Real Estate Loans Receivable (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Advances on real estate loans receivable:
Investments in new loans	$ 532	$ 11,807
Draws on existing loans	19,822	16,660
Net cash advances on real estate loans	20,354	28,467
Receipts on real estate loans receivable:
Loan payoffs	0	129,860
Principal payments on loans	12,861	8,536
Total receipts on real estate loans	12,861	138,396
Net advances (receipts) on real estate loans	7,493	(109,929)
Seniors Housing Facilities Triple Net [Member]
Advances on real estate loans receivable:
Investments in new loans	532	11,807
Draws on existing loans	19,455	8,824
Net cash advances on real estate loans	19,987	20,631
Receipts on real estate loans receivable:
Loan payoffs	0	129,860
Principal payments on loans	11,613	5,164
Total receipts on real estate loans	11,613	135,024
Net advances (receipts) on real estate loans	8,374	(114,393)
Medical facilities [Member]
Advances on real estate loans receivable:
Investments in new loans	0	0
Draws on existing loans	367	7,836
Net cash advances on real estate loans	367	7,836
Receipts on real estate loans receivable:
Loan payoffs	0	0
Principal payments on loans	1,248	3,372
Total receipts on real estate loans	1,248	3,372
Net advances (receipts) on real estate loans	$ (881)	$ 4,464