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Reportable Segments - NOI for Each Segment from Our Rental Real Estate Specific to Continuing Operations (Parenthetical) (Details) - Property | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Disclosure Of Entitys Reportable Segments [Abstract] |  |  |
Units in same store properties | 70,117 | 70,117 | 69,879

X
- Definition Total number of units associated with properties acquired or completed and stabilized two or more fiscal years ago, less properties subsequently sold. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | eqr_NumberOfUnitsInSameStoreProperties
Namespace Prefix: | eqr_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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