Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income	$ 172,055	$ 139,590	$ 57,516
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges and amortization of settlement swaps	12,614	3,402	7,707
Changes in fair value of marketable securities	(1,556)	1,411	1,330
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities	(1,767)	(1,082)	(4,286)
Total other comprehensive income	9,291	3,731	4,751
Comprehensive income	181,346	143,321	62,267
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(16,274)	(14,527)	(10,751)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	165,072	128,794	51,516
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]
Net income	172,055	139,590	57,516
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges and amortization of settlement swaps	12,614	3,402	7,707
Changes in fair value of marketable securities	(1,556)	1,411	1,330
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities	(1,767)	(1,082)	(4,286)
Total other comprehensive income	9,291	3,731	4,751
Comprehensive income	181,346	143,321	62,267
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(6,834)	(6,347)	(5,571)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	$ 174,512	$ 136,974	$ 56,696