v2.4.0.6

Description of Business (Details) | Dec. 31, 2011 province state property
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Description of Business |
Number of real estate properties | 1,378
Number of properties leased | 929
Number of states | 46
Number of Canadian provinces | 2
KINDRED |
Description of Business |
Number of properties leased | 198
Brookdale Senior Living |
Description of Business |
Number of properties leased | 167
Seniors housing communities |
Description of Business |
Number of real estate properties | 678
Number of independent third party managed properties | 200
Skilled nursing facilities |
Description of Business |
Number of real estate properties | 396
Hospitals |
Description of Business |
Number of real estate properties | 47
Medical office buildings |
Description of Business |
Number of real estate properties | 249
Personal care facilities |
Description of Business |
Number of real estate properties | 8
Development projects |
Description of Business |
Number of real estate properties | 3

X
- Definition The number of real estate properties owned as of the balance sheet date. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The number of states the entity operates in as of the balance sheet date. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The number of properties that are managed by the independent third party. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_NumberOfIndependentThirdPartyManagedProperties
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The number of properties owned that are leased to unaffiliated tenants under triple-net lease terms. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_NumberOfPropertiesLeasedUnderTripleNetLeases
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The number of provinces in which the entity operates as of the balance sheet date. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_NumberOfProvincesInWhichEntityOperates
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant