Education Realty Trust 10-K 3 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 24, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
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	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Trading Symbol	'EDR	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	115,013,964	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$1.10

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'
Collegiate housing properties, net	$1,388,885	$1,061,002
Assets under development	116,787	159,264
Corporate office furniture, net	3,249	3,007
Cash and cash equivalents	22,073	17,039
Restricted cash	12,253	6,410
Student contracts receivable, net	807	708
Receivable from managed third parties	361	629
Notes receivable	18,125	21,000
Goodwill and other intangibles, net	3,822	4,455
Other assets	44,203	51,173
Total assets	1,610,565	1,324,687
Liabilities:	'	'
Mortgage and construction loans, net of unamortized premium	422,681	398,846
Unsecured revolving credit facility	356,900	79,000
Accounts payable	2,289	1,749
Accrued expenses	65,357	55,374
Deferred revenue	23,498	17,964
Total liabilities	870,725	552,933
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 16)	0	0
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	9,871	8,944
Equity:	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 114,740,155 and 113,062,452 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	1,148	1,131
Preferred shares, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	813,540	849,878
Accumulated deficit	-88,964	-93,287
Total Education Realty Trust, Inc. stockholders' equity	725,724	757,722
Noncontrolling interests	4,245	5,088
Total equity	729,969	762,810
Total liabilities and equity	$1,610,565	$1,324,687

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 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)	114,740,155	113,062,452
Common stock, shares outstanding	114,740,155	113,062,452
Preferred shares, par value (usd per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred shares, shares authorized (shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred shares, shares issued	'	'
Preferred shares, shares outstanding	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues:	'	'	'
Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$167,476	$124,087	$91,517
Third-party development consulting services	2,989	820	4,103
Third-party management services	3,697	3,446	3,336
Operating expense reimbursements	10,214	9,593	8,604
Total revenues	184,376	137,946	107,560
Operating expenses:	'	'	'
Student housing leasing operations	79,957	59,524	44,892
Development and management services	6,477	6,266	5,506
General and administrative	7,678	7,910	6,810
Depreciation and amortization	48,098	33,240	23,858
Ground lease	7,622	6,395	5,498
Operating expense reimbursements	10,214	9,593	8,604
Total operating expenses	160,046	122,928	95,168
Operating income	24,330	15,018	12,392
Nonoperating expenses:	'	'	'
Interest expense	17,526	14,390	17,274
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,758	1,215	1,197
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	351
Interest income	-447	-283	-175
Total nonoperating expenses	18,837	15,322	18,647
Income (loss) before equity in losses of unconsolidated entities, income taxes and discontinued operations	5,493	-304	-6,255
Equity in (losses) of unconsolidated entities	-203	-363	-447
Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations	5,290	-667	-6,702
Income tax expense (benefit)	203	-884	-95
Income (loss) from continuing operations	5,087	217	-6,607
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'
Income (loss) from operations of discontinued operations	-4,369	2,924	-6,556
Gain on sale of collegiate housing property	3,913	5,496	2,388
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-456	8,420	-4,168
Net income (loss)	4,631	8,637	-10,775
Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	308	216	239
Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	4,323	8,421	-11,014
Income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share - basic and diluted:	'	'	'
Continuing operations (usd per share)	$0.04	$0	($0.09)
Discontinued operations (usd per share)	$0	$0.08	($0.05)
Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share (usd per share)	$0.04	$0.08	($0.14)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic (shares)	114,431,996	101,243,974	75,485,418
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted (shares)	115,469,596	102,316,958	75,485,418
Amounts attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. - common stockholders:	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	4,776	68	-6,879
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-453	8,353	-4,135
Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$4,323	$8,421	($11,014)
Distributions per common share (usd per share)	$0.42	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

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, 2010	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs (in shares)	'	32,996,205	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs	$264,334	$330	$264,004	'	'
Common stock issued to officers and directors (in shares)	'	44,280	'	'	'
Common stock issued to officers and directors	360	'	360	'	'
Common stock issued to retire PIUs	1	1	'	'	'
Amortization of restricted stock (in shares)	'	103,147	'	'	'
Amortization of restricted stock	1,165	'	1,165	'	'
Cash dividends	-17,722	'	-17,722	'	0
Noncontrolling interests in joint ventures	1,487	'	'	'	1,487
Net income (loss)	-11,014	'	'	-11,014	0
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2011	563,354	918	662,657	-101,708	1,487
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	'	91,800,688	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs (in shares)	'	20,987,826	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs	220,265	210	220,055	'	'
Common stock issued to officers and directors (in shares)	'	32,286	'	'	'
Common stock issued to officers and directors	360	'	360	'	'
Amortization of restricted stock (in shares)	'	241,652	'	'	'
Amortization of restricted stock	768	3	765	'	'
Cash dividends	-33,959	'	-33,959	'	'
Return of equity to noncontrolling interests	-349	'	'	'	-349
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	4,039	'	'	'	4,039
Net income (loss)	8,332	'	'	8,421	-89
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012	762,810	1,131	849,878	-93,287	5,088
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	113,062,452	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs (in shares)	'	1,575,713	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs	16,685	16	16,669	'	'
Common stock issued to officers and directors (in shares)	'	33,180	'	'	'
Common stock issued to officers and directors	360	'	360	'	'
Amortization of restricted stock (in shares)	'	68,810	'	'	'
Amortization of restricted stock	1,337	1	1,336	'	'
Cash dividends	-48,010	'	-48,010	'	'
Return of equity to noncontrolling interests	-795	'	'	'	-795
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	69	'	'	'	69
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	-6,868	'	-6,693	'	-175
Net income (loss)	4,381	'	'	4,323	58
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$729,969	$1,148	$813,540	($88,964)	$4,245
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	114,740,155	'	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$4,631,000	$8,637,000	($10,775,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	48,098,000	33,240,000	23,858,000
Depreciation included in discontinued operations	1,767,000	4,634,000	5,697,000
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	-260,000	1,043,000	-197,000
Loss on disposal of assets	12,000	99,000	22,000
Gain on sale of collegiate housing property in discontinued operations	-3,913,000	-5,496,000	-2,388,000
Noncash rent expense related to the straight-line adjustment for long-term ground leases	5,255,000	4,364,000	4,208,000
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties	5,001,000	0	7,859,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	351,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt included in discontinued operations	0	0	406,000
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,758,000	1,215,000	1,197,000
Amortization of deferred financing costs included in discontinued operations	0	0	48,000
Loss on interest rate cap	0	0	5,000
Amortization of unamortized debt premiums	-776,000	-80,000	-390,000
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated entities	71,000	195,000	264,000
Noncash compensation expense related to stock-based incentive awards	2,127,000	2,041,000	1,502,000
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	203,000	363,000	447,000
Change in operating assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):	'	'	'
Student contracts receivable	-315,000	-19,000	-239,000
Management fees receivable	268,000	304,000	-406,000
Other assets	17,009,000	-9,009,000	-1,497,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-8,846,000	5,721,000	1,451,000
Deferred revenue	5,317,000	4,142,000	2,614,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	77,407,000	51,394,000	34,037,000
Investing activities:	'	'	'
Property acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-109,482,000	-239,065,000	-156,463,000
Purchase of corporate furniture and fixtures	-787,000	-3,106,000	-173,000
Restricted cash	-5,843,000	-1,584,000	-35,000
Insurance proceeds received on property losses	16,860,000	3,900,000	0
Investment in collegiate housing properties	-17,183,000	-22,599,000	-22,129,000
Proceeds from sale of collegiate housing properties	40,256,000	67,261,000	73,821,000
Notes receivable	125,000	0	0
Payments on notes receivable	3,000,000	1,800,000	75,000
Loans to developments	0	-3,000,000	-8,128,000
Earnest money deposits	-125,000	-3,000,000	-75,000
Investment in assets under development	-215,409,000	-157,840,000	-46,966,000
Distributions from unconsolidated entities	0	82,000	285,000
Investments in unconsolidated entities	-9,475,000	-11,797,000	-25,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-298,313,000	-368,948,000	-159,813,000
Financing activities:	'	'	'
Payment of mortgage and construction notes	-97,931,000	-79,185,000	-58,225,000
Borrowings under mortgage and construction loans	90,123,000	71,156,000	12,558,000
Debt issuance costs	-4,578,000	-1,026,000	-1,527,000
Debt extinguishment costs	0	0	-562,000
Borrowings on line of credit	302,033,000	141,000,000	0
Repayments of line of credit	-24,133,000	-62,000,000	-3,700,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	16,890,000	220,441,000	265,318,000
Payment of offering costs	-238,000	-805,000	-1,007,000
Purchase and return of equity to noncontrolling interests	-7,664,000	-349,000	0
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	1,197,000	4,039,000	0
Dividends and distributions paid to common and restricted stockholders	-48,010,000	-33,959,000	-17,722,000
Dividends and distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	-449,000	-532,000	-502,000
Repurchases of Common Stock and Restricted Stock Tax Withholding	-1,300,000	0	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	225,940,000	258,780,000	194,631,000
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	5,034,000	-58,774,000	68,855,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	17,039,000	75,813,000	'
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	22,073,000	17,039,000	75,813,000
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'	'
Interest paid	23,060,000	18,402,000	19,526,000
Income taxes paid	542,000	76,000	339,000
Supplemental disclosure of noncash activities:	'	'	'
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests from unit holder	0	606,000	0
Stock-based compensation	2,127,000	2,041,000	1,453,000
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	15,425,000,000	20,028,000,000	7,049,000,000
Mortgages and Construction Loans Payable	$32,420,000,000	$48,451,000,000	$36,930,000,000

Organization_and_description_o

Organization and description of business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [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 (the “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 subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership:
	•	EDR Management Inc. (“Management Company”), a Delaware corporation performing collegiate housing management activities; and
	•	EDR Development LLC (“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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of significant accounting policies	'
	Summary of significant accounting policies
	Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation
	The accompanying 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 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 consolidated financial statements.
	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 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 (“FDIC”) insures. As of December 31, 2013, the Trust had $12.0 million 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 purpose 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 (“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. Distributions for the year ended December 31, 2013 totaled $48.5 million, or $0.42, per weighted average share/unit of which $0.24 was treated as a non-taxable return of capital and $0.18 was treated as ordinary dividend income for income tax purposes.
	Notes receivable
	On August 26, 2013, the Trust provided a $0.5 million promissory loan to College Park Apartments, Inc. ("CPA"), the Trust's partner in the unconsolidated joint venture University Village-Greensboro LLC (see Note 8), 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 December 31, 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. A construction loan was used to fund 80% of the development, and once completed, the community will be wholly owned by Landmark. 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. As described in Note 5, in September 2013, the Trust exercised the purchase option and acquired the collegiate housing community known as The Retreat at State College. The mezzanine loan was secured by 100% of Landmark's equity interest in this development and Landmark's equity interest in the joint venture in the collegiate housing property near The University of Mississippi campus and was repaid during closing of the acquisition. As of December 31, 2012, the mezzanine financing had a balance of $3.0 million and was recorded in notes receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
	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) will earn a $3.0 million fee for providing a repayment guarantee of the construction first mortgage and (d) received a 10-year management contract. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the note receivable for the second mortgage had a balance of $18.0 million and is recorded in notes receivable in the accompanying 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 December 31, 2013, the Trust would have recognized development services revenue net of costs of $2.6 million (including participation in cost savings of $0.8 million), guarantee fee revenue of $3.0 million and interest income of $5.6 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 other 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 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 years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, 12 properties were classified as part of discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. All 12 of these properties were sold by December 31, 2013 (see Note 5).
	Deferred financing costs
	Deferred financing costs represent costs incurred in connection with acquiring debt facilities. The deferred financing costs incurred for years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $4.6 million, $0.9 million and $1.7 million, respectively, and are being amortized over the terms of the related debt using a method that approximates the effective interest method. Amortization expense totaled $1.8 million, $1.2 million, and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, accumulated amortization totaled $7.0 million and $5.7 million, respectively. Deferred financing costs, net of amortization, are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (see Note 7).
	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 consolidated statement 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 the net proceeds to repay the unsecured revolving credit facility (see Note 10) 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 4).
	On September 20, 2011, the Trust entered into the 2011 equity distribution agreement. 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. As of December 31, 2012, the Trust had sold 4.8 million shares of common stock under the 2011 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 December 31, 2013, the Trust had sold 1.6 million shares of common stock under the 2012 agreements for net proceeds of approximately $17.8 million. The Trust used the net proceeds to repay debt, fund its development pipeline, fund 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 years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, total compensation expense relating to the ESPP was $31,238, $25,345, and $24,338 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 December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Trust had net unamortized debt premiums of $2.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively. These amounts are included in mortgage and construction loans in the accompanying 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 taxable 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 December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. As of December 31, 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 December 31, 2013, open tax years generally included tax years for 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 December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Trust had no interest or penalties recorded related to unrecognized tax benefits.
	Noncontrolling interests
	As of December 31, 2013, the Trust had entered into three joint venture agreements to develop, own and manage properties near Arizona State University - Downtown Phoenix (Roosevelt Point), The University of Mississippi (The Retreat at Oxford) and Duke University (605 West). The Trust is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of these communities; therefore, the Trust accounts for the joint ventures using the consolidation method of accounting. Our joint venture partners' investments in 605 West met the requirements to be classified outside of permanent equity and is therefore classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations due to the partner's ability to put their ownership interests to the Trust as stipulated in the operating agreements. Our joint venture partners’ investments in the Arizona State University - Downtown Phoenix joint venture and The University of Mississippi joint ventures are accounted for as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of changes in equity and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying 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 (see Note 4).
	The units of limited partnership of the Operating Partnership (“Operating Partnership Units”), units of limited partnership of University Towers Operating Partnership, LP (“University Towers Operating Partnership Units”) and profits interest units (“PIUs”) (see Note 9) 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 consolidated balance sheets and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying 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 December 31, 2013, the Trust reported the redeemable noncontrolling interests at historical cost, which was greater than fair value. During the year ended December 31, 2012, 43,832 Operating Partnership Units were redeemed for 43,832 shares of common stock.
	The following table sets forth the activity with the redeemable noncontrolling interests for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		2013				2012
	Beginning balance – redeemable noncontrolling interests	$	8,944			$	9,776
	Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	249				305
	Redemption of operating partnership units	—				(607		)
	Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests	1,127				—
	Distributions attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(449		)		(530		)
	Ending balance – redeemable noncontrolling interests	$	9,871			$	8,944
	Earnings per share
	Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings available to 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.
	The following table reconciles the basic and diluted weighted average shares for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		2013			2012
	Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	114,431,996			101,243,974
	Operating Partnership Units	830,343			865,727
	University Towers Operating Partnership Units	207,257			207,257
	Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	115,469,596			102,316,958
	As of December 31, 2011, 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:
		2011
	Operating Partnership Units	903,738
	University Towers Operating Partnership Units	207,257
	Total potentially dilutive securities	1,110,995
	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators for the basic and diluted earnings per share computation for 2011 is not presented, as the Trust reported a loss from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2011, 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.
	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 consolidated balance sheets as the funds are not available for use.
	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 December 31, 2013. The carrying value of goodwill was $3.1 million as of December 31, 2013 and 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 acquired in connection with acquisitions and are amortized over the estimated life of the lease/contract term. The carrying value of other intangible assets was $0.8 million and $1.4 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Investment in unconsolidated entities
The Operating Partnership accounts for its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures using the equity method whereby the costs of an investment are 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 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 consolidated balance sheets (see Note 8). As of December 31, 2013, the Trust had investments in the following unconsolidated joint ventures that are accounted for under the equity method:
•	1313 5th Street MN Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, 50% owned by the Operating Partnership;
•	West Clayton Athens GA Owner, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, 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.
As of December 31, 2012, the Trust had investments in the following unconsolidated joint ventures that are accounted for under the equity method:
•	1313 5th Street MN Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, 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.
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 (loss) is equal to net income (loss).
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 consolidated statements of operations. Students are required to execute lease contracts with payment schedules that vary from semester 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.
Due to the nature of the Trust’s business, accounts receivable result primarily from monthly billings of student rents. Payments are normally received within 30 days. Balances are considered past due when payment is not received on the contractual due date. Allowances for uncollectible accounts are established by management when it is determined that collection is doubtful. Such allowances are reviewed periodically based upon experience. The following table reconciles the allowance for doubtful accounts as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
	2013				2012			2011
Balance, beginning of period	$	142			$	133		$	129
Provision for uncollectible accounts	1,379				1,128			1,079
Deductions	(1,425		)		(1,119		)	(1,075		)
Balance, end of period	$	96			$	142		$	133
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 typically occurs after construction is complete. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, there was $0.8 million, $0.2 million and $0.5 million of revenue recognized, respectively, related to cost savings agreements on development projects. For 2013 and 2012, this amount of participation in cost savings was attributable to the participating development at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institute (see Note 2).
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 consolidated balance sheets (see Note 7).
Costs directly associated with internal development projects are capitalized as part of the cost of the project.
Advertising expense
Advertising expenses are charged to income during the period incurred. The Trust does not use direct response advertising. Advertising expense was $4.6 million, $3.2 million and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Segment information
The Trust discloses certain operating and financial data with respect to separate business activities within its enterprise. The Trust has identified three reportable business segments: collegiate housing leasing, collegiate housing development consulting services and collegiate housing management services.
Stock-based compensation
On May 4, 2011, the Trust’s stockholders approved the Education Realty Trust, Inc. 2011 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”). The 2011 Plan replaced the Education Realty Trust, Inc. 2004 Incentive Plan (“2004 Plan”) in its entirety. The 2011 Plan is described more fully in Note 9. The Trust recognizes compensation costs related to share-based payments in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance.
Fair value measurements
The Trust follows the guidance contained in FASB 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. Note 6 provides details for the impairment charges recorded during the year ended December 31, 2013. Non-financial assets impaired during the year ended December 31, 2013 were disposed of during the year they were written down to estimated fair value. No non-financial assets were written down during the year ended December 31, 2012.
Financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value in our 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. The table below summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
		As of December 31, 2013
						Estimated Fair Value
(in thousands)		Carrying value				Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
Mezzanine notes receivable		$	18,125			$	—		$	19,330	$	—
Unsecured revolving credit facility		356,900				—			356,900		—
Variable rate mortgage and construction loans		193,381				—			193,381		—
Fixed rate mortgage and construction loans		227,009				—			239,162		—
		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 is 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 consolidated financial statements.

Income_taxes

Income taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income taxes	'
	Income taxes
	Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities of the TRSs for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Deferred revenue	$	1,022		$	717
	Accrued expenses	252			159
	Straight line rent	366			69
	Restricted stock amortization	85			—
	Net operating loss carryforward	418			—
	Total deferred tax assets	2,143			945
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation and amortization	(634		)	(493		)
	Restricted stock amortization	—			(63		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(634		)	(556		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	1,509		$	389
	Significant components of the income tax provision (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, are as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Deferred:
	Federal	$	(296	)	$	895		$	(169	)
	State	36			148			(28		)
	Deferred expense (benefit)	(260		)	1,043			(197		)
	Current:
	Federal	312			(1,326		)	(199		)
	State	151			(601		)	301
	Current (benefit) expense	463			(1,927		)	102
	Total (benefit) provision	$	203		$	(884	)	$	(95	)
	TRS losses subject to tax consisted of $0.2 million, $1.9 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The reconciliation of income tax attributable to income before noncontrolling interest computed at the U.S. statutory rate to income tax provision is as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Tax provision at U.S. statutory rates on TRS income subject to tax	$	15		$	(566	)	$	(293	)
	State income tax, net of federal benefit	126			(312		)	319
	Other	62			(6		)	(121		)
	Tax provision (benefit)	$	203		$	(884	)	$	(95	)

Acquisition_and_development_of

Acquisition and development of real estate investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Acquisition and development of real estate investments	'
	Acquisition and development of real estate investments
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Trust completed the following three 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
	The Varsity		University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan		Dec-13		415		181			$53,950
	Combined acquisition costs for these purchases were $0.4 million and are included in general and administrative costs in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Trust funded these acquisitions with assumed debt of $32.4 million and proceeds from draws on the Company's Fourth Amended Revolver (as defined below). A summary follows of 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			The Varsity				Total
	Collegiate housing properties	$	35,704			$	55,812		$	53,630			$	145,146
	Other assets	347				442			481				1,270
	Current liabilities	(689		)		(405		)	(449		)		(1,543		)
	Mortgage debt	—				—			(32,420		)		(32,420		)
	Total net assets acquired	$	35,362			$	55,849		$	21,242			$	112,453
	The difference between the collegiate housing community acquisition contract prices of $146.1 million and the total net assets acquired of $112.5 million is $1.2 million of net assets purchased or liabilities assumed and $32.4 million of assumed debt (see Note 10) in addition to fixed assets. In the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows, we have excluded from cash outflows for the 2013 acquisitions $3.0 million of cash paid as a deposit for The Varsity acquisition during 2012.
	The amounts of the 2013 acquisitions’ revenue and net income (loss) included in the Trust’s accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013, and the unaudited pro forma revenue and net income (loss) of the combined entity had the acquisition date been January 1, 2012, 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 – 12/31/13	$	3,221			$	911		$	0.01
	2013 supplemental pro forma for 1/1/13 – 12/31/13(1)	$	187,961			$	4,841		$	0.04
	2012 supplemental pro forma for 1/1/12 – 12/31/12(1)	$	139,714			$	9,229		$	0.09
	-1	Supplemental pro forma earnings for the year ended December 31, 2013 were adjusted to exclude $0.4 million of acquisition-related costs incurred in 2013. Supplemental pro forma earnings for the year ended December 31, 2012 were adjusted to include these charges. As The Retreat at State College and The Varsity opened for the 2013/2014 lease year, the supplemental pro forma revenue and net income for the periods above do not include full years of operations for these 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		400		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 and are included in general and administrative costs in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012. The Trust funded these acquisitions with assumed debt of $48.5 million and existing cash, including cash proceeds generated by the August 2012 (see Note 2) and sales of collegiate housing communities (see Note 5). A summary follows of 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 loss included in the Trust's accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012, and the unaudited pro forma revenue and net loss 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 – 12/31/12	$	7,830			$	1,549		$	0.02
	2012 supplemental pro forma for 1/1/12 – 12/31/12(1)	$	150,370			$	10,568		$	0.1
	2011 supplemental pro forma for 1/1/11 – 12/31/11(1)	$	119,456			$	(12,490	)	$	(0.17	)
	-1	Supplemental pro forma earnings for the year ended December 31, 2012 were adjusted to exclude $1.1 million of acquisition-related costs incurred in 2012. Supplemental pro forma earnings for the year ended December 31, 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 September 2013, the Trust purchased our joint venture partner's 10% non-controlling 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 this acquisition by borrowing on the Fourth Amended Revolver and existing cash.
	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 December 31, 2013, the Trust and Javelin 19 had incurred $21.5 million in costs for the project. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Trust capitalized interest costs of $0.3 million and capitalized internal development project costs of approximately $0.1 million. The community is expected to open in the summer of 2014. For a period of five years from the date on which the property receives its initial certificate of occupancy, Javelin 19 has the right to require the Trust to purchase Javelin 19’s 10% interest in the partnership at a price to be determined.
	In July 2012, the 3949 collegiate housing community at Saint Louis University was damaged by fire. The Trust is in the process of rebuilding this community. As of December 31, 2013, the Trust had incurred $22.7 million in costs to rebuild the community. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Trust capitalized internal development costs of $32,152 and $1,936, respectively. The community reopened in August 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 (Roosevelt Point). The Trust is the majority owner and managing member of the joint venture and manages the community now that it is completed. As of December 31, 2013, the Trust and Summa West, LLC had incurred $51.1 million in costs for the project. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, capitalized interest costs of approximately $0.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively, and capitalized internal development project costs of approximately $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, were incurred related to the development. The community opened in August 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 since its completion. As of December 31, 2013, the Trust and Landmark Properties had incurred $36.0 million in costs for the project. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, capitalized interest costs of approximately $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively, and capitalized internal development project costs of approximately $49,196 and $0.1 million, respectively, were incurred related to the development. The community opened in August 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 Plan SM. As of December 31, 2013, the Trust had incurred $106.8 million in costs for the 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 deliveries. Phase I opened in August 2013, Phase II is expected to open in the summer of 2014, Phase II-B is expected to open in the summer of 2015, and the 2016 deliveries are expected to open in the summer of 2016. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Trust capitalized interest costs of $1.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively, and internal development costs of $0.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively, related to the development.
	In November 2011, the Trust purchased a collegiate housing community near the University of Colorado, Boulder (The Lotus). The Trust is developing additional housing on the existing land, which is expected to open in the summer of 2014. As of December 31, 2013, the Trust had incurred $7.9 million in project costs. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Trust capitalized interest costs of $0.1 million and $13,800, respectively, and internal development project costs of $0.1 million and $22,878, 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 (2400 Nueces). As of December 31, 2013, the Trust had incurred $70.0 million in costs for the project, which opened in August 2013. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Trust capitalized interest costs of $1.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and internal development project costs of $0.3 million and $0.2 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 will include commercial and residential offerings.
The first phase opened in August 2012 and the second phase opened in August 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 December 31, 2013, the Trust had incurred $29.3 million in project costs for the second phase and $6.0 million for the third phase. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Trust capitalized interest costs of $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and internal development project costs of $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, related to the development.
All costs related to the development of collegiate housing communities are classified as assets under development in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets until the community is completed and opened. The Trust has expenditures for assets under development accrued in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $0.4 million and $15.0 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2012, the Trust had expenditures for assets under development accrued in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $0.7 million and $19.3 million, respectively.

Disposition_of_real_estate_inv

Disposition of real estate investments and discontinued operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Disposition of real estate investments and discontinued operations	'
	Disposition of real estate investments and discontinued operations
	On December 19, 2013, the Trust sold The Pointe at Western collegiate housing community located in Kalamazoo, Michigan for a sales price of $21.0 million. The Trust received proceeds of $20.0 million after closing costs.
	On June 19, 2013, the Trust sold the College Grove collegiate housing community located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee for a price of $20.7 million. The Trust received proceeds of $20.2 million after prorations and 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 $67.3 million after prorations and closing costs.
	In 2011, the Trust sold the Collegiate Village, located in Macon, Georgia, and Clayton Place, located in Morrow, Georgia, respectively, for an aggregate sales price of $28.0 million resulting in net proceeds of approximately $27.8 million after prorations and closing costs.
	On January 19, 2011, the Trust sold the following five properties:
	•Troy Place, serving Troy University in Troy, Alabama;
	•The Reserve at Jacksonville, serving Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama;
	•The Reserve at Martin, serving University of Tennessee at Martin in Martin, Tennessee;
	•The Chase at Murray, serving Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky; and
	•Clemson Place, serving Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina.
	The sales price was $46.1 million, and the Trust received net proceeds of approximately $29.7 million after the repayment of related debt of $16.1 million, prorations and other closing costs.
	Accordingly, the results of operations of all twelve 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.
	The following table summarizes 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 years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$	5,409		$	16,229		$	18,603
	Other leasing revenue	—			—			414
	Collegiate housing leasing operating expenses	(3,014		)	(8,671		)	(10,518		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(1,767		)	(4,634		)	(5,697		)
	Loss on impairment	(5,001		)	—			(7,859		)
	Interest expense	—			—			(1,045		)
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	—			—			(48		)
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			—			(406		)
	Interest income	4			—			—
	Noncontrolling interests	31			(25		)	63
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$	(4,338	)	$	2,899		$	(6,493	)
	Gain on sale of collegiate housing property	$	3,913		$	5,496		$	2,388
	Noncontrolling interests	(28		)	(42		)	(30		)
	Gain on sale of collegiate housing property attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$	3,885		$	5,454		$	2,358

Collegiate_housing_properties_

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Collegiate housing properties and assets under development	'
	Collegiate housing properties and assets under development
	Collegiate housing properties consist of the following as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Land	$	126,273		$	115,818
	Land improvements	73,618			71,580
	Leasehold improvements	74			—
	Construction in progress	115,372			208,142
	Buildings	1,322,892			943,279
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	71,624			56,757
		1,709,853			1,395,576
	Less accumulated depreciation	(204,181		)	(175,310		)
	Collegiate housing properties and assets under development, net	$	1,505,672		$	1,220,266
	Following is certain information related to investment in collegiate housing properties as of December 31, 2013 (amounts in thousands):
						Initial Cost										Total Costs
	Property(4)		Encumbrances			Land			Buildings		Total		Cost			Land		Buildings		Total		Accumulated		Date of
									and				Capitalized					and				Depreciation(5)		Acquisition/
									Improvements				Subsequently					Improvements						Construction
	College Station at W. Lafayette (2)		$	18,327		$	1,887		$	19,528	$	21,415	$	3,257		$	1,887	$	22,785	$	24,672	$	7,904	1/31/05
	Players Club		—			727			7,498		8,225		2,151			727		9,649		10,376		3,036		1/31/05
	The Commons at Knoxville (1)		20,396			4,630			18,386		23,016		2,907			4,586		21,293		25,879		7,174		1/31/05
	The Commons on Kinnear (7)		12,556			1,327			20,803		22,130		2,403			1,327		23,206		24,533		6,984		1/31/05
	The Lofts		—			2,801			34,117		36,918		2,341			2,801		36,458		39,259		10,462		1/31/05
	The Pointe at Penn State (2)		26,872			2,151			35,094		37,245		4,485			2,151		39,579		41,730		12,236		1/31/05
	The Pointe at South Florida		—			3,508			30,510		34,018		6,014			3,508		36,524		40,032		11,873		1/31/05
	The Reserve at Athens		7,239			1,740			17,985		19,725		1,841			1,740		19,826		21,566		5,779		1/31/05
	The Reserve at Columbia (1)		14,054			1,071			26,134		27,205		4,133			1,071		30,267		31,338		9,351		1/31/05
	The Reserve at Tallahassee		—			2,743			21,176		23,919		5,276			2,743		26,452		29,195		8,350		1/31/05
	The Reserve on Perkins (1) (7)		11,971			913			15,795		16,708		3,627			913		19,422		20,335		6,656		1/31/05
	The Reserve on West 31st		—			1,896			14,920		16,816		5,718			1,896		20,638		22,534		6,813		1/31/05
	University Towers		34,000			—			28,652		28,652		16,692			2,364		42,980		45,344		12,603		1/31/05
	Campus Creek		—			2,251			21,604		23,855		2,741			2,251		24,345		26,596		7,835		2/22/05
	Pointe West		9,594			2,318			10,924		13,242		1,508			2,318		12,432		14,750		4,260		3/17/05
	Campus Lodge		—			2,746			44,415		47,161		2,520			2,746		46,935		49,681		13,471		6/7/05
	The Reserve on South College (3)		7,961			1,744			10,784		12,528		3,523			1,744		14,307		16,051		5,182		7/6/05
	Cape Trails (3)		7,233			445			11,207		11,652		2,022			445		13,229		13,674		3,457		1/1/06
	Carrollton Place		—			682			12,166		12,848		1,621			682		13,787		14,469		3,577		1/1/06
	River Place (3)		6,859			837			17,746		18,583		2,309			837		20,055		20,892		5,290		1/1/06
	The Avenue at Southern		—			2,028			10,675		12,703		4,047			2,028		14,722		16,750		4,939		6/15/06
	The Reserve at Saluki Pointe (6)		—			1,099			32,377		33,476		1,487			1,099		33,864		34,963		5,821		8/1/08
	University Apartments on Colvin		—			—			25,792		25,792		(95		)	—		25,697		25,697		3,935		8/1/09
						Initial Cost										Total Costs
	Property(4)		Encumbrances			Land			Buildings		Total		Cost			Land		Buildings		Total		Accumulated		Date of
									and				Capitalized					and				Depreciation(5)		Acquisition/
									Improvements				Subsequently					Improvements						Construction
	2400 Nueces		—			—			7,436		7,436		62,533			—		69,969		69,969		1,107		8/1/10
	The Oaks on the Square - Phase I and II(8)		31,351			1,800			15,189		16,989		34,399			1,800		49,588		51,388		1,108		9/30/10
	GrandMarc at the Corner		—			—			45,384		45,384		1,252			—		46,636		46,636		4,772		10/22/10
	Campus West		—			—			6,127		6,127		21,182			—		27,309		27,309		1,621		3/1/11
	East Edge		—			10,420			10,783		21,203		20,964			10,420		31,747		42,167		1,983		3/1/11
	Jefferson Commons		—			1,420			4,915		6,335		166			1,420		5,081		6,501		461		3/15/11
	Wertland Square		—			3,230			13,285		16,515		574			3,230		13,859		17,089		1,238		3/15/11
	The Berk		—			2,687			13,718		16,405		663			2,687		14,381		17,068		1,317		5/23/11
	Roosevelt Point		32,576			3,093			1,716		4,809		46,805			3,093		48,521		51,614		721		7/1/11
	University Village Towers		—			3,434			34,424		37,858		122			3,434		34,546		37,980		2,357		9/22/11
	Irish Row (1)		13,886			2,637			24,679		27,316		232			2,637		24,911		27,548		1,690		11/1/11
	The Lotus		—			5,245			2,192		7,437		6,424			5,245		8,616		13,861		58		11/14/11
	GrandMarc at Westberry Place		35,697			—			53,935		53,935		1,020			—		54,955		54,955		3,478		12/8/11
	3949		—			3,822			24,448		28,270		8,569			3,822		33,017		36,839		1,202		12/21/11
	The Reserve on Stinson (2)		22,344			2,111			20,609		22,720		800			2,111		21,409		23,520		1,648		1/27/12
	Central Hall I & II		—			—			—		—		25,401			—		25,401		25,401		478		6/1/12
	The Retreat at Oxford		27,100			4,743			—		4,743		31,240			4,743		31,240		35,983		476		6/14/12
	605 West		—			4,794			—		4,794		16,663			4,794		16,663		21,457		—		9/1/12
	The Province		—			4,436			45,173		49,609		53			4,436		45,226		49,662		2,068		9/21/12
The District on 5th		—			2,601			63,396		65,997		113			2,601		63,509		66,110		3,031		10/4/12
Campus Village		—			2,650			18,077		20,727		634			2,650		18,711		21,361		1,098		10/19/12
Champions Court I		—			—			—		—		26,749			—		26,749		26,749		—		11/1/12
Champions Court II		—			—			—		—		13,561			—		13,561		13,561		—		11/1/12
The Province at Kent State		—			4,239			40,441		44,680		33			4,239		40,474		44,713		1,681		11/16/12
The Centre at Overton Park		23,024			3,781			35,232		39,013		559			3,781		35,791		39,572		1,204		12/7/12
The Suites at Overton Park		24,695			4,384			33,281		37,665		353			4,384		33,634		38,018		1,356		12/7/12
Haggin Hall I		—			—			—		—		8,614			—		8,614		8,614		—		11/1/12
Woodland Glen I & II		—			—			—		—		22,933			—		22,933		22,933		—		11/1/12
The Oaks on the Square - Phase III		235			1,531			—		1,531		4,431			1,531		4,431		5,962		—		2/13/13
Woodland Glen III, IV & V		—			—			—		—		9,475			—		9,475		9,475		—		5/1/13
The Cottages on Lindberg		—			1,800			—		1,800		33,964			1,800		33,964		35,764		459		8/28/13
The Retreat at State College		—			6,251			—		6,251		49,570			6,251		49,570		55,821		581		9/11/13
The Varsity		32,420			3,300			50,330		53,630		130			3,300		50,460		53,760		—		12/19/13
Limestone Park I & II		—			—			—		—		177			—		177		177		—		12/31/13
Totals		$	420,390		$	123,953		$	1,053,058	$	1,177,011	$	532,886		$	126,273	$	1,583,580	$	1,709,853	$	204,181
-1	The Commons at Knoxville, The Reserve at Columbia, The Reserve at Perkins and Irish Row are cross-collateralized against the $56.5 million outstanding loan discussed in Note 10.
-2	The Pointe at Penn State, The Reserve on Stinson and College Station at West Lafayette are cross-collateralized against the $67.5 million outstanding loan discussed in Note 10.
-3	The Reserve on South College, River Pointe and Cape Trails are cross-collateralized against the $22.1 million outstanding loan discussed in Note 10.
-4	All properties are of garden-style collegiate housing communities except for University Towers which is a traditional residence hall, 2400 Nueces and The Varsity, which are high-rise buildings, The Retreat at Oxford and The Retreat at State College, which are cottage-style communities, and The Oaks on the Square, which will be a mixed-use town center and main street development project located in Storrs, Connecticut.
-5	Assets have useful lives ranging from 3 to 40 years.
-6	The first phase of The Reserve at Saluki Pointe, which included 528 beds, was completed in August 2008. The second phase, which included 240 beds, was completed in August 2009.
-7	The Commons on Kinnear and The Reserve at Perkins are cross-collateralized against the $16.4 million outstanding loan discussed in Note 10.
(8) The first phase of The Oaks on the Square, which included 253 beds, was completed in August 2012. The second phase, which included 250 beds, was completed in August
2013
The following table reconciles the historical cost of the Trust’s investment in collegiate housing properties for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
	2013			2012			2011
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,395,576		$	1,026,503		$	855,151
Collegiate housing acquisitions or completed developments	290,881			353,966			192,178
Collegiate housing dispositions	(55,880		)	(104,117		)	(90,072		)
Impairment loss	(5,001		)	—			(7,859		)
Additions	84,404			120,058			77,474
Disposals	(127		)	(834		)	(369		)
Balance, end of period	$	1,709,853		$	1,395,576		$	1,026,503
The following table reconciles the accumulated depreciation of the Trust’s investment in collegiate housing properties for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
	2013			2012			2011
Balance, beginning of period	$	175,310		$	166,336		$	156,358
Depreciation	47,693			35,708			28,568
Disposals	(115		)	(771		)	(347		)
Collegiate housing dispositions	(18,707		)	(25,963		)	(18,243		)
Balance, end of period	$	204,181		$	175,310		$	166,336
When the Trust determines that an asset is not recoverable, management estimates fair value using discounted cash flow models, market appraisals if available, and other market participant data. There were no impairment losses in 2012. During 2013 and 2011, management determined that the carrying value of various collegiate housing communities may not be recoverable due to the potential sale of these assets. The fair value of these properties was estimated and management recorded an impairment loss of $5.0 million and $7.9 million, respectively. As the related properties were subsequently sold, the impairment loss is recorded in discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Corporate_office_furniture_and

Corporate office furniture and other assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment and Other Assets [Abstract]	'
Corporate office furniture and other assets	'
	Corporate office furniture and other assets
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Trust had corporate office furniture with a historical cost of $5.8 million and $5.0 million, and accumulated depreciation of $2.5 million and $2.0 million, respectively. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, generally 3 to 7 years. Depreciation expense totaled $0.6 million, $0.6 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Other assets consisted of the following as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Accounts receivable related to pre-development costs	$	2,222	$	3,464
	Receivable for construction loan guarantee (see Note 2)	3,000		3,000
	Prepaid expenses	1,244		824
	Deferred tax asset	2,143		945
	Deferred financing costs	6,192		3,373
	Investments in unconsolidated entities	21,175		11,796
	Deposit	—		3,000
	Insurance proceeds receivable (see Note 16)	—		14,665
	Other	8,227		10,106
	Total other assets	$	44,203	$	51,173

Investments_in_unconsolidated_

Investments in unconsolidated entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Investments in unconsolidated entities	'
	Investments in unconsolidated entities
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Trust had investments in unconsolidated entities (see Note 2). The Trust participates in major operating decisions of, but does not control, these entities; therefore, the equity method is used to account for these investments.
	The following is a summary of financial information for the Trust’s unconsolidated joint ventures (in thousands):
	Financial Position:	2013			2012
	As of December 31,
	Total assets	$	95,380		$	42,942
	Total liabilities	58,025			25,394
	Equity	$	37,355		$	17,548
	Trust’s investment in unconsolidated entities	$	21,175		$	11,796
	Results of Operations:	2013			2012			2011
	For the years ended December 31,
	Revenues	$	22,829		$	3,847		$	9,748
	Net loss	(1,824		)	(4,013		)	(3,951		)
	Trust’s equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	$	(203	)	$	(363	)	$	(447	)
	As of December 31, 2013 and 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 and the Trust has historically provided financial support; therefore, these investments are classified in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (see Note 2).
	In 2012, the Trust invested in a collegiate housing development with GEM Realty Capital to jointly develop and own new off-campus collegiate housing. The Trust is a 50% owner and will manage the community once the development is completed. In 2013, the Trust invested in a second collegiate housing development with GEM Realty Capital to jointly develop and own new off-campus collegiate housing. The Trust is a 50% owner and will manage the community once the development is completed.
	Also in 2012, the Trust purchased a 10% interest in Elauwit Networks, a provider of Internet access, high definition video and telephone service, in order to secure reliable and advanced technology services for its owned and third-party managed collegiate housing communities. The Trust accounts for this investment under the equity method.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Trust purchased the majority of the assets from the WEDR Stinson Investors V, LLC joint venture for $22.9 million (see Note 4). The Trust recognized $0.1 million as its portion of the loss on the investment as part of equity in losses of unconsolidated entities in the consolidated statement of operations and recorded its share of the proceeds from the sale of $45,000 as a distribution in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
	During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Trust purchased the majority of the assets from the WEDR Riverside Investors V, LLC joint venture for $38.1 million (see Note 4). During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Trust recognized $0.3 million as its portion of the losses on the investments as part of equity in losses of unconsolidated entities in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and recorded its share of the proceeds from the sales of $0.2 million as distributions in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Incentive_plans

Incentive plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Incentive plans	'
	Incentive plans
	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 December 31, 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, 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 Trust’s compensation committee 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 the compensation committee may determine. Except to the extent restricted under the award agreement, a participant awarded 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 December 31, 2013 and 2012, unearned compensation related to restricted stock totaled $0.8 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 years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, compensation expense of $0.9 million, $0.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively, was recognized in the accompanying 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 the 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 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 Equity 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 dividends or 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 a total of $1.1 million of performance vesting RSUs that are denominated in cash and will convert to common stock at the end of the performance period 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 based on the performance level achieved and the price per share of our common stock. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, unearned compensation related to RSUs totaled $0.9 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 years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, compensation expense of $0.8 million, $0.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively, was recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, related to the vesting of RSUs. On December 31, 2012, 198,750 of fully-vested shares of common stock were issued pursuant to the vesting of RSUs granted in 2010.
	Total stock-based compensation recognized in general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $2.1 million, $2.0 million and $1.5 million, respectively. Additionally during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Trust issued 33,180 and 32,287 shares, respectively, to its independent directors under the 2011 Plan discussed above.
	A summary of the stock-based incentive plan activity as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
		Restricted Stock		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award		RSU Awards				Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU
		Awards
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2010(1)	210,000		$	5.62	204,000				$	5.17
	Granted	138,000		7.77		207,000				6.01
	Vested	(59,146	)	7.87		—				—
	Surrendered	(7,020	)	9.58		—				—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2011(1)	281,834		6.63		411,000				5.59
	Granted	70,595		10.14		—		(2	)	—
	Vested	(77,366	)	10.18		(140,802	)			10.64
	Surrendered	(27,969	)	10.21		(63,198	)			10.64
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012(1)	247,094		7.63		207,000				6.01
	Granted	65,791		10.64		183,275				7.65
	Vested	(91,020	)	10.54		—				—
	Surrendered	(37,842	)	10.54		—				—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013(1)	184,023		$	8.96	390,275				$	6.78
	-1	Represents unvested shares of restricted stock awards as of the date indicated.
	(2) On January 1, 2012, the Trust granted a total of $1.1 million of performance vesting RSUs that are denominated in cash and will convert to common stock at the end of the performance period to executives and key employees under the 2012 LTIP.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 and Restated Credit Agreement amended and restated the existing revolving credit facility dated September 21, 2011. The previous facility (the “Third Amended Revolver”) was a secured facility with 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.
	On October 24, 2013, the Operating Partnership entered into the First Amendment to the Fourth Amended Revolver (as amended, the "Fourth Amended Revolver"). 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, provided that the Operating Partnership may extend the maturity date for one year subject to certain conditions.
	Availability under the Fourth Amended Revolver, as amended, 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 December 31, 2013, our borrowing base availability was $500.0 million, and we had $356.9 million outstanding under the Fourth Amended Revolver; thus, our remaining borrowing base availability was $143.1 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 December 31, 2013, the interest rate applicable to the Fourth Amended Revolver was 1.57%. If amounts are drawn, due to the fact that the Fourth Amended Revolver bears interest at variable rates, cost approximates the fair value.
	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 December 31, 2013, the Trust was in compliance with all covenants of the Fourth Amended Revolver.
	Mortgage and construction debt
	As of December 31, 2013, the Trust had mortgage and construction notes payable consisting of the following, which were secured by the underlying collegiate housing properties or leasehold interests:
	Property		Outstanding as of				Interest Rate			Maturity Date	Amortization
			31-Dec-13
			(in thousands)
	Irish Row/The Reserve at Perkins/The Reserve at Columbia/ The Commons at Knoxville(2)		$	56,450			6.02	%		1/1/19	30 Year
	The Reserve at Athens(2)		7,239				4.96	%		1/1/15	30 Year
	The Suites at Overton Park		24,695				4.16	%		4/1/16	30 Year
	The Centre at Overton Park		23,024				5.6	%		1/1/17	30 Year
	College Station at W. Lafayette/The Pointe at Penn State/The Reserve on Stinson(2)		67,543				6.02	%		1/1/16	30 Year
	Pointe West		9,594				4.92	%		8/1/14	30 Year
	The Commons on Kinnear/The Reserve at Perkins(2)		16,413				5.45	%		1/1/17	30 Year
	River Pointe/Cape Trails/The Reserve on South College(2)		22,053				5.67	%		1/1/20	30 Year
	The Varsity		32,420				2.42	%	(3)	8/1/15	-1
	The Oaks on the Square - Phase I and II		31,351				2.42	%	(3)	10/30/15	-1
	The Oaks on the Square - Phase III		235				2.11	%	(3)	9/11/17	-1
	Roosevelt Point		32,576				2.44	%	(3)	3/20/15	-1
	The Retreat at Oxford		27,100				1.97	%	(3)	6/12/15	-1
	University Towers		34,000				2.29	%	(3)	7/1/16	30 Year
	GrandMarc at Westberry Place		35,697				5.02	%	(3)	1/1/20	30 Year
	Total debt / weighted average rate		420,390				4.33	%
	Unamortized premium		2,291
	Total net of unamortized premium		422,681
	Less current portion		(13,834		)
	Total long-term debt, net of current portion		$	408,847
	(1) Represents construction debt that is interest only through the maturity date. See the footnotes below regarding the applicable extension periods.
	(2) Represents loans under the Master Secured Credit Facility as defined below.
	(3) Represents variable rate debt.
	Master Secured Credit Facility
	The Trust has a credit facility with Fannie Mae (the "Master Secured Credit Facility") that was entered into on December 31, 2008 and expanded on December 2, 2009. All notes under the Master Secured Credit Facility contain cross-default provisions; all properties securing the notes are cross-collateralized. 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 December 31, 2013.
	During 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.
	Mortgage debt
	On the maturity date of July 1, 2013, the Trust completed the refinance of the University Towers mortgage debt. 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 1.00. 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 calculated quarterly on a trailing 12-month basis and must be no less than 1.25 to 1.00, increasing to 1.30 to 1.00 commencing on September 30, 2016 and thereafter. Loan fees of $0.3 million were paid at closing. As of December 31, 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 4.2% 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 we have 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 December 31, 2013, the Trust had outstanding variable rate mortgage debt of $35.7 million that was assumed in connection with the acquisition of the GrandMarc at Westberry Place 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 December 31, 2013, the interest rate applicable to the loan was 5.02%.
	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 scheduled 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 scheduled to mature on June 28, 2012. The mortgage debt and construction loans were repaid with proceeds from the Third Amended Revolver and available cash.
	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 scheduled to mature in May 2012. The mortgage debt was repaid with available cash.
	Construction loans
	In connection with the acquisition of The Varsity serving the University of Michigan (see Note 4) during the year ended December 31, 2013, the Trust assumed a construction loan in the amount of $32.4 million. The interest rate per year applicable to the loan is equal to LIBOR plus a 2.25% margin and is interest only through August 1, 2015. As of December 31, 2013, the interest rate applicable to the loan was 2.42%. On August 1, 2015, if certain conditions for extension are met, we have the the option to extend the loan until August 1, 2017. During the extension period, if applicable, principal and interest are to be repaid on a monthly basis.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Trust had borrowed $31.4 million on a construction loan related to the development of the first two phases of a wholly-owned collegiate housing community in Storrs, Connecticut (The Oaks on the Square - Phase I and II). 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 or LIBOR plus a 2.25% margin and is interest only through October 30, 2015. As of December 31, 2013, the interest rate applicable to the loan was 2.42%. On October 30, 2015, if certain conditions for extension are met, we have the option to extend the loan until October 31, 2016. On October 30, 2016, if certain conditions are met, we have 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 December 31, 2013, the Trust had borrowed $0.2 million on a construction loan related to the development of the third phase of a wholly-owned collegiate housing community in Storrs, Connecticut (The Oaks on the Square - Phase III). 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 September 11, 2017. As of December 31, 2013, the interest rate applicable to the loan was 2.1%. On September 11, 2017, if certain conditions for extension are met, we have the option to extend the loan until September 11, 2018. On September 11, 2018, if certain conditions are met, we have the option to extend the loan until September 11, 2019. During the extension periods, if applicable, principal and interest are to be repaid on a monthly basis.
	As of December 31, 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 will manage the community when completed. 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 December 31, 2013, the interest rate applicable to the loan was 1.97%. 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 December 31, 2013, the Trust had borrowed $32.6 million on a construction loan related to the development of a jointly owned collegiate housing community near the Arizona State University - Downtown Phoenix campus (Roosevelt Point). The Trust is the majority owner and managing member of the joint venture and will manage the community when completed. The loan bears interest equal to LIBOR plus a 225 basis point margin and is interest only through March 20, 2015. As of December 31, 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 December 23, 2013, the Trust repaid in full $33.1 million of construction debt secured by the collegiate housing community referred to as East Edge located near the University of Alabama, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The construction loan bore interest equal to LIBOR plus a 240 basis point margin and was scheduled to mature on July 1, 2014. The construction loan was repaid with proceeds from the Fourth Amended Revolver and available cash.
	On December 23, 2013, the Trust also repaid in full $12.3 million of construction debt secured by the collegiate housing community referred to as Campus West located near Syracuse University, in Syracuse, New York. The construction loan bore interest equal to LIBOR plus a 195 basis point margin and was scheduled to mature on December 7, 2014. The construction loan was repaid with proceeds from the Fourth Amended Revolver and available cash.
	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 scheduled to mature on September 29, 2013. The construction loan was repaid with proceeds from the Fourth Amended Revolver and available cash.
	As of December 31, 2012, the Trust had mortgage and construction notes payable consisting of the following which were secured by the underlying collegiate housing properties or leaseholds of:
	Property		Outstanding as of at				Interest Rate			Maturity Date	Amortization
			31-Dec-12
			(in thousands)
	University Towers		$	25,000			5.99	%	(3)	7/1/13	30 Year
	The Avenue at Southern/The Reserve at Columbia/ The Commons at Knoxville/College Grove(2)		57,320				6.02	%		1/1/19	30 Year
	The Reserve at Athens(2)		7,366				4.96	%		1/1/15	30 Year
	The Reserve at Perkins(2)		14,731				5.99	%		1/1/14	30 Year
	The Suites at Overton Park		25,118				4.16	%		4/1/16	30 Year
	The Centre at Overton Park		23,333				5.6	%		1/1/17	30 Year
College Station at W. Lafayette/The Pointe at Penn State/The Reserve on Stinson(2)		68,585				6.02	%		1/1/16	30 Year
Pointe West		9,824				4.92	%		8/1/14	30 Year
University Village Apartments on Colvin		8,527				1.31	%	(3)	9/29/13	30 Year
Carrollton Crossing/The Commons on Kinnear(2)		16,676				5.45	%		1/1/17	30 Year
River Pointe/Cape Trails/The Reserve on South College(2)		22,390				5.67	%		1/1/20	30 Year
The Oaks on the Square - Phase I and II		16,435				2.46	%	(3)	10/30/15	-1
Campus West		11,960				2.16	%	(3)	11/30/14	-1
East Edge		32,672				2.61	%	(3)	6/30/14	-1
ASU Phoenix		8,869				2.5	%	(3)	3/20/15	-1
The Retreat		10,639				2.31	%	(3)	7/1/15	-1
GrandMarc at Westberry Place		36,333				4.95	%	(3)	1/1/20	30 Year
Total debt /weighted average rate		395,778				4.86	%
Unamortized premium		3,068
Total net of unamortized premium		398,846
Less current portion		(37,919		)
Total long-term debt, net of current portion		$	360,927
-1	Represents construction debt that is interest only through the maturity date. See the footnotes above regarding the applicable extension periods.
-2	Represents loans under the Master Secured Credit Facility as defined above.
-3	Represents variable rate mortgage debt or construction loans.
The following table reconciles the carrying amount of mortgage and construction notes payable as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
	2013				2012
Balance, beginning of period	$	398,846			$	358,504
Additions	122,543				119,607
Repayments of principal	(97,931		)		(79,185		)
Amortization of premium	(777		)		(80		)
Balance, end of period	$	422,681			$	398,846
The scheduled maturities of outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
Year
2014	$	13,834
2015	135,310
2016	125,378
2017	40,050
2018	2,424
Thereafter	103,394
Total	420,390
Debt premium	2,291
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013, net of debt premium	$	422,681
As of December 31, 2013, the outstanding mortgage and construction debt had a weighted average interest rate of 4.33% and carried a weighted average term of 2.91 years.

Segments

Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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. Intercompany fees are reflected at the contractually stipulated amounts. Discontinued operations are not included in segment reporting as management addresses these items on a corporate level. The following tables represent the Trust’s segment information for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (amounts in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Collegiate Housing Leasing:
		Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$	167,476		$	124,087		$	91,517
		Student housing leasing operations	79,957			59,524			44,892
		Net operating income	$	87,519		$	64,563		$	46,625
		Total segment assets at end of period (1)	$	1,536,699		$	1,257,476		$	879,199
	Development Consulting Services:
		Third-party development consulting services	$	3,759		$	1,018		$	5,682
		General and administrative	4,027			3,528			2,998
		Net operating income (loss)	$	(268	)	$	(2,510	)	$	2,684
		Total segment assets at end of period	$	5,187		$	5,695		$	3,007
	Management Services:
		Third-party management services	$	3,697		$	3,446		$	3,336
		General and administrative	2,450			2,779			2,667
		Net operating income	$	1,247		$	667		$	669
		Total segment assets at end of period	$	10,135		$	10,218		$	5,399
	Reconciliations:
		Segment revenue	$	174,932		$	128,551		$	100,535
		Operating expense reimbursements	10,214			9,593			8,604
		Eliminations / adjustments	(770		)	(198		)	(1,579		)
		Total segment revenues	$	184,376		$	137,946		$	107,560
		Segment operating expenses	$	86,434		$	65,831		$	50,557
		Reimbursable operating expenses	10,214			9,593			8,604
		Eliminations / adjustments	—			(44		)	(75		)
		Total segment operating expenses	$	96,648		$	75,380		$	59,086
		Segment net operating income	$	87,728		$	62,566		$	48,474
		Other unallocated general and administrative expenses	(7,678		)	(7,913		)	(6,726		)
		Depreciation and amortization	(48,098		)	(33,240		)	(23,858		)
		Ground lease	(7,622		)	(6,395		)	(5,498		)
		Nonoperating expenses	(18,837		)	(15,322		)	(18,647		)
		Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities	(203		)	(363		)	(447		)
		Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations	$	5,290		$	(667	)	$	(6,702	)
		Total segment assets, end of period (2)	$	1,552,021		$	1,273,389		$	887,605
		Unallocated corporate amounts:
		Cash	10,729			8,436			66,469
		Notes receivable (see Note 2)	18,125			21,000			18,000
		Other receivables	1,456			—			—
		Investments in unconsolidated entities (see Note 8)	20,602			11,796			29
		Deposit	—			3,000			—
		Other assets	4,293			6,017			3,993
		Deferred financing costs, net	3,339			1,049			1,713
		Total assets, end of period	$	1,610,565		$	1,324,687		$	977,809
		(1) The increase in segment assets related to collegiate housing leasing during the year ended December 31, 2013 is primarily related to the purchase of three additional communities and the continued development of fourteen collegiate housing communities for the Trust’s ownership offset by the sale of two collegiate housing communities (see Note 5). The increase in segment assets related to collegiate housing leasing during the year ended December 31, 2012 is primarily related to the purchase of seven additional communities and the continued development of eleven collegiate housing communities for the Trust's ownership offset by the sale of three collegiate housing communities (see Note 5).
		(2) Total segment assets include goodwill of $2,149 related to management services and $921 related to development consulting services.

Related_party_transactions

Related party transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related party transactions	'
	Related party transactions
	The Trust incurs certain common costs on behalf of Allen & O’Hara, Inc. (“A&O”), which is 100% owned by the chairman of the Board of the Trust. These costs relate to human resources, information technology, legal services and certain management personnel. Prior to January 1, 2012, the Trust allocated the costs to A&O based on time and effort expended. Indirect costs were allocated monthly in an amount that approximates what management believes costs would have been had A&O operated on a stand-alone basis. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Trust incurred common costs on behalf of A&O in the amount of $0.1 million. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Trust charged fees of $32,000 and $54,000, respectively, for the services provided. Beginning in 2013 and continuing through 2014, these shared services are being phased out. By December 31, 2014, EdR will cease to provide services to A&O’s hotel properties operations.
	Prior to December 2012, the Trust engaged A&O to procure furniture, fixtures and equipment from third party vendors for its owned and managed properties and for third-party owners in connection with its development consulting projects. The Trust incurred a service fee in connection with this arrangement and the expense totaled $0.2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. Beginning in December 2012, the Trust no longer engaged A&O to perform these services.

Lease_commitments_and_uncondit

Lease commitments and unconditional purchase obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Lease Commitments And Unconditional Purchase Obligations Additional Information [Abstract]	'
Lease commitments and unconditional purchase obligations	'
	Lease commitments and unconditional purchase obligations
	The Trust has various long-term ground lease agreements with terms ranging from 40 to 99 years. Some of these agreements contain an annual increase to rent expense equal to the greater of 3% or the increase in the consumer price index. Additionally, the Trust leases corporate office space and the agreement contains rent escalation clauses based on pre-determined annual rate increases. The Trust recognizes rent expense under the straight-line method over the terms of the leases. Any difference between the straight-line rent amounts and amounts payable under the leases’ terms are recorded as deferred rent in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, deferred rent totaled $15.9 million and $10.5 million, respectively.
	The Trust has various operating leases for furniture, office and technology equipment which expire at varying times through fiscal year 2023. Rental expense under the operating lease agreements totaled $0.7 million, $0.8 million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. Furthermore, the Trust has entered into various contracts for advertising which will expire at varying times through fiscal year 2014.
	Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancellable lease terms as well as future minimum payments required under advertising contracts that have noncancellable terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending	Advertising		Leases
	2014	$	245	$	59,120
	2015	—		12,934
	2016	—		10,692
	2017	—		8,675
	2018	—		8,478
	Thereafter	—		576,492

Employee_savings_plan

Employee savings plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee savings plan	'
	Employee savings plan
	The Trust’s eligible employees may participate in a 401(k) savings plan (the “Plan”). Participants may contribute up to 15% of their earnings to the Plan. Employees are eligible to participate in the Plan on the first day of the next calendar quarter following six months of service and reaching 21 years of age. Additionally a matching contribution of 50% is provided on eligible employees’ contributions up to the first 3% of compensation. Employees vest in the matching contribution over their first 3 years of employment then immediately vest in the matching contribution from then on. Matching contributions were approximately $0.2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Accrued_expenses

Accrued expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued expenses	'
	Accrued expenses
	Accrued expenses consist of the following as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Payroll	$	3,176	$	2,070
	Real estate taxes	6,848		5,421
	Interest	2,060		1,780
	Utilities	1,203		1,111
	Ground leases (including straight-line rent)	15,012		9,554
	Construction loan guarantee	3,000		3,000
	Assets under development	15,034		19,312
	Deferred revenue related to insurance proceeds (See Note 16)	5,998		3,860
	Other	13,026		9,266
	Total accrued expenses	$	65,357	$	55,374

Commitments_and_contingencies

Commitments and contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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. The community was rebuilt and fully reopened 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. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Trust recognized business interruption proceeds of $1.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively. These amounts are included in collegiate housing leasing revenues in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Management anticipates that the remaining gain will be recognized during 2014, 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. The mortgage debt on this community was repaid on during the year ended December 31, 2012 (see Note 10), 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 $24.0 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 December 31, 2013, the joint venture had drawn $13.1 million 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 will have a $2.5 million reserve to fund any operating or debt service shortfalls that are to be 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 4) 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 first two phases of the project. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, $43.2 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 consolidated financial statements. During August, 2013, the Operating Partnership and LeylandAlliance LLC entered into a $13.8 million construction loan for the third phase of the project. Similar to the construction loan for the first and second phases, the Operating Partnership and LeylandAlliance LLC have jointly committed to provide a guarantee of repayment for the construction loan. As of December 31, 2013, $1.3 million had been drawn on the construction loan, of which $1.0 million, is attributable to LeylandAlliance LLC; these amounts are not included in our accompanying 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 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 December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Trust had reimbursable predevelopment costs of $1.6 million and $3.5 million, respectively, which are reflected in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Quarterly_financial_informatio

Quarterly financial information (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly financial information (unaudited)	'
	Quarterly financial information (unaudited)
	Quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 is summarized below (in thousands, except per share data):
	2013		1st Quarter			2nd Quarter			3rd Quarter			4th Quarter			Total
	Revenues		$	44,671		$	41,038		$	43,469		$	55,198		$	184,376
	Operating expenses		37,558			37,344			42,718			42,426			160,046
	Nonoperating expenses		4,355			4,141			4,878			5,463			18,837
	Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities		(20		)	(21		)	(61		)	(101		)	(203		)
	Income taxes expense/(benefit)		(237		)	—			(32		)	472			203
	Noncontrolling interests		169			(143		)	(20		)	302			308
	Discontinued operations(1)		503			4,157			(326		)	(4,790		)	(456		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.		$	3,309		$	3,832		$	(4,462	)	$	1,644		$	4,323
	Net income (loss) per share-basic and diluted		$	0.03		$	0.03		$	(0.04	)	$	0.02		$	0.04
	2012		1st Quarter			2nd Quarter			3rd Quarter			4th Quarter			Total
	Revenues		$	33,233		$	31,473		$	32,041		$	41,199		$	137,946
	Operating expenses		27,568			28,169			34,040			33,151			122,928
	Nonoperating expenses		4,438			3,729			3,533			3,622			15,322
	Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities(2)		(263		)	(38		)	(39		)	(23		)	(363		)
	Income taxes expense/(benefit)		(75		)	(404		)	(638		)	233			(884		)
	Noncontrolling interests		226			(80		)	(119		)	189			216
	Discontinued operations(1)		1,075			1,235			5,303			807			8,420
	Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.		$	1,888		$	1,256		$	489		$	4,788		$	8,421
	Net income per share-basic and diluted		$	0.02		$	0.01		$	—		$	0.04		$	0.08
	-1	All quarterly information presented above for 2013 and 2012 reflects the classification of the properties sold during 2013 and 2012 in discontinued operations (see Note 5). Discontinued operations for the 4th quarter of 2013 includes an impairment loss of $5,001.
	-2	Equity in losses for the 1st quarter of 2012 includes the Trust’s $88 share of the loss on the sale of assets.

Subsequent_events

Subsequent events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent events	'
	Subsequent events
	Our Board declared a fourth quarter distribution of $0.11 per share of common stock for the quarter ended on December 31, 2013. The distribution was paid on February 14, 2014 to stockholders of record at the close of business on January 31, 2014.
	On January 13, 2014, the Operating Partnership and certain of its subsidiaries (together with the Operating Partnership, the “Borrowers”), each of which is an indirectly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement provides for unsecured term loans in the initial aggregate principal amount of $187.5 million, consisting of a $122.5 million Tranche A term loan with a seven-year maturity (the “Tranche A Term Loan”) and a $65.0 million Tranche B term loan with a five-year maturity (the “Tranche B Term Loan” and, together with the Tranche A Term Loan, the “Term Loans”). The Credit Agreement contains an accordion feature pursuant to which the Borrowers may request that the total aggregate amount of the Term Loan be increased to $250.0 million, which may be allocated to Tranche A or Tranche B, subject to certain conditions, including obtaining commitments from any one or more lenders to provide such additional commitments. The Company used proceeds from the Term Loan to repay a portion of the outstanding balance under the Fourth Amended Revolver.
	The interest rate per annum on the Tranche A Term Loan is, at the Borrowers’ option, equal to a base rate or LIBOR plus an applicable margin ranging from 155 to 225 basis points, depending upon the Company’s leverage. The interest rate per annum on the Tranche B Term Loan is, at the Borrowers’ option, equal to a base rate or LIBOR plus an applicable margin ranging from 120 to 190 basis points, depending upon the Company’s leverage.
	The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and restrictive covenants substantially similar to those contained in the Company’s Fourth Amended Revolver. The Company serves as the guarantor for any funds borrowed by the Borrowers under the Credit Agreement.
	In connection with entering into the Credit Agreement, the Company entered into multiple interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $187.5 million to hedge the interest payments on the LIBOR-based Term Loans. As of the date of the Credit Agreement, the blended interest rate on the Tranche A Term Loan was 3.95% (weighted average swap rate of 2.30% plus the current margin of 1.65%) and the blended interest rate on the Tranche B Term Loan was 2.96% (weighted average swap rate of 1.66% plus the current margin of 1.30%).
	On January 31, 2014, the Trust repaid outstanding variable rate mortgage debt of $35.6 million that was secured by the GrandMarc at Westberry collegiate housing community located at Texas Christian University. A prepayment penalty of $0.4 million was incurred as a result of the prepayment. At payoff, the interest rate of the debt was 4.88%. The loan was repaid with proceeds from the Fourth Amended Revolver and available cash.
	In February 2014, the Operating Partnership entered into a purchase and sale agreement for the pending sales of The Reserve on West 31st at the University of Kansas and College Station at West Lafayette at Purdue University. These properties are an average of 1.7 miles from their respective campuses and both pending sales are expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2014. The contracts, for a total of $41.9 million, became binding on February 14, 2014 with nonrefundable deposits. The Trust expects to recognize an impairment loss related to one of these transactions, with an expected gain on sale on the second in the first quarter of 2014.

Summary_of_significant_account1

Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

'

Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation

'

Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation

The accompanying 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 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 consolidated financial statements.

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 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 (“FDIC”) insures.

Restricted cash

'

Restricted cash

Restricted cash includes escrow accounts held by lenders for the purpose 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 (“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 provided a $0.5 million promissory loan to College Park Apartments, Inc. ("CPA"), the Trust's partner in the unconsolidated joint venture University Village-Greensboro LLC (see Note 8), 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 December 31, 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. A construction loan was used to fund 80% of the development, and once completed, the community will be wholly owned by Landmark. 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. As described in Note 5, in September 2013, the Trust exercised the purchase option and acquired the collegiate housing community known as The Retreat at State College. The mezzanine loan was secured by 100% of Landmark's equity interest in this development and Landmark's equity interest in the joint venture in the collegiate housing property near The University of Mississippi campus and was repaid during closing of the acquisition. As of December 31, 2012, the mezzanine financing had a balance of $3.0 million and was recorded in notes receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

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) will earn a $3.0 million fee for providing a repayment guarantee of the construction first mortgage and (d) received a 10-year management contract. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the note receivable for the second mortgage had a balance of $18.0 million and is recorded in notes receivable in the accompanying 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 December 31, 2013, the Trust would have recognized development services revenue net of costs of $2.6 million (including participation in cost savings of $0.8 million), guarantee fee revenue of $3.0 million and interest income of $5.6 million since the commencement of the project.

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 other 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 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.

Deferred financing costs

'

Deferred financing costs

Deferred financing costs represent costs incurred in connection with acquiring debt facilities. The deferred financing costs incurred for years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $4.6 million, $0.9 million and $1.7 million, respectively, and are being amortized over the terms of the related debt using a method that approximates the effective interest method. Amortization expense totaled $1.8 million, $1.2 million, and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, accumulated amortization totaled $7.0 million and $5.7 million, respectively. Deferred financing costs, net of amortization, are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (see Note 7).

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 consolidated statement 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 the net proceeds to repay the unsecured revolving credit facility (see Note 10) 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 4).

On September 20, 2011, the Trust entered into the 2011 equity distribution agreement. 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. As of December 31, 2012, the Trust had sold 4.8 million shares of common stock under the 2011 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 December 31, 2013, the Trust had sold 1.6 million shares of common stock under the 2012 agreements for net proceeds of approximately $17.8 million. The Trust used the net proceeds to repay debt, fund its development pipeline, fund 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 years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, total compensation expense relating to the ESPP was $31,238, $25,345, and $24,338 respectively.

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 December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Trust had net unamortized debt premiums of $2.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively. These amounts are included in mortgage and construction loans in the accompanying 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 taxable 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.

Noncontrolling interests

'

Noncontrolling interests

As of December 31, 2013, the Trust had entered into three joint venture agreements to develop, own and manage properties near Arizona State University - Downtown Phoenix (Roosevelt Point), The University of Mississippi (The Retreat at Oxford) and Duke University (605 West). The Trust is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of these communities; therefore, the Trust accounts for the joint ventures using the consolidation method of accounting. Our joint venture partners' investments in 605 West met the requirements to be classified outside of permanent equity and is therefore classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations due to the partner's ability to put their ownership interests to the Trust as stipulated in the operating agreements. Our joint venture partners’ investments in the Arizona State University - Downtown Phoenix joint venture and The University of Mississippi joint ventures are accounted for as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of changes in equity and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying 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 (see Note 4).

The units of limited partnership of the Operating Partnership (“Operating Partnership Units”), units of limited partnership of University Towers Operating Partnership, LP (“University Towers Operating Partnership Units”) and profits interest units (“PIUs”) (see Note 9) 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 consolidated balance sheets and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying 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 December 31, 2013, the Trust reported the redeemable noncontrolling interests at historical cost, which was greater than fair value.

Earnings per share

'

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings available to 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.

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 consolidated balance sheets as the funds are not available for use.

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 December 31, 2013. The carrying value of goodwill was $3.1 million as of December 31, 2013 and 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 acquired in connection with acquisitions and are amortized over the estimated life of the lease/contract term.

Investment in unconsolidated entities

'

Investment in unconsolidated entities

The Operating Partnership accounts for its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures using the equity method whereby the costs of an investment are 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 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 consolidated balance sheets (see Note 8).

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 (loss) is equal to net income (loss).

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 consolidated statements of operations. Students are required to execute lease contracts with payment schedules that vary from semester 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.

Due to the nature of the Trust’s business, accounts receivable result primarily from monthly billings of student rents. Payments are normally received within 30 days. Balances are considered past due when payment is not received on the contractual due date. Allowances for uncollectible accounts are established by management when it is determined that collection is doubtful. Such allowances are reviewed periodically based upon experience. The following table reconciles the allowance for doubtful accounts as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

2013

2012

2011

Balance, beginning of period

$

142

$

133

$

129

Provision for uncollectible accounts

1,379

1,128

1,079

Deductions

(1,425

)

(1,119

)

(1,075

)

Balance, end of period

$

96

$

142

$

133

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 typically occurs after construction is complete. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, there was $0.8 million, $0.2 million and $0.5 million of revenue recognized, respectively, related to cost savings agreements on development projects. For 2013 and 2012, this amount of participation in cost savings was attributable to the participating development at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institute (see Note 2).

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 consolidated balance sheets (see Note 7).

Costs directly associated with internal development projects are capitalized as part of the cost of the project.

Advertising expense

'

Advertising expense

Advertising expenses are charged to income during the period incurred. The Trust does not use direct response advertising.

Segment information

'

Segment information

The Trust discloses certain operating and financial data with respect to separate business activities within its enterprise. The Trust has identified three reportable business segments: collegiate housing leasing, collegiate housing development consulting services and collegiate housing management services.

Stock based compensation

'

Stock-based compensation

On May 4, 2011, the Trust’s stockholders approved the Education Realty Trust, Inc. 2011 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”). The 2011 Plan replaced the Education Realty Trust, Inc. 2004 Incentive Plan (“2004 Plan”) in its entirety. The 2011 Plan is described more fully in Note 9. The Trust recognizes compensation costs related to share-based payments in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance.

Fair value measurements

'

Fair value measurements

The Trust follows the guidance contained in FASB 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. Note 6 provides details for the impairment charges recorded during the year ended December 31, 2013. Non-financial assets impaired during the year ended December 31, 2013 were disposed of during the year they were written down to estimated fair value. No non-financial assets were written down during the year ended December 31, 2012.

Financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value in our 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. The table below summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.

As of December 31, 2013

Estimated Fair Value

(in thousands)

Carrying value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Mezzanine notes receivable

$

18,125

$

—

$

19,330

$

—

Unsecured revolving credit facility

356,900

—

356,900

—

Variable rate mortgage and construction loans

193,381

—

193,381

—

Fixed rate mortgage and construction loans

227,009

—

239,162

—

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 is 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 consolidated financial statements.

Summary_of_significant_account2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	'
	The following table sets forth the activity with the redeemable noncontrolling interests for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		2013				2012
	Beginning balance – redeemable noncontrolling interests	$	8,944			$	9,776
	Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	249				305
	Redemption of operating partnership units	—				(607		)
	Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests	1,127				—
	Distributions attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(449		)		(530		)
	Ending balance – redeemable noncontrolling interests	$	9,871			$	8,944
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares	'
	The following table reconciles the basic and diluted weighted average shares for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		2013			2012
	Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	114,431,996			101,243,974
	Operating Partnership Units	830,343			865,727
	University Towers Operating Partnership Units	207,257			207,257
	Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	115,469,596			102,316,958
Potentially Dilutive Securities Outstanding not included in the Computation of Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
	As of December 31, 2011, 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:
		2011
	Operating Partnership Units	903,738
	University Towers Operating Partnership Units	207,257
	Total potentially dilutive securities	1,110,995
Reconciliation of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	The following table reconciles the allowance for doubtful accounts as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
		2013				2012			2011
	Balance, beginning of period	$	142			$	133		$	129
	Provision for uncollectible accounts	1,379				1,128			1,079
	Deductions	(1,425		)		(1,119		)	(1,075		)
	Balance, end of period	$	96			$	142		$	133
Non Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on Nonrecurring Basis	'
	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.
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments	'
	The table below summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
			As of December 31, 2013
							Estimated Fair Value
	(in thousands)		Carrying value				Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Mezzanine notes receivable		$	18,125			$	—		$	19,330	$	—
	Unsecured revolving credit facility		356,900				—			356,900		—
	Variable rate mortgage and construction loans		193,381				—			193,381		—
	Fixed rate mortgage and construction loans		227,009				—			239,162		—
			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		—

Income_taxes_Tables

Income taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets	'
	Significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Deferred revenue	$	1,022		$	717
	Accrued expenses	252			159
	Straight line rent	366			69
	Restricted stock amortization	85			—
	Net operating loss carryforward	418			—
	Total deferred tax assets	2,143			945
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation and amortization	(634		)	(493		)
	Restricted stock amortization	—			(63		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(634		)	(556		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	1,509		$	389
Significant Components of Income Tax Provisions Benefits	'
	Significant components of the income tax provision (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, are as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Deferred:
	Federal	$	(296	)	$	895		$	(169	)
	State	36			148			(28		)
	Deferred expense (benefit)	(260		)	1,043			(197		)
	Current:
	Federal	312			(1,326		)	(199		)
	State	151			(601		)	301
	Current (benefit) expense	463			(1,927		)	102
	Total (benefit) provision	$	203		$	(884	)	$	(95	)
Reconciliation of Income Tax Attributable to Income before Noncontrolling Interest Computed at United States Statutory Rate to Income Tax Provision	'
	The reconciliation of income tax attributable to income before noncontrolling interest computed at the U.S. statutory rate to income tax provision is as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Tax provision at U.S. statutory rates on TRS income subject to tax	$	15		$	(566	)	$	(293	)
	State income tax, net of federal benefit	126			(312		)	319
	Other	62			(6		)	(121		)
	Tax provision (benefit)	$	203		$	(884	)	$	(95	)

Acquisition_and_development_of1

Acquisition and development of real estate investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	'
	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		400		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.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Trust completed the following three 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
	The Varsity		University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan		Dec-13		415		181			$53,950
	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		400		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.
Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	A summary follows of 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
	A summary follows of 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			The Varsity				Total
	Collegiate housing properties	$	35,704			$	55,812		$	53,630			$	145,146
	Other assets	347				442			481				1,270
	Current liabilities	(689		)		(405		)	(449		)		(1,543		)
	Mortgage debt	—				—			(32,420		)		(32,420		)
	Total net assets acquired	$	35,362			$	55,849		$	21,242			$	112,453
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 loss included in the Trust's accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012, and the unaudited pro forma revenue and net loss 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 – 12/31/12	$	7,830			$	1,549		$	0.02
	2012 supplemental pro forma for 1/1/12 – 12/31/12(1)	$	150,370			$	10,568		$	0.1
	2011 supplemental pro forma for 1/1/11 – 12/31/11(1)	$	119,456			$	(12,490	)	$	(0.17	)
	-1	Supplemental pro forma earnings for the year ended December 31, 2012 were adjusted to exclude $1.1 million of acquisition-related costs incurred in 2012. Supplemental pro forma earnings for the year ended December 31, 2011 were adjusted to include these charges.
	The amounts of the 2013 acquisitions’ revenue and net income (loss) included in the Trust’s accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013, and the unaudited pro forma revenue and net income (loss) of the combined entity had the acquisition date been January 1, 2012, 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 – 12/31/13	$	3,221			$	911		$	0.01
	2013 supplemental pro forma for 1/1/13 – 12/31/13(1)	$	187,961			$	4,841		$	0.04
	2012 supplemental pro forma for 1/1/12 – 12/31/12(1)	$	139,714			$	9,229		$	0.09
	-1	Supplemental pro forma earnings for the year ended December 31, 2013 were adjusted to exclude $0.4 million of acquisition-related costs incurred in 2013. Supplemental pro forma earnings for the year ended December 31, 2012 were adjusted to include these charges.

Disposition_of_real_estate_inv1

Disposition of real estate investments and discontinued operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 table summarizes 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 years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$	5,409		$	16,229		$	18,603
	Other leasing revenue	—			—			414
	Collegiate housing leasing operating expenses	(3,014		)	(8,671		)	(10,518		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(1,767		)	(4,634		)	(5,697		)
	Loss on impairment	(5,001		)	—			(7,859		)
	Interest expense	—			—			(1,045		)
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	—			—			(48		)
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			—			(406		)
	Interest income	4			—			—
	Noncontrolling interests	31			(25		)	63
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$	(4,338	)	$	2,899		$	(6,493	)
	Gain on sale of collegiate housing property	$	3,913		$	5,496		$	2,388
	Noncontrolling interests	(28		)	(42		)	(30		)
	Gain on sale of collegiate housing property attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$	3,885		$	5,454		$	2,358

Collegiate_housing_properties_1

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Collegiate Housing Properties	'
	Collegiate housing properties consist of the following as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Land	$	126,273		$	115,818
	Land improvements	73,618			71,580
	Leasehold improvements	74			—
	Construction in progress	115,372			208,142
	Buildings	1,322,892			943,279
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	71,624			56,757
		1,709,853			1,395,576
	Less accumulated depreciation	(204,181		)	(175,310		)
	Collegiate housing properties and assets under development, net	$	1,505,672		$	1,220,266
	Following is certain information related to investment in collegiate housing properties as of December 31, 2013 (amounts in thousands):
						Initial Cost										Total Costs
	Property(4)		Encumbrances			Land			Buildings		Total		Cost			Land		Buildings		Total		Accumulated		Date of
									and				Capitalized					and				Depreciation(5)		Acquisition/
									Improvements				Subsequently					Improvements						Construction
	College Station at W. Lafayette (2)		$	18,327		$	1,887		$	19,528	$	21,415	$	3,257		$	1,887	$	22,785	$	24,672	$	7,904	1/31/05
	Players Club		—			727			7,498		8,225		2,151			727		9,649		10,376		3,036		1/31/05
	The Commons at Knoxville (1)		20,396			4,630			18,386		23,016		2,907			4,586		21,293		25,879		7,174		1/31/05
	The Commons on Kinnear (7)		12,556			1,327			20,803		22,130		2,403			1,327		23,206		24,533		6,984		1/31/05
	The Lofts		—			2,801			34,117		36,918		2,341			2,801		36,458		39,259		10,462		1/31/05
	The Pointe at Penn State (2)		26,872			2,151			35,094		37,245		4,485			2,151		39,579		41,730		12,236		1/31/05
	The Pointe at South Florida		—			3,508			30,510		34,018		6,014			3,508		36,524		40,032		11,873		1/31/05
	The Reserve at Athens		7,239			1,740			17,985		19,725		1,841			1,740		19,826		21,566		5,779		1/31/05
	The Reserve at Columbia (1)		14,054			1,071			26,134		27,205		4,133			1,071		30,267		31,338		9,351		1/31/05
	The Reserve at Tallahassee		—			2,743			21,176		23,919		5,276			2,743		26,452		29,195		8,350		1/31/05
	The Reserve on Perkins (1) (7)		11,971			913			15,795		16,708		3,627			913		19,422		20,335		6,656		1/31/05
	The Reserve on West 31st		—			1,896			14,920		16,816		5,718			1,896		20,638		22,534		6,813		1/31/05
	University Towers		34,000			—			28,652		28,652		16,692			2,364		42,980		45,344		12,603		1/31/05
	Campus Creek		—			2,251			21,604		23,855		2,741			2,251		24,345		26,596		7,835		2/22/05
	Pointe West		9,594			2,318			10,924		13,242		1,508			2,318		12,432		14,750		4,260		3/17/05
	Campus Lodge		—			2,746			44,415		47,161		2,520			2,746		46,935		49,681		13,471		6/7/05
	The Reserve on South College (3)		7,961			1,744			10,784		12,528		3,523			1,744		14,307		16,051		5,182		7/6/05
	Cape Trails (3)		7,233			445			11,207		11,652		2,022			445		13,229		13,674		3,457		1/1/06
	Carrollton Place		—			682			12,166		12,848		1,621			682		13,787		14,469		3,577		1/1/06
	River Place (3)		6,859			837			17,746		18,583		2,309			837		20,055		20,892		5,290		1/1/06
	The Avenue at Southern		—			2,028			10,675		12,703		4,047			2,028		14,722		16,750		4,939		6/15/06
	The Reserve at Saluki Pointe (6)		—			1,099			32,377		33,476		1,487			1,099		33,864		34,963		5,821		8/1/08
	University Apartments on Colvin		—			—			25,792		25,792		(95		)	—		25,697		25,697		3,935		8/1/09
						Initial Cost										Total Costs
	Property(4)		Encumbrances			Land			Buildings		Total		Cost			Land		Buildings		Total		Accumulated		Date of
									and				Capitalized					and				Depreciation(5)		Acquisition/
									Improvements				Subsequently					Improvements						Construction
	2400 Nueces		—			—			7,436		7,436		62,533			—		69,969		69,969		1,107		8/1/10
	The Oaks on the Square - Phase I and II(8)		31,351			1,800			15,189		16,989		34,399			1,800		49,588		51,388		1,108		9/30/10
	GrandMarc at the Corner		—			—			45,384		45,384		1,252			—		46,636		46,636		4,772		10/22/10
	Campus West		—			—			6,127		6,127		21,182			—		27,309		27,309		1,621		3/1/11
	East Edge		—			10,420			10,783		21,203		20,964			10,420		31,747		42,167		1,983		3/1/11
	Jefferson Commons		—			1,420			4,915		6,335		166			1,420		5,081		6,501		461		3/15/11
	Wertland Square		—			3,230			13,285		16,515		574			3,230		13,859		17,089		1,238		3/15/11
	The Berk		—			2,687			13,718		16,405		663			2,687		14,381		17,068		1,317		5/23/11
	Roosevelt Point		32,576			3,093			1,716		4,809		46,805			3,093		48,521		51,614		721		7/1/11
	University Village Towers		—			3,434			34,424		37,858		122			3,434		34,546		37,980		2,357		9/22/11
	Irish Row (1)		13,886			2,637			24,679		27,316		232			2,637		24,911		27,548		1,690		11/1/11
	The Lotus		—			5,245			2,192		7,437		6,424			5,245		8,616		13,861		58		11/14/11
	GrandMarc at Westberry Place		35,697			—			53,935		53,935		1,020			—		54,955		54,955		3,478		12/8/11
	3949		—			3,822			24,448		28,270		8,569			3,822		33,017		36,839		1,202		12/21/11
	The Reserve on Stinson (2)		22,344			2,111			20,609		22,720		800			2,111		21,409		23,520		1,648		1/27/12
	Central Hall I & II		—			—			—		—		25,401			—		25,401		25,401		478		6/1/12
	The Retreat at Oxford		27,100			4,743			—		4,743		31,240			4,743		31,240		35,983		476		6/14/12
	605 West		—			4,794			—		4,794		16,663			4,794		16,663		21,457		—		9/1/12
	The Province		—			4,436			45,173		49,609		53			4,436		45,226		49,662		2,068		9/21/12
	The District on 5th		—			2,601			63,396		65,997		113			2,601		63,509		66,110		3,031		10/4/12
Campus Village		—			2,650			18,077		20,727		634			2,650		18,711		21,361		1,098		10/19/12
Champions Court I		—			—			—		—		26,749			—		26,749		26,749		—		11/1/12
Champions Court II		—			—			—		—		13,561			—		13,561		13,561		—		11/1/12
The Province at Kent State		—			4,239			40,441		44,680		33			4,239		40,474		44,713		1,681		11/16/12
The Centre at Overton Park		23,024			3,781			35,232		39,013		559			3,781		35,791		39,572		1,204		12/7/12
The Suites at Overton Park		24,695			4,384			33,281		37,665		353			4,384		33,634		38,018		1,356		12/7/12
Haggin Hall I		—			—			—		—		8,614			—		8,614		8,614		—		11/1/12
Woodland Glen I & II		—			—			—		—		22,933			—		22,933		22,933		—		11/1/12
The Oaks on the Square - Phase III		235			1,531			—		1,531		4,431			1,531		4,431		5,962		—		2/13/13
Woodland Glen III, IV & V		—			—			—		—		9,475			—		9,475		9,475		—		5/1/13
The Cottages on Lindberg		—			1,800			—		1,800		33,964			1,800		33,964		35,764		459		8/28/13
The Retreat at State College		—			6,251			—		6,251		49,570			6,251		49,570		55,821		581		9/11/13
The Varsity		32,420			3,300			50,330		53,630		130			3,300		50,460		53,760		—		12/19/13
Limestone Park I & II		—			—			—		—		177			—		177		177		—		12/31/13
Totals		$	420,390		$	123,953		$	1,053,058	$	1,177,011	$	532,886		$	126,273	$	1,583,580	$	1,709,853	$	204,181
-1	The Commons at Knoxville, The Reserve at Columbia, The Reserve at Perkins and Irish Row are cross-collateralized against the $56.5 million outstanding loan discussed in Note 10.
-2	The Pointe at Penn State, The Reserve on Stinson and College Station at West Lafayette are cross-collateralized against the $67.5 million outstanding loan discussed in Note 10.
-3	The Reserve on South College, River Pointe and Cape Trails are cross-collateralized against the $22.1 million outstanding loan discussed in Note 10.
-4	All properties are of garden-style collegiate housing communities except for University Towers which is a traditional residence hall, 2400 Nueces and The Varsity, which are high-rise buildings, The Retreat at Oxford and The Retreat at State College, which are cottage-style communities, and The Oaks on the Square, which will be a mixed-use town center and main street development project located in Storrs, Connecticut.
-5	Assets have useful lives ranging from 3 to 40 years.
-6	The first phase of The Reserve at Saluki Pointe, which included 528 beds, was completed in August 2008. The second phase, which included 240 beds, was completed in August 2009.
-7	The Commons on Kinnear and The Reserve at Perkins are cross-collateralized against the $16.4 million outstanding loan discussed in Note 10.
(8) The first phase of The Oaks on the Square, which included 253 beds, was completed in August 2012. The second phase, which included 250 beds, was completed in August
2013
The following table reconciles the historical cost of the Trust’s investment in collegiate housing properties for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
	2013			2012			2011
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,395,576		$	1,026,503		$	855,151
Collegiate housing acquisitions or completed developments	290,881			353,966			192,178
Collegiate housing dispositions	(55,880		)	(104,117		)	(90,072		)
Impairment loss	(5,001		)	—			(7,859		)
Additions	84,404			120,058			77,474
Disposals	(127		)	(834		)	(369		)
Balance, end of period	$	1,709,853		$	1,395,576		$	1,026,503
The following table reconciles the accumulated depreciation of the Trust’s investment in collegiate housing properties for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
	2013			2012			2011
Balance, beginning of period	$	175,310		$	166,336		$	156,358
Depreciation	47,693			35,708			28,568
Disposals	(115		)	(771		)	(347		)
Collegiate housing dispositions	(18,707		)	(25,963		)	(18,243		)
Balance, end of period	$	204,181		$	175,310		$	166,336

Corporate_office_furniture_and1

Corporate office furniture and other assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment and Other Assets [Abstract]	'
Other Assets	'
	Other assets consisted of the following as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Accounts receivable related to pre-development costs	$	2,222	$	3,464
	Receivable for construction loan guarantee (see Note 2)	3,000		3,000
	Prepaid expenses	1,244		824
	Deferred tax asset	2,143		945
	Deferred financing costs	6,192		3,373
	Investments in unconsolidated entities	21,175		11,796
	Deposit	—		3,000
	Insurance proceeds receivable (see Note 16)	—		14,665
	Other	8,227		10,106
	Total other assets	$	44,203	$	51,173

Investments_in_unconsolidated_1

Investments in unconsolidated entities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Financial Information of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships	'
	The following is a summary of financial information for the Trust’s unconsolidated joint ventures (in thousands):
	Financial Position:	2013			2012
	As of December 31,
	Total assets	$	95,380		$	42,942
	Total liabilities	58,025			25,394
	Equity	$	37,355		$	17,548
	Trust’s investment in unconsolidated entities	$	21,175		$	11,796
Financial Information of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships	'
	Results of Operations:	2013			2012			2011
	For the years ended December 31,
	Revenues	$	22,829		$	3,847		$	9,748
	Net loss	(1,824		)	(4,013		)	(3,951		)
	Trust’s equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	$	(203	)	$	(363	)	$	(447	)

Incentive_plans_Tables

Incentive plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
		Restricted Stock		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award		RSU Awards				Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU
		Awards
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2010(1)	210,000		$	5.62	204,000				$	5.17
	Granted	138,000		7.77		207,000				6.01
	Vested	(59,146	)	7.87		—				—
	Surrendered	(7,020	)	9.58		—				—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2011(1)	281,834		6.63		411,000				5.59
	Granted	70,595		10.14		—		(2	)	—
	Vested	(77,366	)	10.18		(140,802	)			10.64
	Surrendered	(27,969	)	10.21		(63,198	)			10.64
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012(1)	247,094		7.63		207,000				6.01
	Granted	65,791		10.64		183,275				7.65
	Vested	(91,020	)	10.54		—				—
	Surrendered	(37,842	)	10.54		—				—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013(1)	184,023		$	8.96	390,275				$	6.78
	-1	Represents unvested shares of restricted stock awards as of the date indicated.
	(2) On January 1, 2012, the Trust granted a total of $1.1 million of performance vesting RSUs that are denominated in cash and will convert to common stock at the end of the performance period to executives and key employees under the 2012 LTIP.

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Mortgage and Construction Notes Payable	'
	As of December 31, 2013, the Trust had mortgage and construction notes payable consisting of the following, which were secured by the underlying collegiate housing properties or leasehold interests:
	Property		Outstanding as of				Interest Rate			Maturity Date	Amortization
			31-Dec-13
			(in thousands)
	Irish Row/The Reserve at Perkins/The Reserve at Columbia/ The Commons at Knoxville(2)		$	56,450			6.02	%		1/1/19	30 Year
	The Reserve at Athens(2)		7,239				4.96	%		1/1/15	30 Year
	The Suites at Overton Park		24,695				4.16	%		4/1/16	30 Year
	The Centre at Overton Park		23,024				5.6	%		1/1/17	30 Year
	College Station at W. Lafayette/The Pointe at Penn State/The Reserve on Stinson(2)		67,543				6.02	%		1/1/16	30 Year
	Pointe West		9,594				4.92	%		8/1/14	30 Year
	The Commons on Kinnear/The Reserve at Perkins(2)		16,413				5.45	%		1/1/17	30 Year
	River Pointe/Cape Trails/The Reserve on South College(2)		22,053				5.67	%		1/1/20	30 Year
	The Varsity		32,420				2.42	%	(3)	8/1/15	-1
	The Oaks on the Square - Phase I and II		31,351				2.42	%	(3)	10/30/15	-1
	The Oaks on the Square - Phase III		235				2.11	%	(3)	9/11/17	-1
	Roosevelt Point		32,576				2.44	%	(3)	3/20/15	-1
	The Retreat at Oxford		27,100				1.97	%	(3)	6/12/15	-1
	University Towers		34,000				2.29	%	(3)	7/1/16	30 Year
	GrandMarc at Westberry Place		35,697				5.02	%	(3)	1/1/20	30 Year
	Total debt / weighted average rate		420,390				4.33	%
	Unamortized premium		2,291
	Total net of unamortized premium		422,681
	Less current portion		(13,834		)
	Total long-term debt, net of current portion		$	408,847
	(1) Represents construction debt that is interest only through the maturity date. See the footnotes below regarding the applicable extension periods.
	(2) Represents loans under the Master Secured Credit Facility as defined below.
	(3) Represents variable rate debt.
	As of December 31, 2012, the Trust had mortgage and construction notes payable consisting of the following which were secured by the underlying collegiate housing properties or leaseholds of:
	Property		Outstanding as of at				Interest Rate			Maturity Date	Amortization
			31-Dec-12
			(in thousands)
	University Towers		$	25,000			5.99	%	(3)	7/1/13	30 Year
	The Avenue at Southern/The Reserve at Columbia/ The Commons at Knoxville/College Grove(2)		57,320				6.02	%		1/1/19	30 Year
	The Reserve at Athens(2)		7,366				4.96	%		1/1/15	30 Year
	The Reserve at Perkins(2)		14,731				5.99	%		1/1/14	30 Year
	The Suites at Overton Park		25,118				4.16	%		4/1/16	30 Year
	The Centre at Overton Park		23,333				5.6	%		1/1/17	30 Year
	College Station at W. Lafayette/The Pointe at Penn State/The Reserve on Stinson(2)		68,585				6.02	%		1/1/16	30 Year
	Pointe West		9,824				4.92	%		8/1/14	30 Year
	University Village Apartments on Colvin		8,527				1.31	%	(3)	9/29/13	30 Year
	Carrollton Crossing/The Commons on Kinnear(2)		16,676				5.45	%		1/1/17	30 Year
	River Pointe/Cape Trails/The Reserve on South College(2)		22,390				5.67	%		1/1/20	30 Year
	The Oaks on the Square - Phase I and II		16,435				2.46	%	(3)	10/30/15	-1
	Campus West		11,960				2.16	%	(3)	11/30/14	-1
	East Edge		32,672				2.61	%	(3)	6/30/14	-1
	ASU Phoenix		8,869				2.5	%	(3)	3/20/15	-1
	The Retreat		10,639				2.31	%	(3)	7/1/15	-1
	GrandMarc at Westberry Place		36,333				4.95	%	(3)	1/1/20	30 Year
	Total debt /weighted average rate		395,778				4.86	%
	Unamortized premium		3,068
	Total net of unamortized premium		398,846
	Less current portion		(37,919		)
	Total long-term debt, net of current portion		$	360,927
	-1	Represents construction debt that is interest only through the maturity date. See the footnotes above regarding the applicable extension periods.
	-2	Represents loans under the Master Secured Credit Facility as defined above.
Carrying Amount of Mortgage and Construction Notes Payable	'
	The following table reconciles the carrying amount of mortgage and construction notes payable as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		2013				2012
	Balance, beginning of period	$	398,846			$	358,504
	Additions	122,543				119,607
	Repayments of principal	(97,931		)		(79,185		)
	Amortization of premium	(777		)		(80		)
	Balance, end of period	$	422,681			$	398,846
Scheduled Maturities of Outstanding Mortgage and Construction Indebtedness	'
	The scheduled maturities of outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
	Year
	2014	$	13,834
	2015	135,310
	2016	125,378
	2017	40,050
	2018	2,424
	Thereafter	103,394
	Total	420,390
	Debt premium	2,291
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013, net of debt premium	$	422,681

Segments_Tables

Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	The following tables represent the Trust’s segment information for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (amounts in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Collegiate Housing Leasing:
		Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$	167,476		$	124,087		$	91,517
		Student housing leasing operations	79,957			59,524			44,892
		Net operating income	$	87,519		$	64,563		$	46,625
		Total segment assets at end of period (1)	$	1,536,699		$	1,257,476		$	879,199
	Development Consulting Services:
		Third-party development consulting services	$	3,759		$	1,018		$	5,682
		General and administrative	4,027			3,528			2,998
		Net operating income (loss)	$	(268	)	$	(2,510	)	$	2,684
		Total segment assets at end of period	$	5,187		$	5,695		$	3,007
	Management Services:
		Third-party management services	$	3,697		$	3,446		$	3,336
		General and administrative	2,450			2,779			2,667
		Net operating income	$	1,247		$	667		$	669
		Total segment assets at end of period	$	10,135		$	10,218		$	5,399
	Reconciliations:
		Segment revenue	$	174,932		$	128,551		$	100,535
		Operating expense reimbursements	10,214			9,593			8,604
		Eliminations / adjustments	(770		)	(198		)	(1,579		)
		Total segment revenues	$	184,376		$	137,946		$	107,560
		Segment operating expenses	$	86,434		$	65,831		$	50,557
		Reimbursable operating expenses	10,214			9,593			8,604
		Eliminations / adjustments	—			(44		)	(75		)
		Total segment operating expenses	$	96,648		$	75,380		$	59,086
		Segment net operating income	$	87,728		$	62,566		$	48,474
		Other unallocated general and administrative expenses	(7,678		)	(7,913		)	(6,726		)
		Depreciation and amortization	(48,098		)	(33,240		)	(23,858		)
		Ground lease	(7,622		)	(6,395		)	(5,498		)
		Nonoperating expenses	(18,837		)	(15,322		)	(18,647		)
		Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities	(203		)	(363		)	(447		)
		Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations	$	5,290		$	(667	)	$	(6,702	)
		Total segment assets, end of period (2)	$	1,552,021		$	1,273,389		$	887,605
		Unallocated corporate amounts:
		Cash	10,729			8,436			66,469
		Notes receivable (see Note 2)	18,125			21,000			18,000
		Other receivables	1,456			—			—
		Investments in unconsolidated entities (see Note 8)	20,602			11,796			29
		Deposit	—			3,000			—
		Other assets	4,293			6,017			3,993
		Deferred financing costs, net	3,339			1,049			1,713
		Total assets, end of period	$	1,610,565		$	1,324,687		$	977,809
		(1) The increase in segment assets related to collegiate housing leasing during the year ended December 31, 2013 is primarily related to the purchase of three additional communities and the continued development of fourteen collegiate housing communities for the Trust’s ownership offset by the sale of two collegiate housing communities (see Note 5). The increase in segment assets related to collegiate housing leasing during the year ended December 31, 2012 is primarily related to the purchase of seven additional communities and the continued development of eleven collegiate housing communities for the Trust's ownership offset by the sale of three collegiate housing communities (see Note 5).
		(2) Total segment assets include goodwill of $2,149 related to management services and $921 related to development consulting services.

Lease_commitments_and_uncondit1

Lease commitments and unconditional purchase obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Lease Commitments And Unconditional Purchase Obligations Additional Information [Abstract]	'
Future Minimum Payments Required under Advertising Contracts and Operating Leases	'
	Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancellable lease terms as well as future minimum payments required under advertising contracts that have noncancellable terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ending	Advertising		Leases
	2014	$	245	$	59,120
	2015	—		12,934
	2016	—		10,692
	2017	—		8,675
	2018	—		8,478
	Thereafter	—		576,492

Accrued_expenses_Tables

Accrued expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Expenses	'
	Accrued expenses consist of the following as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Payroll	$	3,176	$	2,070
	Real estate taxes	6,848		5,421
	Interest	2,060		1,780
	Utilities	1,203		1,111
	Ground leases (including straight-line rent)	15,012		9,554
	Construction loan guarantee	3,000		3,000
	Assets under development	15,034		19,312
	Deferred revenue related to insurance proceeds (See Note 16)	5,998		3,860
	Other	13,026		9,266
	Total accrued expenses	$	65,357	$	55,374

Quarterly_financial_informatio1

Quarterly financial information (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information	'
	Quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 is summarized below (in thousands, except per share data):
	2013		1st Quarter			2nd Quarter			3rd Quarter			4th Quarter			Total
	Revenues		$	44,671		$	41,038		$	43,469		$	55,198		$	184,376
	Operating expenses		37,558			37,344			42,718			42,426			160,046
	Nonoperating expenses		4,355			4,141			4,878			5,463			18,837
	Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities		(20		)	(21		)	(61		)	(101		)	(203		)
	Income taxes expense/(benefit)		(237		)	—			(32		)	472			203
	Noncontrolling interests		169			(143		)	(20		)	302			308
	Discontinued operations(1)		503			4,157			(326		)	(4,790		)	(456		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.		$	3,309		$	3,832		$	(4,462	)	$	1,644		$	4,323
	Net income (loss) per share-basic and diluted		$	0.03		$	0.03		$	(0.04	)	$	0.02		$	0.04
	2012		1st Quarter			2nd Quarter			3rd Quarter			4th Quarter			Total
	Revenues		$	33,233		$	31,473		$	32,041		$	41,199		$	137,946
	Operating expenses		27,568			28,169			34,040			33,151			122,928
	Nonoperating expenses		4,438			3,729			3,533			3,622			15,322
	Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities(2)		(263		)	(38		)	(39		)	(23		)	(363		)
	Income taxes expense/(benefit)		(75		)	(404		)	(638		)	233			(884		)
	Noncontrolling interests		226			(80		)	(119		)	189			216
	Discontinued operations(1)		1,075			1,235			5,303			807			8,420
	Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.		$	1,888		$	1,256		$	489		$	4,788		$	8,421
	Net income per share-basic and diluted		$	0.02		$	0.01		$	—		$	0.04		$	0.08
	-1	All quarterly information presented above for 2013 and 2012 reflects the classification of the properties sold during 2013 and 2012 in discontinued operations (see Note 5). Discontinued operations for the 4th quarter of 2013 includes an impairment loss of $5,001.
	-2	Equity in losses for the 1st quarter of 2012 includes the Trust’s $88 share of the loss on the sale of assets.

Recovered_Sheet1

Organization and Description of Business - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 12, 2004
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	200,000,000	200,000,000	200,000,000
Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, par value per share (usd per share)	$0.01	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, par value per share (usd per share)	$0.01	$0.01	$0.01

Summary_of_significant_account3

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

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 26, 2013

Aug. 14, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2008

Jul. 12, 2004

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 20, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

22-May-12

Aug. 14, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jul. 14, 2010

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 14, 2010

Sep. 09, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

joint_venture

Project Development Services

Cost Savings [Member]

Guarantee Fee Revenue

Interest Income

Minimum

Maximum

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

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

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds

Buildings and Improvements

Buildings and Improvements

Land Improvements

Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment

Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment

MN Holdings, Llc

Elauwit Networks

Elauwit Networks

University Village-Greensboro LLC

Non Tax Deductible

Tax Deductible

Management Services

Management Services

Management Services

Development Consulting Services

Development Consulting Services

Development Consulting Services

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

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

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds East Edge Apartments [Member]

Mezzanine Loan

agreement

property

property

property

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

bed

Second Mortgage

Second Mortgage

Second Mortgage

Landmark Properties

story

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity period of highly-liquid investments classified as cash equivalents

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash on deposit uninsured by the FDIC

'

'

$12,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total distributions to stockholders

'

'

48,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distributions per common share (usd per share)

'

'

$0.42

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.24

$0.18

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of development cost funded by construction loan (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

80.00%

Promissory note receivable

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes receivable

'

'

18,125,000

21,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,000,000

18,000,000

'

'

3,000,000

Notes receivable, interest rate (percent)

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

Due from related party

'

'

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes receivable, percentage secured by equity interest (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

Project cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

60,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of story (stories)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of beds (beds)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

572

'

'

'

'

'

'

Second mortgage Investment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,000,000

'

'

Guarantee fee revenue

'

'

23,498,000

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

800,000

3,000,000

5,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment, useful life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'15 years

'40 years

'15 years

'3 years

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12

12

12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of properties sold (properties)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred financing cost

'

'

4,600,000

900,000

1,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of deferred financing cost

'

'

1,758,000

1,215,000

1,197,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred financing cost, accumulated amortization

'

'

'

5,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock offering (shares)

'

17,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

'

180,900,000

16,890,000

220,441,000

265,318,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49,200,000

'

17,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock, shares authorized (shares)

'

'

200,000,000

200,000,000

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

50,000,000

'

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of equity distribution agreements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock, shares issued (shares)

'

'

114,740,155

113,062,452

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,800,000

'

1,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31,238,000

25,345,000

24,338,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Mortgage and construction loans, unamortized debt premiums

'

'

2,291,000

3,068,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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 expense

'

'

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of new joint venture agreements

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership percentage purchase

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

Payments to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,900,000

'

Number of units redeemed

'

'

'

43,832

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock redeemed during the period (shares)

'

'

'

43,832

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill accumulated impairment loss

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill impairment

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill carrying value

'

'

3,100,000

3,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,149,000

2,149,000

2,149,000

921,000

921,000

921,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Carrying value of other intangible assets

'

'

800,000

1,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity method investment, ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

10.00%

10.00%

25.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue recognized related to cost savings agreements

'

'

800,000

200,000

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advertising expense

'

'

$4,600,000

$3,200,000

$2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Summary_of_significant_account4

Summary of significant accounting policies - Activity with Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance - redeemable noncontrolling interests	$8,944	$9,776
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	249	305
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	'	-607
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests	1,127	0
Distributions attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	-449	-530
Ending balance - redeemable noncontrolling interests	$9,871	$8,944

Summary_of_significant_account5

Summary of significant accounting policies - Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding [Line Items]	'	'	'
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (shares)	114,431,996	101,243,974	75,485,418
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (shares)	115,469,596	102,316,958	75,485,418
Operating Partnership Units	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding [Line Items]	'	'	'
Diluted shares outstanding adjustment (shares)	830,343	865,727	'
University Towers Operating Partnership Units	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding [Line Items]	'	'	'
Diluted shares outstanding adjustment (shares)	207,257	'	'

Summary_of_significant_account6

Summary of significant accounting policies - Potentially Dilutive Securities Outstanding (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Total potentially dilutive securities (shares)	1,110,995
Operating Partnership Units	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Total potentially dilutive securities (shares)	903,738
University Towers Operating Partnership Units	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Total potentially dilutive securities (shares)	207,257

Summary_of_significant_account7

Summary of significant accounting policies - Reconciliation of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	$142	$133	$129
Provision for uncollectible accounts	1,379	1,128	1,079
Deductions	-1,425	-1,119	-1,075
Balance, end of period	$96	$142	$133

Summary_of_significant_account8

Summary of significant accounting policies - Summary of Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure	'	'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Mezzanine notes receivable	$18,125	$21,000
Unsecured revolving credit facility	356,900	79,000
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure | Variable Rate	'	'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage and construction loans	193,381	125,436
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure | Fixed Rate	'	'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage and construction loans	227,009	270,342
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Mezzanine notes receivable	0	0
Unsecured revolving credit facility	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Mezzanine notes receivable	19,330	23,772
Unsecured revolving credit facility	356,900	79,000
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Mezzanine notes receivable	0	0
Unsecured revolving credit facility	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Variable Rate | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage and construction loans	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Variable Rate | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage and construction loans	193,381	125,436
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Variable Rate | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage and construction loans	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fixed Rate | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage and construction loans	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fixed Rate | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage and construction loans	239,162	290,409
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fixed Rate | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage and construction loans	$0	$0

Income_taxes_Significant_Compo

Income taxes - Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Deferred revenue	$1,022	$717
Accrued expenses	252	159
Straight line rent	366	69
Restricted stock amortization	85	0
Net operating loss carryforward	418	0
Total deferred tax assets	2,143	945
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	-634	-493
Restricted stock amortization	0	-63
Total deferred tax liabilities:	-634	-556
Net deferred tax assets	$1,509	$389

Income_taxes_Significant_Compo1

Income taxes - Significant Components of Income Tax Provisions Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Federal	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($296)	$895	($169)
State	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	36	148	-28
Deferred expense (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-260	1,043	-197
Current:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Federal	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	312	-1,326	-199
State	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	151	-601	301
Current (benefit) expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	463	-1,927	102
Tax provision (benefit)	$472	($32)	$0	($237)	$233	($638)	($404)	($75)	$203	($884)	($95)

Income_taxes_Additional_Inform

Income taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
TRS earnings or (loss) subject to tax	$5,493	($304)	($6,255)
Taxable REIT Subsidiary	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
TRS earnings or (loss) subject to tax	($200)	($1,900)	($900)

Income_taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income taxes - Reconciliation of Income Tax Attributable to Income before Noncontrolling Interest Computed at United States Statutory Rate to Income Tax Provision (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Tax provision at U.S. statutory rates on TRS income subject to tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$15	($566)	($293)
State income tax, net of federal benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	126	-312	319
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	62	-6	-121
Tax provision (benefit)	$472	($32)	$0	($237)	$233	($638)	($404)	($75)	$203	($884)	($95)

Acquisition_and_development_of2

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 09, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

property

property

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds East Edge Apartments [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds East Edge Apartments [Member]

University Towers North Carolina State University [Member]

2011 Acquisitions

2012 Acquisitions

Reserve on Stinson Apartments

Lotus Lofts

Lotus Lofts

Campus Village

Commercial Real Estate Developer

Commercial Real Estate Developer

Commercial Real Estate Developer

Commercial Real Estate Developer

Commercial Real Estate Developer

Commercial Real Estate Developer

Commercial Real Estate Developer

Commercial Real Estate Developer

Commercial Real Estate Developer

Commercial Real Estate Developer

Commercial Real Estate Developer

Commercial Real Estate Development Project Phase I [Member]

Commercial Real Estate Development Project Phase II [Member]

3949 Lindell

3949 Lindell

Assets under development

Assets under development

Business Combination Acquisition Related Costs

Mortgage debt

Mortgage debt

The Suites at Overton Park

Javelin 19 Investments [Member]

Summa West Limited Liability Company

Summa West Limited Liability Company

Landmark Properties

Landmark Properties

University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky

University of Texas - Austin

University of Texas - Austin

Leyland Alliance Limited Liability Company

Leyland Alliance Limited Liability Company

Leyland Alliance Limited Liability Company

Leyland Alliance Limited Liability Company

Mortgage debt

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of real estate investments acquired (properties)

3

7

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition costs

$400,000

$1,100,000

'

'

'

'

$1,100,000

$400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair values of liabilities assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32,400,000

51,625,000

32,420,000

48,500,000

Equity method investment, ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Lease Term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'32 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ground lease, optional extension term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'20 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Collegiate housing acquisitions or completed developments

290,881,000

353,966,000

192,178,000

'

'

7,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership percentage purchase

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

6,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Development of real estate investments, costs for the project

116,787,000

159,264,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,900,000

'

'

21,500,000

51,100,000

'

36,000,000

'

106,800,000

'

70,000,000

'

'

'

29,300,000

6,000,000

22,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Development of real estate investments, capitalized internal development project costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000

22,878,000

'

100,000

100,000

100,000

0

100,000

700,000

300,000

300,000

200,000

100,000

100,000

'

'

32,152

1,936

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling Interest, Right of Ownership Percentage Within Five Years

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Development of real estate investments, capitalized interest costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000

13,800,000

'

300,000

700,000

500,000

400,000

300,000

1,500,000

200,000

1,200,000

900,000

600,000

800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts payable

2,289,000

1,749,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

700,000

'

'

'

'

Accrued expenses

65,357,000

55,374,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,000,000

19,300,000

'

'

'

'

Payments made for deposit on acquisition

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

279,300,000

'

'

Total net assets acquired

112,453,000

231,483,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net assets except debt and fixed assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

'

'

Debt Used to Finance Acquisition

'

$48,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition_and_development_of3

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Collegiate Housing Community Acquisitions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	bed
	unit
The Cottages on Lindberg	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Primary University Served	'Purdue University West Lafayette, Indiana	'
Acquisition Date	'	'2013-08
Number of beds (beds)	745	'
Number of Units (units)	193	'
Purchase Price	$36,000	'
The Retreat at State College	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Primary University Served	'Pennsylvania State University State College, Pennsylvania	'
Acquisition Date	'	'2013-09
Number of beds (beds)	587	'
Number of Units (units)	138	'
Purchase Price	56,189	'
The Varsity	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Primary University Served	'University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan	'
Acquisition Date	'	'2013-12
Number of beds (beds)	415	'
Number of Units (units)	181	'
Purchase Price	53,950	'
Reserve on Stinson Apartments	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Primary University Served	'	'University of Oklahoma Norman, Oklahoma
Acquisition Date	'2012-01	'
Number of beds (beds)	'	612
Number of Units (units)	'	204
Purchase Price	'	22,954
The Province East Carolina University	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Primary University Served	'	'East Carolina University Greenville, North Carolina
Acquisition Date	'2012-09	'
Number of beds (beds)	'	728
Number of Units (units)	'	235
Purchase Price	'	50,000
The District on 5th	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Primary University Served	'	'University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona
Acquisition Date	'2012-10	'
Number of beds (beds)	'	764
Number of Units (units)	'	208
Purchase Price	'	66,442
University Village Towers	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Primary University Served	'	'Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan	[1]
Acquisition Date	'2012-10	'
Number of beds (beds)	'	355	[1]
Number of Units (units)	'	106	[1]
Purchase Price	'	20,900	[1]
The Province Kent State University [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Primary University Served	'	'Kent State University Kent, Ohio
Acquisition Date	'2012-11	'
Number of beds (beds)	'	596
Number of Units (units)	'	246
Purchase Price	'	45,000
The Suites at Overton Park Texas Tech University	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Primary University Served	'	'Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas
Acquisition Date	'2012-12	'
Number of beds (beds)	'	465
Number of Units (units)	'	298
Purchase Price	'	37,000
The Centre at Overton Park Texas Tech University	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Primary University Served	'	'Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas	[2]
Acquisition Date	'2012-12	'
Number of beds (beds)	'	400	[2]
Number of Units (units)	'	278	[2]
Purchase Price	'	37,000	[2]
[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 - Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	$146,139,000	'
Total net assets acquired	112,453,000	231,483,000
Liabilities assumed	1,200,000	'
Collegiate housing properties	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	145,146,000	280,413,000
Debt assumed	32,400,000	'
Other assets	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	1,270,000	6,778,000
Current liabilities	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Current liabilities	1,543,000	4,083,000
Mortgage debt	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage debt	-32,420,000	-51,625,000
The Cottages on Lindberg	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Total net assets acquired	35,362,000	'
The Cottages on Lindberg | Collegiate housing properties	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	35,704,000	'
The Cottages on Lindberg | Other assets	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	347,000	'
The Cottages on Lindberg | Current liabilities	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Current liabilities	689,000	'
The Cottages on Lindberg | Mortgage debt	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage debt	0	'
The Retreat at State College	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Total net assets acquired	55,849,000	'
The Retreat at State College | Collegiate housing properties	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	55,812,000	'
The Retreat at State College | Other assets	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	442,000	'
The Retreat at State College | Current liabilities	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Current liabilities	405,000	'
The Retreat at State College | Mortgage debt	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage debt	0	'
The Varsity	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Total net assets acquired	21,242,000	'
The Varsity | Collegiate housing properties	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	53,630,000	'
The Varsity | Other assets	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	481,000	'
The Varsity | Current liabilities	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Current liabilities	449,000	'
The Varsity | Mortgage debt	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage debt	-32,420,000	'
The Province East Carolina University	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Total net assets acquired	'	49,580,000
The Province East Carolina University | Collegiate housing properties	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	'	49,609,000
The Province East Carolina University | Other assets	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	'	502,000
The Province East Carolina University | Current liabilities	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Current liabilities	'	531,000
The Province East Carolina University | Mortgage debt	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage debt	'	0
The District on 5th	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Total net assets acquired	'	65,927,000
The District on 5th | Collegiate housing properties	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	'	65,997,000
The District on 5th | Other assets	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	'	475,000
The District on 5th | Current liabilities	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Current liabilities	'	545,000
The District on 5th | Mortgage debt	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage debt	'	0
The Suites at Overton Park Texas Tech University	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Total net assets acquired	'	28,232,000
The Suites at Overton Park Texas Tech University | Collegiate housing properties	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	'	76,678,000
The Suites at Overton Park Texas Tech University | Other assets	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	'	4,830,000
The Suites at Overton Park Texas Tech University | Current liabilities	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Current liabilities	'	1,651,000
The Suites at Overton Park Texas Tech University | Mortgage debt	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage debt	'	-51,625,000
Other	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Total net assets acquired	'	87,744,000
Other | Collegiate housing properties	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	'	88,129,000
Other | Other assets	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Fair values of assets acquired	'	971,000
Other | Current liabilities	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Current liabilities	'	1,356,000
Other | Mortgage debt	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgage debt	'	$0

Acquisition_and_development_of5

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Pro Forma Revenue and Net Loss of Combined Entity (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Jan. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues

$107,560

$55,198

$43,469

$41,038

$44,671

$41,199

$32,041

$31,473

$33,233

$184,376

$137,946

$107,560

Net income (loss) from date of acquisition

'

1,644

-4,462

3,832

3,309

4,788

489

1,256

1,888

4,323

8,421

-11,014

Earnings per share basic and diluted from date of acquisition (usd per share)

'

$0.02

($0.04)

$0.03

$0.03

$0.04

$0

$0.01

$0.02

$0.04

$0.08

($0.14)

2012 Acquisitions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,221

'

'

Supplemental pro forma revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

187,961

[1]

139,714

[1]

'

Net income (loss) from date of acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

911

'

'

Supplemental pro forma net income/(loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,841

[1]

9,229

[1]

'

Earnings per share basic and diluted from date of acquisition (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.01

'

'

Supplemental pro forma earnings per share basic and diluted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.04

[1]

$0.09

[1]

'

2011 Acquisitions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,830

'

Supplemental pro forma revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,370

[2]

119,456

[2]

Net income (loss) from date of acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,549

'

Supplemental pro forma net income/(loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$10,568

[2]

($12,490)

[2]

Earnings per share basic and diluted from date of acquisition (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.02

'

Supplemental pro forma earnings per share basic and diluted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.10

[2]

($0.17)

[2]

[1]

Supplemental pro forma earnings for the year ended DecemberB 31, 2013 were adjusted to exclude $0.4 million of acquisition-related costs incurred in 2013. Supplemental pro forma earnings for the year ended DecemberB 31, 2012 were adjusted to include these charges. As The Retreat at State College and The Varsity opened for the 2013/2014 lease year, the supplemental pro forma revenue and net income for the periods above do not include full years of operations for these acquisitions.

[2]

Supplemental pro forma earnings for the year ended December 31, 2012 were adjusted to exclude $1.1 million of acquisition-related costs incurred in 2012. Supplemental pro forma earnings for the year ended December 31, 2011 were adjusted to include these charges.

Disposition_of_real_estate_inv2

Disposition of real estate investments and discontinued operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 19, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 19, 2013	Jun. 19, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
	property	property	property		Discontinued Operations	The Pointe at Western	College Grove	Collegiate Village [Member]
					property
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disposition of real estate investments, sales price	$46,100,000	'	$69,500,000	$28,000,000	'	$21,000,000	$20,700,000	'
Disposition of real estate investments, net proceeds	29,700,000	40,256,000	67,261,000	73,821,000	'	20,000,000	20,200,000	27,800,000
Number of properties closed	5	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Repayments of related debt	$16,100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of real estate investments held-for-sale (properties)	'	3	7	'	12	'	'	'

Disposition_of_real_estate_inv3

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 $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Collegiate housing leasing revenue	'	$167,476	$124,087	$91,517
Collegiate housing leasing operating expenses	'	-79,957	-59,524	-44,892
Depreciation and amortization	-23,858	-48,098	-33,240	-23,858
Interest expense	'	-17,526	-14,390	-17,274
Amortization of deferred financing costs	'	-1,758	-1,215	-1,197
Loss on extinguishment of debt	'	0	0	-351
Discontinued Operations	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Collegiate housing leasing revenue	'	5,409	16,229	18,603
Other leasing revenue	'	0	0	414
Collegiate housing leasing operating expenses	'	-3,014	-8,671	-10,518
Depreciation and amortization	'	-1,767	-4,634	-5,697
Loss on impairment	'	-5,001	0	-7,859
Interest expense	'	0	0	-1,045
Amortization of deferred financing costs	'	0	0	-48
Loss on extinguishment of debt	'	0	0	-406
Interest income	'	4	0	0
Noncontrolling interests	'	31	-25	63
Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	'	-4,338	2,899	-6,493
Gain on sale of collegiate housing property	'	3,913	5,496	2,388
Noncontrolling interests	'	-28	-42	-30
Gain on sale of collegiate housing property attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	'	$3,885	$5,454	$2,358

Collegiate_housing_properties_2

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development - Components of Collegiate Housing Properties (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real Estate [Abstract]	'	'
Land	$126,273	$115,818
Land improvements	73,618	71,580
Leasehold improvements	74	0
Construction in progress	115,372	208,142
Buildings	1,322,892	943,279
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	71,624	56,757
Collegiate housing properties, gross	1,709,853	1,395,576
Less accumulated depreciation	-204,181	-175,310
Collegiate housing properties and assets under development, net	$1,505,672	$1,220,266

Collegiate_housing_properties_3

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development - Investment in Collegiate Housing Properties (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified						College Station at W. Lafayette		Players Club		The Commons at Knoxville		The Commons on Kinnear		The Lofts		The Pointe at Penn State		The Pointe at South Florida		The Reserve at Athens		The Reserve at Columbia		The Reserve at Tallahassee		The Reserve on Perkins (1) (7)		The Reserve on West 31st		University Towers [Member]		Campus Creek		Pointe West		Campus Lodge [Member]		The Reserve on South College		Cape Trails		Carrollton Place [Member]		River Place [Member]		The Avenue at Southern		The Reserve At Saluki Point		University Apartments on Colvin		2400 Nueces [Member]		Oaks On The Square [Member]		GrandMarc at Corner		Campus West [Member]		East Edge		Jefferson Commons		Wertland Square		The Berk		Roosevelt Point [Member]		University Village Towers		Irish Row		The Lotus [Member]		GrandMarc at Westberry Place		3949		Reserve on Stinson Apartments		Central Hall I & II		The Retreat at Oxford		605 West Apartments [Member]		The Province		The District On 5th [Member]		Campus Village		Champions Court I		Champions Court II		The Province Kent State University [Member]		The Centre at Overton Park Texas Tech University		The Suites at Overton Park Texas Tech University		The Cottages on Lindberg	The Retreat at State College	The Varsity	Haggin Hall		Limestone Park I & II [Member]	Woodland Glen I & II [Member]		Storrs Phase III		Woodland Glen III, IV & V
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'	'	'	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'	'		'	'		'		'
Encumbrances	$420,390	[1]	'	'	'	$18,327		$0		$20,396		$12,556		$0		$26,872		$0		$7,239		$14,054		$0		$11,971		$0		$34,000		$0		$9,594		$0		$7,961		$7,233		$0		$6,859		$0		$0		$0		$0		$31,351		$0		$0		$0		$0		$0		$0		$32,576		$0		$13,886		$0		$35,697		$0		$22,344		$0		$27,100		$0		$0		$0		$0		$0		$0		$0		$23,024		$24,695		$0	$0	$32,420	$0		$0	$0		$235		$0
Initial Cost, Land	123,953	[1]	'	'	'	1,887		727		4,630		1,327		2,801		2,151		3,508		1,740		1,071		2,743		913		1,896		0		2,251		2,318		2,746		1,744		445		682		837		2,028		1,099		0		0		1,800		0		0		10,420		1,420		3,230		2,687		3,093		3,434		2,637		5,245		0		3,822		2,111		0		4,743		4,794		4,436		2,601		2,650		0		0		4,239		3,781		4,384		1,800	6,251	3,300	0		0	0		1,531		0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	1,053,058	[1]	'	'	'	19,528		7,498		18,386		20,803		34,117		35,094		30,510		17,985		26,134		21,176		15,795		14,920		28,652		21,604		10,924		44,415		10,784		11,207		12,166		17,746		10,675		32,377		25,792		7,436		15,189		45,384		6,127		10,783		4,915		13,285		13,718		1,716		34,424		24,679		2,192		53,935		24,448		20,609		0		0		0		45,173		63,396		18,077		0		0		40,441		35,232		33,281		0	0	50,330	0		0	0		0		0
Initial Costs, Total	1,177,011	[1]	'	'	'	21,415	[1]	8,225	[1]	23,016	[1]	22,130	[1]	36,918	[1]	37,245	[1]	34,018	[1]	19,725	[1]	27,205	[1]	23,919	[1],[2]	16,708	[1]	16,816	[1]	28,652	[1],[3]	23,855	[1],[4]	13,242	[1],[3]	47,161	[1],[2]	12,528	[1]	11,652	[1]	12,848	[1]	18,583	[1]	12,703	[1]	33,476	[1]	25,792	[1],[2]	7,436	[1],[5]	16,989	[1],[2]	45,384	[1],[6]	6,127	[1]	21,203	[1]	6,335	[1]	16,515	[1],[4]	16,405	[1],[5]	4,809	[1],[5]	37,858	[1]	27,316	[1]	7,437	[1]	53,935	[1]	28,270	[1]	22,720	[1]	0	[1]	4,743	[1]	4,794	[1]	49,609	[1]	65,997	[1]	20,727	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1],[3]	44,680	[1]	39,013	[1]	37,665	[1]	'	'	'	0	[1]	'	0	[1]	1,531	[1]	0	[1]
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	532,886	[1]	'	'	'	3,257	[1]	2,151	[1]	2,907	[1]	2,403	[1]	2,341	[1]	4,485	[1]	6,014	[1]	1,841	[1]	4,133	[1]	5,276	[1],[2]	3,627	[1]	5,718	[1]	16,692	[1],[3]	2,741	[1],[4]	1,508	[1],[3]	2,520	[1],[2]	3,523	[1]	2,022	[1]	1,621	[1]	2,309	[1]	4,047	[1]	1,487	[1]	-95	[1],[2]	62,533	[1],[5]	34,399	[1],[2]	1,252	[1],[6]	21,182	[1]	20,964	[1]	166	[1]	574	[1],[4]	663	[1],[5]	46,805	[1],[5]	122	[1]	232	[1]	6,424	[1]	1,020	[1]	8,569	[1]	800	[1]	25,401	[1]	31,240	[1]	16,663	[1]	53	[1]	113	[1]	634	[1]	26,749	[1]	13,561	[1],[3]	33	[1]	559	[1]	353	[1]	'	'	'	8,614	[1]	'	22,933	[1]	4,431	[1]	9,475	[1]
Total Costs, Land	126,273	[1]	'	'	'	1,887	[1]	727	[1]	4,586	[1]	1,327	[1]	2,801	[1]	2,151	[1]	3,508	[1]	1,740	[1]	1,071	[1]	2,743	[1],[2]	913	[1]	1,896	[1]	2,364	[1],[3]	2,251	[1],[4]	2,318	[1],[3]	2,746	[1],[2]	1,744	[1]	445	[1]	682	[1]	837	[1]	2,028	[1]	1,099	[1]	0	[1],[2]	0	[1],[5]	1,800	[1],[2]	0	[1],[6]	0	[1]	10,420	[1]	1,420	[1]	3,230	[1],[4]	2,687	[1],[5]	3,093	[1],[5]	3,434	[1]	2,637	[1]	5,245	[1]	0	[1]	3,822	[1]	2,111	[1]	0	[1]	4,743	[1]	4,794	[1]	4,436	[1]	2,601	[1]	2,650	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1],[3]	4,239	[1]	3,781	[1]	4,384	[1]	'	'	'	0	[1]	'	0	[1]	1,531	[1]	0	[1]
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	1,583,580	[1]	'	'	'	22,785		9,649		21,293		23,206		36,458		39,579		36,524		19,826		30,267		26,452		19,422		20,638		42,980		24,345		12,432		46,935		14,307		13,229		13,787		20,055		14,722		33,864		25,697		69,969		49,588		46,636		27,309		31,747		5,081		13,859		14,381		48,521		34,546		24,911		8,616		54,955		33,017		21,409		25,401		31,240		16,663		45,226		63,509		18,711		26,749		13,561		40,474		35,791		33,634		'	'	'	8,614		177	22,933		4,431		9,475
Total Costs, Total	1,709,853	[1]	1,395,576	1,026,503	855,151	24,672	[1]	10,376	[1]	25,879	[1]	24,533	[1]	39,259	[1]	41,730	[1]	40,032	[1]	21,566	[1]	31,338	[1]	29,195	[1],[2]	20,335	[1]	22,534	[1]	45,344	[1],[3]	26,596	[1],[4]	14,750	[1],[3]	49,681	[1],[2]	16,051	[1]	13,674	[1]	14,469	[1]	20,892	[1]	16,750	[1]	34,963	[1]	25,697	[1],[2]	69,969	[1],[5]	51,388	[1],[2]	46,636	[1],[6]	27,309	[1]	42,167	[1]	6,501	[1]	17,089	[1],[4]	17,068	[1],[5]	51,614	[1],[5]	37,980	[1]	27,548	[1]	13,861	[1]	54,955	[1]	36,839	[1]	23,520	[1]	25,401	[1]	35,983	[1]	21,457	[1]	49,662	[1]	66,110	[1]	21,361	[1]	26,749	[1]	13,561	[1],[3]	44,713	[1]	39,572	[1]	38,018	[1]	'	'	'	8,614	[1]	'	22,933	[1]	5,962	[1]	9,475	[1]
Accumulated Depreciation	$204,181	[1],[7]	$175,310	$166,336	$156,358	$7,904		$3,036		$7,174		$6,984		$10,462		$12,236		$11,873		$5,779		$9,351		$8,350		$6,656		$6,813		$12,603		$7,835		$4,260		$13,471		$5,182		$3,457		$3,577		$5,290		$4,939		$5,821		$3,935		$1,107		$1,108		$4,772		$1,621		$1,983		$461		$1,238		$1,317		$721		$2,357		$1,690		$58		$3,478		$1,202		$1,648		$478		$476		$0		$2,068		$3,031		$1,098		$0		$0		$1,681		$1,204		$1,356		'	'	'	$0		$0	$0		$0		$0
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	'		'	'	'	31-Jan-05		31-Jan-05		31-Jan-05		31-Jan-05		31-Jan-05		31-Jan-05		31-Jan-05		31-Jan-05		31-Jan-05		31-Jan-05		31-Jan-05		31-Jan-05		31-Jan-05		22-Feb-05		17-Mar-05		7-Jun-05		6-Jul-05		1-Jan-06		1-Jan-06		1-Jan-06		15-Jun-06		1-Aug-08		1-Aug-09		1-Aug-10		30-Sep-10		22-Oct-10		1-Mar-11		1-Mar-11		15-Mar-11		15-Mar-11		23-May-11		1-Jul-11		22-Sep-11		1-Nov-11		14-Nov-11		8-Dec-11		21-Dec-11		27-Jan-12		1-Jun-12		14-Jun-12		1-Sep-12		21-Sep-12		4-Oct-12		19-Oct-12		1-Nov-12		1-Nov-12		16-Nov-12		7-Dec-12		7-Dec-12		28-Aug-13	11-Sep-13	19-Dec-13	1-Nov-12		31-Dec-13	1-Nov-12		13-Feb-13		1-May-13
[1]	All properties are of garden-style collegiate housing communities except for University Towers which is a traditional residence hall, 2400 Nueces and The Varsity, which are high-rise buildings, The Retreat at Oxford and The Retreat at State College, which are cottage-style communities, and The Oaks on the Square, which will be a mixed-use town center and main street development project located in Storrs, Connecticut.
[2]	The Commons at Knoxville, The Reserve at Columbia, The Reserve at Perkins and Irish Row are cross-collateralized against the $56.5 million outstanding loan discussed in Note 10.
[3]	The Pointe at Penn State, The Reserve on Stinson and College Station at West Lafayette are cross-collateralized against the $67.5 million outstanding loan discussed in Note 10.
[4]	The Commons on Kinnear and The Reserve at Perkins are cross-collateralized against the $16.4 million outstanding loan discussed in Note 10.
[5]	The Reserve on South College, River Pointe and Cape Trails are cross-collateralized against the $22.1 million outstanding loan discussed in Note 10.
[6]	The first phase of The Reserve at Saluki Pointe, which included 528 beds, was completed in August 2008. The second phase, which included 240 beds, was completed in August 2009.
[7]	Assets have useful lives ranging from 3 to 40 years.

Collegiate_housing_properties_4

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development - Investment in Collegiate Housing Properties (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2008	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	The Reserve at Saluki Pointe	The Reserve at Saluki Pointe	The Reserve at Saluki Pointe	Minimum	Maximum	The Avenue at Southern The Reserve at Columbia The Commons at Knoxville and College Grove	College Station at West Lafayette The Pointe at Penn State The Reserve at Star Pass	River Pointe Cape Trails and The Reserve on South College	Carrollton Crossing and The Commons on Kinnear
	Phase 1	Phase 2	Phase 2
	bed	bed	bed
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding loan	'	'	'	'	'	$56.50	$67.50	$22.10	$16.40
Useful lives of assets	'	'	'	'3 years	'40 years	'	'	'	'
Acquisition of real estate investments, number of beds	528	250	240	'	'	'	'	'	'

Collegiate_housing_properties_5

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development - Historical Cost of Trusts Investment in Collegiate Housing Properties (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of Carrying Amount of Real Estate Investments [Roll Forward]	'		'	'
Balance, beginning of period	$1,395,576		$1,026,503	$855,151
Collegiate housing acquisitions or completed developments	290,881		353,966	192,178
Collegiate housing dispositions	-55,880		-104,117	-90,072
Impairment loss	-5,001		0	-7,859
Additions	84,404		120,058	77,474
Disposals	-127		-834	-369
Balance, end of period	$1,709,853	[1]	$1,395,576	$1,026,503
[1]	All properties are of garden-style collegiate housing communities except for University Towers which is a traditional residence hall, 2400 Nueces and The Varsity, which are high-rise buildings, The Retreat at Oxford and The Retreat at State College, which are cottage-style communities, and The Oaks on the Square, which will be a mixed-use town center and main street development project located in Storrs, Connecticut.

Collegiate_housing_properties_6

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development - Reconciliation of Accumulated Investment Depreciation (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward]	'		'	'
Balance, beginning of period	$175,310		$166,336	$156,358
Depreciation	47,693		35,708	28,568
Disposals	-115		-771	-347
Collegiate housing dispositions	-18,707		-25,963	-18,243
Balance, end of period	$204,181	[1],[2]	$175,310	$166,336
[1]	All properties are of garden-style collegiate housing communities except for University Towers which is a traditional residence hall, 2400 Nueces and The Varsity, which are high-rise buildings, The Retreat at Oxford and The Retreat at State College, which are cottage-style communities, and The Oaks on the Square, which will be a mixed-use town center and main street development project located in Storrs, Connecticut.
[2]	Assets have useful lives ranging from 3 to 40 years.

Collegiate_housing_properties_7

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2009
		Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations	Phase 2	Phase 2
				Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds Reserve At Saluki Pointe Apartments [Member]	Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds Reserve At Saluki Pointe Apartments [Member]
				bed	bed
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of beds (beds)	'	'	'	250	240
Impairment loss	$0	$5,000,000	$7,900,000	'	'

Corporate_office_furniture_and2

Corporate office furniture and other assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Office furniture, historical cost	$5.80	$5	'
Furniture and Fixtures	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Office furniture, accumulated depreciation	2.5	2	'
Depreciation expense	$0.60	$0.60	$0.50
Furniture and Fixtures | Minimum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Office furniture, estimated useful lives	'3 years	'	'
Furniture and Fixtures | Maximum	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Office furniture, estimated useful lives	'7 years	'	'

Corporate_office_furniture_and3

Corporate office furniture and other assets - Other Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts receivable related to pre-development costs	$807	$708
Note receivable	18,125	21,000
Deferred tax asset	2,143	945
Total other assets	44,203	51,173
Landmark Properties | Mezzanine Loan	'	'
Schedule of Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Note receivable	3,000	'
Other Assets	'	'
Schedule of Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts receivable related to pre-development costs	2,222	3,464
Prepaid expenses	1,244	824
Deferred tax asset	2,143	945
Deferred financing costs, net	6,192	3,373
Investments in unconsolidated entities	21,175	11,796
Deposit	0	3,000
Insurance proceeds receivable (see Note 16)	0	14,665
Other	8,227	10,106
Total other assets	44,203	51,173
Other Assets | Landmark Properties | Mezzanine Loan	'	'
Schedule of Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Note receivable	$3,000	$3,000

Investments_in_unconsolidated_2

Investments in unconsolidated entities - Financial Information of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Jan. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total assets

'

$95,380

'

'

'

$42,942

'

'

'

$95,380

$42,942

'

Total liabilities

'

58,025

'

'

'

25,394

'

'

'

58,025

25,394

'

Equity

'

37,355

'

'

'

17,548

'

'

'

37,355

17,548

'

Trust's investment in unconsolidated entities

'

21,175

'

'

'

11,796

'

'

'

21,175

11,796

'

Revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,829

3,847

9,748

Net loss

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,824

-4,013

-3,951

Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities

($447)

($101)

($61)

($21)

($20)

[1]

($23)

($39)

($38)

($263)

($203)

($363)

($447)

[1]

Equity in losses for the 1st quarter of 2012 includes the Trustbs $88 share of the loss on the sale of assets.

Investments_in_unconsolidated_3

Investments in unconsolidated entities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Payments to purchase majority of the assets of joint venture	$109,482,000	$239,065,000	$156,463,000
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities	'	-100,000	'
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated entities	71,000	195,000	264,000
Gem Realty Capital	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	'	50.00%	'
Elauwit Networks	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	10.00%	10.00%	'
WEDR Stinson Investors V, LLC	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Payments to purchase majority of the assets of joint venture	'	22,900,000	'
WEDR Riverside Investors V, LLC	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Payments to purchase majority of the assets of joint venture	'	'	38,100,000
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities	'	'	-300,000
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated entities	'	'	200,000
Accrued Liabilities	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Investments classified in accrued expenses	1,700,000	1,500,000	'
WEDR Stinson Investors V, LLC	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated entities	'	$45,000,000	'

Incentive_plans_Additional_Inf

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

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 02, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 02, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 02, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 02, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

4-May-11

Dec. 31, 2013

General and Administrative Expense

General and Administrative Expense

General and Administrative Expense

Long Term Incentive Plan 2012

Long Term Incentive Plan 2012

Restricted Stock

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)

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Stock Incentive Plan 2011

Stock Incentive Plan 2011

Independent Director

Independent Director

Long Term Incentive Plan 2013

Long Term Incentive Plan 2013

Long Term Incentive Plan 2012

Long Term Incentive Plan 2012

Long Term Incentive Plan 2013

Long Term Incentive Plan 2013

Long Term Incentive Plan 2012

Long Term Incentive Plan 2012

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiry Period From Date Of Grant

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity incentive plan, common stock shares authorized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

315,000

'

Equity incentive plan, additional common stock shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,147,500

'

Equity incentive plan, common stock shares reserved for issuance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,033,098

Equity incentive plan, unearned compensation related to restricted stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$800,000

$1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

$900,000

$800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity incentive plan, compensation expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

900,000

900,000

700,000

'

'

'

'

800,000

700,000

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity incentive plan, shares issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

33,180

32,287

'

'

'

65,791

'

70,595

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity incentive plan, vesting period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'3 years

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

122,180

'

'

'

'

'

Performance vested RSUs granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,100,000

'

'

'

RSU awards vested

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

198,750

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncash compensation expense related to stock-based incentive awards

$2,127,000

$2,041,000

$1,502,000

$2,100,000

$2,000,000

$1,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Incentive_plans_Stock_Based_In

Incentive plans - Stock Based Incentive Plan Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted Stock	'		'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Beginning balance (shares)	247,094	[1]	281,834	[1]	210,000	[1]
Granted	65,791		70,595		138,000
Vested	-91,020		-77,366		-59,146
Retired	-37,842		-27,969		-7,020
Ending balance (shares)	184,023	[1]	247,094	[1]	281,834	[1]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]	'		'		'
Beginning balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$7.63	[1]	$6.63	[1]	$5.62	[1]
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$10.64		$10.14		$7.77
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$10.54		$10.18		$7.87
Surrendered, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$10.54		$10.21		$9.58
Beginning balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$8.96	[1]	$7.63	[1]	$6.63	[1]
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'		'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Beginning balance (shares)	207,000	[1]	411,000	[1]	204,000	[1]
Granted	183,275		0	[2]	207,000
Vested	0		-140,802		0
Retired	0		-63,198		0
Ending balance (shares)	390,275	[1]	207,000	[1]	411,000	[1]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]	'		'		'
Beginning balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$6.01	[1]	$5.59	[1]	$5.17	[1]
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$7.65		$0		$6.01
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$0		$10.64		$0
Surrendered, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$0		$10.64		$0
Beginning balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$6.78	[1]	$6.01	[1]	$5.59	[1]
[1]	Represents unvested shares of restricted stock awards as of the date indicated
[2]	On January 1, 2012, the Trust granted a total of $1.1 million of performance vesting RSUs that are denominated in cash and will convert to common stock at the end of the performance period to executives and key employees under the 2012 LTIP.

