Organization and Basis of Presentation - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	$ 5,895,116
Balance at period end	5,706,447
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	55,358
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 income before reclassification	8,877
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	15
Other comprehensive income	8,892
Balance at period end	55,358
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 income before reclassification	9,190
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	15
Other comprehensive income	9,205
Balance at period end	$ 61,215