CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (5,720)	$ 154,039	$ 480,558	$ 578,626
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities	(8)	4	(2)	(1)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Unrealized gains (losses)	(3,672)	1,184	(10,105)	1,532
Reclassification adjustment realized in net income (loss)	654	154	674	494
Change in Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan obligation	74	70	222	211
Foreign currency translation adjustment	5,750	(838)	14,362	(1,930)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	2,798	574	5,151	306
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(2,922)	154,613	485,709	578,932
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,937)	(2,789)	(7,687)	(9,540)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to HCP, Inc.	$ (4,859)	$ 151,824	$ 478,022	$ 569,392