Emeritus 10-Q 5 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 25, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Entity Registrant Name	'EMERITUS CORP\WA\	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001001604	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Trading Symbol	'esc	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	47,735,709

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$109,630	$59,795
Short-term investments	6,787	4,910
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of $9,402 and $7,179	53,851	53,138
Other receivables	12,673	28,533
Tax, insurance, and maintenance escrows	30,142	23,813
Prepaid insurance expense	17,733	24,297
Deferred tax asset	32,657	33,781
Other prepaid expenses and current assets	11,656	12,185
Property held for sale	7,400	0
Total current assets	282,529	240,452
Equity Method Investments	1,681	2,513
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $661,521 and $533,710	3,934,576	4,011,884
Restricted deposits and escrows	72,984	50,671
Goodwill	188,055	186,756
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $38,850 and $47,547	125,372	131,971
Other assets, net	38,397	36,503
Total assets	4,643,594	4,660,750
Current Liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	122,894	49,381
Current portion of capital lease and financing obligations	31,577	25,736
Trade accounts payable	29,860	14,244
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	51,457	53,606
Accrued interest	7,451	8,467
Accrued real estate taxes	23,344	16,432
Accrued insurance liabilities	39,686	44,867
Other accrued expenses	36,958	30,291
Deferred revenue	25,375	22,417
Unearned rental income	29,429	30,552
Total current liabilities	398,031	295,993
Long-term debt obligations, less current portion	1,389,715	1,558,936
Capital lease and financing obligations, less current portion	2,482,061	2,384,857
Deferred gain on sale of communities	3,016	3,743
Deferred straight-line rent	70,901	63,920
Other long-term liabilities	130,640	128,472
Total liabilities	4,474,364	4,435,921
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Shareholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interest:	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value. Authorized 20,000,000 shares, none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.0001 par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 47,681,063 and 45,814,988 shares	5	5
Additional paid-in capital	887,644	839,511
Accumulated deficit	-731,629	-628,093
Total Emeritus Corporation shareholders' equity	156,020	211,423
Noncontrolling interest	2,598	3,301
Total shareholders' equity	158,618	214,724
Total liabilities, shareholders' equity, and noncontrolling interest	$4,643,594	$4,660,750

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Trade accounts receivable, allowance	$9,402	$7,179
Accumulated depreciation	661,521	533,710
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$38,850	$47,547
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, authorized shares	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, authorized shares	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, issued	47,735,709	45,814,988
Common stock, outstanding	47,735,709	45,814,988

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues:	'		'		'		'
Community and ancillary services revenue	$483,858	[1]	$323,874	[1]	$1,414,387	[1]	$960,425	[1]
Management fees	630		5,293		2,010		15,490
Reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities	7,245		51,953		23,630		154,598
Total operating revenues	491,733		381,120		1,440,027		1,130,513
Expenses:	'		'		'		'
Community and ancillary services operations (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and lease expense shown separately below)	329,627		216,943		973,216		643,987
General and administrative	28,130		23,082		86,461		69,492
Transaction costs	291		1,292		1,833		2,480
Impairments of long-lived assets	0		0		0		2,135
Depreciation and amortization	45,202		32,461		135,614		98,024
Lease expense	38,207		30,960		102,410		93,147
Costs incurred on behalf of managed communities	7,245		51,953		23,630		154,598
Total operating expenses	448,702		356,691		1,323,164		1,063,863
Operating income from continuing operations	43,031		24,429		116,863		66,650
Other income (expense):	'		'		'		'
Interest income	118		101		346		303
Interest expense	-71,441		-38,451		-215,730		-116,083
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments	-100		-174		77		-919
Net equity losses for unconsolidated joint ventures	-86		-28		-93		-500
Other, net	242		743		1,967		1,624
Net other expense	-71,267		-37,809		-213,433		-115,575
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	-28,236		-13,380		-96,570		-48,925
Benefit of (provision for) income taxes	177		-324		-2,119		-920
Loss from continuing operations	-28,059		-13,704		-98,689		-49,845
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	146		-2,698		-5,222		-7,705
Net loss	-27,913		-16,402		-103,911		-57,550
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	90		150		375		198
Net loss attributable to Emeritus Corporation common shareholders	($27,823)		($16,252)		($103,536)		($57,352)
Basic and diluted loss per common share attributable to Emeritus Corporation common shareholders:	'		'		'		'
Continuing operations (usd per share)	($0.59)		($0.30)		($2.12)		($1.12)
Discontinued operations (usd per share)	$0		($0.06)		($0.11)		($0.17)
Basic and diluted loss per common share attributable to Emeritus Corporation common shareholders (usd per share)	($0.59)		($0.36)		($2.23)		($1.29)
Weighted average common shares outstanding: basic and diluted (in shares)	46,962		44,642		46,401		44,612
[1]	All revenue is earned from external third parties in the United States.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net loss	($27,913)	($16,402)	($103,911)	($57,550)
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	90	150	375	198
Comprehensive loss attributable to Emeritus Corporation common shareholders	($27,823)	($16,252)	($103,536)	($57,352)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net loss	($103,911)	($57,550)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	135,614	98,024
Amortization of above/below market rents	3,700	4,990
Amortization of deferred gains	-727	-782
Loss on lease termination	505	0
(Gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt	-3	813
Impairments of long-lived assets	'	8,430
Amortization of loan fees	2,307	2,465
Allowance for doubtful receivables	6,620	7,883
Net equity losses for unconsolidated joint ventures	93	500
Loss on sale of assets	50	527
Stock-based compensation	10,351	8,319
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments	-77	919
Deferred straight-line rent	1,369	3,221
Deferred revenue	2,635	-755
Non-cash interest expense	24,738	1,985
Other	461	-108
Change in other operating assets and liabilities	4,910	31,740
Net cash provided by operating activities	93,841	110,621
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchase of property and equipment	-50,421	-21,621
Acquisitions	-6,347	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	34,275	15,565
Advances from affiliates and other managed communities, net	12,944	814
Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures, net	49,921	173
Other assets	-11,639	-376
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	28,733	-5,445
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Sale of stock, net	42,404	1,693
Proceeds from lease extensions	6,055	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net	-3,726	0
Increase in restricted deposits	-785	-2,066
Debt issuance and other financing activities	-1,492	-1,252
Proceeds from long-term borrowings and financings	68,102	17,703
Repayment of long-term borrowings and financings	-163,815	-55,121
Repayment of capital lease and financing obligations	-19,482	-12,450
Net cash used in financing activities	-72,739	-51,493
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	49,835	53,683
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	59,795	43,670
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	109,630	97,353
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid during the period for interest	189,556	112,635
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	1,811	1,087
Cash received during the period for income tax refunds	19	46
Non-cash financing and investing activities:	'	'
Change in receivable from exercise of stock options	715	78
HCP Transaction:	'	'
Increase in property and equipment and financing lease obligation	$32,596	$0

Description_Of_Business

Description Of Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Description Of Business	'
	Description of Business
	Emeritus Corporation (“Emeritus,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a senior living service provider focused on operating residential style communities throughout the United States. Our assisted living and Alzheimer’s and dementia care (“memory care”) communities provide a residential housing alternative for senior citizens who need help with the activities of daily living, with an emphasis on assisted living and personal care services. Many of our communities offer independent living alternatives and, to a lesser extent, skilled nursing care. We also offer a range of outpatient therapy and home health services in Florida, Arizona and Texas. As of September 30, 2013, we owned 188 communities and leased 312 communities. These 500 communities comprise the communities included in the condensed consolidated financial statements and are referred to as our “Consolidated Portfolio.”
	We also provide management services to independent and related-party owners of senior living communities. As of September 30, 2013, we managed 15 communities, three of which are owned by joint ventures in which we have a financial interest. The majority of our management agreements provide for fees of 5.0% of gross revenues. The communities that we manage for others, combined with our Consolidated Portfolio, are referred to as our “Operated Portfolio.”

Summary_Of_Significant_Account

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Use Of Estimates	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Use Of Estimates	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
	To prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
	We have adopted certain significant accounting policies that are critical to the judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements. We record revisions to such estimates in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. A detailed discussion of our significant accounting policies and the use of estimates is contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (“Form 10-K”), which we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
	Basis of Presentation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Emeritus and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
	The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in our opinion, necessary to fairly state our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows as of September 30, 2013 and for all periods presented. Except as otherwise disclosed in these notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements, such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. Our results of operations for the period ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that we may achieve for the full year ending December 31, 2013. We presume that readers of the interim financial information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have read or have access to our 2012 audited consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Therefore, we have omitted certain footnotes and other disclosures that are disclosed in our Form 10-K.
	Segment Information
	In November 2012, we acquired Nurse On Call, Inc. (“NOC”), a home healthcare provider. Also, we began leasing 129 senior living communities in the fourth quarter of 2012 and four communities in the first quarter of 2013 that we had previously managed for an unconsolidated joint venture (the “HCP Transaction”) (Note 4). As a result of these transactions, Emeritus is comprised of three operating segments and reporting units, which are: (i) ancillary services, including NOC; (ii) the 133 communities leased in the HCP Transaction (the “HCP Leased Communities”); and (iii) the legacy Emeritus communities. See Note 13 for segment financial data.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This new standard requires the netting of unrecognized tax benefits ("UTB"s) against a deferred tax asset for a loss or other carryforward that would apply in settlement of the uncertain tax positions. Under the new standard, UTBs will be netted against all available same-jurisdiction loss or other tax carryforwards that would be utilized, rather than only against carryforwards that are created by the UTBs. ASU No. 2013-11 is effective for Emeritus beginning in the first quarter of 2014, and we do not expect that it will have a material impact on our financial statements.
	In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU No. 2012-2, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. In accordance with the amendments in this update, an entity has the option first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. We adopted ASU 2012-2 effective January 1, 2013 and it did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
	In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-5, Presentation of Comprehensive Income. This standard eliminates the option to report other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and its components in the statement of shareholders’ equity. Instead, an entity is required to present items of net income and other comprehensive income either in a continuous statement of net income and OCI or in two separate but consecutive statements. We adopted ASU 2011-5 beginning with our financial statements for the first quarter of 2012, and it resulted only in changes to presentation of our financial statements. In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-2, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This guidance requires entities to present, either on the face of the income statement or in the notes, the effects on the line items of the income statement for amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. We adopted ASU 2013-2 effective January 1, 2013, and it did not have a material impact on our financial statements or related disclosures.
	Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements
	In the first quarter of 2013, we determined that the portions of our accruals for professional and general liability and workers’ compensation which are not expected to be paid within one year of the balance sheet date should have been classified as long-term liabilities (Note 11). The prior-period financial statements included in this filing have been revised to reflect this correction, which decreased current liabilities and increased long-term liabilities by $55.7 million as of December 31, 2012. In addition, a portion of receivables from insurance companies related to professional and general liability was reclassified, which decreased current assets and increased other assets, net, by $10.1 million as of December 31, 2012. A portion of prepaid insurance expense related to our workers’ compensation program was reclassified, which decreased current assets and increased restricted deposits and escrows by $27.4 million as of December 31, 2012.
	In addition, certain reclassifications were made to the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 to conform to the current-year presentation. Specifically, the current portion of accrued professional and general liability and workers’ compensation, as well as accrued health insurance, are included in accrued insurance liabilities as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2012, we reclassified $23.7 million related to workers compensation and health insurance from accrued employee compensation and benefits to accrued insurance liabilities.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	As of September 30, 2013, we have three equity incentive plans under which equity awards are outstanding: the Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”), the Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan for Non-employee Directors (the “Directors Plan”) and the 1995 Stock Incentive Plan (the “1995 Plan”). In May 2013, our shareholders approved an amendment to the 2006 Plan, whereby our board of directors terminated the Directors Plan. Shares previously available for issuance under the Directors Plan, but not issued under that plan, are or will become available for issuance under the 2006 Plan. Future equity awards to directors will be made under the 2006 Plan.
	Employees may also participate in our 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2009 ESP Plan”).
	We record compensation expense based on the fair value for all stock-based awards, which amounted to $3.5 million and $2.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $10.4 million and $8.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Stock Incentive Plans
	The following table summarizes our stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		2013
		Shares		Weighted		Aggregate
		Underlying		Average		Intrinsic
		Options		Exercise		Value
				Price		$0
	Outstanding at beginning of period	4,401,418		$	19.46	$	25,568
	Exercised	(643,871	)	15.16		7,592
	Forfeited/expired	(159,888	)	19.12
	Outstanding at end of period	3,597,659		20.25		4,092
	Options exercisable	2,169,871		21.14		2,712
	Options exercisable in the money	956,446				2,712
	Options exercisable out of the money	1,213,425				—
	The following table summarizes our restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
				2013
		Number		Weighted
		of Shares		Average
				Grant Date
				Fair
				Value
	Outstanding at beginning of period	801,172		$	19.27
	Granted	45,189		25.34
	Vested	(108,750	)	16.17
	Outstanding unvested at end of period	737,611		20.01

Acquisitions_And_Other_Signifi

Acquisitions And Other Significant Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions And Other Significant Transactions	'
	Acquisitions and Other Significant Transactions
	We make acquisitions of certain businesses and complete other transactions from time to time that we believe align with our strategic intent to, among other factors, enhance the overall care of our residents as well as maximize our revenues, operating income, and cash flows.
	In September 2013, we acquired 38 communities pursuant to an operating lease with Health Care REIT, Inc. ("HCN") (the "Master Lease"). These communities were previously operated by Merrill Gardens (the "Merrill Gardens Communities"). Rent in the first year of the Master Lease will initially be $54.0 million and will increase each year based on the greater of (i) the percentage change in the consumer price index ("CPI") or (ii) (a) 4.0% in the second year of the lease and (b) 3.25% thereafter. Additional rent may be due beginning in the third year of the lease if gross revenues, as defined therein, exceed certain thresholds. The initial term of the Master Lease is fifteen years, and we have the option to extend the lease for one additional fifteen-year term. HCN has committed to fund up to $10.0 million for capital improvements during the first two years of the Master Lease, and our rent will increase by 6.5% of any such capital improvements funded. The Company also entered into an operations transfer agreement with Merrill Gardens, pursuant to which we paid to Merrill Gardens a $10.0 million management contract termination fee upon commencement of the Master Lease.
	In July 2013, we entered into a fifteen-year lease for a 76-unit assisted living community in Ohio. Base rent is initially $1.1 million per year, increasing by 3.0% annually. We have options for three additional five-year terms. We are accounting for this transaction as an operating lease.
	In June 2013, we sold one community to HCP, Inc. (“HCP”), a real estate investment trust, and leased it back from HCP. The sale price was $18.0 million and we used $13.0 million of the proceeds to pay down mortgage debt. The lease with HCP is for an initial term of 15 years, with options for two additional ten-year terms. Because of continuing involvement in the property in the form of a purchase option, we are accounting for the lease as a financing lease, and therefore recorded the $18.0 million of sales proceeds as a financing lease obligation.
	In June 2013, we extended the term of a community operating lease for an additional 15 years, with two ten-year extensions available. In addition, we amended our right to exercise the purchase option on the property in exchange for a $6.1 million cash payment from the lessor, which represented the difference between the current market value of the property and the purchase option price. The amended lease provides us with an option to purchase the community beginning in 2020.
	In April 2013, we purchased a 20-unit assisted living community that we previously leased from Ventas, Inc. (“Ventas”) (Note 5). The purchase price was $3.9 million, and we accounted for the transaction as an asset purchase.
	In March 2013, we entered into a 15-year lease for a 118-unit assisted living community in California. Base rent is initially $1.8 million per year, increasing by 3.0% annually. We have the option to extend the lease term for an additional ten years. We are accounting for this transaction as an operating lease.
	2013 Stock Offering
	On March 18, 2013, pursuant to an underwritten secondary public offering, certain shareholders completed the sale of 7,973,600 shares of our common stock held by them. On the same date, in connection with the underwriter’s exercise of its option to purchase additional shares of our common stock, the Company sold 1,196,040 newly issued shares to the underwriter and received net cash proceeds of $31.3 million.
	2012 HCP Transaction
	Prior to October 2012, the Company held a 6.0% ownership interest in a joint venture (the “Sunwest JV”) with BRE/SW Member LLC, an affiliate of Blackstone Real Estate Advisors VI, L.P (“Blackstone”), Columbia Pacific Opportunity Fund (“Columbia Pacific”), which is controlled by Daniel R. Baty, a founder of the Company and the Chairman of our board of directors, and certain other tenant-in-common investors.  In October 2012, the Sunwest JV entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Emeritus and HCP, whereby the Sunwest JV agreed to sell to HCP 142 of its communities (the “Properties”), 133 of which were then leased to Emeritus (the “HCP Leased Communities”) and nine were sold to Emeritus (the “Emeritus Nine Communities”) for $62.0 million, with $52.0 million financed with a loan from HCP (the “HCP Loan”). The HCP Leased Communities are operated by Emeritus under lease agreements with HCP (collectively, the “HCP Lease”) and became, at the date of closing, part of the Company’s Consolidated Portfolio. The Emeritus Nine Communities are operated by Emeritus, except for one that continues to be managed by an unrelated third party. In April 2013, we sold one of the Emeritus Nine Communities for $5.3 million. In the third quarter of 2013, we sold two of the Emeritus Nine Communities for a combined total sales price of $9.2 million, of which the net proceeds from the sales of $8.9 million were used to reduce the principal balance of the HCP Loan.
	At the initial closing on October 30, 2012, the Sunwest JV sold 136 of the 142 Properties to HCP, which included the Emeritus Nine Communities that Emeritus then purchased from HCP. At the second closing on December 4, 2012, HCP purchased two more of the Properties, which were included in the HCP Leased Communities and became part of the HCP Lease as of that date.
	In the first quarter of 2013, the Sunwest JV closed on the sale of the remaining four HCP Leased Communities and they were added to the HCP Lease.
	The aggregate sales price payable to the Sunwest JV for the Properties was $1.8 billion.
	When final distributions are made by the Sunwest JV, Emeritus expects to have received, in total, cash of approximately $139.0 million, comprised of approximately $45.0 million for the Company’s ownership interest in the Sunwest JV and a promote incentive payment of approximately $94.0 million based on the final rate of investment return to the Sunwest JV’s investors. As of September 30, 2013, Emeritus had received total cash distributions of $136.9 million related to the sale. Remaining distributions are expected by the end of 2013.
	We are accounting for the HCP Lease as a financing capital lease and our acquisition of the Emeritus Nine Communities as an asset purchase. Due to our ownership interest in the Sunwest JV, we are accounting for the acquisition of the HCP Leased Communities as a sale and leaseback. Because we currently expect to exercise all renewal options, we will have substantial continuing involvement in the HCP Leased Communities. As a result, in accordance with GAAP, we deferred the gain associated with our equity interest in the Sunwest JV and include it in the lease financing obligation. Lease payments are recorded to interest expense and the lease financing obligation using the effective interest method. As of September 30, 2013, the deferred gain was $124.9 million, which represents our share of the cash proceeds from the sale through September 30, 2013, including the promote incentive, net of our investment in the Sunwest JV.
	2012 Nurse On Call Acquisition
	In November 2012, we purchased Nurse On Call, Inc., the largest Medicare-licensed provider of home healthcare services in Florida. We paid cash of $102.9 million (net of cash acquired) for 91.0% of the equity of NOC’s parent company, and the remaining equity is owned by certain members of NOC’s management team (the “Minority Members”). We acquired NOC in order to increase our service offerings to seniors, with the goal of expanding this platform beyond Florida.
	In connection with the NOC acquisition, we entered into a put/call agreement, whereby the Minority Members have the right to require us to purchase certain of their equity interests beginning on January 1, 2016 (or earlier upon the occurrence of certain events). Likewise, we have the right to require any of the Minority Members to sell certain of their equity interests to us beginning on January 1, 2016 (or earlier, if any of the Minority Members cease to be an employee). The purchase price will be based on a formula specified in the put/call agreement. Because the minority members have a put right, under GAAP, the equity held by the Minority Members is classified on the consolidated balance sheet as redeemable noncontrolling interest, which is outside of our permanent equity. The balance of redeemable noncontrolling interest as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $10.6 million and $10.1 million , respectively, which represents the estimated redemption value as of those dates. During the first quarter of 2013, the Minority Members received a $3.9 million distribution from the proceeds of a$50.0 million credit facility that NOC entered into in February 2013 (Note 5). We recorded this distribution as additional paid-in capital.
	The following table sets forth the effect on our results of operations had the acquisition of NOC occurred as of January 1, 2012 (in thousands):
		Pro Forma Combined
		(unaudited)
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Total operating revenues	$	491,733		$	417,438		$	1,440,027		$	1,238,626
	Operating income from continuing operations	43,031			28,208			116,863			78,667
	Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(28,236		)	(9,853		)	(96,570		)	(37,599		)
	Net loss attributable to Emeritus Corporation
	common shareholders	(27,823		)	(12,724		)	(103,536		)	(46,025		)
	Basic and diluted loss per common share attributable to
	Emeritus Corporation common shareholders	$	(0.59	)	$	(0.29	)	$	(2.23	)	$	(1.03	)
	Basic and diluted weighted average common shares
	outstanding	46,962			44,642			46,401			44,612
	Dispositions
	In the third quarter of 2013, we sold two of the Emeritus Nine Communities, as discussed above, representing a total of 185 units. Aggregate net sales proceeds of $8.9 million were used to pay down outstanding debt. In the second quarter of 2013, we sold two communities and terminated the lease on one community, representing a total of 194 units. Aggregate sales proceeds of $7.3 million were used to pay down outstanding debt. Impairment charges, including impairment charges related to property held for sale as of September 30, 2013, totaled $5.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, which are included in loss from discontinued operations.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-Term Debt
	NOC Credit Facility
	In February 2013, NOC and its subsidiaries (the “NOC Entities”) entered into a $50.0 million syndicated credit facility with KeyBank National Association and certain other lenders. The credit facility consisted of a $50.0 million term loan, the proceeds of which were being used primarily to finance its expansion, to refinance existing indebtedness of Emeritus, and other general corporate purposes.
	The loan has a four-year term, maturing in February 2017, and the interest accrues, at the election of NOC, at a base rate or LIBOR, plus an applicable spread based on the NOC Entities’ total leverage ratio. As of the date of this report, the interest rate is equal to LIBOR plus 4.75%. Principal of the term loan is payable quarterly in equal installments of $1.875 million. The NOC Entities paid loan fees and related expenses of $814,000 in connection with establishing the credit facility.
	The credit facility is secured by substantially all of the personal property of the NOC Entities and by NOC’s stock, and is cross-collateralized and cross-defaulted with existing KeyBank loans to Emeritus. In addition, Emeritus, affiliates of Emeritus and NOC’s parent company guaranty the payment and performance of the NOC Entities under the credit facility. The credit agreement underlying the credit facility contains usual and customary events of default and affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, place limitations on the NOC Entities’ ability to create or allow liens to exist, issue equity, pay dividends, transact with affiliates and make asset dispositions and investments. The credit agreement also contains financial covenants of the NOC Entities measured on a consolidated basis that include a debt service coverage ratio, total leverage ratio and minimum required levels of liquidity and net worth. Emeritus, as guarantor, must maintain specified fixed charge coverage ratios on a consolidated basis and, during the first 12 months of the loan, a minimum of $25.0 million of liquidity as of the last day of each fiscal quarter (reduced to $20.0 million thereafter).
	Debt Refinancing
	In July 2013, we refinanced the mortgage debt on three communities with a combined outstanding principal balance of $17.5 million. The new mortgages total $17.9 million, were purchased by Freddie Mac, and bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.17%. Monthly payments of principal and interest are $98,000 and the loans mature in August 2020.
	Debt Repayments
	In May 2013, we repaid a $30.0 million note payable to a subsidiary of Ventas. The interest rate on the note was 8.80%.
	In March 2013, we reduced the principal balance of a note payable to HCN from $45.8 million to $15.8 million, and in July 2013 repaid the outstanding balance of $15.2 million. The interest rate on the note was 8.77% .
	In January 2013, we retired a note payable to HCN with an outstanding principal balance of $12.9 million and an interest rate of 9.99%.
	Debt and Lease Covenants
	Our lease and loan agreements generally include customary provisions related to: (i) restrictions on cash dividends, investments, and borrowings; (ii) cash held in escrow for real estate taxes, insurance, and building maintenance; (iii) financial reporting requirements; and (iv) events of default. Certain loan agreements require the maintenance of debt service coverage or other financial ratios and specify minimum required annual capital expenditures at the related communities. Many of our lease and debt instruments contain “cross-default” provisions pursuant to which a default under one obligation can cause a default under one or more other obligations to the same lender or property owner. Such cross-default provisions affect the majority of our properties. Accordingly, an event of default could cause a material adverse effect on our financial condition if such debts/leases are cross-defaulted. As of September 30, 2013, we were in violation of financial covenants in one loan agreement covering one community and one lease agreement covering four communities. We obtained waivers from the lender and landlord through September 30, 2013 and we are therefore in compliance with those financial covenants.
	As of December 31, 2012, we were not in compliance with certain financial covenants required by our master lease agreement with Ventas. In February 2013, we received a waiver of these violations through January 1, 2014 in connection with the modification of the master lease. Such modifications include a resetting of the lease coverage ratios, the ability to cure up to four lease coverage shortfalls with cash deposits, and an extension of the period allowed for us to exercise purchase options. In addition, in accordance with a put option provision in the master lease related to two communities, in April 2013, we purchased one of the communities from Ventas for the option price of $3.9 million. The difference between the option price and our estimate of the fair value of the community was $2.3 million, which we recorded as additional rent expense and a current liability as of December 31, 2012. The other community remains subject to a put option if certain financial covenants are not met, beginning in the first quarter of 2014.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	Pursuant to the terms of a credit agreement, in October 2011 we purchased an interest rate cap for a cash payment of $1.6 million.  This contract effectively caps the LIBOR on a notional amount of $132.0 million at 2.50% over the term of the loan.  As of September 30, 2013, the fair value of the interest rate cap was $242,000, which is included in other assets, net, in the condensed consolidated balance sheet (Note 9). The contract expires in June 2016.

Loss_Per_Share

Loss Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Loss Per Share	'
	Loss Per Share
	Potential dilutive shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options (both vested and unvested) using the treasury stock method. Potential dilutive shares are excluded from the computation of earnings per share if their effect is antidilutive. As of September 30, 2013 and 2012, we had outstanding stock options totaling 3.6 million and 4.3 million, respectively, that were excluded from the computation of net loss per share because they were antidilutive.
	Performance-based restricted and unvested shares, totaling 737,611 shares as of September 30, 2013, are included in total outstanding shares but are excluded from the loss per share calculation until the related performance criteria have been met.
	With regard to the equity held by the Minority Members of NOC, we estimate the redemption value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest based on the formula specified in the NOC put/call agreement (Note 4). Because the redemption value may not fully represent fair value, and the terms of the redemption feature are not included in our attribution of net income or loss to the noncontrolling interest, we are required under GAAP to apply the two-class method for calculating net loss per share. Under the two-class method, net loss attributable to Emeritus common shareholders is adjusted for the change in the excess of the noncontrolling interest’s estimated redemption value over its measurement amount per ASC Section 480-10-S99 (i.e., acquisition fair value adjusted for dividends and attribution of net income or loss). This calculation has no material impact on our consolidated net loss per share attributable to Emeritus common shareholders.

Liquidity

Liquidity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Liquidity [Abstract]	'
Liquidity	'
	Liquidity
	As of September 30, 2013, we had a working capital deficit of $115.5 million compared to a working capital deficit of $55.5 million at December 31, 2012. We are able to operate in the position of a working capital deficit because we often convert our revenues to cash more quickly than we are required to pay the corresponding obligations incurred to generate those revenues, and we have historically refinanced or extended maturities of debt obligations as they become current liabilities. Our operations result in a low level of current assets to the extent we have used cash for business development expenses or to pay down long-term liabilities. Additionally, the working capital deficit as of September 30, 2013 included the following non-cash items: a $32.7 million deferred tax asset and, as part of current liabilities, $54.8 million of deferred revenue and unearned rental income. Additionally, a $46.5 million deferred tax liability is included in other long-term liabilities as of September 30, 2013. We do not expect the level of current liabilities to change from period to period in such a way as to require the use of significant cash in excess of normal requirements, except for $82.8 million in final (“balloon”) payments of principal on long-term debt maturing in the next 12 months, which is included in current portion of long-term debt as of September 30, 2013. Also included in the current portion of long-term debt is $7.3 million related to communities held for sale as of September 30, 2013 (Note 12), which will be repaid with the proceeds from the sales when completed.
	Since 2008, we have refinanced and extended the terms of a substantial amount of our existing debt obligations. Balloon payments of principal on long-term debt maturing in the next 12 months are expected to be repaid, refinanced, or extended. Many of our debt instruments and leases contain “cross-default” provisions pursuant to which a default under one obligation can cause a default under one or more other obligations to the same lender or lessor. Such cross-default provisions affect the majority of our properties. Accordingly, any event of default could cause a material adverse effect on our financial condition if such debt or leases are cross-defaulted. From time to time, we have failed to comply with certain covenants in our financing and lease agreements relating generally to matters such as cash flow, debt, and lease coverage ratios, and certain other performance standards. In the future, we may be unable to comply with these or other covenants. If we fail to comply with any of these requirements and are not able to obtain waivers, our lenders could accelerate the repayment of the related indebtedness so that it becomes due and payable prior to its stated due date, and/or the lessors could terminate lease agreements.
	In the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, we reported net cash provided by operating activities of $93.8 million and $110.6 million, respectively, in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. Net cash provided by operating activities has not always been sufficient to pay all of our long-term obligations and we have been dependent upon third-party financing or disposition of assets to fund operations. We cannot guarantee that, if necessary in the future, such transactions will be available on a timely basis or at all, or on terms attractive to us.
	As discussed above, we expect to repay, refinance or extend our balloon payments due in the next 12 months. If we are unable to do so, or if additional principal payments are required as a result of covenant violations, we believe the Company would be able to generate sufficient cash flows to support its operating and investing activities for at least the next 12 months by reducing or delaying its capital expenditures and operating expenses, selling communities or a combination thereof. However, we will be required to refinance or extend a portion of our debt in order to meet our financing obligations in the next 12 months.
	In connection with Emeritus’ guarantees of certain debt and lease agreements, we are required at all times to maintain a minimum $20.0 million balance of unencumbered liquid assets, defined as cash, cash equivalents and/or publicly traded/quoted marketable securities, and a minimum $25.0 million balance of unencumbered liquid assets on the last day of each fiscal quarter. As a result, between $20.0 million and $25.0 million of our cash on hand is not available to fund operations and we take this into account in our cash management activities.

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures	'
	Fair Value Disclosures
	The following table presents information about our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we have utilized to determine such fair value (in thousands):
		Quoted Prices in		Significant
		Active Markets		Other		Significant		Balance as of
		for Identical		Observable		Unobservable		September 30,
		Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		2013
	Assets
	Investment securities - trading	$	6,787	$	—	$	—	$	6,787
	Interest rate cap agreement	—		242		—		242
		Quoted Prices in		Significant
		Active Markets		Other		Significant		Balance as of
		for Identical		Observable		Unobservable		December 31,
		Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		2012
	Assets
	Investment securities - trading	$	4,910	$	—	$	—	$	4,910
	Interest rate cap agreement	—		164		—		164
	In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access.
	Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.
	Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and we consider many factors specific to the asset or liability.
	We have financial instruments other than investment securities consisting of cash equivalents, other receivables, tax and maintenance escrows, workers’ compensation collateral accounts, and long-term debt. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the fair values of other receivables, tax and maintenance escrows, and workers’ compensation collateral accounts approximate their carrying values based on their short-term nature as well as current market indicators, such as prevailing interest rates (Level 2 inputs). The fair value of our long-term debt is as follows as of the periods indicated (in thousands):
		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
		Carrying				Carrying
		Amount		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value
	Long-term debt	$	1,512,609	$	1,546,670	$	1,608,317	$	1,663,687
	We estimated the fair value of debt obligations using discounted cash flows based on our assumed incremental borrowing rate of 8.5% for unsecured borrowings and 5.3% for secured borrowings (Level 2 inputs).
	Impairments of Long-Lived Assets
	We designate communities as held for sale when it is probable that the properties will be sold. As a result, we may record impairment losses and carry these assets on our balance sheet at fair value less estimated selling costs. Such losses are included in discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. We determine the fair value of the properties based primarily on purchase and sale agreements from prospective purchasers (Level 2 input). In periods prior to designating the properties as held for sale, when a triggering event occurs, we test these properties for recoverability by applying probability weighting to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the communities based on the probability of selling the properties versus continuing to operate them.
	In the second quarter of 2013, we recorded impairment charges of $5.2 million related to two communities that we disposed of and two that are held for sale as of September 30, 2013, which are included in loss from discontinued operations. We determined the fair value of the assets based on the executed purchase and sale agreements.
	In the third quarter of 2012, we designated one community as held for sale and sold it in September 2012. As a result, we recorded an impairment loss of $1.9 million.
	In the second quarter of 2012, we recorded impairment charges of $4.3 million related to two communities that were classified as held for sale as of June 30, 2012. We determined the fair values based on pending purchase offers, less estimated selling costs (Level 2 input). The impairment charges are included in loss from discontinued operations.
	In the first quarter of 2012, we recorded impairment charges of $2.1 million related to two parcels of undeveloped land. We determined the fair values of the properties based on comparable land sales in the respective local markets (Level 2 input). The impairment charges are reflected in the condensed consolidated statement of operations as impairments of long-lived assets.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Our income tax accruals include liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest, which we recorded in connection with our acquisition of Summerville Senior Living, Inc. in 2007. These liabilities, which totaled $113,000 as of September 30, 2013, are included in other long-term liabilities and are the result of uncertainty surrounding the deductibility of certain items included in the Summerville tax returns for periods prior to the merger.
	We record deferred income taxes based on the estimated future tax effects of loss carryforwards and temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. We record a valuation allowance to reduce the Company’s deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Deferred tax assets are recorded as current assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and amounted to $32.7 million and $33.8 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Deferred tax liabilities amounted to $46.5 million and $46.8 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, which are included in other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	Because the Company fully reserves its deferred tax assets, no net tax effects were allocated to the components of other comprehensive loss.

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingencies	'
	Contingencies
	The Company has been, is currently, and expects in the future to be involved in claims, lawsuits, and regulatory and other governmental audits, investigations and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. These claims, lawsuits and other matters are similar to those to which other companies in the senior living and healthcare industries are subject. The defense of these claims, lawsuits and governmental audits, investigations and proceedings, certain of which allege large damage amounts, may require us to incur significant expense.
	We maintain a combination of self-insurance reserves and commercial insurance policies in amounts and with coverage and deductibles that we believe are adequate, based on the nature and risks of our business, historical experience and industry standards. We cannot predict the ultimate outcome of any pending litigation, claims, or regulatory and other governmental audits, investigations and proceedings. Certain of these matters are not covered by insurance, and, in any event, there is no assurance that our actual costs or damages related to any such matter will not exceed such reserves or applicable insurance policy limits.
	On June 4, 2013, in Joan Boice et al. v. Emeritus Corporation et al., the Sacramento County Superior Court entered final judgment in favor of Joan Boice (deceased) and against the Company in the amount of $250,000 in compensatory damages and $23.0 million in punitive damages for alleged elder abuse. Judgment was also entered in favor of Joan Boice’s three adult children for $250,000 and the court awarded the plaintiffs’ lawyer over $4.1 million in attorneys’ fees. On July 8, 2013, we filed a Notice of Appeal. We were required to post a bond in connection with our appeal, and made a cash deposit in the amount of $20.9 million to collateralize the bond.
	On July 29, 2013, a claim alleging the failure to provide certain services at our California assisted living communities was filed against the Company in the Alameda County Superior Court and subsequently removed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. In this case, the plaintiff is seeking to represent a class of residents at such California communities during the period beginning July 29, 2009.  The plaintiff alleges violations of certain laws, including California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act, Unfair Competition Law and Financial Elder Abuse statute.  The Company believes that the suit is without merit and has filed a motion to dismiss the action in its entirety. At this time the Company is unable to estimate a possible range of loss.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we have recorded a liability related to self-insured professional and general claims, including known claims, incurred but not yet reported claims, and legal fees, of $29.6 million and $25.8 million, respectively. We believe that the range of reasonably possible losses as of September 30, 2013, based on sensitivity testing of the various underlying actuarial assumptions, is approximately $28.1 million to $45.0 million. The high end of the range reflects the potential for high-severity losses.
	Communities not in the self-insurance pool are insured under commercial policies that provide for deductibles for each claim ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.  As a result, the Company is, in effect, self-insured for claims that are less than the deductibles.  The net liability for known claims and incurred but not yet reported claims was $7.9 million and $6.3 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively (the gross liability was $16.4 million and $25.0 million with corresponding estimated amounts receivable from the insurance companies of $8.5 million and $18.7 million, respectively).
	The total gross liability for professional and general claims as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $46.0 million and $50.8 million, respectively, of which $15.6 million and $21.2 million is included in accrued insurance liabilities, with the balance recorded in other long-term liabilities. Of the related amounts receivable from insurance companies as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $3.7 million and $8.6 million, respectively, is included in other receivables and $4.7 million and $10.1 million, respectively, is included in other assets, net, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	We are self-insured for workers’ compensation risk (except in five states) up to $500,000 per claim through a high deductible, collateralized insurance program. The liability for self-insured known claims and incurred but not yet reported claims was $42.4 million and $38.3 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, of which $12.6 million and $12.2 million is included in accrued insurance liabilities as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, with the balance recorded in other long-term liabilities. We believe that the range of reasonably possible losses as of September 30, 2013, based on sensitivity testing of the various underlying actuarial assumptions, is approximately $40.7 million to $44.0 million.
	For health insurance, we self-insure each participant up to $350,000 per year, above which a catastrophic insurance policy covers any additional costs. The liability for self-insured incurred but not yet reported claims is included in accrued insurance liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and was $10.3 million and $10.0 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	Discontinued Operations
	Net losses from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 represent losses on the sales of communities and related impairment charges and transaction costs (Note 9). During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we sold four communities and terminated the lease on one community, and two communities are classified as held-for-sale as of September 30, 2013. We sold three communities in the third quarter of 2012 and one community in the second quarter of 2012.
	Revenues and expenses related to any and all of these communities were not material to the consolidated statements of operations.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	The Company currently has three operating segments which are ancillary services, the HCP Leased Communities, and the legacy Emeritus communities. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses; for which separate financial information is available; and whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to assess the performance of the individual segment and make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment.
	For financial reporting purposes, the HCP Leased Communities and legacy Emeritus communities meet applicable aggregation criteria and are therefore combined into one reportable segment, which is assisted living and related services ("Senior Living"). The ancillary services segment does not meet applicable materiality thresholds for separate segment disclosure but is included as the primary component of an "all other" category under GAAP. The accounting policies of our reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 2, except as noted below.
	The following table sets forth certain segment financial data and does not include reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities (in thousands). Unallocated amounts include corporate revenues and expenses, capital lease adjustments, and certain unallocated community revenues and expenses.
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Senior
		Living			All Other			Unallocated			Totals
	Community and ancillary services revenue (a)	$	442,223		$	41,774		$	(139	)	$	483,858
	Management fees	—			—			630			630
	Community and ancillary services operations expenses	298,117			32,966			(1,456		)	329,627
	General and administrative expenses	—			3,929			24,201			28,130
	EBITDAR (b)	144,106			4,879			(22,254		)	126,731
	Lease expense	80,906			1,277			(43,976		)	38,207
	EBITDA (c)	63,200			3,602			21,722			88,524
	Interest expense	22,066			—			49,375			71,441
	Depreciation and amortization	18,309			—			26,893			45,202
	Other (revenue) and expense, net	(241		)	—			358			117
	Segment profit (loss)	$	23,066		$	3,602		$	(54,904	)	$	(28,236	)
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Senior
		Living			All Other			Unallocated			Totals
	Community and ancillary services revenue (a)	$	322,104		$	640		$	1,130		$	323,874
	Management fees	—			—			5,293			5,293
	Community and ancillary services operations expenses	216,473			562			(92		)	216,943
	General and administrative expenses	—			131			22,951			23,082
	EBITDAR (b)	105,631			(53		)	(16,436		)	89,142
	Lease expense	45,448			19			(14,507		)	30,960
	EBITDA (c)	60,183			(72		)	(1,929		)	58,182
	Interest expense	23,203			—			15,248			38,451
	Depreciation and amortization	19,588			—			12,873			32,461
	Other (revenue) and expense, net	(347		)	—			997			650
	Segment profit (loss)	$	17,739		$	(72	)	$	(31,047	)	$	(13,380	)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Senior
		Living			All Other			Unallocated			Totals
	Community and ancillary services revenue (a)	$	1,286,156		$	125,505		$	2,726		$	1,414,387
	Management fees	—			—			2,010			2,010
	Community and ancillary services operations expenses	861,690			97,126			14,400			973,216
	General and administrative expenses	—			—			86,461			86,461
	EBITDAR (b)	424,466			28,379			(96,125		)	356,720
	Lease expense	231,149			3,687			(132,426		)	102,410
	EBITDA (c)	193,317			24,692			36,301			254,310
	Interest expense	66,591			—			149,139			215,730
	Depreciation and amortization	55,659			—			79,955			135,614
	Other (revenue) and expense, net	(768		)	—			304			(464		)
	Segment profit (loss)	$	71,835		$	24,692		$	(193,097	)	$	(96,570	)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Senior
		Living			All Other			Unallocated			Totals
	Community and ancillary services revenue (a)	$	953,227		$	1,954		$	5,244		$	960,425
	Management fees	—			—			15,490			15,490
	Community and ancillary services operations expenses	635,731			1,204			7,052			643,987
	General and administrative expenses	—			—			69,492			69,492
	EBITDAR (b)	317,496			750			(55,810		)	262,436
	Lease expense	135,473			56			(42,382		)	93,147
	EBITDA (c)	182,023			694			(13,428		)	169,289
	Interest expense	69,535			—			46,548			116,083
	Depreciation and amortization	59,071			—			38,953			98,024
	Other (revenue) and expense, net	(760		)	—			4,867			4,107
	Segment profit (loss)	$	54,177		$	694		$	(103,796	)	$	(48,925	)
	(a) All revenue is earned from external third parties in the United States.
	(b) EBITDAR is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent (lease) expense and represents the measure of profitability used by our chief operating decision maker ("CODM") to evaluate the Senior Living segment. The Senior Living data set forth above do not include adjustments related to capital leases and certain unallocated revenues and expenses.
	(c) EBITDA is defined as EBITDAR less lease expense and represents the measure of profitability used by our CODM to evaluate our ancillary services segment, the primary component of the All Other category. Lease expense for Senior Living represents cash rent payments on operating and capital leases.
	As of September 30, 2013
	Senior
	Living			All Other			Totals
Total Assets	$	4,496,301		$	147,293		$	4,643,594
Goodwill	134,161			53,894			188,055
	As of December 31, 2012
	Senior
	Living			All Other			Totals
Total Assets	$	4,525,409		$	135,341		$	4,660,750
Goodwill	135,039			51,717			186,756

