Single-Family Properties - Components of Single-Family Properties (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($) single_family_property	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) single_family_property
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	48,038	38,780
Net book value | $	$ 7,521,659	$ 6,289,938
Single Family Homes | Properties being renovated
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	183	476
Net book value | $	$ 30,719	$ 75,055
Single Family Homes | Properties being prepared for re-lease
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	177	178
Net book value | $	$ 27,311	$ 28,525
Single Family Homes | Properties Held for Sale
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	1,582	45
Net book value | $	$ 131,762	$ 7,432
Leased | Single Family Homes
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	44,729	36,403
Net book value | $	$ 7,110,033	$ 5,895,482
Vacant | Single Family Homes
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	1,367	1,678
Net book value | $	$ 221,834	$ 283,444