Real Estate Loans Receivable (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Advances on real estate loans receivable:
Investments in new loans	$ 1,154	$ 13,129
Draws on existing loans	34,740	23,375
Net cash advances on real estate loans	35,894	36,504
Receipts on real estate loans receivable:
Loan payoffs	450	132,803
Principal payments on loans	16,127	16,216
Total receipts on real estate loans	16,577	149,019
Net advances (receipts) on real estate loans	19,317	(112,515)
Seniors Housing Facilities Triple Net [Member]
Advances on real estate loans receivable:
Investments in new loans	1,154	13,129
Draws on existing loans	33,710	15,308
Net cash advances on real estate loans	34,864	28,437
Receipts on real estate loans receivable:
Loan payoffs	450	129,860
Principal payments on loans	14,204	11,618
Total receipts on real estate loans	14,654	141,478
Net advances (receipts) on real estate loans	20,210	(113,041)
Medical facilities [Member]
Advances on real estate loans receivable:
Investments in new loans	0	0
Draws on existing loans	1,030	8,067
Net cash advances on real estate loans	1,030	8,067
Receipts on real estate loans receivable:
Loan payoffs	0	2,943
Principal payments on loans	1,923	4,598
Total receipts on real estate loans	1,923	7,541
Net advances (receipts) on real estate loans	$ (893)	$ 526