Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures (Unaudited Condensed Financial Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt	$ 3,028,827				$ 2,485,625				$ 3,028,827	$ 2,485,625
Net income attributable to EPR Properties	$ 65,563	$ 62,954	$ 80,535	$ 53,916	$ 58,141	$ 57,526	$ 55,135	$ 54,180	$ 262,968	$ 224,982	$ 194,532