CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Real estate investments:
Land and improvements	$ 1,867,146	$ 1,855,968
Buildings and improvements	18,658,616	18,457,028
Construction in progress	71,862	80,415
Acquired lease intangibles	1,014,711	1,010,181
Gross real estate investments	21,612,335	21,403,592
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(3,515,868)	(3,328,006)
Net real estate property	18,096,467	18,075,586
Secured loans receivable and investments, net	376,074	376,229
Investments in unconsolidated entities	90,929	91,656
Net real estate investments	18,563,470	18,543,471
Cash and cash equivalents	59,791	94,816
Escrow deposits and restricted cash	76,110	84,657
Deferred financing costs, net	59,726	62,215
Other assets	943,671	946,335
Total assets	19,702,768	19,731,494
Liabilities:
Senior notes payable and other debt	9,481,051	9,364,992
Accrued interest	61,083	54,349
Accounts payable and other liabilities	938,098	1,001,515
Deferred income taxes	252,499	250,167
Total liabilities	10,732,731	10,671,023
Redeemable OP unitholder and noncontrolling interests	160,115	156,660
Commitments and contingencies
Ventas stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value; 10,000 shares authorized, unissued	0	0
Common stock, $0.25 par value; 600,000 shares authorized, 294,346 and 297,901 shares issued at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	73,599	74,488
Capital in excess of par value	9,858,733	10,078,592
Accumulated other comprehensive income	18,464	19,659
Retained earnings (deficit)	(1,218,967)	(1,126,541)
Treasury stock, 3 and 3,712 shares at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	(162)	(221,917)
Total Ventas stockholders' equity	8,731,667	8,824,281
Noncontrolling interest	78,255	79,530
Total equity	8,809,922	8,903,811
Total liabilities and equity	$ 19,702,768	$ 19,731,494