CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Total Ventas Stockholders' Equity	Common Stock Par Value	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Retained Earnings (Deficit)	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interest
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 9,089,363	$ 9,019,128	$ 73,904	$ 9,920,962	$ 23,354	$ (777,927)	$ (221,165)	$ 70,235
Increase (decrease) in stockholders' equity
Net income	454,889	453,509				453,509		1,380
Other comprehensive loss	(3,695)	(3,695)			(3,695)
Acquisition-related activity	11,955	(762)		(762)				12,717
Net change in noncontrolling interest	(8,202)							(8,202)
Dividends to common stockholders	(802,123)	(802,123)				(802,123)
Issuance of common stock	141,343	141,343	517	140,826
Issuance of common stock for stock plans	12,640	12,640	19	5,983			6,638
Change in redeemable noncontrolling interest	(10,351)	(13,751)		(13,751)				3,400
Adjust redeemable OP unitholder interests to current fair value	8,683	8,683		8,683
Purchase of OP units	(77)	(77)		(579)			502
Grant of restricted stock, net of forfeitures	9,386	9,386	48	17,230			(7,892)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	8,903,811	8,824,281	74,488	10,078,592	19,659	(1,126,541)	(221,917)	79,530
Increase (decrease) in stockholders' equity
Net income	369,541	368,577				368,577		964
Other comprehensive loss	(3,503)	(3,503)			(3,503)
Retirement of stock	0		(924)	(220,152)			221,076
Net change in noncontrolling interest	(10,347)	(2,689)		(2,689)				(7,658)
Dividends to common stockholders	(640,414)	(640,414)				(640,414)
Issuance of common stock for stock plans	6,943	6,943	3	4,725			2,215
Change in redeemable noncontrolling interest	1,510	(31)		(31)				1,541
Adjust redeemable OP unitholder interests to current fair value	(12,157)	(12,157)		(12,157)
Purchase of OP units	88	88	1	87
Grant of restricted stock, net of forfeitures	7,701	7,701	35	11,115			(3,449)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$ 8,623,173	$ 8,548,796	$ 73,603	$ 9,859,490	$ 16,156	$ (1,398,378)	$ (2,075)	$ 74,377