CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 43,237	$ 464,177
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Unrealized gains (losses)	(5,164)	(302)
Reclassification adjustment realized in net income (loss)	125	213
Change in Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan obligation and other	104	83
Foreign currency translation adjustment	7,652	990
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	2,717	984
Total comprehensive income (loss)	45,954	465,161
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,005)	(3,032)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to HCP, Inc.	$ 42,949	$ 462,129