XML 78 R57.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.3.1.900

Real Estate Investment in Real Estate - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended |
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Feb. 27, 2013
Land | $ 5,864,046 | $ 6,295,404 |  |
Depreciable property [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Buildings and improvements | 16,336,829 | 17,974,337 |  |
Furniture, fixtures and equipment | 1,207,098 | 1,365,276 |  |
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Acquired-in-Place Leases | 483,160 | 511,891 |  |
Projects under development [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Construction-in-progress | 1,122,376 | 1,343,919 |  |
Land held for development [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Land held for development | 168,843 | 184,556 |  |
Construction-in-progress | 1,122,376 | 1,343,919 |  |
Investment in real estate | 25,182,352 | 27,675,383 |  |
Accumulated depreciation | (4,905,406) | (5,432,805) |  |
Investment in real estate, net | 20,276,946 | 22,242,578 |  |
Amortization of above/below market leases | 3,382 | 3,222 | $ 898 |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months | 3,425 |  |  |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two | 3,781 |  |  |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three | 4,250 |  |  |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four | 4,250 |  |  |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five | 4,250 |  |  |
Assets [Member] |  |  |  |
Land held for development [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Below Market Lease, Gross | 178,251 | 178,251 |  | $ 178,251
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Off-market Lease, Favorable, Gross | 1,260 | 1,260 |  |
Lease intangible assets | 179,511 | 179,511 |  |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization | (13,451) | (8,913) |  |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net | 166,060 | 170,598 |  |
Liability [Member] |  |  |  |
Land held for development [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Below Market Lease, Gross | 5,270 | 5,270 |  | $ 8,040
Off-market Lease, Unfavorable | 2,400 | 2,400 |  |
Lease Intangible Liabilities | 7,670 | 7,670 |  |
Finite Lived Intangible Liabilities Accumulated Amortization | (3,414) | (2,258) |  |
Lease Intangible Liabilities, net | 4,256 | 5,412 |  |
Ground Lease [Member] |  |  |  |
Land held for development [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Amortization of above/below market leases | 4,300 | 4,300 | 3,600 |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months | 4,321 |  |  |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two | 4,321 |  |  |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three | 4,321 |  |  |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four | 4,321 |  |  |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five | 4,321 |  |  |
Retail Site [Member] |  |  |  |
Land held for development [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Amortization of above/below market leases | 900 | 1,100 | $ 2,700 |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months | (896) |  |  |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two | (540) |  |  |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three | (71) |  |  |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four | (71) |  |  |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five | (71) |  |  |
Projects under development [Member] |  |  |  |
Projects under development [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Land Under Development | 284,995 | 466,764 |  |
Construction-in-progress | 837,381 | 877,155 |  |
Land held for development [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Construction-in-progress | 837,381 | 877,155 |  |
Land held for development [Member] |  |  |  |
Projects under development [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Construction-in-progress | 48,836 | 39,190 |  |
Land held for development [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Land held for development | 120,007 | 145,366 |  |
Construction-in-progress | $ 48,836 | $ 39,190 |  |

X
- Definition The accumulated amount of amortization of a major finite-lived intangible liabilities class. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | eqr_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAccumulatedAmortization
Namespace Prefix: | eqr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Carrying amount of land for a real estate project that has not yet been completed. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | eqr_LandUnderDevelopment
Namespace Prefix: | eqr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Land held for development [Abstract] + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | eqr_LandheldfordevelopmentAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | eqr_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to total lease intangible liabilities that will be amortized. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | eqr_LeaseIntangibleLiabilities
Namespace Prefix: | eqr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to total lease intangible liabilities, net of amortization. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | eqr_LeaseIntangibleLiabilitiesnet
Namespace Prefix: | eqr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Projects under development [Abstract] + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | eqr_ProjectsunderdevelopmentAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | eqr_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate expense charged against earnings to allocate the cost of intangible assets (nonphysical assets not used in production) in a systematic and rational manner to the periods expected to benefit from such assets. As a noncash expense, this element is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388964&loc=d3e16225-109274 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713463&loc=d3e16323-109275 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount before amortization of leases acquired as part of a real property acquisition at below market lease rate with a finite life. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The current amount of expenditures for a real estate project that has not yet been completed. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.10) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Phase -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49177889 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DevelopmentInProcess
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This element represents the amount of value allocated by a lessor (acquirer) to lease agreements which exist at acquisition of a leased property. Such amount may include the value assigned to existing tenant relationships and excludes the market adjustment component of the value assigned for above or below-market leases acquired. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetAcquiredInPlaceLeases
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This element represents the identifiable intangible asset established upon acquisition based on a favorable difference between the terms of an acquired lease and the current market terms for that lease at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.15) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetOffMarketLeaseFavorableGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Accumulated amount of amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713463&loc=d3e16323-109275 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of amortization expense for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life expected to be recognized during the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713463&loc=d3e16323-109275 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of amortization expense for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life expected to be recognized during the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713463&loc=d3e16323-109275 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of amortization expense for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life expected to be recognized during the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713463&loc=d3e16323-109275 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of amortization expense for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life expected to be recognized during the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713463&loc=d3e16323-109275 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of amortization expense for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life expected to be recognized during the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713463&loc=d3e16323-109275 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount before amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713463&loc=d3e16323-109275 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount after amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713463&loc=d3e16323-109275 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount before accumulated depreciation of fixtures and equipment. Includes, but is not limited to, machinery, equipment, and engines. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FixturesAndEquipmentGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Aggregate of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of investments in building and building improvements. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.1(d)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InvestmentBuildingAndBuildingImprovements
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount before accumulated depletion of real estate held for productive use, excluding land held for sale. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28358313&loc=d3e6812-107765 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.13) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Land
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Carrying amount of land available for development. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.(a),1(d)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LandAvailableForDevelopment
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This element represents a liability associated with the acquisition of an off-market lease when the terms of the lease are unfavorable to the market terms for the lease at the date of acquisition. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.24) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OffMarketLeaseUnfavorable
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGrossAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cumulative amount of depreciation for real estate property held for investment purposes. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.1(3)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of real estate investment property which may include the following: (1) land available-for-sale; (2) land available-for-development; (3) investments in building and building improvements; (4) tenant allowances; (5) developments in-process; (6) rental properties; and (7) other real estate investments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.1(d)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of real estate investment property, net of accumulated depreciation, which may include the following: (1) land available-for-sale; (2) land available-for-development; (3) investments in building and building improvements; (4) tenant allowances; (5) developments in-process; (6) rental properties; and (7) other real estate investments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.1(d)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_AssetsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_LiabilityMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=eqr_GroundLeaseMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_RetailSiteMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationTypesOfPropertyAxis=eqr_ProjectsUnderDevelopmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationTypesOfPropertyAxis=eqr_LandHeldForDevelopmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |