Components of Capital (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Limited Partners Capital Account [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$ (313)	$ 368	$ (668)	$ 840
Net income (loss)	(313)	368	(668)	842
Issuance of common stock for comprehensive stock plans, net	6	4	7	6
Repurchase of common OP units		(200)	(147)	(400)
Distributions to non-controlling interests		(1)		(68)
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(5)	(6)	(23)	(3)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Limited Partners Capital Account [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(5)	(6)	(23)	(3)
Non-redeemable, non-controlling interests
Limited Partners Capital Account [Line Items]
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests				2
Distributions to non-controlling interests		(1)		(68)
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS L.P.
Limited Partners Capital Account [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	6,722	7,474	7,325	7,566
Net income (loss)	(317)	372	(675)	849
Net income (loss)	(313)	368	(668)	842
Issuance of common stock for comprehensive stock plans, net	6	4	7	6
Repurchase of common OP units		(200)	(147)	(400)
Distributions declared on common OP units		(144)	(141)	(438)
Distributions to non-controlling interests		(1)		(68)
Changes in ownership and other	(3)	10	54
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(5)	(6)	(23)	(3)
Ending Balance	6,407	7,505	6,407	7,505
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS L.P. | General Partner
Limited Partners Capital Account [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1	1	1	1
Ending Balance	1	1	1	1
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS L.P. | Limited Partner
Limited Partners Capital Account [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	6,790	7,522	7,374	7,552
Net income (loss)	(313)	368	(668)	840
Issuance of common stock for comprehensive stock plans, net	6	4	7	6
Repurchase of common OP units		(200)	(147)	(400)
Distributions declared on common OP units		(144)	(141)	(438)
Changes in ownership and other	(3)	10	55
Ending Balance	6,480	7,560	6,480	7,560
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS L.P. | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Limited Partners Capital Account [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(74)	(56)	(56)	(59)
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(5)	(6)	(23)	(3)
Ending Balance	(79)	(62)	(79)	(62)
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS L.P. | Non-redeemable, non-controlling interests
Limited Partners Capital Account [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	5	7	6	72
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests				2
Distributions to non-controlling interests		(1)		(68)
Changes in ownership and other			(1)
Ending Balance	5	6	5	6
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS L.P. | Limited partnership interests of third parties
Limited Partners Capital Account [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	81	141	142	128
Net income	(3)	4	(7)	9
Distributions declared on common OP units			(2)	(5)
Distributions to non-controlling interests		(2)
Changes in ownership and other	2	(10)	(53)	1
Ending Balance	$ 80	$ 133	$ 80	$ 133