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

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

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

	2015			2014			2013
Acquisition of real estate interests by assumption of mortgage debt	$	84,699		$	210,232		$	76,477
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	$	89,504		$	179,387		$	42,892
Proceeds held in escrow through sale of real estate interests	$	71,623		$	197,270		$	-
Disposition of real estate interest by assignment of mortgage debt	$	47,742		$	-		$	-
Disposition of real estate through the issuance of mortgage receivable	$	5,730		$	2,728		$	3,513
Investment in real estate joint venture through contribution of real estate	$	-		$	35,080		$	-
Decrease of noncontrolling interests through sale of real estate	$	-		$	17,650		$	-
Increase in capital expenditures accrual	$	8,700		$	11,373		$	996
Issuance of common stock	$	493		$	14,047		$	9,213
Surrender of common stock	$	(5,682	)	$	(4,051	)	$	(3,891	)
Declaration of dividends paid in succeeding period	$	115,182		$	111,143		$	104,496
Consolidation of Joint Ventures:
Increase in real estate and other assets	$	1,039,335		$	687,538		$	228,200
Increase in mortgage payable and other liabilities	$	750,135		$	492,318		$	206,489