XML 70 R51.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.20.4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) | 12 Months Ended |
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) Property ApartmentUnit $ / shares | Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) $ / shares | Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) $ / shares | Jan. 01, 2019 USD ($)
Value of furniture and fixtures minimum range | $ 15,000 |  |  |
Value of furniture and fixtures maximum range | $ 40,000 |  |  |
Lease intangibles, average term | 6 months |  |  |
Capitalized costs development and renovation | $ 12,100,000 | $ 14,200,000 | $ 13,200,000 |
Lessee, finance lease, description | The Company is a lessor for its residential and non-residential leases and is a lessee for its corporate headquarters and regional offices and ground leases for land underlying current operating properties or projects under development. If applicable, lease agreements must be evaluated to determine the accounting treatment as a finance or operating lease in accordance with the lease standard. A lease is classified as a finance lease if it meets any of the following criteria: (a) Ownership of the underlying asset is transferred to the lessee by the end of the lease term; (b) the lessee has and is reasonably certain to exercise an option to purchase the underlying asset; (c) the lease term is for the major part of the remaining economic life of the underlying asset; (d) the present value of future minimum lease payments is equal to substantially all of the fair value of the underlying asset; and (e) the underlying asset is expected to have no alternative use to the lessor at the end of the lease term due to its specialized nature. |  |  |
Lessee, finance lease residual value guarantee, description | the present value of future minimum lease payments is equal to substantially all of the fair value of the underlying asset |  |  |
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share | $ / shares | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Provision for income tax | $ 852,000 | $ (2,281,000) | $ 878,000 |
Remaining AMT refund received | 1,600,000 |  |  |
Land and depreciable property net | 13,800,000,000 | 13,700,000,000 |  |
Right-of-use assets | 499,287,000 | 512,774,000 |  | $ 434,200,000
Lease liabilities | $ 329,130,000 | 331,334,000 |  | $ 278,300,000
Properties | Property | 304 |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interests – Partially Owned Properties | $ 4,673,000 | $ 1,183,000 |  |
Apartment units | ApartmentUnit | 77,889 |  |  |
Partially Owned Properties – Consolidated |  |  |  |
Properties | Property | 16 |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interests – Partially Owned Properties | $ 4,700,000 |  |  |
Apartment units | ApartmentUnit | 3,399 |  |  |
Limited Life Partnership Properties [Member] |  |  |  |
Properties | Property | 3 |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interests – Partially Owned Properties | $ (5,500,000) |  |  |
Noncontrolling interests settlement value | 72,800,000 |  |  |
Federal [Member] |  |  |  |
Provision for income tax | $ 0 |  |  |
Minimum [Member] | Retail Commercial Leases [Member] |  |  |  |
Retail leases term | 5 years |  |  |
Maximum [Member] | Retail Commercial Leases [Member] |  |  |  |
Retail leases term | 10 years |  |  |
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member] |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives | 5 years |  |  |
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member] |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives | 10 years |  |  |
Building [Member] |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives | 30 years |  |  |
Replacements [Member] | Minimum [Member] |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives | 5 years |  |  |
Replacements [Member] | Maximum [Member] |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives | 10 years |  |  |
Renovations and Improvements Minimum [Member] | Minimum [Member] |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives | 5 years |  |  |
Renovations and Improvements Minimum [Member] | Maximum [Member] |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives | 15 years |  |  |

X
- Definition Represents payroll and associated costs of employees directly responsible for and who spend their time on the supervision of development activities as well as major capital and/or renovation projects that are capitalized on the balance sheet + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | eqr_CapitalizedCostsDevelopmentAndRenovation
Namespace Prefix: | eqr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Carrying value of land and property after the effect of depreciation for Federal Income Tax purposes. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | eqr_LandAndDepreciablePropertyNet
Namespace Prefix: | eqr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents the average term in months of In-place lease intangibles over which the asset is amortized. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | eqr_LeaseIntangiblesAverageTerm
Namespace Prefix: | eqr_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Noncontrolling interests deficit partially owned properties. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsDeficitPartiallyOwnedProperties
Namespace Prefix: | eqr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- 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
Period Type: | instant

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
Name: | eqr_NoncontrollingInterestsSettlementValue
Namespace Prefix: | eqr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Remaining amount of alternative minimum tax refund received. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | eqr_RemainingAmountOfAlternativeMinimumTaxRefundReceived
Namespace Prefix: | eqr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Value of the maximum amount applied on a per apartment unit basis to estimate the fair value of furniture and fixtures inside the unit for newly acquired properties based on economic age. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMaximumRange
Namespace Prefix: | eqr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Value of the minimum amount applied on a per apartment unit basis to estimate the fair value of furniture and fixtures inside the unit for newly acquired properties based on economic age. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | eqr_ValueOfFurnitureAndFixturesMinimumRange
Namespace Prefix: | eqr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Face amount or stated value per share of common stock. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(29)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 6.I.7) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116825942&loc=d3e330036-122817 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84230637&loc=d3e32672-109319 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (h) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(h)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109234566&loc=d3e22663-107794 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120385591&loc=d3e38679-109324 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(9)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400993&loc=SL114874131-224263 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109234566&loc=d3e22658-107794 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Description of lessee's finance lease. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 842 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121609121&loc=SL77918673-209980 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LesseeFinanceLeaseDescription
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Description of terms and conditions of residual value guarantee provided by lessee on finance lease. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 842 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a)(4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121609121&loc=SL77918673-209980 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LesseeFinanceLeaseResidualValueGuaranteeDescription
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Term of lessor's operating lease, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 842 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121576215&loc=SL77919359-209981 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseTermOfContract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

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

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

X
- Definition Present value of lessee's discounted obligation for lease payments from operating lease. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 842 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121603541&loc=SL77918627-209977 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of lessee's right to use underlying asset under operating lease. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 842 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121603541&loc=SL77918627-209977 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis=us-gaap_ConsolidatedPropertiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis=eqr_LimitedLifePartnershipPropertiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis=us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermAxis=eqr_RetailCommercialLeasesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

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

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

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