Investments in Real Estate Entities (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Combined summary of the operating results of the accounted for using the equity method
Rental and other income	$ 131,901	$ 173,578	$ 198,939
Operating and other expenses	(50,945)	(67,962)	(80,301)
Gain on sale of communities	196,749	98,899	333,221
Interest expense, net	(45,886)	(45,517)	(61,458)
Depreciation expense	(34,471)	(45,324)	(52,116)
Net income	197,348	113,674	338,285
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt	(7,075)	26,736	(412)
Funds [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt	$ 12,659	$ 4,481	$ 10,528