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For an entity that discloses a concentration risk in relation to quantitative amount, which serves as the "benchmark" (or denominator) in the equation, this concept represents the concentration percentage derived from the division.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 275

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 18

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6927468&loc=d3e6351-108592

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 825

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 21

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13537-108611

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 275

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 20

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6927468&loc=d3e6404-108592

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 825

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 20

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13531-108611

+ Details

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- Definition

The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 159

-Paragraph 18

-Subparagraph f

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 323

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (a)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6382943&loc=d3e33918-111571

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 18

-Paragraph 20

-Subparagraph a (1)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

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- Definition

The number of states the entity operates in as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The number of provinces in which the entity operates as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of real estate properties for which an annual management fee is paid pursuant to long-term management agreements which provide for comprehensive property management and accounting services.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	vtr_
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Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The number of states accounting for more than ten percent of total revenues.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	vtr_
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Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Represents the percentage of net operating income derived from lease agreements.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	vtr_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the percentage of total revenues derived from lease agreements.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	vtr_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Threshold percentage which the entity uses for disclosure.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Concentration of Credit Risk (Details)	12 Months Ended
Concentration of Credit Risk (Details)	Dec. 31, 2012 province state	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Concentration of credit risk
Number of states	46
Number of Canadian provinces	2
Revenue concentration risk percentage	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Seniors housing communities
Concentration of credit risk
Number of seniors housing communities under long-term management agreements	220
ATRIA
Concentration of credit risk
Ownership interests in properties accounted for under the equity method (as a percent)	34.00%
BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING
Concentration of credit risk
Percentage of total revenues derived by third party	6.40%	7.70%	10.90%
Percentage of net operating income derived from lease agreements	10.50%	12.50%	16.20%
Total gross book value of properties \| Seniors housing communities
Concentration of credit risk
Percentage of real estate investments based on gross book value (as a percent)	61.20%
Total gross book value of properties \| Skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, MOBs and other healthcare assets
Concentration of credit risk
Percentage of real estate investments based on gross book value (as a percent)	38.80%
Total gross book value of properties \| ATRIA
Concentration of credit risk
Percentage of real estate investments based on gross book value (as a percent)	17.80%
Total gross book value of properties \| SUNRISE
Concentration of credit risk
Percentage of real estate investments based on gross book value (as a percent)	14.80%
Total gross book value of properties \| BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING
Concentration of credit risk
Percentage of real estate investments based on gross book value (as a percent)	10.40%
Total gross book value of properties \| KINDRED
Concentration of credit risk
Percentage of real estate investments based on gross book value (as a percent)	4.40%
Total revenues \| KINDRED
Concentration of credit risk
Percentage of real estate investments based on gross book value (as a percent)	10.50%	14.50%	24.70%
Total NOI \| KINDRED
Concentration of credit risk
Percentage of real estate investments based on gross book value (as a percent)	17.40%	23.70%	36.60%
California \| Total revenues or NOI
Concentration of credit risk
Number of states accounting for more than 10% of total revenues	1	1
California and Illinois \| Total revenues or NOI
Concentration of credit risk
Number of states accounting for more than 10% of total revenues			2