Quarterly Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ 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
Total revenue	$ 130,831	$ 125,610	$ 118,033	$ 118,768	$ 111,988	$ 108,335	$ 101,258	$ 99,436	$ 493,242	$ 421,017	$ 385,051
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
Net income available to common shareholders of EPR Properties	$ 52,190	$ 51,575	$ 49,183	$ 48,228	$ 46,799	$ 44,244	$ 42,814	$ 36,869	$ 224,982	$ 194,532	$ 179,633
Basic net income per common share	$ 0.82	$ 0.81	$ 0.77	$ 0.77	$ 0.78	$ 0.76	$ 0.75	$ 0.65	$ 3.17	$ 2.94	$ 2.87
Diluted net income per common share	$ 0.82	$ 0.81	$ 0.77	$ 0.77	$ 0.78	$ 0.76	$ 0.75	$ 0.64	$ 3.17	$ 2.93	$ 2.86