Equity Allocation between Controlling and Non-Controlling Interests (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$ 7,104
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO REPORTING ENTITY	$ 107	$ 85	636	$ 395
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests		1	(1)
Net income (loss)	1	1	8	5
Other comprehensive income	(8)	$ (35)	28	$ (69)
Ending Balance	7,130		7,130
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC.
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			7,104
Net income (loss)			635
Issuance of common stock			7
Repurchase of common stock /OP units	(44)		(206)
Dividends declared on common stock			(445)
Other changes in ownership			7
Other comprehensive income			28
Ending Balance	7,130		7,130
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC. | Parent
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			7,064
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO REPORTING ENTITY			636
Issuance of common stock			7
Repurchase of common stock /OP units			(206)
Dividends declared on common stock			(445)
Other changes in ownership			7
Other comprehensive income			28
Ending Balance	7,091		7,091
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC. | Non-redeemable, non-controlling interest
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			40
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests			(1)
Ending Balance	39		39
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC. | Redeemable non-controlling interests
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			143
Net income (loss)			8
Distributions to non-controlling interests			(6)
Other changes in ownership			(7)
Ending Balance	$ 138		$ 138