Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Net income	$ 464,448	$ 413,599	$ 458,043
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of swap settlements	(2,948)
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of swap settlements before guidance		7,824	12,744
Cash flow hedge losses reclassified to earnings	1,824	0	0
Change in fair value of marketable debt securities, net	281	(118)	3,284
Reversal of unrealized (gains) losses upon the sale of marketable debt securities	(32)	13	(1,909)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(875)	7,719	14,119
Comprehensive income	463,573	421,318	472,162
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(25,133)	(23,702)	(25,451)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	438,440	397,616	446,711
Essex Portfolio, L.P.
Net income	464,448	413,599	458,043
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of swap settlements	(2,948)
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of swap settlements before guidance		7,824	12,744
Cash flow hedge losses reclassified to earnings	1,824	0	0
Change in fair value of marketable debt securities, net	281	(118)	3,284
Reversal of unrealized (gains) losses upon the sale of marketable debt securities	(32)	13	(1,909)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(875)	7,719	14,119
Comprehensive income	463,573	421,318	472,162
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(9,819)	(9,994)	(10,159)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	$ 453,754	$ 411,324	$ 462,003