Quarterly Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ 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
Total revenue	$ 147,700	$ 151,397	$ 147,782	$ 129,112	$ 130,831	$ 125,610	$ 118,033	$ 118,768	$ 575,991	$ 493,242	$ 421,017
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
Net income available to common shareholders of EPR Properties	$ 54,668	$ 57,003	$ 74,583	$ 47,964	$ 52,190	$ 51,575	$ 49,183	$ 48,228	$ 262,968	$ 224,982	$ 194,532
Basic net income per common share	$ 0.74	$ 0.77	$ 1.02	$ 0.75	$ 0.82	$ 0.81	$ 0.77	$ 0.77	$ 3.29	$ 3.17	$ 2.94
Diluted net income per common share	$ 0.74	$ 0.77	$ 1.02	$ 0.75	$ 0.82	$ 0.81	$ 0.77	$ 0.77	$ 3.29	$ 3.17	$ 2.93