Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Dividends to common stockholders, per share	$ 1.2764	$ 2.14
Total Ventas Stockholders' Equity
Dividends to common stockholders, per share	$ 1.2764	$ 2.14
Retained Earnings (Deficit)
Dividends to common stockholders, per share	$ 1.2764	$ 2.14