Equity, Capital and Other Interests EQR Common Shares (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Common Shares of beneficial interest, shares outstanding	361,562,007	360,479,260
Common Shares Issued:
Conversion of OP Units	56,536
Exercise of share options	851,514
Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP)	47,457
Restricted Share Grants Net	170,626
Conversion Of Restricted Shares To Ltip Units Shares	(12,146)
Stock Repurchased And Retired	(31,240)
Units
Common Shares And Units Outstanding	375,898,833
Units Ownership Interest in Operating Partnership	3.80%
Limited Partner [Member]
Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding	14,336,826	14,180,376
Common Shares Issued:
Conversion of OP Units	(56,536)
Conversion Of Restricted Shares To Ltip Units Shares	12,146
Units
Issuance Of LTIPs	200,840