| Cover | Aug. 12, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 12, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 1-10989 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Ventas, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000740260 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 61-1055020 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 353 N. Clark Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 3300 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Chicago |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 60654 |
| City Area Code | 877 |
| Local Phone Number | 483-6827 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, $0.25 par value |
| Trading Symbol | VTR |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
