Investments - Operating Results of the Entities Accounted for Using the Equity Method (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Combined summary of the operating results of the accounted for using the equity method
Revenues	$ 2,294,850	$ 2,301,261	$ 2,324,626
Operating and other expenses	(1,926,701)	(1,826,659)	(1,696,904)
Gain on sale of communities	602,235	340,444	166,105
Interest expense, net	(220,415)	(214,151)	(203,585)
Depreciation expense	(758,596)	(707,331)	(661,578)
Net income	1,004,356	827,706	786,103
Company's share of net income	32,123	8,538	10,779
Equity Securities, Direct Investment Gains, Net of Amortization of Excess Investments and Other	6,462	(2,116)	(2,127)
Income from investments in unconsolidated entities	38,585	6,422	$ 8,652
AVA North Point
Combined summary of the operating results of the accounted for using the equity method
Ownership percentage of equity method investment			55.00%
AVA North Point | Joint Venture Partner
Combined summary of the operating results of the accounted for using the equity method
Ownership percentage of equity method investment			45.00%
Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
Combined summary of the operating results of the accounted for using the equity method
Revenues	198,645	118,474	$ 144,431
Operating and other expenses	(46,102)	(49,509)	(55,732)
Gain on sale of communities	164,273	18,450	21,748
Interest expense, net	(27,508)	(31,982)	(33,896)
Depreciation expense	(29,910)	(34,606)	(58,387)
Net income	$ 259,398	$ 20,827	$ 18,164