Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures (Unaudited Condensed Financial Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt	$ 2,485,625				$ 1,981,920				$ 2,485,625	$ 1,981,920
Note payable to EPR	0				0				0	0
Net income attributable to EPR Properties	$ 58,141	$ 57,526	$ 55,135	$ 54,180	$ 52,750	$ 50,195	$ 48,766	$ 42,821	$ 224,982	$ 194,532	$ 179,633