Note 12 - Supplemental Schedule of Non-cash Investing / Financing Activities - Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Proceeds held in escrow through sale of real estate interests		$ 20,503
Issuance of common stock		91
Surrender of restricted common stock	(4,991)	(5,908)
Declaration of dividends paid in succeeding period	124,680	116,631	$ 124,517
Capital expenditures accrual	34,386	19,618
Deemed contribution from noncontrolling interest	10,000
Increase in real estate and other assets	15,061
Increase in mortgages payable, other liabilities and non-controlling interests	$ (1,270)