Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Real property owned:
Land and land improvements	$ 1,268,757	$ 1,116,756
Buildings and improvements	14,766,557	13,073,747
Acquired lease intangibles	572,765	428,199
Real property held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation	153,458	36,115
Construction in progress	219,705	189,502
Gross real property owned	16,981,242	14,844,319
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,480,293)	(1,194,476)
Net real property owned	15,500,949	13,649,843
Real estate loans receivable:
Real estate loans receivable	284,908	292,507
Less allowance for losses on loans receivable	0	0
Net real estate loans receivable	284,908	292,507
Net real estate investments	15,785,857	13,942,350
Other assets:
Equity Investments	456,552	241,722
Goodwill	68,321	68,321
Deferred loan expenses	57,539	58,584
Cash and cash equivalents	1,382,252	163,482
Restricted cash	140,404	69,620
Receivables and other assets	391,350	380,527
Total other assets	2,496,418	982,256
Total assets	18,282,275	14,924,606
Liabilities:
Borrowings under unsecured line of credit arrangement	0	610,000
Senior unsecured notes	4,921,712	4,434,107
Secured debt	2,314,717	2,112,649
Capital lease obligations	82,596	83,996
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	405,798	371,557
Total liabilities	7,724,823	7,612,309
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	35,047	33,650
Equity:
Preferred stock	1,022,917	1,010,417
Common stock	259,522	192,299
Capital in excess of par value	10,502,057	7,019,714
Treasury stock	(17,531)	(13,535)
Cumulative net income	2,077,641	1,893,806
Cumulative dividends	(3,485,592)	(2,972,129)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(10,432)	(11,928)
Other equity	7,445	6,120
Total Health Care REIT, Inc. stockholders' equity	10,356,027	7,124,764
Noncontrolling interests	166,378	153,883
Total equity	10,522,405	7,278,647
Total liabilities and equity	$ 18,282,275	$ 14,924,606