v2.4.0.6

Borrowing Arrangements (Details 1) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended |  | 1 Months Ended |  | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended |  | 12 Months Ended |  | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2012 Eurocurrency rate loans | Dec. 31, 2012 Base rate loans | Dec. 31, 2011 Line of Credit | Dec. 31, 2012 Line of Credit | Oct. 31, 2012 Unsecured Line of Credit [Member] | Aug. 31, 2012 Unsecured Line of Credit [Member] | Dec. 31, 2011 Unsecured Line of Credit [Member] | Dec. 31, 2012 Unsecured Line of Credit [Member] | Dec. 31, 2011 Unsecured term loan | Dec. 31, 2012 Unsecured term loan | Dec. 31, 2012 Federal funds rate Base rate loans | Dec. 31, 2012 LIBOR Base rate loans | Dec. 31, 2012 LIBOR Senior unsecured term loan | Dec. 31, 2012 Minimum Unsecured Line of Credit [Member] | Dec. 31, 2012 Maximum Unsecured Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate (as a percent) | 9.00% |  | 7.125% | 1.10% | 0.10% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Facility fee (as a percent) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.18% |  |  |  |  |  | 0.15% | 0.45%
Current borrowing capacity |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 2,000,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Variable interest rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | LIBOR |  |  |  | LIBOR |  | federal funds rate | LIBOR |  |  |
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.25% | 1.20% |  |  | 0.50% | 1.00% | 1.20% |  |
Maximum borrowing capacity |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,500,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maximum available for issuance of letters of credit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 200,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maximum available for issuance of swingline loans |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 200,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maximum available for issuance of loans in certain alternative currencies |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 250,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of line of credit facility for negotiated rate loans |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 50.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Line of credit facility optional extension period (in years) | 1 year |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt amount, prepaid in full |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 200,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fixed interest rate (as a percent) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Amount outstanding |  |  |  |  |  |  | 540,700,000 |  |  |  |  |  | 500,000,000 |  |  |  |  |
Letters of credit outstanding |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5,900,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Remaining borrowing capacity |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,450,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | (37,640,000) | (27,604,000) | (9,791,000) |  |  | 2,400,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount of debt issued |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 180,000,000 |  | 500,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted average maturity on unsecured term loan (in years) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4 years 6 months |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Length of tranche |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Length of tranche |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Option to increase the borrowing capacity subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 900,000,000 |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition The percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The reference rate for the variable rate of the debt instrument, such as LIBOR or the US Treasury rate and the maturity of the reference rate used, such as three months or six months LIBOR. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Increase of additional borrowings on existing and new debt instruments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(f)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph f -Article 4 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseAdditionalBorrowings
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Interest rate stated in the contractual debt agreement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

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

X
- Definition Difference between the fair value of payments made and the carrying amount of debt which is extinguished prior to maturity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 26 -Paragraph 20, 21 -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 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 50 -Section 40 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6850294&loc=d3e12317-112629 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 50 -Section 40 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6850294&loc=d3e12355-112629 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount borrowed under the credit facility as of the balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19, 22 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAmountOutstanding
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The fee, expressed as a percentage of the line of credit facility, for the line of credit facility regardless of whether the facility has been used. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of current borrowing capacity under the credit facility considering any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed (for example, borrowings may be limited by the amount of current assets), but without considering any amounts currently outstanding under the facility. + 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 210.5-02.19(b),22(b)) -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 19, 22 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 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. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19, 22 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of borrowing capacity currently available under the credit facility (current borrowing capacity less the amount of borrowings outstanding). + 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 210.5-02.19(b),22(b)) -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 19, 22 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The interest rate applicable to the portion of the carrying amount of long-term borrowings outstanding as of the balance sheet date, including current maturities, which accrues interest at a set, unchanging rate. + 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 210.5-02.22(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The cash outflow for debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 -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 -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3291-108585 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph 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. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the option to increase the borrowing capacity subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_DebtInstrumentOptionToIncreaseMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Refers to the three year tranche. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_FirstTranche
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line of credit facility optional extension period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_LineOfCreditFacilityOptionalExtensionPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The maximum amount of borrowing capacity under a line of credit that is available for the issuance of letters of credit. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_LineOfCreditFacilitySublimitAvailableForLettersOfCreditMaximum
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The maximum amount of borrowing capacity under a line of credit that is available for the issuance of loans in certain alternative currencies. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_LineOfCreditFacilitySublimitAvailableForLoansAlternativeCurrenciesMaximum
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The maximum amount of borrowing capacity under a line of credit that is available for the issuance of swingline loans. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_LineOfCreditFacilitySublimitAvailableForSwingLineLoansMaximum
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The maximum percentage of the line of credit facility that is available for negotiated rate loans. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_PercentageOfLineOfCreditFacilityForNegotiatedRateLoans
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Refers to the five year tranche. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_SecondTranche
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the weighted average maturity period on unsecured term loan. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | vtr_WeightedAverageMaturityPeriodOnUnsecuredTermLoan
Namespace Prefix: | vtr_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration