v2.4.0.8

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended
--- | ---
Mar. 31, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information |  |
Resident fees and services | $ 371,061 | $ 339,170
Capital expenditures |  |
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets | 221,948 | 97,558
Triple-Net Leased Properties |  |
Capital expenditures |  |
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets | 192,052 | 13,180
Senior Living Operations |  |
Segment Reporting Information |  |
Resident fees and services | 371,061 | 339,170
Capital expenditures |  |
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets | 16,863 | 20,168
MOB Operations |  |
Capital expenditures |  |
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets | $ 13,033 | $ 64,210

X
- Definition Other real estate revenue not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1(e)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherRealEstateRevenue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow for purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Investing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3213-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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

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