Escrow Deposits, Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets - Summary and Investments in Joint Ventures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Escrow deposits, prepaid expenses and other			$ 43,432		$ 43,432		$ 38,642
Investments in joint ventures			58,517		58,517		56,789
Notes receivable			35,638		35,638		6,012
Commercial real estate, vehicles and FF&E, net			43,600		43,600		44,591
Total			181,187		181,187		146,034
Commercial Real Estate, Vehicles, and Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Depreciation expense			1,800	$ 1,700	3,700	$ 3,400
American Homes 4 Rent, L.P.
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Total			181,010		181,010		145,807
American Homes 4 Rent, L.P. | Joint Venture, Single-Family Rental Homes, Southeast
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Aggregate cost		$ 156,300
Joint venture, initial term		5 years
Ownership percentage		20.00%
Investment in joint venture balance			$ 20,700		$ 20,700		$ 18,000
American Homes 4 Rent, L.P. | Joint Venture, Single-Family Rental Homes, Southeast | Subsequent Event
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Aggregate cost	$ 312,500
Joint venture, initial term	5 years