Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	May 01, 2007	May 12, 2011	Aug. 31, 2004
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	$ 156,981,000	$ 167,947,000	$ 99,174,000
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	(1,152,000)	(1,857,000)	(842,000)
Increase in valuation allowance	23,122,000	7,145,000	33,577,000
Increase (decrease) in ASC 740 income tax liability	878,000	2,805,000	656,000
Tax at statutory rate on earnings not subject to federal income taxes	(185,290,000)	(187,416,000)	(138,687,000)
Foreign rate differential and foreign taxes	3,230,000	0	0
Change in tax status of TRS	(7,380,000)	0	0
Other differences	879,000	(452,000)	(160,000)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(8,732,000)	(11,828,000)	(6,282,000)
Sunrise Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net deferred tax liability				306,300,000
ASLG
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net deferred tax liability					44,600,000
Holiday Retirement
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net deferred tax liability						$ 107,700,000
Other Acquisitions | Triple Net Leased Properties | Private Hospitals
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties acquired	3