Welltower (WELL) 10-Q 4 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'HEALTH CARE REIT INC /DE/	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000766704	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End date	30-Sep-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Public Float	$19,277,423,332	'
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding	'	327,674,096

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)(USD ($))	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Real property owned:	'		'
Land and land improvements	$1,971,513,000		$1,878,877,000
Buildings and improvements	21,310,165,000		20,625,515,000
Acquired lease intangibles	1,092,367,000		1,070,754,000
Real property held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation	47,463,000		18,502,000
Construction in progress	179,356,000		141,085,000
Gross real property owned	24,600,864,000		23,734,733,000
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-2,959,813,000		-2,386,658,000
Net real property owned	21,641,051,000		21,348,075,000
Real estate loans receivable:	'		'
Real estate loans receivable	318,221,000		332,146,000
Net real estate investments	21,959,272,000	[1],[2]	21,680,221,000
Other assets:	'		'
Investments in unconsolidated entities	656,213,000		479,629,000
Goodwill	68,321,000		68,321,000
Deferred loan expenses	72,083,000		70,875,000
Cash and cash equivalents	998,678,000		158,780,000
Restricted cash	118,167,000		72,821,000
Receivables and other assets	668,988,000		553,310,000
Total other assets	2,582,450,000		1,403,736,000
Total assets	24,541,722,000		23,083,957,000
Liabilities:	'		'
Borrowings under primary unsecured credit facilities, Carrying Value	0		130,000,000
Senior unsecured notes	7,305,414,000		7,379,308,000
Secured debt	2,893,814,000		3,058,248,000
Capital lease obligations	83,614,000		84,458,000
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	677,042,000		640,573,000
Total liabilities	10,959,884,000		11,292,587,000
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	76,416,000		35,039,000
Equity:	'		'
Preferred stock	1,006,250,000		1,017,361,000
Common stock	327,433,000		289,461,000
Capital in excess of par value	14,665,449,000		12,418,520,000
Treasury stock	-35,241,000		-21,263,000
Cumulative net income	2,637,033,000		2,329,869,000
Cumulative Dividends	-5,358,834,000		-4,600,854,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-52,704,000		-24,531,000
Other equity	6,223,000		6,020,000
Total Health Care REIT, Inc. stockholders' equity	13,195,609,000		11,414,583,000
Noncontrolling interests	309,813,000		341,748,000
Total equity	13,505,422,000		11,756,331,000
Total liabilities and equity	$24,541,722,000		$23,083,957,000
[1]	(1)     Genesis is in our seniors housing triple-net segment. Sunrise, Revera, and Belmont Village are in our seniors housing operating segment. Benchmark is in both our seniors housing triple-net and seniors housing operating segments.
[2]	(2)     Excludes our share of investments in unconsolidated entities. Please see Note ##7NOTE for additional information.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'		'		'		'
Rental income	$354,148,000		$308,512,000		$1,038,451,000		$900,028,000
Resident fees and services	482,412,000		466,127,000		1,406,316,000		1,164,446,000
Interest income	9,344,000		7,629,000		26,871,000		24,325,000
Other income	1,619,000		1,443,000		4,139,000		3,168,000
Total revenues	847,523,000		783,711,000		2,475,777,000		2,091,967,000
Expenses:	'		'		'		'
Interest expense	118,435,000		116,020,000		360,334,000		334,321,000
Property operating expenses	355,157,000		341,921,000		1,040,342,000		872,701,000
Depreciation and amortization	200,970,000		241,027,000		648,737,000		623,777,000
General and administrative	30,803,000		28,718,000		115,327,000		79,799,000
Transaction costs	13,554,000		23,591,000		21,546,000		117,707,000
Loss (gain) on derivatives, net	49,000		4,872,000		400,000		4,465,000
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net	2,692,000		-4,068,000		-3,075,000		4,376,000
Other expenses	10,262,000		'		10,262,000		'
Total expenses	731,922,000		752,081,000		2,200,023,000		2,028,394,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities, total	115,601,000		31,630,000		275,754,000		63,573,000
Income tax (expense) benefit	10,198,000		-3,077,000		6,369,000		-7,055,000
Income (loss) from unconsolidated entities	-2,632,000		-331,000		-19,705,000		-3,529,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations	123,167,000		28,222,000		262,418,000		52,989,000
Discontinued operations:	'		'		'		'
Gain (loss) on sales of discontinued properties, net	0		4,707,000		6,411,000		57,202,000
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net	0		676,000		724,000		2,397,000
Discontinued operations, net	0		5,383,000		7,135,000		59,599,000
Gain (loss) on real estate dispositions, net	29,604,000		0		36,272,000		0
Net income	152,771,000		33,605,000		305,825,000		112,588,000
Less: Preferred stock dividends	16,352,000		16,602,000		49,057,000		49,805,000
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	164,000	[1]	-3,688,000	[1]	-1,339,000	[1]	-4,462,000	[1]
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$136,255,000		$20,691,000		$258,107,000		$67,245,000
Average number of common shares outstanding:	'		'		'		'
Basic	311,117,000		286,020,000		299,137,000		273,148,000
Diluted	312,812,000		288,029,000		300,645,000		275,247,000
Basic:	'		'		'		'
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders, including real estate dispositions	$0.44		$0.05		$0.84		$0.03
Discontinued operations, net	$0		$0.02		$0.02		$0.22
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, total	$0.44		$0.07		$0.86		$0.25
Diluted:	'		'		'		'
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders, including real estate dispositions	$0.44		$0.05		$0.83		$0.03
Discontinued operations, net	$0		$0.02		$0.02		$0.22
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, total	$0.44		$0.07		$0.86		$0.24
Dividends declared and paid per common share	$0.80		$0.77		$2.38		$2.29
[1]	(1) Includes amounts attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Net income (loss)	$152,771,000		$33,605,000		$305,825,000		$112,588,000
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'		'		'		'
Unrecognized gain (loss) on equity investments	0		-260,000		389,000		-346,000
Unrecognized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	455,000		473,000		1,327,000		1,416,000
Unrecognized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation	-42,664,000		25,693,000		-39,444,000		-18,164,000
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-42,209,000		25,906,000		-37,728,000		-17,094,000
Total comprehensive income (loss), total	110,562,000		59,511,000		268,097,000		95,494,000
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-7,984,000	[1]	-3,881,000	[1]	-10,894,000	[1]	-9,109,000	[1]
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interests	$118,546,000		$63,392,000		$278,991,000		$104,603,000
[1]	(1) Includes amounts attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Treasury Stock	Cumulative Net Income	Cumulative Dividends	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Other Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
Balances at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2012	$10,520,519,000	$1,022,917,000	$260,396,000	$10,543,690,000	($17,875,000)	$2,184,819,000	($3,694,579,000)	($11,028,000)	$6,461,000	$225,718,000
Comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	114,705,000	'	'	'	'	117,050,000	'	'	'	-2,345,000
Other comprehensive income	-17,094,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	-12,447,000	'	-4,647,000
Total comprehensive income	97,611,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net change in noncontrolling interests	159,749,000	'	1,109,000	23,410,000	'	'	'	'	'	135,230,000
Amounts related to issuance of common stock from dividend reinvestment and stock incentive plans, net of forfeitures	174,760,000	'	2,756,000	176,840,000	-3,388,000	'	'	'	-1,448,000	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,630,281,000	'	23,000,000	1,607,281,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity component of convertible debt	-555,000	'	988,000	-1,543,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Option compensation expense	851,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	851,000	'
Cash dividends paid:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock cash dividends	-618,992,000	'	'	'	'	'	-618,992,000	'	'	'
Preferred stock cash dividends	-49,805,000	'	'	'	'	'	-49,805,000	'	'	'
Balances at end of period at Sep. 30, 2013	11,914,419,000	1,022,917,000	288,249,000	12,349,678,000	-21,263,000	2,301,869,000	-4,363,376,000	-23,475,000	5,864,000	353,956,000
Balances at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2013	11,756,331,000	1,017,361,000	289,461,000	12,418,520,000	-21,263,000	2,329,869,000	-4,600,854,000	-24,531,000	6,020,000	341,748,000
Comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	305,846,000	'	'	'	'	307,164,000	'	'	'	-1,318,000
Other comprehensive income	-37,728,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	-28,173,000	'	-9,555,000
Total comprehensive income	268,118,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net change in noncontrolling interests	-28,880,000	'	'	-7,818,000	'	'	'	'	'	-21,062,000
Amounts related to issuance of common stock from dividend reinvestment and stock incentive plans, net of forfeitures	201,868,000	'	3,614,000	212,718,000	-13,978,000	'	'	'	-486,000	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	2,064,401,000	'	33,925,000	2,030,476,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of preferred stock	0	-11,111,000	233,000	10,878,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity component of convertible debt	875,000	'	200,000	675,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Option compensation expense	689,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	689,000	'
Cash dividends paid:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock cash dividends	-708,923,000	'	'	'	'	'	-708,923,000	'	'	'
Preferred stock cash dividends	-49,057,000	'	'	'	'	'	-49,057,000	'	'	'
Balances at end of period at Sep. 30, 2014	$13,505,422,000	$1,006,250,000	$327,433,000	$14,665,449,000	($35,241,000)	$2,637,033,000	($5,358,834,000)	($52,704,000)	$6,223,000	$309,813,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Operating activities	'		'
Net income	$305,825,000		$112,588,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from (used in) operating activities:	'		'
Depreciation and amortization	648,737,000		630,579,000
Other amortization expenses	5,626,000		6,662,000
Stock-based compensation expense	26,108,000		16,650,000
Loss (gain) on derivatives, net	400,000		4,465,000
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net	3,075,000		-4,376,000
Income (loss) from unconsolidated entities	19,705,000		3,529,000
Rental income in excess of cash received	-51,017,000		-31,226,000
Amortization related to above (below) market leases, net	503,000		313,000
Net loss (gain) on sales of properties	-42,683,000		-57,202,000
Distributions by unconsolidated entities	8,883,000		0
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities	-19,259,000		9,646,000
Decrease (increase) in receivables and other assets	-51,734,000		-65,721,000
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	854,169,000		625,907,000
Investing activities	'		'
Cash disbursed for acquisitions	-991,315,000		-3,093,347,000
Cash disbursed for capital improvements to existing properties	-86,324,000		-82,519,000
Cash disbursed for construction in progress	-140,829,000		-178,850,000
Capitalized interest	-5,084,000		-4,698,000
Investment in real estate loans receivable	-79,264,000		-77,336,000
Other investments, net of payments	-39,202,000		-16,589,000
Principal collected on real estate loans receivable	46,268,000		85,555,000
Contributions to unconsolidated entities	-246,794,000		-381,667,000
Distributions by unconsolidated entities	38,261,000		31,699,000
Proceeds from (payments on) derivatives investing	0		60,909,000
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash	-45,346,000		68,796,000
Proceeds from sales of real property	442,733,000		385,493,000
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	-1,106,896,000		-3,202,554,000
Financing activities	'		'
Net increase (decrease) under unsecured lines of credit arrangements	-130,000,000		834,050,000
Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes	0		497,862,000
Payments to extinguish senior unsecured notes	-47,591,000		-217,615,000
Secured debt issued	98,100,000		85,140,000
Payments on secured debt	-286,162,000		-575,373,000
Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock	2,260,908,000		1,792,552,000
Decrease (increase) in deferred loan expenses	-17,429,000		-12,398,000
Contributions by noncontrolling interests	5,572,000	[1]	5,350,000	[1]
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-30,909,000	[1]	-22,502,000	[1]
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests	-1,175,000		-23,247,000
Cash distributions to stockholders	-757,980,000		-668,797,000
Other financing activities	-844,000		-1,710,000
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	1,092,490,000		1,693,312,000
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash and cash equivalents	135,000		14,409,000
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	839,898,000		-868,926,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	158,780,000		1,033,764,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	998,678,000		164,838,000
Supplemental cash flow information:	'		'
Interest paid	365,738,000		342,739,000
Income taxes paid	$16,672,000		$5,146,000
[1]	(1) Includes amounts attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests.

Business

Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business [Abstract]	'
Business	'
	1. Business
	Health Care REIT, Inc., an S&P 500 company with headquarters in Toledo, Ohio, is an equity real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that invests in seniors housing and health care real estate. Our full service platform offers property management and development services to our customers. As of September 30, 2014, our diversified portfolio consisted of 1,246 properties in 46 states, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Founded in 1970, we were the first real estate investment trust to invest exclusively in health care facilities.

Accounting_Policies_and_Relate

Accounting Policies and Related Matters	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies and Related Matters [Abstract]	'
Accounting Policies and Related Matters	'
	2. Accounting Policies and Related Matters
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with instructions to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily an indication of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. For further information, refer to the financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	New Accounting Standards
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity” (“ASU 2014-08”), which amends U.S. GAAP to require reporting of discontinued operations only if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. This pronouncement will be effective for the first annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2014 with early adoption permitted. We adopted ASU 2014-08 on January 1, 2014 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). The standard is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires revenue to be recognized in a manner to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is not permitted. Accordingly, the standard is effective for us on January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet determined the method by which we will adopt the standard.

Real_Property_Acquisitions_and

Real Property Acquisitions and Development	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Real Property Acquisitions and Development [Abstract]	'
Real Property Acquisitions and Development	'
	3. Real Property Acquisitions and Development
	The total purchase price for all properties acquired has been allocated to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interests based upon their respective fair values in accordance with our accounting policies. The results of operations for these acquisitions have been included in our consolidated results of operations since the date of acquisition and are a component of the appropriate segments. Transaction costs primarily represent costs incurred with property acquisitions, including due diligence costs, fees for legal and valuation services and termination of pre-existing relationships computed based on the fair value of the assets acquired, lease termination fees and other acquisition-related costs.
	Seniors Housing Triple-net Activity
			Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)		September 30, 2014(1)			30-Sep-13
	Land and land improvements			$	36,427		$	56,665
	Buildings and improvements				303,273			211,903
		Total assets acquired			339,700			268,568
	Non-cash acquisition related activity				-1,937			-
		Cash disbursed for acquisitions			337,763			268,568
	Construction in progress additions				79,668			103,951
	Less:	Capitalized interest			-3,258			-3,337
		Foreign currency translation			116			-
	Cash disbursed for construction in progress				76,526			100,614
	Capital improvements to existing properties				13,481			27,819
		Total cash invested in real property, net of cash acquired		$	427,770		$	397,001
	(1) Includes acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of $83,615,000 for which the allocation of the purchase price consideration is preliminary and subject to change.
	Seniors Housing Operating Activity
	Acquisitions of seniors housing operating properties are structured under RIDEA, which is described in Note 18. This structure results in the inclusion of all resident revenues and related property operating expenses from the operation of these qualified health care properties in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Certain of our subsidiaries’ functional currencies are the local currencies of their respective countries. See Note 2 to the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for information regarding our foreign currency policies.
			Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)		September 30, 2014(1)			30-Sep-13
	Land and land improvements			$	40,764		$	437,046
	Building and improvements				224,936			4,214,254
	Acquired lease intangibles				10,021			377,929
	Construction in progress				27,957			-
	Restricted cash				-			41,524
	Receivables and other assets				5,679			81,546
		Total assets acquired(2)			309,357			5,152,299
	Secured debt				-12,846			-1,261,093
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities				-17,011			-86,412
		Total liabilities assumed			-29,857			-1,347,505
	Noncontrolling interests				-			-230,441
	Non-cash acquisition related activity(3)				-			-856,103
		Cash disbursed for acquisitions			279,500			2,718,250
	Construction in progress additions				6,984			1,521
	Less:	Capitalized interest			-293			-18
		Foreign currency translation			-810			-
	Cash disbursed for construction in progress				5,881			1,503
	Capital improvements to existing properties				52,177			36,813
		Total cash invested in real property, net of cash acquired		$	337,558		$	2,756,566
	(1) Includes acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of $262,935,000 for which the allocation of the purchase price consideration is preliminary and subject to change.
	(2) Excludes $8,476,000 and $87,406,000 of cash acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	(3) Represents Sunrise loan and noncontrolling interests acquisitions.
	Medical Facilities Activity
			Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)		September 30, 2014 (1)				30-Sep-13
	Land and land improvements			$	29,588		$	-
	Buildings and improvements				471,410			144,708
	Acquired lease intangibles				17,440			-
	Restricted cash				-			505
	Receivables and other assets				1,245			151
		Total assets acquired			519,683			145,364
	Secured debt				-50,500			-26,300
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities				-9,308			-479
		Total liabilities assumed			-59,808			-26,779
	Non-controlling interests				-39,987			-
	Non-cash acquisition activity(2)				-45,836			-12,056
		Cash disbursed for acquisitions			374,052			106,529
	Construction in progress additions				71,245			87,882
	Less:	Capitalized interest			-1,533			-1,343
		Accruals(3)			-11,290			-9,806
	Cash disbursed for construction in progress				58,422			76,733
	Capital improvements to existing properties				20,666			17,887
	Total cash invested in real property		$	453,140		$	201,149
(1) Includes acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of $500,177,000 for which the allocation of the purchase price consideration is preliminary and subject to change.
(2) For the nine month period ended September 30, 2014, relates to an acquisition of assets previously financed as real estate loans. Please refer to Note 6 for additional information. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, relates to an asset swap transaction. Please refer to Note 5 for additional information.
(3) Represents non-cash accruals for amounts to be paid in future periods relating to properties that converted in the periods noted above.
Construction Activity
The following is a summary of the construction projects that were placed into service and began generating revenues during the periods presented (in thousands):
				Nine Months Ended
				30-Sep-14				30-Sep-13
	Development projects:
		Seniors housing triple-net			$	71,569			$	105,265
		Medical facilities				56,807				78,839
		Total development projects				128,376				184,104
	Expansion projects					17,586				14,229
Total construction in progress conversions					$	145,962			$	198,333

Real_Estate_Intangibles

Real Estate Intangibles	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Real Estate Intangibles [Abstract]	'
Real Estate Intangibles	'
	4. Real Estate Intangibles
	The following is a summary of our real estate intangibles, excluding those classified as held for sale, as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
				30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Assets:
		In place lease intangibles		$	950,256		$	937,357
		Above market tenant leases			61,753			55,939
		Below market ground leases			61,593			59,165
		Lease commissions			18,765			18,293
		Gross historical cost			1,092,367			1,070,754
		Accumulated amortization			-749,847			-571,008
		Net book value		$	342,520		$	499,746
		Weighted-average amortization period in years			18.8			16.7
	Liabilities:
		Below market tenant leases		$	79,555		$	76,381
		Above market ground leases			6,709			9,490
		Gross historical cost			86,264			85,871
		Accumulated amortization			-39,147			-34,434
		Net book value		$	47,117		$	51,437
		Weighted-average amortization period in years			13.2			14.3
	The following is a summary of real estate intangible amortization for the periods presented (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014		2013
	Rental income related to above/below market tenant leases, net		$	179		$	235		$	423	$	596
	Property operating expenses related to above/below market ground leases, net			-317			-303			-926		-909
	Depreciation and amortization related to in place lease intangibles and lease commissions			-46,366			-78,782			-185,363		-168,441
	The future estimated aggregate amortization of intangible assets and liabilities is as follows for the periods presented (in thousands):
				Assets			Liabilities
	2014		$	40,573		$	3,328
	2015			66,906			6,498
	2016			31,821			7,264
	2017			23,183			5,725
	2018			20,761			5,380
	Thereafter			159,276			18,922
	Total		$	342,520		$	47,117

Dispositions_Assets_Held_for_S

Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations	'
	5. Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations
	We periodically sell properties for various reasons, including favorable market conditions or the exercise of tenant purchase options. Of our total sales proceeds, $48,332,000 was deposited in an Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 exchange escrow account with a qualified intermediary. The following is a summary of our real property disposition activity for the periods presented (in thousands):
			Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep-14			30-Sep-13
	Real property dispositions:
		Seniors housing triple-net		$	56,713		$	138,650
		Medical facilities			343,337			201,845
		Total dispositions			400,050			340,495
	Gain (loss) on sales of real property, net				42,683			57,202
		Non-cash disposition activity(1)			-			-12,204
	Proceeds from real property sales			$	442,733		$	385,493
	(1) Represents non-cash consideration surrendered in an asset swap transaction. Please see Note 3 for additional information.
	Discontinued Operations
	As discussed in Note 2, we adopted ASU 2014-08 effective January 1, 2014. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we sold seniors housing triple-net properties previously held for sale with a balance of $18,502,000 for a gain of $6,411,000. We have reclassified the income and expenses attributable to all properties sold prior to or held for sale at January 1, 2014 to discontinued operations. The following illustrates the reclassification impact as reported in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as a result of classifying these properties as discontinued operations for the periods presented (in thousands):
					Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
					September 30,					September 30,
				2014		2013			2014		2013
	Revenues:
		Rental income		$	-	$	4,027		$	881	$	15,603
	Expenses:
		Interest expense			-		522			157		3,799
		Property operating expenses			-		875			-		2,605
		Provision for depreciation			-		1,954			-		6,802
		Total expenses			-		3,351			157		13,206
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net			$	-	$	676		$	724	$	2,397
	Dispositions and Assets Held for Sale
	Pursuant to our adoption of ASU 2014-08, operating results attributable to properties sold subsequent to or classified as held for sale after January 1, 2014 and which do not meet the definition of discontinued operations are no longer reclassified on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The following represents the activity related to these properties for the periods presented (in thousands):
					Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
					September 30,					September 30,
				2014		2013			2014		2013
	Revenues:
		Rental income		$	5,495	$	12,076		$	28,121	$	35,995
	Expenses:
		Interest expense			217		1,853			5,322		4,143
		Property operating expenses			39		673			1,243		1,753
		Provision for depreciation			1,335		3,238			7,404		9,717
		Total expenses			1,591		5,764			13,969		15,613
	Income (loss) from real estate dispositions, net			$	3,904	$	6,312		$	14,152	$	20,382

Real_Estate_Loans_Receivable

Real Estate Loans Receivable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Real Estate Loans Receivable [Abstract]	'
Real Estate Loans Receivable	'
	6. Real Estate Loans Receivable
	The following is a summary of our real estate loan activity for the periods presented (in thousands):
			Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep-14						30-Sep-13
			Seniors						Seniors
			Housing		Medical				Housing		Medical
			Triple-net		Facilities		Totals		Triple-net		Facilities		Totals
	Advances on real estate loans receivable:
		Investments in new loans	$	10,674	$	-	$	10,674	$	27,392	$	4,095	$	31,487
		Draws on existing loans		48,055		20,535		68,590		42,772		3,077		45,849
		Net cash advances on real estate loans		58,729		20,535		79,264		70,164		7,172		77,336
	Receipts on real estate loans receivable:
		Loan payoffs		3,950		62,608		66,558		65,768		646		66,414
		Principal payments on loans		21,306		4,240		25,546		16,972		2,169		19,141
		Sub-total		25,256		66,848		92,104		82,740		2,815		85,555
		Less: Non-cash activity(1)		-		-45,836		-45,836		-		-		-
		Net cash receipts on real estate loans		25,256		21,012		46,268		82,740		2,815		85,555
	Net cash advances (receipts) on real estate loans			33,473		-477		32,996		-12,576		4,357		-8,219
	Change in balance due to foreign currency translation			-1,085		-		-1,085		765		-		765
	Net change in real estate loans receivable		$	32,388	$	-46,313	$	-13,925	$	-11,811	$	4,357	$	-7,454
	(1) Represents an acquisition of assets previously financed as a real estate loan. Please see Note 3 for additional information.
	We recorded no provision for loan losses during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. At September 30, 2014, there were no real estate loans with outstanding balances on non-accrual status and no allowances for loan losses were recorded.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities [Abstract]	'
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	'
	7. Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
	During the year ended December 31, 2010, we entered into a joint venture investment with Forest City Enterprises Inc. (NYSE:FCE.A and FCE.B). We acquired a 49% interest in a seven-building life science campus located at University Park in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which is immediately adjacent to the campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This investment is recorded as an investment in unconsolidated entities on the balance sheet.
	During the three months ended June 30, 2012, we entered into a joint venture with Chartwell Retirement Residences (TSX:CSH.UN). During the three months ended September 30, 2014, one of the joint venture properties was sold and the related gain was recognized in income from unconsolidated entities. The portfolio now contains 41 properties in Canada, 38 of which are owned 50% by us and Chartwell, and three of which we wholly own. All properties are managed by Chartwell. Our investment in the 38 properties is recorded as an investment in unconsolidated entities on the balance sheet. The aggregate remaining unamortized basis difference of our investment in this joint venture of $8,052,000 at September 30, 2014 is primarily attributable to transaction costs that will be amortized over the weighted-average useful life of the related properties and included in the reported amount of income from unconsolidated entities.
	In conjunction with the Sunrise merger (see Note 3 to the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013), we acquired joint venture interests in 54 properties and a 20% interest in a newly formed Sunrise management company, which manages the entire property portfolio. On July 1, 2013, we acquired the remaining interests in 49 of the properties. In April 2014, we acquired an additional 4% ownership in the Sunrise management company.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we invested $214,832,000 for a 46.79% interest in a joint venture with Senior Resource Group (“SRG”) and the Public Sector Pension Investment Board. The joint venture owns 10 properties located in major metropolitan markets in Arizona, California and Colorado. The properties owned by the joint venture are operated by SRG. Our investment in the 10 properties is recorded as an investment in unconsolidated entities on the balance sheet. The aggregate remaining unamortized basis difference of our investment in this joint venture of $169,266,208 at September 30, 2014 is primarily attributable to appreciation of the underlying properties as well as transaction costs, and will be amortized over the remaining useful life of the related properties and included in the reported amount of income from unconsolidated entities.
	The results of operations for those investments accounted for under the equity method have been included in our consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition by the joint ventures and are reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as income or loss from unconsolidated entities.

Credit_Concentration

Credit Concentration	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Customer Concentration [Abstract]	'
Credit Concentration	'
	8. Credit Concentration
	The following table summarizes certain information about our credit concentration as of September 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
			Number of	Total		Percent of
	Concentration by investment:(1)		Properties(2)	Investment(2)		Investment(3)
		Sunrise Senior Living(4)	132	$	4,142,650	19%
		Genesis HealthCare	180		2,670,981	12%
		Revera(4)	48		1,084,547	5%
		Benchmark	39		924,285	4%
		Belmont Village	19		826,674	4%
		Remaining portfolio	762		12,310,135	56%
		Totals	1,180	$	21,959,272	100%
	Genesis is in our seniors housing triple-net segment. Sunrise, Revera, and Belmont Village are in our seniors housing operating segment. Benchmark is in both our seniors housing triple-net and seniors housing operating segments.
	Excludes our share of investments in unconsolidated entities. Please see Note 7 for additional information.
	Investments with our top five relationships comprised 44% of total investments at December 31, 2013.
	Revera owns a controlling interest in Sunrise.

Borrowings_Under_Credit_Facili

Borrowings Under Credit Facilities and Related Items	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Borrowings Under Credit Facilities and Related Items [Abstract]	'
Borrowings Under Credit Facilities and Related Items	'
	9. Borrowings Under Credit Facilities and Related Items
	On July 25, 2014, we closed on a new primary unsecured credit facility with a consortium of 28 banks that includes a $2,500,000,000 revolving credit line, a $500,000,000 term loan and a $250,000,000 Canadian denominated term loan. We have an option to upsize the facility by up to an additional $1,000,000,000 through an accordion feature. The facility also allows us to borrow up to $500,000,000 in alternate currencies (none outstanding at September 30, 2014). Borrowings under the revolver are subject to interest payable at the applicable margin over LIBOR interest rate (1.204% at September 30, 2014). The applicable margin is based on certain of our debt ratings and was 1.05% at September 30, 2014. Borrowings under the term loans are subject to interest payable at the applicable margin over LIBOR for the U.S. tranche and CDOR for the Canadian tranche based on our current credit ratings. The applicable margin was 1.15% at September 30, 2014. In addition, we pay a facility fee quarterly to each bank based on the bank’s commitment amount. The facility fee depends on certain of our debt ratings and was 0.20% at September 30, 2014. The new facility provides us with additional borrowing capacity and extends the agreement to October 31, 2018. It can be extended for an additional year at our option.
	The following information relates to aggregate borrowings under the primary unsecured credit facility for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
			Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Balance outstanding at quarter end		$	-	$	847,670	$	-	$	847,670
	Maximum amount outstanding at any month end		$	235,000	$	1,019,050	$	637,000	$	1,019,050
	Average amount outstanding (total of daily
		principal balances divided by days in period)	$	100,380	$	562,978	$	253,681	$	527,890
	Weighted average interest rate (actual interest
		expense divided by average borrowings outstanding)		1.67%		1.51%		1.40%		1.43%

Senior_Unsecured_Notes_and_Sec

Senior Unsecured Notes and Secured Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Senior Unsecured Notes and Secured Debt [Abstract]	'
Senior Unsecured Notes and Secured Debt	'
	10. Senior Unsecured Notes and Secured Debt
	We may repurchase, redeem or refinance convertible and non-convertible senior unsecured notes from time to time, taking advantage of favorable market conditions when available. We may purchase senior notes for cash through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, a tender offer or, in some cases, through the early redemption of such securities pursuant to their terms. The non-convertible senior unsecured notes are redeemable at our option, at any time in whole or from time to time in part, at a redemption price equal to the sum of (1) the principal amount of the notes (or portion of such notes) being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon up to the redemption date and (2) any “make-whole” amount due under the terms of the notes in connection with early redemptions. Redemptions and repurchases of debt, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. At September 30, 2014, the annual principal payments due on these debt obligations were as follows (in thousands):
		Senior			Secured
		Unsecured Notes(1,2)			Debt (1,3)			Totals
	2014	$	-		$	50,367		$	50,367
	2015		250,000			407,611			657,611
	2016		700,000			395,659			1,095,659
	2017		450,000			353,801			803,801
	2018		1,173,055 (4,5)			432,209			1,605,264
	Thereafter		4,769,273 (6)			1,222,073			5,991,346
	Totals	$	7,342,328		$	2,861,720		$	10,204,048
	(1) Amounts represent principal amounts due and do not include unamortized premiums/discounts or other fair value adjustments as reflected on the balance sheet.
	(2) Annual interest rates range from 1.3% to 6.5%.
	(3) Annual interest rates range from 1.0% to 8.0%. Carrying value of the properties securing the debt totaled $5,121,039,000 at September 30, 2014.
	(4) On July 30, 2012, we completed funding on a $250,000,000 Canadian denominated unsecured term loan (approximately $223,055,000 based on the Canadian/U.S. Dollar exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2014). This loan was refinanced on July 25, 2014. See Note 9 for additional information.
	(5) On January 8, 2013, we completed funding on a $500,000,000 unsecured term loan. This loan was refinanced on July 25, 2014. See Note 9 for additional information.
	(6) On November 20, 2013, we completed the sale of £550,000,000 (approximately $891,825,000 based on the Sterling/U.S. Dollar exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2014) of 4.8% senior unsecured notes due 2028.
	The following is a summary of our senior unsecured notes principal activity during the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-14					30-Sep-13
					Weighted Avg.					Weighted Avg.
		Amount			Interest Rate		Amount			Interest Rate
	Beginning balance	$	7,421,707		4.40%		$	5,894,403		4.68%
	Debt issued		-		0.00%			500,000		1.55%
	Debt redeemed		-47,660		3.00%			-219,285		3.00%
	Foreign currency		-31,719		3.89%			-		0.00%
	Ending balance	$	7,342,328		4.39%		$	6,175,118		4.48%
	The following is a summary of our secured debt principal activity for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
			Nine Months Ended
				30-Sep-14				30-Sep-13
						Weighted Avg.					Weighted Avg.
			Amount			Interest Rate		Amount			Interest Rate
	Beginning balance		$	3,010,711		5.09%		$	2,311,586		5.14%
	Debt issued			98,100		3.23%			85,140		5.05%
	Debt assumed			62,505		3.11%			1,241,898		4.11%
	Debt extinguished			-240,355		5.66%			-535,367		3.52%
	Principal payments			-45,807		4.97%			-40,006		5.27%
	Foreign currency			-23,434		3.78%			2,672		4.04%
	Ending balance		$	2,861,720		4.94%		$	3,065,923		5.08%
	Our debt agreements contain various covenants, restrictions and events of default. Certain agreements require us to maintain certain financial ratios and minimum net worth and impose certain limits on our ability to incur indebtedness, create liens and make investments or acquisitions. As of September 30, 2014, we were in compliance with all of the covenants under our debt agreements.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of Derivative Instruments [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments	'
	11. Derivative Instruments
	We are exposed to various market risks, including the potential loss arising from adverse changes in interest rates. We may elect to use financial derivative instruments to hedge interest rate exposure. These decisions are principally based on our policy to manage the general trend in interest rates at the applicable dates and our perception of the future volatility of interest rates. In addition, non-U.S. investments expose us to the potential losses associated with adverse changes in foreign currency to U.S. Dollar exchange rates. We may elect to manage this risk through the use of forward contracts and issuing debt in foreign currencies.
	Interest Rate Swap Contracts and Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
	For instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (“OCI”), and reclassified into earnings in the same period, or periods, during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in earnings. Approximately $613,000 of losses, which are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), are expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months.
	Foreign Currency Hedges
	For instruments that are designated and qualify as net investment hedges, the variability in the foreign currency to U.S. Dollar of the instrument is recorded as a cumulative translation adjustment component of OCI.  The balance of the cumulative translation adjustment will be reclassified to earnings when the hedged investment is sold or substantially liquidated.
	The following presents the notional amount of derivatives and other financial instruments as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
			30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	Derivatives designated as net investment hedges:
	Denominated in Canadian Dollars	$	600,000	$	600,000
	Denominated in Pounds Sterling	£	350,000	£	350,000
	Financial instruments designated as net investment hedges:
	Denominated in Canadian Dollars	$	250,000	$	250,000
	Denominated in Pounds Sterling	£	550,000	£	550,000
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
	Denominated in U.S. Dollars	$	57,000	$	57,000
	Denominated in Canadian Dollars	$	9,000	$	-
	Denominated in Pounds Sterling	£	50,000	£	-
	Derivative instruments not designated:
	Denominated in Canadian Dollars	$	918,000	$	-
	The following presents the impact of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the periods presented (in thousands):
						Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
						September 30,				September 30,
				Location			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Gain (loss) on interest rate swap recognized in OCI (effective portion)			OCI		$	-4	$	-4	$	-11	$	-12
	Gain (loss) on interest rate swaps reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)			Interest expense			-459		-477		-1,338		-1,428
	Gain (loss) on forward exchange contracts recognized in income			Gain (loss) on derivatives, net			-49		-4,872		-400		-4,465
	Gain on release of cumulative translation adjustment related to net investment hedge of an equity investment			Income (loss) from unconsolidated entities			528		-		528		-
	Gain (loss) on foreign exchange contracts and term loans designated as net investment hedge recognized in OCI			OCI			12,880		-110,404		6,833		-19,867

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	12. Commitments and Contingencies
	At September 30, 2014, we had six outstanding letter of credit obligations totaling $10,769,000 and expiring between 2014 and 2015. At September 30, 2014, we had outstanding construction in process of $179,356,000 and were committed to providing additional funds of approximately $217,337,000 to complete construction. Purchase obligations at September 30, 2014 include $1,083,370,000 representing acquisitions expected to be completed before year end. Purchase obligations also include contingent purchase obligations totaling $39,988,000. These contingent purchase obligations relate to unfunded capital improvement obligations and contingent obligations on acquisitions. Rents due from the tenant are increased to reflect the additional investment in the property.  At September 30, 2014, we had an unfunded commitment of $360,000,000 related to a secured bridge facility with one of our operators for which we are receiving a commitment fee.
	We evaluate our leases for operating versus capital lease treatment in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 840 “Leases.”  A lease is classified as a capital lease if it provides for transfer of ownership of the leased asset at the end of the lease term, contains a bargain purchase option, has a lease term greater than 75% of the economic life of the leased asset, or if the net present value of the future minimum lease payments are in excess of 90% of the fair value of the leased asset. Certain leases contain bargain purchase options and have been classified as capital leases. At September 30, 2014, we had operating lease obligations of $857,034,000 relating to certain ground leases and company office space and capital lease obligations of $113,075,000 relating to certain investment properties. Regarding ground leases, we have sublease agreements with certain of our operators that require the operators to reimburse us for our monthly operating lease obligations. At September 30, 2014, aggregate future minimum rentals to be received under these noncancelable subleases totaled $27,967,000.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	13. Stockholders’ Equity
	The following is a summary of our stockholders’ equity capital accounts as of the dates indicated:
		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	Preferred Stock:
	Authorized shares	50,000,000		50,000,000
	Issued shares	25,875,000		26,108,236
	Outstanding shares	25,875,000		26,108,236
	Common Stock, $1.00 par value:
	Authorized shares	700,000,000		400,000,000
	Issued shares	328,127,314		290,024,789
	Outstanding shares	327,429,765		289,563,651
	Preferred Stock. The following is a summary of our preferred stock activity during the periods indicated:
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-14				30-Sep-13
				Weighted Avg.				Weighted Avg.
		Shares		Dividend Rate		Shares		Dividend Rate
	Beginning balance	26,108,236		6.50%		26,224,854		6.49%
	Shares converted	-233,236		6.00%		-		0.00%
	Ending balance	25,875,000		6.50%		26,224,854		6.49%
	Common Stock. The following is a summary of our common stock issuances during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Shares Issued			Average Price			Gross Proceeds			Net Proceeds
	May 2013 public issuance	23,000,000		$	73.5		$	1,690,500		$	1,630,281
	2013 Dividend reinvestment plan issuances	2,379,609			64.62			153,762			153,762
	2013 Option exercises	200,467			42.45			8,509			8,509
	2013 Senior note conversions	987,967						-			-
	2013 Equity issued in acquisition of noncontrolling interest	1,108,917						-			-
	2013 Totals	27,676,960					$	1,852,771		$	1,792,552
	June 2014 public issuance	16,100,000		$	62.35		$	1,003,835		$	968,517
	September 2014 public issuance	17,825,000			63.75			1,136,344			1,095,883
	2014 Dividend reinvestment plan issuances	3,114,052			60.05			186,996			186,996
	2014 Option exercises	207,046			45.94			9,512			9,512
	2014 Preferred stock conversions	233,236						-			-
	2014 Stock incentive plans, net of forfeitures	186,837						-			-
	2014 Senior note conversions	199,943						-			-
	2014 Totals	37,866,114					$	2,336,687		$	2,260,908
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we acquired the remaining 20% noncontrolling interest in an existing partnership for $91,000,000 which consisted of $23,247,000 of cash and 1,108,917 shares of common stock. In connection with the acquisition, we incurred $2,732,000 of transaction costs, which we have included as a reduction to additional paid in capital.
	Dividends. The increase in dividends is primarily attributable to increases in our common shares outstanding as described above and an increase in common dividends per share. The following is a summary of our dividend payments (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-14						30-Sep-13
		Per Share			Amount			Per Share			Amount
	Common Stock	$	2.385		$	708,923		$	2.295		$	618,992
	Series H Preferred Stock		0.0079			1			2.1438			750
	Series I Preferred Stock		2.4375			35,040			2.4375			35,039
	Series J Preferred Stock		1.2189			14,016			1.2189			14,016
	Totals				$	757,980					$	668,797
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The following is a summary of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the periods presented (in thousands):
			Unrecognized gains (losses) related to:
			Foreign Currency Translation			Equity Investments			Actuarial losses			Cash Flow Hedges		Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	-17,631		$	-389		$	-1,452		$	-5,059	$	-24,531
	Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments		-29,361			389			-			-11		-28,983
	Reclassification amount to net income		(528)(1)			-			-			1,338 (1)		810
	Net current-period other comprehensive income		-29,889			389			-			1,327		-28,173
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	-47,520		$	-		$	-1,452		$	-3,732	$	-52,704
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	-881		$	-216		$	-2,974		$	-6,957	$	-11,028
	Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments		-13,517			-346			-			-12		-13,875
	Reclassification amount to net income		-			-			-			1,428 (1)		1,428
	Net current-period other comprehensive income		-13,517			-346			-			1,416		-12,447
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	-14,398		$	-562		$	-2,974		$	-5,541	$	-23,475
	(1) Please see Note 11 for additional information.

Stock_Incentive_Plans

Stock Incentive Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stock Incentive Plans [Abstract]	'
Stock Incentive Plans	'
	14. Stock Incentive Plans
	Our Amended and Restated 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2005 Plan”) authorizes up to 6,200,000 shares of common stock to be issued at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The 2005 Plan replaced the 1995 Stock Incentive Plan (“1995 Plan”) and the Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors. The options granted to officers and key employees under the 1995 Plan vested through 2010 and expire ten years from the date of grant. Our non-employee directors, officers and key employees are eligible to participate in the 2005 Plan. The 2005 Plan allows for the issuance of, among other things, stock options, restricted stock, deferred stock units and dividend equivalent rights. Vesting periods for options, deferred stock units and restricted shares generally range from three to five years. Options expire ten years from the date of grant. Stock-based compensation expense totaled $4,271,000 and $26,108,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $3,956,000 and $16,650,000 for the same periods in 2013.
	On April 13, 2014, George L. Chapman, formerly the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of the company, informed the Board of Directors that he wished to retire from the company, effective immediately. As a result of Mr. Chapman’s retirement, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2014 included charges of $19,688,000 related to: (i) the acceleration of $9,223,000 of deferred compensation for restricted stock; and (ii) consulting, retirement payments and other costs of $10,465,000.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	15. Earnings Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data):
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings
		per share - net income (loss) attributable
		to common stockholders	$	136,255	$	20,691	$	258,107	$	67,245
	Denominator for basic earnings per
		share - weighted average shares		311,117		286,020		299,137		273,148
	Effect of dilutive securities:
		Employee stock options		202		196		181		235
		Non-vested restricted shares		505		567		506		417
		Convertible senior unsecured notes		988		1,246		821		1,447
	Dilutive potential common shares			1,695		2,009		1,508		2,099
	Denominator for diluted earnings per
		share - adjusted weighted average shares		312,812		288,029		300,645		275,247
	Basic earnings per share		$	0.44	$	0.07	$	0.86	$	0.25
	Diluted earnings per share		$	0.44	$	0.07	$	0.86	$	0.24
	The Series I Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock was not included in the calculations as the effect of conversions into common stock was anti-dilutive.

Disclosure_about_Fair_Value_of

Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	16. Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	U.S. GAAP provides authoritative guidance for measuring and disclosing fair value measurements of assets and liabilities. The guidance defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The guidance also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The guidance describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
	Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Please see Note 2 to the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for additional information.
	Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
	The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value.
	Mortgage Loans and Other Real Estate Loans Receivable — The fair value of mortgage loans and other real estate loans receivable is generally estimated by using Level 2 and Level 3 inputs such as discounting the estimated future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents — The carrying amount approximates fair value.
	Available-for-sale Equity Investments — Available-for-sale equity investments are recorded at their fair value based on Level 1 publicly available trading prices.
	Borrowings Under Unsecured Credit Facilities — The carrying amount of the unsecured credit facilities approximates fair value because the borrowings are interest rate adjustable.
	Senior Unsecured Notes — The fair value of the fixed rate senior unsecured notes payable was estimated based on Level 1 publicly available trading prices. The carrying amount of variable rate senior unsecured notes payable approximates fair value because the borrowings are interest rate adjustable.
	Secured Debt — The fair value of fixed rate secured debt is estimated using Level 2 inputs by discounting the estimated future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. The carrying amount of variable rate secured debt approximates fair value because the borrowings are interest rate adjustable.
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements — Interest rate swap agreements are recorded in other assets or other liabilities on the balance sheet at fair market value. Fair market value is estimated using Level 2 inputs by utilizing pricing models that consider forward yield curves and discount rates.
	Foreign Currency Forward Contracts — Foreign currency forward contracts are recorded in other assets or other liabilities on the balance sheet at fair market value. Fair market value is determined using Level 2 inputs by estimating the future value of the currency pair based on existing exchange rates, comprised of current spot and traded forward points, and calculating a present value of the net amount using a discount factor based on observable traded interest rates.
	Redeemable OP Unitholder Interests — The fair value of our redeemable unitholder interests are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value using Level 2 inputs. The fair value is measured using the closing price of our common stock, as units may be redeemed at the election of the holder for cash or, at our option, one share of our common stock per unit, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.
	The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments are as follows (in thousands):
				30-Sep-14						31-Dec-13
				Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Fair Value
	Financial assets:
		Mortgage loans receivable		$	102,241		$	104,786		$	146,987		$	148,088
		Other real estate loans receivable			215,980			217,952			185,159			188,920
		Available-for-sale equity investments			-			-			1,211			1,211
		Cash and cash equivalents			998,678			998,678			158,780			158,780
		Foreign currency forward contracts			46,183			46,183			-			-
		Interest rate swap agreements			1			1			38			38
	Financial liabilities:
		Borrowings under unsecured credit facilities		$	-		$	-		$	130,000		$	130,000
		Senior unsecured notes			7,305,414			8,034,352			7,379,308			7,743,730
		Secured debt			2,893,814			2,953,223			3,058,248			3,168,775
		Foreign currency forward contracts			14,756			14,756			11,637			11,637
	Redeemable OP unitholder interests				39,987			39,987			-			-
	Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
	The market approach is utilized to measure fair value for our financial assets and liabilities reported at fair value on a recurring basis. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The following summarizes items measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
			Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2014
			Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Interest rate swap agreements, net(1)		$	1		$	-		$	1		$	-
	Foreign currency forward contracts, net(1)			31,427			-			31,427			-
	Redeemable OP unitholder interests			39,987			-			39,987			-
	Totals		$	71,415			-		$	71,415		$	-
	(1) Please see Note 11 for additional information.
	Items Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
	In addition to items that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, we also have assets and liabilities in our balance sheet that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. As these assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis, they are not included in the tables above. Assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interests that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include those acquired/assumed in business combinations (see Note 3) and asset impairments (if applicable, see Note 5 for impairments of real property and Note 6 for impairments of loans receivable). We have determined that the fair value measurements included in each of these assets and liabilities rely primarily on company-specific inputs and our assumptions about the use of the assets and settlement of liabilities, as observable inputs are not available. As such, we have determined that each of these fair value measurements generally reside within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. We estimate the fair value of real estate and related intangibles using the income approach and unobservable data such as net operating income and estimated capitalization and discount rates. We also consider local and national industry market data including comparable sales, and commonly engage an external real estate appraiser to assist us in our estimation of fair value. We estimate the fair value of assets held for sale based on current sales price expectations or, in the absence of such price expectations, Level 3 inputs described above. We estimate the fair value of secured debt assumed in business combinations using current interest rates at which similar borrowings could be obtained on the transaction date.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	17. Segment Reporting
	We invest in seniors housing and health care real estate. We evaluate our business and make resource allocations on our five operating segments: seniors housing triple-net, seniors housing operating, medical office buildings, hospitals and life science. Our seniors housing triple-net properties include skilled nursing/post-acute facilities, assisted living facilities, independent living/continuing care retirement communities, care homes (United Kingdom), care homes with nursing (United Kingdom) and combinations thereof. Under the seniors housing triple-net segment, we invest in seniors housing and health care real estate through acquisition and financing of primarily single tenant properties. Properties acquired are primarily leased under triple-net leases and we are not involved in the management of the property. Our seniors housing operating properties include the seniors housing communities referenced above and independent supportive living facilities (Canada) that are owned and/or operated through RIDEA structures (see Notes 3 and 18).
	Our medical facility properties include medical office buildings, hospitals and life science buildings which are aggregated into our medical facilities reportable segment. Our medical office buildings are typically leased to multiple tenants and generally require a certain level of property management. Our hospital investments are leased and we are not involved in the management of the property. Our life science investment represents an investment in an unconsolidated entity (see Note 7).
	The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies (see Note 2 to the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013). The results of operations for all acquisitions described in Note 3 are included in our consolidated results of operations from the acquisition dates and are components of the appropriate segments. There are no intersegment sales or transfers.
	We evaluate performance based upon net operating income from continuing operations (“NOI”) of each segment. We define NOI as total revenues, including tenant reimbursements, less property level operating expenses. We believe NOI provides investors relevant and useful information because it measures the operating performance of our properties at the property level on an unleveraged basis. We use NOI to make decisions about resource allocations and to assess the property level performance of our properties.
	Non-segment revenue consists mainly of interest income on non-real estate investments and other income. Non-segment assets consist of corporate assets including cash, deferred loan expenses and corporate offices and equipment among others. Non-property specific revenues and expenses are not allocated to individual segments in determining NOI.
	Summary information for the reportable segments is as follows for the periods presented (in thousands):
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014:			Seniors Housing Triple-net		Seniors Housing Operating			Medical Facilities			Non-segment / Corporate			Total
	Rental income		$	231,512	$	-		$	122,636		$	-		$	354,148
	Resident fees and services			-		482,412			-			-			482,412
	Interest income			5,852		1,054			2,438			-			9,344
	Other income			836		325			352			106			1,619
	Total revenues			238,200		483,791			125,426			106			847,523
	Property operating expenses			-		320,895			34,262			-			355,157
	Net operating income from continuing operations			238,200		162,896			91,164			106			492,366
	Reconciling items:
	Interest expense			10,294		26,612			7,692			73,837			118,435
	Loss (gain) on derivatives, net			52		-3			-			-			49
	Depreciation and amortization			63,223		95,819			41,928			-			200,970
	General and administrative			-		-			-			30,803			30,803
	Transaction costs			1,619		10,572			1,363			-			13,554
	Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net			-36		-			-			2,728			2,692
	Other expenses			8,825		1,437			-			-			10,262
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities		$	154,223	$	28,459		$	40,181		$	-107,262		$	115,601
	Total assets		$	10,354,397	$	9,248,040		$	4,886,894		$	52,391		$	24,541,722
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013:			Seniors Housing Triple-net		Seniors Housing Operating			Medical Facilities			Non-segment / Corporate			Total
	Rental income		$	197,950	$	-		$	110,562		$	-		$	308,512
	Resident fees and services			-		466,127			-			-			466,127
	Interest income			5,035		-			2,594			-			7,629
	Other income			778		167			466			32			1,443
	Total revenues			203,763		466,294			113,622			32			783,711
	Property operating expenses			-		311,575			30,346			-			341,921
	Net operating income from continuing operations			203,763		154,719			83,276			32			441,790
	Reconciling items:
	Interest expense			5,869		24,693			8,732			76,726			116,020
	Loss (gain) on derivatives, net			4,872		-			-			-			4,872
	Depreciation and amortization			57,214		144,578			39,235			-			241,027
	General and administrative			-		-			-			28,718			28,718
	Transaction costs			4,026		18,882			683			-			23,591
	Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net			-		-5,252			-			1,184			-4,068
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities		$	131,782	$	-28,182		$	34,626		$	-106,596		$	31,630
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014:			Seniors Housing Triple-net		Seniors Housing Operating			Medical Facilities			Non-segment / Corporate			Total
	Rental income		$	671,813	$	-		$	366,638		$	-		$	1,038,451
	Resident fees and services			-		1,406,316			-			-			1,406,316
	Interest income			16,958		1,065			8,848			-			26,871
	Other income			1,281		1,643			1,017			198			4,139
	Total revenues			690,052		1,409,024			376,503			198			2,475,777
	Property operating expenses			-		939,108			101,234			-			1,040,342
	Net operating income from continuing operations			690,052		469,916			275,269			198			1,435,435
	Reconciling items:
	Interest expense			28,064		82,924			25,422			223,924			360,334
	Loss (gain) on derivatives, net			125		275			-			-			400
	Depreciation and amortization			186,240		334,625			127,872			-			648,737
	General and administrative			-		-			-			115,327			115,327
	Transaction costs			5,900		12,863			2,783			-			21,546
	Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net			-36		383			-			2,728			3,075
	Other expenses			8,825		1,437			-			-			10,262
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities		$	460,934	$	37,409		$	119,192		$	-341,781		$	275,754
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013:			Seniors Housing Triple-net		Seniors Housing Operating			Medical Facilities			Non-segment / Corporate			Total
	Rental income		$	568,764	$	-		$	331,264		$	-		$	900,028
	Resident fees and services			-		1,164,446			-			-			1,164,446
	Interest income			16,311		757			7,257			-			24,325
	Other income			1,183		169			1,539			277			3,168
Total revenues			586,258		1,165,372			340,060			277			2,091,967
Property operating expenses			-		785,050			87,651			-			872,701
Net operating income from continuing operations			586,258		380,322			252,409			277			1,219,266
Reconciling items:
Interest expense			14,921		63,175			27,097			229,128			334,321
Loss (gain) on derivatives, net			4,872		-407			-			-			4,465
Depreciation and amortization			166,801		338,099			118,877			-			623,777
General and administrative			-		-			-			79,799			79,799
Transaction costs			15,730		101,006			971			-			117,707
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net			-		-5,560			-			1,184			-4,376
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities		$	383,934	$	-115,991		$	105,464		$	-309,834		$	63,573
Our portfolio of properties and other investments are located in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. Revenues and assets are attributed to the country in which the property is physically located. The following is a summary of geographic information for our operations for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-14			30-Sep-13				30-Sep-14				30-Sep-13
Revenues:		Amount	%		Amount	%			Amount	%			Amount	%
United States	$	707,842	83.50%	$	662,922	84.60%		$	2,078,863	84.00%		$	1,827,470	87.40%
International		139,681	16.50%		120,789	15.40%			396,914	16.00%			264,497	12.60%
Total	$	847,523	100.00%	$	783,711	100.00%		$	2,475,777	100.00%		$	2,091,967	100.00%
		As of
		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
Assets:		Amount	%		Amount	%
United States	$	21,199,728	86.40%	$	19,759,945	85.60%
International		3,341,994	13.60%		3,324,012	14.40%
Total	$	24,541,722	100.00%	$	23,083,957	100.00%

Income_Taxes_and_Distributions

Income Taxes and Distributions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Taxes And Distributions [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes And Distributions	'
	18. Income Taxes and Distributions
	We elected to be taxed as a REIT commencing with our first taxable year. To qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, at least 90% of taxable income (excluding 100% of net capital gains) must be distributed to stockholders. REITs that do not distribute a certain amount of current year taxable income in the current year are also subject to a 4% federal excise tax. The main differences between undistributed net income for federal income tax purposes and financial statement purposes are the recognition of straight-line rent for reporting purposes, basis differences in acquisitions, recording of impairments, differing useful lives and depreciation and amortization methods for real property and the provision for loan losses for reporting purposes versus bad debt expense for tax purposes.
	Under the provisions of the REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 (“RIDEA”), for taxable years beginning after July 30, 2008, a REIT may lease “qualified health care properties” on an arm’s-length basis to a taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”) if the property is operated on behalf of such TRS by a person who qualifies as an “eligible independent contractor.” Generally, the rent received from the TRS will meet the related party rent exception and will be treated as “rents from real property.”  A “qualified health care property” includes real property and any personal property that is, or is necessary or incidental to the use of, a hospital, nursing facility, assisted living facility, congregate care facility, qualified continuing care facility, or other licensed facility which extends medical or nursing or ancillary services to patients. We have entered into various joint ventures that were structured under RIDEA. Resident level rents and related operating expenses for these facilities are reported in the unaudited consolidated financial statements and are subject to federal and state income taxes as the operations of such facilities are included in TRS entities. Certain net operating loss carryforwards could be utilized to offset taxable income in future years.
	Income tax expense reflected in the financial statements primarily represents U.S. federal and state and local income taxes as well as non-U.S. income based or withholding taxes on certain investments located in jurisdictions outside the U.S. During the quarter, we established certain new wholly-owned direct and indirect subsidiaries in Luxembourg and Jersey and transferred interests in certain foreign investments into this new holding company structure. The new structure includes a property holding company that is tax resident in the United Kingdom. No material adverse current tax consequences in Luxembourg, Jersey or the United Kingdom resulted from the creation of this new holding company structure and all of the subsidiary entities in the structure are treated as disregarded entities of the company for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The company will reflect current and deferred tax liabilities for any such withholding taxes incurred as a result of this holding company structure in its consolidated financial statements.
	The income tax benefit for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 is due primarily to the elimination of deferred tax liabilities in certain United Kingdom property holding companies which offsets the current year tax provision. The income tax expense for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 was due to operating income at our TRS entities. Net deferred tax liabilities with respect to our TRS entities totaled $12,310,000 and $19,748,000 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and related primarily to differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of fixed and intangible assets.
	Generally, given current statutes of limitations, we are subject to audit by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for the year ended December 31, 2011 and subsequent years and by state taxing authorities for the year ended December 31, 2010 and subsequent years.  The company and its subsidiaries are also subject to audit by the Canada Revenue Agency and provincial authorities generally for periods subsequent to our initial investments in Canada made in May 2012, by HM Revenue & Customs for periods subsequent to our initial investments in the United Kingdom made in August 2012 and by Luxembourg taxing authorities generally for periods subsequent to our establishment of certain Luxembourg-based subsidiaries during 2014.
	The balance of our unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $927,000 and $6,413,000, respectively.  As of September 30, 2014, $6,976,000 (including potential interest and penalties) relating to the April 1, 2011 Genesis HealthCare Corporation transaction (“Genesis Acquisition”) due to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations. As a part of the Genesis Acquisition, we received a full indemnification from FC-GEN Operations Investment, LLC covering income taxes or other taxes as well as  interest and penalties relating to tax positions taken by FC-GEN Operations Investment, LLC prior to the acquisition.  Accordingly, an offsetting indemnification asset was recorded in receivables and other assets on the consolidated balance sheet and was reversed as of September 30, 2014. The remaining unrecognized tax benefits, as currently accrued for, have an immaterial impact on the effective tax rate to the extent that they would be recognized.

Accounting_Policies_and_Relate1

Accounting Policies and Related Matters (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies and Related Matters (Policies) [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with instructions to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily an indication of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. For further information, refer to the financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
New Accounting Standards	'
	New Accounting Standards
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity” (“ASU 2014-08”), which amends U.S. GAAP to require reporting of discontinued operations only if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. This pronouncement will be effective for the first annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2014 with early adoption permitted. We adopted ASU 2014-08 on January 1, 2014 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). The standard is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires revenue to be recognized in a manner to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is not permitted. Accordingly, the standard is effective for us on January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet determined the method by which we will adopt the standard.

Real_Property_Acquisitions_and1

Real Property Acquisitions and Development (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Real property acquisitions and development [Line Items]	'
Estimated Fair Value of Allocated Purchase Price of Asset and Liabilities	'
	Seniors Housing Triple-net Activity
			Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)		September 30, 2014(1)			30-Sep-13
	Land and land improvements			$	36,427		$	56,665
	Buildings and improvements				303,273			211,903
		Total assets acquired			339,700			268,568
	Non-cash acquisition related activity				-1,937			-
		Cash disbursed for acquisitions			337,763			268,568
	Construction in progress additions				79,668			103,951
	Less:	Capitalized interest			-3,258			-3,337
		Foreign currency translation			116			-
	Cash disbursed for construction in progress				76,526			100,614
	Capital improvements to existing properties				13,481			27,819
		Total cash invested in real property, net of cash acquired		$	427,770		$	397,001
	(1) Includes acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of $83,615,000 for which the allocation of the purchase price consideration is preliminary and subject to change.
	Seniors Housing Operating Activity
			Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)		September 30, 2014(1)			30-Sep-13
	Land and land improvements			$	40,764		$	437,046
	Building and improvements				224,936			4,214,254
	Acquired lease intangibles				10,021			377,929
	Construction in progress				27,957			-
	Restricted cash				-			41,524
	Receivables and other assets				5,679			81,546
		Total assets acquired(2)			309,357			5,152,299
	Secured debt				-12,846			-1,261,093
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities				-17,011			-86,412
		Total liabilities assumed			-29,857			-1,347,505
	Noncontrolling interests				-			-230,441
	Non-cash acquisition related activity(3)				-			-856,103
		Cash disbursed for acquisitions			279,500			2,718,250
	Construction in progress additions				6,984			1,521
	Less:	Capitalized interest			-293			-18
		Foreign currency translation			-810			-
	Cash disbursed for construction in progress				5,881			1,503
	Capital improvements to existing properties				52,177			36,813
		Total cash invested in real property, net of cash acquired		$	337,558		$	2,756,566
	(1) Includes acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of $262,935,000 for which the allocation of the purchase price consideration is preliminary and subject to change.
	(2) Excludes $8,476,000 and $87,406,000 of cash acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	(3) Represents Sunrise loan and noncontrolling interests acquisitions.
	Medical Facilities Activity
			Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)		September 30, 2014 (1)				30-Sep-13
	Land and land improvements			$	29,588		$	-
	Buildings and improvements				471,410			144,708
	Acquired lease intangibles				17,440			-
	Restricted cash				-			505
	Receivables and other assets				1,245			151
		Total assets acquired			519,683			145,364
	Secured debt				-50,500			-26,300
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities				-9,308			-479
		Total liabilities assumed			-59,808			-26,779
	Non-controlling interests				-39,987			-
	Non-cash acquisition activity(2)				-45,836			-12,056
		Cash disbursed for acquisitions			374,052			106,529
	Construction in progress additions				71,245			87,882
	Less:	Capitalized interest			-1,533			-1,343
		Accruals(3)			-11,290			-9,806
	Cash disbursed for construction in progress				58,422			76,733
	Capital improvements to existing properties				20,666			17,887
		Total cash invested in real property		$	453,140		$	201,149
	(1) Includes acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of $500,177,000 for which the allocation of the purchase price consideration is preliminary and subject to change.
	(2) For the nine month period ended September 30, 2014, relates to an acquisition of assets previously financed as real estate loans. Please refer to Note 6 for additional information. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, relates to an asset swap transaction. Please refer to Note 5 for additional information.
(3) Represents non-cash accruals for amounts to be paid in future periods relating to properties that converted in the periods noted above.
Summary of construction projects placed into service and generating revenues	'
					Nine Months Ended
					30-Sep-14				30-Sep-13
		Development projects:
			Seniors housing triple-net			$	71,569			$	105,265
			Medical facilities				56,807				78,839
			Total development projects				128,376				184,104
		Expansion projects					17,586				14,229
	Total construction in progress conversions					$	145,962			$	198,333

Real_Estate_Intangibles_Tables

Real Estate Intangibles (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Real Estate Intangibles (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Summary of real estate intangibles excluding those classified as held for sale	'
				30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Assets:
		In place lease intangibles		$	950,256		$	937,357
		Above market tenant leases			61,753			55,939
		Below market ground leases			61,593			59,165
		Lease commissions			18,765			18,293
		Gross historical cost			1,092,367			1,070,754
		Accumulated amortization			-749,847			-571,008
		Net book value		$	342,520		$	499,746
		Weighted-average amortization period in years			18.8			16.7
	Liabilities:
		Below market tenant leases		$	79,555		$	76,381
		Above market ground leases			6,709			9,490
		Gross historical cost			86,264			85,871
		Accumulated amortization			-39,147			-34,434
		Net book value		$	47,117		$	51,437
		Weighted-average amortization period in years			13.2			14.3
Schedule of Real Estate Intangible Amortization	'
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014		2013
	Rental income related to above/below market tenant leases, net		$	179		$	235		$	423	$	596
	Property operating expenses related to above/below market ground leases, net			-317			-303			-926		-909
	Depreciation and amortization related to in place lease intangibles and lease commissions			-46,366			-78,782			-185,363		-168,441
Schedule of the future estimated aggregate amortization of intangible assets and liabilities	'
				Assets			Liabilities
	2014		$	40,573		$	3,328
	2015			66,906			6,498
	2016			31,821			7,264
	2017			23,183			5,725
	2018			20,761			5,380
	Thereafter			159,276			18,922
	Total		$	342,520		$	47,117

Dispositions_Assets_Held_for_S1

Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Summary of real property disposition activity	'
			Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep-14			30-Sep-13
	Real property dispositions:
		Seniors housing triple-net		$	56,713		$	138,650
		Medical facilities			343,337			201,845
		Total dispositions			400,050			340,495
	Gain (loss) on sales of real property, net				42,683			57,202
		Non-cash disposition activity(1)			-			-12,204
	Proceeds from real property sales			$	442,733		$	385,493
	(1) Represents non-cash consideration surrendered in an asset swap transaction. Please see Note 3 for additional information.
Reclassification impact as result of classifying properties as discontinued operations	'
					Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
					September 30,					September 30,
				2014		2013			2014		2013
	Revenues:
		Rental income		$	-	$	4,027		$	881	$	15,603
	Expenses:
		Interest expense			-		522			157		3,799
		Property operating expenses			-		875			-		2,605
		Provision for depreciation			-		1,954			-		6,802
		Total expenses			-		3,351			157		13,206
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net			$	-	$	676		$	724	$	2,397
Summary of disposed properties.	'
					Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
					September 30,					September 30,
				2014		2013			2014		2013
	Revenues:
		Rental income		$	5,495	$	12,076		$	28,121	$	35,995
	Expenses:
		Interest expense			217		1,853			5,322		4,143
		Property operating expenses			39		673			1,243		1,753
		Provision for depreciation			1,335		3,238			7,404		9,717
		Total expenses			1,591		5,764			13,969		15,613
	Income (loss) from real estate dispositions, net			$	3,904	$	6,312		$	14,152	$	20,382

Real_Estate_Loans_Receivable_T

Real Estate Loans Receivable (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Real Estate Loans Receivable (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Summary of real estate loan activity	'
			Nine Months Ended
			30-Sep-14						30-Sep-13
			Seniors						Seniors
			Housing		Medical				Housing		Medical
			Triple-net		Facilities		Totals		Triple-net		Facilities		Totals
	Advances on real estate loans receivable:
		Investments in new loans	$	10,674	$	-	$	10,674	$	27,392	$	4,095	$	31,487
		Draws on existing loans		48,055		20,535		68,590		42,772		3,077		45,849
		Net cash advances on real estate loans		58,729		20,535		79,264		70,164		7,172		77,336
	Receipts on real estate loans receivable:
		Loan payoffs		3,950		62,608		66,558		65,768		646		66,414
		Principal payments on loans		21,306		4,240		25,546		16,972		2,169		19,141
		Sub-total		25,256		66,848		92,104		82,740		2,815		85,555
		Less: Non-cash activity(1)		-		-45,836		-45,836		-		-		-
		Net cash receipts on real estate loans		25,256		21,012		46,268		82,740		2,815		85,555
	Net cash advances (receipts) on real estate loans			33,473		-477		32,996		-12,576		4,357		-8,219
	Change in balance due to foreign currency translation			-1,085		-		-1,085		765		-		765
	Net change in real estate loans receivable		$	32,388	$	-46,313	$	-13,925	$	-11,811	$	4,357	$	-7,454
	(1) Represents an acquisition of assets previously financed as a real estate loan. Please see Note 3 for additional information.

Credit_Concentration_Tables

Credit Concentration (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Customer Concentration (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Summary of credit concentration	'
			Number of	Total		Percent of
	Concentration by investment:(1)		Properties(2)	Investment(2)		Investment(3)
		Sunrise Senior Living(4)	132	$	4,142,650	19%
		Genesis HealthCare	180		2,670,981	12%
		Revera(4)	48		1,084,547	5%
		Benchmark	39		924,285	4%
		Belmont Village	19		826,674	4%
		Remaining portfolio	762		12,310,135	56%
		Totals	1,180	$	21,959,272	100%
	Genesis is in our seniors housing triple-net segment. Sunrise, Revera, and Belmont Village are in our seniors housing operating segment. Benchmark is in both our seniors housing triple-net and seniors housing operating segments.
	Excludes our share of investments in unconsolidated entities. Please see Note 7 for additional information.
	Investments with our top five relationships comprised 44% of total investments at December 31, 2013.
	Revera owns a controlling interest in Sunrise.

Borrowings_Under_Credit_Facili1

Borrowings Under Credit Facilities and Related Items (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Borrowings Under Credit Facilities and Related Items (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Aggregate borrowings under the unsecured line of credit arrangements	'
			Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Balance outstanding at quarter end		$	-	$	847,670	$	-	$	847,670
	Maximum amount outstanding at any month end		$	235,000	$	1,019,050	$	637,000	$	1,019,050
	Average amount outstanding (total of daily
		principal balances divided by days in period)	$	100,380	$	562,978	$	253,681	$	527,890
	Weighted average interest rate (actual interest
		expense divided by average borrowings outstanding)		1.67%		1.51%		1.40%		1.43%

Senior_Unsecured_Notes_and_Sec1

Senior Unsecured Notes and Secured Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Senior Unsecured Notes And Secured Debt (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Principal payments due on debt obligations	'
		Senior			Secured
		Unsecured Notes(1,2)			Debt (1,3)			Totals
	2014	$	-		$	50,367		$	50,367
	2015		250,000			407,611			657,611
	2016		700,000			395,659			1,095,659
	2017		450,000			353,801			803,801
	2018		1,173,055 (4,5)			432,209			1,605,264
	Thereafter		4,769,273 (6)			1,222,073			5,991,346
	Totals	$	7,342,328		$	2,861,720		$	10,204,048
	(1) Amounts represent principal amounts due and do not include unamortized premiums/discounts or other fair value adjustments as reflected on the balance sheet.
	(2) Annual interest rates range from 1.3% to 6.5%.
	(3) Annual interest rates range from 1.0% to 8.0%. Carrying value of the properties securing the debt totaled $5,121,039,000 at September 30, 2014.
	(4) On July 30, 2012, we completed funding on a $250,000,000 Canadian denominated unsecured term loan (approximately $223,055,000 based on the Canadian/U.S. Dollar exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2014). This loan was refinanced on July 25, 2014. See Note 9 for additional information.
	(5) On January 8, 2013, we completed funding on a $500,000,000 unsecured term loan. This loan was refinanced on July 25, 2014. See Note 9 for additional information.
	(6) On November 20, 2013, we completed the sale of £550,000,000 (approximately $891,825,000 based on the Sterling/U.S. Dollar exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2014) of 4.8% senior unsecured notes due 2028.
Summary of senior unsecured note activity	'
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-14					30-Sep-13
					Weighted Avg.					Weighted Avg.
		Amount			Interest Rate		Amount			Interest Rate
	Beginning balance	$	7,421,707		4.40%		$	5,894,403		4.68%
	Debt issued		-		0.00%			500,000		1.55%
	Debt redeemed		-47,660		3.00%			-219,285		3.00%
	Foreign currency		-31,719		3.89%			-		0.00%
	Ending balance	$	7,342,328		4.39%		$	6,175,118		4.48%
Secured debt principal activity	'
			Nine Months Ended
				30-Sep-14				30-Sep-13
						Weighted Avg.					Weighted Avg.
			Amount			Interest Rate		Amount			Interest Rate
	Beginning balance		$	3,010,711		5.09%		$	2,311,586		5.14%
	Debt issued			98,100		3.23%			85,140		5.05%
	Debt assumed			62,505		3.11%			1,241,898		4.11%
	Debt extinguished			-240,355		5.66%			-535,367		3.52%
	Principal payments			-45,807		4.97%			-40,006		5.27%
	Foreign currency			-23,434		3.78%			2,672		4.04%
	Ending balance		$	2,861,720		4.94%		$	3,065,923		5.08%

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Impact of derivative instruments on the statement of operations and OCI	'
			30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	Derivatives designated as net investment hedges:
	Denominated in Canadian Dollars	$	600,000	$	600,000
	Denominated in Pounds Sterling	£	350,000	£	350,000
	Financial instruments designated as net investment hedges:
	Denominated in Canadian Dollars	$	250,000	$	250,000
	Denominated in Pounds Sterling	£	550,000	£	550,000
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
	Denominated in U.S. Dollars	$	57,000	$	57,000
	Denominated in Canadian Dollars	$	9,000	$	-
	Denominated in Pounds Sterling	£	50,000	£	-
	Derivative instruments not designated:
	Denominated in Canadian Dollars	$	918,000	$	-
						Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
						September 30,				September 30,
				Location			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Gain (loss) on interest rate swap recognized in OCI (effective portion)			OCI		$	-4	$	-4	$	-11	$	-12
	Gain (loss) on interest rate swaps reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)			Interest expense			-459		-477		-1,338		-1,428
	Gain (loss) on forward exchange contracts recognized in income			Gain (loss) on derivatives, net			-49		-4,872		-400		-4,465
	Gain on release of cumulative translation adjustment related to net investment hedge of an equity investment			Income (loss) from unconsolidated entities			528		-		528		-
	Gain (loss) on foreign exchange contracts and term loans designated as net investment hedge recognized in OCI			OCI			12,880		-110,404		6,833		-19,867

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Summary of stockholder's equity capital accounts	'
		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	Preferred Stock:
	Authorized shares	50,000,000		50,000,000
	Issued shares	25,875,000		26,108,236
	Outstanding shares	25,875,000		26,108,236
	Common Stock, $1.00 par value:
	Authorized shares	700,000,000		400,000,000
	Issued shares	328,127,314		290,024,789
	Outstanding shares	327,429,765		289,563,651
Summary of preferred stock activity	'
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-14				30-Sep-13
				Weighted Avg.				Weighted Avg.
		Shares		Dividend Rate		Shares		Dividend Rate
	Beginning balance	26,108,236		6.50%		26,224,854		6.49%
	Shares converted	-233,236		6.00%		-		0.00%
	Ending balance	25,875,000		6.50%		26,224,854		6.49%
Summary of common stock issuances	'
		Shares Issued			Average Price			Gross Proceeds			Net Proceeds
	May 2013 public issuance	23,000,000		$	73.5		$	1,690,500		$	1,630,281
	2013 Dividend reinvestment plan issuances	2,379,609			64.62			153,762			153,762
	2013 Option exercises	200,467			42.45			8,509			8,509
	2013 Senior note conversions	987,967						-			-
	2013 Equity issued in acquisition of noncontrolling interest	1,108,917						-			-
	2013 Totals	27,676,960					$	1,852,771		$	1,792,552
	June 2014 public issuance	16,100,000		$	62.35		$	1,003,835		$	968,517
	September 2014 public issuance	17,825,000			63.75			1,136,344			1,095,883
	2014 Dividend reinvestment plan issuances	3,114,052			60.05			186,996			186,996
	2014 Option exercises	207,046			45.94			9,512			9,512
	2014 Preferred stock conversions	233,236						-			-
	2014 Stock incentive plans, net of forfeitures	186,837						-			-
	2014 Senior note conversions	199,943						-			-
	2014 Totals	37,866,114					$	2,336,687		$	2,260,908
Summary of dividend payments	'
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-14						30-Sep-13
		Per Share			Amount			Per Share			Amount
	Common Stock	$	2.385		$	708,923		$	2.295		$	618,992
	Series H Preferred Stock		0.0079			1			2.1438			750
	Series I Preferred Stock		2.4375			35,040			2.4375			35,039
	Series J Preferred Stock		1.2189			14,016			1.2189			14,016
	Totals				$	757,980					$	668,797
Summary of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	'
			Unrecognized gains (losses) related to:
			Foreign Currency Translation			Equity Investments			Actuarial losses			Cash Flow Hedges		Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	-17,631		$	-389		$	-1,452		$	-5,059	$	-24,531
	Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments		-29,361			389			-			-11		-28,983
	Reclassification amount to net income		(528)(1)			-			-			1,338 (1)		810
	Net current-period other comprehensive income		-29,889			389			-			1,327		-28,173
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	-47,520		$	-		$	-1,452		$	-3,732	$	-52,704
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	-881		$	-216		$	-2,974		$	-6,957	$	-11,028
	Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments		-13,517			-346			-			-12		-13,875
	Reclassification amount to net income		-			-			-			1,428 (1)		1,428
	Net current-period other comprehensive income		-13,517			-346			-			1,416		-12,447
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	-14,398		$	-562		$	-2,974		$	-5,541	$	-23,475
	(1) Please see Note 11 for additional information.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Computation of basic and diluted earnings per share	'
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings
		per share - net income (loss) attributable
		to common stockholders	$	136,255	$	20,691	$	258,107	$	67,245
	Denominator for basic earnings per
		share - weighted average shares		311,117		286,020		299,137		273,148
	Effect of dilutive securities:
		Employee stock options		202		196		181		235
		Non-vested restricted shares		505		567		506		417
		Convertible senior unsecured notes		988		1,246		821		1,447
	Dilutive potential common shares			1,695		2,009		1,508		2,099
	Denominator for diluted earnings per
		share - adjusted weighted average shares		312,812		288,029		300,645		275,247
	Basic earnings per share		$	0.44	$	0.07	$	0.86	$	0.25
	Diluted earnings per share		$	0.44	$	0.07	$	0.86	$	0.24

Disclosure_about_Fair_Value_of1

Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments	'
				30-Sep-14						31-Dec-13
				Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Fair Value
	Financial assets:
		Mortgage loans receivable		$	102,241		$	104,786		$	146,987		$	148,088
		Other real estate loans receivable			215,980			217,952			185,159			188,920
		Available-for-sale equity investments			-			-			1,211			1,211
		Cash and cash equivalents			998,678			998,678			158,780			158,780
		Foreign currency forward contracts			46,183			46,183			-			-
		Interest rate swap agreements			1			1			38			38
	Financial liabilities:
		Borrowings under unsecured credit facilities		$	-		$	-		$	130,000		$	130,000
		Senior unsecured notes			7,305,414			8,034,352			7,379,308			7,743,730
		Secured debt			2,893,814			2,953,223			3,058,248			3,168,775
		Foreign currency forward contracts			14,756			14,756			11,637			11,637
	Redeemable OP unitholder interests				39,987			39,987			-			-
The Market approach utilized to measure fair value of financial assets and liabilities on recurring basis	'
			Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2014
			Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Interest rate swap agreements, net(1)		$	1		$	-		$	1		$	-
	Foreign currency forward contracts, net(1)			31,427			-			31,427			-
	Redeemable OP unitholder interests			39,987			-			39,987			-
	Totals		$	71,415			-		$	71,415		$	-
	(1) Please see Note 11 for additional information.

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Summary of information for reportable segments	'
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014:			Seniors Housing Triple-net		Seniors Housing Operating			Medical Facilities			Non-segment / Corporate			Total
	Rental income		$	231,512	$	-		$	122,636		$	-		$	354,148
	Resident fees and services			-		482,412			-			-			482,412
	Interest income			5,852		1,054			2,438			-			9,344
	Other income			836		325			352			106			1,619
	Total revenues			238,200		483,791			125,426			106			847,523
	Property operating expenses			-		320,895			34,262			-			355,157
	Net operating income from continuing operations			238,200		162,896			91,164			106			492,366
	Reconciling items:
	Interest expense			10,294		26,612			7,692			73,837			118,435
	Loss (gain) on derivatives, net			52		-3			-			-			49
	Depreciation and amortization			63,223		95,819			41,928			-			200,970
	General and administrative			-		-			-			30,803			30,803
	Transaction costs			1,619		10,572			1,363			-			13,554
	Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net			-36		-			-			2,728			2,692
	Other expenses			8,825		1,437			-			-			10,262
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities		$	154,223	$	28,459		$	40,181		$	-107,262		$	115,601
	Total assets		$	10,354,397	$	9,248,040		$	4,886,894		$	52,391		$	24,541,722
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013:			Seniors Housing Triple-net		Seniors Housing Operating			Medical Facilities			Non-segment / Corporate			Total
	Rental income		$	197,950	$	-		$	110,562		$	-		$	308,512
	Resident fees and services			-		466,127			-			-			466,127
	Interest income			5,035		-			2,594			-			7,629
	Other income			778		167			466			32			1,443
	Total revenues			203,763		466,294			113,622			32			783,711
	Property operating expenses			-		311,575			30,346			-			341,921
	Net operating income from continuing operations			203,763		154,719			83,276			32			441,790
	Reconciling items:
	Interest expense			5,869		24,693			8,732			76,726			116,020
	Loss (gain) on derivatives, net			4,872		-			-			-			4,872
	Depreciation and amortization			57,214		144,578			39,235			-			241,027
	General and administrative			-		-			-			28,718			28,718
	Transaction costs			4,026		18,882			683			-			23,591
	Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net			-		-5,252			-			1,184			-4,068
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities		$	131,782	$	-28,182		$	34,626		$	-106,596		$	31,630
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014:			Seniors Housing Triple-net		Seniors Housing Operating			Medical Facilities			Non-segment / Corporate			Total
	Rental income		$	671,813	$	-		$	366,638		$	-		$	1,038,451
	Resident fees and services			-		1,406,316			-			-			1,406,316
	Interest income			16,958		1,065			8,848			-			26,871
	Other income			1,281		1,643			1,017			198			4,139
	Total revenues			690,052		1,409,024			376,503			198			2,475,777
	Property operating expenses			-		939,108			101,234			-			1,040,342
	Net operating income from continuing operations			690,052		469,916			275,269			198			1,435,435
	Reconciling items:
	Interest expense			28,064		82,924			25,422			223,924			360,334
	Loss (gain) on derivatives, net			125		275			-			-			400
	Depreciation and amortization			186,240		334,625			127,872			-			648,737
	General and administrative			-		-			-			115,327			115,327
	Transaction costs			5,900		12,863			2,783			-			21,546
	Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net			-36		383			-			2,728			3,075
	Other expenses			8,825		1,437			-			-			10,262
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities		$	460,934	$	37,409		$	119,192		$	-341,781		$	275,754
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013:			Seniors Housing Triple-net		Seniors Housing Operating			Medical Facilities			Non-segment / Corporate			Total
	Rental income		$	568,764	$	-		$	331,264		$	-		$	900,028
	Resident fees and services			-		1,164,446			-			-			1,164,446
	Interest income			16,311		757			7,257			-			24,325
	Other income			1,183		169			1,539			277			3,168
	Total revenues			586,258		1,165,372			340,060			277			2,091,967
	Property operating expenses			-		785,050			87,651			-			872,701
	Net operating income from continuing operations			586,258		380,322			252,409			277			1,219,266
	Reconciling items:
	Interest expense			14,921		63,175			27,097			229,128			334,321
	Loss (gain) on derivatives, net			4,872		-407			-			-			4,465
	Depreciation and amortization			166,801		338,099			118,877			-			623,777
General and administrative			-		-			-			79,799			79,799
Transaction costs			15,730		101,006			971			-			117,707
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net			-		-5,560			-			1,184			-4,376
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities		$	383,934	$	-115,991		$	105,464		$	-309,834		$	63,573
The following is a summary of geographic information for our operations for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-14			30-Sep-13				30-Sep-14				30-Sep-13
Revenues:		Amount	%		Amount	%			Amount	%			Amount	%
United States	$	707,842	83.50%	$	662,922	84.60%		$	2,078,863	84.00%		$	1,827,470	87.40%
International		139,681	16.50%		120,789	15.40%			396,914	16.00%			264,497	12.60%
Total	$	847,523	100.00%	$	783,711	100.00%		$	2,475,777	100.00%		$	2,091,967	100.00%
		As of
		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
Assets:		Amount	%		Amount	%
United States	$	21,199,728	86.40%	$	19,759,945	85.60%
International		3,341,994	13.60%		3,324,012	14.40%
Total	$	24,541,722	100.00%	$	23,083,957	100.00%

Business_Details

Business (Details)	Sep. 30, 2014
	Number
	properties
Business [Line Items]	'
Number of properties in diversified portfolio	1,180	[1],[2]
Number of states in diversified portfolio	46
Controlling [Member]	'
Business [Line Items]	'
Number of properties in diversified portfolio	1,246
[1]	(1)B B B B Genesis is in our seniors housing triple-net segment. Sunrise, Revera, and Belmont Village are in our seniors housing operating segment. Benchmark is in both our seniors housing triple-net and seniors housing operating segments.
[2]	(2)B B B B Excludes our share of investments in unconsolidated entities. Please see Note ##7NOTE for additional information.

Real_Property_Acquisitions_and2

Real Property Acquisitions and Development (Details 1) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Senior housing - triple net [Member]	'		'
Estimated Fair Value of Allocated Purchase Price of Asset and Liabilities	'		'
Land and land improvements	$36,427,000	[1]	$56,665,000
Buildings and improvements	303,273,000	[1]	211,903,000
Total assets acquired	339,700,000	[1]	268,568,000
Non-cash acquisition related activity	-1,937,000	[1]	0
Cash disbursed for acquisitions	337,763,000	[1]	268,568,000
Construction in progress additions	79,668,000	[1]	103,951,000
Less: Capitalized Interest	-3,258,000	[1]	-3,337,000
Less: Foreign currency translation	116,000	[1]	0
Cash disbursed for construction in progress	76,526,000	[1]	100,614,000
Capital improvements to existing properties	13,481,000	[1]	27,819,000
Total cash invested in real property	427,770,000	[1]	397,001,000
Senior housing - triple net [Member] | Preliminary [Member]	'		'
Estimated Fair Value of Allocated Purchase Price of Asset and Liabilities	'		'
Total cash invested in real property	116,134,000		'
Senior housing - operating [Member]	'		'
Estimated Fair Value of Allocated Purchase Price of Asset and Liabilities	'		'
Land and land improvements	40,764,000	[2]	437,046,000
Buildings and improvements	224,936,000	[2]	4,214,254,000
Acquired lease intangibles	10,021,000	[2]	377,929,000
Acquired Construction in Progress	27,957,000	[2]	'
Restricted cash	0	[2]	41,524,000
Receivables and other assets	5,679,000	[2]	81,546,000
Total assets acquired	309,357,000	[2],[3]	5,152,299,000	[3]
Secured debt	-12,846,000	[2]	-1,261,093,000
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	-17,011,000	[2]	-86,412,000
Total liabilities assumed	-29,857,000	[2]	-1,347,505,000
Noncontrolling interests	0	[2]	-230,441,000
Non-cash acquisition related activity	0	[2]	-856,103,000	[4]
Cash disbursed for acquisitions	279,500,000	[2]	2,718,250,000
Construction in progress additions	6,984,000	[2]	1,521,000
Less: Capitalized Interest	-293,000	[2]	-18,000
Less: Foreign currency translation	-810,000		'
Cash disbursed for construction in progress	5,881,000	[2]	1,503,000
Capital improvements to existing properties	52,177,000	[2]	36,813,000
Total cash invested in real property	337,558,000	[2]	2,756,566,000
Cash Acquired from Acquisition	245,000	[2]	60,590,000
Senior housing - operating [Member] | Preliminary [Member]	'		'
Estimated Fair Value of Allocated Purchase Price of Asset and Liabilities	'		'
Total cash invested in real property	23,922,000		'
Medical facilities [Member]	'		'
Estimated Fair Value of Allocated Purchase Price of Asset and Liabilities	'		'
Land and land improvements	29,588,000	[5]	0
Buildings and improvements	471,410,000	[5]	144,708,000
Acquired lease intangibles	17,440,000	[5]	0
Restricted cash	'		505,000
Receivables and other assets	1,245,000	[5]	151,000
Total assets acquired	519,683,000	[5]	145,364,000
Secured debt	-50,500,000	[5]	-26,300,000
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	-9,308,000	[5]	-479,000
Total liabilities assumed	-59,808,000	[5]	-26,779,000
Noncontrolling interests	-39,987,000	[5]	'
Non-cash acquisition related activity	-45,836,000	[5],[6]	-12,056,000	[6]
Cash disbursed for acquisitions	374,052,000	[5]	106,529,000
Construction in progress additions	71,245,000	[5]	87,882,000
Less: Capitalized Interest	-1,533,000	[5]	-1,343,000
Less: Accruals	-11,290,000	[5],[7]	-9,806,000	[7]
Cash disbursed for construction in progress	58,422,000	[5]	76,733,000
Capital improvements to existing properties	20,666,000	[5]	17,887,000
Total cash invested in real property	453,140,000	[5]	201,149,000
Medical facilities [Member] | Preliminary [Member]	'		'
Estimated Fair Value of Allocated Purchase Price of Asset and Liabilities	'		'
Total cash invested in real property	$200,295,000		'
[1]	(1) Includes acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of $83,615,000 for which the allocation of the purchase price consideration is preliminary and subject to change.
[2]	(1) Includes acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of $262,935,000 for which the allocation of the purchase price consideration is preliminary and subject to change.
[3]	(2) Excludes $8,476,000 and $87,406,000 of cash acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[4]	(3) Represents Sunrise loan and noncontrolling interests acquisitions.
[5]	(1) Includes acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of $500,177,000 for which the allocation of the purchase price consideration is preliminary and subject to change.
[6]	(3) Represents non-cash accruals for amounts to be paid in future periods relating to properties that converted in the periods noted above.
[7]	(2) For the nine month period ended September 30, 2014, relates to an acquisition of assets previously financed as real estate loans. Please refer to Note 6 for additional information. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, relates to an asset swap transaction. Please refer to Note 5 for additional information.

Real_Property_Acquisitions_and3

Real Property Acquisitions and Development (Details 2) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Development projects:	'	'
Total development projects	$128,376,000	$184,104,000
Expansion projects	17,586,000	14,229,000
Total construction in progress conversions	145,962,000	198,333,000
Medical facilities [Member]	'	'
Development projects:	'	'
Total development projects	56,807,000	78,839,000
Seniors Housing Facilities Triple Net [Member]	'	'
Development projects:	'	'
Total development projects	$71,569,000	$105,265,000

Real_Estate_Intangibles_Detail

Real Estate Intangibles (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets:	'	'
Gross historical cost	$1,092,367,000	$1,070,754,000
Accumulated amortization	749,847,000	571,008,000
Net book value	342,520,000	499,746,000
Weighted-average amortization period in years	'18 years 9 months	'16 years 8 months
Intangible Liabilities:	'	'
Gross historical cost	86,264,000	85,871,000
Accumulated amortization	39,147,000	34,434,000
Net book value	47,117,000	51,437,000
Weighted-average amortization period in years	'13 years 2 months	'14 years 4 months
Intangible Liability [Member]	'	'
Estimated Aggregate Amortization Expense For Acquired Lease Intangibles Expected To Be Recognized [Line Items]	'	'
2014	3,328,000	'
2015	6,498,000	'
2016	7,264,000	'
2017	5,725,000	'
2018	5,380,000	'
Thereafter	18,922,000	'
Intangible Asset [Member]	'	'
Estimated Aggregate Amortization Expense For Acquired Lease Intangibles Expected To Be Recognized [Line Items]	'	'
2014	40,573,000	'
2015	66,906,000	'
2016	31,821,000	'
2017	23,183,000	'
2018	20,761,000	'
Thereafter	159,276,000	'
In place lease intangibles [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets:	'	'
Gross historical cost	950,256,000	937,357,000
Above market tenant leases [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets:	'	'
Gross historical cost	61,753,000	55,939,000
Below market ground leases [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets:	'	'
Gross historical cost	61,593,000	59,165,000
Lease commissions [Member]	'	'
Intangible Assets:	'	'
Gross historical cost	18,765,000	18,293,000
Below market tenant leases [Member]	'	'
Intangible Liabilities:	'	'
Gross historical cost	79,555,000	76,381,000
Above market ground leases [Member]	'	'
Intangible Liabilities:	'	'
Gross historical cost	$6,709,000	$9,490,000

Real_Estate_Intangibles_Detail1

Real Estate Intangibles (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Real Estate Intangible Amortization [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Rental income related to above/below market tenant leases, net	$179,000	$235,000	$423,000	$596,000
Property operating expenses related to above/below market ground leases, net	-317,000	-303,000	-926,000	-909,000
Depreciation and amortization related to in place lease intangibles and lease commissions	($46,366,000)	($78,782,000)	($185,363,000)	($168,441,000)

Dispositions_Assets_Held_for_S2

Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
Real property dispositions:	'	'		'
Total dispositions	$400,050,000	$340,495,000		'
Net loss (gain) on sales of properties	-42,683,000	-57,202,000		'
Noncash disposition activity	'	-12,204,000	[1]	'
Real property held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation	47,463,000	'		18,502,000
Proceeds from sales of real property	442,733,000	385,493,000		'
Seniors Housing Facilities Triple Net [Member]	'	'		'
Real property dispositions:	'	'		'
Total dispositions	56,713,000	138,650,000		'
Net loss (gain) on sales of properties	6,411,000	'		'
Real property held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation	18,502,000	'		'
Medical facilities [Member]	'	'		'
Real property dispositions:	'	'		'
Total dispositions	$343,337,000	$201,845,000		'
[1]	(1) Represents non-cash consideration surrendered in an asset swap transaction. Please see Note 3 for additional information.

Dispositions_Assets_Held_for_S3

Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Rental income, discontinued	$0	$4,027,000	$881,000	$15,603,000
Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, discontinued	0	522,000	157,000	3,799,000
Property operating expenses, discontinued	0	875,000	0	2,605,000
Provision for depreciation, discontinued	0	1,954,000	0	6,802,000
Expenses, discontinued	0	3,351,000	157,000	13,206,000
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net	$0	$676,000	$724,000	$2,397,000

Dispositions_Assets_Held_for_S4

Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Rental income, disposed	$5,495,000	$12,076,000	$28,121,000	$35,995,000
Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, disposed	217,000	1,853,000	5,322,000	4,143,000
Property operating expenses, disposed	39,000	673,000	1,243,000	1,753,000
Depreciation expense, disposed	1,335,000	3,238,000	7,404,000	9,717,000
Expenses, disposed	1,591,000	5,764,000	13,969,000	15,613,000
Income (loss) from disposed properties	$3,904,000	$6,312,000	$14,152,000	$20,382,000

Real_Estate_Loans_Receivable_D

Real Estate Loans Receivable (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Advances on real estate loans receivable:	'		'
Investments in new loans	$10,674,000		$31,487,000
Draws on existing loans	68,590,000		45,849,000
Net cash advances on real estate loans	79,264,000		77,336,000
Receipts on real estate loans receivable:	'		'
Loan payoffs	66,558,000		66,414,000
Principal payments on loans	25,546,000		19,141,000
Total receipts on real estate loans	46,268,000		85,555,000
Net advances (receipts) on real estate loans	32,996,000		-8,219,000
Non Cash Decrease In Real Estate Loans Receivable	-45,836,000	[1]	'
Change in balance due to foreign currency translation	-1,085,000		765,000
Net change Real Estate Loans Receivable	-13,925,000		-7,454,000
Seniors Housing Facilities Triple Net [Member]	'		'
Advances on real estate loans receivable:	'		'
Investments in new loans	10,674,000		27,392,000
Draws on existing loans	48,055,000		42,772,000
Net cash advances on real estate loans	58,729,000		70,164,000
Receipts on real estate loans receivable:	'		'
Loan payoffs	3,950,000		65,768,000
Principal payments on loans	21,306,000		16,972,000
Total receipts on real estate loans	25,256,000		82,740,000
Net advances (receipts) on real estate loans	33,473,000		-12,576,000
Change in balance due to foreign currency translation	-1,085,000		765,000
Net change Real Estate Loans Receivable	32,388,000		-11,811,000
Medical facilities [Member]	'		'
Advances on real estate loans receivable:	'		'
Investments in new loans	0		4,095,000
Draws on existing loans	20,535,000		3,077,000
Net cash advances on real estate loans	20,535,000		7,172,000
Receipts on real estate loans receivable:	'		'
Loan payoffs	62,608,000		646,000
Principal payments on loans	4,240,000		2,169,000
Total receipts on real estate loans	21,012,000		2,815,000
Net advances (receipts) on real estate loans	-477,000		4,357,000
Non Cash Decrease In Real Estate Loans Receivable	-45,836,000	[1]	'
Change in balance due to foreign currency translation	0		0
Net change Real Estate Loans Receivable	($46,313,000)		$4,357,000
[1]	(1) Represents an acquisition of assets previously financed as a real estate loan. Please see Note 3 for additional information.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_1

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from unconsolidated entities	($2,632,000)	($331,000)	($19,705,000)	($3,529,000)	'
Equity Investments	656,213,000	'	656,213,000	'	479,629,000
Chartwell [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of properties in portfolio	41	'	41	'	'
Unamortized basis difference	8,052,000	'	8,052,000	'	'
Chartwell [Member] | Controlling [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of properties in portfolio	3	'	3	'	'
Chartwell [Member] | Non Controlling [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of properties in portfolio	38	'	38	'	'
Percentage of partnership owned	50.00%	'	50.00%	'	'
Forest City [Member] | Non Controlling [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of properties in portfolio	7	'	7	'	'
Percentage of partnership owned	49.00%	'	49.00%	'	'
Sunrise [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of properties in portfolio	54	'	54	'	'
Sunrise [Member] | Controlling [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of properties in portfolio	49	'	49	'	'
Sunrise [Member] | Non Controlling [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of partnership owned	20.00%	'	20.00%	'	'
Additional ownership acquired	'	'	'4%	'	'
Senior Resource Group [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Equity Investments	214,832,000	'	214,832,000	'	'
Unamortized basis difference	$169,266,208	'	$169,266,208	'	'
Senior Resource Group [Member] | Non Controlling [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of properties in portfolio	10	'	10	'	'
Percentage of partnership owned	46.79%	'	46.79%	'	'

Credit_Concentration_Details

Credit Concentration (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
	properties
Concentration by investment:	'		'
Number of properties in diversified portfolio	1,180	[1],[2]	'
Net real estate investments	$21,959,272,000	[1],[2]	$21,680,221,000
Percent of Investment	100.00%	[1],[3]	'
Credit Concentration (Textual) [Abstract]	'		'
Percentage total investments with top five customers	'		44.00%
Genesis HealthCare [Member]	'		'
Concentration by investment:	'		'
Number of properties in diversified portfolio	180	[1],[2]	'
Net real estate investments	2,670,981,000	[1],[2]	'
Percent of Investment	12.00%	[1],[3]	'
Benchmark Senior Living [Member]	'		'
Concentration by investment:	'		'
Number of properties in diversified portfolio	39	[1],[2]	'
Net real estate investments	924,285,000	[1],[2]	'
Percent of Investment	4.00%	[1],[3]	'
Remaining Portfolio [Member]	'		'
Concentration by investment:	'		'
Number of properties in diversified portfolio	762	[1],[2]	'
Net real estate investments	12,310,135,000	[1],[2]	'
Percent of Investment	56.00%	[1],[3]	'
Belmont Village [Member]	'		'
Concentration by investment:	'		'
Number of properties in diversified portfolio	19	[1],[2]	'
Net real estate investments	826,674,000	[1],[2]	'
Percent of Investment	4.00%	[1],[3]	'
Sunrise Senior Living [Member]	'		'
Concentration by investment:	'		'
Number of properties in diversified portfolio	132	[1],[2],[4]	'
Net real estate investments	4,142,650,000	[1],[2],[4]	'
Percent of Investment	19.00%	[1],[3],[4]	'
Revera [Member]	'		'
Concentration by investment:	'		'
Number of properties in diversified portfolio	48	[1],[2],[4]	'
Net real estate investments	$1,084,547,000	[1],[2],[4]	'
Percent of Investment	5.00%	[1],[3],[4]	'
[1]	(1)B B B B Genesis is in our seniors housing triple-net segment. Sunrise, Revera, and Belmont Village are in our seniors housing operating segment. Benchmark is in both our seniors housing triple-net and seniors housing operating segments.
[2]	(2)B B B B Excludes our share of investments in unconsolidated entities. Please see Note ##7NOTE for additional information.
[3]	(3)B B B B Investments with our top five relationships comprised 44% of total investments at ##D<PYE>.
[4]	(4)B B B B Revera owns a controlling interest in Sunrise.

Borrowings_Under_Credit_Facili2

Borrowings Under Credit Facilities and Related Items (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	CAD	GBP (£)	USD ($)
Aggregate borrowings under the unsecured line of credit arrangements	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance outstanding at quarter end	$0	$847,670,000	$0	$847,670,000	0	£ 0	$130,000,000
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end	235,000,000	1,019,050,000	637,000,000	1,019,050,000	'	'	'
Average amount outstanding (total of daily principal balances divided by days in period)	$100,380,000	$562,978,000	$253,681,000	$527,890,000	'	'	'
Weighted average interest rate (actual interest expense divided by average borrowings outstanding)	1.67%	1.51%	1.40%	1.43%	'	'	'

Borrowings_Under_Credit_Facili3

Borrowings Under Credit Facilities and Related Items (Details Textual)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
		USD ($)	CAD	GBP (£)	USD ($)	USD ($)
		Number
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unsecured line of credit arrangement	'	$2,500,000,000	'	'	'	'
Additional unsecured line of credit arrangement	'	1,000,000,000	'	'	'	'
Maximum aggregate commitment	'	3,500,000,000	'	'	'	'
Number of banks in consortium	'	28	28	28	'	'
Available to borrow in alternate currencies	'	500,000,000	'	'	'	'
Agent bank's prime rate of interest	'	1.20%	1.20%	1.20%	'	'
Interest Rate margin	'	1.05%	1.05%	1.05%	'	'
Annual facility fee for each bank based on commitment amount	0.20%	0.20%	0.20%	0.20%	'	'
Balance outstanding at quarter end	'	0	0	0	130,000,000	847,670,000
Term Loan Interest Rate Margin	'	1.15%	1.15%	1.15%	'	'
HCN Term Loan	'	500,000,000	'	'	'	'
HCN Canadian Denomiated Term Loan	'	$250,000,000	'	'	'	'

Senior_Unsecured_Notes_and_Sec2

Senior Unsecured Notes and Secured Debt (Details)	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
	USD ($)	USD ($)	Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]		Secured Debt [Member]		Canadian Denominated Unsecured Term Loan [Member]	Canadian Denominated Unsecured Term Loan [Member]	Unsecured Line of Credit Term Loan [Member]	UKDebt [Member]	UKDebt [Member]
			USD ($)		USD ($)		USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	USD ($)	GBP (£)
Principal payments due on debt obligations	'	'	'		'		'	'	'	'	'
2014	$50,367,000	'	$0	[1],[2]	$50,367,000	[1],[3]	'	'	'	'	'
2015	657,611,000	'	250,000,000	[1],[2],[4]	407,611,000	[1],[3]	'	'	'	'	'
2016	1,095,659,000	'	700,000,000	[1],[2],[5]	395,659,000	[1],[3]	'	'	'	'	'
2017	803,801,000	'	450,000,000	[1],[2]	353,801,000	[1],[3]	'	'	'	'	'
2018	1,605,264,000	'	1,173,055,000	[1],[2]	432,209,000	[1],[3]	'	'	'	'	'
Thereafter	5,991,346,000	'	4,769,273,000	[1],[2],[6]	1,222,073,000	[1],[3]	'	'	'	'	'
Totals	10,204,048,000	'	7,342,328,000	[1],[2]	2,861,720,000	[1],[3]	'	'	'	'	'
Senior Unsecured Notes and Secured Debt (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'		'		'	'	'	'	'
Notes, annual stated interest rates, Minimum	'	'	1.50%		1.00%		'	'	'	'	'
Notes, annual stated interest rates, Maximum	'	'	6.50%		8.00%		'	'	'	'	'
Senior unsecured notes issued amount	'	'	'		'		'	'	'	891,825,000	550,000,000
Senior unsecured notes	7,305,414,000	7,379,308,000	'		'		223,055,000	250,000,000	500,000,000	'	'
Secured debt	2,893,814,000	3,058,248,000	'		'		'	'	'	'	'
Carrying values of properties securing the debt	'	'	'		$5,121,039,000		'	'	'	'	'
Interest Rate margin	1.05%	'	'		'		'	'	'	'	'
[1]	(1) Amounts represent principal amounts due and do not include unamortized premiums/discounts or other fair value adjustments as reflected on the balance sheet.
[2]	(2) Annual interest rates range from 1.3% to 6.5%.
[3]	(3) Annual interest rates range from 1.0% to 8.0%. Carrying value of the properties securing the debt totaled $5,121,039,000 at September 30, 2014.
[4]	(4) On July 30, 2012, we completed funding on a $250,000,000 Canadian denominated unsecured term loan (approximately $223,055,000 based on the Canadian/U.S. Dollar exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2014). This loan was refinanced on July 25, 2014. See Note 9 for additional information.
[5]	(5) On January 8, 2013, we completed funding on a $500,000,000 unsecured term loan. This loan was refinanced on July 25, 2014. See Note 9 for additional information.
[6]	(6) On November 20, 2013, we completed the sale of £550,000,000 (approximately $891,825,000 based on the Sterling/U.S. Dollar exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2014) of 4.8% senior unsecured notes due 2028.

Senior_Unsecured_Notes_and_Sec3

Senior Unsecured Notes and Secured Debt (Details 1) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Unsecured note issuances	'	'	'	'
Senior unsecured debt issued	$0	$497,862,000	'	'
Senior unsecured debt redeemed	-47,591,000	-217,615,000	'	'
Excluding Fair Value Adjustments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Unsecured note issuances	'	'	'	'
Senior unsecured debt balance	7,342,328,000	6,175,118,000	7,421,707,000	5,894,403,000
Senior unsecured debt issued	0	500,000,000	'	'
Senior unsecured debt redeemed	-47,660,000	-219,285,000	'	'
Senior unsecured debt foreign currency	($31,719,000)	$0	'	'
Senior unsecured debt balance average rate	0.04388	0.0448	0.044	0.04675
Senior unsecured debt issued average rate	0	0.01552	'	'
Senior unsecured debt redeemed average rate	0.03	0.03	'	'
Senior unsecured debt foreign currency average rate	0.03892	0	'	'

Senior_Unsecured_Notes_and_Sec4

Senior Unsecured Notes and Secured Debt (Details 2) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Secured debt principal activity	'	'	'	'
Secured debt issued	$98,100,000	$85,140,000	'	'
Secured debt extinguished	286,162,000	575,373,000	'	'
Excluding Fair Value Adjustments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Secured debt principal activity	'	'	'	'
Secured debt principal balance	2,861,720,000	3,065,923,000	3,010,711,000	2,311,586,000
Secured debt issued	98,100,000	85,140,000	'	'
Secured debt assumed	62,505,000	1,241,898,000	'	'
Secured debt extinguished	-240,355,000	-535,367,000	'	'
Secured debt principal payments	-45,807,000	-40,006,000	'	'
Secured debt foreign currency	($23,434,000)	$2,672,000	'	'
Secured debt principal balance average rate	0.0494	0.0508	0.0509	0.0514
Secured debt principal issued average rate	0.0323	0.0505	'	'
Secured debt principal assumed average rate	0.0311	0.0411	'	'
Secured debt principal extinguished average rate	0.0566	0.0352	'	'
Secured debt principal payment average rate	0.0497	0.0527	'	'
Secured debt principal foreign currency average rate	0.0378	0.0404	'	'

Derivative_Instruments_Details

Derivative Instruments (Details)

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Derivative [Member]

Derivative [Member]

Derivative [Member]

Derivative [Member]

Financial Instruments [Member]

Financial Instruments [Member]

Financial Instruments [Member]

Financial Instruments [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Non Designated [Member]

Non Designated [Member]

CAD

GBP (£)

CAD

GBP (£)

CAD

GBP (£)

CAD

GBP (£)

USD ($)

CAD

GBP (£)

USD ($)

CAD

CAD

Derivative [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative notional amount

600,000,000

£ 350,000,000

600,000,000

£ 350,000,000

250,000,000

£ 550,000,000

250,000,000

£ 550,000,000

$57,000,000

9,000,000

£ 50,000,000

$57,000,000

918,000,000

0

Derivative_Instruments_Details1

Derivative Instruments (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Loss (gain) on derivatives, net	$49,000	$4,872,000	$400,000	$4,465,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI	-4,000	-4,000	-11,000	-12,000
Gain (loss) on interest rate swaps recalssified from AOCI into income (effective portion)	-459,000	-477,000	-1,338,000	-1,428,000
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI	12,880,000	-110,404,000	6,833,000	-19,867,000
Gain on Release of cumulative translation adjustment related to net investment hedge of an equity investment	$528,000	'	$528,000	'

Derivative_Instruments_Textual

Derivative Instruments (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]	'
Cash Flow Hedge Gain Loss To Be Reclassified Within Twelve Months 2	$613,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Number
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Number of outstanding letters of credit	6	'
Letter of credit obligation	$10,769,000	'
Outstanding construction financings for leased properties	179,356,000	141,085,000
Additional financing to complete construction	217,337,000	'
Total contingent purchase obligations	39,988,000	'
Minimum part of economic life of the leased asset to be classified as capital lease	75.00%	'
Minimum net present value of the future minimum lease payments to be classified as capital lease.	90.00%	'
Operating lease obligations relating to certain ground leases	857,034,000	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals	27,967,000	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	113,075,000	'
Purchase Obligation for Acquisitions Expected to be Completed before YE	1,083,370,000	'
Unfunded commitment for secured bridge facility	$360,000,000	'

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholder's Equity (Details)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Preferred Stock:	'	'	'	'
Authorized shares	50,000,000	50,000,000	'	'
Issued shares	25,875,000	26,108,236	'	'
Outstanding shares	25,875,000	26,108,236	26,224,854	26,224,854
Common Stock, $1.00 par value:	'	'	'	'
Authorized shares	700,000,000	400,000,000	'	'
Issued shares	328,127,314	290,024,789	'	'
Outstanding shares	327,429,765	289,563,651	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_Details_1

Stockholder's Equity (Details 1) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of common stock issuances	'	'
Public issuance, Shares Issued	17,825,000	23,000,000
Public issuance, Average Price	$63.75	$73.50
Public issuance, Gross Proceeds	1,136,343,750	1,690,500,000
Public issuance, Net Proceeds	1,095,883,000	1,630,281,000
Dividend reinvestment plan issuances, Shares Issued	3,114,052	2,379,609
Dividend reinvestment plan issuances, Average Price	60.05	64.62
Dividend reinvestment plan issuances, Net Proceeds	186,996,000	153,762,000
Dividend reinvestment plan issuances, Gross Proceeds	186,996,000	153,762,000
Option exercises, Shares	207,046	200,467
Option exercises, Average Price	45.94	42.45
Option exercises, Gross Proceeds	9,512,000	8,509,000
Option exercises, Net Proceeds	9,512,000	8,509,000
Stock incentive plans, net of forfeitures, Shares Issued	186,837	'
Issuance of Common Stock, Shares	37,866,114	27,676,960
Preferred stock conversions	233,236	0
Senior note conversions	199,943	987,967
Equity issued in acquisition of noncontrolling interest	'	1,108,917
Gross Proceeds From Issuance of Common Stock	2,336,686,750	1,852,771,000
Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock	2,260,908,000	1,792,552,000
June 2014 Public Issuance [Member]	'	'
Summary of common stock issuances	'	'
Public issuance, Shares Issued	16,100,000	'
Public issuance, Average Price	62.35	'
Public issuance, Gross Proceeds	1,003,835,000	'
Public issuance, Net Proceeds	$968,517,000	'

Stockholders_Equity_Details_2

Stockholder's Equity (Details 2) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	'		'	'		'
Unrecognized losses on cash flow hedges	($3,732,000)		($5,059,000)	($5,541,000)		($6,957,000)
Unrecognized losses on equity investments	0		-389,000	-562,000		-216,000
Unrecognized gains (losses) on foreign currency translation	-47,520,000		-17,631,000	-14,398,000		-881,000
Unrecognized actuarial losses	-1,452,000		-1,452,000	-2,974,000		-2,974,000
Totals	-52,704,000		-24,531,000	-23,475,000		-11,028,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments	'		'	'		'
Summary of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	'		'	'		'
Unrecognized losses on cash flow hedges	-11,000		'	-12,000		'
Unrecognized losses on equity investments	389,000		'	-346,000		'
Unrecognized gains (losses) on foreign currency translation	-29,361,000		'	-13,517,000		'
Unrecognized actuarial losses	0		'	0		'
Totals	-28,983,000		'	-13,875,000		'
Reclassification amount to net income	'		'	'		'
Summary of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	'		'	'		'
Unrecognized losses on cash flow hedges	1,338,000	[1]	'	1,428,000	[1]	'
Unrecognized losses on equity investments	0		'	0		'
Unrecognized gains (losses) on foreign currency translation	-528,000	[1]	'	0		'
Unrecognized actuarial losses	0		'	0		'
Totals	810,000		'	1,428,000		'
Net current period other comprehensive income	'		'	'		'
Summary of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	'		'	'		'
Unrecognized losses on cash flow hedges	1,327,000		'	1,416,000		'
Unrecognized losses on equity investments	389,000		'	-346,000		'
Unrecognized gains (losses) on foreign currency translation	-29,889,000		'	-13,517,000		'
Unrecognized actuarial losses	0		'	0		'
Totals	($28,173,000)		'	($12,447,000)		'
[1]	(1) Please see Note 11 for additional information.

Stockholders_Equity_Details_4

Stockholder's Equity (Details 4)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock conversions	233,236	0	'	'
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	25,875,000	26,224,854	26,108,236	26,224,854
Preferred stock balance weighted average rate	0.065	0.06493	0.06496	0.06493
Preferred stock converted weighted average rate	0.06	0	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_Details_5

Stockholder's Equity (Details 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of dividend payments	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared and paid per common share	$0.80	$0.77	$2.38	$2.29
Common stock cash dividends	'	'	$708,923,000	$618,992,000
Total dividends paid	'	'	757,980,000	668,797,000
Series H Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of dividend payments	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared and paid per preferred share	'	'	$0.01	$2.14
Preferred stock cash dividends	'	'	1,000	750,000
Series I Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of dividend payments	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared and paid per preferred share	'	'	$2.44	$2.44
Preferred stock cash dividends	'	'	35,040,000	35,039,000
Series J Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of dividend payments	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared and paid per preferred share	'	'	$1.22	$1.22
Preferred stock cash dividends	'	'	$14,016,000	$14,016,000

Stockholders_Equity_Details_Te

Stockholder's Equity (Details Textual) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity (Details) [Abstract]	'
Transaction Costs Existing Partnership	$2,732,000
Noncontrolling Interest Decrease From Business Combination	20.00%
Payments To Acquire Businesses Gross 2	$91,000,000

Stock_Incentive_Plans_Details_

Stock Incentive Plans (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock Incentive Plans [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of common stock authorized for Long-Term Incentive Plan	6,200,000	'	6,200,000	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$4,271,000	$3,956,000	$26,108,000	$16,650,000
CEO transition costs	19,688,000	'	'	'
Restricted Stock, deferred	9,223,000	'	'	'
Consulting, retirement payments and other costs	$10,465,000	'	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Computation of basic and diluted earnings per share	'	'	'	'
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share - net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$136,255,000	$20,691,000	$258,107,000	$67,245,000
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average shares	311,117,000	286,020,000	299,137,000	273,148,000
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Employee stock options	202,000	196,000	181,000	235,000
Non-vested restricted shares	505,000	567,000	506,000	417,000
Convertible senior unsecured notes	988,000	1,246,000	821,000	1,447,000
Dilutive potential common shares	1,695,000	2,009,000	1,508,000	2,099,000
Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted average shares	312,812,000	288,029,000	300,645,000	275,247,000
Basic earnings per share	$0.44	$0.07	$0.86	$0.25
Diluted earnings per share	$0.44	$0.07	$0.86	$0.24
Earnings Per Share (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Securities Excluded From Computation Of Diluted Earnings Per Share	0	0	0	0

Disclosure_about_Fair_Value_of2

Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details)	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	USD ($)		CAD	GBP (£)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]	Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]	Other Real Estate Loans Receivable [Member]	Other Real Estate Loans Receivable [Member]
								USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Financial Assets:	'		'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Loans receivable, Carrying Amount	$318,221,000		'	'	$332,146,000	'	'	$102,241,000	$146,987,000	$215,980,000	$185,159,000
Loans receivable, Fair value	'		'	'	'	'	'	104,786,000	148,088,000	217,952,000	188,920,000
Available-for-sale equity investments, Carrying Amount	'		'	'	1,211,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale equity investments, Fair Value	'		'	'	1,211,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, Carrying Amount	998,678,000		'	'	158,780,000	164,838,000	1,033,764,000	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, Fair Value	998,678,000		'	'	158,780,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency forward contract, asset	46,183,000		'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate derivative, Fair Value, Asset	1,000	[1]	'	'	38,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Financial Liabilities:	'		'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Borrowings under primary unsecured credit facilities, Carrying Value	0		0	0	130,000,000	847,670,000	'	'	'	'	'
Borrowings under primary unsecured credit facilities, Fair Value	'		'	'	130,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior unsecured notes, Carrying Amount	7,305,414,000		'	'	7,379,308,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior unsecured notes, Fair Value	8,034,352,000		'	'	7,743,730,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Secured debt, Carrying Amount	2,893,814,000		'	'	3,058,248,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Secured debt, Fair Value	2,953,223,000		'	'	3,168,775,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency forward contact, liability	14,756,000		'	'	11,637,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Redeemable OP unitholder interests	$39,987,000		'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
[1]	(1) Please see Note 11 for additional information.

Disclosure_about_Fair_Value_of3

Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details 1) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
The Market approach utilized to measure fair value of financial assets and liabilities on recurring basis	'		'
Available-for-sale equity investments	'		$1,211,000
Interest rate swap agreements, net	1,000	[1]	38,000
Foreign currency forward contracts	31,427,000	[1]	'
Redeemable OP unitholder interests	39,987,000		'
Totals	71,415,000		'
Level 2 [Member]	'		'
The Market approach utilized to measure fair value of financial assets and liabilities on recurring basis	'		'
Interest rate swap agreements, net	1,000	[1]	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	31,427,000	[1]	'
Redeemable OP unitholder interests	39,987,000		'
Totals	$71,415,000		'
[1]	(1) Please see Note 11 for additional information.

Segment_Reporting_Details

Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of information for reportable segments	'	'	'	'	'
Rental income	$354,148,000	$308,512,000	$1,038,451,000	$900,028,000	'
Resident fees and services	482,412,000	466,127,000	1,406,316,000	1,164,446,000	'
Interest income	9,344,000	7,629,000	26,871,000	24,325,000	'
Other income	1,619,000	1,443,000	4,139,000	3,168,000	'
Total revenues	847,523,000	783,711,000	2,475,777,000	2,091,967,000	'
Property operating expenses	355,157,000	341,921,000	1,040,342,000	872,701,000	'
Net Operating Income from Continuing Operations	492,366,000	441,790,000	1,435,435,000	1,219,266,000	'
Interest expense	118,435,000	116,020,000	360,334,000	334,321,000	'
Loss (gain) on derivatives, net	49,000	4,872,000	400,000	4,465,000	'
Depreciation and amortization	200,970,000	241,027,000	648,737,000	623,777,000	'
General and administrative	30,803,000	28,718,000	115,327,000	79,799,000	'
Transaction costs	13,554,000	23,591,000	21,546,000	117,707,000	'
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net	2,692,000	-4,068,000	-3,075,000	4,376,000	'
Other expenses	10,262,000	'	10,262,000	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities	115,601,000	31,630,000	275,754,000	63,573,000	'
Total assets	24,541,722,000	'	24,541,722,000	'	23,083,957,000
Percent Of Assets	1	1	1	1	1
Percent Of Revenues	1	1	1	1	'
Senior housing - triple net [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of information for reportable segments	'	'	'	'	'
Rental income	231,512,000	197,950,000	671,813,000	568,764,000	'
Resident fees and services	0	0	0	0	'
Interest income	5,852,000	5,035,000	16,958,000	16,311,000	'
Other income	836,000	778,000	1,281,000	1,183,000	'
Total revenues	238,200,000	203,763,000	690,052,000	586,258,000	'
Property operating expenses	0	0	0	0	'
Net Operating Income from Continuing Operations	238,200,000	203,763,000	690,052,000	586,258,000	'
Interest expense	10,294,000	5,869,000	28,064,000	14,921,000	'
Loss (gain) on derivatives, net	52,000	4,872,000	125,000	4,872,000	'
Depreciation and amortization	63,223,000	57,214,000	186,240,000	166,801,000	'
General and administrative	0	0	0	0	'
Transaction costs	1,619,000	4,026,000	5,900,000	15,730,000	'
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net	-36,000	'	-36,000	0	'
Other expenses	8,825,000	'	8,825,000	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities	154,223,000	131,782,000	460,934,000	383,934,000	'
Total assets	10,354,397,000	'	10,354,397,000	'	'
Senior housing - operating [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of information for reportable segments	'	'	'	'	'
Rental income	0	0	0	0	'
Resident fees and services	482,412,000	466,127,000	1,406,316,000	1,164,446,000	'
Interest income	1,054,000	0	1,065,000	757,000	'
Other income	325,000	167,000	1,643,000	169,000	'
Total revenues	483,791,000	466,294,000	1,409,024,000	1,165,372,000	'
Property operating expenses	320,895,000	311,575,000	939,108,000	785,050,000	'
Net Operating Income from Continuing Operations	162,896,000	154,719,000	469,916,000	380,322,000	'
Interest expense	26,612,000	24,693,000	82,924,000	63,175,000	'
Loss (gain) on derivatives, net	-3,000	0	275,000	-407,000	'
Depreciation and amortization	95,819,000	144,578,000	334,625,000	338,099,000	'
General and administrative	0	0	0	0	'
Transaction costs	10,572,000	18,882,000	12,863,000	101,006,000	'
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net	0	-5,252,000	383,000	-5,560,000	'
Other expenses	1,437,000	'	1,437,000	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities	28,459,000	-28,182,000	37,409,000	-115,991,000	'
Total assets	9,248,040,000	'	9,248,040,000	'	'
Medical facilities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of information for reportable segments	'	'	'	'	'
Rental income	122,636,000	110,562,000	366,638,000	331,264,000	'
Resident fees and services	0	0	0	0	'
Interest income	2,438,000	2,594,000	8,848,000	7,257,000	'
Other income	352,000	466,000	1,017,000	1,539,000	'
Total revenues	125,426,000	113,622,000	376,503,000	340,060,000	'
Property operating expenses	34,262,000	30,346,000	101,234,000	87,651,000	'
Net Operating Income from Continuing Operations	91,164,000	83,276,000	275,269,000	252,409,000	'
Interest expense	7,692,000	8,732,000	25,422,000	27,097,000	'
Loss (gain) on derivatives, net	0	0	0	0	'
Depreciation and amortization	41,928,000	39,235,000	127,872,000	118,877,000	'
General and administrative	0	0	0	0	'
Transaction costs	1,363,000	683,000	2,783,000	971,000	'
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net	0	'	0	0	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities	40,181,000	34,626,000	119,192,000	105,464,000	'
Total assets	4,886,894,000	'	4,886,894,000	'	'
Non Segment Corporate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of information for reportable segments	'	'	'	'	'
Rental income	0	0	0	0	'
Resident fees and services	0	0	0	0	'
Interest income	0	0	0	0	'
Other income	106,000	32,000	198,000	277,000	'
Total revenues	106,000	32,000	198,000	277,000	'
Property operating expenses	0	0	0	0	'
Net Operating Income from Continuing Operations	106,000	32,000	198,000	277,000	'
Interest expense	73,837,000	76,726,000	223,924,000	229,128,000	'
Loss (gain) on derivatives, net	0	0	0	0	'
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0	'
General and administrative	30,803,000	28,718,000	115,327,000	79,799,000	'
Transaction costs	0	0	0	0	'
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net	2,728,000	1,184,000	2,728,000	1,184,000	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities	-107,262,000	-106,596,000	-341,781,000	-309,834,000	'
Total assets	52,391,000	'	52,391,000	'	'
International [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of information for reportable segments	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	139,681,000	120,789,000	396,914,000	264,497,000	'
Total assets	3,341,994,000	'	3,341,994,000	'	3,324,012,000
Percent Of Assets	0.136	'	0.136	'	0.144
Percent Of Revenues	0.165	0.154	0.16	0.126	'
United States [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of information for reportable segments	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	707,842,000	662,922,000	2,078,863,000	1,827,470,000	'
Total assets	$21,199,728,000	'	$21,199,728,000	'	$19,759,945,000
Percent Of Assets	0.864	'	0.864	'	0.856
Percent Of Revenues	0.835	0.846	0.84	0.874	'

Income_Taxes_and_Distributions1

Income Taxes and Distributions (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes And Distributions (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities	$12,310,000	$19,748,000
Additional Income Taxes and Distributions (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	927,000	6,413,000
Genesis Acquisition [Member]	'	'
Additional Income Taxes and Distributions (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$6,976,000	'

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
		Number
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'
Number of banks in consortium	'	28
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	'	$2,500,000,000
Interest Rate margin	'	1.05%
Facility Fee as Percentage of commitment fee	0.20%	0.20%
Line of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity Additional	'	1,000,000,000
Available In Alternate Currencies	'	$500,000,000
Term Loan Interest Rate Margin	1.15%	'