Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Changes in equity
Beginning Balance			$ 10,388,046
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 192,486	$ 238,248	588,791	$ 639,348
(Loss) gain on cash flow hedges			11,499
Cash flow hedge losses reclassified to earnings	1,466	$ 1,767	4,679	5,301
Change in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest			(626)
Dividends declared to common stockholders			(609,972)
Issuance of common stock, net of withholdings			(10,072)
Amortization of deferred compensation			25,053
Ending Balance	10,397,398		10,397,398
Common stock
Changes in equity
Beginning Balance			1,381
Issuance of common stock, net of withholdings			1
Ending Balance	1,382		1,382
Additional paid-in capital
Changes in equity
Beginning Balance			10,235,475
Issuance of common stock, net of withholdings			(11,217)
Amortization of deferred compensation			25,053
Ending Balance	10,249,311		10,249,311
Accumulated earnings less dividends
Changes in equity
Beginning Balance			188,609
Net income attributable to common stockholders			588,791
Change in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest			(626)	$ 458
Dividends declared to common stockholders			(609,972)
Issuance of common stock, net of withholdings			1,144
Ending Balance	167,946		167,946
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Changes in equity
Beginning Balance			(37,419)
(Loss) gain on cash flow hedges			11,499
Cash flow hedge losses reclassified to earnings			4,679
Ending Balance	$ (21,241)		$ (21,241)
Continuous Equity Program CEP IV
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	0		0