CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Real estate investments:
Land and improvements	$ 1,744,752	$ 1,614,847
Buildings and improvements	16,181,392	15,337,919
Construction in progress	133,890	76,638
Acquired lease intangibles	920,116	800,858
Gross real estate investment	18,980,150	17,830,262
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(2,256,197)	(1,916,530)
Net real estate property	16,723,953	15,913,732
Secured loans receivable, net	213,193	212,577
Investments in unconsolidated entities	104,636	105,303
Net real estate investments	17,041,782	16,231,612
Cash and cash equivalents	52,803	45,807
Escrow deposits and restricted cash	114,883	76,590
Deferred financing costs, net	25,750	26,669
Other assets	987,043	891,232
Total assets	18,222,261	17,271,910
Liabilities:
Senior notes payable and other debt	7,204,727	6,429,116
Accrued interest	47,842	37,694
Accounts payable and other liabilities	1,059,385	1,085,597
Deferred income taxes	271,066	260,722
Total liabilities	8,583,020	7,813,129
Redeemable OP unitholder interests	116,635	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, 295,370 and 288,823 shares issued at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	73,855	72,240
Capital in excess of par value	9,932,839	9,593,583
Accumulated other comprehensive income	21,404	22,062
Retained earnings (deficit)	(609,487)	(412,181)
Treasury stock, 0 and 14 shares at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	0	(747)
Total Ventas stockholders' equity	9,418,611	9,274,957
Noncontrolling interest	103,995	80,987
Total equity	9,522,606	9,355,944
Total liabilities and equity	$ 18,222,261	$ 17,271,910