CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net income	$ 233,784	$ 196,564
Unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized gains	1,355	1,304
Reclassification adjustment realized in net income	(9,131)
Change in net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges:
Unrealized gains	5,320	276
Reclassification adjustment realized in net income	272	89
Change in Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan obligation	55	45
Foreign currency translation adjustment	178	202
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,951)	1,916
Total comprehensive income	231,833	198,480
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,199)	(3,184)
Total comprehensive income attributable to HCP, Inc.	$ 228,634	$ 195,296