v2.4.0.6

Borrowing Arrangements (Details 3) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended |  | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended |  |  | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  |  | 12 Months Ended |  |  | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended |  |  | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended |  |  |  |
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Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2009 | Dec. 31, 2011 NHP | Feb. 29, 2012 6 1/2% Senior Notes due 2016 | Jul. 31, 2011 6 1/2% Senior Notes due 2016 | Sep. 30, 2011 6 1/2% Senior Notes due 2016 | Dec. 31, 2011 6 1/2% Senior Notes due 2016 | Dec. 31, 2009 6 1/2% Senior Notes due 2016 | Dec. 31, 2010 6 1/2% Senior Notes due 2016 | Dec. 31, 2011 Senior notes due, 2014 | May 31, 2011 4.750% Senior Notes due 2021 | Dec. 31, 2011 4.750% Senior Notes due 2021 | Dec. 31, 2010 4.750% Senior Notes due 2021 | Jul. 31, 2011 6.50% senior notes due 2011 NHP | Dec. 31, 2009 Senior Notes | Dec. 31, 2011 Senior Notes NHP | May 31, 2010 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2017 | Dec. 31, 2009 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2017 | Dec. 31, 2011 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2017 | Dec. 31, 2010 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2017 | Dec. 31, 2009 9% Senior Notes due 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 9% Senior Notes due 2012 | Dec. 31, 2010 9% Senior Notes due 2012 | Jun. 30, 2010 7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2015 | Jun. 30, 2010 7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2015 | Dec. 31, 2009 7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2015 | Oct. 31, 2010 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014 | Dec. 31, 2010 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014 | Dec. 31, 2009 6 5/8% Senior Notes due 2014 | Nov. 30, 2010 3.125% Senior Notes due 2015 | Dec. 31, 2011 3.125% Senior Notes due 2015 | Dec. 31, 2010 3.125% Senior Notes due 2015 | Dec. 31, 2009 Senior notes due, 2009 | Feb. 28, 2011 Mortgage loans | Mar. 31, 2011 Mortgage loans | Dec. 31, 2011 Mortgage loans property loan Y | Dec. 31, 2011 Mortgage loans Minimum | Dec. 31, 2011 Mortgage loans Maximum | Dec. 31, 2011 Mortgage loans ASLG | Dec. 31, 2011 Mortgage loans NHP | Feb. 29, 2012 4.25% senior notes due 2022 | Dec. 31, 2011 Unsecured term loan | Dec. 31, 2011 Unsecured term loan due 2015 | Dec. 31, 2010 Unsecured term loan due 2015 | Dec. 31, 2011 Unsecured term loan due 2017 | Dec. 31, 2010 Unsecured term loan due 2017
Debt instruments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount outstanding | $ 6,180,443,000 | $ 2,926,954,000 |  | $ 652,600,000 |  | $ 200,000,000 |  | $ 200,000,000 |  | $ 400,000,000 |  |  | $ 700,000,000 | $ 0 |  |  |  |  |  | $ 225,000,000 | $ 225,000,000 |  | $ 82,433,000 | $ 82,433,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 400,000,000 | $ 400,000,000 |  |  |  | $ 14,600,000 |  |  |  |  |  | $ 500,000,000 | $ 126,875,000 | $ 0 | $ 375,000,000 | $ 0
Accounts payable and other liabilities | 1,085,597,000 | 207,143,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 14,600,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount of debt issued |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 200,000,000 | 200,000,000 |  | 50,000,000 | 700,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 400,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 600,000,000 | 500,000,000 |  |  |  |
Interest rate (as a percent) |  |  |  |  |  | 6.50% |  | 6.50% |  | 6.50% |  | 4.75% | 4.75% | 4.75% | 6.50% |  |  | 6.75% | 6.75% | 6.75% | 6.75% | 9.00% | 9.00% | 9.00% | 7.125% | 7.125% | 7.125% | 6.625% |  | 6.625% | 3.125% | 3.125% | 3.125% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4.25% |  |  |  |  |
Discount rate (as a percent) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.50% | 15.75% |  | 1.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Public Offering Price as a Percent of Par |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 99.132% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 99.214% |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from issuance of debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 168,500,000 |  |  | 693,900,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 398,100,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 595,300,000 |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount of debt redeemed |  |  |  |  | 200,000,000 | 200,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 339,000,000 | 361,600,000 |  | 1,400,000 | 121,600,000 |  |  | 109,400,000 |  |  | 142,700,000 |  | 27,300,000 | 71,700,000 |  | 103,300,000 |  |  |  | 49,800,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayment of senior notes |  |  |  |  | 206,500,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 147,800,000 |  |  | 73,300,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Note Redemption Price as a Percent of Par |  |  |  |  |  | 103.25% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of senior debt |  |  |  |  |  | 206,500,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net loss on extinguishment of debt | 27,604,000 | 9,791,000 | 6,080,000 |  |  | 8,700,000 | 8,700,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6,100,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6,400,000 |  |  | 2,500,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 16,500,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt assumed in connection with acquisition | 3,651,089,000 | 125,320,000 | 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,600,000,000 |  |  | 1,200,000,000 | 442,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior notes interest rate, Minimum (as a percent) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior notes interest rate, Maximum (as a percent) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8.25% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Redemption price as a percentage of par |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 103.56% |  |  | 102.21% |  |  | 99.528% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of principal amount at which issuers must offer to repay senior notes due to certain kinds of changes of control | 101.