v2.4.0.6

Acquisitions of Real Estate Property (Details) (USD $) | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  | 0 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
May 31, 2012 property | Dec. 31, 2012 property | Aug. 31, 2012 | Apr. 02, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2011 | May 12, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2012 Funds Previously Managed by LFREI | Apr. 02, 2012 Cogdell Acquisition property | Dec. 31, 2012 Cogdell Acquisition property | Dec. 31, 2012 Development projects property | May 31, 2012 SUNRISE property | Dec. 31, 2011 Other Acquisitions property | Dec. 31, 2012 Other Acquisitions | May 12, 2011 ASLG | Oct. 31, 2011 ASLG | May 31, 2011 ASLG | Dec. 31, 2012 ATRIA | Dec. 31, 2012 ATRIA Funds Previously Managed by LFREI
Business acquisition |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Ownership percentage |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 34.00% | 34.00%
Treasury stock, shares |  | 3,699,000 |  |  | 14,000 |  |  | 3,700,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consideration transferred |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 760,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Preacquisition contingency, amount of settlement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 44,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of MOBs acquired and managed by property management business |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 44 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Joint venture partners' share of total debt |  |  |  | 36,300,000 |  |  |  |  | 36,300,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Right to receive cash per share on each outstanding share of common stock outstanding (in dollars per share) |  | $ 4.25 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Preferred stock, dividend rate, percentage |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8.50% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consideration per share for each outstanding share of preferred stock (in dollars per share) |  | $ 25 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Mortgage debt assumed |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 203,800,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total acquisition-related cost |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 28,600,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business acquisition equity interests issued or issuable, number of shares issued |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 24,958,543 |  | 24,958,543 |  |
Senior housing communities acquired | 21 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2 | 16 | 5 |  |  |  | 117 |  |
Number of skilled nursing facilities | 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of MOBs in which ownership interest acquired | 44 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 71 |  | 3 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net real estate property |  | 17,111,532,000 |  |  | 15,913,732,000 |  |  |  |  |  | 116,900,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Value of common stock shares issued related to acquisition |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,380,000,000 |  |  |  |
Closing price on acquisition date used to value shares issued in the acquisition (in dollars per share) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 55.33 |  |  |  |
Working capital adjustment, shares cancelled |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 83,441 |  |  |
Number of development land properties acquired |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1 |  |
Fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Land and improvements |  | 194,812,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 93,585,000 |  |  | 41,689,000 |  | 59,538,000 | 341,540,000 |  |  |  |
Buildings and improvements |  | 1,721,060,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 626,302,000 |  |  | 311,888,000 |  | 782,870,000 | 2,876,717,000 |  |  |  |
Construction in progress |  | 25,597,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 23,944,000 |  |  | 0 |  | 1,653,000 |  |  |  |  |
Acquired lease intangibles |  | 202,799,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 117,132,000 |  |  | 14,320,000 |  | 71,347,000 | 159,610,000 |  |  |  |
Other assets |  | 45,876,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 24,466,000 |  |  | 890,000 |  | 20,520,000 | 215,708,000 |  |  |  |
Total assets acquired |  | 2,190,144,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 885,429,000 |  |  | 368,787,000 |  | 935,928,000 | 3,593,575,000 |  |  |  |
Notes payable and other debt |  | 412,825,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 213,430,000 |  |  | 0 |  | 199,395,000 | 1,629,212,000 |  |  |  |
Deferred tax liability |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 43,466,000 |  |  |  |
Other liabilities |  | 127,682,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 51,280,000 |  |  | 10,565,000 |  | 65,837,000 | 202,278,000 |  |  |  |
Total liabilities assumed |  | 540,507,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 264,710,000 |  |  | 10,565,000 |  | 265,232,000 | 1,874,956,000 |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling interest assumed (including redeemable interests) |  | 37,698,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 29,058,000 |  |  | 0 |  | 8,640,000 |  |  |  |  |
Net assets acquired |  | 1,611,939,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 591,661,000 |  |  | 358,222,000 |  | 662,056,000 | 1,718,619,000 |  |  |  |
Cash acquired |  | 24,871,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 12,202,000 |  |  | 0 |  | 12,669,000 | 77,718,000 |  |  |  |
Business acquisition, equity issued |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,376,437,000 |  |  |  |
Total cash used |  | 1,587,068,000 | 350,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  | 579,459,000 |  |  | 358,222,000 | 329,500,000 | 649,387,000 | 264,464,000 |  |  |  |
Goodwill included in other assets |  |  |  |  |  | 399,000,000 | 80,500,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration liabilities, Fair Value |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 44,200,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of properties included in investments in unconsolidated entities | 36 | 6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Fair value, as of the acquisition date, of potential payments under the contingent consideration arrangement including cash and shares. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141R -Paragraph 65 -Subparagraph a, b -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 25 -Paragraph 6 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911189&loc=d3e6408-128476 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141R -Paragraph 68 -Subparagraph g(1) -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 35 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910684&loc=d3e4570-128470 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(3),(c)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e6927-128479 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141 -Paragraph 51 -Subparagraph f -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 25 -Paragraph 7 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911189&loc=d3e6411-128476 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 25 -Paragraph 27 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6946367&loc=d3e3629-128468 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 25 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911189&loc=d3e6405-128476 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 25 -Paragraph 28 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6946367&loc=d3e3642-128468 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141R -Paragraph 29, 30, 41, 42, 64 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 30 -Paragraph 19 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18499824&loc=d3e4243-128469 Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 30 -Paragraph 18 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18499824&loc=d3e4237-128469 Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 40 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910732&loc=d3e4805-128471 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationAtFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of cash paid to acquire the entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141R -Paragraph 68 -Subparagraph f(1) -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141 -Paragraph 51 -Subparagraph d -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashPaid
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The acquisition-date fair value of the equity interests of the acquirer, including the number of instruments or interests issued or issuable in consideration for the business combination. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141R -Paragraph 39 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 88-16 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141 -Paragraph 51 -Subparagraph d -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141R -Paragraph 68 -Subparagraph f(4) -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of direct costs of the business combination including legal, accounting, and other costs incurred to consummate the business acquisition. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141 -Paragraph 51 -Subparagraph d -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141 -Paragraph 24 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Value of equity interests (such as common shares, preferred shares, or partnership interest) issued or issuable to acquire the entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141 -Paragraph 51 -Subparagraph d -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 99-12 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableValueAssigned
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number of shares of equity interests issued or issuable to acquire entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141 -Paragraph 51 -Subparagraph d -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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

