Note 16 - Settlement of SeniorTrust of Florida, Inc. and ElderTrust of Florida, Inc. Litigation (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Payments for Legal Settlements	$ 6,650,000
Estimated Litigation Liability	4,150,000
Annual Management Fees At Time Of Settlement	3,200,000
Initial Lease Term	15 years
Annual Lease Amount	3,450,000
Annual Lease Escalator	4.00%
Lease Purchase Option	49,000,000
Settlement Impact on Results of Operations and Cash Flows	4,000,000
Settlement Impact On Results Of Operations And Cash Flows Net Of Tax	2,500,000
Senior Trust [Member]
Annual Management Fees At Time Of Settlement	2,200,000
MatureCare [Member] | Rental Income [Member]
Annual Management Fees At Time Of Settlement	2,200,000
MatureCare [Member] | Management and Accounting Services Fees [Member]
Annual Management Fees At Time Of Settlement	1,400,000
MatureCare [Member]
Settlement Impact on Results of Operations and Cash Flows	1,500,000
Rental Income [Member]
Annual Management Fees At Time Of Settlement	2,200,000
Management and Accounting Services Fees [Member]
Annual Management Fees At Time Of Settlement	$ 1,400,000