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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.0001 | $ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized | 670,000,000 | 656,020,000
Common stock, shares issued | 65,527,993 | 65,379,359
Common stock, shares outstanding | 65,527,993 | 65,379,359
Series H 7.125% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] |  |
Cumulative dividend rate (in hundredths) | 0.00% | 7.125%
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Series H 7.125% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] |  |
Cumulative dividend rate (in hundredths) | 0.00% | 7.125%
General Partner [Member] | Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] |  |
Common stock, shares issued | 65,527,993 | 65,379,359
Common stock, shares outstanding | 65,527,993 | 65,379,359
Preferred interest, liquidation value | $ 0 | $ 73,750
Limited Partner [Member] | Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] |  |
Common stock, shares issued | 2,237,290 | 2,214,545
Common stock, shares outstanding | 2,237,290 | 2,214,545

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