Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Net income	$ 599,332	$ 464,448	$ 413,599
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of swap settlements	(4,148)	(2,948)	7,824
Cash flow hedge losses reclassified to earnings	3,338	1,824	0
Change in fair value of marketable debt securities, net	(61)	281	(118)
Reversal of unrealized (gains) losses upon the sale of marketable debt securities	0	(32)	13
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(871)	(875)	7,719
Comprehensive income	598,461	463,573	421,318
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(30,432)	(25,133)	(23,702)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	568,029	438,440	397,616
Essex Portfolio, L.P.
Net income	599,332	464,448	413,599
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in fair value of derivatives and amortization of swap settlements	(4,148)	(2,948)	7,824
Cash flow hedge losses reclassified to earnings	3,338	1,824	0
Change in fair value of marketable debt securities, net	(61)	281	(118)
Reversal of unrealized (gains) losses upon the sale of marketable debt securities	0	(32)	13
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(871)	(875)	7,719
Comprehensive income	598,461	463,573	421,318
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(10,550)	(9,819)	(9,994)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	$ 587,911	$ 453,754	$ 411,324