v2.4.0.8
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING INFORMATION (unaudited) (Details 4) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013
Jun. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows    
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities $ 507,688 $ 460,808
Net cash used in investing activities (143,590) (975,051)
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Net change in borrowings under revolving credit facility (280,926) (88,654)
Proceeds from debt 918,455 1,269,315
Repayment of debt (685,518) (645,722)
Net change in intercompany debt      
Payment of deferred financing costs (12,997) (2,980)
Cash distribution (to) from affiliates      
Issuance of common stock, net 82,384 342,469
Cash distribution to common stockholders (392,230) (361,957)
Cash distribution to redeemable OP unitholders (2,313) (2,241)
Purchases of redeemable OP units (208) (611)
Contributions from Noncontrolling Interests (2,094) 0
Distributions to noncontrolling interest (5,045) (2,907)
Other 6,808 14,509
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (369,496) 521,221
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents (5,398) 6,978
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash and cash equivalents (89) 18
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 67,908 45,807
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 62,421 52,803
Ventas, Inc.
    
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows    
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (23,942) (19,090)
Net cash used in investing activities (266,378) (906,694)
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Repayment of debt (11,420)  
Net change in intercompany debt 637,204 935,981
Cash distribution (to) from affiliates (36,854) (1,984)
Issuance of common stock, net 82,384 342,469
Cash distribution to common stockholders (392,230) (361,957)
Cash distribution to redeemable OP unitholders (2,313) (2,241)
Purchases of redeemable OP units (208) (611)
Other 6,808 14,509
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities 283,371 926,166
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents (6,949) 382
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 16,734 2,335
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 9,785 2,717
Ventas Issuers
    
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows    
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities 77,988 103,802
Net cash used in investing activities (1,773) (17)
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Net change in borrowings under revolving credit facility (279,000) (84,500)
Proceeds from debt 758,460 1,184,568
Repayment of debt   (521,527)
Net change in intercompany debt (551,660) (588,599)
Payment of deferred financing costs (11,327) (2,600)
Cash distribution (to) from affiliates 7,401 (91,145)
Contributions from Noncontrolling Interests 0  
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (76,126) (103,803)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 89 (18)
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash and cash equivalents (89) 18
Ventas Subsidiaries
    
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows    
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities 453,642 376,096
Net cash used in investing activities 124,561 (68,340)
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Net change in borrowings under revolving credit facility (1,926) (4,154)
Proceeds from debt 159,995 84,747
Repayment of debt (674,098) (124,195)
Net change in intercompany debt (85,544) (347,382)
Payment of deferred financing costs (1,670) (380)
Cash distribution (to) from affiliates 29,453 93,129
Contributions from Noncontrolling Interests (2,094)  
Distributions to noncontrolling interest (5,045) (2,907)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (576,741) (301,142)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 1,462 6,614
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 51,174 43,472
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 52,636 50,086
Consolidated Eliminations
    
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Contributions from Noncontrolling Interests $ 0