XML 86 R11.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Total
Preferred Stock [Member]
COMMON SHARES, $0.01 PAR VALUE
PAID IN CAPITAL
Retained Earnings [Member]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
OPERATING PARTNERSHIP
Partially Owned Properties [Member]
Series N Preferred Stock [Member]
Beginning Balance, Noncontrolling Interest at Dec. 31, 2011             $ 119,536us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
$ 74,306us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Balance, beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2011   200,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
2,975us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
5,047,186us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
615,572us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
(196,718)us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
     
Preferred Shares                  
Preferred Stock Preference Units Dividend Rate Percentage                 6.48%eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsDividendRatePercentage
/ us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis
= eqr_SeriesNPreferredStockMember
Redemption of 6.48% Series N Cumulative Redeemable 150,000us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock (150,000)us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
            150,000us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis
= eqr_SeriesNPreferredStockMember
Common Share Issuance:                  
Conversion of OP Units into Common Shares     7us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
18,922us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
    (18,929)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
   
Issuance of Common Shares 192,300us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues   250us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
1,388,333us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Exercise of share options     16us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
49,023us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP)     1us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
5,398us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Restricted shares     2us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
8,934us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Share-based employee compensation expense:                  
Share options       11,752us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
ESPP discount       965us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchaseProgramRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Common Shares repurchsed and retired       0us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Offering costs       (39,359)us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Premium on redemption of Preferred Shares - original issuance costs       5,129eqr_PremiumOnRedemptionOfPreferredSharesPreferenceUnitsOriginalIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
(5,129)eqr_PremiumOnRedemptionOfPreferredSharesPreferenceUnitsOriginalIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
      5,100eqr_PremiumOnRedemptionOfPreferredSharesPreferenceUnitsOriginalIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis
= eqr_SeriesNPreferredStockMember
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)       282eqr_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSerp
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interests - Partially Owned Properties 13eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties     1,293eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      (1,306)eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Adjustment for Noncontrolling Interests ownership in Operating Partnership       5,763us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
    (5,763)us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
   
Retained Earnings                  
Net income attributable to controlling interests 841,719us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss       841,719us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
       
Common Share distributions         (554,429)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
       
Preferred Share distributions         (10,355)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
       
Premium on redemption of Preferred Shares - cash charge 23eqr_PremiumOnRedemptionOfPreferredSharesCash       (23)eqr_PremiumOnRedemptionOfPreferredSharesCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
       
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income - derivative instruments:                  
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the year (11,772)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax         (11,772)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
     
Losses reclassified into earnings from other comprehensive income (14,678)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax         14,678us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
     
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - other instruments:                  
Unrealized holding gains arising during the year 664us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax         664us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
     
(Gains) realized during the year 0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfSecuritiesNet         0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfSecuritiesNet
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
     
Currency translation adjustments arising during the year 0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax         0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
     
Change in market value of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests - Operating Partnership (38,734)us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue     38,734us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Operating Partnership                  
Issuance of OP Units to Noncontrolling Interests             66,606eqr_IssuanceOfOpUnitsToNoncontrollingInterests
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
   
Issuance restricted units to Noncontrolling Interests             5eqr_IssuanceOfLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsIntoNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
   
Equity Compensation associated with Noncontrolling Interests             5,307us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationOtherLongtermIncentivePlansRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
   
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 881,204us-gaap_ProfitLoss           38,641us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
844us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Distributions to Noncontrolling Interests             (25,095)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
(5,131)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Change in carrying value of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests - Operating Partnership 20,702eqr_MinorityInterestChangeInCarryingValue           (20,702)eqr_MinorityInterestChangeInCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
   
Partially Owned Properties                  
Contributions - Noncontrolling Interests - Partially Owned Properties 8,221us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders             8,221us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Archstone of Archstone               0eqr_ArchstoneAcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Acquisition Noncontrolling Interests - Partially Owned Properties 13eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties     1,293eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      (1,306)eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Other               754us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Ending Balance, Noncontrolling Interest at Dec. 31, 2012             159,606us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
77,688us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2012   50,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
3,251us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
6,542,355us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
887,355us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
(193,148)us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
     
Preferred Shares                  
Preferred Stock Preference Units Dividend Rate Percentage                 6.48%eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsDividendRatePercentage
/ us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis
= eqr_SeriesNPreferredStockMember
Redemption of 6.48% Series N Cumulative Redeemable 0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock 0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
             
Common Share Issuance:                  
Conversion of OP Units into Common Shares     1us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
1,698us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
    (1,699)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
   
Issuance of Common Shares     345us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
1,929,523us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Exercise of share options     5us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
17,247us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP)     1us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
3,400us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Restricted shares     2us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
13,262us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Share-based employee compensation expense:                  
Share options       10,514us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
ESPP discount       632us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchaseProgramRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Common Shares repurchsed and retired       0us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Offering costs       (1,047)us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Premium on redemption of Preferred Shares - original issuance costs       0eqr_PremiumOnRedemptionOfPreferredSharesPreferenceUnitsOriginalIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
0eqr_PremiumOnRedemptionOfPreferredSharesPreferenceUnitsOriginalIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
       
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)       (422)eqr_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSerp
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interests - Partially Owned Properties 0eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties     0eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      0eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Adjustment for Noncontrolling Interests ownership in Operating Partnership       (35,329)us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
    35,329us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
   
Retained Earnings                  
Net income attributable to controlling interests 1,830,613us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss       1,830,613us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
       
Common Share distributions         (666,565)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
       
Preferred Share distributions         (4,145)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
       
Premium on redemption of Preferred Shares - cash charge 0eqr_PremiumOnRedemptionOfPreferredSharesCash       0eqr_PremiumOnRedemptionOfPreferredSharesCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
       
