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Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (Details) (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  
Prior Liens $ 95,946,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1
Face Amount of Mortgages 260,574,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages
Carrying Amount of Mortgages 188,651,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages
Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDelinquentPrincipalOrInterestAcquiredFromAffiliates
First mortgage loans [Member] | Seniors Housing Triple-net [Member] | United Kingdom 1  
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  
Interest Rate 7.00%us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Final Maturity Date Apr. 19, 2018
Periodic Payment Amount 126,205hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePeriodicPaymentAmount
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Prior Liens 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1
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= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Face Amount of Mortgages 22,588,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Carrying Amount of Mortgages 21,258,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDelinquentPrincipalOrInterestAcquiredFromAffiliates
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
First mortgage loans [Member] | Seniors Housing Triple-net [Member] | United Kingdom 2  
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  
Interest Rate 7.00%us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom2Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Final Maturity Date Nov. 21, 2018
Periodic Payment Amount 110,898hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePeriodicPaymentAmount
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom2Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Prior Liens 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1
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= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom2Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Face Amount of Mortgages 21,653,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages
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= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
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= hcn_UnitedKingdom2Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Carrying Amount of Mortgages 18,912,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages
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= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
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/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDelinquentPrincipalOrInterestAcquiredFromAffiliates
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom2Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
First mortgage loans [Member] | Seniors Housing Triple-net [Member] | Massachusetts 1  
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  
Interest Rate 7.86%us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Massachusetts1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Final Maturity Date Dec. 31, 2016
Periodic Payment Amount 112,065hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePeriodicPaymentAmount
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Massachusetts1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Prior Liens 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1
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= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Massachusetts1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Face Amount of Mortgages 21,000,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Massachusetts1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Carrying Amount of Mortgages 16,787,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages
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= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Massachusetts1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDelinquentPrincipalOrInterestAcquiredFromAffiliates
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Massachusetts1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
First mortgage loans [Member] | Seniors Housing Triple-net [Member] | United Kingdom 3  
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  
Interest Rate 7.00%us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom3Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Final Maturity Date Dec. 31, 2019
Periodic Payment Amount 19,605hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePeriodicPaymentAmount
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom3Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Prior Liens 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1
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= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom3Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Face Amount of Mortgages 28,664,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
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= hcn_UnitedKingdom3Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Carrying Amount of Mortgages 4,264,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages
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= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
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= hcn_UnitedKingdom3Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDelinquentPrincipalOrInterestAcquiredFromAffiliates
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
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= hcn_UnitedKingdom3Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
First mortgage loans [Member] | Seniors Housing Triple-net [Member] | Texas 1  
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  
Interest Rate 7.75%us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Texas1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Final Maturity Date Oct. 31, 2018
Periodic Payment Amount 26,419hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePeriodicPaymentAmount
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Texas1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Prior Liens 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1
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= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Texas1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Face Amount of Mortgages 8,800,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages
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= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
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= hcn_Texas1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Carrying Amount of Mortgages 4,014,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages
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= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Texas1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDelinquentPrincipalOrInterestAcquiredFromAffiliates
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
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= hcn_Texas1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
First mortgage loans [Member] | Seniors Housing Triple-net [Member] | Texas 2  
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  
Interest Rate 7.75%us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Texas2Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Final Maturity Date Oct. 31, 2018
Periodic Payment Amount 20,734hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePeriodicPaymentAmount
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Texas2Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Prior Liens 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1
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= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Texas2Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Face Amount of Mortgages 8,800,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
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= hcn_Texas2Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Carrying Amount of Mortgages 3,150,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Texas2Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDelinquentPrincipalOrInterestAcquiredFromAffiliates
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Texas2Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
First mortgage loans [Member] | Seniors Housing Triple-net [Member] | United Kingdom 4 [Member]  
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  
Interest Rate 8.50%us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom4Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Final Maturity Date May 01, 2016
Periodic Payment Amount 11,930hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePeriodicPaymentAmount
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom4Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Prior Liens 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom4Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Face Amount of Mortgages 10,601,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom4Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Carrying Amount of Mortgages 1,534,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom4Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDelinquentPrincipalOrInterestAcquiredFromAffiliates
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom4Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
First mortgage loans [Member] | Seniors Housing Triple-net [Member] | United Kingdom 5 [Member]  
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  
Interest Rate 7.54%us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom5Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Final Maturity Date Jul. 31, 2015
Periodic Payment Amount 9,605hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePeriodicPaymentAmount
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
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/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Prior Liens 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1
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= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom5Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Face Amount of Mortgages 3,116,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom5Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Carrying Amount of Mortgages 1,500,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom5Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDelinquentPrincipalOrInterestAcquiredFromAffiliates
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdom5Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
First mortgage loans [Member] | Seniors Housing Triple-net [Member] | Oklahoma 1  
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  
Interest Rate 8.11%us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Oklahoma1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Final Maturity Date Oct. 28, 2019
Periodic Payment Amount 5,455hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePeriodicPaymentAmount
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
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= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Prior Liens 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1
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= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Oklahoma1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Face Amount of Mortgages 11,610,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Oklahoma1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Carrying Amount of Mortgages 936,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Oklahoma1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDelinquentPrincipalOrInterestAcquiredFromAffiliates
