Real Estate and Lending Activities - Assets Acquired (Detail) (Ernest, USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Total assets acquired	$ 371,500	$ 606,500
Land
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Total assets acquired	16,220
Building
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Total assets acquired	265,030
Net investments in direct financing leases
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Total assets acquired	85,000	310,000
Mortgage loans
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Total assets acquired		200,000
Other loans
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Total assets acquired	5,250	93,200
Equity investments
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Total assets acquired		$ 3,300