Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	$ 389,753	$ 348,455	$ 282,750
Income taxes paid	1,790	1,710	1,765
Capitalized interest	23,360	26,402	21,664
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:
Loans received upon real estate disposition			21,519
Accrued construction costs	14,157	11,525	3,558
Settlement of loans receivable as consideration for the HCR ManorCare Acquisition		1,990,406
Supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities:
Restricted stock issued			224
Vesting of restricted stock units	707	228	276
Cancellation of restricted stock	8	35	52
Conversion of non-managing member units into common stock	24,988	3,456	6,135
Noncontrolling interests issued in connection with acquisitions	42,734	1,500	9,267
Mortgages included in the consolidation of HCP Ventures II		635,182
Mortgages and other liabilities assumed with other real estate acquisitions	60,597	57,869	30,299
Unrealized gains (losses), net on available for sale securities and derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	$ 4,649	$ (9,763)	$ (59)