ACQUISITIONS OF REAL ESTATE PROPERTY (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013 2013 Acquisitions	Sep. 30, 2013 2013 Acquisitions Triple-Net Leased Properties	Sep. 30, 2013 2013 Acquisitions Senior Living Operations	Sep. 30, 2013 2013 Acquisitions MOB Operations	Dec. 31, 2012 2012 Acquisitions	Dec. 31, 2012 2012 Acquisitions Triple-Net Leased Properties	Dec. 31, 2012 2012 Acquisitions Senior Living Operations	Dec. 31, 2012 2012 Acquisitions MOB Operations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Land and improvements	$ 98,747	$ 51,419	$ 43,405	$ 3,923	$ 195,047	$ 21,881	$ 60,662	$ 112,504
Buildings and improvements	1,445,235	803,227	507,534	134,474	1,724,848	225,950	413,750	1,085,148
Construction in progress					25,579	0	0	25,579
Acquired lease intangibles	34,007	8,945	14,700	10,362	202,799	2,323	18,070	182,406
Other assets	8,235	3,285	2,497	2,453	46,098	1,519	832	43,747
Total assets acquired	1,586,224	866,876	568,136	151,212	2,194,371	251,673	493,314	1,449,384
Notes payable and other debt	41,436	36,300	5,136	0	412,825	57,219	0	355,606
Other liabilities	27,601	11,423	9,668	6,510	132,024	13,851	11,806	106,367
Total liabilities assumed	69,037	47,723	14,804	6,510	544,849	71,070	11,806	461,973
Noncontrolling interest assumed	11,785	10,113	0	1,672	37,653	7,292	0	30,361
Net assets acquired	1,505,402	809,040	553,332	143,030	1,611,869	173,311	481,508	957,050
Cash acquired	2,150	753	0	1,397	25,365	1,250	0	24,115
Total cash used	$ 1,503,252	$ 808,287	$ 553,332	$ 141,633	$ 1,586,504	$ 172,061	$ 481,508	$ 932,935