Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Feb. 08, 2019	Jun. 29, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Douglas Emmett Inc
Entity Central Index Key	0001364250
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Common Shares Outstanding		170,222,822
Entity Public Float			$ 6,470
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes