Consolidated Statement of Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Total	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Distributions in Excess of Net Earnings [Member]	Non-controlling interests [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 13,773,336	$ 582,200	$ 4,618	$ 16,411,855	$ (233,563)	$ (3,696,093)	$ 704,319
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012	461,770		461,770
Consolidated net earnings	291,947					287,128	4,819
Effect of common stock plans	55,339		11	55,338
Effect of common stock plans, Shares			1,149
Issuance of stock in equity offering, net of issuance costs	1,438,045		357	1,437,688
Issuance of stock in equity offering, net of issuance costs, shares	35,650		35,650
Redemption of preferred stock	(482,715)	(482,200)		8,593		(9,108)
Issuance of warrants	32,359			32,359
Capital contributions, net	77,823						77,823
Settlement of noncontrolling interests	(250,856)			(4,994)			(245,862)
Settlement of noncontrolling interest, shares			28
Foreign currency translation losses, net	(338,252)				(326,920)		(11,332)
Unrealized gains and amortization on derivative contracts, net	19,201				19,128		73
Distributions and allocations	(293,725)			(1,000)		(285,961)	(6,764)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2013	$ 14,322,502	$ 100,000	$ 4,986	$ 17,939,829	$ (541,355)	$ (3,704,034)	$ 523,076
Balance, Shares at Jun. 30, 2013	498,597		498,597