X
- Definition Amount paid or received to resolve the preacquisition contingency. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4845-128472 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 2 -Section A -Subsection 7 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141 -Paragraph 40, 41, 51 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPreacquisitionContingencyAmountOfSettlement
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to assets acquired. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141 -Paragraph 37 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAcquired
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The total purchase price of the acquired entity. This includes cash paid to equity interest holders of the acquired entity, fair value of debt and equity securities issued to equity holders of the acquired entity, and transaction costs paid to third parties to consummate the acquisition. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141 -Paragraph 51 -Subparagraph d -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141 -Paragraph 35 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumedNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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

X
- Definition The amount of cash and cash equivalents acquired in a business combination. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141 -Paragraph 51 -Subparagraph e -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsCashAndCashEquivalents
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of goodwill arising from a business combination, which is the excess of the cost of the acquired entity over the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141 -Paragraph 52 -Subparagraph c -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141 -Paragraph 53 -Subparagraph d -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to liabilities assumed. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 98-1 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141 -Paragraph 37 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAssumed
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to notes payables and long-term debt assumed from the acquired entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141 -Paragraph 51 -Subparagraph e -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 98-1 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141 -Paragraph 37 -Subparagraph g -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNotesPayableAndLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This element represents the acquisition-date fair value of the total consideration transferred which consists of the sum of the acquisition-date fair values of the assets transferred by the acquirer, the liabilities incurred by the acquirer to former owners of the acquiree, and the equity interests issued by the acquirer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141R -Paragraph 68 -Subparagraph f -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141R -Paragraph 39, 40 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 30 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911251&loc=d3e6613-128477 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 30 -Paragraph 7 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911251&loc=d3e6578-128477 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e6927-128479 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 18 -Subparagraph f -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6382943&loc=d3e33918-111571 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 18 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a (1) -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The percentage rate used to calculate dividend payments on preferred stock. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of real estate investment property, net of accumulated depreciation, which may include the following: (1) land available-for-sale; (2) land available-for-development; (3) investments in building and building improvements; (4) tenant allowances; (5) developments in-process; (6) rental properties; and (7) other real estate investments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.1(d)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number of common and preferred shares that were previously issued and that were repurchased by the issuing entity and held in treasury on the financial statement date. This stock has no voting rights and receives no dividends. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.28,29) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents the consideration per share for each outstanding share of preferred stock. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_BusinessAcquisitionConsiderationPerShareOfPreferredStock
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The per share closing price of the acquirer's stock used to value the shares issued in an acquisition. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuablePerShare
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents the amount of noncontrolling interest assumed in business acquisition. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_BusinessAcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestAssumed
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to lease intangibles. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAcquiredLeaseIntangibles
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to buildings and improvements acquired. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationBuildingsAndImprovementsAcquired
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to construction in progress acquired. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationConstructionInProgress
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to deferred tax liabilities assumed. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAssumed
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to land and improvements. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLandAndImprovementsAcquired
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to mortgage debt assumed from the acquired entity. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationMortgageDebt
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to other assets acquired. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherAssetsAcquired
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to other liabilities assumed. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherLiabilitiesAssumed
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents the amount of cash per share receivable at the option of the shareholder on each outstanding share of common stock outstanding. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_BusinessAcquisitionRightToReceiveCashForEachShareOfCommonStockOutstanding
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the number of share issued to the acquiree in a business combination which were subsequently cancelled due to an adjustment in the purchase price for working capital. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationCancelledShares
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Percentage of line of credit facility for negotiated rate loans. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_JointVenturePartnersShareOfDebt
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents the number of completed MOB developments. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_NumberOfCompletedMobDevelopments
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of development land properties acquired. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_NumberOfDevelopmentLandPropertiesAcquired
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the number of MOBs acquired and managed during the period in all-cash transaction. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_NumberOfMobsAcquiredAndManagedByPropertyManagementBusiness
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of Properties Included in Investments in Unconsolidated Entities + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_NumberOfPropertiesIncludedInInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntities
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the number of seniors housing communities. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_NumberOfSeniorsHousingCommunities
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of Skilled Nursing Facilities + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_NumberOfSkilledNursingFacilities
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration