| Document and Entity Information | Aug. 08, 2019 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | EPR PROPERTIES |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001045450 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 8, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | MD |
| Entity File Number | 001-13561 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 43-1790877 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 909 Walnut Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 200 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Kansas City |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MO |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 64106 |
| City Area Code | (816) |
| Local Phone Number | 472-1700 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common shares, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | EPR |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series C Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 5.75% Series C cumulative convertible preferred shares, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | EPR PrC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series E Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 9.00% Series E cumulative convertible preferred shares, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | EPR PrE |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series G Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 5.75% Series G cumulative redeemable preferred shares, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | EPR PrG |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
