Name:	hcp_LeaseAmendmentsAndTerminationsAndJointVentureFormationsLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The number of major components in the agreement.

No definition available.

Name:	hcp_NumberOfComponentsInAgreement
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents the number of facilities for which existing lease agreement is amended and restated.

No definition available.

Name:	hcp_NumberOfFacilitiesForWhichExistingLeaseAgreementIsAmended
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents the number of facilities for which existing lease agreement is terminated.

No definition available.

Name:	hcp_NumberOfFacilitiesForWhichExistingLeaseAgreementIsTerminated
Namespace Prefix:	hcp_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Number of properties contributed to joint venture.

No definition available.

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

Represents the number of properties with cancelled purchase options cancelled on amendment of existing lease agreement.

No definition available.

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

Represents the number of properties with cancelled purchase options cancelled on termination of existing lease agreement.

No definition available.

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

The number of continuing care retirement communities.

No definition available.

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

The equity interest of noncontrolling shareholders, partners or other equity holders in consolidated entity.

No definition available.

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

Name:	us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis=hcp_BrookdaleMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis=hcp_RIDEAJVMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: