XML 33 R8.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.10.0.1

Consolidated Statements of Capital - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2018 | Mar. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Mar. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income | $ 124,440 | $ 96,639 | $ 109,662 | $ 187,551 | $ 413,599 | $ 458,043 | $ 438,410
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities |  |  |  |  | 13 | (1,909) | (4,848)
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of swap settlements |  |  |  |  | 7,824 | 12,744 | 15,926
Change in fair value of marketable securities, net |  |  |  |  | (118) | 3,284 | (828)
Issuance of common stock under: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Sale of common stock by general partner, net |  |  |  |  | (919) | 89,055 | (384)
Retirement of common stock, net |  |  |  |  | (51,233) |  | (1,045)
Changes in the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest |  |  |  |  | (1,164) | (65) | 768
Changes in noncontrolling interest from acquisition |  |  |  |  | 7,919 | 22,506 |
Distributions to noncontrolling interests |  |  |  |  | (29,233) | (27,051) | (25,854)
Redemptions |  |  |  |  | (1,333) | (28,580) | (2,511)
Preferred stock dividends ($0.45 per share) |  |  |  |  |  |  | (1,314)
ASU 2017-05 [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Issuance of common stock under: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cumulative adjustment to retained earnings |  |  | 123,708 |  |  | 123,708 |
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balances |  | 6,396,825 |  | 6,292,237 | 6,396,825 | 6,292,237 | 6,337,023
Net income | 124,440 | 96,639 | 109,662 | 187,551 | 413,599 | 458,043 | 438,410
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities |  |  |  |  | 13 | (1,909) | (4,848)
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of swap settlements |  |  |  |  | 7,824 | 12,744 | 15,926
Change in fair value of marketable securities, net |  |  |  |  | (118) | 3,284 | (828)
Issuance of common stock under: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General partner's stock based compensation, net |  |  |  |  | 6,213 | 26,635 | 18,949
Sale of common stock by general partner, net |  |  |  |  | (919) | 89,055 | (384)
Equity based compensation costs |  |  |  |  | 12,851 | 11,302 | 10,899
Redemption of Series H preferred units |  |  |  |  |  |  | (73,750)
Retirement of common stock, net |  |  |  |  | (51,233) |  | (1,045)
Changes in the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest |  |  |  |  | (1,164) | (65) | 768
Changes in noncontrolling interest from acquisition |  |  |  |  |  | 22,506 |
Distributions to noncontrolling interests |  |  |  |  | (12,174) | (11,078) | (11,296)
Redemptions |  |  |  |  | (1,333) | (28,580) | (2,511)
Preferred stock dividends ($0.45 per share) |  |  |  |  |  |  | (1,314)
Distributions declared |  |  |  |  | (508,167) | (477,349) | (433,762)
Balances | 6,393,844 |  | 6,396,825 |  | 6,393,844 | 6,396,825 | 6,292,237
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | ASU 2016-01 [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Issuance of common stock under: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cumulative adjustment to retained earnings |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | ASU 2017-05 [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Issuance of common stock under: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cumulative adjustment to retained earnings |  |  | 123,708 |  |  | 123,708 |
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balances |  | (15,229) |  | (29,348) | (15,229) | (29,348) | (39,598)
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities |  |  |  |  | 13 | (1,909) | (4,848)
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of swap settlements |  |  |  |  | 7,824 | 12,744 | 15,926
Change in fair value of marketable securities, net |  |  |  |  | (118) | 3,284 | (828)
Issuance of common stock under: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balances | (9,738) |  | (15,229) |  | (9,738) | (15,229) | (29,348)
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net [Member] | ASU 2016-01 [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Issuance of common stock under: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cumulative adjustment to retained earnings |  |  | (2,228) |  |  | (2,228) |
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Noncontrolling Interest [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balances |  | 66,410 |  | 47,873 | 66,410 | 47,873 | 49,642
Net income |  |  |  |  | 9,994 | 10,159 | 9,342
Issuance of common stock under: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Changes in the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest |  |  |  |  | 68 | (65) | 596
Changes in noncontrolling interest from acquisition |  |  |  |  |  | 22,506 |
Distributions to noncontrolling interests |  |  |  |  | (12,174) | (11,078) | (11,296)
Redemptions |  |  |  |  | (67) | (2,985) | (411)
Balances | 64,231 |  | 66,410 |  | 64,231 | 66,410 | 47,873
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | General Partner [Member] | Common Equity [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balances |  | $ 6,295,852 |  | $ 6,224,276 | $ 6,295,852 | $ 6,224,276 | $ 6,208,535
Balances (in shares) |  | 66,054 |  | 65,528 | 66,054 | 65,528 | 65,379
Net income |  |  |  |  | $ 390,153 | $ 433,059 | $ 411,124
Issuance of common stock under: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
General partner's stock based compensation, net |  |  |  |  | $ 6,213 | $ 26,635 | $ 18,949
General partner's stock based compensation, net (in shares) |  |  |  |  | 41 | 179 | 140
Sale of common stock by general partner, net |  |  |  |  | $ (919) | $ 89,055 | $ (384)
Sale of common stock by general partner, net (in shares) |  |  |  |  | 0 | 345 |
Equity based compensation costs |  |  |  |  | $ 11,651 | $ 9,529 | 8,246
Retirement of common stock, net |  |  |  |  | $ (51,233) |  | $ (1,045)
Retirement of common stock, net (in shares) |  |  |  |  | (210) |  | (5)
Changes in the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest |  |  |  |  | $ (1,143) | (136) | $ 172
Redemptions |  |  |  |  | $ (1,061) | $ (25,190) | $ (2,117)
Redemptions (in shares) |  |  |  |  | (5) | (2) | (14)
Distributions declared |  |  |  |  | $ (491,108) | $ (461,376) | $ (419,204)
Balances | $ 6,280,290 |  | $ 6,295,852 |  | $ 6,280,290 | $ 6,295,852 | $ 6,224,276
Balances (in shares) | 65,890 |  | 66,054 |  | 65,890 | 66,054 | 65,528
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | General Partner [Member] | Common Equity [Member] | ASU 2016-01 [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Issuance of common stock under: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cumulative adjustment to retained earnings |  |  | $ 2,234 |  |  | $ 2,234 |
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | General Partner [Member] | Common Equity [Member] | ASU 2017-05 [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Issuance of common stock under: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cumulative adjustment to retained earnings |  |  | 119,651 |  |  | 119,651 |
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | General Partner [Member] | Preferred Equity [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balances |  | $ 0 |  | $ 0 | $ 0 | 0 | $ 71,209
Net income |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,855
Issuance of common stock under: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Redemption of Series H preferred units |  |  |  |  |  |  | (73,750)
Preferred stock dividends ($0.45 per share) |  |  |  |  |  |  | (1,314)
Distributions declared |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0
Balances | $ 0 |  | 0 |  | 0 | 0 | 0
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Limited Partner [Member] | Common Equity [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balances |  | $ 49,792 |  | $ 49,436 | $ 49,792 | $ 49,436 | $ 47,235
Balances (in shares) |  | 2,268 |  | 2,237 | 2,268 | 2,237 | 2,215
Net income |  |  |  |  | $ 13,452 | $ 14,825 | $ 14,089
Issuance of common stock under: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity based compensation costs |  |  |  |  | $ 1,200 | $ 1,773 | $ 2,653
Equity based compensation costs (in shares) |  |  |  |  | 11 | 33 | 37
Changes in the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest |  |  |  |  | $ (89) | $ 136 |
Changes in noncontrolling interest from acquisition |  |  |  |  | $ 7,919 |  |
Contributions from noncontrolling interest (in shares) |  |  |  |  | 31 |  |
Redemptions |  |  |  |  | $ (205) | $ (405) | $ 17
Redemptions (in shares) |  |  |  |  | (5) | (2) | (15)
Distributions declared |  |  |  |  | $ (17,059) | $ (15,973) | $ (14,558)
Balances | $ 59,061 |  | $ 49,792 |  | $ 59,061 | $ 49,792 | $ 49,436
Balances (in shares) | 2,305 |  | 2,268 |  | 2,305 | 2,268 | 2,237
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Limited Partner [Member] | Common Equity [Member] | ASU 2016-01 [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Issuance of common stock under: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cumulative adjustment to retained earnings |  |  | $ (6) |  |  | $ (6) |
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Limited Partner [Member] | Common Equity [Member] | ASU 2017-05 [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Issuance of common stock under: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cumulative adjustment to retained earnings |  |  | $ 4,057 |  |  | $ 4,057 |

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

X
- Definition Noncontrolling Interest, Increase From Sale Of Parent Equity Interest, Shares + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ess_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSaleOfParentEquityInterestShares
Namespace Prefix: | ess_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Total change in each class of partners' capital accounts during the year due to stock and unit-based compensation. All partners include general, limited and preferred partners. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ess_PartnersCapitalAccountStockAndUnitBasedCompensationCosts
Namespace Prefix: | ess_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Value of stock and units issued during the period as a result of stock and unit based compensation plans. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ess_PartnersCapitalAccountStockAndUnitBasedCompensationPlans
Namespace Prefix: | ess_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The number of units issued due to stock and unit-based compensation plans. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ess_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitsStockAndUnitBasedCompensationPlan
Namespace Prefix: | ess_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Partners' Capital Account, Units, Stock and unit based compensation costs + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ess_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitsStockandunitbasedcompensationcosts
Namespace Prefix: | ess_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Reclassifications Of Permanent Equity To Liabilities, Amount + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ess_ReclassificationsOfPermanentEquityToLiabilitiesAmount
Namespace Prefix: | ess_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Redemptions of noncontrolling interest during the reporting period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ess_RedemptionsOfNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix: | ess_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Redemptions Of Noncontrolling Interest, Shares + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ess_RedemptionsOfNoncontrollingInterestShares
Namespace Prefix: | ess_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after tax of increase (decrease) to equity or (increase) decrease to net assets, resulting from the cumulative effect adjustment of a new accounting principle applied in the period of adoption. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of paid and unpaid preferred stock dividends declared with the form of settlement in cash, stock and payment-in-kind (PIK). + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 405 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957935&loc=d3e64057-112817 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Change in noncontrolling interest during the period as a result of a change in the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 480 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 3A -Subparagraph 15 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65877616&loc=SL6540498-122764 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 480 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 3A -Subparagraph 16(c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65877616&loc=SL6540498-122764 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 480 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 3A -Subparagraph 14 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65877616&loc=SL6540498-122764 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Decrease in noncontrolling interest balance from payment of dividends or other distributions by the non-wholly owned subsidiary or partially owned entity, included in the consolidation of the parent entity, to the noncontrolling interest holders. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of increase in noncontrolling interest from sale of a portion of the parent's controlling interest. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (c)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109239629&loc=SL4573702-111684 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 23 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=108774443&loc=SL4569655-111683 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSaleOfParentEquityInterest
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments, of increase (decrease) in accumulated gain (loss) from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges and an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gain (loss). + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 10A -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114867106&loc=SL7669646-108580 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after tax of reclassification adjustment from accumulated other comprehensive income for unrealized gain (loss) realized upon the sale of available-for-sale securities. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114867106&loc=d3e689-108580 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114867106&loc=d3e637-108580 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82897076&loc=d3e27357-111563 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 17A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114867106&loc=SL34724391-108580 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIForSaleOfSecuritiesNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after tax, before reclassification adjustments, of unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 10A -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114867106&loc=SL7669646-108580 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114867106&loc=d3e637-108580 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Total distributions to each class of partners (i.e., general, limited and preferred partners). + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph (SAB Topic 4.F) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187171-122770 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountDistributions
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The number of each class of partnership units outstanding at the balance sheet date. Units represent shares of ownership of the general, limited, and preferred partners. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-04.16(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6488278&loc=d3e603758-122996 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-04.16(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6488278&loc=d3e603758-122996 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.F) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187171-122770 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnits
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of partners' capital (deficit), including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests. Excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 272 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6373374&loc=d3e70478-108055 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114867106&loc=SL7669619-108580 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109239629&loc=SL4573702-111684 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114867106&loc=SL7669625-108580 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (c)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109239629&loc=SL4573702-111684 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 4J -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84234705&loc=SL4591551-111686 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3000-108585 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 19 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=108774443&loc=SL4569616-111683 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 4K -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84234705&loc=SL4591552-111686 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of new stock issued during the period. + 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=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21463-112644 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 4: 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(28)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Equity impact of the value of new stock issued during the period. Includes shares issued in an initial public offering or a secondary public offering. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21463-112644 Reference 3: 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=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 4: 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(28)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of shares that have been repurchased and retired during the period. + 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(28)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 3: 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=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21463-112644 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Equity impact of the value of stock that has been repurchased and retired during the period. The excess of the purchase price over par value can be charged against retained earnings (once the excess is fully allocated to additional paid in capital). + 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(28)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: 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=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21463-112644 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis=us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201705Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis=us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201601Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis=us-gaap_GeneralPartnerMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis=ess_CommonEquityMember
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: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis=us-gaap_LimitedPartnerMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |