Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	$ 290,738	$ 232,504
Income taxes paid	583	1,717
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:
Capitalized interest	19,395	15,514
Accrued construction costs	11,353	5,032
Settlement of loans receivable as consideration for the HCR ManorCare Acquisition	1,990,406
Loans received upon real estate disposition		21,519
Supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities:
Restricted stock issued		221
Vesting of restricted stock units	228	265
Cancellation of restricted stock	(35)	(52)
Conversion of non-managing member units into common stock	2,533	5,072
Mortgages included in consolidation of HCP Ventures II	635,182	9,267
Mortgages assumed with other real estate acquisitions	57,869	5,352
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities and derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, net	$ (14,244)	$ (1,432)

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