Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net income	$ 413,599	$ 458,043	$ 438,410
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of swap settlements	7,824	12,744	15,926
Changes in fair value of marketable debt securities, net	(118)	3,284	(828)
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable debt securities	13	(1,909)	(4,848)
Total other comprehensive income	7,719	14,119	10,250
Comprehensive income	421,318	472,162	448,660
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(23,702)	(25,451)	(23,768)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	397,616	446,711	424,892
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]
Net income	413,599	458,043	438,410
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of swap settlements	7,824	12,744	15,926
Changes in fair value of marketable debt securities, net	(118)	3,284	(828)
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable debt securities	13	(1,909)	(4,848)
Total other comprehensive income	7,719	14,119	10,250
Comprehensive income	421,318	472,162	448,660
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(9,994)	(10,159)	(9,342)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	$ 411,324	$ 462,003	$ 439,318