| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 29, 2020 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 29, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity File Number | 001-13106 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 77-0369576 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1100 Park Place |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 200 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Mateo |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94403 |
| City Area Code | 650 |
| Local Phone Number | 655-7800 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000920522 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.0001 par value (Essex Property Trust, Inc.) |
| Trading Symbol | ESS |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. [Member] | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | CA |
| Entity File Number | 333-44467-01 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 77-0369575 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001053059 |
