Equity Allocation between Controlling and Non-Controlling Interests (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 7,033
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO REPORTING ENTITY	158	$ 182
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	1
Net income	2	2
Other comprehensive income	5	$ 13
Ending Balance	7,066
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC.
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	7,033
Net income	159
Issuance of common stock for comprehensive stock plans	8
Dividends declared on common stock	(147)
Changes in ownership and other	8
Other comprehensive income	5
Ending Balance	7,066
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC. | Parent
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	6,994
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO REPORTING ENTITY	158
Issuance of common stock for comprehensive stock plans	8
Dividends declared on common stock	(147)
Changes in ownership and other	9
Other comprehensive income	4
Ending Balance	7,026
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC. | Non-redeemable, non-controlling interest
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	39
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	1
Changes in ownership and other	(1)
Other comprehensive income	1
Ending Balance	40
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC. | Redeemable non-controlling interests
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	165
Net income	2
Distributions to non-controlling interests	(2)
Changes in ownership and other	(4)
Ending Balance	$ 161