Single-Family Properties - Components of Single-Family Properties (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 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	48,153	38,780
Net book value | $	$ 7,545,398	$ 6,289,938
Single Family Homes | Properties being renovated
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	406	476
Net book value | $	$ 77,451	$ 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	90	178
Net book value | $	$ 15,333	$ 28,525
Single Family Homes | Properties held for sale
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	1,238	45
Net book value | $	$ 105,308	$ 7,432
Leased | Single Family Homes
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	44,746	36,403
Net book value | $	$ 7,072,461	$ 5,895,482
Vacant | Single Family Homes
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	1,673	1,678
Net book value | $	$ 274,845	$ 283,444