Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Total revenues	$ 603,528	$ 596,638	$ 536,121	$ 529,992	$ 530,297	$ 546,158	$ 512,239	$ 511,184	$ 2,266,279	$ 2,099,878	$ 1,879,970
Income before income taxes and equity income from and impairments of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	222,771	240,946	208,926	220,795	220,256	214,176	199,916	217,667	893,438	852,015	745,081
Total discontinued operations				29,746	59,489	9,824	2,828	2,232	29,746	74,373	45,652
Net income	199,630	251,059	222,279	263,623	297,639	236,858	216,725	233,784	936,591	985,006	846,842
Net income applicable to HCP, Inc.	196,583	247,654	218,885	259,111	293,095	233,756	213,401	230,585	922,233	970,837	832,540
Dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.545	$ 0.545	$ 0.545	$ 0.545	$ 0.525	$ 0.525	$ 0.525	$ 0.525
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.430	$ 0.540	$ 0.480	$ 0.560	$ 0.64	$ 0.51	$ 0.47	$ 0.51	$ 2.01	$ 2.13	$ 1.90
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share	$ 0.430	$ 0.540	$ 0.480	$ 0.560	$ 0.64	$ 0.51	$ 0.47	$ 0.51	$ 2.00	$ 2.13	$ 1.90
Senior housing
Total revenues									$ 877,328	$ 760,415	$ 624,135