Consolidated Statement of Equity - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2016 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Distributions in Excess of Net Earnings [Member]	Non-controlling Interests [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 18,420,836	$ 78,235	$ 5,245	$ 19,302,367	$ (791,429)	$ (3,926,483)	$ 3,752,901
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015	524,512		524,512
Consolidated net earnings	$ 222,805					209,730	13,075
Effect of equity compensation plans	12,868		$ 6	7,524			5,338
Effect of equity compensation plans, shares			620
Issuance of units related to acquisitions	876						876
Settlement of noncontrolling interests	(2,128)			851			(2,979)
Capital contributions	256						256
Foreign currency translation gains (losses), net	1,461				(7,050)		8,511
Unrealized losses and amortization on derivative contracts, net	(15,892)				(15,421)		(471)
Reallocation of equity				(8,848)			8,848
Distributions and other	(300,458)			493		(222,559)	(78,392)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 18,340,624	$ 78,235	$ 5,251	$ 19,302,387	$ (813,900)	$ (3,939,312)	$ 3,707,963
Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2016	525,132		525,132