SENIOR NOTES PAYABLE AND OTHER DEBT (Details 5) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012 community
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of communities under capital lease		8
Acquisition of facilities on capital lease	$ 145.0

Represents the number of communities under the capital lease agreements.

No definition available.

Name:	vtr_NumberOfCommunitiesUnderCapitalLease
Namespace Prefix:	vtr_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant