Single-Family Properties - Components of Single-Family Properties (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($) single_family_property	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) single_family_property
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Net book value	$ 7,802,499	$ 7,547,856
Single Family Homes
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	50,015	48,422
Net book value	$ 7,802,499	$ 7,547,856
Single Family Homes | Single-family properties being renovated
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	858	312
Net book value	$ 179,208	$ 57,200
Single Family Homes | Single-family properties being prepared for re-lease
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	392	91
Net book value	$ 49,341	$ 14,453
Single Family Homes | Single-family properties held for sale, net
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	469	1,119
Net book value	$ 50,370	$ 87,430
Single Family Homes | Leased single-family properties
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	46,026	44,798
Net book value	$ 7,130,878	$ 7,040,000
Single Family Homes | Vacant single-family properties available for lease
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease
Number of properties | single_family_property	2,270	2,102
Net book value	$ 392,702	$ 348,773