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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) | Sep. 30, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013
--- | --- | ---
Number of Real Estate Properties | 396 |
Number of Units in Real Estate Property | 111,087 |
Noncontrolling Interests - Partially Owned Properties | $ 125,197,000 | $ 126,583,000
Partially Owned Properties [Member] |  |
Number of Real Estate Properties | 19 |
Number of Units in Real Estate Property | 3,771 |
Limited Life Partnership Properties [Member] |  |
Number of Real Estate Properties | 6 |
Noncontrolling Interest Balance Limited Life Partnerships | (10,200,000) |
Noncontrolling Interests Settlement Value | $ 60,200,000 |

X
- Definition Carrying amount of equity interests owned by the noncontrolling partners in partially owned limited life partnerships. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Carrying amount of equity interests owned by noncontrolling partners in partially owned properties. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties
Namespace Prefix: | eqr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
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X
- Definition Represents the value of Noncontrolling Interest distributions had the Company's partnership agreements been liquidated through the sale of their assets upon reaching the date specified in each respective partnership agreement. The Company, as controlling partner, has an obligation to cause the property owning partnerships to distribute the proceeds of liquidation to the Noncontrolling Interests in these Partially Owned Properties. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | eqr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The number of real estate properties owned as of the balance sheet date. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
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- Definition The number of units in a real estate property owned as of the balance sheet date. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
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