Note 17 - Supplemental Schedule of Non-cash Investing/Financing Activities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]

	2014			2013			2012
Acquisition of real estate interests by assumption of mortgage debt	$	210,232		$	76,477		$	179,198
Acquisition of real estate interests through foreclosure	$	-		$	24,322		$	-
Acquisition of real estate interests by issuance of redeemable units/partnership interests	$	8,219		$	3,985		$	-
Acquisition of real estate interests through proceeds held in escrow	$	179,387		$	42,892		$	-
Proceeds held in escrow through sale of real estate interests	$	197,270		$	-		$	-
Disposition of real estate interest by assignment of mortgage debt	$	-		$	-		$	17,083
Disposition of real estate through the issuance of mortgage receivable	$	2,728		$	3,513		$	13,475
Investment in real estate joint venture through contribution of real estate	$	35,080		$	-		$	-
Decrease of noncontrolling interests through sale of real estate	$	17,650		$	-		$	-
Issuance of common stock	$	14,047		$	9,213		$	18,115
Surrender of common stock	$	(4,051	)	$	(3,891	)	$	(2,073	)
Declaration of dividends paid in succeeding period	$	111,143		$	104,496		$	96,518
Consolidation of Joint Ventures:
Increase in real estate and other assets	$	687,538		$	228,200		$	-
Increase in mortgage payable	$	492,318		$	206,489		$	-