Deferred leasing and financing costs (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred leasing costs	$ 293,879	$ 250,071
Accumulated amortization	(146,881)	(127,005)
Deferred leasing costs, net	146,998	123,066
Deferred financing costs	118,078	100,202
Accumulated amortization	(72,418)	(63,220)
Deferred financing costs, net	45,660	36,982
Deferred leasing and financing costs, net	$ 192,658	$ 160,048

For an unclassified balance sheet, the accumulated amortization, as of the reporting date, which represents the periodic charge to earnings of initial direct costs which have been deferred and are being allocated over the lease term in proportion to the recognition of rental income.

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For an unclassified balance sheet, this element represents costs incurred by the lessor that are (a) costs to originate a lease incurred in transactions with independent third parties that (i) result directly from and are essential to acquire that lease and (ii) would not have been incurred had that leasing transaction not occurred and (b) certain costs directly related to specified activities performed by the lessor for that lease. Those activities are: evaluating the prospective lessee's financial condition; evaluating and recording guarantees, collateral, and other security arrangements; negotiating lease terms; preparing and processing lease documents; and closing the transaction. This amount is before considering accumulated amortization representing the periodic charge to earnings to recognize the deferred costs over the term of the related lease.

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- Definition

This element represents costs incurred by the lessor that are (a) costs to originate a lease incurred in transactions with independent third parties that (i) result directly from and are essential to acquire that lease and (ii) would not have been incurred had that leasing transaction not occurred and (b) certain costs directly related to specified activities performed by the lessor for that lease. Those activities are: evaluating the prospective lessee's financial condition; evaluating and recording guarantees, collateral, and other security arrangements; negotiating lease terms; preparing and processing lease documents; and closing the transaction. This element is net of accumulated amortization.

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- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, the carrying amount (net of accumulated amortization) as of the balance sheet date of capitalized costs associated with the issuance of debt instruments (for example, legal, accounting, underwriting, printing, and registration costs) that will be charged against earnings over the life of the debt instruments to which such costs pertain.

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