Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income	$ 248,239	$ 134,438	$ 172,055
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges and reclassification to interest expense	7,893	4,168	12,614
Changes in fair value of marketable securities	1,865	6,302	(1,556)
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities	0	(886)	(1,767)
Total other comprehensive income	9,758	9,584	9,291
Comprehensive income	257,997	144,022	181,346
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(16,436)	(12,852)	(16,274)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	241,561	131,170	165,072
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]
Net income	248,239	134,438	172,055
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges and reclassification to interest expense	7,893	4,168	12,614
Changes in fair value of marketable securities	1,865	6,302	(1,556)
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities	0	(886)	(1,767)
Total other comprehensive income	9,758	9,584	9,291
Comprehensive income	257,997	144,022	181,346
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(8,295)	(7,421)	(6,834)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	$ 249,702	$ 136,601	$ 174,512