Document and Entity Information[Abstract] Document and Entity Information Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Trading Symbol Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Public Float Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Voluntary Filers CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Assets Abstract ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Other Short-term Investments Short-term investments Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,497 and $1,009 Accounts Receivable, Net, Current, Total Other receivables Escrow Deposit Tax, insurance, and maintenance escrows Prepaid Insurance Prepaid insurance expense Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Ending Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Beginning Balance Deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Total Other Assets, Current Other prepaid expenses and current assets Assets, Current Total current assets Long Term Investments Long-term Investments, Total Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $304,495 and $222,518 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Restricted deposits Goodwill Goodwill, Ending Balance Goodwill, Beginning Balance Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $36,109 and $28,883 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total Other assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent, Total Assets Total assets LIABILITIES, SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTEREST Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities, Total Current portion of capital lease and financing obligations Trade accounts payable Accrued employee compensation and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current, Total Accrued interest Interest and Dividends Payable, Current, Total Accrued real estate taxes Accrued professional and general liability Accrued Liabilities, Current, Total Other accrued expenses Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current, Total Unearned rental income Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Long-term debt obligations, less current portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities, Total Capital lease and financing obligations, less current portion Deferred gain on sale of communities Deferred Rent Credit Non current Deferred straight-line rent Other long-term liabilities Liabilities Total liabilities Commitments And Contingencies 2009 Commitments and contingencies Shareholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interest: Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value. Authorized 20,000,000 shares, none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common stock, $0.0001 par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 44,193,818 and 39,274,590 shares Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Beginning Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Total Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Total Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Beginning Balance Total Emeritus Corporation shareholders' equity Noncontrolling interest-related party Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Balances, value Balances, value Total shareholders' equity Balances Balances Total shareholders' equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Total liabilities, shareholders' equity, and noncontrolling interest Trade accounts receivable, allowance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Ending Balance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Beginning Balance Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Ending Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Beginning Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization Preferred stock, par value Preferred stock, authorized shares Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued, Total Common stock, par value Common stock, authorized shares Common stock, issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Common stock, outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Revenues: Minimum Rents Community revenue Management fees Management Fees Revenue, Total Total operating revenues Total operating revenues Cost of Revenue [Abstract] Expenses: Direct Costs of Leased and Rented Property or Equipment Community operations (exclusive of depreciation and amortization and community leases shown separately below) General and administrative General and Administrative Expense, Total Other General and Administrative Expense Acquisitions and development Asset Impairment Charges Impairments on long-lived assets Asset Impairment Charges, Total Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction, Total Operating Leases, Rent Expense Community leases Community leases Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Total Costs and Expenses Total operating expenses Total operating expenses Operating income from continuing operations Operating income (loss) from continuing operations Other income (expense): Investment Income, Interest Interest income Interest expense Interest expense Interest Expense, Total Change in fair value of interest rate swaps Change in fair value of interest rate swaps Change in fair value of interest rate swaps Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Net equity investment losses (earnings) Net equity earnings (losses) for unconsolidated joint ventures Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Total Equity investment losses (earnings) Other Nonoperating Income Other, net Other, net Net other expense Net other expense Sum of operating earnings (loss) and non-operating income (expense) before income taxes, extraordinary items, cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, non-controlling interest and discontinued operations. Loss Before Income Taxes Loss from continuing operations before income taxes Loss from continuing operations before income taxes Provision for income taxes Benefit of (provision for) income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Loss from continuing operations Loss from continuing operations Loss from continuing operations Income (loss) from discontinued operations Loss from discontinued operations Net loss Net loss Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest Net loss attributable to Emeritus Corporation common shareholders Net loss attributable to Emeritus Corporation common shareholders Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic loss per common share attributable to Emeritus Corporation common shareholders: Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Outstanding Share, Total Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Share, Total Earnings Per Share, Basic Total income loss per common share basic Earnings per share, basic, total Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average basic common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Diluted loss per common share attributable to Emeritus Corporation common shareholders: Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Continuing operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share, Total Earnings Per Share, Diluted Total income loss per common share Diluted Earnings per share, diluted, total Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted, Total CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Amounts recognized in the current period related to favorable or unfavorable in-place lease intangibles on acquired leases that are amortized as a reduction of or addition to rental income. Amortization of above/below market rents Loss on lease termination Loss on lease termination The amount of income credited to earnings for deferred gains on sales and leasebacks of real estate. Amortization Of Deferred Gains Amortization of deferred gains The difference between the sale price or salvage price and the book value of an asset that was sold or retired during the reporting period. This