Debt Instrument, Cost of Debt Extension

No definition available.

Name:	hcp_DebtInstrumentCostofDebtExtension
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The limit of the ratio of Consolidated Total Indebtedness to Consolidated Total Asset Value contained in the debt covenants.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_DebtInstrumentCovenantDebtToAssets
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The required minimum Fixed Charge Coverage ratio contained in the debt covenants.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_DebtInstrumentCovenantFixedChargeRatioMinimum
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The required Minimum Consolidated Tangible Net Worth contained in the debt covenants.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_DebtInstrumentCovenantNetWorth
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The limit of the ratio of Secured Debt to Consolidated Total Asset Value contained in the debt covenants.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_DebtInstrumentCovenantSecuredDebtToAssets
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The limit of the ratio of Unsecured Debt to Consolidated Unencumbered Asset Value contained in the debt covenants.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_DebtInstrumentCovenantUnsecuredDebtToUnencumberedAssets
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Number of Extensions

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_DebtInstrumentNumberofExtensions
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Represents the length of the debt instrument extension period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_DebtInstrumentPeriodOfExtension
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The portion of the outstanding balance of the debt that is denominated in a foreign currency.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_DebtInstrumentPortionDenominatedInForeignCurrency
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This element represents the maximum additional borrowing capacity available under the credit facility, subject to customary conditions.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_LineOfCreditFacilityAdditionalAvailableBorrowingCapacityMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The portion of the outstanding balance of the line of credit that is denominated in a foreign currency.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_LineOfCreditPortionDenominatedInForeignCurrency
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Period of time between issuance and maturity of debt instrument, in PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Weighted average interest rate of debt outstanding.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Period the derivative contract is outstanding, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeTermOfContract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The fee, expressed as a percentage of the line of credit facility, for the line of credit facility regardless of whether the facility has been used.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of loans from a bank with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(16)(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LoansPayableToBank
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cash outflow during the period from the repayment of aggregate short-term and long-term debt. Excludes payment of capital lease obligations.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of cash outflow for payment of an obligation from a lender, including but not limited to, letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3291-108585

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=hcp_LineOfCreditAndTermLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=hcp_TermLoan2012Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=hcp_TermLoan2015Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=hcp_GbpLiborMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis=us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=hcp_NewFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Debt - Bank Line of Credit and Term Loans (Details) £ in Millions			1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 19, 2017 USD ($) renewal_option	Jun. 30, 2017 GBP (£)	Jan. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Jul. 30, 2012 GBP (£)
Debt Instrument
Net repayment under bank line of credit				$ 339,826,000	$ 135,000,000
Bank line of credit				605,837,000			$ 899,718,000
Debt				7,371,385,000
Outstanding balance on term loan				$ 226,205,000			$ 440,062,000
Line of Credit and Term Loan
Debt Instrument
Debt instrument, covenant debt to assets (as a percent)				60.00%		60.00%
Debt instrument, covenant secured debt to assets (as a percent)				30.00%		30.00%
Debt instrument, covenant unsecured debt to unencumbered assets (as a percent)				60.00%		60.00%
Debt instrument, covenant minimum fixed charge coverage ratio				1.5		1.5
Debt instrument, covenant net worth				$ 6,500,000,000.0
Bank Line of Credit
Debt Instrument
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity				$ 2,000,000,000.0
Length of debt instrument extension period				1 year
Cost of debt extension				0.30%
Debt instrument, facility fee (as a percent)				0.20%
Line of credit facility additional aggregate amount, maximum				$ 500,000,000
Net repayment under bank line of credit				316,000,000
Bank line of credit				$ 141,000,000
Line of credit, portion denominated in GBP \| £						£ 105
Weighted-average interest rate (as a percent)				2.40%		2.40%
Debt				$ 605,837,000
2012 Term Loan
Debt Instrument
Debt \| £								£ 137
2015 Term Loan
Debt Instrument
Repayments of debt \| £		£ 51
Term of facility			4 years
Term of the interest rate swap agreement			3 years
Term loans, portion denominated in GBP \| £						£ 169
Outstanding balance on term loan				$ 226,000,000
LIBOR \| Bank Line of Credit
Debt Instrument
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				1.05%
GBP LIBOR \| 2015 Term Loan
Debt Instrument
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)		1.15%
Subsequent Event \| Bank Line of Credit \| Revolving Credit Facility \| New Facility
Debt Instrument
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 2,000,000,000.0
Length of debt instrument extension period	6 months
Debt instrument, facility fee (as a percent)	0.20%
Line of credit facility additional aggregate amount, maximum	$ 750,000,000
Number of extensions \| renewal_option	2
Subsequent Event \| Bank Line of Credit \| Revolving Credit Facility \| LIBOR \| New Facility
Debt Instrument
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.00%