CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Real estate investments:
Land and improvements	$ 1,937,888	$ 1,855,968
Buildings and improvements	19,664,973	18,457,028
Construction in progress	116,975	80,415
Acquired lease intangibles	1,039,949	1,010,181
Gross real estate investments	22,759,785	21,403,592
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(3,833,974)	(3,328,006)
Net real estate property	18,925,811	18,075,586
Secured loans receivable and investments, net	407,551	376,229
Investments in unconsolidated entities	88,175	91,656
Net real estate investments	19,421,537	18,543,471
Cash and cash equivalents	64,595	94,816
Escrow deposits and restricted cash	78,746	84,657
Deferred financing costs, net	64,898	62,215
Other assets	1,021,389	946,335
Total assets	20,651,165	19,731,494
Liabilities:
Senior notes payable and other debt	10,469,106	9,364,992
Accrued interest	69,112	54,349
Accounts payable and other liabilities	965,240	1,001,515
Deferred income taxes	361,454	250,167
Total liabilities	11,864,912	10,671,023
Redeemable OP unitholder and noncontrolling interests	163,080	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, 294,359 and 297,901 shares issued at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	73,603	74,488
Capital in excess of par value	9,859,490	10,078,592
Accumulated other comprehensive income	16,156	19,659
Retained earnings (deficit)	(1,398,378)	(1,126,541)
Treasury stock, 32 and 3,712 shares at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	(2,075)	(221,917)
Total Ventas stockholders’ equity	8,548,796	8,824,281
Noncontrolling interest	74,377	79,530
Total equity	8,623,173	8,903,811
Total liabilities and equity	$ 20,651,165	$ 19,731,494