XML 22 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.3.1.900
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Feb. 22, 2016
Jun. 30, 2015
Entity Information [Line Items]      
Entity Registrant Name ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0000920522    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2015    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2015    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   65,411,581  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Public Float     $ 13,717,739,025
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]      
Entity Information [Line Items]      
Entity Registrant Name ESSEX PORTFOLIO LP    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes