Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) (Fully Stabilized Communities [Member])	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012 Y
Fully Stabilized Communities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Stabilized occupancy benchmark percentage	95.00%
Number of years to achieve stabilized occupancy subsequent to completion of construction	1

The Company classifies a community as fully stabilized one year subsequent to the completion of construction even if it has not yet achieved 95% occupancy.

No definition available.

Name:	pps_NumberOfYearsToAchieveStabilizedOccupancySubsequentToCompletionOfConstruction
Namespace Prefix:	pps_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration