Equity Allocation between Controlling and Non-Controlling Interests (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 7,002
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO REPORTING ENTITY	253	$ 158
Other comprehensive income	5	$ 5
Ending Balance	7,128
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC.
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	7,002
Net income	253
Issuance of common stock for comprehensive stock plans, net	(1)
Dividends declared on common stock	(148)
Changes in ownership and other	12
Other comprehensive income	5
Cumulative effect of accounting change	5
Ending Balance	7,128
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC. | Parent
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	6,973
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO REPORTING ENTITY	253
Issuance of common stock for comprehensive stock plans, net	(1)
Dividends declared on common stock	(148)
Changes in ownership and other	12
Other comprehensive income	5
Cumulative effect of accounting change	5
Ending Balance	7,099
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC. | Non-redeemable, non-controlling interest
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	29
Ending Balance	29
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC. | Redeemable non-controlling interests
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	167
Net income	3
Distributions to non-controlling interests	(2)
Changes in ownership and other	(12)
Ending Balance	$ 156