Carrying amount of healthcare facilities which are secured by mortgage debt.

No definition available.

Name:	hcp_DebtInstrumentCollateralHealthcareFacilitiesCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of healthcare facilities which are secured by mortgage debt.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_DebtInstrumentCollateralHealthcareFacilitiesNumber
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The limit of the ratio of Consolidated Total Indebtedness to Consolidated Total Asset Value contained in the debt covenants.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_DebtInstrumentCovenantDebtToAssets
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The required minimum Fixed Charge Coverage ratio contained in the debt covenants.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_DebtInstrumentCovenantFixedChargeRatioMinimum
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The required Minimum Consolidated Tangible Net Worth contained in the debt covenants.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_DebtInstrumentCovenantNetWorth
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The limit of the ratio of Secured Debt to Consolidated Total Asset Value contained in the debt covenants.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_DebtInstrumentCovenantSecuredDebtToAssets
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The limit of the ratio of Unsecured Debt to Consolidated Unencumbered Asset Value contained in the debt covenants.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_DebtInstrumentCovenantUnsecuredDebtToUnencumberedAssets
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Represents the length of the debt instrument extension period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_DebtInstrumentPeriodOfExtension
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents weighted average maturity of debt.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_DebtInstrumentWeightedAverageMaturity
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The term of a derivative instrument from the effective date until maturity.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_DerivativeInstrumentMaturityTerm
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of continuing care retirement communities under which non-interest bearing life care bonds are issued that are refundable to the resident or resident's estate upon termination or cancellation of the agreement.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_FacilityIssuingLifeCareBondNumber
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This element represents the maximum additional borrowing capacity available under the credit facility, subject to customary conditions.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	hcp_LineOfCreditFacilityAdditionalAvailableBorrowingCapacityMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of senior housing facilities under which non-interest bearing occupancy fee deposits are outstanding.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of long-term debt before deduction of unamortized discount or premium. Includes, but is not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, with initial maturities beyond one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.

+ References

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 20

-Article 5

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-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)

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-Paragraph 16

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Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The reference rate for the variable rate of the debt instrument, such as LIBOR or the US Treasury rate and the maturity of the reference rate used, such as three months or six months LIBOR.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
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Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

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Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

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-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))

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Period Type:	instant

- Details

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Period of time between issuance and maturity of debt instrument, in PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
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Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of debt discount (net of debt premium) that was originally recognized at the issuance of the instrument that has yet to be amortized.

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Period Type:	instant

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Weighted average interest rate of debt outstanding.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fixed interest rate related to the interest rate derivative.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.16)

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-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The fee, expressed as a percentage of the line of credit facility, for the line of credit facility regardless of whether the facility has been used.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b))

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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 19, 22

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
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Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, including current and noncurrent amounts. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

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-Article 7

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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

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-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16)

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Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04.(a))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e24072-122690

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Period Type:	instant

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Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

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Period Type:	instant

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Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

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Period Type:	instant

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Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

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Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

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Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the remainder of the fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

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-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04.(a))

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Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The carrying amount as of the balance sheet date for the aggregate of other miscellaneous borrowings owed by the reporting entity.

+ References

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Name:	us-gaap_OtherBorrowings
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cash inflow from a debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Financing Activities

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
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Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of cash outflow for payment of an obligation from a lender, including but not limited to, letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements.

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-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(f))

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
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Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash outflow for a long-term debt where the holder has highest claim on the entity's asset in case of bankruptcy or liquidation during the period.

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Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of uncollateralized debt obligations (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer).

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-Number 210

-Section 02

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-Subsection 19, 20, 22

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Debt (Details)			0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended				0 Months Ended			3 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
Debt (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Jan. 12, 2015 Interest-rate swap contracts	Mar. 31, 2015 Line of Credit and Term Loan	Jan. 12, 2015 Bank Line of Credit GBP (£)	Mar. 31, 2015 Bank Line of Credit USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 Bank Line of Credit GBP (£)	Mar. 31, 2015 Term loans USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 Term loans GBP (£)	Jan. 12, 2015 2015 Term Loan [Member]	Mar. 31, 2015 2015 Term Loan [Member] USD ($)	Jan. 12, 2015 2015 Term Loan [Member] GBP (£)	Mar. 31, 2015 Senior Unsecured Notes USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 Senior Unsecured Notes Minimum	Mar. 31, 2015 Senior Unsecured Notes Maximum	Jan. 21, 2015 Senior Unsecured, 3.40% notes due 2025 USD ($)	Jan. 21, 2015 Senior Unsecured, 3.40% notes due 2025 USD ($)	Aug. 14, 2014 Senior Unsecured, 3.875% notes due 2024 USD ($)	Aug. 14, 2014 Senior Unsecured, 3.875% notes due 2024 USD ($)	Feb. 21, 2014 Senior Unsecured, 4.20% notes due 2024 USD ($)	Feb. 21, 2014 Senior Unsecured, 4.20% notes due 2024 USD ($)	Feb. 01, 2014 Senior unsecured notes, 2.7% USD ($)	Feb. 01, 2014 Senior unsecured notes, 2.7%	Mar. 01, 2015 Senior Unsecured Debt 6.0 Percent Incepted March 1, 2015 [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 01, 2015 Senior Unsecured Debt 6.0 Percent Incepted March 1, 2015 [Member]	Jun. 14, 2014 Senior Unsecured Debt 6.0 Percent Incepted June 14, 2014 [Member] USD ($)	Jun. 14, 2014 Senior Unsecured Debt 6.0 Percent Incepted June 14, 2014 [Member]	Jun. 14, 2014 Senior Unsecured Debt LIBOR [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 Mortgage Debt USD ($) item	Mar. 31, 2015 Mortgage Debt Minimum	Mar. 31, 2015 Mortgage Debt Maximum	Mar. 31, 2015 Demand Note USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 Non-interest Bearing Life Care Bonds USD ($)
Debt Instrument
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity						$ 2,000,000,000
Length of debt instrument extension period						1 year				1 year
Derivative, fixed interest rate (as a percent)												1.79%
Debt instrument, variable rate basis						LIBOR				GBP LIBOR
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)						0.925%				0.975%
Debt instrument, facility fee (as a percent)						0.15%
Line of credit facility additional aggregate amount, maximum						500,000,000
Bank line of credit	358,555,000us-gaap_LineOfCredit	838,516,000us-gaap_LineOfCredit				359,000,000	242,000,000
Weighted-average interest rate (as a percent)						1.72%							4.82%																6.15%
Debt instruments, carrying amount									357,000,000		327,000,000	220,000,000
Maturity period of debt instruments										4 years
Repayments of Lines of Credit					220,000,000
Term of the interest rate swap agreement			3 years
Debt instrument, covenant debt to assets (as a percent)				60.00%
Debt instrument, covenant secured debt to assets (as a percent)				30.00%
Debt instrument, covenant unsecured debt to unencumbered assets (as a percent)				60.00%
Debt instrument, covenant minimum fixed charge coverage ratio				1.5
Debt instrument, covenant net worth						9,500,000,000
Senior unsecured notes	8,022,533,000us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt	7,626,194,000us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt											8,100,000,000
Issuance of senior unsecured notes																	600,000,000		800,000,000		350,000,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)														2.79%	6.99%		3.40%		3.875%		4.20%		2.70%		6.00%		6.00%			0.42%	8.38%	4.50%
Net proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes																591,000,000		792,000,000		346,000,000
Repayment of senior unsecured notes																						400,000,000		200,000,000		62,000,000		25,000,000
Weighted-average maturity													6 years																3 years
2015 (Nine months)	235,549,000												200,000,000																35,549,000
2016	1,395,626,000							203,404,000					900,000,000																292,222,000
2017	1,331,891,000												750,000,000																581,891,000
2018	965,138,000					358,555,000							600,000,000																6,583,000
2019	778,706,000							326,634,000					450,000,000																2,072,000
Thereafter	5,213,170,000												5,150,000,000																63,170,000
Total debt before discount, net	9,920,080,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount					358,555,000		530,038,000					8,050,000,000																981,487,000
Discounts, net	(29,064,000)												(27,467,000)																(1,597,000)
Number of healthcare facilities used to secure debt																													70
Debt instrument, collateral, healthcare facilities carrying value																													1,300,000,000
Portion of other debt and occupancy fee deposits excluded from schedule of debt maturities	$ 95,747,000us-gaap_OtherBorrowings	$ 97,022,000us-gaap_OtherBorrowings																														$ 26,000,000	$ 70,000,000
Number of CCRC issuing non-interest life care bonds	2hcp_FacilityIssuingLifeCareBondNumber
Number of facilities with non-interest bearing occupancy fee deposits	2