilities, net		(311,000)
Note payable		(7,600,000)
Noncontrolling interest		(39,321,000)
Fair value of acquired net assets		$ 18,898,000
RJ LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership interest		100.00%
Raymond James Two
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of properties \| single_family_property									214
Ownership interest									100.00%
Raymond James Two \| Class A common shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership interest									67.00%
Raymond James Two \| Class B common shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership interest									33.00%
R J American Homes Four Rent Investments L L C R J American Homes Four Rent One L L C R J American Homes Four Rent Two L L C [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of units outstanding		67.00%
Class A Units \| AH LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of single-family properties \| single_family_property	45
Estimated fair values of the net assets
Issuance of units (in shares) \| shares	653,378
Class A Units \| Operating Partnership
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of units outstanding							93.50%	93.60%
Class A Units \| Operating Partnership \| AH LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of units outstanding							6.50%	6.40%
Estimated fair values of the net assets
Issuance of units (in shares) \| shares			12,395,965
Class A Units \| Operating Partnership \| Alaska Joint Venture Acquisition
Estimated fair values of the net assets
Issuance of units (in shares) \| shares			12,395,965