STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Capital Stock (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Equity [Abstract]
Equity offering program, remaining authorized offering amount	$ 230.6

Equity Offering Program, Remaining Authorized Offering Amount

No definition available.

Name:	vtr_EquityOfferingProgramRemainingAuthorizedOfferingAmount
Namespace Prefix:	vtr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant