Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 Lease Community	Dec. 31, 2013 Lease Community	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Initial lease terms, minimum	10 years
Initial lease terms, maximum	20 years
Renewal options, minimum	5 years
Renewal options, maximum	30 years
Number of communities operated under long-term leases	583	329
Number of operating leases	342	275
Number of capital and financing leases	241	54
Remaining base lease terms, minimum	1 year
Remaining base lease terms, maximum	17 years
Schedule of facility operating lease expense [Abstract]
Cash basis payment	$ 330,207	$ 278,504	$ 281,729
Straight-line expense	1,439	2,597	6,668
Amortization of (above) below market rent, net	(3,444)	0	0
Amortization of deferred gain	(4,372)	(4,372)	(4,372)
Facility lease expense	323,830	276,729	284,025
Future minimum operating lease payments [Abstract]
2015	395,990
2016	396,011
2017	381,722
2018	366,040
2019	348,111
Thereafter	1,239,651
Total	$ 3,127,525