CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Real estate investments:
Land and improvements	$ 1,956,128	$ 1,855,968
Buildings and improvements	19,895,043	18,457,028
Construction in progress	120,123	80,415
Acquired lease intangibles	1,039,651	1,010,181
Gross real estate investment	23,010,945	21,403,592
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(4,025,386)	(3,328,006)
Net real estate property	18,985,559	18,075,586
Secured loans receivable and investments, net	829,756	376,229
Investments in unconsolidated entities	91,872	91,656
Net real estate investments	19,907,187	18,543,471
Cash and cash equivalents	55,348	94,816
Escrow deposits and restricted cash	71,771	84,657
Deferred financing costs, net	60,328	62,215
Other assets	1,131,537	946,335
Total assets	21,226,171	19,731,494
Liabilities:
Senior notes payable and other debt	10,888,092	9,364,992
Accrued interest	62,097	54,349
Accounts payable and other liabilities	1,005,232	1,001,515
Deferred income taxes	344,337	250,167
Total liabilities	12,299,758	10,671,023
Redeemable OP unitholder and noncontrolling interests	172,016	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, 298,478 and 297,901 shares issued at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	74,656	74,488
Capital in excess of par value	10,119,306	10,078,592
Accumulated other comprehensive income	13,121	19,659
Retained earnings (deficit)	(1,526,388)	(1,126,541)
Treasury stock, 7 and 3,712 shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	(511)	(221,917)
Total Ventas stockholders’ equity	8,680,184	8,824,281
Noncontrolling interest	74,213	79,530
Total equity	8,754,397	8,903,811
Total liabilities and equity	$ 21,226,171	$ 19,731,494