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Oklahoma1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
First mortgage loans [Member] | Seniors Housing Triple-net [Member] | United Kingdom 5 Properties [Member]  
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  
Interest Rate 7.50%us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdomPropertiesMember
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Final Maturity Date Nov. 30, 2019
Periodic Payment Amount 83,130hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePeriodicPaymentAmount
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdomPropertiesMember
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Prior Liens 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdomPropertiesMember
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Face Amount of Mortgages 16,356,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdomPropertiesMember
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Carrying Amount of Mortgages 13,050,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdomPropertiesMember
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDelinquentPrincipalOrInterestAcquiredFromAffiliates
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_UnitedKingdomPropertiesMember
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
First mortgage loans [Member] | Medical Facility [Member] | California 1 [Member]  
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  
Interest Rate 6.08%us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_California1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_MedicalFacilityMember
Final Maturity Date Dec. 22, 2017
Periodic Payment Amount 314,464hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePeriodicPaymentAmount
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_California1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_MedicalFacilityMember
Prior Liens 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_California1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_MedicalFacilityMember
Face Amount of Mortgages 65,000,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_California1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_MedicalFacilityMember
Carrying Amount of Mortgages 60,902,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_California1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_MedicalFacilityMember
Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDelinquentPrincipalOrInterestAcquiredFromAffiliates
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_FirstMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_California1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_MedicalFacilityMember
SecondMortgageMember | Seniors Housing Triple-net [Member] | Connecticut 1  
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  
Interest Rate 8.11%us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Connecticut1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Final Maturity Date Apr. 01, 2018
Periodic Payment Amount 36,406hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePeriodicPaymentAmount
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Connecticut1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Prior Liens 15,583,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Connecticut1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Face Amount of Mortgages 5,300,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Connecticut1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Carrying Amount of Mortgages 5,258,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Connecticut1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDelinquentPrincipalOrInterestAcquiredFromAffiliates
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Connecticut1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
SecondMortgageMember | Seniors Housing Triple-net [Member] | Texas 3  
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  
Interest Rate 12.17%us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Texas3Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Final Maturity Date May 01, 2019
Periodic Payment Amount 32,042hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePeriodicPaymentAmount
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Texas3Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Prior Liens 5,293,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Texas3Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Face Amount of Mortgages 3,100,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Texas3Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Carrying Amount of Mortgages 3,100,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Texas3Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDelinquentPrincipalOrInterestAcquiredFromAffiliates
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Texas3Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
SecondMortgageMember | Seniors Housing Triple-net [Member] | Florida 1  
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  
Interest Rate 12.17%us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Florida1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Final Maturity Date Jul. 01, 2018
Periodic Payment Amount 27,908hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePeriodicPaymentAmount
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Florida1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Prior Liens 9,283,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Florida1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Face Amount of Mortgages 2,700,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Florida1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Carrying Amount of Mortgages 2,700,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Florida1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDelinquentPrincipalOrInterestAcquiredFromAffiliates
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Florida1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
SecondMortgageMember | Seniors Housing Triple-net [Member] | Florida 2  
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  
Interest Rate 12.17%us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Florida2Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Final Maturity Date Nov. 01, 2018
Periodic Payment Amount 27,908hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePeriodicPaymentAmount
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Florida2Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Prior Liens 7,861,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Florida2Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Face Amount of Mortgages 2,700,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Florida2Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Carrying Amount of Mortgages 2,700,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Florida2Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDelinquentPrincipalOrInterestAcquiredFromAffiliates
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Florida2Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
SecondMortgageMember | Seniors Housing Triple-net [Member] | Colorado 1 [Member]  
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  
Interest Rate 9.00%us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Colorado1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Final Maturity Date May 01, 2016
Periodic Payment Amount 15,500hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePeriodicPaymentAmount
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Colorado1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Prior Liens 7,972,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Colorado1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Face Amount of Mortgages 2,000,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Colorado1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Carrying Amount of Mortgages 2,000,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Colorado1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDelinquentPrincipalOrInterestAcquiredFromAffiliates
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Colorado1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
SecondMortgageMember | Seniors Housing Triple-net [Member] | Indiana 1 [Member]  
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  
Interest Rate 9.00%us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Indiana1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Final Maturity Date May 01, 2016
Periodic Payment Amount 11,625hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePeriodicPaymentAmount
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Indiana1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Prior Liens 7,864,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Indiana1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Face Amount of Mortgages 1,500,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Indiana1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Carrying Amount of Mortgages 1,500,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Indiana1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDelinquentPrincipalOrInterestAcquiredFromAffiliates
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Indiana1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
SecondMortgageMember | Seniors Housing Triple-net [Member] | Canada 1 [Member]  
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  
Interest Rate 7.24%us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Canada1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Final Maturity Date Dec. 31, 2016
Periodic Payment Amount 0hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePeriodicPaymentAmount
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Canada1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Prior Liens 12,413,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Canada1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Face Amount of Mortgages 86,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Canada1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Carrying Amount of Mortgages 86,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Canada1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDelinquentPrincipalOrInterestAcquiredFromAffiliates
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_Canada1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
SecondMortgageMember | Seniors Housing Triple-net [Member] | Indiana Kansas Texas Colorado 1 [Member]  
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  
Interest Rate 10.00%us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateInterestRate
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_IndianaKansasTexasColorado1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Final Maturity Date Dec. 30, 2018
Periodic Payment Amount 212,329hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePeriodicPaymentAmount
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_IndianaKansasTexasColorado1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Prior Liens 29,677,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_IndianaKansasTexasColorado1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Face Amount of Mortgages 25,000,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_IndianaKansasTexasColorado1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Carrying Amount of Mortgages 25,000,000us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_IndianaKansasTexasColorado1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember
Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest $ 0us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDelinquentPrincipalOrInterestAcquiredFromAffiliates
/ us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis
= us-gaap_SecondMortgageMember
/ hcn_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLocationDescriptionAxis
= hcn_IndianaKansasTexasColorado1Member
/ hcn_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationPropertyAxis
= hcn_SeniorsHousingTripleNetMember