Welltower (WELL) 10-Q 8 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	1-May-15	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	HEALTH CARE REIT INC /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	766704
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End date	31-Mar-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
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		350,626,627

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Real property owned:
Land and land improvements	$2,160,886,000		$2,046,541,000
Buildings and improvements	23,192,154,000		21,799,313,000
Acquired lease intangibles	1,187,094,000		1,135,936,000
Real property held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation	234,829,000		323,818,000
Construction in progress	211,941,000		186,327,000
Gross real property owned	26,986,904,000		25,491,935,000
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-3,186,424,000		-3,020,908,000
Net real property owned	23,800,480,000		22,471,027,000
Real estate loans receivable:
Real estate loans receivable	745,267,000		380,169,000
Less allowance for losses on loans receivable	0
Net real estate investments	24,545,747,000		22,851,196,000
Other assets:
Investments in unconsolidated entities	715,468,000		744,151,000
Goodwill	68,321,000		68,321,000
Deferred loan expenses	63,378,000		69,282,000
Cash and cash equivalents	202,273,000		473,726,000
Restricted cash	85,177,000		79,697,000
Straight-line rent receivable	307,050,000		279,806,000
Receivables and other assets	641,981,000		448,117,000
Total other assets	2,083,648,000		2,163,100,000
Total assets	26,629,395,000		25,014,296,000
Liabilities:
Borrowings under primary unsecured credit facilities, Carrying Value	410,000,000	[1]	0
Senior unsecured notes	7,518,196,000		7,766,251,000
Secured debt	3,010,971,000		2,977,713,000
Capital lease obligations	75,622,000		84,049,000
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	604,149,000		626,825,000
Total liabilities	11,618,938,000		11,454,838,000
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	92,508,000		86,409,000
Equity:
Preferred stock	1,006,250,000		1,006,250,000
Common stock	350,434,000		328,835,000
Capital in excess of par value	16,218,794,000		14,740,712,000
Treasury stock	-41,373,000		-35,241,000
Cumulative net income	3,049,173,000		2,842,022,000
Cumulative Dividends	-5,924,844,000		-5,635,923,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-107,496,000		-77,009,000
Other equity	4,449,000		5,507,000
Total Health Care REIT, Inc. stockholders' equity	14,555,387,000		13,175,153,000
Noncontrolling interests	362,562,000		297,896,000
Total equity	14,917,949,000		13,473,049,000
Total liabilities and equity	$26,629,395,000		$25,014,296,000
[1]	(1) As of March 31, 2015, letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $65,335,000 have been issued, which reduces the borrowing capacity on the unsecured revolving credit facility.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Rental income	$379,587,000		$336,455,000
Resident fees and services	492,510,000		456,265,000
Interest income	16,994,000		8,594,000
Other income	5,086,000		493,000
Total revenues	894,177,000		801,807,000
Expenses:
Interest expense	121,080,000		120,833,000
Property operating expenses	376,461,000		341,431,000
Depreciation and amortization	188,829,000		233,318,000
General and administrative	35,138,000		32,865,000
Transaction costs	48,554,000		952,000
Loss (gain) on derivatives, net	-58,427,000	[1]
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net	-15,401,000		148,000
Provision for loan losses	0
Impairment of Asset	2,220,000
Total expenses	729,256,000		729,251,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities, total	164,921,000		72,556,000
Income tax (expense) benefit	304,000		-2,260,000
(Loss) income from unconsolidated entities	-12,648,000		-5,556,000
Income from continuing operations	152,577,000		64,740,000
Discontinued operations:
Gain (loss) on sales of properties, net	56,845,000
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net			460,000
Gain (loss) on real estate dispositions, net	56,845,000
Net income	209,422,000		65,200,000
Less: Preferred stock dividends	16,352,000		16,353,000
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,271,000	[2]	-1,175,000	[2]
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$190,799,000		$50,022,000
Average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic	336,754		289,606
Diluted	337,812		290,917
Basic:
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders, including real estate dispositions	$0.57		$0.17
Discontinued operations, net	$0
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, total	$0.57		$0.17
Diluted:
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders, including real estate dispositions	$0.56		$0.17
Discontinued operations, net	$0
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, total	$0.56		$0.17
Dividends declared and paid per common share	$0.83		$0.80
[1]	(1) In April 2011, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the real estate assets of privately-owned Genesis Healthcare Corporation. In conjunction with this transaction, we received the option to acquire an ownership interest in Genesis Healthcare. In February 2015, Genesis Healthcare closed on a transaction to merge with Skilled Healthcare Group to become a publicly traded company which required us to record the value of the derivative asset due to the net settlement feature.
[2]	(1) Includes amounts attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$209,422,000		$65,200,000
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrecognized gain (loss) on equity investments	-11,687,000		549,000
Unrecognized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	-2,159,000		440,000
Reclassification adjustment realized in net income	0		0
Unrecognized actuarial gain/(loss)	0		0
Unrecognized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation	-29,197,000		-9,889,000
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-43,043,000		-8,900,000
Total comprehensive income (loss), total	166,379,000		56,300,000
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-10,285,000	[1]	-9,187,000	[1]
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interests	$176,664,000		$65,487,000
[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, 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)	65,393,000					66,375,000				-982,000
Other comprehensive income	-8,900,000							-888,000		-8,012,000
Total comprehensive income	56,493,000
Net change in noncontrolling interests	-7,096,000			-2,713,000						-4,383,000
Amounts related to issuance of common stock from dividend reinvestment and stock incentive plans, net of forfeitures	63,919,000		1,397,000	67,725,000	-5,191,000				-12,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0		0	0
Conversion of preferred stock		-11,111,000	233,000	10,878,000
Equity component of convertible debt	0
Option compensation expense	233,000								233,000
Cash dividends paid:
Common stock cash dividends	-230,801,000						-230,801,000
Preferred stock cash dividends	-16,353,000						-16,353,000
Balances at end of period at Mar. 31, 2014	11,622,726,000	1,006,250,000	291,091,000	12,494,410,000	-26,454,000	2,396,244,000	-4,848,008,000	-25,419,000	6,241,000	328,371,000
Balances at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2014	13,473,049,000	1,006,250,000	328,835,000	14,740,712,000	-35,241,000	2,842,022,000	-5,635,923,000	-77,009,000	5,507,000	297,896,000
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)	209,076,000					207,151,000				1,925,000
Other comprehensive income	-43,043,000							-30,487,000		-12,556,000
Total comprehensive income	166,033,000
Net change in noncontrolling interests	70,757,000			-4,540,000						75,297,000
Amounts related to issuance of common stock from dividend reinvestment and stock incentive plans, net of forfeitures	67,236,000		1,001,000	73,642,000	-6,132,000				-1,275,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,423,935,000		19,550,000	1,404,385,000
Conversion of preferred stock	0
Equity component of convertible debt	5,643,000		1,048,000	4,595,000
Option compensation expense	217,000								217,000
Cash dividends paid:
Common stock cash dividends	-272,569,000						-272,569,000
Preferred stock cash dividends	-16,352,000						-16,352,000
Balances at end of period at Mar. 31, 2015	$14,917,949,000	$1,006,250,000	$350,434,000	$16,218,794,000	($41,373,000)	$3,049,173,000	($5,924,844,000)	($107,496,000)	$4,449,000	$362,562,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Operating activities
Net income (loss)	$209,422,000		$65,200,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	188,829,000		233,318,000
Other amortization expenses	1,320,000		1,672,000
Provision for loan losses	0
Asset Impairment Charges	2,220,000
Stock-based compensation expense	9,054,000		7,667,000
Loss (gain) on derivatives, net	-58,427,000		0
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net	15,401,000		-148,000
Income from unconsolidated entities	12,648,000		5,556,000
Rental income in excess of cash received	-27,244,000		-15,323,000
Amortization related to above (below) market leases, net	113,000		266,000
Net loss (gain) on sales of properties	-56,845,000		0
Distributions by unconsolidated entities	172,000		4,560,000
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities	-47,489,000		-25,532,000
Decrease (increase) in receivables and other assets	-22,992,000		-18,575,000
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	226,182,000		258,661,000
Investing activities
Cash disbursed for acquisitions	-1,500,994,000		-55,041,000
Cash disbursed for capital improvements to existing properties	-29,828,000		-27,406,000
Cash disbursed for construction in progress	-59,552,000		-52,717,000
Capitalized interest	-2,387,000		-1,605,000
Investment in real estate loans receivable	-384,695,000		-29,709,000
Other investments, net of payments	-102,126,000		1,787,000
Principal collected on real estate loans receivable	16,501,000		10,646,000
Contributions to unconsolidated entities	-83,964,000		-214,832,000
Distributions by unconsolidated entities	89,195,000		12,462,000
Proceeds from (payments on) derivatives investing	72,477,000		0
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash	-1,660,000		5,024,000
Proceeds from sales of real property	177,265,000		0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	-1,809,768,000		-351,391,000
Financing activities
Net increase (decrease) under unsecured lines of credit arrangements	410,000,000		432,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes	0		0
Payments to extinguish senior unsecured notes	-154,654,000		-1,000
Secured debt issued	82,724,000		10,690,000
Payments on secured debt	-208,057,000		-129,539,000
Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock	1,489,547,000		63,755,000
Decrease (increase) in deferred loan expenses	-4,485,000		-2,284,000
Contributions by noncontrolling interests	2,514,000	[1]	778,000	[1]
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-7,417,000	[1]	-7,386,000	[1]
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests	0		-1,175,000
Cash distributions to stockholders	-288,921,000		-247,154,000
Other financing activities	-8,428,000		-87,000
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	1,312,823,000		119,597,000
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash and cash equivalents	-690,000		281,000
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-271,453,000		27,148,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	473,726,000		158,780,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	202,273,000		185,928,000
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	134,737,000		126,302,000
Income taxes paid	$2,942,000		$10,064,000
[1]	(1) Includes amounts attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests.

Business

Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015, our diversified portfolio consisted of 1,384 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily an indication of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. 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, 2014.
	New Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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. In April 2015, the FASB proposed deferring the effective date by one year to December 15, 2017 for annual reporting periods beginning after that date, but early adoption is permitted. 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.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis” (“ASU 2015-02”), which makes certain changes to both the variable interest model and the voting model, including changes to (1) the identification of variable interests (fees paid to a decision maker or service provider), (2) the variable interest entity characteristics for a limited partnership or similar entity and (3) the primary beneficiary determination. ASU 2015-02 is effective beginning January 1, 2016. We are continuing to evaluate this guidance; however, we do not expect its adoption to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”), which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected. Upon adoption, we will apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis and adjust the balance sheet of each individual period presented to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. The guidance is effective beginning January 1, 2016. We are continuing to evaluate this guidance; however, we do not expect its adoption to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Real_Property_Acquisitions_and

Real Property Acquisitions and Development	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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.
	Triple-net Activity
			Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)		March 31, 2015(1)			31-Mar-14
	Land and land improvements			$	70,002		$	2,750
	Buildings and improvements				537,014			30,693
	Acquired lease intangibles				799			-
	Receivables and other assets				7			-
		Total assets acquired			607,822			33,443
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities				-732			-
		Total liabilities assumed			-732			-
	Non-cash acquisition related activity				-357			-657
		Cash disbursed for acquisitions			606,733			32,786
	Construction in progress additions				45,360			24,657
	Less:	Capitalized interest			-1,756			-1,170
		Foreign currency translation			-642			-14
	Cash disbursed for construction in progress				42,962			23,473
	Capital improvements to existing properties				11,557			5,877
		Total cash invested in real property, net of cash acquired		$	661,252		$	62,136
	(1) Includes acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of $571,586,000 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, 2014 for information regarding our foreign currency policies.
			Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)		March 31, 2015(1)			31-Mar-14
	Land and land improvements			$	86,184		$	2,100
	Building and improvements				1,016,426			19,069
	Acquired lease intangibles				62,838			1,331
	Restricted cash				3,820			-
	Receivables and other assets				23,014			-
		Total assets acquired(2)			1,192,282			22,500
	Secured debt				-208,960			-
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities				-16,164			-245
		Total liabilities assumed			-225,124			-245
	Noncontrolling interests				-83,194			-
		Cash disbursed for acquisitions			883,964			22,255
	Construction in progress additions				4,193			1,026
	Less:	Capitalized interest			-394			-50
		Foreign currency translation			-1,472			-
	Cash disbursed for construction in progress				2,327			976
	Capital improvements to existing properties				11,632			13,998
		Total cash invested in real property, net of cash acquired		$	897,923		$	37,229
	(1) Includes acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of $885,642,000 for which the allocation of the purchase price consideration is preliminary and subject to change.
	(2) Excludes $1,677,000 and $245,000 of cash acquired during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	Outpatient Medical Activity
			Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)		March 31, 2015 (1)				31-Mar-14
	Buildings and improvements			$	9,786		$	-
	Acquired lease intangibles				511			-
		Total assets acquired			10,297			-
		Cash disbursed for acquisitions			10,297			-
	Construction in progress additions				16,421			38,237
	Less:	Capitalized interest			-237			-385
		Accruals(2)			-1,921			-9,584
	Cash disbursed for construction in progress				14,263			28,268
	Capital improvements to existing properties				6,639			7,531
		Total cash invested in real property		$	31,199		$	35,799
	(1) Includes acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of $10,297,000 for which the allocation of the purchase price consideration is preliminary and subject to change.
	(2) Represents non-cash consideration 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):
					Three Months Ended
					31-Mar-15				31-Mar-14
		Development projects:
		Triple-net			$	-			$	8,481
		Outpatient medical				16,592				42,799
		Total development projects				16,592				51,280
	Expansion projects					19,541				9,209
Total construction in progress conversions					$	36,133			$	60,489

Real_Estate_Intangibles

Real Estate Intangibles	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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):
				31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Assets:
		In place lease intangibles		$	1,037,697		$	988,290
		Above market tenant leases			66,162			65,684
		Below market ground leases			62,426			62,426
		Lease commissions			20,809			19,536
		Gross historical cost			1,187,094			1,135,936
		Accumulated amortization			-789,546			-776,501
		Net book value		$	397,548		$	359,435
		Weighted-average amortization period in years			16.2			17.7
	Liabilities:
		Below market tenant leases		$	91,365		$	91,168
		Above market ground leases			7,859			7,859
		Gross historical cost			99,224			99,027
		Accumulated amortization			-42,853			-40,891
		Net book value		$	56,371		$	58,136
		Weighted-average amortization period in years			14.4			14.4
	The following is a summary of real estate intangible amortization for the periods presented (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015			2014
	Rental income related to above/below market tenant leases, net		$	206		$	-45
	Property operating expenses related to above/below market ground leases, net			-319			-311
	Depreciation and amortization related to in place lease intangibles and lease commissions			-24,324			-79,393
	The future estimated aggregate amortization of intangible assets and liabilities is as follows for the periods presented (in thousands):
				Assets			Liabilities
	2015		$	72,406		$	$3,323
	2016			60,019			8,176
	2017			37,369			8,594
	2018			26,596			8,500
	2019			23,289			6,819
	Thereafter			177,869			20,959
	Total		$	397,548		$	56,371

Dispositions_Assets_Held_for_S

Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, $19,493,000 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):
			Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-15			31-Mar-14
	Real property dispositions:
		Triple-net		$	110,998		$	-
		Outpatient medical			9,422			-
		Total dispositions			120,420			-
	Gain (loss) on sales of real property, net				56,845			-
	Proceeds from real property sales			$	177,265		$	-
	Dispositions and Assets Held for Sale
	Pursuant to our adoption of ASU 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”), 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
					March 31,
				2015		2014
	Revenues:
		Rental income		$	4,517	$	28,243
	Expenses:
		Interest expense			1,303		7,644
		Property operating expenses			14		673
		Provision for depreciation			133		8,236
		Total expenses			1,450		16,553
	Income (loss) from real estate dispositions, net			$	3,067	$	11,690
	Discontinued Operations
	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 in accordance with ASU 2014-08. 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
					March 31,
				2015		2014
	Revenues:
		Rental income		$	-	$	583
	Expenses:
		Interest expense			-		123
		Total expenses			-		123
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net			$	-	$	460

Real_Estate_Loans_Receivable

Real Estate Loans Receivable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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):
			Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-15						31-Mar-14
					Outpatient						Outpatient
			Triple-net		Medical		Totals		Triple-net		Medical		Totals
	Advances on real estate loans receivable:
		Investments in new loans	$	368,080	$	-	$	368,080	$	1,203	$	-	$	1,203
		Draws on existing loans		14,330		2,285		16,615		23,077		5,429		28,506
		Net cash advances on real estate loans		382,410		2,285		384,695		24,280		5,429		29,709
	Receipts on real estate loans receivable:
		Loan payoffs		8,568		-		8,568		500		-		500
		Principal payments on loans		7,933		-		7,933		10,127		19		10,146
		Net cash receipts on real estate loans		16,501		-		16,501		10,627		19		10,646
	Net cash advances (receipts) on real estate loans			365,909		2,285		368,194		13,653		5,410		19,063
	Change in balance due to foreign currency translation			-3,096		-		-3,096		192		-		192
	Net change in real estate loans receivable		$	362,813	$	2,285	$	365,098	$	13,845	$	5,410	$	19,255
	We recorded no provision for loan losses during the three months ended March 31, 2015. At March 31, 2015, we had real estate loans with outstanding balances of $21,000,000 on non-accrual status with an allowance for loan losses of $0.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments In Unconsolidated Entities [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block]	7. Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
	We participate in a number of joint ventures, which generally invest in seniors housing and health care real estate. The results of operations for these properties 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. The following is a summary of our investments in unconsolidated entities (dollars in thousands):
		Percentage Ownership(1)	31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Triple-net	10% to 49%	$	31,276	$	31,511
	Seniors housing operating	10% to 50%		509,743		539,147
	Outpatient medical	36% to 49%		174,449		173,493
	Total		$	715,468	$	744,151
	(1) Excludes ownership of in-substance real estate.
	At March 31, 2015, the aggregate unamortized basis difference of our joint venture investments of $169,696,000 is primarily attributable to appreciation of the underlying properties and transaction costs. This difference will be amortized over the remaining useful life of the related properties and included in the reported amount of income from unconsolidated entities.

Credit_Concentration

Credit Concentration	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Customer Concentration [Abstract]
Credit Concentration	8. Credit Concentration
	We use net operating income from continuing operations (“NOI”) as our credit concentration metric. See Note 17 for additional information and reconciliation. The following table summarizes certain information about our credit concentration as of March 31, 2015, excluding our share of NOI in unconsolidated entities (dollars in thousands):
			Number of	Total		Percent of
	Concentration by relationship:(1)		Properties	NOI		NOI(2)
		Genesis Healthcare	180	$	87,277	17%
		Sunrise Senior Living(3)	143		71,268	14%
		Brookdale Senior Living	146		42,092	8%
		Benchmark Senior Living	49		21,726	4%
		Revera(3)	71		19,121	4%
		Remaining portfolio	727		276,232	53%
		Totals	1,316	$	517,716	100%
	Genesis Healthcare is in our triple-net segment. Sunrise Senior Living and Revera are in our seniors housing operating segment. Benchmark Senior Living and Brookdale Senior Living are in both our triple-net and seniors housing operating segments.
	NOI with our top five relationships comprised 49% of total NOI for the year ending December 31, 2014.
	Revera owns a controlling interest in Sunrise.

Borrowings_Under_Credit_Facili

Borrowings Under Credit Facilities and Related Items	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Borrowings Under Credit Facilities and Related Items [Abstract]
Borrowings Under Credit Facilities and Related Items	9. Borrowings Under Credit Facilities and Related Items
	At March 31, 2015, we had a primary unsecured credit facility with a consortium of 28 banks that includes a $2,500,000,000 unsecured revolving credit facility, a $500,000,000 unsecured term credit facility and a $250,000,000 Canadian-denominated unsecured term credit facility. We have an option, through an accordion feature, to upsize the unsecured revolving credit facility and the $500,000,000 unsecured term credit facility by up to an additional $1,000,000,000 and the $250,000,000 Canadian-denominated unsecured term credit facility by up to an additional $250,000,000. The primary unsecured credit facility also allows us to borrow up to $500,000,000 in alternate currencies (none outstanding at March 31, 2015). Borrowings under the unsecured revolving credit facility are subject to interest payable at the applicable margin over LIBOR interest rate (1.103% at March 31, 2015). The applicable margin is based on certain of our debt ratings and was 0.925% at March 31, 2015. 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 0.15% at March 31, 2015. The primary unsecured credit facility is scheduled to expire October 31, 2018 and can be extended for an additional year at our option.
	The following information relates to aggregate borrowings under the unsecured revolving credit facility for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015		2014
	Balance outstanding at quarter end(1)		$	410,000	$	562,000
	Maximum amount outstanding at any month end		$	430,000	$	562,000
	Average amount outstanding (total of daily
		principal balances divided by days in period)	$	408,944	$	286,889
	Weighted average interest rate (actual interest
		expense divided by average borrowings outstanding)		1.21%		1.34%
	(1) As of March 31, 2015, letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $65,335,000 have been issued, which reduces the borrowing capacity on the unsecured revolving credit facility.

Senior_Unsecured_Notes_and_Sec

Senior Unsecured Notes and Secured Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015, the annual principal payments due on these debt obligations were as follows (in thousands):
		Senior			Secured
		Unsecured Notes(1,2)			Debt (1,3)			Totals
	2015	$	-		$	332,035		$	332,035
	2016		700,000			493,223			1,193,223
	2017		450,000			379,397			829,397
	2018		450,000			444,394			894,394
	2019(4,5)		1,297,150			371,800			1,668,950
	Thereafter(6,7)		4,670,771			951,809			5,622,580
	Totals	$	7,567,921		$	2,972,658		$	10,540,579
	(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 1.1% to 6.5%.
	(3) Annual interest rates range from 1.0% to 7.9%. Carrying value of the properties securing the debt totaled $5,349,988,000 at March 31, 2015.
	(4) On July 25, 2014, we refinanced the funding on a $250,000,000 Canadian-denominated unsecured term credit facility (approximately $197,150,000 based on the Canadian/U.S. Dollar exchange rate on March 31, 2015). The loan matures on October 31, 2018 (with an option to extend for an additional year at our discretion) and bears interest at the Canadian Dealer Offered Rate plus 97.5 basis points (2.0% at March 31, 2015).
	(5) On July 25, 2014, we refinanced the funding on a $500,000,000 unsecured term credit facility. The loan matures on October 31, 2018 (with an option to extend for one additional year at our discretion) and bears interest at LIBOR plus 97.5 basis points (1.15% at March 31, 2015).
	(6) On November 20, 2013, we completed the sale of £550,000,000 (approximately $816,860,000 based on the Sterling/U.S. Dollar exchange rate in effect on March 31, 2015) of 4.8% senior unsecured notes due 2028.
	(7) On November 25, 2014, we completed the sale of £500,000,000 (approximately $742,600,000 based on the Sterling/U.S. Dollar exchange rate in effect on March 31, 2015) of 4.5% senior unsecured notes due 2034.
	The following is a summary of our senior unsecured notes principal activity during the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-15					31-Mar-14
					Weighted Avg.					Weighted Avg.
		Amount			Interest Rate		Amount			Interest Rate
	Beginning balance	$	7,817,154		4.39%		$	7,421,707		4.40%
	Debt redeemed		-154,654		3.00%			-1		3.00%
	Foreign currency		-94,579		4.33%			-3,332		3.49%
	Ending balance	$	7,567,921		4.35%		$	7,418,374		4.40%
	The following is a summary of our secured debt principal activity for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):
			Three Months Ended
				31-Mar-15				31-Mar-14
						Weighted Avg.					Weighted Avg.
			Amount			Interest Rate		Amount			Interest Rate
	Beginning balance		$	2,941,765		4.94%		$	3,010,711		5.10%
	Debt issued			82,724		2.34%			10,690		3.54%
	Debt assumed			205,897		3.98%			-		0.00%
	Debt extinguished			-192,427		4.02%			-114,084		5.73%
	Principal payments			-15,630		5.01%			-15,455		5.12%
	Foreign currency			-49,672		3.96%			-15,905		3.86%
	Ending balance		$	2,972,657		4.88%		$	2,875,957		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 March 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all of the covenants under our debt agreements.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 $5,363,000 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. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we settled certain net investment hedges generating cash proceeds of $72,477,000.  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):
			31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Derivatives designated as net investment hedges:
	Denominated in Canadian Dollars	$	1,175,000	$	900,000
	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	£	1,050,000	£	1,050,000
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
	Denominated in U.S. Dollars	$	57,000	$	57,000
	Denominated in Canadian Dollars	$	55,000	$	58,000
	Denominated in Pounds Sterling	£	42,000	£	40,000
	Derivative instruments not designated:
	Denominated in Canadian Dollars	$	3,000	$	12,000
	The following presents the impact of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the periods presented (in thousands):
						Three Months Ended
						March 31,
				Location			2015		2014
	Gain (loss) on interest rate swap recognized in OCI (effective portion)			OCI		$	-	$	-3
	Gain (loss) on interest rate swaps reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)			Interest expense			-466		-443
	Gain (loss) on forward exchange contracts recognized in income			Interest expense			2,747		-
	Loss (gain) on option exercise(1)			Loss (gain) on derivatives, net			-58,427		-
	Gain (loss) on foreign exchange contracts and term loans designated as net investment hedge recognized in OCI			OCI			184,051		18,489
	(1) In April 2011, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the real estate assets of privately-owned Genesis Healthcare Corporation. In conjunction with this transaction, we received the option to acquire an ownership interest in Genesis Healthcare. In February 2015, Genesis Healthcare closed on a transaction to merge with Skilled Healthcare Group to become a publicly traded company which required us to record the value of the derivative asset due to the net settlement feature.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	12. Commitments and Contingencies
	At March 31, 2015, we had seven outstanding letter of credit obligations totaling $77,057,000 and expiring between 2015 and 2018. At March 31, 2015, we had outstanding construction in progress of $211,941,000 and were committed to providing additional funds of approximately $355,231,000 to complete construction. Purchase obligations include contingent purchase obligations totaling $59,856,000. 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.
	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 March 31, 2015, we had operating lease obligations of $948,535,000 relating to certain ground leases and company office space and capital lease obligations of $102,117,000 relating primarily 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 March 31, 2015, aggregate future minimum rentals to be received under these noncancelable subleases totaled $28,834,000.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	13. Stockholders’ Equity
	The following is a summary of our stockholders’ equity capital accounts as of the dates indicated:
		31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Preferred Stock:
	Authorized shares	50,000,000		50,000,000
	Issued shares	25,875,000		25,875,000
	Outstanding shares	25,875,000		25,875,000
	Common Stock, $1.00 par value:
	Authorized shares	700,000,000		700,000,000
	Issued shares	351,237,849		329,487,615
	Outstanding shares	350,471,798		328,790,066
	Preferred Stock. The following is a summary of our preferred stock activity during the periods indicated:
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-15				31-Mar-14
				Weighted Avg.				Weighted Avg.
		Shares		Dividend Rate		Shares		Dividend Rate
	Beginning balance	25,875,000		6.50%		26,108,236		6.50%
	Shares converted	-		0.00%		-233,236		6.00%
	Ending balance	25,875,000		6.50%		25,875,000		6.50%
	Common Stock. The following is a summary of our common stock issuances during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Shares Issued			Average Price			Gross Proceeds			Net Proceeds
	2014 Dividend reinvestment plan issuances	1,143,397		$	55.71		$	63,703		$	63,703
	2014 Option exercises	1,155			45.02			52			52
	2014 Senior note conversions	1						-			-
	2014 Preferred stock conversions	233,236						-			-
	2014 Totals	1,377,789					$	63,755		$	63,755
	February 2015 public issuance	19,550,000		$	75.5		$	1,476,025		$	1,423,935
	2015 Dividend reinvestment plan issuances	766,488			76.38			58,547			58,547
	2015 Option exercises	149,788			47.17			7,065			7,065
	2015 Stock incentive plans, net of forfeitures	166,815						-			-
	2015 Senior note conversions	1,048,641						-			-
	2015 Totals	21,681,732					$	1,541,637		$	1,489,547
	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):
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-15						31-Mar-14
		Per Share			Amount			Per Share			Amount
	Common Stock	$	0.825		$	272,569		$	0.795		$	230,801
	Series H Preferred Stock		-			-			0.0079			1
	Series I Preferred Stock		0.8125			11,680			0.8125			11,680
	Series J Preferred Stock		0.4064			4,672			0.4064			4,672
	Totals				$	288,921					$	247,154
	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			Available for Sale Securities			Actuarial Losses			Cash Flow Hedges		Total
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	-74,770		$	-		$	-1,589		$	-650	$	-77,009
	Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments		-16,641			-11,687			-			-2,625		-30,953
	Reclassification amount to net income		-			-			-			466 (1)		466
	Net current-period other comprehensive income		-16,641			-11,687			-			-2,159		-30,487
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	-91,411		$	-11,687		$	-1,589		$	-2,809	$	-107,496
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	-17,631		$	-389		$	-1,452		$	-5,059	$	-24,531
	Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments		-1,877			549			-			-3		-1,331
	Reclassification amount to net income		-			-			-			443 (1)		443
	Net current-period other comprehensive income		-1,877			549			-			440		-888
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	-19,508		$	160		$	-1,452		$	-4,619	$	-25,419
	(1) Please see note 11 for additional information.

Stock_Incentive_Plans

Stock Incentive Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 $9,054,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and $7,667,000 for the same period in 2014.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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
			March 31,
			2015		2014
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings
		per share - net income (loss) attributable
		to common stockholders	$	190,799	$	50,022
	Denominator for basic earnings per
		share - weighted average shares		336,754		289,606
	Effect of dilutive securities:
		Employee stock options		200		148
		Non-vested restricted shares		416		540
		Convertible senior unsecured notes		442		623
	Dilutive potential common shares			1,058		1,311
	Denominator for diluted earnings per
		share - adjusted weighted average shares		337,812		290,917
	Basic earnings per share		$	0.57	$	0.17
	Diluted earnings per share		$	0.56	$	0.17
	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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2014 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 Primary Unsecured Credit Facility — The carrying amount of the primary unsecured credit facility 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.
	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):
				31-Mar-15						31-Dec-14
				Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Fair Value
	Financial assets:
		Mortgage loans receivable		$	554,731		$	577,232		$	188,651		$	194,935
		Other real estate loans receivable			190,536			192,005			191,518			195,375
		Available-for-sale equity investments			46,740			46,740			-			-
		Cash and cash equivalents			202,273			202,273			473,726			473,726
		Foreign currency forward contracts			73,081			73,081			57,087			57,087
	Financial liabilities:
		Borrowings under unsecured credit facilities		$	410,000		$	410,000		$	-		$	-
		Senior unsecured notes			7,518,196			8,378,885			7,766,251			8,613,702
		Secured debt			3,010,971			2,993,308			2,977,713			3,053,067
		Foreign currency forward contracts			410			410			1,495			1,495
	Redeemable OP unitholder interests				47,147			47,147			46,722			46,722
	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 March 31, 2015
			Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Available-for-sale equity investments(1)		$	46,740		$	46,740		$	-		$	-
	Foreign currency forward contracts, net(2)			72,671			-			72,671			-
	Redeemable OP unitholder interests			47,147			-			47,147			-
	Totals		$	166,558			46,740		$	119,818		$	-
	(1) Unrealized gains or losses on equity investments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at each measurement date.
	(2) 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 four operating segments: triple-net, seniors housing operating, outpatient medical and life science. During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, we changed the names of our seniors housing triple-net segment to triple-net and our medical facilities segment to outpatient medical.
	Our triple-net properties include long-term/post-acute care facilities, hospitals, assisted living facilities, independent living/continuing care retirement communities, care homes (United Kingdom), independent support living facilities (Canada), care homes with nursing (United Kingdom) and combinations thereof. Under the 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 that are owned and/or operated through RIDEA structures (see Notes 3 and 18).
	Our outpatient medical properties include medical office buildings and life science buildings which are aggregated into our outpatient medical reportable segment. Our medical office buildings are typically leased to multiple tenants and generally require a certain level of property management. Our life science investment represents an investment in an unconsolidated entity (see Note 7).
	We evaluate performance based upon NOI by 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.
	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, 2014). 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.
	Summary information for the reportable segments is as follows for the periods presented (in thousands):
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015:		Triple-net			Seniors Housing Operating			Outpatient Medical		Non-segment / Corporate		Total
	Rental income	$	264,406		$	-		$	115,181	$	-	$	379,587
	Resident fees and services		-			492,510			-		-		492,510
	Interest income		14,699			1,031			1,264		-		16,994
	Other income		3,883			1,020			161		22		5,086
	Total revenues		282,988			494,561			116,606		22		894,177
	Property operating expenses		-			338,507			37,954		-		376,461
	Net operating income from continuing operations		282,988			156,054			78,652		22		517,716
	Reconciling items:
	Interest expense		10,027			34,458			7,625		68,970		121,080
	Loss (gain) on derivatives, net		-58,427			-			-		-		-58,427
	Depreciation and amortization		70,031			76,636			42,162		-		188,829
	General and administrative		-			-			-		35,138		35,138
	Transaction costs		36,172			12,042			341		-		48,555
	Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net		10,336			-			-		5,064		15,400
	Impairment of assets		2,220			-			-		-		2,220
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities		212,629			32,918			28,524		-109,150		164,921
	Income tax expense		418			-533			466		-48		303
	(Loss) income from unconsolidated entities		1,393			-15,073			1,032		-		-12,648
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		214,440			17,312			30,022		-109,198		152,576
	Gain (loss) on real estate dispositions, net		54,097			-			2,749		-		56,846
	Net income (loss)	$	268,537		$	17,312		$	32,771	$	-109,198	$	209,422
	Total assets	$	11,916,636		$	10,208,763		$	4,444,058	$	59,938	$	26,629,395
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014:		Triple-net			Seniors Housing Operating			Outpatient Medical		Non-segment / Corporate		Total
	Rental income	$	237,716		$	-		$	98,739	$	-	$	336,455
	Resident fees and services		-			456,265			-		-		456,265
	Interest income		7,720			-			874		-		8,594
	Other income		144			54			280		15		493
	Total revenues		245,580			456,319			99,893		15		801,807
	Property operating expenses		243			308,184			33,004		-		341,431
	Net operating income from continuing operations		245,337			148,135			66,889		15		460,376
	Reconciling items:
	Interest expense		9,115			27,479			9,383		74,856		120,833
	Depreciation and amortization		67,269			129,162			36,887		-		233,318
	General and administrative		-			-			-		32,865		32,865
	Transaction costs		275			630			47		-		952
	Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net		-			-148			-		-		-148
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities		168,678			-8,988			20,572		-107,706		72,556
	Income tax expense		-355			-1,643			-262		-		-2,260
	(Loss) income from unconsolidated entities		1,382			-7,961			1,023		-		-5,556
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		169,705			-18,592			21,333		-107,706		64,740
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		460			-			-		-		460
	Net income (loss)	$	170,165		$	-18,592		$	21,333	$	-107,706	$	65,200
			Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-15				31-Mar-14
	Revenues:		Amount	%			Amount	%
	United States	$	745,136	83.30%		$	675,099	84.20%
	International		149,041	16.70%			126,708	15.80%
	Total	$	894,177	100.00%		$	801,807	100.00%
			As of
			31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
	Assets:		Amount	%			Amount	%
	United States	$	21,880,931	82.20%		$	20,728,477	82.90%
	International		4,748,464	17.80%			4,285,819	17.10%
	Total	$	26,629,395	100.00%		$	25,014,296	100.00%

Income_Taxes_and_Distributions

Income Taxes and Distributions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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. In 2014, we established certain wholly-owned direct and indirect subsidiaries in Luxembourg and Jersey and transferred interests in certain foreign investments into this holding company structure. The 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 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 reflects 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 month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is due primarily to operating income or losses at our TRS entities. Net deferred tax liabilities with respect to our TRS entities totaled $13,771,000 and $12,451,000 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $857,000. The unrecognized tax benefits and related penalties, 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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily an indication of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. 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, 2014.
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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. In April 2015, the FASB proposed deferring the effective date by one year to December 15, 2017 for annual reporting periods beginning after that date, but early adoption is permitted. 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.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis” (“ASU 2015-02”), which makes certain changes to both the variable interest model and the voting model, including changes to (1) the identification of variable interests (fees paid to a decision maker or service provider), (2) the variable interest entity characteristics for a limited partnership or similar entity and (3) the primary beneficiary determination. ASU 2015-02 is effective beginning January 1, 2016. We are continuing to evaluate this guidance; however, we do not expect its adoption to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”), which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected. Upon adoption, we will apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis and adjust the balance sheet of each individual period presented to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. The guidance is effective beginning January 1, 2016. We are continuing to evaluate this guidance; however, we do not expect its adoption to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Real_Property_Acquisitions_and1

Real Property Acquisitions and Development (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Real property acquisitions and development [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value of Allocated Purchase Price of Asset and Liabilities	Triple-net Activity
			Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)		March 31, 2015(1)			31-Mar-14
	Land and land improvements			$	70,002		$	2,750
	Buildings and improvements				537,014			30,693
	Acquired lease intangibles				799			-
	Receivables and other assets				7			-
		Total assets acquired			607,822			33,443
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities				-732			-
		Total liabilities assumed			-732			-
	Non-cash acquisition related activity				-357			-657
		Cash disbursed for acquisitions			606,733			32,786
	Construction in progress additions				45,360			24,657
	Less:	Capitalized interest			-1,756			-1,170
		Foreign currency translation			-642			-14
	Cash disbursed for construction in progress				42,962			23,473
	Capital improvements to existing properties				11,557			5,877
		Total cash invested in real property, net of cash acquired		$	661,252		$	62,136
	(1) Includes acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of $571,586,000 for which the allocation of the purchase price consideration is preliminary and subject to change.
	Seniors Housing Operating Activity
			Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)		March 31, 2015(1)			31-Mar-14
	Land and land improvements			$	86,184		$	2,100
	Building and improvements				1,016,426			19,069
	Acquired lease intangibles				62,838			1,331
	Restricted cash				3,820			-
	Receivables and other assets				23,014			-
		Total assets acquired(2)			1,192,282			22,500
	Secured debt				-208,960			-
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities				-16,164			-245
		Total liabilities assumed			-225,124			-245
	Noncontrolling interests				-83,194			-
		Cash disbursed for acquisitions			883,964			22,255
	Construction in progress additions				4,193			1,026
	Less:	Capitalized interest			-394			-50
		Foreign currency translation			-1,472			-
	Cash disbursed for construction in progress				2,327			976
	Capital improvements to existing properties				11,632			13,998
		Total cash invested in real property, net of cash acquired		$	897,923		$	37,229
	(1) Includes acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of $885,642,000 for which the allocation of the purchase price consideration is preliminary and subject to change.
	(2) Excludes $1,677,000 and $245,000 of cash acquired during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	Outpatient Medical Activity
			Three Months Ended
	(In thousands)		March 31, 2015 (1)				31-Mar-14
	Buildings and improvements			$	9,786		$	-
	Acquired lease intangibles				511			-
		Total assets acquired			10,297			-
		Cash disbursed for acquisitions			10,297			-
	Construction in progress additions				16,421			38,237
	Less:	Capitalized interest			-237			-385
		Accruals(2)			-1,921			-9,584
	Cash disbursed for construction in progress				14,263			28,268
	Capital improvements to existing properties				6,639			7,531
		Total cash invested in real property		$	31,199		$	35,799
	(1) Includes acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of $10,297,000 for which the allocation of the purchase price consideration is preliminary and subject to change.
	(2) Represents non-cash consideration 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
					Three Months Ended
					31-Mar-15				31-Mar-14
		Development projects:
			Triple-net			$	-			$	8,481
			Outpatient medical				16,592				42,799
			Total development projects				16,592				51,280
		Expansion projects					19,541				9,209
	Total construction in progress conversions					$	36,133			$	60,489

Real_Estate_Intangibles_Tables

Real Estate Intangibles (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Real Estate Intangibles (Tables) [Abstract]
Summary of real estate intangibles excluding those classified as held for sale
				31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Assets:
		In place lease intangibles		$	1,037,697		$	988,290
		Above market tenant leases			66,162			65,684
		Below market ground leases			62,426			62,426
		Lease commissions			20,809			19,536
		Gross historical cost			1,187,094			1,135,936
		Accumulated amortization			-789,546			-776,501
		Net book value		$	397,548		$	359,435
		Weighted-average amortization period in years			16.2			17.7
	Liabilities:
		Below market tenant leases		$	91,365		$	91,168
		Above market ground leases			7,859			7,859
		Gross historical cost			99,224			99,027
		Accumulated amortization			-42,853			-40,891
		Net book value		$	56,371		$	58,136
		Weighted-average amortization period in years			14.4			14.4
Schedule of Real Estate Intangible Amortization
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015			2014
	Rental income related to above/below market tenant leases, net		$	206		$	-45
	Property operating expenses related to above/below market ground leases, net			-319			-311
	Depreciation and amortization related to in place lease intangibles and lease commissions			-24,324			-79,393
Schedule of the future estimated aggregate amortization of intangible assets and liabilities
				Assets			Liabilities
	2015		$	72,406		$	$3,323
	2016			60,019			8,176
	2017			37,369			8,594
	2018			26,596			8,500
	2019			23,289			6,819
	Thereafter			177,869			20,959
	Total		$	397,548		$	56,371

Dispositions_Assets_Held_for_S1

Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Tables) [Abstract]
Summary of real property disposition activity
			Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-15			31-Mar-14
	Real property dispositions:
		Triple-net		$	110,998		$	-
		Outpatient medical			9,422			-
		Total dispositions			120,420			-
	Gain (loss) on sales of real property, net				56,845			-
	Proceeds from real property sales			$	177,265		$	-
Reclassification impact as result of classifying properties as discontinued operations
					Three Months Ended
					March 31,
				2015		2014
	Revenues:
		Rental income		$	-	$	583
	Expenses:
		Interest expense			-		123
		Total expenses			-		123
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net			$	-	$	460
Summary of disposed properties.
					Three Months Ended
					March 31,
				2015		2014
	Revenues:
		Rental income		$	4,517	$	28,243
	Expenses:
		Interest expense			1,303		7,644
		Property operating expenses			14		673
		Provision for depreciation			133		8,236
		Total expenses			1,450		16,553
	Income (loss) from real estate dispositions, net			$	3,067	$	11,690

Real_Estate_Loans_Receivable_T

Real Estate Loans Receivable (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Real Estate Loans Receivable (Tables) [Abstract]
Summary of real estate loan activity			Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-15						31-Mar-14
					Outpatient						Outpatient
			Triple-net		Medical		Totals		Triple-net		Medical		Totals
	Advances on real estate loans receivable:
		Investments in new loans	$	368,080	$	-	$	368,080	$	1,203	$	-	$	1,203
		Draws on existing loans		14,330		2,285		16,615		23,077		5,429		28,506
		Net cash advances on real estate loans		382,410		2,285		384,695		24,280		5,429		29,709
	Receipts on real estate loans receivable:
		Loan payoffs		8,568		-		8,568		500		-		500
		Principal payments on loans		7,933		-		7,933		10,127		19		10,146
		Net cash receipts on real estate loans		16,501		-		16,501		10,627		19		10,646
	Net cash advances (receipts) on real estate loans			365,909		2,285		368,194		13,653		5,410		19,063
	Change in balance due to foreign currency translation			-3,096		-		-3,096		192		-		192
	Net change in real estate loans receivable		$	362,813	$	2,285	$	365,098	$	13,845	$	5,410	$	19,255

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_1

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments In Unconsolidated Entities [Abstract]
Summary Of Investments In Unconsolidated Entities [Text Block]
		Percentage Ownership(1)	31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Triple-net	10% to 49%	$	31,276	$	31,511
	Seniors housing operating	10% to 50%		509,743		539,147
	Outpatient medical	36% to 49%		174,449		173,493
	Total		$	715,468	$	744,151
	(1) Excludes ownership of in-substance real estate.

Credit_Concentration_Tables

Credit Concentration (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Customer Concentration (Tables) [Abstract]
Summary of credit concentration
			Number of	Total		Percent of
	Concentration by relationship:(1)		Properties	NOI		NOI(2)
		Genesis Healthcare	180	$	87,277	17%
		Sunrise Senior Living(3)	143		71,268	14%
		Brookdale Senior Living	146		42,092	8%
		Benchmark Senior Living	49		21,726	4%
		Revera(3)	71		19,121	4%
		Remaining portfolio	727		276,232	53%
		Totals	1,316	$	517,716	100%
	Genesis Healthcare is in our triple-net segment. Sunrise Senior Living and Revera are in our seniors housing operating segment. Benchmark Senior Living and Brookdale Senior Living are in both our triple-net and seniors housing operating segments.
	NOI with our top five relationships comprised 49% of total NOI for the year ending December 31, 2014.
	Revera owns a controlling interest in Sunrise.

Borrowings_Under_Credit_Facili1

Borrowings Under Credit Facilities and Related Items (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Borrowings Under Credit Facilities and Related Items (Tables) [Abstract]
Aggregate borrowings under the unsecured line of credit arrangements
			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015		2014
	Balance outstanding at quarter end(1)		$	410,000	$	562,000
	Maximum amount outstanding at any month end		$	430,000	$	562,000
	Average amount outstanding (total of daily
		principal balances divided by days in period)	$	408,944	$	286,889
	Weighted average interest rate (actual interest
		expense divided by average borrowings outstanding)		1.21%		1.34%
	(1) As of March 31, 2015, letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $65,335,000 have been issued, which reduces the borrowing capacity on the unsecured revolving credit facility.

Senior_Unsecured_Notes_and_Sec1

Senior Unsecured Notes and Secured Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Senior Unsecured Notes And Secured Debt (Tables) [Abstract]
Principal payments due on debt obligations
		Senior			Secured
		Unsecured Notes(1,2)			Debt (1,3)			Totals
	2015	$	-		$	332,035		$	332,035
	2016		700,000			493,223			1,193,223
	2017		450,000			379,397			829,397
	2018		450,000			444,394			894,394
	2019(4,5)		1,297,150			371,800			1,668,950
	Thereafter(6,7)		4,670,771			951,809			5,622,580
	Totals	$	7,567,921		$	2,972,658		$	10,540,579
	(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 1.1% to 6.5%.
	(3) Annual interest rates range from 1.0% to 7.9%. Carrying value of the properties securing the debt totaled $5,349,988,000 at March 31, 2015.
	(4) On July 25, 2014, we refinanced the funding on a $250,000,000 Canadian-denominated unsecured term credit facility (approximately $197,150,000 based on the Canadian/U.S. Dollar exchange rate on March 31, 2015). The loan matures on October 31, 2018 (with an option to extend for an additional year at our discretion) and bears interest at the Canadian Dealer Offered Rate plus 97.5 basis points (2.0% at March 31, 2015).
	(5) On July 25, 2014, we refinanced the funding on a $500,000,000 unsecured term credit facility. The loan matures on October 31, 2018 (with an option to extend for one additional year at our discretion) and bears interest at LIBOR plus 97.5 basis points (1.15% at March 31, 2015).
	(6) On November 20, 2013, we completed the sale of £550,000,000 (approximately $816,860,000 based on the Sterling/U.S. Dollar exchange rate in effect on March 31, 2015) of 4.8% senior unsecured notes due 2028.
	(7) On November 25, 2014, we completed the sale of £500,000,000 (approximately $742,600,000 based on the Sterling/U.S. Dollar exchange rate in effect on March 31, 2015) of 4.5% senior unsecured notes due 2034.
Summary of senior unsecured note activity
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-15					31-Mar-14
					Weighted Avg.					Weighted Avg.
		Amount			Interest Rate		Amount			Interest Rate
	Beginning balance	$	7,817,154		4.39%		$	7,421,707		4.40%
	Debt redeemed		-154,654		3.00%			-1		3.00%
	Foreign currency		-94,579		4.33%			-3,332		3.49%
	Ending balance	$	7,567,921		4.35%		$	7,418,374		4.40%
Secured debt principal activity
			Three Months Ended
				31-Mar-15				31-Mar-14
						Weighted Avg.					Weighted Avg.
			Amount			Interest Rate		Amount			Interest Rate
	Beginning balance		$	2,941,765		4.94%		$	3,010,711		5.10%
	Debt issued			82,724		2.34%			10,690		3.54%
	Debt assumed			205,897		3.98%			-		0.00%
	Debt extinguished			-192,427		4.02%			-114,084		5.73%
	Principal payments			-15,630		5.01%			-15,455		5.12%
	Foreign currency			-49,672		3.96%			-15,905		3.86%
	Ending balance		$	2,972,657		4.88%		$	2,875,957		5.08%

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments (Tables) [Abstract]
Impact of derivative instruments on the statement of operations and OCI
			31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Derivatives designated as net investment hedges:
	Denominated in Canadian Dollars	$	1,175,000	$	900,000
	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	£	1,050,000	£	1,050,000
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
	Denominated in U.S. Dollars	$	57,000	$	57,000
	Denominated in Canadian Dollars	$	55,000	$	58,000
	Denominated in Pounds Sterling	£	42,000	£	40,000
	Derivative instruments not designated:
	Denominated in Canadian Dollars	$	3,000	$	12,000
						Three Months Ended
						March 31,
				Location			2015		2014
	Gain (loss) on interest rate swap recognized in OCI (effective portion)			OCI		$	-	$	-3
	Gain (loss) on interest rate swaps reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)			Interest expense			-466		-443
	Gain (loss) on forward exchange contracts recognized in income			Interest expense			2,747		-
	Loss (gain) on option exercise(1)			Loss (gain) on derivatives, net			-58,427		-
	Gain (loss) on foreign exchange contracts and term loans designated as net investment hedge recognized in OCI			OCI			184,051		18,489
	(1) In April 2011, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the real estate assets of privately-owned Genesis Healthcare Corporation. In conjunction with this transaction, we received the option to acquire an ownership interest in Genesis Healthcare. In February 2015, Genesis Healthcare closed on a transaction to merge with Skilled Healthcare Group to become a publicly traded company which required us to record the value of the derivative asset due to the net settlement feature.

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity (Tables) [Abstract]
Summary of stockholder's equity capital accounts
		31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Preferred Stock:
	Authorized shares	50,000,000		50,000,000
	Issued shares	25,875,000		25,875,000
	Outstanding shares	25,875,000		25,875,000
	Common Stock, $1.00 par value:
	Authorized shares	700,000,000		700,000,000
	Issued shares	351,237,849		329,487,615
	Outstanding shares	350,471,798		328,790,066
Summary of preferred stock activity
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-15				31-Mar-14
				Weighted Avg.				Weighted Avg.
		Shares		Dividend Rate		Shares		Dividend Rate
	Beginning balance	25,875,000		6.50%		26,108,236		6.50%
	Shares converted	-		0.00%		-233,236		6.00%
	Ending balance	25,875,000		6.50%		25,875,000		6.50%
Summary of common stock issuances
		Shares Issued			Average Price			Gross Proceeds			Net Proceeds
	2014 Dividend reinvestment plan issuances	1,143,397		$	55.71		$	63,703		$	63,703
	2014 Option exercises	1,155			45.02			52			52
	2014 Senior note conversions	1						-			-
	2014 Preferred stock conversions	233,236						-			-
	2014 Totals	1,377,789					$	63,755		$	63,755
	February 2015 public issuance	19,550,000		$	75.5		$	1,476,025		$	1,423,935
	2015 Dividend reinvestment plan issuances	766,488			76.38			58,547			58,547
	2015 Option exercises	149,788			47.17			7,065			7,065
	2015 Stock incentive plans, net of forfeitures	166,815						-			-
	2015 Senior note conversions	1,048,641						-			-
	2015 Totals	21,681,732					$	1,541,637		$	1,489,547
Summary of dividend payments
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-15						31-Mar-14
		Per Share			Amount			Per Share			Amount
	Common Stock	$	0.825		$	272,569		$	0.795		$	230,801
	Series H Preferred Stock		-			-			0.0079			1
	Series I Preferred Stock		0.8125			11,680			0.8125			11,680
	Series J Preferred Stock		0.4064			4,672			0.4064			4,672
	Totals				$	288,921					$	247,154
Summary of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)
			Unrecognized gains (losses) related to:
			Foreign Currency Translation			Available for Sale Securities			Actuarial Losses			Cash Flow Hedges		Total
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	-74,770		$	-		$	-1,589		$	-650	$	-77,009
	Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments		-16,641			-11,687			-			-2,625		-30,953
	Reclassification amount to net income		-			-			-			466 (1)		466
	Net current-period other comprehensive income		-16,641			-11,687			-			-2,159		-30,487
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	-91,411		$	-11,687		$	-1,589		$	-2,809	$	-107,496
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	-17,631		$	-389		$	-1,452		$	-5,059	$	-24,531
	Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments		-1,877			549			-			-3		-1,331
	Reclassification amount to net income		-			-			-			443 (1)		443
	Net current-period other comprehensive income		-1,877			549			-			440		-888
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	-19,508		$	160		$	-1,452		$	-4,619	$	-25,419
	(1) Please see note 11 for additional information.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share (Tables) [Abstract]
Computation of basic and diluted earnings per share
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015		2014
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings
		per share - net income (loss) attributable
		to common stockholders	$	190,799	$	50,022
	Denominator for basic earnings per
		share - weighted average shares		336,754		289,606
	Effect of dilutive securities:
		Employee stock options		200		148
		Non-vested restricted shares		416		540
		Convertible senior unsecured notes		442		623
	Dilutive potential common shares			1,058		1,311
	Denominator for diluted earnings per
		share - adjusted weighted average shares		337,812		290,917
	Basic earnings per share		$	0.57	$	0.17
	Diluted earnings per share		$	0.56	$	0.17

Disclosure_about_Fair_Value_of1

Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables) [Abstract]
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments
				31-Mar-15						31-Dec-14
				Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Fair Value
	Financial assets:
		Mortgage loans receivable		$	554,731		$	577,232		$	188,651		$	194,935
		Other real estate loans receivable			190,536			192,005			191,518			195,375
		Available-for-sale equity investments			46,740			46,740			-			-
		Cash and cash equivalents			202,273			202,273			473,726			473,726
		Foreign currency forward contracts			73,081			73,081			57,087			57,087
	Financial liabilities:
		Borrowings under unsecured credit facilities		$	410,000		$	410,000		$	-		$	-
		Senior unsecured notes			7,518,196			8,378,885			7,766,251			8,613,702
		Secured debt			3,010,971			2,993,308			2,977,713			3,053,067
		Foreign currency forward contracts			410			410			1,495			1,495
	Redeemable OP unitholder interests				47,147			47,147			46,722			46,722
The Market approach utilized to measure fair value of financial assets and liabilities on recurring basis
			Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2015
			Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Available-for-sale equity investments(1)		$	46,740		$	46,740		$	-		$	-
	Foreign currency forward contracts, net(2)			72,671			-			72,671			-
	Redeemable OP unitholder interests			47,147			-			47,147			-
	Totals		$	166,558			46,740		$	119,818		$	-
	(1) Unrealized gains or losses on equity investments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at each measurement date.
	(2) Please see Note 11 for additional information.

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting (Tables) [Abstract]
Summary of information for reportable segments
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015:		Triple-net			Seniors Housing Operating			Outpatient Medical		Non-segment / Corporate		Total
	Rental income	$	264,406		$	-		$	115,181	$	-	$	379,587
	Resident fees and services		-			492,510			-		-		492,510
	Interest income		14,699			1,031			1,264		-		16,994
	Other income		3,883			1,020			161		22		5,086
	Total revenues		282,988			494,561			116,606		22		894,177
	Property operating expenses		-			338,507			37,954		-		376,461
	Net operating income from continuing operations		282,988			156,054			78,652		22		517,716
	Reconciling items:
	Interest expense		10,027			34,458			7,625		68,970		121,080
	Loss (gain) on derivatives, net		-58,427			-			-		-		-58,427
	Depreciation and amortization		70,031			76,636			42,162		-		188,829
	General and administrative		-			-			-		35,138		35,138
	Transaction costs		36,172			12,042			341		-		48,555
	Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net		10,336			-			-		5,064		15,400
	Impairment of assets		2,220			-			-		-		2,220
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities		212,629			32,918			28,524		-109,150		164,921
	Income tax expense		418			-533			466		-48		303
	(Loss) income from unconsolidated entities		1,393			-15,073			1,032		-		-12,648
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		214,440			17,312			30,022		-109,198		152,576
	Gain (loss) on real estate dispositions, net		54,097			-			2,749		-		56,846
	Net income (loss)	$	268,537		$	17,312		$	32,771	$	-109,198	$	209,422
	Total assets	$	11,916,636		$	10,208,763		$	4,444,058	$	59,938	$	26,629,395
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014:		Triple-net			Seniors Housing Operating			Outpatient Medical		Non-segment / Corporate		Total
	Rental income	$	237,716		$	-		$	98,739	$	-	$	336,455
	Resident fees and services		-			456,265			-		-		456,265
	Interest income		7,720			-			874		-		8,594
	Other income		144			54			280		15		493
	Total revenues		245,580			456,319			99,893		15		801,807
	Property operating expenses		243			308,184			33,004		-		341,431
	Net operating income from continuing operations		245,337			148,135			66,889		15		460,376
	Reconciling items:
	Interest expense		9,115			27,479			9,383		74,856		120,833
	Depreciation and amortization		67,269			129,162			36,887		-		233,318
	General and administrative		-			-			-		32,865		32,865
	Transaction costs		275			630			47		-		952
	Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net		-			-148			-		-		-148
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities		168,678			-8,988			20,572		-107,706		72,556
	Income tax expense		-355			-1,643			-262		-		-2,260
	(Loss) income from unconsolidated entities		1,382			-7,961			1,023		-		-5,556
	Income (loss) from continuing operations		169,705			-18,592			21,333		-107,706		64,740
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		460			-			-		-		460
	Net income (loss)	$	170,165		$	-18,592		$	21,333	$	-107,706	$	65,200
			Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-15				31-Mar-14
	Revenues:		Amount	%			Amount	%
	United States	$	745,136	83.30%		$	675,099	84.20%
	International		149,041	16.70%			126,708	15.80%
	Total	$	894,177	100.00%		$	801,807	100.00%
			As of
			31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
	Assets:		Amount	%			Amount	%
	United States	$	21,880,931	82.20%		$	20,728,477	82.90%
	International		4,748,464	17.80%			4,285,819	17.10%
	Total	$	26,629,395	100.00%		$	25,014,296	100.00%

Business_Details

Business (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015
	Number
	properties
Business [Line Items]
Number of properties in diversified portfolio	1,316	[1]
Number of states in diversified portfolio	46
Controlling [Member]
Business [Line Items]
Number of properties in diversified portfolio	1,384
[1]	(1)B B B B Genesis Healthcare is in our triple-net segment. Sunrise Senior Living and Revera are in our seniors housing operating segment. Brookdale Senior Living and Benchmark Senior Living are in both our triple-net and seniors housing operating segments.

Real_Property_Acquisitions_and2

Real Property Acquisitions and Development (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Triple Net [Member]
Estimated Fair Value of Allocated Purchase Price of Asset and Liabilities
Land and land improvements	$70,002,000	[1]	$2,750,000
Buildings and improvements	537,014,000	[1]	30,693,000
Acquired lease intangibles	799,000
Receivables and other assets	7,000
Total assets acquired	607,822,000	[1]	33,443,000
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	-732,000
Total liabilities assumed	-732,000
Noncontrolling interests	0
Non-cash acquisition related activity	-357,000	[1]	-657,000
Cash disbursed for acquisitions	606,733,000	[1]	32,786,000
Construction in progress additions	45,360,000	[1]	24,657,000
Less: Capitalized Interest	-1,756,000	[1]	-1,170,000
Less: Foreign currency translation	-642,000	[1]	-14,000
Cash disbursed for construction in progress	42,962,000	[1]	23,473,000
Capital improvements to existing properties	11,557,000	[1]	5,877,000
Total cash invested in real property	661,252,000	[1]	62,136,000
Senior housing - operating [Member]
Estimated Fair Value of Allocated Purchase Price of Asset and Liabilities
Land and land improvements	86,184,000	[2]	2,100,000
Buildings and improvements	1,016,426,000	[2]	19,069,000
Acquired lease intangibles	62,838,000	[2]	1,331,000
Acquired Construction in Progress	0	[2]
Restricted cash	3,820,000	[2]	0
Receivables and other assets	23,014,000	[2]	0
Total assets acquired	1,192,282,000	[2],[3]	22,500,000	[3]
Secured debt	-208,960,000	[2]	0
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	-16,164,000	[2]	-245,000
Total liabilities assumed	-225,124,000	[2]	-245,000
Noncontrolling interests	-83,194,000	[2]	0
Non-cash acquisition related activity	0	[2]	0
Cash disbursed for acquisitions	883,964,000	[2]	22,255,000
Construction in progress additions	4,193,000	[2]	1,026,000
Less: Capitalized Interest	-394,000	[2]	-50,000
Less: Foreign currency translation	-1,472,000	[2]
Cash disbursed for construction in progress	2,327,000	[2]	976,000
Capital improvements to existing properties	11,632,000	[2]	13,998,000
Total cash invested in real property	897,923,000	[2]	37,229,000
Cash Acquired from Acquisition	1,677,000,000		8,476,000
Senior housing - operating [Member] | Preliminary [Member]
Estimated Fair Value of Allocated Purchase Price of Asset and Liabilities
Total cash invested in real property	885,642,000,000
Outpatient Medical [Member]
Estimated Fair Value of Allocated Purchase Price of Asset and Liabilities
Land and land improvements	0	[4]	0
Buildings and improvements	9,786,000	[4]	0
Acquired lease intangibles	511,000	[4]	0
Restricted cash			0
Receivables and other assets			0
Total assets acquired	10,297,000	[4]	0
Secured debt			0
Accrued expenses and other liabilities			0
Total liabilities assumed			0
Non-cash acquisition related activity			0
Cash disbursed for acquisitions	10,297,000	[4]	0
Construction in progress additions	16,421,000	[4]	38,237,000
Less: Capitalized Interest	-237,000	[4]	-385,000
Less: Accruals	-1,921,000	[4],[5]	-9,584,000	[5]
Cash disbursed for construction in progress	14,263,000	[4]	28,268,000
Capital improvements to existing properties	6,639,000	[4]	7,531,000
Total cash invested in real property	31,199,000	[4]	35,799,000
Outpatient Medical [Member] | Preliminary [Member]
Estimated Fair Value of Allocated Purchase Price of Asset and Liabilities
Total cash invested in real property	$10,297,000
[1]	(1) Includes acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of $571,586,000 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 $885,642,000 for which the allocation of the purchase price consideration is preliminary and subject to change.
[3]	(2) Excludes $1,677,000 and $245,000 of cash acquired during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
[4]	(1) Includes acquisitions with an aggregate purchase price of $10,297,000 for which the allocation of the purchase price consideration is preliminary and subject to change.
[5]	(2) Represents non-cash consideration accruals for amounts to be paid in future periods relating to properties that converted in the periods noted above.

Real_Property_Acquisitions_and3

Real Property Acquisitions and Development (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Development projects:
Total development projects	$16,592,000	$51,280,000
Expansion projects	19,541,000	9,209,000
Total construction in progress conversions	36,133,000	60,489,000
Outpatient Medical [Member]
Development projects:
Total development projects	16,592,000	42,799,000
Triple Net [Member]
Development projects:
Total development projects	$0	$8,481,000

Real_Estate_Intangibles_Detail

Real Estate Intangibles (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets:
Gross historical cost	$1,187,094,000	$1,135,936,000
Accumulated amortization	789,546,000	776,501,000
Net book value	397,548,000	359,435,000
Weighted-average amortization period in years	16 years 2 months	17 years 8 months
Intangible Liabilities:
Gross historical cost	99,224,000	99,027,000
Accumulated amortization	42,853,000	40,891,000
Net book value	56,371,000	58,136,000
Weighted-average amortization period in years	14 years 5 months	14 years 5 months
In place lease intangibles [Member]
Intangible Assets:
Gross historical cost	1,037,697,000	988,290,000
Above market tenant leases [Member]
Intangible Assets:
Gross historical cost	66,162,000	65,684,000
Below market ground leases [Member]
Intangible Assets:
Gross historical cost	62,426,000	62,426,000
Lease commissions [Member]
Intangible Assets:
Gross historical cost	20,809,000	19,536,000
Below market tenant leases [Member]
Intangible Liabilities:
Gross historical cost	91,365,000	91,168,000
Above market ground leases [Member]
Intangible Liabilities:
Gross historical cost	$7,859,000	$7,859,000

Real_Estate_Intangibles_Real_E

Real Estate Intangibles (Real Estate Intangible Maturity Schedule) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Estimated Aggregate Amortization Expense For Acquired Lease Intangibles Expected To Be Recognized [Line Items]
Totals	$397,548,000	$359,435,000
Intangible Liability [Member]
Estimated Aggregate Amortization Expense For Acquired Lease Intangibles Expected To Be Recognized [Line Items]
2015	3,323,000
2016	8,176,000
2017	8,594,000
2018	8,500,000
2019	6,819,000
Thereafter	20,959,000
Totals	56,371,000
Intangible Asset [Member]
Estimated Aggregate Amortization Expense For Acquired Lease Intangibles Expected To Be Recognized [Line Items]
2015	72,406,000
2016	60,019,000
2017	37,369,000
2018	26,596,000
2019	23,289,000
Thereafter	177,869,000
Totals	$397,548,000

Real_Estate_Intangibles_Detail1

Real Estate Intangibles (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Real Estate Intangible Amortization [Abstract]
Rental income related to above/below market tenant leases, net	$206,000	($45,000)
Property operating expenses related to above/below market ground leases, net	-319,000	-311,000
Depreciation and amortization related to in place lease intangibles and lease commissions	$24,324,000	($79,393,000)

Dispositions_Assets_Held_for_S2

Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Real property dispositions:
Total dispositions	$120,420,000	$0
Net loss (gain) on sales of properties	-56,845,000	0
Noncash disposition activity		0
Real property held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation	234,829,000		323,818,000
Proceeds from sales of real property	177,265,000	0
Gain (loss) on sales of properties, net	56,845,000
Escrow Deposits Related To Property Sales	19,493,000,000
Triple Net [Member]
Real property dispositions:
Total dispositions	110,998,000	0
Net loss (gain) on sales of properties	6,411,000
Real property held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation	18,502,000
Outpatient Medical [Member]
Real property dispositions:
Total dispositions	$9,422,000	$0

Dispositions_Assets_Held_for_S3

Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Rental income, discontinued	$0	$583,000
Expenses:
Interest expense, discontinued	0	123,000
Property operating expenses, discontinued	0	0
Provision for depreciation, discontinued	0	0
Expenses, discontinued	0	123,000
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net		$460,000

Dispositions_Assets_Held_for_S4

Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Rental income, disposed	$4,517,000	$28,243,000
Expenses:
Interest expense, disposed	1,303,000	7,644,000
Property operating expenses, disposed	14,000	673,000
Depreciation expense, disposed	133,000	8,236,000
Expenses, disposed	1,450,000	16,553,000
Income (loss) from disposed properties	$3,067,000	$11,690,000

Real_Estate_Loans_Receivable_D

Real Estate Loans Receivable (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Advances on real estate loans receivable:
Investments in new loans	$368,080,000	$1,203,000
Draws on existing loans	16,615,000	28,506,000
Net cash advances on real estate loans	384,695,000	29,709,000
Receipts on real estate loans receivable:
Loan payoffs	8,568,000	500,000
Principal payments on loans	7,933,000	10,146,000
Total receipts on real estate loans	16,501,000	10,646,000
Net advances (receipts) on real estate loans	368,194,000	19,063,000
Non Cash Decrease In Real Estate Loans Receivable	0
Change in balance due to foreign currency translation	-3,096,000	192,000
Net change Real Estate Loans Receivable	365,098,000	19,255,000
Triple Net [Member]
Advances on real estate loans receivable:
Investments in new loans	368,080,000	1,203,000
Draws on existing loans	14,330,000	23,077,000
Net cash advances on real estate loans	382,410,000	24,280,000
Receipts on real estate loans receivable:
Loan payoffs	8,568,000	500,000
Principal payments on loans	7,933,000	10,127,000
Total receipts on real estate loans	16,501,000	10,627,000
Net advances (receipts) on real estate loans	365,909,000	13,653,000
Change in balance due to foreign currency translation	-3,096,000	192,000
Net change Real Estate Loans Receivable	362,813,000	13,845,000
Outpatient Medical [Member]
Advances on real estate loans receivable:
Investments in new loans	0	0
Draws on existing loans	2,285,000	5,429,000
Net cash advances on real estate loans	2,285,000	5,429,000
Receipts on real estate loans receivable:
Loan payoffs	0	0
Principal payments on loans	0	19,000
Total receipts on real estate loans	0	19,000
Net advances (receipts) on real estate loans	2,285,000	5,410,000
Non Cash Decrease In Real Estate Loans Receivable	0
Change in balance due to foreign currency translation	0	0
Net change Real Estate Loans Receivable	$2,285,000	$5,410,000

Real_Estate_Loans_Receivable_T1

Real Estate Loans Receivable (Textuals) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Real Estate Loans Receivable (Textual) [Abstract]
Provision for loan losses	$0
Allowance for loan losses	0
Real estate loans with outstanding balances	$21,000,000,000

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Summary of Investments in Unconsolidated Entities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments in unconsolidated entities	$715,468,000		$744,151,000
Triple Net [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments in unconsolidated entities	31,276,000		31,511,000
Triple Net [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	10.00%	[1]	10.00%	[1]
Triple Net [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	49.00%	[1]	49.00%	[1]
Seniors Housing Facilities Operating [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments in unconsolidated entities	509,743,000		539,147,000
Seniors Housing Facilities Operating [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	10.00%	[1]	10.00%	[1]
Seniors Housing Facilities Operating [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%	[1]	50.00%	[1]
Outpatient Medical [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments in unconsolidated entities	$174,449,000		$173,493,000
Outpatient Medical [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	36.00%	[1]	36.00%	[1]
Outpatient Medical [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	49.00%	[1]	49.00%	[1]
[1]	(1) Excludes ownership of in-substance real estate.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_3

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
(Loss) income from unconsolidated entities	($12,648,000)	($5,556,000)
Investments in unconsolidated entities	715,468,000		744,151,000
Unamortized Investment In Joint Venture Primarily Attributable To Real Estate And Related Intangible Assets	166,699,000,000
Triple Net [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
(Loss) income from unconsolidated entities	1,393,000	1,382,000
Senior housing - operating [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
(Loss) income from unconsolidated entities	-15,073,000	-7,961,000
Outpatient Medical [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
(Loss) income from unconsolidated entities	$1,032,000	$1,023,000

Credit_Concentration_Details

Credit Concentration (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	properties
Concentration by investment:
Number of properties in diversified portfolio	1,316	[1]
Percent of NOI	100.00%	[1],[2]
Net Operating Income	$517,716,000	[1]	$460,376,000
Credit Concentration (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage total investments with top five customers				49.00%
Genesis HealthCare [Member]
Concentration by investment:
Number of properties in diversified portfolio	180	[1]
Percent of NOI	17.00%	[1],[2]
Net Operating Income	87,277,000	[1]
Sunrise Senior Living [Member]
Concentration by investment:
Number of properties in diversified portfolio	143	[1],[3]
Percent of NOI	14.00%	[1],[2],[3]
Net Operating Income	71,268,000	[1],[3]
Brookdale [Member]
Concentration by investment:
Number of properties in diversified portfolio	146	[1]
Percent of NOI	8.00%	[1],[2]
Net Operating Income	42,092,000	[1]
Benchmark Senior Living [Member]
Concentration by investment:
Number of properties in diversified portfolio	49	[1]
Percent of NOI	4.00%	[1],[2]
Net Operating Income	21,726,000	[1]
Revera [Member]
Concentration by investment:
Number of properties in diversified portfolio	71	[1],[3]
Percent of NOI	4.00%	[1],[2],[3]
Net Operating Income	19,121,000	[1],[3]
Remaining Portfolio [Member]
Concentration by investment:
Number of properties in diversified portfolio	727	[1]
Percent of NOI	53.00%	[1],[2]
Net Operating Income	$276,232,000	[1]
[1]	(1)B B B B Genesis Healthcare is in our triple-net segment. Sunrise Senior Living and Revera are in our seniors housing operating segment. Brookdale Senior Living and Benchmark Senior Living are in both our triple-net and seniors housing operating segments.
[2]	(2)B B B B NOI with our top five relationships comprised 49% of total NOI for the year ending December 31, 2014
[3]	(3)B B B B Revera owns a controlling interest in Sunrise.

Borrowings_Under_Credit_Facili2

Borrowings Under Credit Facilities and Related Items (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014
Aggregate borrowings under the unsecured line of credit arrangements
Balance outstanding at quarter end	$410,000,000	[1]	$562,000,000	[1]	$0
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end	430,000,000		562,000,000
Average amount outstanding (total of daily principal balances divided by days in period)	$408,944,000		$286,889,000
Weighted average interest rate (actual interest expense divided by average borrowings outstanding)	1.21%		1.34%
[1]	(1) As of March 31, 2015, letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $65,335,000 have been issued, which reduces the borrowing capacity on the unsecured revolving credit facility.

Borrowings_Under_Credit_Facili3

Borrowings Under Credit Facilities and Related Items (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
	properties
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
Number of banks in consortium	28
Available to borrow in alternate currencies	500,000,000
Agent bank's prime rate of interest	1.10%
Interest Rate margin	0.93%
Annual facility fee for each bank based on commitment amount	0.15%
Debt instrument maturity date	31-Oct-18
Balance outstanding at quarter end	410,000,000	[1]	0	562,000,000	[1]
Term Loan Interest Rate Margin	0.98%
HCN Term Loan	500,000,000
HCN Canadian Denomiated Term Loan	250,000,000
Borrowings under primary unsecured credit facilities, Carrying Value	410,000,000	[1]	0	562,000,000	[1]
Financial Stand by Letter Of Credit [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Balance outstanding at quarter end	65,335,000
Borrowings under primary unsecured credit facilities, Carrying Value	$65,335,000
[1]	(1) As of March 31, 2015, letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $65,335,000 have been issued, which reduces the borrowing capacity on the unsecured revolving credit facility.

Senior_Unsecured_Notes_and_Sec2

Senior Unsecured Notes and Secured Debt (Details)

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

USD ($)

USD ($)

Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Canadian Denominated Unsecured Term Loan [Member]

Canadian Denominated Unsecured Term Loan [Member]

Canadian Denominated Unsecured Term Loan [Member]

Unsecured Line of Credit Term Loan [Member]

UK Debt Due 2034 [Member]

UK Debt Due 2034 [Member]

UK Debt Due 2028 [Member]

UK Debt Due 2028 [Member]

Unsecured term credit facility [Member]

Unsecured term credit facility [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

CAD

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Principal payments due on debt obligations

2015

$332,035,000

$0

[1],[2]

$332,035,000

[1],[3]

2016

1,193,223,000

700,000,000

[1],[2]

493,223,000

[1],[3]

2017

829,397,000

450,000,000

[1],[2]

379,397,000

[1],[3]

2018

894,394,000

450,000,000

[1],[2]

444,394,000

[1],[3]

2019

1,668,950,000

1,297,150,000

[1],[2],[4],[5]

371,800,000

[1],[3]

Thereafter

5,622,580,000

4,670,771,000

[1],[2],[6],[7]

951,809,000

[1],[3]

Totals

10,540,579,000

7,567,921,000

[1],[2]

2,972,658,000

[1],[3]

Senior Unsecured Notes and Secured Debt (Textual) [Abstract]

Notes, annual stated interest rates, Minimum

1.10%

1.00%

Notes, annual stated interest rates, Maximum

6.50%

7.90%

Interest rate

4.50%

4.50%

4.80%

4.80%

Senior unsecured notes issued amount

500,000,000

742,600,000

816,860,000

550,000,000

Senior unsecured notes

7,518,196,000

7,766,251,000

197,150,000

250,000,000

410,000,000

500,000,000

Secured debt

3,010,971,000

2,977,713,000

Carrying values of properties securing the debt

$5,349,988,000

Interest Rate margin

0.93%

2.00%

2.00%

0.98%

1.15%

0.98%

Debt Instrument, Issuance Date

25-Jul-14

25-Jul-14

25-Nov-14

25-Nov-14

20-Nov-13

20-Nov-13

25-Jul-14

Debt instrument maturity date

31-Oct-18

31-Oct-18

31-Oct-18

24-Nov-34

24-Nov-34

20-Nov-28

20-Nov-28

31-Oct-18

[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 1.1% to 6.5%.

[3]

(3) Annual interest rates range from 1.0% to 7.9%. Carrying value of the properties securing the debt totaled $5,349,988,000 at March 31, 2015.

[4]

(5) On July 25, 2014, we refinanced the funding on a $500,000,000 unsecured term credit facility. The loan matures on October 31, 2018 (with an option to extend for one additional year at our discretion) and bears interest at LIBOR plus 97.5 basis points (1.15% at March 31, 2015).

[5]

(4) On July 25, 2014, we refinanced the funding on a $250,000,000 Canadian-denominated unsecured term credit facility (approximately $197,150,000 based on the Canadian/U.S. Dollar exchange rate on March 31, 2015). The loan matures on October 31, 2018 (with an option to extend for an additional year at our discretion) and bears interest at the Canadian Dealer Offered Rate plus 97.5 basis points (2.0% at March 31, 2015).

[6]

(6) On November 20, 2013, we completed the sale of £550,000,000 (approximately $816,860,000 based on the Sterling/U.S. Dollar exchange rate in effect on March 31, 2015) of 4.8% senior unsecured notes due 2028.

[7]

(7) On November 25, 2014, we completed the sale of £500,000,000 (approximately $742,600,000 based on the Sterling/U.S. Dollar exchange rate in effect on March 31, 2015) of 4.5% senior unsecured notes due 2034.

Senior_Unsecured_Notes_and_Sec3

Senior Unsecured Notes and Secured Debt (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Unsecured note issuances
Senior unsecured debt issued	$0	$0
Senior unsecured debt redeemed	-154,654,000	-1,000
Excluding Fair Value Adjustments [Member]
Unsecured note issuances
Senior unsecured debt balance	7,567,921,000	7,418,374,000	7,817,154,000	7,421,707,000
Senior unsecured debt issued	0	0
Senior unsecured debt extinguished	0
Senior unsecured debt redeemed	-154,654,000	-1,000
Senior unsecured debt foreign currency	($94,579,000)	($3,332,000)
Senior unsecured debt balance average rate	0.04352	0.044	0.04385	0.044
Senior unsecured debt issued average rate	0	0
Senior unsecured debt extinguished average rate	0	0
Senior unsecured debt redeemed average rate	0.03	0.03
Senior unsecured debt foreign currency average rate	0.04333	0.03486

Senior_Unsecured_Notes_and_Sec4

Senior Unsecured Notes and Secured Debt (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Secured debt principal activity
Secured debt issued	$82,724,000		$10,690,000
Secured debt extinguished	208,057,000		129,539,000
Excluding Fair Value Adjustments [Member]
Secured debt principal activity
Secured debt principal balance	2,972,657,000	2,941,765,000	2,875,957,000	3,010,711,000
Secured debt transferred	0
Secured debt issued	82,724,000		10,690,000
Secured debt assumed	205,897,000		0
Secured debt extinguished	-192,427,000		-114,084,000
Secured debt principal payments	-15,630,000		-15,455,000
Secured debt foreign currency	($49,672,000)		($15,905,000)
Secured debt principal balance average rate	0.0488	0.0494	0.0508	0.051
Secured debt principal transferred average rate	0		0
Secured debt principal issued average rate	0.0234		0.0354
Secured debt principal assumed average rate	0.0398		0
Secured debt principal extinguished average rate	0.0402		0.0573
Secured debt principal payment average rate	0.0501		0.0512
Secured debt principal foreign currency average rate	0.0396		0.0386

Derivative_Instrument_Notional

Derivative Instrument (Notional Table) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | USD
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$57,000,000	$57,000,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | CAD
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	55,000,000	58,000,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | GBP
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	42,000,000	40,000,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Net Investment Hedging [Member] | CAD
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	1,175,000,000	900,000,000
Notional Amount Of Nonderivative Instruments	250,000,000	250,000,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Net Investment Hedging [Member] | GBP
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	350,000,000	350,000,000
Notional Amount Of Nonderivative Instruments	1,050,000,000	1,050,000,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | CAD
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$3,000,000	$12,000,000

Derivative_Instruments_Details

Derivative Instruments (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Loss (Gain) on option exercise	($58,427,000)	[1]
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI			-3,000
Gain (loss) on interest rate swaps recalssified from AOCI into income (effective portion)	-465,939		-443,000
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on forward exchange contracts recognized in income.	2,746,740
Gain on Release of cumulative translation adjustment related to net investment hedge of an equity investment	$184,051,097		$18,489,000
[1]	(1) In April 2011, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the real estate assets of privately-owned Genesis Healthcare Corporation. In conjunction with this transaction, we received the option to acquire an ownership interest in Genesis Healthcare. In February 2015, Genesis Healthcare closed on a transaction to merge with Skilled Healthcare Group to become a publicly traded company which required us to record the value of the derivative asset due to the net settlement feature.

Derivative_Instruments_Textual

Derivative Instruments (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Cash Flow Hedge Gain Loss To Be Reclassified Within Twelve Months 2	$5,363,000
Derivative Cash Received On Hedge	$72,477,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
	Number
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of outstanding letters of credit	7
Letter of credit obligation	$10,769,000
Outstanding construction financings for leased properties	211,941,000	186,327,000
Additional financing to complete construction	355,231,000
Total contingent purchase obligations	59,856,000
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	948,535,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals	28,834,000
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$102,117,000

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholder's Equity (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Preferred Stock:
Authorized shares	50,000,000	50,000,000
Issued shares	25,875,000	25,875,000
Outstanding shares	25,875,000	25,875,000	25,875,000	26,108,236
Common Stock, $1.00 par value:
Authorized shares	700,000,000	700,000,000
Issued shares	351,237,849	329,487,615
Outstanding shares	350,471,798	328,790,066

Stockholders_Equity_Details_1

Stockholder's Equity (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Summary of common stock issuances
Dividend reinvestment plan issuances, Shares Issued	766,488	1,143,397
Dividend reinvestment plan issuances, Average Price	$76.38	$55.71
Dividend reinvestment plan issuances, Net Proceeds	58,547,000	63,703,000
Dividend reinvestment plan issuances, Gross Proceeds	58,547,000	63,703,000
Option exercises, Shares	149,788	1,155
Option exercises, Average Price	47.17	45.02
Option exercises, Gross Proceeds	7,065,000	52,000
Option exercises, Net Proceeds	7,065,000	52,000
Stock incentive plans, net of forfeitures, Shares Issued	166,815
Issuance of Common Stock, Shares	21,681,732	1,377,789
Preferred stock conversions	0	-233,236
Senior note conversions	1,048,641	1
Equity issued in acquisition of noncontrolling interest		233,236
Gross Proceeds From Issuance of Common Stock	1,541,637,000	63,755,000
Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock	1,489,547,000	63,755,000
February 2015 Public Issuance [Member]
Summary of common stock issuances
Public issuance, Shares Issued	19,550,000
Public issuance, Average Price	$75.50
Public issuance, Gross Proceeds	1,476,025,000
Public issuance, Net Proceeds	$1,423,935,000

Stockholders_Equity_Details_2

Stockholder's Equity (Details 2) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [Line Items]
Unrecognized losses on cash flow hedges	($2,809,000)		($650,000)	($4,619,000)		($5,059,000)
Unrecognized losses on equity investments	-11,687,000		0	160,000		-389,000
Unrecognized gains (losses) on foreign currency translation	-91,411,000		-74,770,000	-19,508,000		-17,631,000
Unrecognized actuarial losses	-1,589,000		-1,589,000	-1,452,000		-1,452,000
Totals	-107,496,000		-77,009,000	-25,419,000		-24,531,000
Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustments
Summary of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [Line Items]
Unrecognized losses on cash flow hedges	-2,625,000			-3,000
Unrecognized losses on equity investments	-11,687,000			549,000
Unrecognized gains (losses) on foreign currency translation	-16,641,000			-1,877,000
Unrecognized actuarial losses	0			0
Totals	-30,953,000			-1,331,000
Reclassification amount to net income
Summary of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [Line Items]
Unrecognized losses on cash flow hedges	466,000	[1]		443,000	[1]
Unrecognized losses on equity investments	0			0
Unrecognized gains (losses) on foreign currency translation	0	[1]		0
Unrecognized actuarial losses	0			0
Totals	466,000			443,000
Net current period other comprehensive income
Summary of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [Line Items]
Unrecognized losses on cash flow hedges	-2,159,000			440,000
Unrecognized losses on equity investments	-11,687,000			549,000
Unrecognized gains (losses) on foreign currency translation	-16,641,000			-1,877,000
Unrecognized actuarial losses	0			0
Totals	($30,487,000)			($888,000)
[1]	(1) Please see note 11 for additional information.

Stockholders_Equity_Details_4

Stockholder's Equity (Details 4)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Preferred stock conversions	0		-233,236
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	25,875,000	25,875,000	25,875,000	26,108,236
Preferred stock balance weighted average rate	0.065	0.065	0.065	0.06496
Preferred stock balance issued weighted average rate	0		0
Preferred stock balance redeemed weighted average rate	0		0
Preferred stock converted weighted average rate	0		0.06

Stockholders_Equity_Details_5

Stockholder's Equity (Details 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Summary of dividend payments
Dividends declared and paid per common share	$0.83	$0.80
Common stock cash dividends	$272,569,000	$230,801,000
Total dividends paid	288,921,000	247,154,000
Series H Preferred Stock [Member]
Summary of dividend payments
Dividends declared and paid per preferred share		$0.01
Preferred stock cash dividends		1,000
Series I Preferred Stock [Member]
Summary of dividend payments
Dividends declared and paid per preferred share	$0.81	$0.81
Preferred stock cash dividends	11,680,000	11,680,000
Series J Preferred Stock [Member]
Summary of dividend payments
Dividends declared and paid per preferred share	$0.41	$0.41
Preferred stock cash dividends	$4,672,000	$4,672,000

Stockholders_Equity_Details_Te

Stockholder's Equity (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity (Details) [Abstract]
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests	$0	($1,175,000)

Stock_Incentive_Plans_Details_

Stock Incentive Plans (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock Incentive Plans [Line Items]
Number of common stock authorized for Long-Term Incentive Plan	6,200,000
Stock-based compensation expense	$9,054,000	$7,667,000
Maximum [Member]
Stock Incentive Plans [Line Items]
Vesting period	5 years
Minimum [Member]
Stock Incentive Plans [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Stock Incentive Plans [Line Items]
Vesting period	10 years
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member] | Director [Member]
Stock Incentive Plans [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member] | Officer [Member]
Stock Incentive Plans [Line Items]
Vesting period	5 years

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Computation of basic and diluted earnings per share
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share - net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$190,799,000	$50,022,000
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average shares	336,754	289,606
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options	200,000	148,000
Non-vested restricted shares	416,000	540,000
Convertible senior unsecured notes	442,000	623,000
Dilutive potential common shares	1,058,000	1,311,000
Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted average shares	337,812	290,917
Basic earnings per share	$0.57	$0.17
Diluted earnings per share	$0.56	$0.17

Disclosure_about_Fair_Value_of2

Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Financial Assets:
Loans receivable, Carrying Amount	$745,267,000		$380,169,000
Available-for-sale equity investments, Carrying Amount	46,740,000		0
Available-for-sale equity investments, Fair Value	46,740,000	[1]	0
Cash and cash equivalents, Carrying Amount	202,273,000		473,726,000	185,928,000		158,780,000
Cash and cash equivalents, Fair Value	202,273,000		473,726,000
Foreign currency forward contract, asset	73,081,000		57,087,000
Financial Liabilities:
Borrowings under primary unsecured credit facilities, Carrying Value	410,000,000	[2]	0	562,000,000	[2]
Borrowings under primary unsecured credit facilities, Fair Value	410,000,000		0
Senior unsecured notes, Carrying Amount	7,518,196,000		7,766,251,000
Senior unsecured notes, Fair Value	8,378,885,000		8,613,702,000
Secured debt, Carrying Amount	3,010,971,000		2,977,713,000
Secured debt, Fair Value	2,993,308,000		3,053,067,000
Foreign currency forward contact, liability	410,000		1,495,000
Redeemable OP unitholder interests	47,147,000		46,722,000
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]
Financial Assets:
Loans receivable, Carrying Amount	554,731,000		188,651,000
Loans receivable, Fair value	577,232,000		194,935,000
Other Real Estate Loans Receivable [Member]
Financial Assets:
Loans receivable, Carrying Amount	190,536,000		191,518,000
Loans receivable, Fair value	$192,005,000		$195,375,000
[1]	(1) Unrealized gains or losses on equity investments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at each measurement date.
[2]	(1) As of March 31, 2015, letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $65,335,000 have been issued, which reduces the borrowing capacity on the unsecured revolving credit facility.

Disclosure_about_Fair_Value_of3

Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details 1) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
The Market approach utilized to measure fair value of financial assets and liabilities on recurring basis
Available-for-sale equity investments	$46,740,000	[1]	$0
Foreign currency forward contracts	72,671,000	[2]
Redeemable OP unitholder interests	47,147,000		46,722,000
Totals	166,558,000
Level 1 [Member]
The Market approach utilized to measure fair value of financial assets and liabilities on recurring basis
Available-for-sale equity investments	46,740,000	[1]
Totals	46,740,000
Level 2 [Member]
The Market approach utilized to measure fair value of financial assets and liabilities on recurring basis
Foreign currency forward contracts	72,671,000	[2]
Redeemable OP unitholder interests	47,147,000
Totals	$119,818,000
[1]	(1) Unrealized gains or losses on equity investments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at each measurement date.
[2]	(2) Please see Note 11 for additional information.

Segment_Reporting_Details

Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of information for reportable segments
Rental income	$379,587,000		$336,455,000
Resident fees and services	492,510,000		456,265,000
Interest income	16,994,000		8,594,000
Other income	5,086,000		493,000
Total revenues	894,177,000		801,807,000
Property operating expenses	376,461,000		341,431,000
Net Operating Income from Continuing Operations	517,716,000	[1]	460,376,000
Interest expense	121,080,000		120,833,000
Loss (gain) on derivatives, net	-58,427,000	[2]
Depreciation and amortization	188,829,000		233,318,000
General and administrative	35,138,000		32,865,000
Transaction costs	48,554,000		952,000
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net	-15,401,000		148,000
Provision for loan losses	0
Impairment of Asset	2,220,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities	164,921,000		72,556,000
Income tax (expense) benefit	304,000		-2,260,000
(Loss) income from unconsolidated entities	-12,648,000		-5,556,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations	152,577,000		64,740,000
Discontinued Operation, Amount of Other Income (Loss) from Disposition of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax			460,000
Gain (loss) on real estate dispositions, net	56,845,000
Net income	209,422,000		65,200,000
Total assets	26,629,395,000			25,014,296,000
Percent Of Assets	1			1
Percent Of Revenues	1		1
Triple Net [Member]
Summary of information for reportable segments
Rental income	264,406,000		237,716,000
Resident fees and services	0		0
Interest income	14,699,000		7,720,000
Other income	3,883,000		144,000
Total revenues	282,988,000		245,580,000
Property operating expenses			243,000
Net Operating Income from Continuing Operations	282,988,000		245,337,000
Interest expense	10,027,000		9,115,000
Loss (gain) on derivatives, net	-58,427,000		0
Depreciation and amortization	70,031,000		67,269,000
General and administrative	0		0
Transaction costs	36,172,000		275,000
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net	10,336,000		0
Provision for loan losses			0
Impairment of Asset	2,220,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities	212,629,000		168,678,000
Income tax (expense) benefit	418,000		-355,000
(Loss) income from unconsolidated entities	1,393,000		1,382,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations	214,440,000		169,705,000
Discontinued Operation, Amount of Other Income (Loss) from Disposition of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax			460,000
Gain (loss) on real estate dispositions, net	54,097,000
Net income	268,537,000		170,165,000
Total assets	11,916,636,000
Senior housing - operating [Member]
Summary of information for reportable segments
Rental income	0		0
Resident fees and services	492,510,000		456,265,000
Interest income	1,031,000		0
Other income	1,020,000		54,000
Total revenues	494,561,000		456,319,000
Property operating expenses	338,507,000		308,184,000
Net Operating Income from Continuing Operations	156,054,000		148,135,000
Interest expense	34,458,000		27,479,000
Loss (gain) on derivatives, net	0		0
Depreciation and amortization	76,636,000		129,162,000
General and administrative	0		0
Transaction costs	12,042,000		630,000
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net	0		-148,000
Other expenses	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities	32,918,000		-8,988,000
Income tax (expense) benefit	-533,000		-1,643,000
(Loss) income from unconsolidated entities	-15,073,000		-7,961,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations	17,312,000		-18,592,000
Net income	17,312,000		-18,592,000
Total assets	10,208,763,000
Outpatient Medical [Member]
Summary of information for reportable segments
Rental income	115,181,000		98,739,000
Resident fees and services	0		0
Interest income	1,264,000		874,000
Other income	161,000		280,000
Total revenues	116,606,000		99,893,000
Property operating expenses	37,954,000		33,004,000
Net Operating Income from Continuing Operations	78,652,000		66,889,000
Interest expense	7,625,000		9,383,000
Loss (gain) on derivatives, net	0		0
Depreciation and amortization	42,162,000		36,887,000
General and administrative	0		0
Transaction costs	341,000		47,000
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities	28,524,000		20,572,000
Income tax (expense) benefit	466,000		-262,000
(Loss) income from unconsolidated entities	1,032,000		1,023,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations	30,022,000		21,333,000
Gain (loss) on real estate dispositions, net	2,749,000
Net income	32,771,000		21,333,000
Total assets	4,444,058,000
Non Segment Corporate [Member]
Summary of information for reportable segments
Rental income	0		0
Resident fees and services	0		0
Interest income	0		0
Other income	22,000		15,000
Total revenues	22,000		15,000
Property operating expenses	0		0
Net Operating Income from Continuing Operations	22,000		15,000
Interest expense	68,970,000		74,856,000
Loss (gain) on derivatives, net	0		0
Depreciation and amortization	0		0
General and administrative	35,138,000		32,865,000
Transaction costs	0		0
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net	5,064,000		0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from unconsolidated entities	-109,150,000		-107,706,000
Income tax (expense) benefit	-48,000		0
(Loss) income from unconsolidated entities	0		0
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-109,198,000		-107,706,000
Net income	-109,198,000		-107,706,000
Total assets	59,938,000
International [Member]
Summary of information for reportable segments
Total revenues	149,041,000		126,708,000
Total assets	4,748,464,000			4,285,819,000
Percent Of Assets	0.178			0.171
Percent Of Revenues	0.167		0.158
United States [Member]
Summary of information for reportable segments
Total revenues	745,136,000		675,099,000
Total assets	$21,880,931,000			$20,728,477,000
Percent Of Assets	0.822			0.829
Percent Of Revenues	0.833		0.842
[1]	(1)B B B B Genesis Healthcare is in our triple-net segment. Sunrise Senior Living and Revera are in our seniors housing operating segment. Brookdale Senior Living and Benchmark Senior Living are in both our triple-net and seniors housing operating segments.
[2]	(1) In April 2011, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the real estate assets of privately-owned Genesis Healthcare Corporation. In conjunction with this transaction, we received the option to acquire an ownership interest in Genesis Healthcare. In February 2015, Genesis Healthcare closed on a transaction to merge with Skilled Healthcare Group to become a publicly traded company which required us to record the value of the derivative asset due to the net settlement feature.

Income_Taxes_and_Distributions1

Income Taxes and Distributions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes And Distributions (Textuals) [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Liabilities	$13,771,000	$12,451,000
Additional Income Taxes and Distributions (Textuals) [Abstract]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$857,000	$857,000
Percentage of Taxable income to be distributed to stockholders for federal tax purposes	90.00%
Percentage of capital gains excluded from taxable income distributed to shareholders	100.00%
Percentage of federal excise tax on real estate investment trusts that do not distribute income.	4.00%

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015
		properties
Subsequent Events Details [Abstract]
Number of banks in consortium		28
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$2,500,000,000
Interest Rate margin		0.93%
Facility Fee as Percentage of commitment fee		0.15%
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%
Debt instrument maturity date		31-Oct-18