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of mortgage loans outstanding |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 273 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of properties which are held as collateral for the mortgage loans |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 228 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of mortgage loans bearing interest at fixed rates |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 244 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount outstanding of variable rate mortgage loans |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,400,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fixed interest rate (as a percent) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4.40% | 8.60% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of mortgage loans bearing interest at lender's variable rates |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 29 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount outstanding of variable rate mortgage loans |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 414,600,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate on mortgage loans bearing interest at lender's variable rates (as a percent) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.60% | 7.30% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted average annual rate on fixed rate mortgage loans (as a percent) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6.10% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted average annual rate on variable rate mortgage loans (as a percent) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted average maturity period of mortgage loans (in years) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Mortgage loans repaid in full |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 307,200,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

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- Definition Amount represents the difference between the fair value of the payments made and the carrying amount of the debt at the time of its extinguishment. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 50 -Section 40 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6850294&loc=d3e12355-112629 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 26 -Paragraph 20, 21 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 50 -Section 40 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6850294&loc=d3e12317-112629 + Details
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- Definition The amount of debt that an Entity assumes in acquiring a business or in consideration for an asset received in a noncash (or part noncash) acquisition. Noncash is defined as transactions during a period that affect recognized assets or liabilities but that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4332-108586 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 32 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4313-108586 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4304-108586 + Details
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- Definition The cash inflow from a borrowing with the highest claim on the assets of the entity in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3255-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph b -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 + Details
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Balance Type: | debit
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- Definition The cash outflow during the period from the repayment of aggregate short-term and long-term debt. Excludes payment of capital lease obligations. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition The cash outflow to repay long-term debt that is wholly or partially secured by collateral. Excludes repayments of tax exempt secured debt. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3291-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph b -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 + Details
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- Definition The cash outflow for a long-term debt where the holder has highest claim on the entity's asset in case of bankruptcy or liquidation during the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3291-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph b -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 + Details
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Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition Represents the initial discount rate on the debt instrument. + References No definition available. + Details
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Balance Type: | na
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- Definition Represents the redemption price of the debt instrument as a percentage of par. + References No definition available. + Details
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Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition Represents the principal amount outstanding of variable rate mortgage loans. + References No definition available. + Details
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Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition Represents the principal amount outstanding of variable rate mortgage loans. + References No definition available. + Details
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Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
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- Definition Represents the number of mortgage loans outstanding. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Represents the number of mortgage loans with a variable interest rate. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Represents the number of mortgage loans with a variable interest rate. + References No definition available. + Details
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Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition Represents the number of properties which are held as collateral for the mortgage loans. + References No definition available. + Details
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Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition Represents the percentage of principal amount of the debt instrument at which the issuers must make an offer to repurchase the senior notes due to certain kinds of changes of control. + References No definition available. + Details
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Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition Public offering price as a percent of par. + References No definition available. + Details
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Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition Senior note redemption price as a percent of par. + References No definition available. + Details
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Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition Represents the weighted average annual rate on fixed rate mortgages. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Represents the weighted average annual rate on variable rate mortgages. + References No definition available. + Details
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Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition Represents the weighted average maturity period of mortgage loans. + References No definition available. + Details
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Data Type: | xbrli:decimalItemType
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