Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of presentation

The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) have been omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal, recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation for the periods presented have been included. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Trust, its corporate subsidiaries, and all entities in which the Trust has a controlling interest or has been determined to be the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). The equity interests of other investors are reflected as noncontrolling interests or redeemable noncontrolling interests. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. We account for our interests in joint ventures, which we do not control, using the equity method of accounting.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, referred to as “GAAP,” requires management to make estimates and assumptions that in certain circumstances affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and revenues and expenses. These estimates are prepared using management’s best judgment, after considering past, current and expected events and economic conditions. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Forward Equity Sales [Policy Text Block]

Forward Equity SalesOn February 24, 2021, we replaced our existing at-the-market (“ATM”) equity program with a new ATM equity program in which we may from time to time offer and sell common shares having an aggregate offering price of up to $500.0 million. The new ATM equity program also allows shares to be sold through forward sales agreements. Our forward sales contracts currently meet all the conditions for equity classification; and therefore, we record common stock on the settlement date at the purchase price contemplated by the contract. Furthermore, we consider the potential dilution resulting from forward sales agreements on our earnings per share calculations. We use the treasury method to determine the dilution, if any, from the forward sale agreement during the period of time prior to settlement. As of March 31, 2021, no forward sales contracts have settled.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Standard	Description	Effect on the financial statements or significant matters
ASU 2020-04, March 2020, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)	This ASU provides companies with optional practical expedients to ease the accounting burden for contract modifications associated with transitioning away from LIBOR and other interbank offered rates that are expected to be discontinued as part of reference rate reform. For hedges, the guidance generally allows changes to the reference rate and other critical terms without having to de-designate the hedging relationship, as well as allows the shortcut method to continue to be applied. For contract modifications, changes in the reference rate or other critical terms will be treated as a continuation of the prior contract. This guidance can be applied immediately, however, is generally only available through December 31, 2022.	We are still evaluating the impact of reference rate reform and whether we will apply any of these practical expedients.