XML 80 R59.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.20.4

Unsecured Debt - Narrative (Details) | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Jun. 30, 2020 USD ($) | Apr. 30, 2020 USD ($) extension | Jan. 31, 2020 | Nov. 30, 2016 USD ($) | Apr. 30, 2013 USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) extension instrument line_of_credit | Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) | Aug. 31, 2020 USD ($) | Feb. 29, 2020 USD ($) | Oct. 31, 2019 USD ($) | Aug. 31, 2019 USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($) | Feb. 28, 2019 USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) | Apr. 30, 2017 USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($) | Oct. 31, 2016 USD ($) | Apr. 30, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($) | Apr. 30, 2014 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 200,000,000 | $ 200,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Effective interest rate |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4.40% | 4.40% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured debt, net |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 5,607,985,000 | $ 4,763,206,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 4,900,000,000 | 4,250,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of lines of credit | line_of_credit |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Lines of credit |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 0 | 55,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
CPPIB Interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investment interest acquired |  |  | 45.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Essex Portfolio, L.P. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured debt, net |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5,607,985,000 | 4,763,206,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Lines of credit |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 | 55,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured Bonds 2.650% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  | 650,000,000 | 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured Bonds 1.650% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  | 300,000,000 | 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured Bonds 2.650% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  | 300,000,000 | 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured Bonds 3.000% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  | 550,000,000 | 550,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured Bonds 4.000% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  | 500,000,000 | 500,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured Bonds 4.500% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  | 300,000,000 | 300,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured Bonds 3.625% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  | 350,000,000 | 350,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured Bonds 3.375%, Due April 2026 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  | 450,000,000.0 | 450,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured Bonds 5.200% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 | 300,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured Bonds 3.375% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  | 300,000,000 | 300,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured Bonds 3.875% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  | 400,000,000 | 400,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured Bonds 3.250% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  | 300,000,000 | 300,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured Bonds 3.625% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 | 300,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Variable Rate Term Loan |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured debt, net |  |  |  | $ 350,000,000.0 |  |  | $ 550,000,000.0 | $ 350,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 225,000,000.0 |  |  |
Weighted average interest rate |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.70% | 2.70% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis spread on rate |  |  |  | 0.95% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Variable Rate Term Loan | February 2022 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured debt, net |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 350,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Variable Rate Term Loan | April 2021 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured debt, net |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 200,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of extension options | extension |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Term extension period |  |  |  |  |  |  | 12 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Variable Rate Term Loan | Carrying Value |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured debt, net |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 549,380,000 | $ 349,189,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Notes | Essex Portfolio, L.P. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 600,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Notes | BRE Properties, Inc. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured debt, net |  |  |  |  |  |  | 296,800,000 | 599,400,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt acquired |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 900,000,000.0
Senior Notes | Unsecured Bonds 2.650% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured debt, net |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 650,700,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount | $ 150,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Coupon rate |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2.65% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt offering price | 105.66% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Reoffer yield percentage | 2.093% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Notes | Unsecured Bonds 2.650% | Essex Portfolio, L.P. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 500,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Coupon rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2.65% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt offering price |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 99.628% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of secured debt |  |  |  |  |  | $ 100,300,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Notes | Unsecured Bonds 1.650% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Coupon rate |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.65% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt offering price |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 99.035% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Notes | Unsecured Bonds 1.650% | Essex Portfolio, L.P. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured debt, net |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 294,500,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 300,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Coupon rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.65% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Notes | Unsecured Bonds 2.650% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Coupon rate |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2.65% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt offering price |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 99.691% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Notes | Unsecured Bonds 2.650% | Essex Portfolio, L.P. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured debt, net |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 295,700,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 300,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Coupon rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2.65% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Notes | Unsecured Bonds 3.000% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured debt, net |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 543,100,000 | 542,300,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 150,000,000.0 | $ 400,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Coupon rate |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.00% |  |  |  |  | 3.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt offering price |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 101.685% | 98.632% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Notes | Unsecured Bonds 4.000% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured debt, net |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 494,800,000 | 494,100,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 150,000,000.0 | $ 350,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Coupon rate |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt offering price |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 100.717% | 99.188% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Notes | Unsecured Bonds 4.500% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured debt, net |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 295,800,000 | 295,600,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 300,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |
Coupon rate |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4.50% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4.50% |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt offering price |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 99.591% |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Notes | Unsecured Bonds 3.625% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured debt, net |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 346,800,000 | 346,300,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 350,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |
Coupon rate |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.625% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt offering price |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 99.423% |  |  |  |  |
Senior Notes | Unsecured Bonds 3.375%, Due April 2026 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured debt, net |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 446,400,000 | 445,700,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Coupon rate |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.375% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt offering price |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 99.386% |  |
Senior Notes | Unsecured Bonds 5.500% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Coupon rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.50%
Face amount of debt paid off |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 300,000,000.0 |  |  |  |
Senior Notes | Unsecured Bonds 5.200% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Coupon rate |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.20% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Face amount of debt paid off |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 300,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Notes | Unsecured Bonds 3.375% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Coupon rate |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.375% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Notes | Unsecured Bonds 3.875% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured debt, net |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 397,800,000 | 397,100,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 400,000,000.0
Coupon rate |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.875% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.875%
Debt offering price |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 99.234%
Senior Notes | Unsecured Bonds 3.250% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Coupon rate |  |  |  |  | 3.25% |  | 3.25% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt offering price |  |  |  |  | 99.152% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured debt |  |  |  |  | $ 300,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt, gross |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 298,700,000 | 298,200,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior Notes | Unsecured Bonds 3.625% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 300,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Coupon rate |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.625% |  | 3.625% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Term Loan |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of extension options | extension |  | 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Term extension period |  | 12 months |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  | $ 200,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Term Loan | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis spread on rate |  | 1.20% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured Debt | Senior Unsecured Notes Maturing April 1, 2025 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 497,600,000 | $ 497,100,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 500,000,000.0 |
Coupon rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.50% |
Debt offering price |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 99.747% |
Unsecured Line of Credit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted average interest rate |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.00% | 2.50% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Lines of credit |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 0 | $ 55,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unsecured Line of Credit | Line of Credit Working Capital |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Lines of credit |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 | 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Line of Credit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maximum borrowing capacity |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,240,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Line of Credit | Line of Credit Working Capital |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maximum borrowing capacity |  |  |  |  |  |  | 35,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Line of Credit | Unsecured Line of Credit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maximum borrowing capacity |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,200,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Lines of credit |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 0 | $ 55,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Line of Credit | Unsecured Line of Credit | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis spread on rate |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.825% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Line of Credit | Working Capital Unsecured Line of Credit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maximum borrowing capacity |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 35,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest Rate Swap | Variable Rate Term Loan |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of derivative instruments held | instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Term of loan |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest Rate Swap | Variable Rate Term Loan | Variable Term Loan, Tranche One |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative notional amount |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 175,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative, fixed interest rate |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2.30% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition The percentage of debt offering price at par value during the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ess_DebtInstrumentDebtOfferingPricePercentageofParValue
Namespace Prefix: | ess_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Debt Instrument, Debt Offering Price, Re-Offer Yield Percentage + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ess_DebtInstrumentDebtOfferingPriceReOfferYieldPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | ess_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Debt Instrument, Terms, Extension Period + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ess_DebtInstrumentTermsExtensionPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | ess_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Debt Instrument, Terms, Number Of Extension Options + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ess_DebtInstrumentTermsNumberOfExtensionOptions
Namespace Prefix: | ess_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Acquired + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ess_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentageAcquired
Namespace Prefix: | ess_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line Of Credit Facility, Number Of Lines Of Credit + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ess_LineOfCreditFacilityNumberOfLinesOfCredit
Namespace Prefix: | ess_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt due after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, assumed at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121647850&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount, before unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt. Includes, but is not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (b)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120520924&loc=SL6031897-161870 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(16)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910 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(22)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119993939&loc=d3e28551-108399 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 55 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The average effective interest rate during the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119993939&loc=d3e28551-108399 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 210.5-02.22(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement. + 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 210.5-02.22(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Face (par) amount of the original debt instrument that was repurchased. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fixed interest rate related to the interest rate derivative. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Nominal or face amount used to calculate payment on derivative. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121590274&loc=SL5580258-113959 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121590274&loc=SL5579245-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The number of derivative instruments of a particular group held by the entity. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121590274&loc=SL5579245-113959 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121590274&loc=SL5580258-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeNumberOfInstrumentsHeld
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Period the derivative contract is outstanding, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeTermOfContract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement. + 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(22)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(16)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCredit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility. + 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 210.5-02.19(b),22(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Weighted average interest rate of long-term debt outstanding calculated at point in time. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The cash inflow from the issuance of long-term debt that is not secured by collateral. Excludes proceeds from tax exempt unsecured debt. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3255-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfUnsecuredDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow to repay long-term debt that is wholly or partially secured by collateral. Excludes repayments of tax exempt secured debt. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3291-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer). Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.16) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SeniorNotes
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of uncollateralized debt obligations (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer). + 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(22)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis=ess_CanadianPensionPlanInvestmentBoardCPPIBorCPPSanFranciscoCAMember
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_DebtInstrumentAxis=ess_UnsecuredBonds2650DueMarch2032Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ess_UnsecuredBonds1650DueJanuary2031Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ess_UnsecuredBonds2650DueSeptember2050Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ess_UnsecuredBonds3.000DueJanuary2030Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ess_UnsecuredBonds4.000DueMarch2029Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ess_UnsecuredBonds4.5DueMay2048Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ess_UnsecuredBonds3.625DueMay2027Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ess_UnsecuredBonds3.375DueApril2026Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ess_UnsecuredBonds5.200Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ess_UnsecuredBonds3.375Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ess_UnsecuredBonds3.875Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ess_UnsecuredBonds325Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ess_UnsecuredBonds3625Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_LoansPayableMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ess_DebtMaturityAxis=ess_February2022Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ess_DebtMaturityAxis=ess_April2021Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis=us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=ess_BrePropertiesIncMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ess_UnsecuredBonds5.500Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=ess_TermLoanMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ess_SeniorUnsecuredNotesMaturingApril12025Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=ess_UnsecuredLineOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=ess_LineOfCreditWorkingCapitalMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ess_UnsecuredLineOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ess_WorkingCapitalUnsecuredLineOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ess_VariableTermLoanTrancheOneMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |