Equity Allocation between Controlling and Non-Controlling Interests (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$ 7,002
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO REPORTING ENTITY	$ 322	$ 104	784	$ 472
Other comprehensive loss	3	$ 20	(5)	$ 26
Ending Balance	7,395		7,395
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC.
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			7,002
Net income			837
Issuance of common stock for comprehensive stock plans, net			10
Dividends declared on common stock			(445)
Distributions to non-controlling interests			(1)
Changes in ownership and other			(8)
Other comprehensive loss			(5)
Cumulative effect of accounting change	5		5
Ending Balance	7,395		7,395
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC. | Parent
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			6,973
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO REPORTING ENTITY			784
Issuance of common stock for comprehensive stock plans, net			10
Dividends declared on common stock			(445)
Other comprehensive loss			(5)
Cumulative effect of accounting change	5		5
Ending Balance	7,322		7,322
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC. | Non-redeemable, non-controlling interest
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			29
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests			53
Distributions to non-controlling interests			(1)
Changes in ownership and other			(8)
Ending Balance	73		73
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC. | Redeemable non-controlling interests
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			167
Net income			8
Distributions to non-controlling interests			(5)
Ending Balance	$ 170		$ 170