Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Income Taxes) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) property	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)	May. 12, 2011 USD ($)	May. 01, 2007 USD ($)
Reconciliation of income tax expense computed by applying federal corporate tax rate
Tax at statutory rate on earnings from continuing operations before unconsolidated entities, noncontrolling interest and income taxes	$ 123,086	$ 122,746	$ 127,463
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	(657)	(1,152)	(1,857)
Increase in valuation allowance	20,978	23,122	7,145
Increase (decrease) in ASC 740 income tax liability	(462)	878	2,805
Tax at statutory rate on earnings not subject to federal income taxes	(185,648)	(151,055)	(146,932)
Foreign rate differential and foreign taxes	3,095	3,230	0
Change in tax status of TRS	0	(7,380)	0
Other differences	324	879	(452)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(39,284)	$ (8,732)	$ (11,828)
Sunrise Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net deferred tax liability						$ 306,300
ASLG
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net deferred tax liability					$ 44,600
Holiday Retirement
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net deferred tax liability				$ 107,700
Other Acquisitions | Triple-net leased properties | Private Hospitals
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties acquired | property		3
HCT
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net deferred tax liability	32,300
Crimson
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net deferred tax liability	$ 18,500