Real Estate Loans Receivable (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Advances on real estate loans receivable:
Investments in new loans	$ 13,129	$ 25,541
Draws on existing loans	23,375	28,428
Sub-total	36,504	53,969
Less: Seller financing on property sales	0	(1,470)
Net cash advances on real estate loans	36,504	52,499
Receipts on real estate loans receivable:
Loan payoffs	132,803	3,809
Principal payments on loans	16,216	15,010
Total receipts on real estate loans	149,019	18,819
Net advances (receipts) on real estate loans	(112,515)	33,680
Seniors housing triple-net [Member]
Advances on real estate loans receivable:
Investments in new loans	13,129	9,742
Draws on existing loans	15,308	28,413
Sub-total	28,437	38,155
Less: Seller financing on property sales	0	0
Net cash advances on real estate loans	28,437	38,155
Receipts on real estate loans receivable:
Loan payoffs	129,860	3,809
Principal payments on loans	11,618	11,682
Total receipts on real estate loans	141,478	15,491
Net advances (receipts) on real estate loans	(113,041)	22,664
Medical facilities [Member]
Advances on real estate loans receivable:
Investments in new loans		15,799
Draws on existing loans	8,067	15
Sub-total	8,067	15,814
Less: Seller financing on property sales	0	(1,470)
Net cash advances on real estate loans	8,067	14,344
Receipts on real estate loans receivable:
Loan payoffs	2,943	0
Principal payments on loans	4,598	3,328
Total receipts on real estate loans	7,541	3,328
Net advances (receipts) on real estate loans	$ 526	$ 11,016