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Distribution Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan (Details) | Dec. 31, 2015 shares
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Common Shares registered with Distribution Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan (2011 DRIP) | 4,850,000
Number of shares available for issuance | 4,775,789
Distribution Reinvestment Plan 2014 [Member] |
Common Shares registered with Distribution Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan (2011 DRIP) | 4,790,000

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- Definition Represents the number of shares available for issuance under the company's dividend reinvestment plan at the balance sheet date. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | eqr_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition Represents the number of shares authorized for issuance under the company's dividend reinvestment plan at the registration date. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | eqr_StockRegisteredDuringPeriodSharesDividendReinvestmentPlan
Namespace Prefix: | eqr_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

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- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PlanNameAxis=eqr_DistributionReinvestmentPlan2014Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |