Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Stabilized occupancy benchmark percentage	95.00%	95.00%
Number of years to achieve stabilized occupancy subsequent to completion of construction	1 year	1 year

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_TimePeriodToAchieveStabilizedOccupancySubsequentToCompletionOfConstruction
Namespace Prefix:	pps_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration