CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Real estate investments:
Land and improvements	$ 1,616,947	$ 1,614,847
Buildings and improvements	15,329,730	15,337,919
Construction in progress	85,418	76,638
Acquired lease intangibles	799,136	800,858
Gross real estate investment	17,831,231	17,830,262
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(2,084,212)	(1,916,530)
Net real estate property	15,747,019	15,913,732
Secured loans receivable, net	222,218	212,577
Investments in unconsolidated entities	106,086	105,303
Net real estate investments	16,075,323	16,231,612
Cash and cash equivalents	53,224	45,807
Escrow deposits and restricted cash	114,420	76,590
Deferred financing costs, net	26,601	26,669
Other assets	919,391	891,232
Total assets	17,188,959	17,271,910
Liabilities:
Senior notes payable and other debt	6,430,364	6,429,116
Accrued interest	58,041	37,694
Accounts payable and other liabilities	1,060,647	1,085,597
Deferred income taxes	271,408	260,722
Total liabilities	7,820,460	7,813,129
Redeemable OP unitholder interests	106,264	102,837
Commitments and contingencies
Ventas stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value; 10,000 shares authorized, unissued
Common stock, $0.25 par value; 600,000 shares authorized, 289,027 and 288,823 shares issued at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	72,273	72,240
Capital in excess of par value	9,591,880	9,593,583
Accumulated other comprehensive income	23,926	22,062
Retained earnings (deficit)	(500,808)	(412,181)
Treasury stock, 10 and 14 shares at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	(536)	(747)
Total Ventas stockholders' equity	9,186,735	9,274,957
Noncontrolling interest	75,500	80,987
Total equity	9,262,235	9,355,944
Total liabilities and equity	$ 17,188,959	$ 17,271,910