Note 13 - Notes Payable (Detail) - Notes Payable (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Balance (in Dollars)	$ 3,192,127		$ 2,983,886
Senior Notes [Member]
Balance (in Dollars)	965,900	[1]	1,164,800
Interest Rate Range (Low)	4.70%		4.70%
Interest Rate Range (High)	6.88%		6.88%
Medium-term Notes [Member]
Balance (in Dollars)	1,144,600		1,161,600
Interest Rate Range (Low)	4.30%		4.30%
Interest Rate Range (High)	5.78%		5.98%
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Balance (in Dollars)	400,000
Interest Rate Range (Low)	1.26%
Interest Rate Range (High)	1.26%
Canadian Notes Payable [Member]
Balance (in Dollars)	352,400		342,600
Interest Rate Range (Low)	5.18%		5.18%
Interest Rate Range (High)	5.99%		5.99%
Line of Credit [Member]
Balance (in Dollars)	249,900		238,900
Interest Rate Range (Low)	1.10%	[2]	1.35%	[2]
Interest Rate Range (High)	1.26%	[2]	1.35%	[2]
Mexican Term Loan [Member]
Balance (in Dollars)	76,900		71,500
Interest Rate Range (Low)	8.58%		8.58%
Interest Rate Range (High)	8.58%		8.58%
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]
Balance (in Dollars)	$ 2,400		$ 4,500
Interest Rate Range (Low)	5.50%	[3]	3.80%	[3]
Interest Rate Range (High)	5.50%	[3]	3.80%	[3]

[1] During January 2013, the Company repaid the $100.0 million outstanding balance on its 6.125% senior unsecured note, which matured in January 2013.

[2] Interest rate is equal to LIBOR + 1.05%

[3] Interest rate is equal to LIBOR + 3.50%