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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Basis of Presentation
Ownership interest in subsidiaries (as a percent)	100.00%
Buildings and improvements
Real Estate Properties
Estimated useful lives	40 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum
Real Estate Properties
Estimated useful lives	40 years
Personal property | Maximum
Real Estate Properties
Estimated useful lives	12 years

X

- Definition

Represents the percentage of ownership held in the subsidiary either directly or indirectly.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	snh_OwnershipPercentageHeldInSubsidiary
Namespace Prefix:	snh_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration