CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 1,073,474	$ 422,634	$ 639,926
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	6,025	(11,107)	3,233
Reclassification adjustment realized in net income (loss)	18,088	799	707
Change in Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan obligation and other	561	64	220
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(5,358)	15,862	(3,332)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	19,316	5,618	828
Total comprehensive income (loss)	1,092,790	428,252	640,754
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(12,381)	(8,465)	(12,179)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to HCP, Inc.	$ 1,080,409	$ 419,787	$ 628,575