XML 34 R9.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.10.0.1

Consolidated Statements of Capital (Parenthetical) - $ / shares | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016
Preferred stock dividends (in dollars per share) |  |  | $ 0.45
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] |  |  |
Preferred stock dividends (in dollars per share) |  |  | 0.45
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Preferred Equity [Member] |  |  |
Preferred stock dividends (in dollars per share) | $ 7.44 | $ 7.00 | $ 6.40

X
- Definition Aggregate dividends declared during the period for each share of preferred stock outstanding. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareDeclared
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=ess_EssexPortfolioL.P.Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis=ess_PreferredEquityMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |