Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details Textuals) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Textuals [Line Items]
Unamortized Investment related to Appreciation Of Underlying Properties And Transaction Cost	$ 149,147

Unamortized Investment In Joint Venture Primarily Attributable To Appreciation Of Underlying Properties And Transaction Cost

No definition available.

Name:	hcn_Unamortizedinvestmentinjointventureprimarilyattributabletoappreciationofunderlyingpropertiesandtransactioncost
Namespace Prefix:	hcn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant