Transactions with Related Parties (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transaction
Redemption of DownREIT units in number of shares (in shares)	2
Mr. Klaritch, an executive vice president | HCPI/Tennessee, LLC
Related Party Transaction
Number of non-managing member units received on distribution of rights (in shares)	113,431
Redemption of DownREIT units in cash equivalent of market value of entity's common stock	45,000
Redemption of DownREIT units in number of shares (in shares)	90,000