v2.4.0.6

Borrowing Arrangements (Details 5) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2012 ASLG | Jan. 23, 2013 ASLG Subsequent Event
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Debt instruments |  |  |  |
Number of communities under capital lease |  |  | 8 |
Net assets held under capital leases | $ 215.0 | $ 224.7 |  |
Acquired facilities, aggregate consideration |  |  |  | $ 145.0

X
- Definition Net amount recognized for aggregate assets, including goodwill, in excess of or less than the aggregate liabilities assumed (also referred to as net assets acquired). This amount may also be viewed as incremental amount of equity that the consolidated entity (including the portion attributable to a noncontrolling interest) will recognize as a result of the business combination. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The total gross amount less the charge for the use of the long-lived depreciable assets subject to a lease meeting the criteria for capitalization. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 840 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6455398&loc=d3e45280-112737 + Details
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Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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

X
- Definition Represents the number of communities under the capital lease agreements. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant