CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 92,928	$ 22,101	$ 136,165	$ 486,278
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	10,793	(6,131)	5,629	(6,433)
Reclassification adjustment realized in net income (loss)	17,683	(193)	17,808	20
Change in Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan obligation and other	78	71	182	154
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(11,327)	7,622	(3,675)	8,612
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	17,227	1,369	19,944	2,353
Total comprehensive income (loss)	110,155	23,470	156,109	488,631
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,986)	(2,718)	(5,991)	(5,750)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to HCP, Inc.	$ 107,169	$ 20,752	$ 150,118	$ 482,881