Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	$ 359,483	$ 363,229
Income taxes paid	4,282	(2)
Capitalized interest	8,185	10,852
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:
Accrued construction costs	28,933	18,495
Loans received upon real estate disposition	67,640
Real estate contributed to CCRC-JV	91,603
Fair value of real estate acquired in exchange for sale of real estate	32,000	15,204
Supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities:
Vesting of restricted stock units	575	110
Cancellation of restricted stock	1	17
Conversion of non-managing member units into common stock	73	2,997
Noncontrolling interest issued in connection with real estate acquisition	46,751
Noncontrolling interest issued in connection with real estate acquisition	6,321
Noncontrolling interest disposed in connection with real estate sales	1,671
Mortgages and other liabilities assumed with real estate acquisitions	1,734	12,728
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, net	$ 1,824	$ 6,990

Carrying value of properties contributed to joint venture.

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Represents the amount of noncontrolling interest issued in connection with real estate disposition in noncash activities.

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Represents the amount of real estate properties acquired in exchange for sale of real estate properties in noncash investing or financing activities.

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The value of stock issued upon which restrictions have lapsed.

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The amount of unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities and derivatives designated as cash flow hedges.

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This element represents the fair value of the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date.

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Future cash outflow to pay for construction in progress expenditures that have occurred.

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The amount of cash paid during the current period to foreign, federal, state, and local authorities as taxes on income, net of any cash received during the current period as refunds for the overpayment of taxes.

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Amount of interest capitalized during the period.

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The amount of cash paid for interest during the period net of cash paid for interest that is capitalized.

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The total amount of [all] liabilities 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.

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Amount of noncash consideration received for selling an asset or business through a noncash (or part noncash) transaction.

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The value of the noncash (or part noncash) consideration given (for example, liability, equity) in a transaction. Noncash is defined as transactions during a period that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of a transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.

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Value of stock issued during the period upon the conversion of units. An example of a convertible unit is an umbrella partnership real estate investment trust unit (UPREIT unit).

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Value of stock related to Restricted Stock Awards forfeited during the period.

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