SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information
Resident fees and services	$ 359,112	$ 316,560	$ 1,039,876	$ 905,190
Capital expenditures
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets	1,119,742	303,524	1,484,107	1,287,301
Triple-Net Leased Properties
Capital expenditures
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets	793,594	25,535	838,598	39,415
Senior Living Operations
Capital expenditures
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets	226,442	20,510	471,531	369,341
MOB Operations
Capital expenditures
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets	$ 99,706	$ 257,479	$ 173,978	$ 878,545