RESTRICTED CASH AND INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
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Dec. 31, 2010
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Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
RESTRICTED CASH AND INVESTMENTS        
HUD escrow deposits     $ 279 $ 326
Funds held in trust for residents       45
Refundable escrow deposit       500
Principal and interest escrow     106  
Collateral certificates of deposit     1,357 1,012
Total current portion     1,742 1,883
HUD replacement reserve     372 1,130
Reserves for capital improvements     1,602 1,767
Restricted investments for other debt obligations     5,241 1,973
Total noncurrent portion     7,215 4,870
Total restricted cash and investments     $ 8,957 $ 6,753
Additional disclosure        
Number of skilled nursing facilities for which the entity terminated an agreement to acquire or lease 15      
Number of mortgages obtained in 2010 which require 5 year certificates of deposit to be held as collateral   2    
Number of certificates of deposit obtained and held as collateral   2    
Term of certificate of deposit to be held as collateral for other debt obligations   5 years