Education Realty Trust 10-Q 6 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 04, 2013
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'EDR	'
Entity Registrant Name	'EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001302343	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	114,818,637

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'
Collegiate housing properties, net	$1,371,267	$1,061,002
Assets under development	74,179	159,264
Corporate office furniture, net	3,249	3,007
Cash and cash equivalents	16,335	17,039
Restricted cash	10,552	6,410
Student contracts receivable, net	1,873	708
Receivable from managed third parties	600	629
Notes receivable	18,130	21,000
Goodwill and other intangibles, net	3,070	4,455
Other assets	45,237	51,173
Total assets	1,544,492	1,324,687
Liabilities:	'	'
Mortgage and construction loans, net of unamortized premium/discount	434,705	398,846
Unsecured revolving credit facility	268,900	79,000
Accounts payable	2,947	1,749
Accrued expenses	59,532	55,374
Deferred revenue	28,173	17,964
Total liabilities	794,257	552,933
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 6)	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	8,608	8,944
Equity:	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 114,702,321 and 113,062,452 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	1,148	1,131
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	825,767	849,878
Accumulated deficit	-90,608	-93,287
Total Education Realty Trust, Inc. stockholders’ equity	736,307	757,722
Noncontrolling interests	5,320	5,088
Total equity	741,627	762,810
Total liabilities and equity	$1,544,492	$1,324,687

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	114,671,212	113,062,452
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	114,671,212	113,062,452
Preferred stock, par value (usd per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (shares)	'	'
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (shares)	'	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$40,278	$28,829	$118,970	$88,872
Third-party development consulting services	839	145	1,989	490
Third-party management services	918	879	2,710	2,451
Operating expense reimbursements	2,162	3,015	8,141	7,414
Total revenues	44,197	32,868	131,810	99,227
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Collegiate housing leasing operations	24,448	18,613	60,795	45,490
Development and management services	1,826	1,493	5,224	4,756
General and administrative	1,709	1,851	5,693	5,901
Depreciation and amortization	11,714	8,268	34,500	23,780	[1]
Ground lease expense	1,833	1,696	5,631	4,716
Reimbursable operating expenses	2,162	3,015	8,141	7,414
Total operating expenses	43,692	34,936	119,984	92,057
Operating income	505	-2,068	11,826	7,170
Nonoperating expenses, net:	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	4,569	3,354	12,478	10,941
Amortization of deferred financing costs	438	288	1,268	911	[1]
Interest income	-129	-108	-372	-152
Total nonoperating expenses, net	4,878	3,534	13,374	11,700
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities, income taxes and discontinued operations	-4,373	-5,602	-1,548	-4,530
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities	-61	-39	-102	-340	[1]
Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations	-4,434	-5,641	-1,650	-4,870
Income tax benefit	-32	-638	-269	-1,117
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-4,402	-5,003	-1,381	-3,753
Income from discontinued operations	-80	5,372	4,066	7,412
Net income	-4,482	369	2,685	3,659	[1]
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests	-20	-120	6	26
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	-4,462	489	2,679	3,633
Income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share – basic and diluted:	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations (usd per share)	($0.04)	($0.05)	($0.01)	($0.04)
Discontinued operations (usd per share)	$0	$0.05	$0.03	$0.08
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share (usd per share)	($0.04)	$0	$0.02	$0.04
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding - basic and diluted (shares)	114,813	103,929	114,302	97,259
Amounts attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. - common stockholders:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	-4,383	-4,842	-1,357	-3,718
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-79	5,331	4,036	7,351
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	($4,462)	$489	$2,679	$3,633
Distributions per share of common stock (usd per share)	$0.11	$100	$0.31	$0.24
[1]	See Note 11 for further discussion of the restatement.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$563,354	$918	$662,657	($101,708)	$1,487
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	'	91,800,688	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued to officers and directors (in shares)	32,286	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued to officers and directors	360	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs (in shares)	32,287	20,960,325	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs	220,248	210	220,038	'	'
Amortization of restricted stock (in shares)	'	70,671	'	'	'
Amortization of restricted stock, net of tax withholding	992	1	991	'	'
Cash dividends	-22,657	'	-22,657	'	'
Return of equity to noncontrolling interests	-321	'	'	'	-321
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	4,039	'	'	'	4,039
Net income (loss)	3,523	'	'	3,633	-110
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2012	769,538	1,129	861,389	-98,075	5,095
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2012	'	112,863,970	'	'	'
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012	762,810	1,131	849,878	-93,287	5,088
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	113,062,452	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued to officers and directors (in shares)	33,180	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued to officers and directors	360	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs (in shares)	33,180	1,563,196	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs	16,611	17	16,594	'	'
Amortization of restricted stock (in shares)	'	43,493	'	'	'
Amortization of restricted stock, net of tax withholding	1,008	'	1,008	'	'
Cash dividends	-35,380	'	-35,380	'	'
Return of equity to noncontrolling interests	-796	'	'	'	-796
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	1,197	'	'	'	1,197
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests	-6,868	'	-6,693	'	-175
Net income (loss)	2,685	'	'	2,679	6
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$741,627	$1,148	$825,767	($90,608)	$5,320
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	'	114,702,321	'	'	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Operating activities:	'		'
Net income	$2,685		$3,659	[1]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'		'
Depreciation and amortization	34,500		23,780	[1]
Depreciation included in discontinued operations	461		2,827	[1]
Loss on disposal of assets	12		70	[1]
Gain on sale of collegiate housing property	-3,895		-5,427	[1]
Noncash rent expense related to the straight-line adjustment for long-term ground leases	4,024		3,208	[1]
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,268		911	[1]
Amortization of unamortized debt premiums	-581		-91	[1]
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated entities	59		146	[1]
Noncash compensation expense related to stock-based incentive awards	1,678		1,266	[1]
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	102		340	[1]
Change in operating assets and liabilities	23,263		3,413	[1]
Net cash provided by operating activities	63,576		34,102	[1]
Investing activities:	'		'
Proceeds from sale of collegiate housing properties	20,213		42,340	[1]
Property acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-91,216		-72,952	[1]
Purchase of corporate furniture and fixtures	-623		-2,708	[1]
Restricted cash	-4,142		-1,169	[1]
Insurance proceeds on property losses	11,124		5,000
Investment in collegiate housing properties	-12,449		-12,442	[1]
Earnest money deposits	-225		-1,050	[1]
Payments on notes receivable	3,000	[1]	1,800	[1]
Investment in assets under development	-177,674		-102,551	[1]
Distributions from unconsolidated entities	0		82	[1]
Investments in unconsolidated entities	-8,921		0	[1]
Net cash used in investing activities	-261,038		-146,650	[1]
Financing activities:	'		'
Payment of mortgage and construction notes	-51,394		-78,217	[1]
Payment of offering costs	-199		-592	[1]
Debt issuance costs	-2,711		-225	[1]
Borrowing on long-term mortgage and construction loans	87,834		42,354	[1]
Repayments of line of credit	-24,133		-45,000	[1]
Borrowings on line of credit	214,033		45,000	[1]
Proceeds from common stock offering	16,795		220,400	[1]
Return of equity to noncontrolling interests	-7,664		-321	[1]
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	1,197		4,039	[1]
Repurchases of common stock and payments of restricted stock tax withholding	-1,286		0	[1]
Dividends and distributions paid to common and restricted stockholders	-35,380		-22,729	[1]
Dividends and distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	-334		-351	[1]
Net cash provided by financing activities	196,758		164,358	[1]
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-704		51,810	[1]
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	17,039		75,813	[1]
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	16,335		127,623	[1]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'		'
Interest paid	17,027		13,803
Income taxes paid	428		101
Capital Expenditures Related to Developments	10,552		16,009
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities	-125		-3,000
Stock-based compensation	360		360
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests from unit holder	$0		$424
[1]	See Note 11 for further discussion of the restatement.

Organization_and_description_o

Organization and description of business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Organization and description of business	'
	Organization and description of business
	Education Realty Trust, Inc. (the “Trust”) was organized in the state of Maryland on July 12, 2004 and commenced operations as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) effective with the initial public offering that was completed on January 31, 2005. Under the Trust’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended, the Trust is authorized to issue up to 200 million shares of common stock and 50 million shares of preferred stock, each having a par value of $0.01 per share.
	The Trust operates primarily through a majority-owned Delaware limited partnership, Education Realty Operating Partnership, LP (the “Operating Partnership”). The Operating Partnership owns, directly or indirectly, interests in collegiate housing communities located near major universities in the United States.
	The Trust also provides real estate facility management, development and other advisory services through the following wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership:
	•	EdR Management Inc. (the “Management Company”), a Delaware corporation performing collegiate housing management activities; and
	•	EdR Development LLC (the “Development Company”), a Delaware limited liability company providing development consulting services for third party collegiate housing communities.
	The Trust is subject to the risks involved with the ownership and operation of residential real estate near major universities throughout the United States. The risks include, among others, those normally associated with changes in the demand for housing by students at the related universities, competition for tenants, creditworthiness of tenants, changes in tax laws, interest rate levels, the availability of financing and potential liability under environmental and other laws.

Summary_of_significant_account

Summary of significant accounting policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of significant accounting policies	'
	Summary of significant accounting policies
	Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of the Trust represent the assets and liabilities and operating results of the Trust and its majority owned subsidiaries.
	The Trust, as the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, has the responsibility and discretion in the management and control of the Operating Partnership, and the limited partners of the Operating Partnership, in such capacity, have no authority to transact business for, or participate in the management activities of the Operating Partnership. Accordingly, the Trust accounts for the Operating Partnership using the consolidation method.
	All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Interim financial information
	The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the Trust’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for such periods. Because of the seasonal nature of the business, the operating results and cash flows are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim periods or for the full fiscal year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Trust’s consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as amended, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on June 14, 2013.
	Use of estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions are used by management in determining the recognition of third-party development consulting services revenue under the percentage of completion method, useful lives of collegiate housing assets, the valuation of goodwill, the initial valuations and underlying allocations of purchase price in connection with collegiate housing property acquisitions, the determination of fair value for impairment assessments and in the recording of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Cash and cash equivalents
	All highly-liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered cash equivalents. Restricted cash is excluded from cash for the purpose of preparing the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The Trust maintains cash balances in various banks. At times, the amounts of cash may exceed the amount the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) insures. As of September 30, 2013, the Trust had $10.9 million of cash on deposit that was uninsured by the FDIC or in excess of the FDIC limits.
	Restricted cash
	Restricted cash includes escrow accounts held by lenders for the purposes of paying taxes, insurance, principal and interest and funding capital improvements.
	Distributions
	The Trust pays regular quarterly cash distributions to stockholders. These distributions are determined quarterly by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) based on the operating results, economic conditions, capital expenditure requirements, the REIT annual distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), leverage covenants imposed by our revolving credit facility and other debt documents, and any other matters the Board deems relevant.
	Notes receivable
	On August 26, 2013, the Trust entered into a $0.5 million promissory loan with College Park Apartments, Inc. ("CPA"), our partner in the unconsolidated joint venture University Village-Greensboro LLC (see Note 3), at an interest rate of 10% per annum and a maturity date of August 1, 2020. Under the loan, CPA can make one draw per calendar quarter and has borrowed $0.1 million as of September 30, 2013. The loan is secured by CPA's interest in the joint venture.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Trust entered into a mezzanine loan and purchase option agreement with Landmark Properties Holdings, LLC ("Landmark") for the purpose of developing a cottage-style collegiate housing community at Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pennsylvania. The community was wholly owned by Landmark and a construction loan was used to fund 80% of the development. The Trust provided $3.0 million of mezzanine financing at an interest rate of 10% per annum and was granted an option to purchase the community in 2013, 2014 or 2015. On September 11, 2013, Landmark repaid the loan and the Trust exercised the purchase option (see Note 7). As of December 31, 2012, the mezzanine financing was recorded in notes receivable in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The mezzanine loan was secured by 100% of Landmark's equity interest in the Pennsylvania State University development and Landmark's equity interest in the joint venture that was developed near the University of Mississippi campus (see Note 7).
	On July 14, 2010, the Trust entered into definitive agreements for the development, financing and management of a $60.7 million, 20-story, 572-bed graduate collegiate housing complex at the Science + Technology Park at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute. The Trust developed and manages the building, which was constructed on land owned by Johns Hopkins University and leased to a subsidiary of East Baltimore Development, Inc., a nonprofit partnership of private and public entities dedicated to Baltimore’s urban revitalization. Under terms of the agreements, the Trust (a) received development and construction oversight fees and reimbursement of pre-development expenses, (b) invested in the form of an $18.0 million second mortgage, (c) received a $3.0 million fee for providing a repayment guarantee of the construction first mortgage and (d) received a 10-year management contract. The second mortgage had an initial interest rate of 10.0% per annum. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the note receivable for the second mortgage had a balance of $18.0 million and is recorded in notes receivable in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Trust does not have an ownership interest in any form that would require consolidation. Due to its financing commitments to the project along with other factors, the Trust will not recognize the development services revenue, guarantee fee revenue and interest income earned on the second mortgage until the second mortgage is repaid, and the Trust no longer has a substantial continuing financial involvement. If the construction loan and second mortgage had been repaid prior to September 30, 2013, the Trust would have recognized development services revenue net of costs of $2.6 million, guarantee fee revenue of $3.0 million and interest income of $5.1 million since the commencement of the project.
	Collegiate housing properties
	Land, land improvements, buildings and improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment are recorded at cost. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over 15 to 40 years, land improvements are depreciated over 15 years and furniture, fixtures, and equipment are depreciated over 3 to 7 years. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes over the estimated useful life.
	Acquired collegiate housing communities’ results of operations are included in the Trust’s results of operations from the respective dates of acquisition. Appraisals, estimates of cash flows and valuation techniques are used to allocate the purchase price of acquired property between land, land improvements, buildings and improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment and identifiable intangibles such as amounts related to in-place leases. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred and are included in general and administrative costs in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	Management assesses impairment of long-lived assets to be held and used whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Management uses an estimate of future undiscounted cash flows of the related asset based on its intended use to determine whether the carrying value is recoverable. If the Trust determines that the carrying value of an asset is not recoverable, the fair value of the asset is estimated and an impairment loss is recorded to the extent the carrying value exceeds estimated fair value. Management estimates fair value using discounted cash flow models, market appraisals if available, and other market participant data.
	When a collegiate housing community has met the criteria to be classified as held for sale, the fair value less cost to sell such asset is estimated. If the fair value less cost to sell the asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment charge is recorded for the estimated loss. Depreciation expense is no longer recorded once a collegiate housing community has met the held for sale criteria. Operations of collegiate housing communities that are sold or classified as held for sale are recorded as part of discontinued operations for all periods presented. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, four properties were classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. Of these four properties classified as discontinued operations, three properties were sold during the year ended December 31, 2012. The fourth property was sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 (see Note 8).
	Repairs, maintenance and major improvements
	The costs of ordinary repairs and maintenance are charged to operations when incurred. Major improvements that extend the life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Planned major repair, maintenance and improvement projects are capitalized when performed. In some circumstances, the lenders require the Trust to maintain a reserve account for future repairs and capital expenditures. These amounts are classified as restricted cash in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as the funds are not available for use.
	Ground leases
	In conjunction with certain acquisitions, the Trust has entered into long-term ground leases which require an increase in annual rent expense based on the greater of 3% or the consumer price index for the life of the lease. The Trust recognizes the minimum 3% annual increase in rent expense on a straight-line basis. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Trust recognized $5.6 million and $4.7 million in rent expense, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations related to these ground leases.
	Investment in unconsolidated entities
	The Operating Partnership accounts for its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and limited liability companies using the equity method whereby the cost of an investment is adjusted for the Trust’s share of earnings of the respective investment reduced by distributions received. The earnings and distributions of the unconsolidated joint ventures and limited liability companies are allocated based on each owner’s respective ownership interests. These investments are classified as other assets or accrued expenses, depending on whether the distributions exceed the Trust’s contributions and share of earnings in the joint ventures, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets (see Note 3).
	Deferred financing costs
	Deferred financing costs represent costs incurred in connection with acquiring debt facilities. These costs are amortized over the terms of the related debt using a method that approximates the effective interest method. Deferred financing costs, net of amortization, are included in other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	Common stock issuances and offering costs
	Specific incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of common stock are charged against the gross proceeds of the related issuance. Accordingly, underwriting commissions and other stock issuance costs are reflected as a reduction of additional paid-in capital in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of changes in equity.
	On August 14, 2012, the Trust completed a follow-on offering of 17.3 million shares of its common stock, which included 2.3 million shares purchased by the underwriters pursuant to an option to purchase additional shares. The Trust received approximately $180.9 million in net proceeds from the offering after deducting the underwriting discount and other offering expenses. The Trust used a portion of the net proceeds to repay the unsecured revolving credit facility (see Note 4) and to fund the acquisition of The Province at East Carolina University, The District on 5th serving the University of Arizona, Campus Village serving Michigan State University, The Province at Kent State serving Kent State University and The Suites at Overton Park and The Centre at Overton Park both serving Texas Tech University (see Note 7).
	On September 20, 2011, the Trust entered into two equity distribution agreements.  Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the agreements, the Trust could issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering amount of up to $50 million. Sales of the common stock depended upon market conditions and other factors determined by the Trust and were made in transactions that were deemed to be “at-the-market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Trust had no obligation to sell any of the common stock, and could at any time suspend offers under the agreements or terminate the agreements. As of December 31, 2012, the Trust had sold 4.8 million shares of common stock under the equity distribution program for net proceeds of approximately $49.2 million and reached the aggregate offering amount of $50 million. On May 22, 2012, the Trust entered into two additional equity distribution agreements similar to the previous agreements discussed above. Under the 2012 agreements, the Trust could issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering amount of $50 million. As of September 30, 2013, the Trust had sold 1.7 million shares of common stock under the 2012 agreements for net proceeds of approximately $17.8 million. The Trust is using the net proceeds to repay debt, fund its development pipeline, fund potential future acquisitions and for general corporate purposes.
	On May 19, 2010, the Trust’s stockholders approved the Education Realty Trust, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”), which became effective on July 1, 2010. Pursuant to the ESPP, all employees of the Trust are eligible to make periodic purchases of common stock through payroll deductions.  Subject to the discretion of the compensation committee of the Board, the purchase price per share of common stock purchased by employees under the ESPP is 85% of the fair market value on the applicable purchase date. The Trust reserved 300,000 shares of common stock for sale under the ESPP. The aggregate cost of the ESPP (generally the 15% discount on the shares purchased) is recorded by the Trust as a period expense. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, total compensation expense relating to the ESPP was $14,428 and $18,128, respectively.
	Debt premiums/discounts
	Differences between the estimated fair value of debt and the principal value of debt assumed in connection with collegiate housing property acquisitions are amortized over the term of the related debt as an offset to interest expense using the effective interest method. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Trust had net unamortized debt premiums of $2.5 million and $3.1 million, respectively. These amounts are included in mortgage and construction loans in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	Income taxes
	The Trust qualifies as a REIT under the Code. The Trust is generally not subject to federal, state and local income taxes on any of its taxable income that it distributes if it distributes at least 90% of its REIT income for each tax year to its stockholders and meets certain other requirements. If the Trust fails to qualify as a REIT for any taxable year, the Trust will be subject to federal, state and local income taxes (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on its taxable income.
	The Trust has elected to treat certain of its subsidiaries, including the Management Company, as taxable REIT subsidiaries (each a “TRS”). A TRS is subject to federal, state and local income taxes. The Management Company provides management services and through the Development Company provides development services, which if directly provided by the Trust would jeopardize the Trust’s REIT status. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse.
	The Trust had no unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. As of September 30, 2013, the Trust did not expect to record any unrecognized tax benefits. The Trust and its subsidiaries file federal and state income tax returns. As of September 30, 2013, open tax years generally included 2010, 2011 and 2012. The Trust’s policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in general and administrative expenses. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Trust had no interest or penalties recorded related to unrecognized tax benefits.
	Noncontrolling interests
	As of September 30, 2013, the Trust had entered into four joint venture agreements to develop, own and manage properties near Duke University, The University of Alabama, Arizona State University – Downtown Phoenix and The University of Mississippi. The Trust is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of these communities; therefore, the Trust accounts for these joint ventures using the consolidation method of accounting. Our joint venture partners’ investments in the joint ventures are accounted for as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets and statements of changes in equity and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. On September 10, 2013, the Trust purchased our joint venture partner's 10% interest in the collegiate housing community referred to as East Edge located near the University of Alabama for $6.9 million in cash (see Note 7).
	The units of limited partnership of the Operating Partnership (“Operating Partnership Units”) and units of limited partnership of University Towers Operating Partnership, LP (“University Towers Operating Partnership Units”) are referred to as noncontrolling interests. The Trust follows the guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) regarding the classification and measurement of redeemable securities. The Operating Partnership Units and the University Towers Operating Partnership Units are redeemable at the option of the holder and essentially have the same characteristics as common stock as they participate in net income and distributions. Accordingly, the Trust has determined that the Operating Partnership Units and the University Towers Operating Partnership Units meet the requirements to be classified outside of permanent equity and are therefore classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. The value of redeemable noncontrolling interests is reported at the greater of fair value or historical cost at the end of each reporting period. As of September 30, 2013, the Trust reported the redeemable noncontrolling interests at historical cost, which was greater than fair value.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, 43,832 Operating Partnership Units were redeemed for 43,832 shares of common stock.
	Earnings per share
	Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings available to shares of common stock by weighted average shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is calculated similarly, except that it includes the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of potentially dilutive securities. The Trust follows the authoritative guidance regarding the determination of whether certain instruments are participating securities. All unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are included in the computation of earnings per share under the two-class method. This results in shares of unvested restricted stock being included in the computation of basic earnings per share for all periods presented.
	As of September 30, 2013 and 2012, the following potentially dilutive securities were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive:
		2013			2012
	Operating Partnership Units	830,343			859,906
	University Towers Operating Partnership Units	207,257			207,257
	Total potentially dilutive securities	1,037,600			1,067,163
	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators for the basic and diluted earnings per share computation is not presented, as the Trust reported a loss from continuing operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and therefore the effect of the inclusion of all potentially dilutive securities would be anti-dilutive when computing diluted earnings per share; thus, the computation for both basic and diluted earnings per share is the same.
	Goodwill and other intangible assets
	Goodwill is tested annually for impairment as of December 31, and is tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. The accumulated impairment loss recorded by the Trust as of December 31, 2008 was $0.4 million. No additional impairment has been recorded through September 30, 2013. The carrying value of goodwill was $3.1 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, of which $2.1 million was recorded on the management services segment and $0.9 million was recorded on the development consulting services segment. Goodwill is not subject to amortization. Other intangible assets generally include in-place leases and management contracts acquired in connection with acquisitions and are amortized over the estimated life of the lease/contract term. The Trust had no other intangible assets as of September 30, 2013 and other intangible assets with a carrying value of $1.4 million as of December 31, 2012.
	Comprehensive income
	The Trust follows the authoritative guidance issued by the FASB relating to the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components. For all periods presented, comprehensive income is equal to net income.
	Revenue recognition
	The Trust recognizes revenue related to leasing activities at the collegiate housing communities owned by the Trust, management fees related to managing third-party collegiate housing communities, development consulting fees related to the general oversight of third-party collegiate housing development and operating expense reimbursements for payroll and related expenses incurred for third-party collegiate housing communities managed by the Trust.
	Collegiate housing leasing revenue — Collegiate housing leasing revenue is comprised of all activities related to leasing and operating the collegiate housing communities and includes revenues from leasing apartments by the bed, food services, parking lot rentals and providing certain ancillary services. This revenue is reflected in collegiate housing leasing revenue in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. Students are required to execute lease contracts with payment schedules that vary from annual to monthly payments. Generally, the Trust requires each executed leasing contract to be accompanied by a signed parental guarantee. Receivables are recorded when billed. Revenues and related lease incentives and nonrefundable application and service fees are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contracts. At certain collegiate housing facilities, the Trust offers parking lot rentals to the tenants. The related revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related agreement.
	Third-party development services revenue — The Trust provides development consulting services in an agency capacity with third parties whereby the fee is determined based upon the total construction costs. Total fees vary from 3-5% of the total estimated costs, and the Trust typically receives a portion of the fees up front. These fees, including the up-front fee, are recognized using the percentage of completion method in proportion to the contract costs incurred by the owner over the course of construction of the respective projects. Occasionally, the development consulting contracts include a provision whereby the Trust can participate in project savings resulting from successful cost management efforts. These revenues are recognized once all contractual terms have been satisfied and no future performance requirements exist. This recognition typically occurs after construction is complete. There was no cost savings revenue recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, there was $0.2 million of revenue recognized related to cost savings agreements on development projects.
	Third-party management services revenue — The Trust enters into management contracts to manage third-party collegiate housing communities. Management revenues are recognized when earned in accordance with each management contract. Incentive management fees are recognized when the incentive criteria have been met.
Operating expense reimbursements — The Trust pays certain payroll and related costs to operate third-party collegiate housing communities that are managed by the Trust. Under the terms of the related management agreements, the third-party property owners reimburse these costs. The amounts billed to the third-party owners are recognized as revenue.
Costs related to development consulting services
Costs associated with the pursuit of third-party development consulting contracts are expensed as incurred, until such time that management has been notified of a contract award. At such time, the reimbursable costs are recorded as receivables and are reflected as other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Costs directly associated with internal development projects are capitalized as part of the cost of the project.
Fair value measurements
The Trust follows the guidance contained in FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. Fair value is generally defined as the exit price at which an asset or liability could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing unrelated parties, other than in a forced liquidation or sale. The guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy, giving the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data and requires disclosures for assets and liabilities measured at fair value based on their level in the hierarchy.
The fair value framework requires the categorization of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions used to value the assets or liabilities. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, whereas Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are defined as follows:
•	Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.
•	Level 2 - Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1, for example, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets.
•	Level 3 - Unobservable inputs reflecting management's own assumption about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.
Non-financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis consist of real estate assets and investments in partially owned entities that have been written-down to estimated fair value when it has been determined that asset values are not recoverable. The fair values of these assets are determined using discounted cash flow models, market appraisals if available, and other market participant data. There was no impairment recorded during the nine months ended or year ended September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
Financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value in our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include mezzanine notes receivable and debt. Estimates of the fair values of these instruments are based on our assessments of available market information and valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flow analyses which utilizes market based interest rates. The tables below summarize the carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
		As of September 30, 2013
					Estimated Fair Value
(in thousands)		Carrying value			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Mezzanine notes receivable		$	18,130		$	—	$	19,626	$	—
Unsecured revolving credit facility		268,900			—		268,900		—
Variable rate mortgage and construction loans		204,271			—		204,271		—
Fixed rate mortgage and construction loans (1)		227,948			—		241,125		—
(1) The carrying value of fixed rate mortgage and construction loans excludes debt premium (see Note 4).
		As of December 31, 2012
					Estimated Fair Value
(in thousands)		Carrying value			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Mezzanine notes receivable		$	21,000		$	—	$	23,772	$	—
Unsecured revolving credit facility		79,000			—		79,000		—
Variable rate mortgage and construction loans		125,436			—		125,436		—
Fixed rate mortgage and construction loans		270,342			—		290,409		—
The Trust discloses the fair value of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate. The Trust does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. The Trust considers the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, student contracts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses to approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. The carrying value of restricted cash approximates its fair value based on the nature of our assessment of the ability to recover these amounts. Due to the short-term nature of these investments, Level 1 and Level 2 inputs are utilized to estimate the fair value of these financial instruments.
Recent accounting pronouncements
In February 2013, the FASB updated the guidance related to Liabilities to provide guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date. The updated guidance requires the entity to measure these obligations as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The updated guidance also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information. The guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Trust's consolidated financial statements.
In December 2011, the FASB updated the guidance related to Property, Plant and Equipment- Real Estate Sales to eliminate diversity in practice regarding whether in-substance real estate should be derecognized when the parent ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary that is in-substance real estate because of a default of the subsidiary on its nonrecourse debt. The updated guidance clarifies that the accounting for such transactions is based on substance rather than form, and a reporting entity generally would not satisfy the requirements to derecognize the in-substance real estate before the legal transfer of the real estate to the lender and the extinguishment of the related nonrecourse debt. The guidance was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after June 15, 2012. The adoption had no material impact on the Trust’s accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Investments_in_unconsolidated_

Investments in unconsolidated entities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Investments in unconsolidated entities	'
	Investments in unconsolidated entities
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Trust had investments, directly or indirectly, in the following active unconsolidated joint ventures. The Trust participates in major operating decisions of these joint ventures; therefore, the equity method of accounting is used to account for these investments.
	•	1313 5th Street MN Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, 50% owned by the Operating Partnership;
	•	Joint investment in land, 50% owned by the Operating Partnership;
	•	Elauwit Networks, a South Carolina limited liability company, 10% owned by the Operating Partnership; and
	•	University Village-Greensboro LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, 25% owned by the Operating Partnership;
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Trust had investments, directly or indirectly, in the following active unconsolidated joint ventures.
	•University Village-Greensboro LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, 25% owned by the Operating Partnership; and
	•WEDR Stinson Investors V, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, 10% owned by the Operating Partnership.
	The following is a summary of financial information for the Trust’s unconsolidated joint ventures for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Results of Operations:
	Revenues	$	2,706		$	2,867
	Net loss	(408		)	(2,565		)
	Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities	$	(102	)	$	(340	)
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Trust had $20.7 million and $11.8 million in investments in unconsolidated entities classified in other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets, respectively. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Trust had $1.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively, in liabilities related to investments in unconsolidated entities where distributions exceeded contributions and equity in earnings; therefore, these investments are classified in accrued expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets (see Note 2).
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Trust purchased the majority of the assets from the WEDR Stinson Investors V, LLC joint venture for $22.9 million (see Note 7). The Trust recognized $0.1 million as its portion of the loss on the investment as part of equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities in the condensed consolidated statement of operations and recorded its share of the proceeds from the sale of $45,000 as a distribution in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Debt
	Revolving credit facility
	On January 14, 2013, the Operating Partnership entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Fourth Amended Revolver”). The Fourth Amended Revolver amended and restated the existing unsecured revolving credit facility dated September 21, 2011. The previous facility (the “Third Amended Revolver”) was unsecured, had a maximum availability of $175 million and was scheduled to mature on September 21, 2014. The Fourth Amended Revolver is unsecured, has a maximum availability of $375 million and within the first four years of the agreement may be expanded to $500 million upon satisfaction of certain conditions. The Fourth Amended Revolver matures on January 14, 2017, provided that the Operating Partnership may extend the maturity date for one year subject to certain conditions.
	Availability under the Fourth Amended Revolver is limited to a “borrowing base availability” equal to the lesser of (i) 60% of the property asset value (as defined in the agreement) and (ii) the loan amount, which would produce a debt service coverage ratio of no less than 1.40. As of September 30, 2013, our borrowing base was $375.0 million, and we had $268.9 million outstanding under the Fourth Amended Revolver; thus, our remaining borrowing base availability was $106.1 million.
	The Trust serves as the guarantor for any funds borrowed by the Operating Partnership under the Fourth Amended Revolver. The interest rate per annum applicable to the Fourth Amended Revolver is, at the Operating Partnership’s option, equal to a base rate or the London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin based upon our leverage. As of September 30, 2013, the interest rate applicable to the Fourth Amended Revolver was 1.63%.
	The Fourth Amended Revolver contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and contains financial covenants that, among other things, require the Trust and its subsidiaries to maintain certain minimum ratios of EBITDA (earnings before payment or charges of interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization or extraordinary items) as compared to interest expense and total fixed charges. The financial covenants also include consolidated net worth and leverage ratio tests, and the Trust is prohibited from making distributions in excess of 95% of funds from operations except to comply with the legal requirements to maintain its status as a REIT. As of September 30, 2013, the Trust was in compliance with all covenants of the Fourth Amended Revolver.
	Mortgage and construction debt
	As of September 30, 2013, the Trust had outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness of $432.2 million (excluding an unamortized debt premium of $2.5 million, as described in Note 2). Of the total, $134.4 million and $69.9 million relate to variable rate construction and mortgage debt, respectively, which is described below, and $47.9 million relates to the purchase of The Suites at Overton Park and The Centre at Overton Park collegiate housing communities described below. The remaining $180.0 million pertains to fixed rate mortgage debt that includes $9.7 million of debt that is secured by the underlying collegiate housing property bearing interest at a fixed rate of 4.92% and $170.4 million pertains to the Fannie Mae master secured credit facility that the Trust entered into on December 31, 2008 and expanded on December 2, 2009 (the “Master Secured Credit Facility”), which bears interest at a weighted average fixed rate of 5.87%. The Trust was in compliance with all financial covenants, including consolidated net worth and liquidity tests, contained in the Master Secured Credit Facility as of September 30, 2013.
	On September 30, 2013, the Trust prepaid a $14.6 million five-year note under the Master Secured Credit Facility. The debt had a fixed interest rate of 5.99% and was due to mature on January 1, 2014. Two collegiate housing communities, The Avenue at Southern and Carrollton Crossing, were released from the collateral pool simultaneous with the pay-off. The mortgage debt was repaid with proceeds received from borrowings under the Fourth Amended Revolver and cash on hand.
	On July 1, 2013, the Trust completed the refinance of the University Towers mortgage debt, which was set to mature on July 1, 2013. The new mortgage debt has a principal balance of $34.0 million and an initial maturity date of July 1, 2016. The loan may be extended for two 12-month periods, after an extension fee of 0.20% on the outstanding principal is paid, and if the debt service coverage ratio calculated as of the preceding quarter is at least 1.30 to 1.0. The interest rate per year applicable to the loan is, at the option of the Trust, equal to a prime rate plus a 0.50% margin or LIBOR plus a 2.10% margin and is interest only through July 1, 2015. The debt service coverage ratio is to be calculated quarterly on a trailing 12-month basis and is to be no less than 1.25 to 1.00, increasing to 1.30 to 1.0 commencing on September 30, 2016 and thereafter. Loan fees of $0.2 million were paid at closing. As of September 30, 2013, the interest rate applicable to the loan was 2.29%.
	In December 2012, in connection with the acquisition of the Suites at Overton Park and the Centre at Overton Park collegiate housing communities, both adjacent to Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, the Trust assumed $25.1 million and $23.3 million of fixed rate mortgage debt, respectively. The loan for the Suites at Overton Park bears interest at 4.16% and initially matures on April 1, 2016. The loan for the Centre at Overton Park bears interest at 5.6% and initially matures on January 1, 2017. If no event of default has occurred by the initial maturity dates the Trust has the option to extend the maturity dates one year at a base rate plus a 2.5% margin. Principal and interest are paid on a monthly basis for both loans.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Trust had outstanding variable rate mortgage debt of $35.9 million that was assumed in connection with the acquisition of the GrandMarc at Westberry collegiate housing community located at Texas Christian University. The interest rate per year applicable to the loan is equal to a base rate plus a 4.85% margin, in total not to exceed 7.5% per year, and principal and interest are paid on a monthly basis. The loan matures on January 1, 2020. As of September 30, 2013, the interest rate applicable to the loan was 4.90%.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Trust had borrowed $31.0 million on a construction loan related to the development of a wholly-owned collegiate housing community in Storrs, Connecticut (The Oaks on the Square). The interest rate per year applicable to the loan is, at the option of the Trust, equal to a base rate plus a 1.25% margin (decreasing to a 1.0% margin once construction is complete and a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 1.0 to 1 has been met) or LIBOR plus a 2.25% margin (decreasing to a 2.0% margin once construction is complete and a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 1.0 to 1 has been met) and is interest only through October 30, 2015. As of September 30, 2013, the interest rate applicable to the loan was 2.43%. On October 30, 2015, if certain conditions for extension are met, the Trust has the option to extend the loan until October 31, 2016. On October 30, 2016, if certain conditions are met, the Trust has the option to extend the loan until October 31, 2017. During the extension periods, if applicable, principal and interest are to be repaid on a monthly basis.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Trust had borrowed $33.1 million on a construction loan related to the development of a jointly owned collegiate housing community in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (East Edge). The Trust purchased the 10% noncontrolling interest in the joint venture in September 2013 (see Note 7) and now wholly owns the community. The loan bears interest equal to LIBOR plus a 240 basis point margin and is interest only through July 1, 2014. As of September 30, 2013, the interest rate applicable to the loan was 2.58%. On June 15, 2014, if the debt service ratio is not less than 1.15 to 1 and an extension fee of 12.5 basis points of the total outstanding principal is paid to the lender, the Trust may extend the loan until July 1, 2015. On June 15, 2015, if the debt service ratio is not less than 1.25 to 1 and an extension fee of 12.5 basis points of the total outstanding principal is paid to the lender, the Trust can extend the loan until July 1, 2016. During the first and second extension periods, if applicable, principal and interest are to be repaid on a monthly basis.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Trust had $12.3 million outstanding on a construction loan related to the development of a second wholly-owned collegiate housing community at Syracuse University (Campus West). The interest rate per year applicable to the loan is, at the option of the Trust, equal to a base rate plus a 0.95% margin or LIBOR plus a 1.95% margin and is interest only through December 7, 2014. As of September 30, 2013, the interest rate applicable to the loan was 1.98%. Once the project is complete and a debt service coverage ratio of not less than 1.30 to 1 is maintained, the interest rate will be reduced to a base rate plus a 0.80% margin or LIBOR plus a 1.80% margin at the option of the Trust. If certain conditions for extension are met, the Trust has the option to extend the loan twice for an additional year. During the extension periods, if applicable, principal and interest are to be repaid on a monthly basis.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Trust had borrowed $27.1 million on a construction loan related to the development of a jointly owned collegiate housing community near the University of Mississippi (The Retreat at Oxford). The Trust is the majority owner and managing member of the joint venture and manages the community now that it is completed (see Note 7). The interest rate per year applicable to the loan is, at the option of the Trust, equal to a base rate plus a 1.10% margin or LIBOR plus a 2.10% margin and is interest only through June 12, 2015. As of September 30, 2013, the interest rate applicable to the loan was 2.28%. Now that the project is complete and a debt service coverage ratio of not less than 1.30 to 1 is maintained, the interest rate will be reduced to a base rate plus a 0.80% margin or LIBOR plus a 1.8% margin at the option of the Trust. If certain conditions for extension are met, the Trust has the option to extend the loan twice for an additional year. During the extension periods, if applicable, principal and interest are to be repaid on a monthly basis.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Trust had borrowed $30.9 million on a construction loan related to the development of a jointly owned collegiate housing community near the Arizona State University - Downtown Phoenix campus. The Trust is the majority owner and managing member of the joint venture and manages the community now that it is completed (see Note 7). The loan bears interest equal to LIBOR plus a 225 basis point margin and is interest only through March 20, 2015. As of September 30, 2013, the interest rate applicable to the loan was 2.44%. On March 20, 2015, if the debt service ratio is not less than 1.35 to 1 and an extension fee of 0.25% of the total outstanding principal is paid to the lender, the Trust may extend the loan until March 20, 2016. On March 20, 2016, if the debt service ratio is not less than 1.45 to 1 and an extension fee of 0.25% of the total outstanding principal is paid to the lender, the Trust can extend the loan until March 20, 2017. During the first and second extension periods, if applicable, principal and interest are to be repaid on a monthly basis.
	On September 27, 2013, the Trust repaid in full $8.4 million of construction debt secured by the collegiate housing community referred to as University Village Apartments on Colvin located near Syracuse University, in Syracuse, New York. The construction loan bore interest equal to LIBOR plus a 110 basis point margin and was due to mature on September 29, 2013. The construction loan was repaid with proceeds from the Fourth Amended Revolver and cash on hand.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Trust repaid in full $27.0 million of mortgage debt secured by the collegiate housing community referred to as The Lofts located near the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida. The debt had a fixed interest rate of 5.59% and was due to mature in May 2014. The Trust also repaid $10.2 million and $4.1 million on construction loans related to the development of a wholly-owned collegiate housing community near Southern Illinois University (The Reserve at Saluki Pointe-Carbondale). The loans bore interest equal to LIBOR plus 110 and 200 basis point margins, respectively, and were due to mature on June 28, 2012. The mortgage debt and construction loans were repaid with proceeds from the Third Amended Revolver and cash on hand.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Trust repaid in full $34.0 million of mortgage debt secured by the collegiate housing community referred to as Campus Lodge located near the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. The debt had a fixed interest rate of 6.97%, an effective interest rate of 5.48% and was due to mature in May 2012. The mortgage debt was repaid with cash on hand.
	The scheduled maturities of outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness as of September 30, 2013 are as follows:
	Fiscal Year Ending	(In thousands)
	2013 (3 months ending December 31, 2013)	$	1,090
	2014	59,271
	2015	100,837
	2016	125,379
	2017	39,814
	Thereafter	105,828
	Total	432,219
	Debt premium	2,486
	Outstanding as of September 30, 2013, net of debt premium	$	434,705
	As of September 30, 2013, the outstanding mortgage and construction debt had a weighted average interest rate of 4.29% and carried a weighted average term to maturity of 3.03 years.

Segments

Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segments	'
	Segments
	The Trust defines business segments by their distinct customer base and service provided. The Trust has identified three reportable segments: collegiate housing leasing, development consulting services and management services. Management evaluates each segment’s performance based on net operating income, which is defined as income before depreciation, amortization, ground leases, impairment losses, interest expense (income), gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt, equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities and noncontrolling interests. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Discontinued operations are not included in segment reporting as management addresses those items on a corporate level. The following table represents segment information for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013														Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		(In thousands)
		Collegiate			Development			Management		Adjustments/		Total		Collegiate		Development			Management		Adjustments/			Total
		Housing			Consulting			Services		Eliminations				Housing		Consulting			Services		Eliminations
		Leasing			Services									Leasing		Services
	Segment revenues:
	Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$	118,970		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	118,970	$	88,872	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	88,872
	Third-party development consulting services	—			1,989			—		—		1,989		—		688			—		(198		)	490
	Third-party management services	—			—			2,710		—		2,710		—		—			2,451		—			2,451
	Operating expense reimbursements	—			—			—		8,141		8,141		—		—			—		7,414			7,414
	Total segment revenues	118,970			1,989			2,710		8,141		131,810		88,872		688			2,451		7,216			99,227
	Segment operating expenses:
	Collegiate housing leasing operations	60,795			—			—		—		60,795		45,490		—			—		—			45,490
	General and administrative	—			3,344			1,880		—		5,224		—		2,704			2,096		(44		)	4,756
	Reimbursable operating expenses	—			—			—		8,141		8,141		—		—			—		7,414			7,414
	Total segment operating expenses	60,795			3,344			1,880		8,141		74,160		45,490		2,704			2,096		7,370			57,660
	Segment net operating income (loss) (1)	$	58,175		$	(1,355	)	$	830	$	—	$	57,650	$	43,382	$	(2,016	)	$	355	$	(154	)	$	41,567
	Total segment assets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (2)	$	1,473,665		$	6,097		$	10,965	$	—	$	1,490,727	$	1,257,476	$	5,695		$	10,218	$	—		$	1,273,389
	(1)	The following is a reconciliation of the reportable segments’ net operating income to the Trust’s consolidated loss before income taxes and discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30:
		2013			2012
	Net operating income for reportable segments	$	57,650		$	41,567
	Other unallocated general and administrative expenses	(5,693		)	(5,901		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(34,500		)	(23,780		)
	Ground leases	(5,631		)	(4,716		)
	Nonoperating expenses	(13,374		)	(11,700		)
	Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities	(102		)	(340		)
	Loss before income taxes and discontinued operations	$	(1,650	)	$	(4,870	)
	(2)	The increase in segment assets related to collegiate housing leasing is primarily related to the development of five communities that opened in the third quarter of 2013, the purchase of two communities in the third quarter of 2013 and the continued development of eight communities for ownership by the Trust.
	The following table represents segment information for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013														Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		(In thousands)
		Collegiate			Development			Management		Adjustments/		Total		Collegiate		Development			Management		Adjustments/			Total
		Housing			Consulting			Services		Eliminations				Housing		Consulting			Services		Eliminations
		Leasing			Services									Leasing		Services
	Segment revenues:
	Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$	40,278		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	40,278	$	28,829	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	28,829
	Third-party development consulting services	—			839			—		—		839		—		185			—		(40		)	145
	Third-party management services	—			—			918		—		918		—		—			879		—			879
	Operating expense reimbursements	—			—			—		2,162		2,162		—		—			—		3,015			3,015
	Total segment revenues	40,278			839			918		2,162		44,197		28,829		185			879		2,975			32,868
	Segment operating expenses:
	Collegiate housing leasing operations	24,448			—			—		—		24,448		18,613		—			—		—			18,613
	General and administrative	—			1,221			605		—		1,826		—		880			681		(7		)	1,554
	Reimbursable operating expenses	—			—			—		2,162		2,162		—		—			—		3,015			3,015
	Total segment operating expenses	24,448			1,221			605		2,162		28,436		18,613		880			681		3,008			23,182
	Segment net operating income (loss) (1)	$	15,830		$	(382	)	$	313	$	—	$	15,761	$	10,216	$	(695	)	$	198	$	(33	)	$	9,686
	-1	The following is a reconciliation of the reportable segments’ net operating income to the Trust’s consolidated loss before income taxes and discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30:
		2013			2012
	Net operating income for reportable segments	$	15,761		$	9,686
	Other unallocated general and administrative expenses	(1,709		)	(1,790		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(11,714		)	(8,268		)
	Ground leases	(1,833		)	(1,696		)
	Nonoperating expenses	(4,878		)	(3,534		)
	Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities	(61		)	(39		)
	Loss before income taxes and discontinued operations	$	(4,434	)	$	(5,641	)

Commitments_and_contingencies

Commitments and contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and contingencies	'
	Commitments and contingencies
	In April 2013, the Trust entered into a presale agreement with a private developer that obligates the Trust to purchase a newly developed collegiate housing community adjacent to Florida International University for $43.5 million as long as the developer completes the project in time for fall 2014 occupancy.
	In July 2012, the Trust's 3949 community located in St. Louis, Missouri was partially destroyed by a fire. This community was re-built and opened in August 2013. This fire caused substantial business interruption and property damage, both of which are covered under the Trust's existing insurance policies. Management anticipates that the ultimate proceeds received from insurance will exceed the book value of the property destroyed, and accordingly a gain on insurance settlement will be recorded in a future period. Management anticipates that the gain will be recorded during 2013, once all contingencies have been resolved and the amount of the gain is determinable.
	The Operating Partnership entered into a letter of credit agreement in conjunction with the closing of the acquisition of a collegiate housing community at the University of Florida. As of September 30, 2013, the mortgage debt on this community was repaid (see Note 4), and the $1.5 million letter of credit is no longer outstanding.
	The Operating Partnership serves as non-recourse, carve-out guarantor for secured third-party debt in the amount of $24.1 million, held by one unconsolidated joint venture. The Operating Partnership is liable to the lender for any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability, claim or other obligation incurred by the lender arising out of or in connection with certain non-recourse exceptions in connection with the debt. Pursuant to the respective operating agreement, the joint venture partner agreed to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Trust with respect to such obligations, except to the extent such obligations were caused by the willful misconduct, gross negligence, fraud or bad faith of the Operating Partnership or its employees, agents or affiliates. Therefore, exposure under the guarantee for obligations not caused by the willful misconduct, gross negligence, fraud or bad faith of the Operating Partnership or its employees, agents or affiliates is not expected to exceed the Operating Partnership’s proportionate interest in the related mortgage debt of $6.0 million.
	The Operating Partnership, along with the joint venture partner, have jointly and severally guaranteed partial repayment for secured third-party construction debt held by one unconsolidated joint venture under development. The partial repayment guaranty is limited to $8.8 million. In addition, the Operating Partnership serves as a non-recourse, carve-out guarantor for the secured third-party debt and is liable to the lender for any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability, claim or other obligation incurred by the lender arising out of or in connection with certain non-recourse exceptions in connection with the debt. Pursuant to the respective operating agreement, the joint venture partner agreed to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Trust with respect to such obligations, except to the extent such obligations were caused by the willful misconduct, gross negligence, fraud or bad faith of the Operating Partnership or its employees, agents or affiliates. Therefore, exposure under the guaranties for obligations not caused by the willful misconduct, gross negligence, fraud or bad faith of the Operating Partnership or its employees, agents or affiliates are not expected to exceed the Operating Partnership's proportionate interest in the related mortgage debt in the case of the non-recourse, carve-out guaranty, or in the Operating Partnership's proportionate interest in the partial repayment guaranty of $8.8 million. As of September 30, 2013, the joint venture had not drawn on the construction loans.
	In connection with the development agreement entered into on July 14, 2010 for a project at the Science + Technology Park at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute (see Note 2), the Trust has committed to provide a guarantee of repayment of a $42.0 million third-party construction loan for a $3.0 million fee of which the carrying value approximates fair value. The guarantee fee will not be recognized until the second mortgage loan is repaid. The project has a $2.5 million reserve to fund any operating or debt service shortfalls that is replenished annually by East Baltimore Development, Inc., until a 1.10 debt service coverage ratio is achieved for twelve consecutive months. The second mortgage loan and related debt service are the first at risk if such reserve is not adequate to cover operating expenses and debt service on the construction loan.
	In connection with the condominium agreement related to The Oaks on the Square project in Storrs, Connecticut (see Note 7) the Operating Partnership and LeylandAlliance LLC have jointly committed to provide a guarantee of repayment of a $46.4 million construction loan to develop the residential and retail portions of the project. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $42.8 million and $22.7 million, respectively, had been drawn on the construction loan of which $11.8 million and $6.3 million, respectively, is attributable to LeylandAlliance LLC; these amounts are not included in our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
	As owners and operators of real estate, environmental laws impose ongoing compliance requirements on the Trust. The Trust is not aware of any environmental matters or liabilities with respect to the collegiate housing communities that would have a material adverse effect on the Trust’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
	In the normal course of business, the Trust is subject to claims, lawsuits and legal proceedings. While it is not possible to ascertain the ultimate outcome of such matters, in management’s opinion, the liabilities, if any, are not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
	Under the terms of the limited partnership agreement of University Towers Operating Partnership, LP, so long as the contributing owners of such property hold at least 25% of the University Towers Partnership Units, the Trust has agreed to maintain certain minimum amounts of debt on the property to avoid triggering gain to the contributing owners. If the Trust fails to do this, the Trust must repay the contributing owners the amount of any taxes they incur.
	After being awarded a development consulting contract, the Trust will enter into predevelopment consulting contracts with educational institutions to develop collegiate housing communities on their behalf. The Trust will enter into reimbursement agreements that provide for the Trust to be reimbursed for the predevelopment costs incurred prior to the institution’s governing body formally approving the final development contract. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Trust had reimbursable predevelopment costs of $3.0 million and $3.5 million, respectively, which are reflected in other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Acquisition_and_development_of

Acquisition and development of real estate investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisition and development of real estate investments	'
	Acquisition and development of real estate investments
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Trust completed the following two collegiate housing community acquisitions:
	Name		Primary University Served		Acquisition		# of Beds		# of Units			Contract Price (in thousands)
					Date
	The Cottages on Lindberg		Purdue University West Lafayette, Indiana		Aug-13		745		193			$	36,000
	The Retreat at State College		Pennsylvania State University State College, Pennsylvania		Sep-13		587		138			$	56,189
	A summary follows of the allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of the dates of the acquisitions (in thousands):
		The Cottages on Lindberg				The Retreat at State College			Total
	Collegiate housing properties	$	36,000			$	56,189		$	92,189
	Other assets	51				65			116
	Current liabilities	(689		)		(405		)	(1,094		)
	Total net assets acquired	$	35,362			$	55,849		$	91,211
	The difference between the collegiate housing community acquisition contract prices of $92.2 million and the total net assets acquired of $91.2 million is $1.0 million of net assets purchased or liabilities assumed in addition to fixed assets.
	The amounts of the 2013 acquisitions’ revenue and net income included in the Trust’s accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and the unaudited pro forma revenue and net income of the combined entity had the acquisition date been January 1, 2012, are as follows:
		Revenue				Net			Net income attributable to common stockholders per share - basic and diluted
						income
		(in thousands)
	Actual from date of acquisition – 9/30/13	$	719			$	400		$	—
	2013 supplemental pro forma for 1/1/13 – 9/30/13(1)	$	134,148			$	3,539		$	0.03
	2012 supplemental pro forma for 1/1/12 – 9/30/12(1)	$	99,895			$	3,703		$	0.04
	-1	Supplemental pro forma earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were adjusted to exclude $0.1 million of acquisition-related costs incurred in 2013. Supplemental pro forma earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were adjusted to include these charges.
	Also during September 2013, the Trust purchased our joint venture partner's 10% noncontrolling interest in the collegiate housing community referred to as East Edge located near the University of Alabama for $6.9 million in cash. The Trust now owns 100% of the community.
	The Trust funded these acquisitions by borrowing on the Fourth Amended Revolver and existing cash.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Trust completed the following seven collegiate housing community acquisitions:
	Name		Primary University Served		Acquisition		# of Beds		# of Units			Contract Price (in thousands)
					Date
	The Reserve on Stinson (1)		University of Oklahoma Norman, Oklahoma		Jan-12		612		204			$22,954
	The Province		East Carolina University Greenville, North Carolina		Sep-12		728		235			$50,000
	The District on 5th		University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona		Oct-12		764		208			$66,442
	Campus Village (2)		Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan		Oct-12		355		106			$20,900
	The Province		Kent State University Kent, Ohio		Nov-12		596		246			$45,000
	The Suites at Overton Park		Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas		Dec-12		465		298			$37,000
	The Centre at Overton Park		Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas		Dec-12		401		278			$37,000
	(1)	The Operating Partnership had a 10% equity investment in the entity that previously owned The Reserve on Stinson collegiate housing community and also managed the property prior to the acquisition.
	(2)	The Trust entered into a 32-year ground lease, with the option to extend the lease 20 additional years subject to certain conditions, which requires an increase in annual rent expense to be determined on predetermined adjustment dates based on the consumer price index for the life of the lease.
	Combined acquisition costs for these purchases were $1.1 million. The Trust funded these acquisitions with assumed debt of $48.5 million and existing cash, including cash proceeds generated by the August 2012 and November 2011 common stock offerings and sales of collegiate housing communities. A summary follows of the allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of the dates of the acquisitions (in thousands):
		The Province at East Carolina				The District on 5th			The Suites and Centre at Overton Park				Other			Total
	Collegiate housing properties	$	49,609			$	65,997		$	76,678			$	88,129		$	280,413
	Other assets	502				475			4,830				971			6,778
	Current liabilities	(531		)		(545		)	(1,651		)		(1,356		)	(4,083		)
	Mortgage debt	—				—			(51,625		)		—			(51,625		)
	Total net assets acquired	$	49,580			$	65,927		$	28,232			$	87,744		$	231,483
	The difference between the collegiate housing community acquisition contract prices of $279.3 million and the total net assets acquired of $231.5 million is $48.5 million of debt assumed in connection with the acquisition of the Suites at Overton Park and the Centre at Overton Park collegiate housing communities (see Note 4) and $0.7 million of net assets purchased or liabilities assumed in addition to fixed assets and debt.
	The amounts of the 2012 acquisitions’ revenue and net income included in the Trust’s accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, and the unaudited pro forma revenue and net income of the combined entity had the acquisition date been January 1, 2011, are as follows:
		Revenue				Net			Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per share - basic and diluted
						income (loss)
		(in thousands)
	Actual from date of acquisition – 9/30/12	$	2,469			$	464		$	—
	2012 supplemental pro forma for 1/1/12 – 9/30/12(1)	$	110,148			$	5,637		$	0.06
	2011 supplemental pro forma for 1/1/11 – 9/30/11(1)	$	88,283			$	(6,245	)	$	(0.09	)
	(1)	Supplemental pro forma earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were adjusted to exclude $1.1 million of acquisition-related costs incurred in 2012. Supplemental pro forma earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were adjusted to include these charges.
	Also in 2012, the Trust purchased the land and parking garage associated with the University Towers residence hall for $7.5 million and simultaneously terminated the ground lease.
	In March 2013, the Trust announced an agreement with Javelin 19 Investments, LLC ("Javelin 19") to develop, own and manage a new collegiate housing community near Duke University. The Trust is the majority owner and managing member of the joint venture and will manage the community once completed. As of September 30, 2013, the Trust and Javelin 19 had incurred $14.2 million in costs for the project. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Trust capitalized interest costs of $0.2 million and capitalized internal development project costs of approximately $0.1 million. The community is expected to open in the summer of 2014.
	In July 2012, the 3949 collegiate housing community at Saint Louis University was damaged by fire. As of September 30, 2013, the Trust had incurred $23.2 million in costs to rebuild the community. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Trust capitalized internal development costs of $31,641. The community reopened in the summer of 2013.
	In March 2012, the financing was finalized for the agreement executed in June 2011 between the Trust and Summa West, LLC to develop, own and manage a new collegiate housing community near Arizona State University - Downtown Phoenix campus. The Trust is the majority owner and managing member of the joint venture and manages the community now that it is completed. As of September 30, 2013, the Trust and Summa West, LLC had incurred $51.3 million in costs for the project. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Trust capitalized interest costs of approximately $0.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively, and internal development project costs of approximately $0.1 million for both years related to the development. The community opened in the summer of 2013.
	In January 2012, the Trust entered into a joint venture agreement with Landmark Properties to develop, own and manage a new cottage-style collegiate housing community near the University of Mississippi campus (The Retreat at Oxford). The Trust is the majority owner and managing member of the joint venture and manages the community now that it is completed. As of September 30, 2013, the Trust and Landmark Properties had incurred $36.3 million in costs for the project. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Trust capitalized interest costs of approximately $0.4 million and $0.2 million and internal development project costs of approximately $45,970 and $46,816, respectively, related to the development. The community opened in the summer of 2013.
	In December 2011, the Trust was selected by the University of Kentucky to develop, own and manage new collegiate housing on its campus. This project will be financed through the Trust’s On-Campus Equity Plan, or the ONE PlanSM. As of September 30, 2013, the Trust had incurred $76.5 million in costs for Phases I, II and II-B of the project, with Phase II scheduled to open in the summer of 2014 and Phase II-B in the summer of 2015. Phase I opened in the summer of 2013. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Trust capitalized interest costs of approximately $1.0 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and internal development project costs of approximately $0.6 million and $0.2 million, respectively, related to the development.
	In November 2011, the Trust purchased a collegiate housing community near the University of Colorado, Boulder. The Trust is developing adjacent housing on the existing land, which is expected to open in the summer of 2014. As of September 30, 2013, the Trust had incurred $5.0 million in project costs. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Trust capitalized interest costs of approximately $73,758 and $7,692, respectively, and internal development project costs of approximately $65,863 and $18,743, respectively, related to the development.
	In July 2010, the University of Texas Board of Regents selected the Trust to be the ground tenant to develop, own and manage a new high-rise collegiate housing community near the core of the University of Texas at Austin campus. As of September 30, 2013, the Trust had incurred $69.4 million in costs for the project, which opened in the summer of 2013. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Trust capitalized interest costs of approximately $1.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, and internal development project costs of approximately $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, related to the development.
	In September of 2010, LeylandAlliance LLC and the Trust entered into an agreement to develop the first two phases of Storrs Center, a mixed-use town center project, adjacent to the University of Connecticut. The Trust developed, owns and manages the collegiate housing communities in these first two phases and both phases include commercial and residential offerings. The first phase opened in August 2012 and the second phase was completed in the summer of 2013. LeylandAlliance LLC and the Trust subsequently entered into an additional agreement to develop the third phase of the project. The third phase is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2014. As of September 30, 2013, the Trust had incurred $28.2 million in project costs for the second phase and $3.4 million for the third phase. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Trust capitalized interest costs of $0.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively, and internal development project costs of approximately $0.1 million for both years related to the developments.
	All costs related to the development of collegiate housing communities are classified as assets under development in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets until the community is completed and opens.

Disposition_of_real_estate_inv

Disposition of real estate investments and discontinued operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Disposition of real estate investments and discontinued operations	'
	Disposition of real estate investments and discontinued operations
	On June 19, 2013, the Trust sold the College Grove collegiate housing community located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee for a sales price of $20.7 million. The Trust received proceeds of $20.2 million after closing costs.
	In 2012, the Trust sold The Reserve at Star Pass and NorthPointe, both located in Tucson, Arizona, and The Reserve on Frankford, located in Lubbock, Texas, for an aggregate sales price of $69.5 million, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $67.2 million after closing costs.
	Accordingly, the results of operations of all four properties are included in discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. The Trust ceased depreciation on the properties when they met the held for sale criteria.
	On April 7, 2009, the Trust sold the College Station collegiate housing community for a sales price of $2.6 million. The Trust received proceeds of $0.3 million and a note receivable of $2.3 million. Payments of principal and interest, at a rate of 6% per annum, were due on a monthly basis, and the resulting net gain on disposition of approximately $0.4 million was deferred against the note receivable until the debt was paid in full. In April 2012, the note receivable was repaid at a discount, and the Trust recognized a gain on the sale of $0.2 million.
	The following tables summarize the income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests, and the related realized gains on sales of real estate from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		Nine months ended September 30, 2013			Nine months ended September 30, 2012
	Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$	1,838		$	10,994
	Collegiate housing leasing operating expenses	(1,207		)	(6,182		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(461		)	(2,827		)
	Interest income	1			—
	Noncontrolling interests	(2		)	(20		)
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$	169		$	1,965
	Gain on sale of collegiate housing property	3,895			5,427
	Noncontrolling interests	(28		)	(41		)
	Gain on sale of collegiate housing property attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$	3,867		$	5,386
		Three months ended September 30, 2013			Three months ended September 30, 2012
	Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$	—		$	3,321
	Collegiate housing leasing operating expenses	(80		)	(2,384		)
	Depreciation and amortization	—			(822		)
	Interest income	—			—
	Noncontrolling interests	1			(1		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$	(79	)	$	114
	Gain on sale of collegiate housing property	—			5,257
	Noncontrolling interests	—			(40		)
	Gain on sale of collegiate housing property attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$	—		$	5,217

Incentive_plan

Incentive plan	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Incentive plan	'
	Incentive plan
	On May 4, 2011, the Trust’s stockholders approved the Education Realty Trust, Inc. 2011 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”). The purpose of the 2011 Plan is to promote the interests of the Trust and its stockholders by attracting, motivating and retaining talented executive officers, employees and directors of the Trust and linking their compensation to the long-term interests of the Trust and its stockholders.  The 2011 Plan replaced the Education Realty Trust, Inc. 2004 Incentive Plan (“2004 Plan”) in its entirety and authorizes the grant of the 315,000 shares that remained available for grant under the 2004 Plan, as well as 3,147,500 additional shares. As of September 30, 2013, the Trust had 3,033,098 shares of its common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to the 2011 Plan. Automatic increases in the number of shares available for issuance are not provided. The 2011 Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), stock appreciation rights and other stock-based incentive awards to employees, directors and other key persons providing services to the Trust.
	A restricted stock award is an award of the Trust’s common stock that is subject to restrictions on transferability and other restrictions as the compensation committee of the Board determines in its sole discretion on the date of grant. The restrictions may lapse over a specified period of employment or the satisfaction of pre-established criteria as our compensation committee may determine. Except to the extent restricted under the award agreement, a participant awarded shares of restricted stock will have all of the rights of a stockholder as to those shares, including, without limitation, the right to vote and the right to receive dividends or distributions on the shares. Restricted stock is generally taxed at the time of vesting. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, unearned compensation related to restricted stock totaled $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and will be recorded as expense over the applicable vesting period. The value is determined based on the market value of the Trust’s common stock on the grant date. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, compensation expense of $0.7 million was recognized in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations, related to the vesting of restricted stock. Effective January 1, 2013 and January 1, 2012, the Trust adopted the 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2013 LTIP”) and 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2012 LTIP”), respectively. The purpose of the 2013 LTIP and 2012 LTIP is to attract, retain and motivate the executive officers and certain key employees of the Trust and to promote the long-term growth and profitability of the Trust. On January 1, 2013 and 2012, the Trust issued 65,791 and 70,595, respectively, of time vested restricted stock to executives and key employees under the 2013 LTIP and 2012 LTIP. The restricted stock granted under the 2013 LTIP and the 2012 LTIP will vest ratably over three years as long as the participants remain employed by the Trust.
	An RSU award is an award that will vest based upon the Trust’s achievement of total stockholder returns at specified levels as compared to the average total stockholder returns of a peer group of companies and/or the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts Index over three years (the “Performance Period”). At the end of the Performance Period, the compensation committee of the Board will determine the level and the extent to which the performance goal was achieved. RSUs that satisfy the performance goal will be converted into fully-vested shares of the Trust’s common stock and the Trust will receive a tax deduction for the compensation expense at the time of vesting. Prior to vesting, the participants are not eligible to vote or receive distributions on the RSUs. On January 1, 2013, the Trust granted 122,180 performance vested RSUs to executives and key employees under the 2013 LTIP described above. On January 1, 2012, the Trust granted the specific dollar amount of $1.1 million of performance-based awards to executives and key employees under the 2012 LTIP described above. The number of shares of common stock to be issued will be determined on the date of vesting. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, unearned compensation related to RSUs and performance-based awards totaled $1.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and will be recorded as expense over the applicable vesting period. The value was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation technique. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, compensation expense of $0.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively, was recognized in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations, related to the vesting of RSUs.
	Total stock-based compensation recognized in general and administrative expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $1.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively. Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 the Trust issued 33,180 and 32,287 shares, respectively, to its independent directors pursuant to the 2011 Plan discussed above.
	A summary of the stock-based incentive plan activity as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows:
		Stock
		Awards(1)
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012	1,052,051
	Granted	187,971
	Retired	(36,201	)
	Outstanding as of September 30, 2013	1,203,821
	Vested as of September 30, 2013	749,558
	(1)	Includes restricted stock and RSU awards where a specific amount of RSUs were granted.

Subsequent_events

Subsequent events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent events	'
	Subsequent events
	Our Board declared a distribution of $0.11 per share of common stock for the quarter ended September 30, 2013. The distribution is payable on November 15, 2013 to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 31, 2013.
	On October 24, 2013, the Operating Partnership entered into the First Amendment to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The amendment increased the maximum facility from $375 million to $500 million with an accordion feature to $700 million, which may be exercised during the first four years subject to satisfaction of certain conditions. The initial maturity date of the facility is January 14, 2018, with a one-year extension available provided certain requirements are met. Had the amendment been effective on September 30, 2013, our borrowing base would have been $455.6 million. Financing costs of approximately $1.0 million were paid and will be deferred and amortized over the new term.

Restatement_of_consolidated_fi

Restatement of consolidated financial statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Restatement of condensed consolidated financial statements	'
	Restatement of condensed consolidated financial statements
	Subsequent to the issuance of the Trust's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012, the Trust identified presentation errors in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. These errors related to the cash flow presentation of payables, accrued expenses and return of equity to and contributions from noncontrolling interests attributable to assets under development. These errors had no impact on net cash flow, and did not impact the Trust's condensed consolidated balance sheet, condensed consolidated statement of operations, condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity, funds from operations or other information provided in the previously filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
	In relation to assets under development, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Trust incorrectly overstated cash paid for investments in assets under development in the investing activities section of the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows by $9.0 million, which also resulted in a corresponding overstatement of the change in operating assets and liabilities in net cash provided by operating activities. This overstatement was the result of the change in accrued expenses related to assets under development for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, that were improperly included as a source of cash from operating activities and as a use of cash for investing activities. The Trust also returned equity of $0.3 million to noncontrolling interests during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and received contributions from noncontrolling interests of $4.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, related to certain assets under development. These returns of equity and contributions from noncontrolling interests were incorrectly netted against investment in assets under development in the investing activities section of the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. Under GAAP, the correct presentation is to reflect the gross amount invested in assets under development and include the cash outflow or inflow in return of equity to noncontrolling interests or contributions from noncontrolling interests, respectively, in the financing activities section of the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.
	The table below presents the balances as originally reported, along with the adjustments and restated amount in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
	Nine months ended September 30, 2012
	(Amounts in thousands)
		As Previously Reported			Adjustments			As Restated
	Operating activities:
	Change in operating assets and liabilities	$	12,373		(8,960	)	(a)	$	3,413
	Net cash provided by operating activities	43,062			(8,960	)			34,102
	Investing activities:
	Investment in assets under development	(107,793		)	5,242		(a) (b)		(102,551	)
	Net cash used in investing activities	(151,892		)	5,242				(146,650	)
	Financing activities:
	Return of equity to noncontrolling interests	—			(321	)	(b)	(321		)
	Contributions from noncontrolling interests	—			4,039		(b)	4,039
	Net cash provided by financing activities	$	160,640		3,718			$	164,358
	(a) Represents $8,960 of the cash source reported in accounts payable and accrued expenses that was attributable to the change in accounts payable and accrued expenses related to assets under development that should have reduced the amount reported as investments in assets under development.
	(b)	The Trust received $4,039 in contributions from noncontrolling interests and returned capital of $321 to noncontrolling interests related to assets under development. The net $3,718 source of cash should not have been included in assets under development and the respective contributions and distributions should have been reported separately in the financing section of the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.

Summary_of_significant_account1

Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation	'
	Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of the Trust represent the assets and liabilities and operating results of the Trust and its majority owned subsidiaries.
	The Trust, as the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, has the responsibility and discretion in the management and control of the Operating Partnership, and the limited partners of the Operating Partnership, in such capacity, have no authority to transact business for, or participate in the management activities of the Operating Partnership. Accordingly, the Trust accounts for the Operating Partnership using the consolidation method.
	All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
Interim financial information	'
	Interim financial information
	The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the Trust’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for such periods. Because of the seasonal nature of the business, the operating results and cash flows are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim periods or for the full fiscal year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Trust’s consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as amended, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on June 14, 2013.
Use of estimates	'
	Use of estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions are used by management in determining the recognition of third-party development consulting services revenue under the percentage of completion method, useful lives of collegiate housing assets, the valuation of goodwill, the initial valuations and underlying allocations of purchase price in connection with collegiate housing property acquisitions, the determination of fair value for impairment assessments and in the recording of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and cash equivalents	'
	Cash and cash equivalents
	All highly-liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered cash equivalents. Restricted cash is excluded from cash for the purpose of preparing the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The Trust maintains cash balances in various banks. At times, the amounts of cash may exceed the amount the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) insures.
Restricted cash	'
	Restricted cash
	Restricted cash includes escrow accounts held by lenders for the purposes of paying taxes, insurance, principal and interest and funding capital improvements.
Distributions	'
	Distributions
	The Trust pays regular quarterly cash distributions to stockholders. These distributions are determined quarterly by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) based on the operating results, economic conditions, capital expenditure requirements, the REIT annual distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), leverage covenants imposed by our revolving credit facility and other debt documents, and any other matters the Board deems relevant.
Notes receivable	'
	Notes receivable
	On August 26, 2013, the Trust entered into a $0.5 million promissory loan with College Park Apartments, Inc. ("CPA"), our partner in the unconsolidated joint venture University Village-Greensboro LLC (see Note 3), at an interest rate of 10% per annum and a maturity date of August 1, 2020. Under the loan, CPA can make one draw per calendar quarter and has borrowed $0.1 million as of September 30, 2013. The loan is secured by CPA's interest in the joint venture.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Trust entered into a mezzanine loan and purchase option agreement with Landmark Properties Holdings, LLC ("Landmark") for the purpose of developing a cottage-style collegiate housing community at Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pennsylvania. The community was wholly owned by Landmark and a construction loan was used to fund 80% of the development. The Trust provided $3.0 million of mezzanine financing at an interest rate of 10% per annum and was granted an option to purchase the community in 2013, 2014 or 2015. On September 11, 2013, Landmark repaid the loan and the Trust exercised the purchase option (see Note 7). As of December 31, 2012, the mezzanine financing was recorded in notes receivable in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The mezzanine loan was secured by 100% of Landmark's equity interest in the Pennsylvania State University development and Landmark's equity interest in the joint venture that was developed near the University of Mississippi campus (see Note 7).
	On July 14, 2010, the Trust entered into definitive agreements for the development, financing and management of a $60.7 million, 20-story, 572-bed graduate collegiate housing complex at the Science + Technology Park at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute. The Trust developed and manages the building, which was constructed on land owned by Johns Hopkins University and leased to a subsidiary of East Baltimore Development, Inc., a nonprofit partnership of private and public entities dedicated to Baltimore’s urban revitalization. Under terms of the agreements, the Trust (a) received development and construction oversight fees and reimbursement of pre-development expenses, (b) invested in the form of an $18.0 million second mortgage, (c) received a $3.0 million fee for providing a repayment guarantee of the construction first mortgage and (d) received a 10-year management contract. The second mortgage had an initial interest rate of 10.0% per annum. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the note receivable for the second mortgage had a balance of $18.0 million and is recorded in notes receivable in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Trust does not have an ownership interest in any form that would require consolidation. Due to its financing commitments to the project along with other factors, the Trust will not recognize the development services revenue, guarantee fee revenue and interest income earned on the second mortgage until the second mortgage is repaid, and the Trust no longer has a substantial continuing financial involvement.
Collegiate housing properties	'
	Collegiate housing properties
	Land, land improvements, buildings and improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment are recorded at cost. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over 15 to 40 years, land improvements are depreciated over 15 years and furniture, fixtures, and equipment are depreciated over 3 to 7 years. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes over the estimated useful life.
	Acquired collegiate housing communities’ results of operations are included in the Trust’s results of operations from the respective dates of acquisition. Appraisals, estimates of cash flows and valuation techniques are used to allocate the purchase price of acquired property between land, land improvements, buildings and improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment and identifiable intangibles such as amounts related to in-place leases. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred and are included in general and administrative costs in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	Management assesses impairment of long-lived assets to be held and used whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Management uses an estimate of future undiscounted cash flows of the related asset based on its intended use to determine whether the carrying value is recoverable. If the Trust determines that the carrying value of an asset is not recoverable, the fair value of the asset is estimated and an impairment loss is recorded to the extent the carrying value exceeds estimated fair value. Management estimates fair value using discounted cash flow models, market appraisals if available, and other market participant data.
	When a collegiate housing community has met the criteria to be classified as held for sale, the fair value less cost to sell such asset is estimated. If the fair value less cost to sell the asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment charge is recorded for the estimated loss. Depreciation expense is no longer recorded once a collegiate housing community has met the held for sale criteria. Operations of collegiate housing communities that are sold or classified as held for sale are recorded as part of discontinued operations for all periods presented.
Repairs, maintenance and major improvements	'
	Repairs, maintenance and major improvements
	The costs of ordinary repairs and maintenance are charged to operations when incurred. Major improvements that extend the life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Planned major repair, maintenance and improvement projects are capitalized when performed. In some circumstances, the lenders require the Trust to maintain a reserve account for future repairs and capital expenditures. These amounts are classified as restricted cash in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as the funds are not available for use.
Ground leases	'
	Ground leases
	In conjunction with certain acquisitions, the Trust has entered into long-term ground leases which require an increase in annual rent expense based on the greater of 3% or the consumer price index for the life of the lease. The Trust recognizes the minimum 3% annual increase in rent expense on a straight-line basis.
Investment in unconsolidated entities	'
	Investment in unconsolidated entities
	The Operating Partnership accounts for its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and limited liability companies using the equity method whereby the cost of an investment is adjusted for the Trust’s share of earnings of the respective investment reduced by distributions received. The earnings and distributions of the unconsolidated joint ventures and limited liability companies are allocated based on each owner’s respective ownership interests. These investments are classified as other assets or accrued expenses, depending on whether the distributions exceed the Trust’s contributions and share of earnings in the joint ventures, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets (see Note 3).
Deferred financing costs	'
	Deferred financing costs
	Deferred financing costs represent costs incurred in connection with acquiring debt facilities. These costs are amortized over the terms of the related debt using a method that approximates the effective interest method. Deferred financing costs, net of amortization, are included in other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Common stock issuances and offering costs	'
	Common stock issuances and offering costs
	Specific incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of common stock are charged against the gross proceeds of the related issuance. Accordingly, underwriting commissions and other stock issuance costs are reflected as a reduction of additional paid-in capital in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of changes in equity.
	On August 14, 2012, the Trust completed a follow-on offering of 17.3 million shares of its common stock, which included 2.3 million shares purchased by the underwriters pursuant to an option to purchase additional shares. The Trust received approximately $180.9 million in net proceeds from the offering after deducting the underwriting discount and other offering expenses. The Trust used a portion of the net proceeds to repay the unsecured revolving credit facility (see Note 4) and to fund the acquisition of The Province at East Carolina University, The District on 5th serving the University of Arizona, Campus Village serving Michigan State University, The Province at Kent State serving Kent State University and The Suites at Overton Park and The Centre at Overton Park both serving Texas Tech University (see Note 7).
	On September 20, 2011, the Trust entered into two equity distribution agreements.  Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the agreements, the Trust could issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering amount of up to $50 million. Sales of the common stock depended upon market conditions and other factors determined by the Trust and were made in transactions that were deemed to be “at-the-market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Trust had no obligation to sell any of the common stock, and could at any time suspend offers under the agreements or terminate the agreements. As of December 31, 2012, the Trust had sold 4.8 million shares of common stock under the equity distribution program for net proceeds of approximately $49.2 million and reached the aggregate offering amount of $50 million. On May 22, 2012, the Trust entered into two additional equity distribution agreements similar to the previous agreements discussed above. Under the 2012 agreements, the Trust could issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering amount of $50 million. As of September 30, 2013, the Trust had sold 1.7 million shares of common stock under the 2012 agreements for net proceeds of approximately $17.8 million. The Trust is using the net proceeds to repay debt, fund its development pipeline, fund potential future acquisitions and for general corporate purposes.
	On May 19, 2010, the Trust’s stockholders approved the Education Realty Trust, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”), which became effective on July 1, 2010. Pursuant to the ESPP, all employees of the Trust are eligible to make periodic purchases of common stock through payroll deductions.  Subject to the discretion of the compensation committee of the Board, the purchase price per share of common stock purchased by employees under the ESPP is 85% of the fair market value on the applicable purchase date. The Trust reserved 300,000 shares of common stock for sale under the ESPP. The aggregate cost of the ESPP (generally the 15% discount on the shares purchased) is recorded by the Trust as a period expense.
Debt premiums/discounts	'
	Debt premiums/discounts
	Differences between the estimated fair value of debt and the principal value of debt assumed in connection with collegiate housing property acquisitions are amortized over the term of the related debt as an offset to interest expense using the effective interest method. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Trust had net unamortized debt premiums of $2.5 million and $3.1 million, respectively. These amounts are included in mortgage and construction loans in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Income taxes	'
	Income taxes
	The Trust qualifies as a REIT under the Code. The Trust is generally not subject to federal, state and local income taxes on any of its taxable income that it distributes if it distributes at least 90% of its REIT income for each tax year to its stockholders and meets certain other requirements. If the Trust fails to qualify as a REIT for any taxable year, the Trust will be subject to federal, state and local income taxes (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on its taxable income.
	The Trust has elected to treat certain of its subsidiaries, including the Management Company, as taxable REIT subsidiaries (each a “TRS”). A TRS is subject to federal, state and local income taxes. The Management Company provides management services and through the Development Company provides development services, which if directly provided by the Trust would jeopardize the Trust’s REIT status. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse.
	The Trust had no unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. As of September 30, 2013, the Trust did not expect to record any unrecognized tax benefits. The Trust and its subsidiaries file federal and state income tax returns. As of September 30, 2013, open tax years generally included 2010, 2011 and 2012. The Trust’s policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in general and administrative expenses.
Noncontrolling interests	'
	Noncontrolling interests
	As of September 30, 2013, the Trust had entered into four joint venture agreements to develop, own and manage properties near Duke University, The University of Alabama, Arizona State University – Downtown Phoenix and The University of Mississippi. The Trust is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of these communities; therefore, the Trust accounts for these joint ventures using the consolidation method of accounting. Our joint venture partners’ investments in the joint ventures are accounted for as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets and statements of changes in equity and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. On September 10, 2013, the Trust purchased our joint venture partner's 10% interest in the collegiate housing community referred to as East Edge located near the University of Alabama for $6.9 million in cash (see Note 7).
	The units of limited partnership of the Operating Partnership (“Operating Partnership Units”) and units of limited partnership of University Towers Operating Partnership, LP (“University Towers Operating Partnership Units”) are referred to as noncontrolling interests. The Trust follows the guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) regarding the classification and measurement of redeemable securities. The Operating Partnership Units and the University Towers Operating Partnership Units are redeemable at the option of the holder and essentially have the same characteristics as common stock as they participate in net income and distributions. Accordingly, the Trust has determined that the Operating Partnership Units and the University Towers Operating Partnership Units meet the requirements to be classified outside of permanent equity and are therefore classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. The value of redeemable noncontrolling interests is reported at the greater of fair value or historical cost at the end of each reporting period.
Earnings per share	'
	Earnings per share
	Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings available to shares of common stock by weighted average shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is calculated similarly, except that it includes the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of potentially dilutive securities. The Trust follows the authoritative guidance regarding the determination of whether certain instruments are participating securities. All unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are included in the computation of earnings per share under the two-class method. This results in shares of unvested restricted stock being included in the computation of basic earnings per share for all periods presented.
Goodwill and other intangible assets	'
	Goodwill and other intangible assets
	Goodwill is tested annually for impairment as of December 31, and is tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. The accumulated impairment loss recorded by the Trust as of December 31, 2008 was $0.4 million. No additional impairment has been recorded through September 30, 2013. The carrying value of goodwill was $3.1 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, of which $2.1 million was recorded on the management services segment and $0.9 million was recorded on the development consulting services segment. Goodwill is not subject to amortization. Other intangible assets generally include in-place leases and management contracts acquired in connection with acquisitions and are amortized over the estimated life of the lease/contract term.
Comprehensive income	'
	Comprehensive income
	The Trust follows the authoritative guidance issued by the FASB relating to the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components. For all periods presented, comprehensive income is equal to net income.
Revenue recognition	'
	Revenue recognition
	The Trust recognizes revenue related to leasing activities at the collegiate housing communities owned by the Trust, management fees related to managing third-party collegiate housing communities, development consulting fees related to the general oversight of third-party collegiate housing development and operating expense reimbursements for payroll and related expenses incurred for third-party collegiate housing communities managed by the Trust.
	Collegiate housing leasing revenue — Collegiate housing leasing revenue is comprised of all activities related to leasing and operating the collegiate housing communities and includes revenues from leasing apartments by the bed, food services, parking lot rentals and providing certain ancillary services. This revenue is reflected in collegiate housing leasing revenue in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. Students are required to execute lease contracts with payment schedules that vary from annual to monthly payments. Generally, the Trust requires each executed leasing contract to be accompanied by a signed parental guarantee. Receivables are recorded when billed. Revenues and related lease incentives and nonrefundable application and service fees are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contracts. At certain collegiate housing facilities, the Trust offers parking lot rentals to the tenants. The related revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related agreement.
	Third-party development services revenue — The Trust provides development consulting services in an agency capacity with third parties whereby the fee is determined based upon the total construction costs. Total fees vary from 3-5% of the total estimated costs, and the Trust typically receives a portion of the fees up front. These fees, including the up-front fee, are recognized using the percentage of completion method in proportion to the contract costs incurred by the owner over the course of construction of the respective projects. Occasionally, the development consulting contracts include a provision whereby the Trust can participate in project savings resulting from successful cost management efforts. These revenues are recognized once all contractual terms have been satisfied and no future performance requirements exist. This recognition typically occurs after construction is complete. There was no cost savings revenue recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, there was $0.2 million of revenue recognized related to cost savings agreements on development projects.
	Third-party management services revenue — The Trust enters into management contracts to manage third-party collegiate housing communities. Management revenues are recognized when earned in accordance with each management contract. Incentive management fees are recognized when the incentive criteria have been met.
	Operating expense reimbursements — The Trust pays certain payroll and related costs to operate third-party collegiate housing communities that are managed by the Trust. Under the terms of the related management agreements, the third-party property owners reimburse these costs. The amounts billed to the third-party owners are recognized as revenue.
Costs related to development consulting services	'
	Costs related to development consulting services
	Costs associated with the pursuit of third-party development consulting contracts are expensed as incurred, until such time that management has been notified of a contract award. At such time, the reimbursable costs are recorded as receivables and are reflected as other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	Costs directly associated with internal development projects are capitalized as part of the cost of the project.
Fair value measurements	'
	Fair value measurements
	The Trust follows the guidance contained in FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. Fair value is generally defined as the exit price at which an asset or liability could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing unrelated parties, other than in a forced liquidation or sale. The guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy, giving the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data and requires disclosures for assets and liabilities measured at fair value based on their level in the hierarchy.
	The fair value framework requires the categorization of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions used to value the assets or liabilities. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, whereas Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are defined as follows:
	•	Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.
	•	Level 2 - Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1, for example, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets.
	•	Level 3 - Unobservable inputs reflecting management's own assumption about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.
	Non-financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis consist of real estate assets and investments in partially owned entities that have been written-down to estimated fair value when it has been determined that asset values are not recoverable. The fair values of these assets are determined using discounted cash flow models, market appraisals if available, and other market participant data. There was no impairment recorded during the nine months ended or year ended September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
	Financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value in our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include mezzanine notes receivable and debt. Estimates of the fair values of these instruments are based on our assessments of available market information and valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flow analyses which utilizes market based interest rates. The tables below summarize the carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
			As of September 30, 2013
					Estimated Fair Value
	(in thousands)		Carrying value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Mezzanine notes receivable		$	18,130	$	—	$	19,626	$	—
	Unsecured revolving credit facility		268,900		—		268,900		—
	Variable rate mortgage and construction loans		204,271		—		204,271		—
	Fixed rate mortgage and construction loans (1)		227,948		—		241,125		—
	(1) The carrying value of fixed rate mortgage and construction loans excludes debt premium (see Note 4).
			As of December 31, 2012
					Estimated Fair Value
	(in thousands)		Carrying value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Mezzanine notes receivable		$	21,000	$	—	$	23,772	$	—
	Unsecured revolving credit facility		79,000		—		79,000		—
	Variable rate mortgage and construction loans		125,436		—		125,436		—
	Fixed rate mortgage and construction loans		270,342		—		290,409		—
	The Trust discloses the fair value of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate. The Trust does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. The Trust considers the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, student contracts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses to approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. The carrying value of restricted cash approximates its fair value based on the nature of our assessment of the ability to recover these amounts. Due to the short-term nature of these investments, Level 1 and Level 2 inputs are utilized to estimate the fair value of these financial instruments.
Recent accounting pronouncements	'
	Recent accounting pronouncements
	In February 2013, the FASB updated the guidance related to Liabilities to provide guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date. The updated guidance requires the entity to measure these obligations as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. The updated guidance also requires an entity to disclose the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information. The guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Trust's consolidated financial statements.
	In December 2011, the FASB updated the guidance related to Property, Plant and Equipment- Real Estate Sales to eliminate diversity in practice regarding whether in-substance real estate should be derecognized when the parent ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary that is in-substance real estate because of a default of the subsidiary on its nonrecourse debt. The updated guidance clarifies that the accounting for such transactions is based on substance rather than form, and a reporting entity generally would not satisfy the requirements to derecognize the in-substance real estate before the legal transfer of the real estate to the lender and the extinguishment of the related nonrecourse debt. The guidance was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after June 15, 2012. The adoption had no material impact on the Trust’s accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Summary_of_significant_account2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares	'
	As of September 30, 2013 and 2012, the following potentially dilutive securities were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive:
		2013			2012
	Operating Partnership Units	830,343			859,906
	University Towers Operating Partnership Units	207,257			207,257
	Total potentially dilutive securities	1,037,600			1,067,163
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments	'
	The tables below summarize the carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
			As of September 30, 2013
						Estimated Fair Value
	(in thousands)		Carrying value			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Mezzanine notes receivable		$	18,130		$	—	$	19,626	$	—
	Unsecured revolving credit facility		268,900			—		268,900		—
	Variable rate mortgage and construction loans		204,271			—		204,271		—
	Fixed rate mortgage and construction loans (1)		227,948			—		241,125		—
	(1) The carrying value of fixed rate mortgage and construction loans excludes debt premium (see Note 4).
			As of December 31, 2012
						Estimated Fair Value
	(in thousands)		Carrying value			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Mezzanine notes receivable		$	21,000		$	—	$	23,772	$	—
	Unsecured revolving credit facility		79,000			—		79,000		—
	Variable rate mortgage and construction loans		125,436			—		125,436		—
	Fixed rate mortgage and construction loans		270,342			—		290,409		—

Investments_in_unconsolidated_1

Investments in unconsolidated entities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Financial Information of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	'
	The following is a summary of financial information for the Trust’s unconsolidated joint ventures for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Results of Operations:
	Revenues	$	2,706		$	2,867
	Net loss	(408		)	(2,565		)
	Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities	$	(102	)	$	(340	)

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Scheduled Maturities of Outstanding Mortgage and Construction Indebtedness	'
	The scheduled maturities of outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness as of September 30, 2013 are as follows:
	Fiscal Year Ending	(In thousands)
	2013 (3 months ending December 31, 2013)	$	1,090
	2014	59,271
	2015	100,837
	2016	125,379
	2017	39,814
	Thereafter	105,828
	Total	432,219
	Debt premium	2,486
	Outstanding as of September 30, 2013, net of debt premium	$	434,705

Segments_Tables

Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	The following table represents segment information for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013														Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		(In thousands)
		Collegiate			Development			Management		Adjustments/		Total		Collegiate		Development			Management		Adjustments/			Total
		Housing			Consulting			Services		Eliminations				Housing		Consulting			Services		Eliminations
		Leasing			Services									Leasing		Services
	Segment revenues:
	Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$	118,970		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	118,970	$	88,872	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	88,872
	Third-party development consulting services	—			1,989			—		—		1,989		—		688			—		(198		)	490
	Third-party management services	—			—			2,710		—		2,710		—		—			2,451		—			2,451
	Operating expense reimbursements	—			—			—		8,141		8,141		—		—			—		7,414			7,414
	Total segment revenues	118,970			1,989			2,710		8,141		131,810		88,872		688			2,451		7,216			99,227
	Segment operating expenses:
	Collegiate housing leasing operations	60,795			—			—		—		60,795		45,490		—			—		—			45,490
	General and administrative	—			3,344			1,880		—		5,224		—		2,704			2,096		(44		)	4,756
	Reimbursable operating expenses	—			—			—		8,141		8,141		—		—			—		7,414			7,414
	Total segment operating expenses	60,795			3,344			1,880		8,141		74,160		45,490		2,704			2,096		7,370			57,660
	Segment net operating income (loss) (1)	$	58,175		$	(1,355	)	$	830	$	—	$	57,650	$	43,382	$	(2,016	)	$	355	$	(154	)	$	41,567
	Total segment assets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (2)	$	1,473,665		$	6,097		$	10,965	$	—	$	1,490,727	$	1,257,476	$	5,695		$	10,218	$	—		$	1,273,389
	(1)	The following is a reconciliation of the reportable segments’ net operating income to the Trust’s consolidated loss before income taxes and discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30:
		2013			2012
	Net operating income for reportable segments	$	57,650		$	41,567
	Other unallocated general and administrative expenses	(5,693		)	(5,901		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(34,500		)	(23,780		)
	Ground leases	(5,631		)	(4,716		)
	Nonoperating expenses	(13,374		)	(11,700		)
	Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities	(102		)	(340		)
	Loss before income taxes and discontinued operations	$	(1,650	)	$	(4,870	)
	(2)	The increase in segment assets related to collegiate housing leasing is primarily related to the development of five communities that opened in the third quarter of 2013, the purchase of two communities in the third quarter of 2013 and the continued development of eight communities for ownership by the Trust.
	The following table represents segment information for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013														Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		(In thousands)
		Collegiate			Development			Management		Adjustments/		Total		Collegiate		Development			Management		Adjustments/			Total
		Housing			Consulting			Services		Eliminations				Housing		Consulting			Services		Eliminations
		Leasing			Services									Leasing		Services
	Segment revenues:
	Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$	40,278		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	40,278	$	28,829	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	28,829
	Third-party development consulting services	—			839			—		—		839		—		185			—		(40		)	145
	Third-party management services	—			—			918		—		918		—		—			879		—			879
	Operating expense reimbursements	—			—			—		2,162		2,162		—		—			—		3,015			3,015
	Total segment revenues	40,278			839			918		2,162		44,197		28,829		185			879		2,975			32,868
	Segment operating expenses:
	Collegiate housing leasing operations	24,448			—			—		—		24,448		18,613		—			—		—			18,613
	General and administrative	—			1,221			605		—		1,826		—		880			681		(7		)	1,554
	Reimbursable operating expenses	—			—			—		2,162		2,162		—		—			—		3,015			3,015
	Total segment operating expenses	24,448			1,221			605		2,162		28,436		18,613		880			681		3,008			23,182
	Segment net operating income (loss) (1)	$	15,830		$	(382	)	$	313	$	—	$	15,761	$	10,216	$	(695	)	$	198	$	(33	)	$	9,686
	-1	The following is a reconciliation of the reportable segments’ net operating income to the Trust’s consolidated loss before income taxes and discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30:
		2013			2012
	Net operating income for reportable segments	$	15,761		$	9,686
	Other unallocated general and administrative expenses	(1,709		)	(1,790		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(11,714		)	(8,268		)
	Ground leases	(1,833		)	(1,696		)
	Nonoperating expenses	(4,878		)	(3,534		)
	Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities	(61		)	(39		)
	Loss before income taxes and discontinued operations	$	(4,434	)	$	(5,641	)
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	'
	The following is a reconciliation of the reportable segments’ net operating income to the Trust’s consolidated loss before income taxes and discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30:
		2013			2012
	Net operating income for reportable segments	$	15,761		$	9,686
	Other unallocated general and administrative expenses	(1,709		)	(1,790		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(11,714		)	(8,268		)
	Ground leases	(1,833		)	(1,696		)
	Nonoperating expenses	(4,878		)	(3,534		)
	Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities	(61		)	(39		)
	Loss before income taxes and discontinued operations	$	(4,434	)	$	(5,641	)
	The following is a reconciliation of the reportable segments’ net operating income to the Trust’s consolidated loss before income taxes and discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30:
		2013			2012
	Net operating income for reportable segments	$	57,650		$	41,567
	Other unallocated general and administrative expenses	(5,693		)	(5,901		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(34,500		)	(23,780		)
	Ground leases	(5,631		)	(4,716		)
	Nonoperating expenses	(13,374		)	(11,700		)
	Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities	(102		)	(340		)
	Loss before income taxes and discontinued operations	$	(1,650	)	$	(4,870	)

Acquisition_and_development_of1

Acquisition and development of real estate investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Collegiate Housing Community Acquisitions	'
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Trust completed the following seven collegiate housing community acquisitions:
	Name		Primary University Served		Acquisition		# of Beds		# of Units			Contract Price (in thousands)
					Date
	The Reserve on Stinson (1)		University of Oklahoma Norman, Oklahoma		Jan-12		612		204			$22,954
	The Province		East Carolina University Greenville, North Carolina		Sep-12		728		235			$50,000
	The District on 5th		University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona		Oct-12		764		208			$66,442
	Campus Village (2)		Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan		Oct-12		355		106			$20,900
	The Province		Kent State University Kent, Ohio		Nov-12		596		246			$45,000
	The Suites at Overton Park		Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas		Dec-12		465		298			$37,000
	The Centre at Overton Park		Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas		Dec-12		401		278			$37,000
	(1)	The Operating Partnership had a 10% equity investment in the entity that previously owned The Reserve on Stinson collegiate housing community and also managed the property prior to the acquisition.
	(2)	The Trust entered into a 32-year ground lease, with the option to extend the lease 20 additional years subject to certain conditions, which requires an increase in annual rent expense to be determined on predetermined adjustment dates based on the consumer price index for the life of the lease.
Allocation of Purchase Price to Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	A summary follows of the allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of the dates of the acquisitions (in thousands):
		The Province at East Carolina				The District on 5th			The Suites and Centre at Overton Park				Other			Total
	Collegiate housing properties	$	49,609			$	65,997		$	76,678			$	88,129		$	280,413
	Other assets	502				475			4,830				971			6,778
	Current liabilities	(531		)		(545		)	(1,651		)		(1,356		)	(4,083		)
	Mortgage debt	—				—			(51,625		)		—			(51,625		)
	Total net assets acquired	$	49,580			$	65,927		$	28,232			$	87,744		$	231,483
		The Cottages on Lindberg				The Retreat at State College			Total
	Collegiate housing properties	$	36,000			$	56,189		$	92,189
	Other assets	51				65			116
	Current liabilities	(689		)		(405		)	(1,094		)
	Total net assets acquired	$	35,362			$	55,849		$	91,211
Acquisitions Revenue Net Income and Earnings Per Share of Combined Entity had Acquisition Date Been as of Beginning of Period	'
	The amounts of the 2012 acquisitions’ revenue and net income included in the Trust’s accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, and the unaudited pro forma revenue and net income of the combined entity had the acquisition date been January 1, 2011, are as follows:
		Revenue				Net			Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per share - basic and diluted
						income (loss)
		(in thousands)
	Actual from date of acquisition – 9/30/12	$	2,469			$	464		$	—
	2012 supplemental pro forma for 1/1/12 – 9/30/12(1)	$	110,148			$	5,637		$	0.06
	2011 supplemental pro forma for 1/1/11 – 9/30/11(1)	$	88,283			$	(6,245	)	$	(0.09	)
	(1)	Supplemental pro forma earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were adjusted to exclude $1.1 million of acquisition-related costs incurred in 2012. Supplemental pro forma earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were adjusted to include these charges.
	The amounts of the 2013 acquisitions’ revenue and net income included in the Trust’s accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and the unaudited pro forma revenue and net income of the combined entity had the acquisition date been January 1, 2012, are as follows:
		Revenue				Net			Net income attributable to common stockholders per share - basic and diluted
						income
		(in thousands)
	Actual from date of acquisition – 9/30/13	$	719			$	400		$	—
	2013 supplemental pro forma for 1/1/13 – 9/30/13(1)	$	134,148			$	3,539		$	0.03
	2012 supplemental pro forma for 1/1/12 – 9/30/12(1)	$	99,895			$	3,703		$	0.04
	-1	Supplemental pro forma earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were adjusted to exclude $0.1 million of acquisition-related costs incurred in 2013. Supplemental pro forma earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were adjusted to include these charges.

Disposition_of_real_estate_inv1

Disposition of real estate investments and discontinued operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations Net of Noncontrolling Interests and Related Realized Gains on Sales of Real Estate from Discontinued Operations Net of Noncontrolling Interests	'
	The following tables summarize the income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests, and the related realized gains on sales of real estate from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		Nine months ended September 30, 2013			Nine months ended September 30, 2012
	Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$	1,838		$	10,994
	Collegiate housing leasing operating expenses	(1,207		)	(6,182		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(461		)	(2,827		)
	Interest income	1			—
	Noncontrolling interests	(2		)	(20		)
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$	169		$	1,965
	Gain on sale of collegiate housing property	3,895			5,427
	Noncontrolling interests	(28		)	(41		)
	Gain on sale of collegiate housing property attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$	3,867		$	5,386
		Three months ended September 30, 2013			Three months ended September 30, 2012
	Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$	—		$	3,321
	Collegiate housing leasing operating expenses	(80		)	(2,384		)
	Depreciation and amortization	—			(822		)
	Interest income	—			—
	Noncontrolling interests	1			(1		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$	(79	)	$	114
	Gain on sale of collegiate housing property	—			5,257
	Noncontrolling interests	—			(40		)
	Gain on sale of collegiate housing property attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$	—		$	5,217

Incentive_plan_Tables

Incentive plan (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock Based Incentive Plan Activity	'
	A summary of the stock-based incentive plan activity as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows:
		Stock
		Awards(1)
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012	1,052,051
	Granted	187,971
	Retired	(36,201	)
	Outstanding as of September 30, 2013	1,203,821
	Vested as of September 30, 2013	749,558
	(1)	Includes restricted stock and RSU awards where a specific amount of RSUs were granted.

Restatement_of_consolidated_fi1

Restatement of consolidated financial statements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments	'
	The table below presents the balances as originally reported, along with the adjustments and restated amount in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
	Nine months ended September 30, 2012
	(Amounts in thousands)
		As Previously Reported			Adjustments			As Restated
	Operating activities:
	Change in operating assets and liabilities	$	12,373		(8,960	)	(a)	$	3,413
	Net cash provided by operating activities	43,062			(8,960	)			34,102
	Investing activities:
	Investment in assets under development	(107,793		)	5,242		(a) (b)		(102,551	)
	Net cash used in investing activities	(151,892		)	5,242				(146,650	)
	Financing activities:
	Return of equity to noncontrolling interests	—			(321	)	(b)	(321		)
	Contributions from noncontrolling interests	—			4,039		(b)	4,039
	Net cash provided by financing activities	$	160,640		3,718			$	164,358
	(a) Represents $8,960 of the cash source reported in accounts payable and accrued expenses that was attributable to the change in accounts payable and accrued expenses related to assets under development that should have reduced the amount reported as investments in assets under development.
	(b)	The Trust received $4,039 in contributions from noncontrolling interests and returned capital of $321 to noncontrolling interests related to assets under development. The net $3,718 source of cash should not have been included in assets under development and the respective contributions and distributions should have been reported separately in the financing section of the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.

Recovered_Sheet1

Organization and Description of Business - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	200,000,000	200,000,000
Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, par value per share (usd per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, par value per share (usd per share)	$0.01	$0.01

Summary_of_significant_account3

Summary of significant accounting policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Aug. 14, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2008

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 20, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

22-May-12

Aug. 14, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 14, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 14, 2010

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Aug. 26, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Management Services

Management Services

Development Consulting Services

Development Consulting Services

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Equity Distribution Agreement 2011

Equity Distribution Agreement 2011

Equity Distribution Agreement 2012

Equity Distribution Agreement 2012

Underwriters Overallotment Option

Land Improvements

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds [Member]

Project Development Services

Guarantee Fee Revenue

Interest Income

Participating Project to Develop Collegiate Housing Complex at Science and Technology Park at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute

Participating Project to Develop Collegiate Housing Complex at Science and Technology Park at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute

Participating Project to Develop Collegiate Housing Complex at Science and Technology Park at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute

Participating Project to Develop Collegiate Housing Complex at Science and Technology Park at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute

Landmark Properties

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

University Village Greensboro Limited Liability Company [Member]

University Village Greensboro Limited Liability Company [Member]

University Village Greensboro Limited Liability Company [Member]

University Village Greensboro Limited Liability Company [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds East Edge Apartments [Member]

agreement

agreement

property

property

bed

Second Mortgage

Second Mortgage

Second Mortgage

Mezzanine Loan [Member]

Buildings and Improvements

Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment

Buildings and Improvements

Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment

Promissory Loan [Member]

Promissory Loan [Member]

story

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

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Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage

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25.00%

25.00%

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'

10.00%

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

'

$6,900,000

'

$91,216,000

$72,952,000

[1]

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Financing Receivable, Gross

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500,000

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Maturity period of highly-liquid investments classified as cash equivalents

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'3 months

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'

Cash on deposit uninsured by the FDIC

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10,900,000

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10,900,000

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Percentage of development cost funded by construction loan (percent)

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80.00%

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Notes receivable

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18,130,000

'

18,130,000

'

21,000,000

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18,000,000

18,000,000

'

3,000,000

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'

100,000

'

'

Notes receivable, interest rate (percent)

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10.00%

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10.00%

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Number of Draws on Promissory Loan

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0

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Notes receivable, percentage secured by equity interest (percent)

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100.00%

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Project cost

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

60,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of story (stories)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of beds (beds)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

572

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Second mortgage Investment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guarantee fee revenue

'

28,173,000

'

28,173,000

'

17,964,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Management contract period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue that would have been recognized had construction loan and second mortgage had been repaid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,600,000

3,000,000

5,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment, useful life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'15 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'40 years

'7 years

'

'15 years

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

Number of properties classified as part of discontinued operation (properties)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of properties sold (properties)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual increase in ground lease rent expense (percent)

'

'

'

3.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ground lease expense

'

1,833,000

1,696,000

5,631,000

4,716,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock offering, shares

17,300,000

'

'

33,180

32,287

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock issued, net proceeds

180,900,000

'

'

16,795,000

220,400,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49,200,000

'

17,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of equity distribution agreements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock, shares authorized (shares)

'

200,000,000

'

200,000,000

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

50,000,000

'

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock, shares issued (shares)

'

114,671,212

'

114,671,212

'

113,062,452

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,800,000

'

1,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee stock purchase plan, purchase price per share of common stock purchased as percentage of fair market value on applicable purchase date (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

85.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee stock purchase plan, shares of common stock reserved for issuance (shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee stock purchase plan, discount on the shares purchased (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee stock purchase plan, compensation expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,428,000

18,128,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Mortgage and construction loans, unamortized debt premiums

'

2,486,000

'

2,486,000

'

3,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Taxable income that needs to be distributed to stockholders in order to avoid federal, state and local income taxes (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

90.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized tax benefits

'

0

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized tax benefits, interest or penalties

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Partnership Units redeemed (units)

'

'

'

'

43,832

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common shares issued up on redemption of noncontrolling interest (shares)

'

'

'

'

43,832

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill accumulated impairment loss

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill, Impairment Loss

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill carrying value

'

3,100,000

'

3,100,000

'

3,100,000

'

2,100,000

2,100,000

900,000

900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Carrying value of other intangible assets

'

0

'

0

'

1,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Third-party development services revenue fee as a percentage total estimated costs (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

3.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue recognized related to cost savings agreements

'

'

'

$0

$200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

See Note 11 for further discussion of the restatement.

Summary_of_significant_account4

Summary of significant accounting policies - Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding [Line Items]	'	'
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (shares)	1,037,600	1,067,163
Operating Partnership Units	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding [Line Items]	'	'
Diluted shares outstanding adjustment (shares)	830,343	859,906
University Towers Operating Partnership Units	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding [Line Items]	'	'
Diluted shares outstanding adjustment (shares)	207,257	207,257

Summary_of_significant_account5

Summary of significant accounting policies - Summary of Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying value	'		'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'		'
Mezzanine notes receivable	$18,130		$21,000
Unsecured revolving credit facility	268,900		79,000
Carrying value | Variable Rate	'		'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage and construction loans	204,271		125,436
Carrying value | Fixed Rate	'		'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage and construction loans	227,948	[1]	270,342
Estimated Fair Value | Level 1	'		'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'		'
Mezzanine notes receivable	'		'
Unsecured revolving credit facility	'		'
Estimated Fair Value | Level 1 | Variable Rate	'		'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage and construction loans	'		'
Estimated Fair Value | Level 1 | Fixed Rate	'		'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage and construction loans	'	[1]	'
Estimated Fair Value | Level 2	'		'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'		'
Mezzanine notes receivable	19,626		23,772
Unsecured revolving credit facility	268,900		79,000
Estimated Fair Value | Level 2 | Variable Rate	'		'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage and construction loans	204,271		125,436
Estimated Fair Value | Level 2 | Fixed Rate	'		'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage and construction loans	241,125	[1]	290,409
Estimated Fair Value | Level 3	'		'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'		'
Mezzanine notes receivable	'		'
Unsecured revolving credit facility	'		'
Estimated Fair Value | Level 3 | Variable Rate	'		'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage and construction loans	'		'
Estimated Fair Value | Level 3 | Fixed Rate	'		'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgage and construction loans	'	[1]	'
[1]	The carrying value of fixed rate mortgage and construction loans excludes debt premium (see Note 4).

Investments_in_unconsolidated_2

Investments in unconsolidated entities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Asset related to investments in unconsolidated entities	$20,700,000	$20,700,000	'		$11,800,000
Payments to purchase majority of the assets of joint venture	6,900,000	91,216,000	72,952,000	[1]	'
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated entities	'	59,000	146,000	[1]	'
Loss on sale of investments	'	'	'		'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities	'	'	100,000		'
Gain (Loss) on Investments	'	'	'		'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated entities	'	'	45,000		'
Accrued Liabilities	'	'	'		'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Investments classified in accrued expenses	1,700,000	1,700,000	'		1,500,000
MN Holdings, Llc	'	'	'		'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage (percent)	50.00%	50.00%	'		'
Unnamed Joint Investment	'	'	'		'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage (percent)	50.00%	50.00%	'		'
Elauwit Networks	'	'	'		'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage (percent)	10.00%	10.00%	'		'
University Village-Greensboro LLC	'	'	'		'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage (percent)	25.00%	25.00%	25.00%		'
WEDR Stinson Investors V, LLC	'	'	'		'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage (percent)	'	'	10.00%		'
Payments to purchase majority of the assets of joint venture	'	'	$22,900,000		'
[1]	See Note 11 for further discussion of the restatement.

Investments_in_unconsolidated_3

Investments in unconsolidated entities - Financial Information of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	$2,706	$2,867
Net loss	'	'	-408	-2,565
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities	($61)	($39)	($102)	($340)	[1]
[1]	See Note 11 for further discussion of the restatement.

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 02, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 02, 2013

Jul. 02, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 02, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jan. 14, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 21, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 24, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

University Towers [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds [Member]

University Towers [Member]

The Centre at Overton Park Texas Tech University

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds Reserve At Saluki Pointe Apartments [Member]

The Suites At Overton Park Texas Tech University [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds Oaks On Square Apartments [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds Campus Lodge

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

Fannie Mae

Variable Rate Residential Mortgage

Fixed Rate Residential Mortgage

Fixed Rate Residential Mortgage

Overton Park Collegiate Housing Communities

Second Mortgage

GrandMarc at Westberry Place

Base Rate Plus [Member]

Base Rate Plus [Member]

Base Rate Plus [Member]

Libor Plus [Member]

Libor Plus [Member]

Libor Plus [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Debt Service Ratio, One

Debt Service Ratio, One

Debt Service Ratio, One

Debt Service Ratio, One

Debt Service Ratio, One

Debt Service Ratio, One

Debt Service Ratio, One

Debt Service Ratio, One

Debt Service Ratio, One

Debt Service Ratio, One

Debt Service Ratio, Two

Debt Service Ratio, Two

Debt Service Ratio, Two

Debt Service Ratio, Three

Amended Line Of Credit Facility [Member]

Amended Line Of Credit Facility [Member]

Amended Line Of Credit Facility [Member]

Amended Line Of Credit Facility [Member]

Amended Line Of Credit Facility [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds East Edge Apartments [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds East Edge Apartments [Member]

The Avenue At Southern [Member]

Variable Rate Residential Mortgage

Fixed Rate Mortgage Debt

Fixed Rate Mortgage Debt

Construction Loans [Member]

Mortgages

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds University Village Apartments on Colvin

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds University Village Apartments on Colvin

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds Reserve At Saluki Pointe Apartments [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds At Syracuse University Campus West Apartments

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds Oaks On Square Apartments [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds East Edge Apartments [Member]

University of Mississippi campus (The Retreat)

University of Mississippi campus (The Retreat)

Arizona State University Phoenix

Master Secured Credit Facility

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds [Member]

The Suites At Overton Park Texas Tech University [Member]

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

Base Rate Plus [Member]

Base Rate Plus [Member]

Libor Plus [Member]

Libor Plus [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

Minimum [Member]

Construction Loans

Fourth Amended Revolver

Fourth Amended Revolver

Fourth Amended Revolver

Third Amended Revolver

Third Amended Revolver

Amended Line Of Credit Facility [Member]

Debt Service Ratio, One

Debt Service Ratio, Two

Fannie Mae

extension_allowed

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds Oaks On Square Apartments [Member]

University of Mississippi campus (The Retreat)

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds At Syracuse University Campus West Apartments

University of Mississippi campus (The Retreat)

Arizona State University Phoenix

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds At Syracuse University Campus West Apartments

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds East Edge Apartments [Member]

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

University Towers [Member]

University Towers [Member]

University Towers [Member]

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds East Edge Apartments [Member]

Arizona State University Phoenix

University Towers [Member]

Arizona State University Phoenix

Minimum [Member]

Fourth Amended Revolver

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Master Secured Credit Facility

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds At Syracuse University Campus West Apartments

University of Mississippi campus (The Retreat)

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds At Syracuse University Campus West Apartments

University of Mississippi campus (The Retreat)

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds Oaks On Square Apartments [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds East Edge Apartments [Member]

Construction Loans

Construction Loans

company

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

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Contract Price

$92,200,000

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Line of Credit Facility, Number of Options to Extend

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'

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2,000

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Revolving credit facility, initiation date

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14-Jan-13

'

21-Sep-11

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'

Revolving credit facility, maximum availability

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375,000,000

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175,000,000

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Line of Credit Facility, Option to Extend Credit, Duration

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'4 years

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Revolving credit facility, maturity date

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14-Jan-17

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21-Sep-14

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Revolving credit facility, maximum availability upon satisfaction of certain conditions

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500,000,000

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375,000,000

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Line of credit facility, availability percentage of property asset value

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60.00%

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Debt service ratio

1.25

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1.3

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1.3

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1.25

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1

1.15

'

1.35

1.3

1.45

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1.4

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12.5

'

Fees and Commissions, Mortgage Banking

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200,000

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Applicable Margin Rate

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0.50%

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Interest rate basis point over LIBOR

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2.00%

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2.25%

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2.10%

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Revolving credit facility, borrowing base

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'

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'

375,000,000

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Line of credit facility, amount outstanding

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'

268,900,000

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Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing base availability

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'

106,100,000

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'

455,600,000

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Line of credit facility, interest rate

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'

1.63%

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Revolving credit facility, maximum allowable distributions of funds from operations

95.00%

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'

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'

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'

'

'

Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium

432,219,000

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Unamortized debt premium

2,486,000

3,100,000

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'

Construction debt

'

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'

'

134,400,000

'

8,400,000

'

'

12,300,000

31,000,000

33,100,000

27,100,000

'

30,900,000

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'

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'

Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners

'

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'

'

'

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'

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'

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'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

Outstanding mortgage debt

'

'

'

9,700,000

34,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

170,400,000

69,900,000

180,000,000

'

47,900,000

'

35,900,000

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

14,600,000

Debt Instrument Term

'

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'

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'

'

'

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'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

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'

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding mortgage debt, minimum interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.92%

'

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'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding mortgage debt, maximum interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding mortgage debt, interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.59%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.87%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding debt

'

'

'

'

'

23,300,000

'

25,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding debt, interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

5.60%

'

4.16%

'

6.97%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.29%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Apr-16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-Oct-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20-Mar-16

'

20-Mar-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity extension period

'

'

'12 months

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding debt, margin on variable rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.10%

'

'

1.25%

2.40%

1.10%

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.85%

2.50%

0.95%

1.10%

1.95%

2.10%

2.25%

'

0.13%

0.80%

0.80%

1.80%

1.80%

'

'

'

'

'

0.13%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basis spread adjusted for construction completion

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Mortgage loan, maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Jan-20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate at period end

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.98%

2.43%

2.58%

2.28%

'

2.44%

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.90%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Extended maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29-Sep-13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt service coverage ratio

'

'

'12 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt extension fee

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.20%

'

'

'

'

0.25%

'

0.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,200,000

'

'

4,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of debt outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

34,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.48%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average interest rate

4.29%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average term to maturity

'3 years 0 months 11 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Additional Extension Allowed, Duration

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.99%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of properties released from collateral pool

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

Mortgage and construction loans, net of unamortized premium/discount

$434,705,000

$398,846,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number Of Periods For Extension of Mortgage Loan

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Scheduled_Maturities_of_O

Debt - Scheduled Maturities of Outstanding Mortgage and Construction Indebtedness (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Contract Price	$92,200,000	'
2013 (3 months ending December 31, 2013)	1,090,000	'
2014	59,271,000	'
2015	100,837,000	'
2016	125,379,000	'
2017	39,814,000	'
Thereafter	105,828,000	'
Total	432,219,000	'
Debt premium	2,486,000	3,100,000
Outstanding as of September 30, 2013, net of debt premium	434,705,000	398,846,000
Construction Loans [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Construction Loan	134,400,000	'
Construction Loans [Member] | Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds University Village Apartments On Colvin [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Construction Loan	$8,400,000	'
Scenario One [Member] | Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds East Edge Apartments [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Construction Loans [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	10.00%	'

Segments_Additional_Informatio

Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	community
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of reportable segments	3
Number of Communities Under Development	8

Segments_Segment_Information_D

Segments - Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment revenues:	'		'		'		'		'
Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$40,278		$28,829		$118,970		$88,872		'
Third-party development consulting services	839		145		1,989		490		'
Third-party management services	918		879		2,710		2,451		'
Operating expense reimbursements	2,162		3,015		8,141		7,414		'
Total revenues	44,197		32,868		131,810		99,227		'
Segment operating expenses:	'		'		'		'		'
Collegiate housing leasing operations	24,448		18,613		60,795		45,490		'
General and administrative	1,826		1,554		5,224		4,756		'
Reimbursable operating expenses	2,162		3,015		8,141		7,414		'
Total segment operating expenses	28,436		23,182		74,160		57,660		'
Segment net operating income (loss)	15,761	[1]	9,686	[1]	57,650	[2]	41,567	[2]	'
Total segment assets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	1,490,727	[3]	'		1,490,727	[3]	'		1,273,389	[3]
Other General and Administrative Expense	1,709		1,790		5,693		5,901		'
Depreciation and amortization	11,714		8,268		34,500		23,780	[4]	'
Ground lease expense	1,833		1,696		5,631		4,716		'
Nonoperating income (expense)	-4,878		-3,534		-13,374		-11,700		'
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities	-61		-39		-102		-340	[4]	'
Collegiate Housing Leasing [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Segment revenues:	'		'		'		'		'
Collegiate housing leasing revenue	40,278		28,829		118,970		88,872		'
Third-party development consulting services	0		0		0		0		'
Third-party management services	0		0		0		0		'
Operating expense reimbursements	0		0		0		0		'
Total revenues	40,278		28,829		118,970		88,872		'
Segment operating expenses:	'		'		'		'		'
Collegiate housing leasing operations	24,448		18,613		60,795		45,490		'
General and administrative	0		0		0		0		'
Reimbursable operating expenses	0		0		0		0		'
Total segment operating expenses	24,448		18,613		60,795		45,490		'
Segment net operating income (loss)	15,830	[1]	10,216	[1]	58,175	[2]	43,382	[2]	'
Total segment assets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	1,473,665	[3]	'		1,473,665	[3]	'		1,257,476	[3]
Development Consulting Services	'		'		'		'		'
Segment revenues:	'		'		'		'		'
Collegiate housing leasing revenue	0		0		0		0		'
Third-party development consulting services	839		185		1,989		688		'
Third-party management services	0		0		0		0		'
Operating expense reimbursements	0		0		0		0		'
Total revenues	839		185		1,989		688		'
Segment operating expenses:	'		'		'		'		'
Collegiate housing leasing operations	0		0		0		0		'
General and administrative	1,221		880		3,344		2,704		'
Reimbursable operating expenses	0		0		0		0		'
Total segment operating expenses	1,221		880		3,344		2,704		'
Segment net operating income (loss)	-382	[1]	-695	[1]	-1,355	[2]	-2,016	[2]	'
Total segment assets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	6,097	[3]	'		6,097	[3]	'		5,695	[3]
Management Services	'		'		'		'		'
Segment revenues:	'		'		'		'		'
Collegiate housing leasing revenue	0		0		0		0		'
Third-party development consulting services	0		0		0		0		'
Third-party management services	918		879		2,710		2,451		'
Operating expense reimbursements	0		0		0		0		'
Total revenues	918		879		2,710		2,451		'
Segment operating expenses:	'		'		'		'		'
Collegiate housing leasing operations	0		0		0		0		'
General and administrative	605		681		1,880		2,096		'
Reimbursable operating expenses	0		0		0		0		'
Total segment operating expenses	605		681		1,880		2,096		'
Segment net operating income (loss)	313	[1]	198	[1]	830	[2]	355	[2]	'
Total segment assets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	10,965	[3]	'		10,965	[3]	'		10,218	[3]
Adjustments/ Eliminations	'		'		'		'		'
Segment revenues:	'		'		'		'		'
Collegiate housing leasing revenue	0		0		0		0		'
Third-party development consulting services	0		-40		0		-198		'
Third-party management services	0		0		0		0		'
Operating expense reimbursements	2,162		3,015		8,141		7,414		'
Total revenues	2,162		2,975		8,141		7,216		'
Segment operating expenses:	'		'		'		'		'
Collegiate housing leasing operations	0		0		0		0		'
General and administrative	0		-7		0		-44		'
Reimbursable operating expenses	2,162		3,015		8,141		7,414		'
Total segment operating expenses	2,162		3,008		8,141		7,370		'
Segment net operating income (loss)	0	[1]	-33	[1]	0	[2]	-154	[2]	'
Total segment assets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	$0	[3]	'		$0	[3]	'		$0	[3]
[1]	The following is a reconciliation of the reportable segments’ net operating income to the Trust’s consolidated loss before income taxes and discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30: 2013 2012Net operating income for reportable segments$15,761 $9,686Other unallocated general and administrative expenses(1,709) (1,790)Depreciation and amortization(11,714) (8,268)Ground leases(1,833) (1,696)Nonoperating expenses(4,878) (3,534)Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities(61) (39)Loss before income taxes and discontinued operations$(4,434) $(5,641)
[2]	The following is a reconciliation of the reportable segments’ net operating income to the Trust’s consolidated loss before income taxes and discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30: 2013 2012Net operating income for reportable segments$57,650 $41,567Other unallocated general and administrative expenses(5,693) (5,901)Depreciation and amortization(34,500) (23,780)Ground leases(5,631) (4,716)Nonoperating expenses(13,374) (11,700)Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities(102) (340)Loss before income taxes and discontinued operations$(1,650) $(4,870)
[3]	The increase in segment assets related to collegiate housing leasing is primarily related to the development of five communities that opened in the third quarter of 2013, the purchase of two communities in the third quarter of 2013 and the continued development of eight communities for ownership by the Trust.
[4]	See Note 11 for further discussion of the restatement.

Segments_Segment_Information_P

Segments - Segment Information (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
					community
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Number of Communities Under Development	'		'		8		'
Net operating income for reportable segments	$15,761	[1]	$9,686	[1]	$57,650	[2]	$41,567	[2]
Other unallocated general and administrative expenses	-1,709		-1,790		-5,693		-5,901
Depreciation and amortization	-11,714		-8,268		-34,500		-23,780	[3]
Ground leases	-1,833		-1,696		-5,631		-4,716
Nonoperating expenses	-4,878		-3,534		-13,374		-11,700
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities	-61		-39		-102		-340	[3]
Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations	($4,434)		($5,641)		($1,650)		($4,870)
Number of Communities Under Development Completed [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Number of Communities Under Development	'		'		5		'
[1]	The following is a reconciliation of the reportable segments’ net operating income to the Trust’s consolidated loss before income taxes and discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30: 2013 2012Net operating income for reportable segments$15,761 $9,686Other unallocated general and administrative expenses(1,709) (1,790)Depreciation and amortization(11,714) (8,268)Ground leases(1,833) (1,696)Nonoperating expenses(4,878) (3,534)Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities(61) (39)Loss before income taxes and discontinued operations$(4,434) $(5,641)
[2]	The following is a reconciliation of the reportable segments’ net operating income to the Trust’s consolidated loss before income taxes and discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30: 2013 2012Net operating income for reportable segments$57,650 $41,567Other unallocated general and administrative expenses(5,693) (5,901)Depreciation and amortization(34,500) (23,780)Ground leases(5,631) (4,716)Nonoperating expenses(13,374) (11,700)Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities(102) (340)Loss before income taxes and discontinued operations$(1,650) $(4,870)
[3]	See Note 11 for further discussion of the restatement.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Jul. 14, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 14, 2010

Jul. 14, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Minimum [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds Oaks On Square Apartments [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds Oaks On Square Apartments [Member]

Financial Guarantee

Financial Guarantee

Equity Method Investee

Operating Partnership Units

Corporate Joint Venture

Leyland Alliance Limited Liability Company

Leyland Alliance Limited Liability Company

Third Amended Revolver

Florida International University [Member]

Project Costs

Amended Line Of Credit Facility [Member]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase price

'

$92,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$43,500,000

Line of credit facility, outstanding but was never used

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

'

Guarantee obligations

'

'

'

'

'

'

42,000,000

'

24,100,000

'

46,400,000

'

'

'

'

Operating Partnership's proportionate interest in the related mortgage debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Guaranty Liabilities

'

8,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guarantee fee revenue

'

28,173,000

17,964,000

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Project reserves

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum debt service coverage ratio required before project reserves stopped to be replenished annually

1.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Construction debt

'

'

'

'

42,800,000

22,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

11,800,000

6,300,000

'

'

Minimum ownership interest to be hold by contributing owners for the trust to maintain certain minimum amounts of debt on the property to avoid triggering gain to contributing owners

'

'

'

25.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reimbursable predevelopment costs

'

$3,000,000

$3,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recovered_Sheet2

Acquisition and Development of Real Estate Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

property

property

3949 Lindell

Commercial Real Estate Developer [Member]

Commercial Real Estate Developer [Member]

Commercial Real Estate Developer [Member]

Commercial Real Estate Developer [Member]

Commercial Real Estate Developer [Member]

Commercial Real Estate Developer [Member]

Commercial Real Estate Developer [Member]

Commercial Real Estate Developer [Member]

Commercial Real Estate Developer [Member]

Commercial Real Estate Developer [Member]

Commercial Real Estate Developer [Member]

Commercial Real Estate Developer [Member]

Commercial Real Estate Developer [Member]

Commercial Real Estate Developer [Member]

The Province East Carolina University [Member]

Twenty Twelve Acquisitions [Member]

Twenty Twelve Acquisitions [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds East Edge Apartments [Member]

University Village Towers

Lotus Lofts

Lotus Lofts

Business Combination Acquisition Related Costs

Leyland Alliance Limited Liability Company Ph II [Member]

Javelin 19

Summa West Limited Liability Company [Member]

Summa West Limited Liability Company [Member]

Retreat at Oxford [Member]

Retreat at Oxford [Member]

Landmark Properties

Landmark Properties

University Of Kentucky [Member]

University Of Kentucky [Member]

University Of Texas [Member]

University Of Texas [Member]

Leyland Alliance Limited Liability Company

Leyland Alliance Limited Liability Company

Leyland Alliance Limited Liability Company

bed

Commercial Real Estate Developer [Member]

Leyland Alliance Limited Liability Company

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number Of Beds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

728

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2012-09

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue, actual from date of acquisition

$44,197,000

$32,868,000

$131,810,000

$99,227,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,469,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

110,148,000

[1]

88,283,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income, supplemental pro forma

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,637,000

[1]

-6,245,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income attributable to common stockholders per share - basic and diluted, supplemental pro forma (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.06

[1]

($0.09)

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

6,900,000

'

91,216,000

72,952,000

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number Of Units Acquired In Real Estate Property

'

'

2

'

7

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition costs

'

'

0

1,100,000

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair values of liabilities assumed

91,211,000

'

91,211,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

48,500,000

'

Collegiate housing acquisitions or completed developments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,500,000

'

'

'

'

Development of real estate investments, costs for the project

74,179,000

'

74,179,000

'

159,264,000

23,200,000

14,200,000

51,300,000

'

'

36,300,000

'

'

76,500,000

'

69,400,000

'

'

3,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

28,200,000

Capitalized Internal Costs

'

'

'

'

'

31,641

100,000

'

100,000

'

'

45,970

46,816

600,000

200,000

200,000

100,000

'

100,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

65,863

18,743

'

'

Development of real estate investments, capitalized interest costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

700,000

300,000

200,000

'

400,000

100,000

1,000,000

100,000

1,200,000

500,000

'

600,000

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

73,758

7,692

'

'

Number of phases

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent

-4,462,000

489,000

2,679,000

3,633,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

464,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted

($0.04)

$0

$0.02

$0.04

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed In Addition To Fixed Assets

$1,000,000

'

$1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Supplemental pro forma earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were adjusted to exclude $1.1 million of acquisition-related costs incurred in 2012. Supplemental pro forma earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were adjusted to include these charges.

[2]

See Note 11 for further discussion of the restatement.

Acquisition_and_development_of2

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Collegiate Housing Community Acquisitions (Detail) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Reserve on Stinson Apartments

Collegiate Housing Communities University of Arizona

Campus Village

The Province Kent State University

The Suites At Overton Park Texas Tech University [Member]

The Centre at Overton Park Texas Tech University

The Cottages on Lindberg [Member]

The Retreat at State College [Member]

Other Property [Member]

Other Property [Member]

Other Property [Member]

Other Property [Member]

Other Property [Member]

Other Property [Member]

Other Asset [Member]

Other Asset [Member]

Other Asset [Member]

Other Asset [Member]

Other Asset [Member]

Other Asset [Member]

Current Liabilities [Member]

Current Liabilities [Member]

Current Liabilities [Member]

Current Liabilities [Member]

Current Liabilities [Member]

Current Liabilities [Member]

bed

bed

unit

unit

bed

bed

bed

bed

Collegiate Housing Communities University of Arizona

The Suites At Overton Park Texas Tech University [Member]

The Cottages on Lindberg [Member]

The Retreat at State College [Member]

Collegiate Housing Communities University of Arizona

The Suites At Overton Park Texas Tech University [Member]

The Cottages on Lindberg [Member]

The Retreat at State College [Member]

Collegiate Housing Communities University of Arizona

The Suites At Overton Park Texas Tech University [Member]

The Cottages on Lindberg [Member]

The Retreat at State College [Member]

unit

unit

bed

bed

unit

unit

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Primary University Served

'

'

'University of Oklahoma Norman, Oklahoma

[1]

'University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona

'Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan

[2]

'Kent State University Kent, Ohio

'Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas

'Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition Date

'

'

'2012-01

[1]

'2012-10

'2012-10

[2]

'2012-11

'2012-12

'2012-12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of beds (beds)

'

'

612

[1]

764

355

[2]

596

465

401

745

587

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Units in Real Estate Property

'

'

204

[1]

208

106

[2]

246

298

278

193

138

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid

'

$279,300

$22,954

[1]

$66,442

$20,900

[2]

$45,000

$37,000

$37,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair values of liabilities assumed

91,211

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-35,362

-55,849

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,094

4,083

545

1,651

689

405

Fair values of assets acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

92,189

280,413

65,997

76,678

36,000

56,189

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair values of assets acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

116

6,778

475

4,830

51

65

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed In Addition To Fixed Assets

$1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

The Operating Partnership had a 10% equity investment in the entity that previously owned The Reserve on Stinson collegiate housing community and also managed the property prior to the acquisition.

[2]

The Trust entered into a 32-year ground lease, with the option to extend the lease 20 additional years subject to certain conditions, which requires an increase in annual rent expense to be determined on predetermined adjustment dates based on the consumer price index for the life of the lease.

Acquisition_and_development_of3

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Collegiate Housing Community Acquisitions (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
			Reserve on Stinson Apartments		Campus Village		The Suites At Overton Park Texas Tech University [Member]	Business Combination Acquisition Related Costs [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'		'		'	'
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid	'	$279,300,000	$22,954,000	[1]	$20,900,000	[2]	$37,000,000	'
Purchase price	92,200,000	'	'		'		'	'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	'	'	10.00%		'		'	'
Ground lease period	'	'	'		'32 years		'	'
Ground lease, optional extension term	'	'	'		'20 years		'	'
Total net assets acquired	'	231,483,000	'		'		28,232,000	'
Fair values of liabilities assumed	91,211,000	'	'		'		'	48,500,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed In Addition To Fixed Assets	1,000,000	'	'		'		'	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed In Addition To Fixed Assets and Debt	'	$700,000	'		'		'	'
[1]	The Operating Partnership had a 10% equity investment in the entity that previously owned The Reserve on Stinson collegiate housing community and also managed the property prior to the acquisition.
[2]	The Trust entered into a 32-year ground lease, with the option to extend the lease 20 additional years subject to certain conditions, which requires an increase in annual rent expense to be determined on predetermined adjustment dates based on the consumer price index for the life of the lease.

Acquisition_and_development_of4

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Allocation of Purchase Price to Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of liabilities assumed	($91,211)	'
Total net assets acquired	'	231,483
Collegiate housing properties	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	92,189	280,413
Other Asset [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	116	6,778
Current Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of liabilities assumed	-1,094	-4,083
Mortgages	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of liabilities assumed	'	-51,625
The Province East Carolina University [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Total net assets acquired	'	49,580
The Province East Carolina University [Member] | Collegiate housing properties	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	'	49,609
The Province East Carolina University [Member] | Other Asset [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	'	502
The Province East Carolina University [Member] | Current Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of liabilities assumed	'	-531
The Province East Carolina University [Member] | Mortgages	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of liabilities assumed	'	0
Collegiate Housing Communities University of Arizona	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Total net assets acquired	'	65,927
Collegiate Housing Communities University of Arizona | Collegiate housing properties	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	'	65,997
Collegiate Housing Communities University of Arizona | Other Asset [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	'	475
Collegiate Housing Communities University of Arizona | Current Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of liabilities assumed	'	-545
Collegiate Housing Communities University of Arizona | Mortgages	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of liabilities assumed	'	0
The Suites at Overton Park Texas Tech University	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Total net assets acquired	'	28,232
The Suites at Overton Park Texas Tech University | Collegiate housing properties	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	'	76,678
The Suites at Overton Park Texas Tech University | Other Asset [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	'	4,830
The Suites at Overton Park Texas Tech University | Current Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of liabilities assumed	'	-1,651
The Suites at Overton Park Texas Tech University | Mortgages	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of liabilities assumed	'	-51,625
Other	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Total net assets acquired	'	87,744
Other | Collegiate housing properties	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	'	88,129
Other | Other Asset [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	'	971
Other | Current Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of liabilities assumed	'	-1,356
Other | Mortgages	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of liabilities assumed	'	$0

Acquisition_and_development_of5

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Pro Forma Revenue and Net Loss of Combined Entity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, actual from date of acquisition	$44,197	$32,868	$131,810	$99,227
Net income, actual from date of acquisition	-4,462	489	2,679	3,633
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	($0.04)	$0	$0.02	$0.04
2012 Acquisitions	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, actual from date of acquisition	'	'	719	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue	'	'	134,148	99,895
Net income, actual from date of acquisition	'	'	400	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'	'	$0	'
Net income, supplemental pro forma	'	'	$3,539	$3,703
Net income attributable to common stockholders per share - basic and diluted, supplemental pro forma (usd per share)	'	'	$0.03	$0.04

Acquisition_and_development_of6

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Pro Forma Revenue and Net Loss of Combined Entity (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Acquisition costs	$0	$1.10	$1.10

Acquisition_and_development_of7

Acquisition and development of real estate investments Acquistion of Collegiate Housing Properties (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
	property		property
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed In Addition To Fixed Assets	$1,000,000	'	'
Number Of Units Acquired In Real Estate Property	2	'	7
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs	0	1,100,000	1,100,000
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid	'	'	279,300,000
Contract Price (in thousands)	92,200,000	'	'
Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds East Edge Apartments [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	100.00%	'	'
The Province East Carolina University [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Primary University Served	'	'	'East Carolina University Greenville, North Carolina
Number Of Beds	'	'	728
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	'	'	235
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid	'	'	50,000,000
The Cottages on Lindberg [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number Of Beds	745	'	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	193	'	'
Contract Price (in thousands)	36,000,000	'	'
The Retreat at State College [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number Of Beds	587	'	'
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	138	'	'
Contract Price (in thousands)	56,189,000	'	'
University Of Texas [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Developer [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Costs Capitalized	'	'	100,000
Development of real estate investments, capitalized interest costs	1,200,000	500,000	'
Capitalized Internal Costs	200,000	100,000	'
Summa West Limited Liability Company [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Developer [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Development of real estate investments, capitalized interest costs	700,000	300,000	'
Capitalized Internal Costs	'	100,000	'
University Of Kentucky [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Developer [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Development of real estate investments, capitalized interest costs	1,000,000	100,000	'
Capitalized Internal Costs	$600,000	$200,000	'

Recovered_Sheet3

Disposition of Real Estate Investments and Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jun. 19, 2013	Apr. 07, 2009	Apr. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'		'
Disposition of real estate investments, sales price	$20,700,000	$2,600,000	'	'	'		$69,500,000
Disposition of real estate investments, net proceeds	'	300,000	'	20,213,000	42,340,000	[1]	67,200,000
Disposition of real estate investments, note receivable received	'	2,300,000	'	'	'		'
Interest rate on note receivable received related to disposition of real estate investment	'	6.00%	'	'	'		'
Disposition of real estate investments, deferred gain	'	400,000	'	'	'		'
Gain on sale of real estate investments	'	'	$200,000	$3,895,000	$5,427,000	[1]	'
Discontinued Operations	'	'	'	'	'		'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'		'
Number of real estate investments discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'		4
[1]	See Note 11 for further discussion of the restatement.

Disposition_of_real_estate_inv2

Disposition of real estate investments and discontinued operations - Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations Net of Noncontrolling Interests and Related Realized Gains on Sales of Real Estate from Discontinued Operations Net of Noncontrolling Interests (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$40,278	$28,829	$118,970	$88,872
Collegiate housing leasing operating expenses	-24,448	-18,613	-60,795	-45,490
Depreciation and amortization	-11,714	-8,268	-34,500	-23,780	[1]
Discontinued Operations	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Collegiate housing leasing revenue	0	3,321	1,838	10,994
Collegiate housing leasing operating expenses	-80	-2,384	-1,207	-6,182
Depreciation and amortization	0	-822	-461	-2,827
Interest income	0	0	1	0
Noncontrolling interests	1	-1	-2	-20
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	-79	114	169	1,965
Gain on sale of collegiate housing property	0	5,257	3,895	5,427
Noncontrolling interests	0	-40	-28	-41
Gain on sale of collegiate housing property attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$0	$5,217	$3,867	$5,386
[1]	See Note 11 for further discussion of the restatement.

Incentive_Plan_Additional_Info

Incentive Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Aug. 14, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 02, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jan. 02, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 02, 2012

Jan. 02, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

General and Administrative Expense

General and Administrative Expense

General and Administrative Expense

Restricted Stock

Restricted Stock

Time Based Restricted Stock

Time Based Restricted Stock

Time Based Restricted Stock

Time Based Restricted Stock

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units

Stock Incentive Plan 2011

Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Thirteen

Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Thirteen

Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Twelve

Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Twelve

Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Twelve

Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Thirteen

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity incentive plan, common stock shares authorized (shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

315,000

Equity incentive plan, additional common stock shares (shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,147,500

Equity incentive plan, common stock shares reserved for issuance (shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,033,098

Equity incentive plan, unearned compensation related to restricted stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,100,000

$1,000,000

'

'

'

'

$1,400,000

'

$800,000

'

'

'

Equity incentive plan, compensation expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

600,000

'

'

'

'

Equity incentive plan, shares issued (shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

65,791

'

70,595

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity incentive plan, vesting period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

RSU awards granted (shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

122,180

'

Performance vested RSUs granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,100,000

'

'

Compensation expense related to stock-based incentive awards

'

$1,678,000

$1,266,000

[1]

$1,500,000

$1,700,000

$1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock offering, shares

17,300,000

33,180

32,287

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

See Note 11 for further discussion of the restatement.

Stock_Based_Incentive_Plan_Act

Stock Based Incentive Plan Activity (Detail) (Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested And Nonvested, Oustanding [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	1,052,051	[1]
Granted	187,971	[1]
Retired	-36,201	[1]
Ending balance	1,203,821	[1]
Vested as of June 30, 2013	749,558	[1]
[1]	Includes restricted stock and RSU awards where a specific amount of RSUs were granted.

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jan. 14, 2013	Oct. 24, 2013	Oct. 24, 2013	Oct. 24, 2013
		Subsequent Event [Member]	Amended Line Of Credit Facility [Member]	Amended Line Of Credit Facility [Member]	Amended Line Of Credit Facility [Member]	Amended Line Of Credit Facility [Member]	Maximum [Member]
			Fourth Amendment [Member]	Fourth Amendment [Member]	Fourth Amendment [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Amended Line Of Credit Facility [Member]
					Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Fourth Amendment [Member]
							Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Distribution declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.11	'	'	'	'	'	'
Distribution declared, payable date	15-Nov-13	'	'	'	'	'	'
Distribution declared, record date	31-Oct-13	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line Of Credit Facility Potential Maximum Borrowing Capacity	'	'	'	$500,000,000	$375,000,000	$700,000,000	$500,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	'	455,600,000	106,100,000	'	'	'	'
Payments of financing costs	'	$1,000,000	'	'	'	'	'

Restatement_of_consolidated_fi2

Restatement of consolidated financial statements (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2012
Change in operating assets and liabilities	$23,263	$3,413	[1]	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	63,576	34,102	[1]	'
Investment in assets under development	-177,674	-102,551	[1]	'
Net cash used in investing activities	-261,038	-146,650	[1]	'
Return of equity to noncontrolling interests	7,664	321	[1]	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	1,197	4,039	[1]	'
Net cash provided by financing activities	196,758	164,358	[1]	'
As Previously Reported [Member]	'	'		'
Change in operating assets and liabilities	'	12,373		'
Net cash provided by operating activities	'	43,062		'
Investment in assets under development	'	-107,793		'
Net cash used in investing activities	'	-151,892		'
Return of equity to noncontrolling interests	'	0		'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	'	0		'
Net cash provided by financing activities	'	160,640		'
Adjustments [Member]	'	'		'
Change in operating assets and liabilities	-9,000	-8,960	[2]	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	'	-8,960		'
Investment in assets under development	'	5,242	[2],[3]	'
Net cash used in investing activities	'	5,242		'
Return of equity to noncontrolling interests	'	321	[3]	-321
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	'	4,039	[3]	'
Net cash provided by financing activities	'	3,718		'
Contributions from noncontrolling interest	'	$3,718		'
[1]	See Note 11 for further discussion of the restatement.
[2]	Represents $8,960 of the cash source reported in accounts payable and accrued expenses that was attributable to the change in accounts payable and accrued expenses related to assets under development that should have reduced the amount reported as investments in assets under development.
[3]	The Trust received $4,039 in contributions from noncontrolling interests and returned capital of $321 to noncontrolling interests related to assets under development. The net $3,718 source of cash should not have been included in assets under development and the respective contributions and distributions should have been reported separately in the financing section of the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.