Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. In the opinion of management, these financial statements include all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of June 30, 2012, and for all periods presented. The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting. All adjustments made have been of a normal and recurring nature. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. The Company believes that the disclosures included are adequate and provide a fair presentation of interim period results. Interim financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the financial position or operating results for an entire year. It is suggested that these interim financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto, together with management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Revenue Recognition Resident Fees Resident fee revenue is recorded when services are rendered and consists of fees for basic housing, support services and fees associated with additional services such as personalized health and assisted living care. Residency agreements are generally for a term of 30 days to one year, with resident fees billed monthly in advance. Revenue for certain skilled nursing services and ancillary charges is recognized as services are provided and is billed monthly in arrears. Entrance Fees Certain of the Company's communities have residency agreements which require the resident to pay an upfront entrance fee prior to occupying the community. In addition, in connection with the Company's MyChoice program, new and existing residents are allowed to pay additional entrance fee amounts in return for a reduced monthly service fee. The non-refundable portion of the entrance fee is recorded as deferred entrance fee revenue and amortized over the estimated stay of the resident based on an actuarial valuation. The refundable portion of a resident's entrance fee is generally refundable within a certain number of months or days following contract termination or upon the sale of the unit, or in certain agreements, upon the resale of a comparable unit or 12 months after the resident vacates the unit. In such instances the refundable portion of the fee is not amortized and included in refundable entrance fees and deferred revenue. Certain contracts require the refundable portion of the entrance fee plus a percentage of the appreciation of the unit, if any, to be refunded only upon resale of a comparable unit ("contingently refundable"). Upon resale the Company may receive reoccupancy proceeds in the form of additional contingently refundable fees, refundable fees, or non-refundable fees. The Company estimates the amount of reoccupancy proceeds to be received from additional contingently refundable fees or non-refundable fees and records such amount as deferred entrance fee revenue. Such deferred entrance fee revenue was approximately $47.5 million and $48.1 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, and is amortized over the life of the community. All remaining contingently refundable fees not recorded as deferred entrance fee revenue and amortized are included in refundable entrance fees and deferred revenue. All refundable amounts due to residents at any time in the future, including those recorded as deferred revenue, are classified as current liabilities. The non-refundable portion of entrance fees expected to be earned and recognized in revenue in one year is recorded as a current liability. The balance of the non-refundable portion is recorded as a long-term liability. Community Fees Substantially all community fees received are non-refundable and are recorded initially as deferred revenue. The deferred amounts, including both the deferred revenue and the related direct resident lease origination costs, are amortized over the estimated stay of the resident which is consistent with the implied contractual terms of the resident lease. Management Fees Management fee revenue is recorded as services are provided to the owners of the communities. Revenues are determined by an agreed upon percentage of gross revenues (as defined). Incentives and penalties receivable or payable under management contracts containing such provisions (other than contractual termination fees) are recorded based on the amounts that would be due pursuant to the contractual arrangements if the contracts were terminated on the reporting date. Reimbursed Costs Incurred on Behalf of Managed Communities The Company manages certain communities under contracts which provide for payment to the Company of a monthly management fee plus reimbursement of certain operating expenses. Where the Company is the primary obligor with respect to any such operating expenses, the Company recognizes revenue when the goods have been delivered or the service has been rendered and the Company is due reimbursement. Such revenue is included in "reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities" on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The related costs are included in "costs incurred on behalf of managed communities" on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Cash and cash equivalents, cash and escrow deposits-restricted, derivative financial instruments and marketable securities - restricted are reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at amounts considered by management to reasonably approximate fair value. Management estimates the fair value of its long-term debt using a discounted cash flow analysis based upon the Company's current borrowing rate for debt with similar maturities and collateral securing the indebtedness. The Company had outstanding debt with a carrying value of approximately $2.6 billion and $2.5 billion as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the estimated fair value of debt was approximately $2.6 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively. The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820 - Fair Value Measurements ("ASC 820"), which establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. A financial instrument's categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows: Level 1 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 - Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. The Company's cash and cash equivalents and cash and escrow deposits-restricted reported on its condensed consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value due to the short maturity. The Company's marketable securities - restricted include marketable securities that are recorded in the financial statements at fair value. The fair value is based primarily on quoted market prices and is classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Changes in fair value are recorded, net of tax, as other comprehensive income and included as a component of stockholders' equity. The Company's derivative assets and liabilities include interest rate swaps and caps that effectively convert a portion of the Company's variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. The derivative positions are valued using models developed internally by the respective counterparty that use as their basis readily observable market parameters (such as forward yield curves) and are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. The Company considers its own credit risk as well as the credit risk of its counterparties when evaluating the fair value of its derivatives. Any adjustments resulting from credit risk are recorded as a change in fair value of derivatives and amortization in the current period statement of operations. The Company's fair value of debt disclosure is determined based primarily on market interest rate assumptions of similar debt applied to future cash flows under the debt agreements and is classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Self-Insurance Liability Accruals The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Although the Company maintains general liability and professional liability insurance policies for its owned, leased and managed communities under a master insurance program, the Company's current policy provides for deductibles for each and every claim ($150,000 effective January 1, 2010). As a result, the Company is, in effect, self-insured for claims that are less than $150,000. In addition, the Company maintains a self-insured workers compensation program and a self-insured employee medical program for amounts below excess loss coverage amounts, as defined. The Company reviews the adequacy of its accruals related to these liabilities on an ongoing basis, using historical claims, actuarial valuations, third party administrator estimates, consultants, advice from legal counsel and industry data, and adjusts accruals periodically. Estimated costs related to these self-insurance programs are accrued based on known claims and projected claims incurred but not yet reported. Subsequent changes in actual experience are monitored and estimates are updated as information is available. Treasury Stock The Company accounts for treasury stock under the cost method and includes treasury stock as a component of stockholders' equity. Marketable Securities - Restricted Marketable securities - restricted include amounts required to be held in reserve related to the Company's entrance fee CCRCs pursuant to various state insurance regulations and consist of mutual funds holding equities and fixed-income securities. The Company classifies its marketable securities - restricted as available-for-sale and accordingly, they are carried at their estimated fair value with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses from the available-for-sale securities are determined on the specific identification method and are included in other non-operating income (loss) on the trade date. A decline in the market value of any security below cost that is deemed to be other than temporary results in a reduction in the carrying amount of the security to fair market value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is established. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned. The amortized cost basis of the marketable securities - restricted as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $33.8 million and $32.7 million, respectively. Convertible Debt Instruments Convertible debt instruments are accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 470-20, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options. This guidance requires the issuer of certain convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash (or other assets) on conversion, including partial cash settlement, to separately account for the liability (debt) and equity (conversion option) components of the instruments in a manner that reflects the issuer's estimated non-convertible debt borrowing rate. New Accounting Pronouncements In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income ("ASU 2011-05"). The guidance in ASU 2011-05 is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and requires the components of net income and other comprehensive income and total comprehensive income for each interim period. The Company adopted the provisions of this update as of January 1, 2012 and incorporated the provisions of this update to its condensed consolidated financial statements upon adoption. The adoption of this update did not have an impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other ("ASU 2011-08"). ASU 2011-08 amends current guidance to allow an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under this amendment, an entity would not be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. ASU 2011-08 applies to all companies that have goodwill reported in their financial statements. The provisions of ASU 2011-08 are effective for the Company in 2012. The adoption of this update did not have an impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-01, Continuing Care Retirement Communities - Refundable Advance Fees ("ASU 2012-01"). ASU 2012-01 amends the situations in which recognition of deferred revenue for refundable advance fees is appropriate. Under this amendment, refundable advance fees that are contingent upon reoccupancy by a subsequent resident but are not limited to the proceeds of reoccupancy should be accounted for and reported as a liability. The guidance in ASU 2012-01 is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this provision will have on its consolidated financial statements. In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other ("ASU 2012-02"). ASU 2012-02 amends current guidance to allow an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the annual quantitative indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test. Under this amendment, an entity would not be required to calculate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. ASU 2012-02 applies to all companies that have indefinite-lived intangible assets reported in their financial statements. The provisions of ASU 2012-02 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after September 15, 2012. The Company has not yet adopted this pronouncement, but does not believe it will have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Reclassifications Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current financial statement presentation, with no effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. In the opinion of management, these financial statements include all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of June 30, 2012, and for all periods presented. The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting. All adjustments made have been of a normal and recurring nature. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. The Company believes that the disclosures included are adequate and provide a fair presentation of interim period results. Interim financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the financial position or operating results for an entire year. It is suggested that these interim financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto, together with management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Revenue Recognition

Resident Fees

Resident fee revenue is recorded when services are rendered and consists of fees for basic housing, support services and fees associated with additional services such as personalized health and assisted living care. Residency agreements are generally for a term of 30 days to one year, with resident fees billed monthly in advance. Revenue for certain skilled nursing services and ancillary charges is recognized as services are provided and is billed monthly in arrears.

Entrance Fees

Certain of the Company's communities have residency agreements which require the resident to pay an upfront entrance fee prior to occupying the community. In addition, in connection with the Company's MyChoice program, new and existing residents are allowed to pay additional entrance fee amounts in return for a reduced monthly service fee. The non-refundable portion of the entrance fee is recorded as deferred entrance fee revenue and amortized over the estimated stay of the resident based on an actuarial valuation. The refundable portion of a resident's entrance fee is generally refundable within a certain number of months or days following contract termination or upon the sale of the unit, or in certain agreements, upon the resale of a comparable unit or 12 months after the resident vacates the unit. In such instances the refundable portion of the fee is not amortized and included in refundable entrance fees and deferred revenue.

Certain contracts require the refundable portion of the entrance fee plus a percentage of the appreciation of the unit, if any, to be refunded only upon resale of a comparable unit ("contingently refundable"). Upon resale the Company

may receive reoccupancy proceeds in the form of additional contingently refundable fees, refundable fees, or non-refundable fees. The Company estimates the amount of reoccupancy proceeds to be received from additional contingently refundable fees or non-refundable fees and records such amount as deferred entrance fee revenue. Such deferred entrance fee revenue was approximately $47.5 million and $48.1 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, and is amortized over the life of the community. All remaining contingently refundable fees not recorded as deferred entrance fee revenue and amortized are included in refundable entrance fees and deferred revenue.

All refundable amounts due to residents at any time in the future, including those recorded as deferred revenue, are classified as current liabilities.

The non-refundable portion of entrance fees expected to be earned and recognized in revenue in one year is recorded as a current liability. The balance of the non-refundable portion is recorded as a long-term liability.

Community Fees

Substantially all community fees received are non-refundable and are recorded initially as deferred revenue. The deferred amounts, including both the deferred revenue and the related direct resident lease origination costs, are amortized over the estimated stay of the resident which is consistent with the implied contractual terms of the resident lease.

Management Fees

Management fee revenue is recorded as services are provided to the owners of the communities. Revenues are determined by an agreed upon percentage of gross revenues (as defined). Incentives and penalties receivable or payable under management contracts containing such provisions (other than contractual termination fees) are recorded based on the amounts that would be due pursuant to the contractual arrangements if the contracts were terminated on the reporting date.

Reimbursed Costs Incurred on Behalf of Managed Communities

The Company manages certain communities under contracts which provide for payment to the Company of a monthly management fee plus reimbursement of certain operating expenses. Where the Company is the primary obligor with respect to any such operating expenses, the Company recognizes revenue when the goods have been delivered or the service has been rendered and the Company is due reimbursement. Such revenue is included in "reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities" on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The related costs are included in "costs incurred on behalf of managed communities" on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Cash and cash equivalents, cash and escrow deposits-restricted, derivative financial instruments and marketable securities - restricted are reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at amounts considered by management to reasonably approximate fair value. Management estimates the fair value of its long-term debt using a discounted cash flow analysis based upon the Company's current borrowing rate for debt with similar maturities and collateral securing the indebtedness. The Company had outstanding debt with a carrying value of approximately $2.6 billion and $2.5 billion as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the estimated fair value of debt was approximately $2.6 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820 - Fair Value Measurements ("ASC 820"), which establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. A financial instrument's categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 - Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

The Company's cash and cash equivalents and cash and escrow deposits-restricted reported on its condensed consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value due to the short maturity.

The Company's marketable securities - restricted include marketable securities that are recorded in the financial statements at fair value. The fair value is based primarily on quoted market prices and is classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Changes in fair value are recorded, net of tax, as other comprehensive income and included as a component of stockholders' equity.

The Company's derivative assets and liabilities include interest rate swaps and caps that effectively convert a portion of the Company's variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. The derivative positions are valued using models developed internally by the respective counterparty that use as their basis readily observable market parameters (such as forward yield curves) and are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

The Company considers its own credit risk as well as the credit risk of its counterparties when evaluating the fair value of its derivatives. Any adjustments resulting from credit risk are recorded as a change in fair value of derivatives and amortization in the current period statement of operations.

The Company's fair value of debt disclosure is determined based primarily on market interest rate assumptions of similar debt applied to future cash flows under the debt agreements and is classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Self-Insurance Liability Accruals

The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Although the Company maintains general liability and professional liability insurance policies for its owned, leased and managed communities under a master insurance program, the Company's current policy provides for deductibles for each and every claim ($150,000 effective January 1, 2010). As a result, the Company is, in effect, self-insured for claims that are less than $150,000. In addition, the Company maintains a self-insured workers compensation program and a self-insured employee medical program for amounts below excess loss coverage amounts, as defined. The Company reviews the adequacy of its accruals related to these liabilities on an ongoing basis, using historical claims, actuarial valuations, third party administrator estimates, consultants, advice from legal counsel and industry data, and adjusts accruals periodically. Estimated costs related to these self-insurance programs are accrued based on known claims and projected claims incurred but not yet reported. Subsequent changes in actual experience are monitored and estimates are updated as information is available.

Treasury Stock

The Company accounts for treasury stock under the cost method and includes treasury stock as a component of stockholders' equity.

Marketable Securities - Restricted

Marketable securities - restricted include amounts required to be held in reserve related to the Company's entrance fee CCRCs pursuant to various state insurance regulations and consist of mutual funds holding equities and fixed-income securities. The Company classifies its marketable securities - restricted as available-for-sale and accordingly, they are carried at their estimated fair value with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses from the available-for-sale securities are determined on the specific identification method and are included in other non-operating income (loss) on the trade date.

A decline in the market value of any security below cost that is deemed to be other than temporary results in a reduction in the carrying amount of the security to fair market value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is established. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned.

The amortized cost basis of the marketable securities - restricted as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $33.8 million and $32.7 million, respectively.

Convertible Debt Instruments

Convertible debt instruments are accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 470-20, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options. This guidance requires the issuer of certain convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash (or other assets) on conversion, including partial cash settlement, to separately account for the liability (debt) and equity (conversion option) components of the instruments in a manner that reflects the issuer's estimated non-convertible debt borrowing rate.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income ("ASU 2011-05"). The guidance in ASU 2011-05 is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and requires the components of net income and other comprehensive income and total comprehensive income for each interim period. The Company adopted the provisions of this update as of January 1, 2012 and incorporated the provisions of this update to its condensed consolidated financial statements upon adoption. The adoption of this update did not have an impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other ("ASU 2011-08"). ASU 2011-08 amends current guidance to allow an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under this amendment, an entity would not be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. ASU 2011-08 applies to all companies that have goodwill reported in their financial statements. The provisions of ASU 2011-08 are effective for the Company in 2012. The adoption of this update did not have an impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-01, Continuing Care Retirement Communities - Refundable Advance Fees ("ASU 2012-01"). ASU 2012-01 amends the situations in which recognition of deferred revenue for refundable advance fees is appropriate. Under this amendment, refundable advance fees that are contingent upon reoccupancy by a subsequent resident but are not limited to the proceeds of reoccupancy should be accounted for and reported as a liability. The guidance in ASU 2012-01 is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this provision will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other ("ASU 2012-02"). ASU 2012-02 amends current guidance to allow an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the annual quantitative indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test. Under this amendment, an entity would not be required to calculate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. ASU 2012-02 applies to all companies that have indefinite-lived intangible assets reported in their financial statements. The provisions of ASU 2012-02 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after September 15, 2012. The Company has not yet adopted this pronouncement, but does not believe it will have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current financial statement presentation, with no effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.