Equity Method Investments, Contract Price

No definition available.

Name:	ess_EquityMethodInvestmentsContractPrice
Namespace Prefix:	ess_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Equity Method Investments, Ownership Percentage Acquired

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ess_EquityMethodInvestmentsOwnershipPercentageAcquired
Namespace Prefix:	ess_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Equity Method Investments, Preferred Returns Rate

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ess_EquityMethodInvestmentsPreferredReturnsRate
Namespace Prefix:	ess_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Equity Method Investments, Purchase Commitment, Funded Amount

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ess_EquityMethodInvestmentsPurchaseCommitmentFundedAmount
Namespace Prefix:	ess_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Management And Other Fees From Affiliates

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ess_ManagementAndOtherFeesFromAffiliates
Namespace Prefix:	ess_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Notes Receivable, Related Party, Interest Rate

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ess_NotesReceivableRelatedPartyInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	ess_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of units acquired.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ess_NumberOfUnitsAcquired
Namespace Prefix:	ess_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Preferred Equity Investment, Commitment To Fund

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ess_PreferredEquityInvestmentCommitmentToFund
Namespace Prefix:	ess_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Related Party Transaction, Revenues from Development and Redevelopment Fees

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ess_RelatedPartyTransactionRevenuesfromDevelopmentandRedevelopmentFees
Namespace Prefix:	ess_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of lien or mortgage outstanding on real estate investment properties for entities with a substantial portion of business acquiring and holding investment real estate.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 12
-Paragraph Column B
-Subsection 28

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 970
-SubTopic 360
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-28(Column B))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120402810&loc=d3e638233-123024

+ Details

Name:	srt_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
Namespace Prefix:	srt_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of consideration transferred, consisting of acquisition-date fair value of assets transferred by the acquirer, liabilities incurred by the acquirer, and equity interest issued by the acquirer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 30
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116859721&loc=d3e6613-128477

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120321790&loc=d3e6927-128479

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 30
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116859721&loc=d3e6578-128477

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, amount of receivables due from an entity that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39599-107864

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39549-107864

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DueFromAffiliates
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of investment in equity method investee and investment in and advance to affiliate.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.12)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount of debt that an Entity assumes in acquiring a business or in consideration for an asset received in a noncash (or part noncash) acquisition. Noncash is defined as transactions during a period that affect recognized assets or liabilities but that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123431023&loc=d3e4304-108586

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123431023&loc=d3e4313-108586

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123431023&loc=d3e4332-108586

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDebtAssumed1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, amounts due from parties associated with the reporting entity as evidenced by a written promise to pay.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(k)(1))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39549-107864

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedParties
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cash outflow associated with the purchase of or advances to an equity method investments, which are investments in joint ventures and entities in which the entity has an equity ownership interest normally of 20 to 50 percent and exercises significant influence.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123570139&loc=d3e3213-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Primarily represents commissions incurred in the period based upon the sale by commissioned employees or third parties of the entity's goods or services, and fees for sales assistance or product enhancements performed by third parties (such as a distributor or value added reseller).

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.4)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123367319&loc=SL114868664-224227

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SalesCommissionsAndFees
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis=ess_ApartmentHomeCommunityInVenturaCaliforniaMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis=ess_MembershipInterestInSageAtCupertinoMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=srt_AffiliatedEntityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis=ess_RelatedPartyBridgeLoanOnPropertyAcquiredByBEXIIMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis=ess_RelatedPartyBridgeLoanOnPropertyAcquiredByWescoVIMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis=ess_TheRexfordMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis=ess_MonterraInMillCreekMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis=ess_MarthaLakeApartmentsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis=ess_VelaOnOxMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis=ess_RelatedPartyBridgeLoanOnPropertyInVistaCAMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis=ess_RelatedPartyBridgeLoansOnPropertyAcquiredByWescoIMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=srt_BoardOfDirectorsChairmanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis=ess_MultifamilyDevelopmentInMountainViewCAMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis=ess_HomeCommunityDevelopmentinBurlingameCaliforniaMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_CounterpartyNameAxis=ess_MarcusandMillichapCompanyMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis=ess_BrioWalnutCreekCaliforniaMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Related Party Transactions (Details)	1 Months Ended											3 Months Ended				47 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions (Details)	Mar. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($) apartment	Feb. 28, 2019 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2018 USD ($) apartment	May 31, 2018 USD ($) apartment	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($) unit	Mar. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2022 USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments to acquire preferred equity investments												$ 79,284,000			$ 49,974,000
Co-investments	$ 1,144,542,000											1,144,542,000	$ 1,177,802,000			$ 1,144,542,000
Apartment home community in Ventura, CA
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Commitment funded amount			$ 18,300,000
Membership Interest In Sage At Cupertino
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of units acquired \| unit											230
Co-investments											$ 15,300,000
Investment interest acquired											40.50%
Contract price											$ 90,000,000
Encumbrance											$ 52,000,000
Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Management and other fees from affiliates												3,100,000			2,200,000
Development and redevelopment fees												400,000			0
Short-term loans outstanding and due from affiliates	7,100,000											7,100,000	$ 6,600,000			7,100,000
Affiliated Entity \| Related Party Bridge Loan On Property Acquired By BEX II
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notes receivable	$ 32,800,000		$ 32,800,000									32,800,000				32,800,000
Interest rate	1.35%		1.35%
Affiliated Entity \| Related Party Bridge Loan on Property Acquired By Wesco VI \| The Rexford
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notes receivable			$ 61,900,000
Interest rate			2.36%
Affiliated Entity \| Related Party Bridge Loan on Property Acquired By Wesco VI \| Monterra in Mill Creek
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notes receivable				$ 30,300,000
Interest rate				2.30%
Affiliated Entity \| Related Party Bridge Loan on Property Acquired By Wesco VI \| Martha Lake Apartments
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notes receivable					$ 29,200,000									$ 29,200,000
Interest rate					2.15%
Affiliated Entity \| Related Party Bridge Loan on Property Acquired By Wesco VI \| Vela On Ox
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notes receivable		$ 100,700,000
Interest rate		2.64%
Affiliated Entity \| Related Party Bridge Loan on Property In Vista, CA
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notes receivable			$ 48,400,000
Interest rate			2.36%
Affiliated Entity \| Related Party Bridge Loans on Property Acquired by Wesco I
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notes receivable						$ 52,500,000									$ 52,500,000
Interest rate						2.55%
Chairman and founder \| Multifamily development community in Mountain View, CA
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments to acquire preferred equity investments								$ 24,500,000
Preferred return rate								11.00%
Chairman and founder \| Apartment home community development development in Burlingame, CA
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of units acquired \| apartment									268
Payments to acquire preferred equity investments									$ 18,600,000
Preferred return rate									12.00%					9.00%
Chairman and founder \| Marcus & Millichap Company (MMC)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Brokerage commissions												$ 0
Chairman and founder \| Marcus & Millichap Company (MMC) \| Brio, Walnut Creek, CA
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of units acquired \| apartment							300
Payments to acquire real estate							$ 164,900,000
Debt assumed in connection with acquisition							$ 98,700,000
Chairman and founder \| Marcus & Millichap Company (MMC) \| Apartment home community in Ventura, CA
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of units acquired \| apartment										400
Preferred return rate										10.25%			9.00%
Commitment to fund preferred equity investment										$ 26,500,000
Commitment funded amount																$ 13,000,000