Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Equity allocation
Balance			$ 463,108
Net income	17,286	12,504	43,165	38,549
Issue common stock			175,597
Vested restricted common stock			2,050	1,355
Stock option exercises			523
Reclassification adjustment	(9)	(9)	(26)	(40)
Non-controlling interest preferred return			(7)	(69)
Preferred stock dividends	(818)	(818)	(2,454)	(2,454)
Common stock dividends			(45,909)
Other			(23)
Balance	636,024		636,024
LTC Properties, Inc. Stockholders' Equity
Equity allocation
Balance			463,101
Net income			43,165
Issue common stock			175,597
Vested restricted common stock			2,050
Stock option exercises			523
Reclassification adjustment			(26)
Preferred stock dividends			(2,454)
Common stock dividends			(45,909)
Other			(23)
Balance	636,024		636,024
Non-controlling Interests
Equity allocation
Balance			7
Non-controlling interest preferred return			$ (7)