Accounting Policies and Related Matters (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Accounting Policies and Related Matters [Abstract]
Reclassifications of Permanent to Temporary Equity	$ 114,714

The difference between the carrying amount of a financial instrument subject to a registration payment arrangement recorded as permanent equity and the carrying amount reclassified to temporary equity based on a redemption feature of the partnership agreement.

No definition available.

Name:	hcn_ReclassificationsOfPermanentToTemporaryEquity
Namespace Prefix:	hcn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration