CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Net income (loss)	$ 639,926	$ (546,418)	$ 936,591
Change in net unrealized (losses) gains on securities:
Unrealized (losses) gains	(62)	(5)	13
Change in net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges:
Unrealized gains	3,233	1,894	2,258
Reclassification adjustment realized in net income	707	148	(1,085)
Change in Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan obligation	282	126	(627)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(3,332)	(8,738)	(9,967)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	828	(6,575)	(9,408)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	640,754	(552,993)	927,183
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(12,179)	(12,817)	(14,358)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to HCP, Inc.	$ 628,575	$ (565,810)	$ 912,825