Equity Allocation between Controlling and Non-Controlling Interests (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$ 7,033
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO REPORTING ENTITY	$ 104	$ 107	472	$ 636
Other comprehensive income	20	$ (8)	26	$ 28
Ending Balance	7,108		7,108
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC.
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			7,033
Net income			472
Issuance of common stock for comprehensive stock plans			17
Dividends declared on common stock			(443)
Distributions to non-controlling interests			(14)
Changes in ownership and other			17
Other comprehensive income			26
Ending Balance	7,108		7,108
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC. | Parent
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			6,994
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO REPORTING ENTITY			472
Issuance of common stock for comprehensive stock plans			17
Dividends declared on common stock			(443)
Changes in ownership and other			14
Other comprehensive income			25
Ending Balance	7,079		7,079
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC. | Non-redeemable, non-controlling interest
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			39
Distributions to non-controlling interests			(14)
Changes in ownership and other			3
Other comprehensive income			1
Ending Balance	29		29
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC. | Redeemable non-controlling interests
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			165
Net income			6
Distributions to non-controlling interests			(5)
Changes in ownership and other			(9)
Ending Balance	$ 157		$ 157