Major Operators (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011 Operators Extendicare REIT	Dec. 31, 2011 Operators ALC	Dec. 31, 2011 Operators Brookdale
Financial information
Current assets				$ 360,075	$ 20,271	$ 280,875
Non-current assets				1,470,629	443,782	4,185,186
Current liabilities				494,559	36,005	620,950
Non-current liabilities				1,287,826	120,328	2,804,903
Stockholders' equity	464,969		466,748	48,319	307,720	1,040,208
Gross revenue	22,640	20,253		2,094,082	234,452	2,457,918
Operating expenses				1,813,792	190,809	2,367,738
(Loss) income from continuing operations	12,947	12,273		(35,323)	24,360	(68,175)
Net (loss) income	12,932	12,154		(30,396)	24,360	(68,175)
Cash provided by operations	16,838	15,691		106,779	54,675	268,427
Cash used in investing activities	(17,679)	(51,921)		(67,906)	(12,385)	(203,899)
Cash used in financing activities	$ (270)	$ 52,717		$ (227,243)	$ (53,002)	$ (115,519)