CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Real estate investments:
Land and improvements	$ 1,783,664	$ 1,772,417
Buildings and improvements	17,238,843	16,920,821
Construction in progress	99,947	70,665
Acquired lease intangibles	990,548	981,704
Gross real estate investments	20,113,002	19,745,607
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(2,977,154)	(2,634,075)
Net real estate property	17,135,848	17,111,532
Secured loans receivable and investments, net	470,441	635,002
Investments in unconsolidated entities	93,155	95,409
Net real estate investments	17,699,444	17,841,943
Cash and cash equivalents	62,421	67,908
Escrow deposits and restricted cash	94,492	105,913
Deferred financing costs, net	50,821	42,551
Other assets	889,404	921,685
Total assets	18,796,582	18,980,000
Liabilities:
Senior notes payable and other debt	8,420,073	8,413,646
Accrued interest	50,860	47,565
Accounts payable and other liabilities	887,314	995,156
Deferred income taxes	247,591	259,715
Total liabilities	9,605,838	9,716,082
Redeemable OP unitholder and noncontrolling interests	184,217	174,555
Commitments and contingencies
Ventas stockholders' equity:
unissued	0	0
Common stock, $0.25 par value; 600,000 shares authorized, 296,940 and 295,565 shares issued at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	74,248	73,904
Capital in excess of par value	9,996,095	9,920,962
Accumulated other comprehensive income	19,752	23,354
Retained earnings (deficit)	(943,384)	(777,927)
Treasury stock, 3,698 and 3,698 shares at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	(221,129)	(221,165)
Total Ventas stockholders' equity	8,925,582	9,019,128
Noncontrolling interest	80,945	70,235
Total equity	9,006,527	9,089,363
Total liabilities and equity	$ 18,796,582	$ 18,980,000