Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified		6 Months Ended					1 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013 Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities item	Jun. 30, 2013 Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities VIE tenants-operating leases	Jun. 30, 2013 Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities VIE tenants-DFLs	Jun. 30, 2013 Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities Loan-senior secured	Jun. 30, 2013 Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities Loan - subordinated secured	Jun. 30, 2013 Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities Debt investment	Sep. 30, 2011 Consolidated Variable Interest Entities item
Company's involvement with VIEs:
Number of senior housing facilities leased	48						21
Number of VIE tenants	7
Maximum Loss Exposure		$ 274,078	$ 1,102,212	$ 29,151	$ 164,579	$ 16,897
Assets/liability type		Lease intangibles, net and straight-line rent receivables	Net investment in DFLs	Loans receivable, net	Loans receivable, net	Marketable debt securities
Carrying amount		$ 14,704	$ 602,766	$ 29,151	$ 164,579	$ 16,897
Percentage of partnership interest							90.00%