Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Liabilities and Equity
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	656,020,000	656,020,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	38,392,134	37,421,219
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	38,392,134	37,421,219
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | 4.875% Series G Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Liabilities and Equity
Cumulative convertible preferred interest, liquidation value	$ 4,456	$ 4,456
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | 7.125% Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Liabilities and Equity
Preferred interest, liquidation value	$ 73,750	$ 73,750
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | General Partner [Member]
Liabilities and Equity
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	38,392,134	37,421,219
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	38,392,134	37,421,219
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Limited Partners [Member]
Liabilities and Equity
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	10,736,550	2,149,802
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	10,736,550	2,149,802