Organization and Basis of Presentation - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024 USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	$ 5,593,978
Balance at period end	5,723,753
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	33,556
Balance at period end	41,279
Change in fair value and amortization of swap settlements
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at period beginning	33,556
Other comprehensive income before reclassification	7,715
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	8
Other comprehensive income	7,723
Balance at period end	41,279
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	38,646
Other comprehensive income before reclassification	7,986
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	9
Other comprehensive income	7,995
Balance at period end	$ 46,641