Note 13 - Supplemental Schedule of Non-cash Investing / Financing Activities - Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Proceeds held in escrow through sale of real estate interests	$ 89,770	$ 62,038
Issuance of common stock		85
Surrender of restricted common stock	(5,324)	(6,442)
Declaration of dividends paid in succeeding period	124,679	116,857	$ 124,517
Capital expenditures accrual	45,898	15,021
Deemed contribution from noncontrolling interest	10,000
Increase in real estate and other assets	325,981	211,457
Increase in mortgages payable, other liabilities and non-controlling interests	$ 258,626	$ 100,475