Equity Allocation between Controlling and Non-Controlling Interests (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 7,566
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO REPORTING ENTITY	186	$ 253
Other comprehensive loss		5
Ending Balance	7,520
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC.
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	7,566	7,002
Net income	187	253
Issuance of common stock for comprehensive stock plans, net	(2)	(1)
Dividends declared on common stock	(148)	(148)
Distributions to non-controlling interests	(67)
Changes in ownership and other	(16)	12
Other comprehensive loss		5
Cumulative effect of accounting change		5
Ending Balance	7,520	7,128
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC. | Parent
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	7,494	6,973
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO REPORTING ENTITY	186	253
Issuance of common stock for comprehensive stock plans, net	(2)	(1)
Dividends declared on common stock	(148)	(148)
Changes in ownership and other	(17)	12
Other comprehensive loss		5
Cumulative effect of accounting change		5
Ending Balance	7,513	7,099
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC. | Non-redeemable, non-controlling interest
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	72	29
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	1
Distributions to non-controlling interests	(67)
Changes in ownership and other	1
Ending Balance	7	29
HOST HOTELS & RESORTS, INC. | Redeemable non-controlling interests
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	128	167
Net income	2	3
Distributions to non-controlling interests	(2)	(2)
Changes in ownership and other	19	(12)
Ending Balance	$ 147	$ 156