Summary_Of_Significant_Account1

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Use Of Estimates (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis Of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Emeritus and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
	The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in our opinion, necessary to fairly state our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows as of September 30, 2013 and for all periods presented. Except as otherwise disclosed in these notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements, such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. Our results of operations for the period ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that we may achieve for the full year ending December 31, 2013. We presume that readers of the interim financial information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have read or have access to our 2012 audited consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Therefore, we have omitted certain footnotes and other disclosures that are disclosed in our Form 10-K.
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	In November 2012, we acquired Nurse On Call, Inc. (“NOC”), a home healthcare provider. Also, we began leasing 129 senior living communities in the fourth quarter of 2012 and four communities in the first quarter of 2013 that we had previously managed for an unconsolidated joint venture (the “HCP Transaction”) (Note 4). As a result of these transactions, Emeritus is comprised of three operating segments and reporting units, which are: (i) ancillary services, including NOC; (ii) the 133 communities leased in the HCP Transaction (the “HCP Leased Communities”); and (iii) the legacy Emeritus communities. See Note 13 for segment financial data.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This new standard requires the netting of unrecognized tax benefits ("UTB"s) against a deferred tax asset for a loss or other carryforward that would apply in settlement of the uncertain tax positions. Under the new standard, UTBs will be netted against all available same-jurisdiction loss or other tax carryforwards that would be utilized, rather than only against carryforwards that are created by the UTBs. ASU No. 2013-11 is effective for Emeritus beginning in the first quarter of 2014, and we do not expect that it will have a material impact on our financial statements.
	In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU No. 2012-2, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. In accordance with the amendments in this update, an entity has the option first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. We adopted ASU 2012-2 effective January 1, 2013 and it did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
	In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-5, Presentation of Comprehensive Income. This standard eliminates the option to report other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and its components in the statement of shareholders’ equity. Instead, an entity is required to present items of net income and other comprehensive income either in a continuous statement of net income and OCI or in two separate but consecutive statements. We adopted ASU 2011-5 beginning with our financial statements for the first quarter of 2012, and it resulted only in changes to presentation of our financial statements. In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-2, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This guidance requires entities to present, either on the face of the income statement or in the notes, the effects on the line items of the income statement for amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. We adopted ASU 2013-2 effective January 1, 2013, and it did not have a material impact on our financial statements or related disclosures.
Revision Of Prior Financial Statements	'
	Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements
	In the first quarter of 2013, we determined that the portions of our accruals for professional and general liability and workers’ compensation which are not expected to be paid within one year of the balance sheet date should have been classified as long-term liabilities (Note 11). The prior-period financial statements included in this filing have been revised to reflect this correction, which decreased current liabilities and increased long-term liabilities by $55.7 million as of December 31, 2012. In addition, a portion of receivables from insurance companies related to professional and general liability was reclassified, which decreased current assets and increased other assets, net, by $10.1 million as of December 31, 2012. A portion of prepaid insurance expense related to our workers’ compensation program was reclassified, which decreased current assets and increased restricted deposits and escrows by $27.4 million as of December 31, 2012.
	In addition, certain reclassifications were made to the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 to conform to the current-year presentation. Specifically, the current portion of accrued professional and general liability and workers’ compensation, as well as accrued health insurance, are included in accrued insurance liabilities as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2012, we reclassified $23.7 million related to workers compensation and health insurance from accrued employee compensation and benefits to accrued insurance liabilities.

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Stock Option Activity	'
	The following table summarizes our stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		2013
		Shares		Weighted		Aggregate
		Underlying		Average		Intrinsic
		Options		Exercise		Value
				Price		$0
	Outstanding at beginning of period	4,401,418		$	19.46	$	25,568
	Exercised	(643,871	)	15.16		7,592
	Forfeited/expired	(159,888	)	19.12
	Outstanding at end of period	3,597,659		20.25		4,092
	Options exercisable	2,169,871		21.14		2,712
	Options exercisable in the money	956,446				2,712
	Options exercisable out of the money	1,213,425				—
Summary Of Restricted Stock Activity	'
	The following table summarizes our restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
				2013
		Number		Weighted
		of Shares		Average
				Grant Date
				Fair
				Value
	Outstanding at beginning of period	801,172		$	19.27
	Granted	45,189		25.34
	Vested	(108,750	)	16.17
	Outstanding unvested at end of period	737,611		20.01

Acquisitions_And_Other_Signifi1

Acquisitions And Other Significant Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Pro Forma Combined Information	'
	The following table sets forth the effect on our results of operations had the acquisition of NOC occurred as of January 1, 2012 (in thousands):
		Pro Forma Combined
		(unaudited)
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Total operating revenues	$	491,733		$	417,438		$	1,440,027		$	1,238,626
	Operating income from continuing operations	43,031			28,208			116,863			78,667
	Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(28,236		)	(9,853		)	(96,570		)	(37,599		)
	Net loss attributable to Emeritus Corporation
	common shareholders	(27,823		)	(12,724		)	(103,536		)	(46,025		)
	Basic and diluted loss per common share attributable to
	Emeritus Corporation common shareholders	$	(0.59	)	$	(0.29	)	$	(2.23	)	$	(1.03	)
	Basic and diluted weighted average common shares
	outstanding	46,962			44,642			46,401			44,612

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Tables

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Assets Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents information about our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we have utilized to determine such fair value (in thousands):
		Quoted Prices in		Significant
		Active Markets		Other		Significant		Balance as of
		for Identical		Observable		Unobservable		September 30,
		Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		2013
	Assets
	Investment securities - trading	$	6,787	$	—	$	—	$	6,787
	Interest rate cap agreement	—		242		—		242
		Quoted Prices in		Significant
		Active Markets		Other		Significant		Balance as of
		for Identical		Observable		Unobservable		December 31,
		Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		2012
	Assets
	Investment securities - trading	$	4,910	$	—	$	—	$	4,910
	Interest rate cap agreement	—		164		—		164
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Long-Term Debt Based On Short-Term Nature Or Current Market Indicators	'
	The fair value of our long-term debt is as follows as of the periods indicated (in thousands):
		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
		Carrying				Carrying
		Amount		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value
	Long-term debt	$	1,512,609	$	1,546,670	$	1,608,317	$	1,663,687

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment reporting information by segment	'
	The following table sets forth certain segment financial data and does not include reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities (in thousands). Unallocated amounts include corporate revenues and expenses, capital lease adjustments, and certain unallocated community revenues and expenses.
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Senior
		Living			All Other			Unallocated			Totals
	Community and ancillary services revenue (a)	$	442,223		$	41,774		$	(139	)	$	483,858
	Management fees	—			—			630			630
	Community and ancillary services operations expenses	298,117			32,966			(1,456		)	329,627
	General and administrative expenses	—			3,929			24,201			28,130
	EBITDAR (b)	144,106			4,879			(22,254		)	126,731
	Lease expense	80,906			1,277			(43,976		)	38,207
	EBITDA (c)	63,200			3,602			21,722			88,524
	Interest expense	22,066			—			49,375			71,441
	Depreciation and amortization	18,309			—			26,893			45,202
	Other (revenue) and expense, net	(241		)	—			358			117
	Segment profit (loss)	$	23,066		$	3,602		$	(54,904	)	$	(28,236	)
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Senior
		Living			All Other			Unallocated			Totals
	Community and ancillary services revenue (a)	$	322,104		$	640		$	1,130		$	323,874
	Management fees	—			—			5,293			5,293
	Community and ancillary services operations expenses	216,473			562			(92		)	216,943
	General and administrative expenses	—			131			22,951			23,082
	EBITDAR (b)	105,631			(53		)	(16,436		)	89,142
	Lease expense	45,448			19			(14,507		)	30,960
	EBITDA (c)	60,183			(72		)	(1,929		)	58,182
	Interest expense	23,203			—			15,248			38,451
	Depreciation and amortization	19,588			—			12,873			32,461
	Other (revenue) and expense, net	(347		)	—			997			650
	Segment profit (loss)	$	17,739		$	(72	)	$	(31,047	)	$	(13,380	)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Senior
		Living			All Other			Unallocated			Totals
	Community and ancillary services revenue (a)	$	1,286,156		$	125,505		$	2,726		$	1,414,387
	Management fees	—			—			2,010			2,010
	Community and ancillary services operations expenses	861,690			97,126			14,400			973,216
	General and administrative expenses	—			—			86,461			86,461
	EBITDAR (b)	424,466			28,379			(96,125		)	356,720
	Lease expense	231,149			3,687			(132,426		)	102,410
	EBITDA (c)	193,317			24,692			36,301			254,310
	Interest expense	66,591			—			149,139			215,730
	Depreciation and amortization	55,659			—			79,955			135,614
	Other (revenue) and expense, net	(768		)	—			304			(464		)
	Segment profit (loss)	$	71,835		$	24,692		$	(193,097	)	$	(96,570	)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Senior
		Living			All Other			Unallocated			Totals
	Community and ancillary services revenue (a)	$	953,227		$	1,954		$	5,244		$	960,425
	Management fees	—			—			15,490			15,490
	Community and ancillary services operations expenses	635,731			1,204			7,052			643,987
	General and administrative expenses	—			—			69,492			69,492
	EBITDAR (b)	317,496			750			(55,810		)	262,436
	Lease expense	135,473			56			(42,382		)	93,147
	EBITDA (c)	182,023			694			(13,428		)	169,289
	Interest expense	69,535			—			46,548			116,083
	Depreciation and amortization	59,071			—			38,953			98,024
	Other (revenue) and expense, net	(760		)	—			4,867			4,107
	Segment profit (loss)	$	54,177		$	694		$	(103,796	)	$	(48,925	)
	(a) All revenue is earned from external third parties in the United States.
	(b) EBITDAR is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent (lease) expense and represents the measure of profitability used by our chief operating decision maker ("CODM") to evaluate the Senior Living segment. The Senior Living data set forth above do not include adjustments related to capital leases and certain unallocated revenues and expenses.
	(c) EBITDA is defined as EBITDAR less lease expense and represents the measure of profitability used by our CODM to evaluate our ancillary services segment, the primary component of the All Other category.
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated	'
		As of September 30, 2013
		Senior
		Living			All Other			Totals
	Total Assets	$	4,496,301		$	147,293		$	4,643,594
	Goodwill	134,161			53,894			188,055
		As of December 31, 2012
		Senior
		Living			All Other			Totals
	Total Assets	$	4,525,409		$	135,341		$	4,660,750
	Goodwill	135,039			51,717			186,756

Description_Of_Business_Detail

Description Of Business (Details)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	community	community
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'
Number of communities owned	'	188
Number of communities leased	38	312
Number of communities that helps in providing residential housing alternative for senior citizens	'	500
Number of communities managed	'	15
Number of communities owned by joint ventures	'	3
Gross collected revenue fees, percentage	'	5.00%

Summary_Of_Significant_Account2

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Use Of Estimates (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	community	community		HCP [Member]	Nurse On Call, Inc. [Member]	HCP Transaction [Member]
		segment		community	community	community
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	'	3	'	'	'	'
Number of Communities Leased	38	312	'	133	4	129
Increase in long-term liabilities	'	'	$55.70	'	'	'
Increase in other assets, net	'	'	10.1	'	'	'
Increase in restricted deposits and escrows	'	'	27.4	'	'	'
Increase in accrued insurance liabilities	'	'	$23.70	'	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
			plan
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of equity incentive plans	'	'	3	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$3,500	$2,600	$10,351	$8,319

StockBased_Compensation_Summar

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Shares Underlying Options, Options Outstanding	'
Outstanding at beginning of period, Shares Underlying Options	4,401,418
Exercised, Shares Underlying Options	-643,871
Forfeited/expired, Shares Underlying Options	-159,888
Outstanding at end of period, Shares Underlying Options	3,597,659
Options exercisable, Shares Underlying Options	2,169,871
Options exercisable in the money, Shares Underlying Options	956,446
Options exercisable out of the money, Shares Underlying Options	1,213,425
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	'
Outstanding at beginning of period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$19.46
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$15.16
Forfeited/expired, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$19.12
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.25
Options exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$21.14
Outstanding at beginning of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$25,568
Exercised, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	7,592
Outstanding at end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	4,092
Options exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	2,712
Options exercisable in the money, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	2,712
Options exercisable out of the money, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$0

StockBased_Compensation_Summar1

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Number of Shares	'
Number of shares at beginning of period	801,172
Number of shares granted	45,189
Number of shares vested	-108,750
Number of shares at end of period	737,611
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of outstanding shares unvested at beginning of period	$19.27
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted	$25.34
Weighted average grant date fair value of options vested	$16.17
Weighted average grant date fair value of shares outstanding at end of period	$20.01

Acquisitions_And_Other_Signifi2

Acquisitions And Other Significant Transactions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Mar. 18, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 29, 2013

Dec. 04, 2012

Jun. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

Apr. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

community

term

community

unit

community

community

community

community

community

unit

HCP [Member]

HCP [Member]

HCP [Member]

Emeritus Communities [Member]

Emeritus Communities [Member]

Nurse On Call, Inc. [Member]

Nurse On Call, Inc. [Member]

Nurse On Call, Inc. [Member]

Nurse On Call, Inc. [Member]

Ventas [Member]

Sunwest JV [Member]

Sunwest JV [Member]

Nurse On Call, Inc. [Member]

unit

unit

community

term

community

community

unit

community

Term Loan [Member]

community

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leases, Percentage Increase Of Rent, Year Two

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]

'

'10000000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Rent increase due to capital improvements

'

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain (Loss) on Contract Termination

'

$10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Used the net proceeds to retire the related mortgage debt in the aggregate amount of

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from sale of community

'

'

'

'

5,300,000

'

9,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number Of Communities Sold of the Emeritus Nine Communities

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

NetProceedfromSaleofCommunities

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Lease term

'

'15 years

'15 years

'

'

'15 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'15 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals

'

'

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options to extend

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Optional Lease extended term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Extended lease term

'

'15 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'15 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Extended lease options to extend

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Extended lease, optional extended term

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash proceeds in exchange to waive right to exercise the purchase option on the property

'

'

'

6,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of assisted living units acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20

'

'

'

Payments to acquire living community

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,900,000

'

'

'

Rent increase

'

'

3.00%

'

'

3.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of units leased

'

'

76

'

'

118

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares issued under secondary public offering

7,973,600

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares sold to underwriter

1,196,040

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Value of shares sold to underwriter

31,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership interest in joint venture

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.00%

'

'

Number of communities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

142

'

'

Number of communities to be purchased

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

142

'

'

Distributions expected to receive

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49,921,000

173,000

'

'

'

'

'

139,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of communities sold

'

'

'

'

1

'

4

2

3

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

136

'

'

Number of communities purchased

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

9

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of communities leased

'

38

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

312

'

'

'

'

'

133

'

'

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of communities manged by an unrellated third party

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase price of entity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,800,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

62,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

102,900,000

'

'

'

'

Loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

52,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number Of Communities Closed

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

45,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Investment Return

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

94,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

136,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred gain

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

124,863,258

'

Percentage of equity acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

91.00%

'

'

'

'

Temporary Equity, Redemption Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,612,000

10,105,000

'

'

'

'

'

Communities contributed revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

491,733,000

'

381,120,000

'

'

1,440,027,000

1,130,513,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Company

'

'

'

'

'

'

-27,823,000

'

-16,252,000

'

'

-103,536,000

-57,352,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earned management fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

630,000

'

5,293,000

'

'

2,010,000

15,490,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total purchase price of communities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,800,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number Of Units Sold

'

'

'

'

'

'

185

'

'

'

'

'

'

194

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distribution to Minority Members

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

146,000

'

-2,698,000

'

'

-5,222,000

-7,705,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from long-term borrowings and financings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

68,102,000

17,703,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

Impairments of long-lived assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$5,206,000

$1,900,000

$4,300,000

$2,100,000

'

$8,430,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisitions_And_Other_Signifi3

Acquisitions And Other Significant Transactions (Schedule Of Pro Forma Combined Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Total operating revenues	$491,733	$417,438	$1,440,027	$1,238,626
Operating income from continuing operations	43,031	28,208	116,863	78,667
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	-28,236	-9,853	-96,570	-37,599
Net loss attributable to Emeritus Corporation common shareholders	($27,823)	($12,724)	($103,536)	($46,025)
Basic and diluted loss per common share attributable to Emeritus Corporation common shareholders	($0.59)	($0.29)	($2.23)	($1.03)
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	46,962	44,642	46,401	44,612

Acquisitions_And_Other_Signifi4

Acquisitions And Other Significant Transactions Lease Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	'	'	$54	$1.80
Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]	'10000000	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals	'	$1.10	'	'

Acquisitions_And_Other_Signifi5

Acquisitions And Other Significant Transactions Leases (Details)	1 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Rolling Year Three	3.00%	3.00%	'
Leases, Percentage Increase Of Rent, After Year Five	'	'	3.25%

LongTerm_Debt_Details

Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

13 Months Ended

48 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

31-May-13

Feb. 28, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2017

Mar. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 28, 2013

community

loan_agreement

Key Bank [Member]

Health Care REIT, Inc. [Member]

Health Care REIT, Inc. [Member]

Health Care REIT, Inc. [Member]

Health Care REIT, Inc. [Member]

Ventas Inc. [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Notes Payable [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Nurse On Call, Inc. [Member]

Ventas Inc. [Member]

Ventas Inc. [Member]

Ventas Inc. [Member]

Nurse On Call, Inc. [Member]

Health Care REIT, Inc. [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

community

Maximum [Member]

Nurse On Call, Inc. [Member]

Nurse On Call, Inc. [Member]

lease

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Adjustable interest rate in addition to LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Extinguishment of Debt, Amount

$17,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity date

'8/1/2020

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'February 2017

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Refinanced Face Amount

'

'

'

'

17,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt

'

'

68,102,000

17,703,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

'

'

'

Fixed interest rate

'

'

'

'

5.17%

'

8.77%

'

'

8.80%

'

9.99%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Note payable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,800,000

45,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Required periodic payments

98,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,875,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayments of debt

'

'

'

'

'

15,200,000

'

'

'

30,000,000

'

12,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Convenant liquidity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,000,000

20,000,000

'

'

'

'

Loan fee and related expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

814,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of loan agreements in violation of financial covenants

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Option price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,900,000

'

'

Number of communities purchased

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

Difference between option price and estimated fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,300,000

'

Ability to cure lease coverage shortfalls

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

Communities with Put Option Provisions

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Cash payment for interest rate cap	'	$1,600,000
Notional amount	'	132,000,000
Derivative, cap interest rate	'	2.50%
Interest rate cap agreement	$242,000	'

Loss_Per_Share_Details

Loss Per Share (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Shares excluded from the computation of earnings per share	3,597,659	4,287,906
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Shares excluded from the computation of earnings per share	737,611	'

Liquidity_Details

Liquidity (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Working capital deficit	$115,500,000	'	$55,500,000
Deferred tax asset	32,657,000	'	33,781,000
Deferred revenue and unearned rental income	54,800,000	'	'
Scheduled ("balloon") payments of principal on long-term debt maturing in the next 12 months	82,800,000	'	'
Liabilities of Assets Held-for-sale	7,300,000	'	'
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations	93,800,000	110,600,000	'
Deferred tax liability	46,500,000	'	46,800,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	93,841,000	110,621,000	'
Minimum unencumbered liquid assets	20,000,000	'	'
Minimum unencumbered liquid assets on the last day of each quarter	25,000,000	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash not available for operations	20,000,000	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash not available for operations	$25,000,000	'	'

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Narrati

Fair Value Disclosures (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
	community	community	community	community	community	property	community
Impairments of long-lived assets	'	'	$5,206	$1,900	$4,300	$2,100	$8,430
Number of communities sold	1	4	2	3	1	'	'
Number of communities designated as held for sale	'	2	2	1	2	'	1
Real Estate Impaired, Number Of Properties Impaired	'	'	'	'	'	2	'
Unsecured Borrowings [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Incremental borrowing rate	'	8.50%	'	'	'	'	'
Secured Borrowings [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Incremental borrowing rate	'	5.30%	'	'	'	'	'

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Schedul

Fair Value Disclosures (Schedule Of Assets Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate cap agreement	$242,000	'
Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investment securities - trading	6,787	4,910
Interest rate cap agreement	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investment securities - trading	0	0
Interest rate cap agreement	242	164
Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs, (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investment securities - trading	0	0
Interest rate cap agreement	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investment securities - trading	6,787	4,910
Interest rate cap agreement	$242	$164

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Schedul1

Fair Value Disclosures (Schedule Of Fair Value Of Long-Term Debt Based On Short-Term Nature Or Current Market Indicators) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	$1,512,609	$1,608,317
Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	$1,546,670	$1,663,687

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits	$113,000	'
Deferred tax asset	32,657,000	33,781,000
Deferred tax liability	$46,500,000	$46,800,000

Contingencies_Details

Contingencies (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Self-Insured Professional And General Claims [Member]

Self-Insured Professional And General Claims [Member]

Commercial Policies [Member]

Commercial Policies [Member]

Professional And General Claims [Member]

Professional And General Claims [Member]

Professional And General Claims [Member]

Professional And General Claims [Member]

Professional And General Claims [Member]

Professional And General Claims [Member]

Professional And General Claims [Member]

Professional And General Claims [Member]

Workers' Compensation Risk [Member]

Workers' Compensation Risk [Member]

Workers' Compensation Risk [Member]

Workers' Compensation Risk [Member]

Health Insurance [Member]

Health Insurance [Member]

Health Insurance [Member]

Compensatory Damages [Member]

Punitive Damages [Member]

Punitive Damages to Other Parties [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]

Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]

Other Receivables [Member]

Other Receivables [Member]

Other Assets [Member]

Other Assets [Member]

Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]

Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]

Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]

Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]

Commercial Policies [Member]

Commercial Policies [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

'

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Damages awarded

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$23,000,000

$250,000

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Professional Fees

4,100,000

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Reduced compensatory damages

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250,000

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Incurred but not reported

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7,900,000

6,300,000

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42,400,000

38,300,000

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Cash deposit to collateralize the bond

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20,900,000

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Gross liability

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29,600,000

25,800,000

16,400,000

25,000,000

46,000,000

50,800,000

15,600,000

21,200,000

3,700,000

8,600,000

4,700,000

10,100,000

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12,600,000

12,200,000

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10,300,000

10,000,000

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Possible loss, minimum

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28,100,000

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40,700,000

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Possible loss, maximum

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45,000,000

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44,000,000

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Deductible

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250,000

50,000

Loss contingency, receivable

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8,500,000

18,700,000

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Insured amount

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$500,000

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$350,000

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Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012
	community	community	community	community	community
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of communities sold	1	4	2	3	1
Number of leases terminated	'	1	1	'	'
Number of communities designated as held for sale	'	2	2	1	2

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Community and ancillary services revenue	$483,858	[1]	$323,874	[1]	$1,414,387	[1]	$960,425	[1]	'
Management fees	630		5,293		2,010		15,490		'
Community and ancillary services operations (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and community leases shown separately below)	329,627		216,943		973,216		643,987		'
General and administrative	28,130		23,082		86,461		69,492		'
EBITDAR	126,731	[2]	89,142	[2]	356,720	[2]	262,436	[2]	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	38,207		30,960		102,410		93,147		'
EBITDA	88,524	[3]	58,182	[3]	254,310	[3]	169,289	[3]	'
Interest Expense	71,441		38,451		215,730		116,083		'
Depreciation and amortization	45,202		32,461		135,614		98,024		'
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	117		650		-464		4,107		'
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	-28,236		-13,380		-96,570		-48,925		'
Transaction costs	291		1,292		1,833		2,480		'
Depreciation and amortization	'		'		135,614		98,024		'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent	43,031		24,429		116,863		66,650		'
Total assets	4,643,594		4,660,750		4,643,594		4,660,750		4,660,750
Goodwill	188,055		186,756		188,055		186,756		186,756
Senior living [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Community and ancillary services revenue	442,223	[1]	322,104	[1]	1,286,156	[1]	953,227	[1]	'
Management fees	0		0		0		0		'
Community and ancillary services operations (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and community leases shown separately below)	298,117		216,473		861,690		635,731		'
General and administrative	0		0		0		0		'
EBITDAR	144,106	[2]	105,631	[2]	424,466	[2]	317,496	[2]	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	80,906		45,448		231,149		135,473		'
EBITDA	63,200	[3]	60,183	[3]	193,317	[3]	182,023	[3]	'
Interest Expense	22,066		23,203		66,591		69,535		'
Depreciation and amortization	18,309		19,588		55,659		59,071		'
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	-241		-347		-768		-760		'
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	23,066		17,739		71,835		54,177		'
Total assets	4,496,301		4,525,409		4,496,301		4,525,409		'
Goodwill	134,161		135,039		134,161		135,039		'
All Other Segments [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Community and ancillary services revenue	41,774	[1]	640	[1]	125,505	[1]	1,954	[1]	'
Management fees	0		0		0		0		'
Community and ancillary services operations (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and community leases shown separately below)	32,966		562		97,126		1,204		'
General and administrative	3,929		131		0		0		'
EBITDAR	4,879	[2]	-53	[2]	28,379	[2]	750	[2]	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	1,277		19		3,687		56		'
EBITDA	3,602	[3]	-72	[3]	24,692	[3]	694	[3]	'
Interest Expense	0		0		0		0		'
Depreciation and amortization	0		0		0		0		'
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	0		0		0		0		'
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	3,602		-72		24,692		694		'
Total assets	147,293		135,341		147,293		135,341		'
Goodwill	53,894		51,717		53,894		51,717		'
Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Community and ancillary services revenue	-139	[1]	1,130	[1]	2,726	[1]	5,244	[1]	'
Management fees	630		5,293		2,010		15,490		'
Community and ancillary services operations (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and community leases shown separately below)	-1,456		-92		14,400		7,052		'
General and administrative	24,201		22,951		86,461		69,492		'
EBITDAR	-22,254	[2]	-16,436	[2]	-96,125	[2]	-55,810	[2]	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	-43,976		-14,507		-132,426		-42,382		'
EBITDA	21,722	[3]	-1,929	[3]	36,301	[3]	-13,428	[3]	'
Interest Expense	49,375		15,248		149,139		46,548		'
Depreciation and amortization	26,893		12,873		79,955		38,953		'
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	358		997		304		4,867		'
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	($54,904)		($31,047)		($193,097)		($103,796)		'
[1]	All revenue is earned from external third parties in the United States.
[2]	EBITDAR is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent (lease) expense and represents the measure of profitability used by our chief operating decision maker ("CODM") to evaluate the Senior Living segment. The Senior Living data set forth above do not include adjustments related to capital leases and certain unallocated revenues and expenses.
[3]	EBITDA is defined as EBITDAR less lease expense and represents the measure of profitability used by our CODM to evaluate our ancillary services segment, the primary component of the All Other category. Lease expense for Senior Living represents cash rent payments on operating and capital leases.