Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Equity allocation
Balance			$ 463,108
Net income	12,903	13,113	25,879	26,045
Issue common stock			175,639
Vested restricted common stock			1,508	910
Stock option exercises			523
Reclassification adjustment	(8)	(16)	(17)	(30)
Non-controlling interest preferred return			(7)	(59)
Preferred stock dividends	(818)	(818)	(1,636)	(1,636)
Common stock dividends			(29,749)
Other			(23)
Balance	635,225		635,225
LTC Properties, Inc. Stockholders' Equity
Equity allocation
Balance			463,101
Net income			25,879
Issue common stock			175,639
Vested restricted common stock			1,508
Stock option exercises			523
Reclassification adjustment			(17)
Preferred stock dividends			(1,636)
Common stock dividends			(29,749)
Other			(23)
Balance	635,225		635,225
Non-controlling Interests
Equity allocation
Balance			7
Non-controlling interest preferred return			$ (7)