CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Real estate investments:
Land and improvements	$ 1,754,826	$ 1,614,847
Buildings and improvements	16,552,534	15,337,919
Construction in progress	93,992	76,638
Acquired lease intangibles	965,500	800,858
Gross real estate investments	19,366,852	17,830,262
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(2,447,175)	(1,916,530)
Net real estate property	16,919,677	15,913,732
Secured loans receivable, net	215,775	212,577
Investments in unconsolidated entities	90,992	105,303
Net real estate investments	17,226,444	16,231,612
Cash and cash equivalents	58,530	45,807
Escrow deposits and restricted cash	76,908	76,590
Deferred financing costs, net	25,426	26,669
Other assets	1,053,591	891,232
Total assets	18,440,899	17,271,910
Liabilities:
Senior notes payable and other debt	7,494,774	6,429,116
Accrued interest	56,326	37,694
Accounts payable and other liabilities	1,049,043	1,085,597
Deferred income taxes	265,116	260,722
Total liabilities	8,865,259	7,813,129
Redeemable OP unitholder interests	113,908	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, 295,534 and 288,823 shares issued at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	73,896	72,240
Capital in excess of par value	9,941,030	9,593,583
Accumulated other comprehensive income	23,626	22,062
Retained earnings (deficit)	(680,888)	(412,181)
Treasury stock, 0 and 14 shares at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	0	(747)
Total Ventas stockholders' equity	9,357,664	9,274,957
Noncontrolling interest	104,068	80,987
Total equity	9,461,732	9,355,944
Total liabilities and equity	$ 18,440,899	$ 17,271,910