Shareholders' equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Class of Stock
Preferred stock, cumulative change in value of index based on purchase prices of single-family properties (as a percent)	50.00%
Quarterly distributions to preferred shareholders	$ 5,569	$ 3,121
Class A common shares
Class of Stock
Dividend payable per share	$ 0.05	$ 0.05
Series A Preferred Stock
Class of Stock
Dividend payable per share	$ 0.3125	$ 0.3125
Series B Preferred Stock
Class of Stock
Dividend payable per share	$ 0.3125	$ 0.3500
Series C Preferred Stock
Class of Stock
Dividend payable per share	$ 0.34375	$ 0.15113
Class B common shares
Class of Stock
Dividend payable per share	$ 0.05	$ 0.05

Preferred Stock, Cumulative Change In Value Of Index Based On Purchase Prices.

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- Definition

The per share amount of a dividend declared, but not paid, as of the financial reporting date.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4304-108586

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- Definition

Amount of cash outflow in the form of ordinary dividends to preferred shareholders of the parent entity.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Financing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 15

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3291-108585

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