Organization and Basis of Presentation - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	$ 5,895,116
Balance at period end	5,796,857
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	46,466
Balance at period end	36,522
Change in fair value and amortization of swap settlements
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	46,466
Other comprehensive loss before reclassification	(9,949)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	5
Other comprehensive loss	(9,944)
Balance at period end	36,522
Essex Portfolio, L.P. | Change in fair value and amortization of swap settlements
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	52,010
Other comprehensive loss before reclassification	(10,299)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	5
Other comprehensive loss	(10,294)
Balance at period end	$ 41,716