Schedule of notes and other receivables (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net	$ 168,341	$ 164,685
Other receivables, net [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net	29,177	29,393
Carrying Value [Member] | Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net	21,684	25,471
Carrying Value [Member] | Collateralized receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net	$ 117,480	$ 109,821