Commitments and Contingencies (Details 3) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified		1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2011 Brookdale Senior Living	Sep. 02, 2011 Brookdale Senior Living item
Commitments and contingencies
Number of senior housing communities			37
Number of senior housing communities assumed in existing triple-net lease			9
Number of senior housing communities in new triple-net lease			4
Number of senior housing communities assumed formerly managed by Horizon Bay			3
Number of senior housing communities developed by HCP			1
Interest in real estate and operations of senior living communities (as a percent)			10.00%
Number of senior living communities operated in a RIDEA structure			21
Purchase of equity marketable securities (in shares)		1
Credit Enhancement Guarantee
Third party debt collateralized by facilities, debt amount (maturing in May 1, 2025)	$ 112
Third party debt collateralized by facilities, asset carrying amount (maturing in May 1, 2025)	$ 374