Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	$ 168,165us-gaap_InterestPaidNet	$ 152,423us-gaap_InterestPaidNet
Income taxes paid	383us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet	629us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet
Capitalized interest	1,698us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized	3,125us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:
Accrued construction costs	32,236	21,715
Supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities:
Vesting of restricted stock units	288hcp_RestrictedStockVested	411hcp_RestrictedStockVested
Cancellation of restricted stock		(1)
Conversion of non-managing member units into common stock	1,608	73
Noncontrolling interest issued in connection with real estate acquisition	1,306	1,152
Noncontrolling interest assumed in connection with real estate disposition		1,671
Mortgages and other liabilities assumed with real estate acquisitions	626	1
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, net	$ 2,334	$ (692)

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Represents the amount of noncontrolling interest issued in connection with real estate disposition in noncash activities.

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The value of stock issued upon which restrictions have lapsed.

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The amount of unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities and derivatives designated as cash flow hedges.

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- Definition

Future cash outflow to pay for construction in progress expenditures that have occurred.

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The amount of cash paid during the current period to foreign, federal, state, and local authorities as taxes on income, net of any cash received during the current period as refunds for the overpayment of taxes.

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Amount of interest capitalized during the period.

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-Glossary Allowance for Funds Used during Construction

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The amount of cash paid for interest during the period net of cash paid for interest that is capitalized.

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The total amount of [all] liabilities that an Entity assumes in acquiring a business or in consideration for an asset received in a noncash (or part noncash) acquisition. Noncash is defined as transactions during a period that affect recognized assets or liabilities but that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.

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The value of the noncash (or part noncash) consideration given (for example, liability, equity) in a transaction. Noncash is defined as transactions during a period that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of a transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.

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Value of stock issued during the period upon the conversion of units. An example of a convertible unit is an umbrella partnership real estate investment trust unit (UPREIT unit).

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Value of stock related to Restricted Stock Awards forfeited during the period.

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