Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	$ 339,190	$ 290,738
Income taxes paid	1,645	583
Capitalized interest	18,517	19,395
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:
Accrued construction costs	18,024	11,353
Settlement of loans receivable as consideration for the HCR ManorCare Acquisition		1,990,406
Supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities:
Vesting of restricted stock units	385	228
Cancellation of restricted stock	6	(35)
Conversion of non-managing member units into common stock	2,398	2,533
Mortgages included in the consolidation of HCP Ventures II		635,182
Noncontrolling interests issued in connection with acquisitions	27,432	1,500
Mortgages and other liabilities assumed with other real estate acquisitions	35,120	57,869
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, net	$ 2,203	$ (14,244)