element refers to the gain (loss) and not to the cash proceeds of the sale. This element is a noncash adjustment to net income when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. There is also a more specific element for realized gain (loss) on the sale of property, plant, and equipment. Also, the aggregate amount of write-downs for impairments recognized during the period for long-lived assets held for abandonment, exchange or sale. Losses and Impairments on Sale of Assets Losses on sale and impairment of long-lived assets Amortization of loan fees Amortization of loan fees Allowance for doubtful receivables Stock-based compensation Stock-based compensation Increase Decrease In Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Liabilities Deferred straight-line rent Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Liabilities, Total Other Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Trade accounts receivable and other receivables Trade accounts receivable and other receivables Increase (Decrease) in Receivables, Total Prepaid expenses Prepaid expenses Other assets Other assets Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable Trade Trade accounts payable Other accrued expenses and current liabilities Security deposits and other long-term liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities cf Net Cash provided by operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Acquisition of property and equipment Acquisition of property and equipment Acquisition of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Community acquisitions Community acquisition Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired, Total Sale of property and equipment Sale of property and equipment Increase (Decrease) in Lease Acquisition Costs Lease and contract acquisition costs Lease and contract acquisition costs Increase (Decrease) in Due to Affiliates Payments (to) from affiliates and other managed communities, net Payments from (to) affiliates and other managed communities, net Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Distribution from unconsolidated joint ventures/other Distributions from (investments in) unconsolidated joint ventures, net Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Purchase of available-for-sale securities Purchase of available-for-sale securities Purchase of available-for-sale securities Net cash used in investing activities Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Sale of Stock, Consideration Received on Transaction Proceeds from sale of stock, net Repurchase of common stock Repurchase of common stock Proceeds From Repayments Of Restricted Cash Financing Activities Decrease (increase) in restricted deposits Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance and other financing costs Debt issuance and other financing costs Proceeds From Issuance Of Long Term Debt Proceeds from long-term borrowings and financings Debt issuance and other financing costs Repayment of long-term borrowings and financings Repayment of long-term borrowings and financings Repayment of long-term borrowings and financings Repayment of capital lease and financing obligations Repayment of capital lease and financing obligations Tax benefit of stock compensation Noncontrolling interest contribution Noncontrolling interest contribution Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities cf Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid during the period for interest Interest Paid, Net, Total Income Taxes Paid Cash paid during the period for income taxes Cash received during the period for income tax refunds Cash received during the period for income tax refunds Non-cash financing and investing activities: Non-cash transaction of debt obligation, whether short-term or long-term, that has been refinanced. Debt Refinanced Amount Debt refinanced Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Capital lease and financing obligations Unrealized gain on investment in marketable equity securities Unrealized gain on marketable securities Termination Of Capital Lease. Termination Of Capital Lease [Abstract] Adjustments related to purchase and sale of leased property: A decrease in capital lease assets related to the transaction involving the purchase and immediate sale of capital leases. Noncash Purchase And Sale Decrease In Capital Lease Assets Decrease in capital lease assets A decrease in capital lease obligations related to the transaction involving the purchase and immediate sale of capital leases. Noncash Purchase And Sale Decrease In Capital Lease Obligations Decrease in capital lease obligations Adjustments Related to Purchase of Leased Property [Abstract] Adjustments related to purchase of leased properties: Write-off of capital and financing lease buyouts related to a termination of a lease. Write Off Capital And Financing Lease Buyouts Capital and financing lease buyouts Write-off of deferred sale leaseback gains related to a termination of a lease. Write Off Deferred Sale Leaseback Gains Change in deferred sale leaseback gains Write-off of lease acquisition costs related to a termination of a lease. Write Off Lease Acquisition Costs Lease acquisition costs Write-off of deferred rent expenses related to a termination of an operating lease. Write Off Deferred Rent Deferred rent Write-off of above/below market rents related to a termination of a lease. Write Off Above Below Market Rents Above/(below) market rents Write-off of Discount On Security Deposits Write Off Discount On Security Deposits Discount on security deposits Sale leaseback transactions: An increase in property and equipment related to the transaction involving the sale of property to another party and the lease of the property back to the seller. Noncash Purchase And Sale Leaseback Increase In Property And Equipment Increase in property and equipment An increase in intangible assets related to the transaction involving the sale of property to another party and the lease of the property back to the seller. Noncash Purchase And Sale Leaseback Increase In Intangible Assets Increase in intangible assets An financing lease obligation related to the transaction involving the sale of property to another party and the lease of the property back to the seller. Noncash Purchase And Sale Leaseback Financing Lease Obligation Financing lease obligation An increase in deferred gain related to the transaction involving the sale of property to another party and the lease of the property back to the seller. Noncash Purchase And Sale Leaseback Increase In Deferred Gain Increase in deferred gain An decrease in deferred straight-line rent related to the transaction involving the sale of property to another party and the lease of the property back to the seller. Noncash Purchase And Sale Leaseback Decrease In Deferred Straight Line Rent Decrease in deferred straight-line rent Summerville Acquisition [Abstract] Summerville Acquisition [Abstract] Summerville acquisition: Contingent Purchase Price Adjustment to Goodwill Contingent Purchase Price Adjustment On Goodwill Contingent purchase price adjustment to goodwill CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Shares, Issued Balances, shares Balances, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Issuances of shares under Employee Stock Purchase Plan, net of repurchases, shares Issuances of shares under Employee Stock Purchase Plan, net of repurchases Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Stock Options Exercised Options exercised, shares Options exercised, Value Options exercised Stock option compensation expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation Stock option income tax benefit Stock Issued During Period Shares New Issues Common stock offering, net, shares Common stock offering Common stock offering, net Components of comprehensive loss: Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent, Total Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain]