Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net income	$ 438,410	$ 248,239	$ 134,438
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of swap settlements	15,926	7,893	4,168
Changes in fair value of marketable securities, net	(828)	1,865	6,302
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities	(4,848)	0	(886)
Total other comprehensive income	10,250	9,758	9,584
Comprehensive income	448,660	257,997	144,022
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(23,768)	(16,436)	(12,852)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	424,892	241,561	131,170
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]
Net income	438,410	248,239	134,438
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of swap settlements	15,926	7,893	4,168
Changes in fair value of marketable securities, net	(828)	1,865	6,302
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities	(4,848)	0	(886)
Total other comprehensive income	10,250	9,758	9,584
Comprehensive income	448,660	257,997	144,022
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(9,342)	(8,295)	(7,421)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	$ 439,318	$ 249,702	$ 136,601