CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 102,926	$ (5,720)	$ 239,091	$ 480,558
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives	342	(3,672)	5,971	(10,105)
Change in Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan obligation and other	82	66	264	220
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(921)	5,750	(4,596)	14,362
Reclassification adjustment realized in net income (loss)	280	654	18,088	674
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(217)	2,798	19,727	5,151
Total comprehensive income (loss)	102,709	(2,922)	258,818	485,709
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,555)	(1,937)	(9,546)	(7,687)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to HCP, Inc.	$ 99,154	$ (4,859)	$ 249,272	$ 478,022