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income - derivative instruments:                  
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the year 18,771us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax         18,771us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
     
Losses reclassified into earnings from other comprehensive income (20,141)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax         20,141us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
     
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - other instruments:                  
Unrealized holding gains arising during the year 583us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax         583us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
     
(Gains) realized during the year (2,122)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfSecuritiesNet         (2,122)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfSecuritiesNet
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
     
Currency translation adjustments arising during the year 613us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax         613us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
     
Change in market value of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests - Operating Partnership (79,667)us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue     79,667us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Operating Partnership                  
Issuance of OP Units to Noncontrolling Interests             0eqr_IssuanceOfOpUnitsToNoncontrollingInterests
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
   
Issuance restricted units to Noncontrolling Interests             5eqr_IssuanceOfLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsIntoNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
   
Equity Compensation associated with Noncontrolling Interests             13,609us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationOtherLongtermIncentivePlansRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
   
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 1,905,353us-gaap_ProfitLoss           75,278us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
(538)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Distributions to Noncontrolling Interests             (26,277)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
(6,490)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Change in carrying value of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests - Operating Partnership 44,439eqr_MinorityInterestChangeInCarryingValue           (44,439)eqr_MinorityInterestChangeInCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
   
Partially Owned Properties                  
Contributions - Noncontrolling Interests - Partially Owned Properties 27,660us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders             27,660us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Archstone of Archstone               28,263eqr_ArchstoneAcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Acquisition Noncontrolling Interests - Partially Owned Properties 0eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties     0eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      0eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Other               0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Ending Balance, Noncontrolling Interest at Dec. 31, 2013 10,845,196us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest           211,412us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
126,583us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2013 10,507,201us-gaap_StockholdersEquity 50,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
3,605us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
8,561,500us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
2,047,258us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
(155,162)us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
     
Preferred Shares                  
Preferred Stock Preference Units Dividend Rate Percentage                 6.48%eqr_PreferredStockPreferenceUnitsDividendRatePercentage
/ us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis
= eqr_SeriesNPreferredStockMember
Redemption of 6.48% Series N Cumulative Redeemable 0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock 0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
             
Common Share Issuance:                  
Conversion of OP Units into Common Shares     1us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
2,364us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
    (2,365)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
   
Issuance of Common Shares     0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Exercise of share options     21us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
82,552us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP)     0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
3,392us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Restricted shares     2us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
9,902us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Share-based employee compensation expense:                  
Share options       7,349us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
ESPP discount       859us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchaseProgramRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Common Shares repurchsed and retired       (1,777)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Offering costs       (41)us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Premium on redemption of Preferred Shares - original issuance costs       0eqr_PremiumOnRedemptionOfPreferredSharesPreferenceUnitsOriginalIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
0eqr_PremiumOnRedemptionOfPreferredSharesPreferenceUnitsOriginalIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
       
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)       7,374eqr_SupplementalExecutiveRetirementPlanSerp
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interests - Partially Owned Properties 5,501eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties     (2,308)eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      (2,244)eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Adjustment for Noncontrolling Interests ownership in Operating Partnership       4,992us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
    (4,992)us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
   
Retained Earnings                  
Net income attributable to controlling interests 631,308us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss       631,308us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
       
Common Share distributions         (723,782)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
       
Preferred Share distributions         (4,145)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
       
Premium on redemption of Preferred Shares - cash charge 0eqr_PremiumOnRedemptionOfPreferredSharesCash       0eqr_PremiumOnRedemptionOfPreferredSharesCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
       
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income - derivative instruments:                  
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the year (33,306)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax         (33,306)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
     
Losses reclassified into earnings from other comprehensive income (16,868)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax         16,868us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
     
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - other instruments:                  
Unrealized holding gains arising during the year 0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax         0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
     
(Gains) realized during the year 0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfSecuritiesNet         0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfSecuritiesNet
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
     
Currency translation adjustments arising during the year (552)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax         (552)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
     
Change in market value of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests - Operating Partnership 139,818us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue     (139,818)us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
         
Operating Partnership                  
Issuance of OP Units to Noncontrolling Interests             0eqr_IssuanceOfOpUnitsToNoncontrollingInterests
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
   
Issuance restricted units to Noncontrolling Interests             3eqr_IssuanceOfLongTermIncentivePlanUnitsIntoNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
   
Equity Compensation associated with Noncontrolling Interests             11,969us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationOtherLongtermIncentivePlansRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
   
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 658,683us-gaap_ProfitLoss           24,831us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
2,544us-gaap_ProfitLoss
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Distributions to Noncontrolling Interests             (28,676)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
(7,827)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Change in carrying value of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests - Operating Partnership (2,229)eqr_MinorityInterestChangeInCarryingValue           2,229eqr_MinorityInterestChangeInCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
   
Partially Owned Properties                  
Contributions - Noncontrolling Interests - Partially Owned Properties 5,684us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders             5,684us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Archstone of Archstone               0eqr_ArchstoneAcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Acquisition Noncontrolling Interests - Partially Owned Properties 5,501eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties     (2,308)eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
      (2,244)eqr_AcquisitionNoncontrollingInterestsPartiallyOwnedProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Other               169us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Ending Balance, Noncontrolling Interest at Dec. 31, 2014 10,707,776us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest           214,411us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember
124,909us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PartiallyOwnedPropertiesMember
 
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2014 $ 10,368,456us-gaap_StockholdersEquity $ 50,000us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
$ 3,629us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
$ 8,536,340us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
$ 1,950,639us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
$ (172,152)us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember