XML 62 R83.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Reportable Segments (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Rental income:      
Same store $ 2,475,933eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome $ 2,374,350eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome $ 1,693,239eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
Segment Reporting Segment Non Same Store Rental Income 129,378eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome 96,077eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome 44,690eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
Segment Reporting Information Revenues 2,605,311eqr_SegmentReportingInformationRevenues 2,378,004eqr_SegmentReportingInformationRevenues 1,737,929eqr_SegmentReportingInformationRevenues
Operating expenses:      
Same store 830,697eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses 815,865eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses 587,037eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
Non-same store/other 47,438eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses 48,632eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses 33,807eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
Segment Reporting Segment Operating Expenses 878,135eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpenses 827,768eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpenses 620,844eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingExpenses
NOI:      
Same store 1,645,236eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome 1,558,485eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome 1,106,202eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
Non-same store/other 81,940eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome 47,445eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome 10,883eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
Total NOI 1,727,176eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncome 1,550,236eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncome 1,117,085eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNetOperatingIncome
Assets 22,950,614us-gaap_Assets 22,834,545us-gaap_Assets  
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment 185,957us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment 135,816us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment  
Reportable Segments (Textuals) [Abstract]      
Units in same store properties   97,911eqr_NumberOfUnitsInSameStoreProperties 80,247eqr_NumberOfUnitsInSameStoreProperties
Rental income 2,605,311us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue 2,378,004us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue 1,737,929us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue
Property and maintenance expense (473,098)us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance (449,427)us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance (332,219)us-gaap_CostOfPropertyRepairsAndMaintenance
Real estate taxes and insurance expense (325,401)us-gaap_RealEstateTaxesAndInsurance (293,999)us-gaap_RealEstateTaxesAndInsurance (206,723)us-gaap_RealEstateTaxesAndInsurance
Property management expense (79,636)us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts (84,342)us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts (81,902)us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts
Total operating expenses (878,135)eqr_TotalOperatingExpenses (827,768)eqr_TotalOperatingExpenses (620,844)eqr_TotalOperatingExpenses
Archstone [Member]      
Reportable Segments (Textuals) [Abstract]      
Units in same store properties   18,465eqr_NumberOfUnitsInSameStoreProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_ArchstoneMember
 
Same Store [Domain]      
NOI:      
Assets 19,520,222us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
20,099,805us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
 
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment 179,033us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
126,948us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
 
Non-same store [Domain]      
NOI:      
Assets 3,430,392us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
2,734,740us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
 
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment 6,924us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
8,868us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
 
Boston [Domain]      
Rental income:      
Same store 253,032eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
244,370eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
168,063eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
Segment Reporting Segment Non Same Store Rental Income 3,635eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
2,728eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
0eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
Operating expenses:      
Same store 80,680eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
78,249eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
54,888eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
Non-same store/other 848eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
651eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
0eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
NOI:      
Same store 172,352eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
166,121eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
113,175eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
Non-same store/other 2,787eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
2,077eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
0eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
Boston [Domain] | Same Store [Domain]      
NOI:      
Assets 1,923,540us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
1,984,745us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
 
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment 19,575us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
17,625us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
 
Boston [Domain] | Non-same store [Domain]      
NOI:      
Assets 48,323us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
49,372us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
 
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment 699us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
102us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_BostonDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
 
Denver [Domain]      
Rental income:      
Same store 111,190eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_DenverDomain
103,124eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_DenverDomain
93,571eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_DenverDomain
Segment Reporting Segment Non Same Store Rental Income     1,325eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_DenverDomain
Operating expenses:      
Same store 30,812eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_DenverDomain
30,567eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_DenverDomain
28,204eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_DenverDomain
Non-same store/other     429eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_DenverDomain
NOI:      
Same store 80,378eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_DenverDomain
72,557eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_DenverDomain
65,367eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_DenverDomain
Non-same store/other     896eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_DenverDomain
Denver [Domain] | Same Store [Domain]      
NOI:      
Assets 520,537us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_DenverDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
541,480us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_DenverDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
 
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment 5,863us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_DenverDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
5,384us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_DenverDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
 
New York Domain]      
Rental income:      
Same store 455,598eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NewYorkDomain
438,366eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NewYorkDomain
274,683eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NewYorkDomain
Segment Reporting Segment Non Same Store Rental Income     14,611eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NewYorkDomain
Operating expenses:      
Same store 171,336eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NewYorkDomain
165,329eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NewYorkDomain
109,667eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NewYorkDomain
Non-same store/other     5,988eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NewYorkDomain
NOI:      
Same store 284,262eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NewYorkDomain
273,037eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NewYorkDomain
165,016eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NewYorkDomain
Non-same store/other     8,623eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NewYorkDomain
New York Domain] | Same Store [Domain]      
NOI:      
Assets 4,647,269us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NewYorkDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
4,771,001us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NewYorkDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
 
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment 22,118us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NewYorkDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
12,006us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NewYorkDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
 
San Francisco [Domain]      
Rental income:      
Same store 340,251eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SanFranciscoDomain
312,345eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SanFranciscoDomain
159,535eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SanFranciscoDomain
Segment Reporting Segment Non Same Store Rental Income     7,268eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SanFranciscoDomain
Operating expenses:      
Same store 106,424eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SanFranciscoDomain
108,218eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SanFranciscoDomain
57,373eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SanFranciscoDomain
Non-same store/other     3,022eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SanFranciscoDomain
NOI:      
Same store 233,827eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SanFranciscoDomain
204,127eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SanFranciscoDomain
102,162eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SanFranciscoDomain
Non-same store/other     4,246eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SanFranciscoDomain
San Francisco [Domain] | Same Store [Domain]      
NOI:      
Assets 2,718,174us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SanFranciscoDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
2,793,390us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SanFranciscoDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
 
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment 26,995us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SanFranciscoDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
21,756us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SanFranciscoDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
 
Seattle [Domain]      
Rental income:      
Same store 156,714eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
146,109eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
122,267eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
Segment Reporting Segment Non Same Store Rental Income 13,507eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
4,387eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
4,747eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
Operating expenses:      
Same store 51,293eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
49,169eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
41,041eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
Non-same store/other 4,421eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
1,336eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
1,510eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
NOI:      
Same store 105,421eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
96,940eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
81,226eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
Non-same store/other 9,086eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
3,051eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
3,237eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
Seattle [Domain] | Same Store [Domain]      
NOI:      
Assets 1,032,140us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
1,061,118us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
 
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment 14,570us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
7,940us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
 
Seattle [Domain] | Non-same store [Domain]      
NOI:      
Assets 318,488us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
182,745us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
 
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment 1,115us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
55us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SeattleDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
 
South Florida [Domain]      
Rental income:      
Same store 191,729eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
182,620eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
177,675eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
Segment Reporting Segment Non Same Store Rental Income 5,475eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
390eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
0eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
Operating expenses:      
Same store 70,296eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
69,475eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
67,811eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
Non-same store/other 2,743eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
810eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
0eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
NOI:      
Same store 121,433eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
113,145eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
109,864eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
Non-same store/other 2,732eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
(420)eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
0eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
South Florida [Domain] | Same Store [Domain]      
NOI:      
Assets 1,135,552us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
1,170,931us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
 
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment 14,335us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
14,351us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
 
South Florida [Domain] | Non-same store [Domain]      
NOI:      
Assets 67,833us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
68,987us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
 
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment 8us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
1us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthFloridaDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
 
Southern California [Domain]      
Rental income:      
Same store 420,565eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
401,516eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
320,749eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
Segment Reporting Segment Non Same Store Rental Income 43,118eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
15,016eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
3,040eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
Operating expenses:      
Same store 138,605eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
137,667eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
103,925eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
Non-same store/other 17,755eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
6,846eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
1,179eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
NOI:      
Same store 281,960eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
263,849eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
216,824eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
Non-same store/other 25,363eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
8,170eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
1,861eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
Southern California [Domain] | Same Store [Domain]      
NOI:      
Assets 2,910,934us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
3,010,786us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
 
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment 26,975us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
19,852us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
 
Southern California [Domain] | Non-same store [Domain]      
NOI:      
Assets 747,438us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
411,302us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
 
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment 1,780us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
648us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_SouthernCaliforniaDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
 
Washington DC [Domain]      
Rental income:      
Same store 446,122eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
448,520eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
247,880eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
Segment Reporting Segment Non Same Store Rental Income 24,193eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
13,562eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
13,124eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
Operating expenses:      
Same store 143,800eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
140,708eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
75,580eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
Non-same store/other 7,936eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
4,086eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
3,984eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
NOI:      
Same store 302,322eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
307,812eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
172,300eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
Non-same store/other 16,257eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
9,476eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
9,140eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
Washington DC [Domain] | Same Store [Domain]      
NOI:      
Assets 4,223,590us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
4,339,246us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
 
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment 42,927us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
24,506us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
 
Washington DC [Domain] | Non-same store [Domain]      
NOI:      
Assets 301,902us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
301,623us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
 
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment 2,147us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
439us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_WashingtonDCDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
 
Non-Core [Domain]      
Rental income:      
Same store 100,732eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NonCoreDomain
97,380eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NonCoreDomain
128,816eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NonCoreDomain
Operating expenses:      
Same store 37,451eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NonCoreDomain
36,483eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NonCoreDomain
48,548eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NonCoreDomain
NOI:      
Same store 63,281eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NonCoreDomain
60,897eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NonCoreDomain
80,268eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NonCoreDomain
Non-Core [Domain] | Same Store [Domain]      
NOI:      
Assets 408,486us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NonCoreDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
427,108us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NonCoreDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
 
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment 5,675us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NonCoreDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
3,528us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_NonCoreDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_SameStoreDomain
 
Other [Domain]      
Rental income:      
Segment Reporting Segment Non Same Store Rental Income 39,450eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_OtherDomain
59,994eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_OtherDomain
575eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_OtherDomain
Operating expenses:      
Non-same store/other 13,735eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_OtherDomain
34,903eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_OtherDomain
17,695eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentNonSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_OtherDomain
NOI:      
Non-same store/other 25,715eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_OtherDomain
25,091eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_OtherDomain
(17,120)eqr_SegmentReportingInformationNonSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_OtherDomain
Other [Domain] | Non-same store [Domain]      
NOI:      
Assets 1,946,408us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_OtherDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
1,720,711us-gaap_Assets
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_OtherDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
 
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment 1,175us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_OtherDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
7,623us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_OtherDomain
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_NonsamestoreDomain
 
Archstone pre-ownership [Member]      
Rental income:      
Same store   (92,423)eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreRentalIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_ArchstonepreownershipMember
 
Operating expenses:      
Same store   (36,729)eqr_SegmentReportingSegmentSameStoreOperatingExpenses
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_ArchstonepreownershipMember
 
NOI:      
Same store   $ (55,694)eqr_SegmentReportingInformationSameStoreNetOperatingIncome
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= eqr_ArchstonepreownershipMember