Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets:
Marketable debt securities	$ 5,400	$ 43,300
Liabilities:
Redeemable OP unitholder interests, Carrying Value	174,555	102,837
Carrying amount
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	67,908	45,807
Secured loans receivable, net	635,002	212,577
Derivative instruments	0	11
Marketable debt securities	5,400	43,331
Unsecured loans receivable, net	62,118	63,598
Liabilities:
Senior notes payable and other debt, gross, Fair Value	8,186,315	6,180,443
Derivative instruments and other liabilities	45,966	80,815
Redeemable OP unitholder interests, Carrying Value	114,933	102,837
Fair value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	67,908	45,807
Secured loans receivable, net	636,714	216,315
Derivative instruments	0	11
Marketable debt securities	5,400	43,331
Unsecured loans receivable, net	65,146	65,219
Liabilities:
Senior notes payable and other debt, gross, Fair Value	8,600,450	6,637,691
Derivative instruments and other liabilities	45,966	80,815
Redeemable OP unitholder interests, Carrying Value	$ 114,933	$ 102,837

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This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents Available-for-sale Securities which consist of all investments in certain debt and equity securities neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt. An entity may opt to provide the reader with additional narrative text to better understand the nature of investments in debt and equity securities which are categorized as Available-for-sale.

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- Definition

This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Company may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months.

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Fair values as of the balance sheet date of all assets resulting from contracts that meet the criteria of being accounted for as derivative instruments, net of the effects of master netting arrangements.

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The fair value amount of long-term debt whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission.

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No definition available.

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Carrying amount, attributable to parent and noncontrolling interests, of an entity's issued and outstanding stock which is not included within permanent equity. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. Includes stock with a put option held by an ESOP and stock redeemable by a holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer.

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Derivative instrument obligations meeting the definition of a liability which the entity is a party to and other liabilities not separately disclosed by the entity as of the balance sheet date.

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No definition available.

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Fair value as of the balance sheet date of secured loans receivable, net of any write-downs taken for collection uncertainty on the part of the holder.

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No definition available.

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Fair value as of the balance sheet date of unsecured loans receivable, net of any write-downs taken for collection uncertainty on the part of the holder.

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No definition available.

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