Consolidated Statements of Capital (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Preferred stock dividends (in dollars per share)			$ 0.45
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]
Preferred stock dividends (in dollars per share)			0.45
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Preferred Equity [Member]
Preferred stock dividends (in dollars per share)	$ 7.44	$ 7.00	$ 6.40