Single-Family Properties - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) property	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2016 single_family_property
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Real estate, net increase (decrease)	$ 1,200,000
Net book value	$ 7,547,856	$ 6,289,938
Number of properties sold | property	712
Net proceeds received from sales of single-family properties	$ 88,590	0	$ 0
Gain on sale of single-family properties, net	13,900
Goodwill written off, sale of single-family properties	400
Goodwill	120,279	120,655
Single family homes
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Net book value	7,547,856	6,289,938
Real Estate Investment Properties Unrecorded Deed	14,300	8,500
Depreciation expense	$ 262,100	$ 223,900	$ 150,500
American Residential Properties Inc.
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Business combination, number of properties acquired | single_family_property				8,936