Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Ventas stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000	10,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.25	$ 0.25
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000	300,000
Common stock, shares issued	188,106	157,279
Treasury stock, shares	0	14