v2.4.0.6

Borrowing Arrangements (Details 6) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2011
--- | ---
Borrowing Arrangements |
Unamortized fair value adjustment related to long-term debt | $ 144.9
Estimated aggregate amortization of fair value adjustment related to long-term debt (reduction of interest expense) for each of the next five years: |
2012 | 54.0
2013 | 29.3
2014 | 23.3
2015 | 12.5
2016 | $ 6.9

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

X
- Definition Estimated amortization related to the fair value adjustment of long term debt expected to be recognized during year five of the five succeeding fiscal years. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_EstimatedAggregateAmortizationOfFairValueAdjustmentYearFive
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Estimated amortization related to the fair value adjustment of long term debt expected to be recognized during year four of the five succeeding fiscal years. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_EstimatedAggregateAmortizationOfFairValueAdjustmentYearFour
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Estimated amortization related to the fair value adjustment of long term debt expected to be recognized during year one of the five succeeding fiscal years. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_EstimatedAggregateAmortizationOfFairValueAdjustmentYearOne
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Estimated amortization related to the fair value adjustment of long term debt expected to be recognized during year three of the five succeeding fiscal years. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_EstimatedAggregateAmortizationOfFairValueAdjustmentYearThree
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Estimated amortization related to the fair value adjustment of long term debt expected to be recognized during year two of the five succeeding fiscal years. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_EstimatedAggregateAmortizationOfFairValueAdjustmentYearTwo
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | vtr_UnamortizedFairValueAdjustmentForEachOfNextFiveYearsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the unamortized fair value adjustment related to long-term debt assumed in an acquisition. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_UnamortizedFairValueAdjustmentRelatedToLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant