SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information
Resident fees and services	$ 371,061	$ 339,170
Capital expenditures
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets	221,948	97,558
Triple-Net Leased Properties
Capital expenditures
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets	192,052	13,180
Senior Living Operations
Segment Reporting Information
Resident fees and services	371,061	339,170
Capital expenditures
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets	16,863	20,168
MOB Operations
Capital expenditures
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets	$ 13,033	$ 64,210