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 23, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 27, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 02, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 23, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 23, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 02, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 02, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

collegiate_housing_community

GrandMarc at Westberry Place

Notes Payable to Banks [Member]

Construction debt

The Suites at Overton Park Texas Tech University

The Suites at Overton Park Texas Tech University

The Suites at Overton Park Texas Tech University

The Suites at Overton Park Texas Tech University

The Centre at Overton Park Texas Tech University

The Centre at Overton Park Texas Tech University

The Centre at Overton Park Texas Tech University

The Centre at Overton Park Texas Tech University

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds At Syracuse University Campus West Apartments

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds University Village Apartments On Colvin [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds University Village Apartments On Colvin [Member]

Arizona State University Phoenix

Arizona State University Phoenix

Construction debt

Construction debt

Construction debt

Construction debt

Construction debt

Construction debt

Construction debt

Base Rate Plus [Member]

Base Rate Plus [Member]

Libor Plus [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds University Village Apartments On Colvin [Member]

Storrs Phase III

University Towers [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds East Edge Apartments [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds East Edge Apartments [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds East Edge Apartments [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds At Syracuse University Campus West Apartments

The Reserve at Saluki Pointe

The Reserve at Saluki Pointe

The Reserve at Saluki Pointe

The Reserve at Saluki Pointe

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds Oaks on Square Apartments

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds Oaks on Square Apartments

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds Oaks on Square Apartments

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds Oaks on Square Apartments

Florida International University [Member]

The Varsity

After the project is complete and the debt service coverage ratio of not less than 1.30 to 1 is maintained

After the project is complete and the debt service coverage ratio of not less than 1.30 to 1 is maintained

On March 20, 2015, if the debt service ratio is not less than 1.35 to 1 and an extension fee of 0.25%

On March 20, 2015, if the debt service ratio is not less than 1.35 to 1 and an extension fee of 0.25%

On March 20, 2016, if the debt service ratio is not less than 1.45 to 1 and an extension fee of 0.25%

LoanA [Member]

Amended Line of Credit Facility

Amended Line of Credit Facility

Amended Line of Credit Facility

Amended Line of Credit Facility

Amended Line of Credit Facility

LoanB [Member]

Prime Rate [Member]

Prime Rate [Member]

Base Rate Plus [Member]

Base Rate Plus [Member]

Libor Plus [Member]

Libor Plus [Member]

Libor Plus [Member]

Libor Plus [Member]

Fixed Rate Mortgage Debt

Fixed Rate Mortgage Debt

Fixed Rate Mortgage Debt

Fixed Rate Mortgage Debt

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds At Syracuse University Campus West Apartments

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds At Syracuse University Campus West Apartments

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds University Village Apartments On Colvin [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds University Village Apartments On Colvin [Member]

University of Mississippi campus (The Retreat)

Arizona State University Phoenix

The Suites at Overton Park Texas Tech University

Construction debt

Construction debt

Construction debt

Construction debt

Mortgage debt

Construction debt

Construction debt

Construction debt

Construction debt

Fixed Rate Mortgage Debt

Variable Interest Rate LIBOR plus 110 points [Member]

Construction Loan Two [Member]

Variable Interest Rate LIBOR plus 200 points [Member]

Construction debt

Fixed Rate Mortgage Debt

Construction debt

Base Rate Plus [Member]

Libor Plus [Member]

Construction debt

Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds East Edge Apartments [Member]

Construction debt

The Reserve at Saluki Pointe

Fourth Amended Revolver

Fourth Amended Revolver

Fourth Amended Revolver

Fourth Amended Revolver

Third Amended Revolver

The Reserve at Saluki Pointe

University Towers [Member]

University Towers [Member]

Storrs Phase III

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds Oaks on Square Apartments

Storrs Phase III

University Towers [Member]

University Towers [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds Oaks on Square Apartments

University of Mississippi campus (The Retreat)

University of Mississippi campus (The Retreat)

Construction debt

Construction debt

Construction debt

Construction debt

Construction debt

Arizona State University Phoenix

Construction debt

Arizona State University Phoenix

Construction debt

Fourth Amendment Revolver Accordion Feature [Member]

Minimum

Construction debt

Mortgage debt

Mortgage debt

Construction debt

Construction debt

Construction debt

Mortgage debt

Mortgage debt

Construction debt

University of Mississippi campus (The Retreat)

University of Mississippi campus (The Retreat)

Arizona State University Phoenix

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt term

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

5.99%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.59%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.97%

2.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.29%

'

Number of Collegiate Housing Communities Released From Debt Pool

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

$422,681,000

$398,846,000

'

$35,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$34,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$32,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility, initiation date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14-Jan-13

'

'

'

21-Sep-11

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility, maximum availability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

375,000,000

'

700,000,000

'

175,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit, Term, Initial Period Capacity May Be Increased

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility, maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14-Jan-18

'

'

'

21-Sep-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility, maximum availability upon satisfaction of certain conditions within the first three years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

375,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, availability percentage of property asset value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

60.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt service ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.35

'

1.45

'

'

'

'

1.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility, borrowing base

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, amount outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

1,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

356,900,000

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing base availability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

143,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.57%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Covenant dividend payout

95.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,100,000

'

'

23,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding debt, interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.16%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt, maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Apr-16

'

'

'

'

1-Jan-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-Oct-17

'

'

'

'

20-Mar-16

'

20-Mar-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest Rate

4.33%

4.86%

'

'

'

'

4.16%

4.16%

'

'

5.60%

5.60%

5.60%

'

2.16%

[1]

'

1.31%

2.44%

[2],[3]

2.50%

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity extension period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Margin on variable interest rate

'

'

'

4.85%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.95%

'

1.10%

'

2.25%

2.50%

1.10%

2.10%

1.10%

'

'

2.40%

'

2.40%

1.95%

'

1.10%

2.00%

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.80%

1.80%

'

'

'

1.10%

'

'

'

'

'

2.00%

0.50%

1.30%

0.95%

1.25%

1.95%

2.10%

'

2.25%

Debt Related Commitment Fees and Debt Issuance Costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Mortgage loans on real estate

422,681,000

398,846,000

358,504,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding mortgage debt, maximum interest rate

'

'

'

7.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Mortgage loan, maturity date

'

'

'

1-Jan-20

'

'

1-Apr-16

1-Apr-16

'

'

1-Jan-17

1-Jan-17

'

'

30-Nov-14

[1]

29-Sep-13

29-Sep-13

20-Mar-15

[3]

20-Mar-15

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Maturity Month And Year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2014-05

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate at period end

'

'

'

5.02%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.97%

'

'

'

'

'

2.10%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.42%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayments of Long-term Debt

'

'

'

'

14,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27,000,000

10,200,000

'

4,100,000

'

'

'

'

34,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Construction debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27,100,000

32,600,000

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

43,200,000

13,800,000

22,700,000

31,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Extension fee basis points

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt extension fee

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.25%

'

0.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayments of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$12,300,000

'

$8,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$33,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.48%

2.42%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average interest rate

4.33%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity period

'2 years 10 months 27 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Represents construction debt that is interest only through the maturity date. See the footnotes above regarding the applicable extension periods.

[2]

Represents variable rate debt.

[3]

Represents construction debt that is interest only through the maturity date. See the footnotes below regarding the applicable extension periods.

Debt_Mortgage_and_Construction

Debt - Mortgage and Construction Notes Payable (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	$420,390		$395,778
Unamortized premium	2,291		3,068
Total net of unamortized premium	422,681		398,846
Less current portion	-13,834		-37,919
Total long-term debt, net of current portion	408,847		360,927
Interest Rate	4.33%		4.86%
University Towers	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	'		25,000
Interest Rate	'		5.99%
Maturity Date	'		1-Jul-13
Amortization	'30 years		'30 years
The Avenue at Southern The Reserve at Columbia The Commons at Knoxville and College Grove	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	56,450	[1]	57,320	[2]
Interest Rate	6.02%	[1]	6.02%	[2]
Maturity Date	1-Jan-19	[1]	1-Jan-19	[2]
Amortization	'30 years		'30 years
The Reserve at Athens	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	7,239	[1]	7,366	[2]
Interest Rate	4.96%	[1]	4.96%	[2]
Maturity Date	1-Jan-15	[1]	1-Jan-15	[2]
Amortization	'30 years		'30 years
The Reserve on Perkins	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	'		14,731	[2]
Interest Rate	'		5.99%	[2]
Maturity Date	'		1-Jan-14	[2]
Amortization	'30 years		'30 years
The Suites at Overton Park	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	24,695		25,118
Interest Rate	4.16%		4.16%
Maturity Date	1-Apr-16		1-Apr-16
Amortization	'30 years		'30 years
The Centre at Overton Park	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	23,024		23,333
Interest Rate	5.60%		5.60%
Maturity Date	1-Jan-17		1-Jan-17
Amortization	'30 years		'30 years
College Station at West Lafayette The Pointe at Penn State The Reserve at Star Pass	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	67,543	[1]	68,585	[2]
Interest Rate	6.02%	[1]	6.02%	[2]
Maturity Date	1-Jan-16	[1]	1-Jan-16	[2]
Amortization	'30 years		'30 years
Pointe West	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	9,594		9,824
Interest Rate	4.92%		4.92%
Maturity Date	1-Aug-14		1-Aug-14
Amortization	'30 years		'30 years
University Village Apartments on Colvin	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	'		8,527
Interest Rate	'		1.31%
Maturity Date	29-Sep-13		29-Sep-13
Amortization	'30 years		'30 years
Carrollton Crossing and The Commons on Kinnear	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	16,413	[1]	16,676
Interest Rate	5.45%	[1]	5.45%
Maturity Date	1-Jan-17	[1]	1-Jan-17
Amortization	'30 years		'30 years
River Pointe Cape Trails and The Reserve on South College	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	22,053	[1]	22,390
Interest Rate	5.67%	[1]	5.67%
Maturity Date	1-Jan-20	[1]	1-Jan-20
Amortization	'30 years		'30 years
The Varsity	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	32,420	[1]	'
Interest Rate	2.42%	[1],[3]	'
Maturity Date	1-Aug-15	[1]	'
The Oaks on Square	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	31,351	[4]	16,435	[5]
Interest Rate	2.42%	[3],[4]	2.46%	[5]
Maturity Date	30-Oct-15	[4]	30-Oct-15	[5]
Collegiate Housing Properties Or Leaseholds Oaks On Square Apartments Phase III [Member]	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	235	[4]	'
Interest Rate	2.11%	[3],[4]	'
Maturity Date	11-Sep-17	[4]	'
Campus West	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	'		11,960	[5]
Interest Rate	'		2.16%	[5]
Maturity Date	'		30-Nov-14	[5]
East Edge	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	'		32,672	[5]
Interest Rate	'		2.61%	[5]
Maturity Date	'		30-Jun-14	[5]
ASU Phoenix	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	32,576	[4]	8,869	[5]
Interest Rate	2.44%	[3],[4]	2.50%	[5]
Maturity Date	20-Mar-15	[4]	20-Mar-15	[5]
The Retreat	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	27,100	[4]	10,639	[5]
Interest Rate	1.97%	[3],[4]	2.31%	[5]
Maturity Date	12-Jun-15	[4]	1-Jul-15	[5]
University Towers [Member]	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	34,000	[4]	'
Interest Rate	2.29%	[3],[4]	'
Maturity Date	1-Jul-16	[4]	'
GrandMarc at Westberry Place	'		'
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]	'		'
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	$35,697		$36,333
Interest Rate	5.02%		4.95%
Maturity Date	1-Jan-20		1-Jan-20
Amortization	'30 years		'30 years
[1]	Represents loans under the Master Secured Credit Facility as defined below.
[2]	Represents loans under the Master Secured Credit Facility as defined above.(3)Represents variable rate mortgage debt or construction loans.
[3]	Represents variable rate debt.
[4]	Represents construction debt that is interest only through the maturity date. See the footnotes below regarding the applicable extension periods.
[5]	Represents construction debt that is interest only through the maturity date. See the footnotes above regarding the applicable extension periods.

Debt_Carrying_Amount_of_Mortga

Debt - Carrying Amount of Mortgage and Construction Notes Payable (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Movement in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	$398,846	$358,504
Additions	122,543	119,607
Repayments of principal	-97,931	-79,185
Amortization of premium	-777	-80
Balance, end of period	$422,681	$398,846

Debt_Scheduled_Maturities_of_O

Debt - Scheduled Maturities of Outstanding Mortgage and Construction Indebtedness (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
2014	$13,834	'
2015	135,310	'
2016	125,378	'
2017	40,050	'
2018	2,424	'
Thereafter	103,394	'
Total	420,390	395,778
Debt premium	2,291	3,068
Long-term debt	$422,681	$398,846

Segments_Additional_Informatio

Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of reportable segments	3

Segments_Segment_Information_D

Segments - Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Jan. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Collegiate housing leasing revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$167,476

$124,087

$91,517

Student housing leasing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

79,957

59,524

44,892

Net operating income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24,330

15,018

12,392

Total assets, end of period

'

1,610,565

'

'

'

1,324,687

'

'

'

1,610,565

1,324,687

977,809

Third-party development consulting services

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,989

820

4,103

Third-party management services

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,697

3,446

3,336

Revenues

107,560

55,198

43,469

41,038

44,671

41,199

32,041

31,473

33,233

184,376

137,946

107,560

Operating expense reimbursements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,214

9,593

8,604

Operating Expenses

59,086

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

96,648

75,380

'

Other unallocated general and administrative expenses

-6,726

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,678

-7,913

'

Depreciation and amortization

-23,858

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-48,098

-33,240

-23,858

Ground lease

-5,498

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,622

-6,395

-5,498

Nonoperating expenses

-18,647

-5,463

-4,878

-4,141

-4,355

-3,622

-3,533

-3,729

-4,438

-18,837

-15,322

-18,647

Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities

-447

-101

-61

-21

-20

[1]

-23

-39

-38

-263

-203

-363

-447

Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations

-6,702

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,290

-667

'

Notes receivable (see Note 2)

'

18,125

'

'

'

21,000

'

'

'

18,125

21,000

'

Investments in unconsolidated entities (see Note 8)

'

21,175

'

'

'

11,796

'

'

'

21,175

11,796

'

Other assets

'

44,203

'

'

'

51,173

'

'

'

44,203

51,173

'

Operating expense reimbursements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,214

9,593

8,604

Collegiate Housing Leasing

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Collegiate housing leasing revenue

91,517

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Student housing leasing operations

44,892

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net operating income

46,625

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

87,519

64,563

'

Total assets, end of period

'

1,536,699

'

'

'

1,257,476

'

'

'

1,536,699

1,257,476

879,199

Development Consulting Services

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net operating income

2,684

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-268

-2,510

'

Total assets, end of period

'

5,187

'

'

'

5,695

'

'

'

5,187

5,695

3,007

Third-party development consulting services

5,682

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,759

1,018

'

General and administrative

2,998

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,027

3,528

'

Management Services

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net operating income

669

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,247

667

'

Total assets, end of period

'

10,135

'

'

'

10,218

'

'

'

10,135

10,218

5,399

General and administrative

2,667

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,450

2,779

'

Third-party management services

3,336

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating Segments [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net operating income

48,474

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

87,728

62,566

'

Total assets, end of period

'

1,552,021

'

'

'

1,273,389

'

'

'

1,552,021

1,273,389

887,605

Revenues

100,535

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

174,932

128,551

'

Operating expense reimbursements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,214

9,593

8,604

Operating Expenses

50,557

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

86,434

65,831

'

Operating expense reimbursements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,214

9,593

8,604

Adjustments/ Eliminations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Third-party development consulting services

-1,579

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-770

-198

'

General and administrative

-75

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

-44

'

Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash

'

10,729

'

'

'

8,436

'

'

'

10,729

8,436

66,469

Notes receivable (see Note 2)

'

18,125

'

'

'

21,000

'

'

'

18,125

21,000

18,000

Other receivables

'

1,456

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

1,456

0

0

Investments in unconsolidated entities (see Note 8)

'

20,602

'

'

'

11,796

'

'

'

20,602

11,796

29

Deposit

'

0

'

'

'

3,000

'

'

'

0

3,000

0

Other assets

'

4,293

'

'

'

6,017

'

'

'

4,293

6,017

3,993

Deferred financing costs, net

'

$3,339

'

'

'

$1,049

'

'

'

$3,339

$1,049

$1,713

[1]

Equity in losses for the 1st quarter of 2012 includes the Trustbs $88 share of the loss on the sale of assets.

Segments_Segment_Information_P

Segments - Segment Information (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Jan. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other unallocated general and administrative expenses

($6,726)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($7,678)

($7,913)

'

Depreciation and amortization

-23,858

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-48,098

-33,240

-23,858

Ground leases

-5,498

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,622

-6,395

-5,498

Nonoperating expenses

-18,647

-5,463

-4,878

-4,141

-4,355

-3,622

-3,533

-3,729

-4,438

-18,837

-15,322

-18,647

Equity in (losses) of unconsolidated entities

-447

-101

-61

-21

-20

[1]

-23

-39

-38

-263

-203

-363

-447

Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations

-6,702

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,290

-667

'

Goodwill

'

3,100

'

'

'

3,100

'

'

'

3,100

3,100

'

Notes receivable (see Note 2)

'

18,125

'

'

'

21,000

'

'

'

18,125

21,000

'

Investments in unconsolidated entities (see Note 8)

'

21,175

'

'

'

11,796

'

'

'

21,175

11,796

'

Other assets

'

44,203

'

'

'

51,173

'

'

'

44,203

51,173

'

Total assets, end of period

'

1,610,565

'

'

'

1,324,687

'

'

'

1,610,565

1,324,687

977,809

Other Assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deposit (see Note 16)

'

0

'

'

'

3,000

'

'

'

0

3,000

'

Other assets

'

44,203

'

'

'

51,173

'

'

'

44,203

51,173

'

Deferred financing costs, net

'

6,192

'

'

'

3,373

'

'

'

6,192

3,373

'

Management Services

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

'

2,149

'

'

'

2,149

'

'

'

2,149

2,149

2,149

Total assets, end of period

'

10,135

'

'

'

10,218

'

'

'

10,135

10,218

5,399

Development Consulting Services

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

'

921

'

'

'

921

'

'

'

921

921

921

Total assets, end of period

'

$5,187

'

'

'

$5,695

'

'

'

$5,187

$5,695

$3,007

[1]

Equity in losses for the 1st quarter of 2012 includes the Trustbs $88 share of the loss on the sale of assets.

Related_party_transactions_Add

Related party transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
			Allen & O'Hara, Inc.	Allen & O'Hara, Inc.	Allen & O'Hara, Inc.
			Board of Directors Chairman	Board of Directors Chairman	Board of Directors Chairman
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Related party, percentage of ownership interest by chairman of the board of directors	'	'	'	'	100.00%
Related party common cost	'	'	'	$100,000	'
Service fee charged on related party transaction	32,000,000	54,000,000	'	'	'
Related party service fee	'	'	$200,000	$200,000	'

Lease_commitments_and_uncondit2

Lease commitments and unconditional purchase obligations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred accrued rental expense	$15.90	$10.50	'
Operating leases, expiration year	'2023	'	'
Operating lease, rent expense	$0.70	$0.80	$0.60
Contracts for advertising, expiration year	'2014	'	'
Minimum	'	'	'
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Ground lease period	'40 years	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Ground lease period	'99 years	'	'
Annual increase in rent expense (percent)	3.00%	'	'

Lease_commitments_and_uncondit3

Lease commitments and unconditional purchase obligations - Future Minimum Payments Required under Advertising Contracts and Operating Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Advertising	'
2014	$245
2015	0
2016	'
2017	'
2018	'
Thereafter	'
Leases	'
2014	59,120
2015	12,934
2016	10,692
2017	8,675
2018	8,478
Thereafter	$576,492

Employee_savings_plan_Addition

Employee savings plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Employee saving plan, maximum contribution as percentage of earnings	15.00%	'	'
Employee saving plan, minimum required service period	'6 months	'	'
Employee saving plan, minimum required years of employee age	'21 years	'	'
Employee saving plan, employer matching contribution	50.00%	'	'
Employee saving plan, employer matching contribution	3.00%	'	'
Employee saving plan, vesting period	'3 years	'	'
Employee saving plan, matching contributions amount	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20

Accrued_expenses_Detail

Accrued expenses (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'	'
Payroll	$3,176	$2,070
Real estate taxes	6,848	5,421
Interest	2,060	1,780
Utilities	1,203	1,111
Ground leases (including straight-line rent)	15,012	9,554
Construction loan guarantee	3,000	3,000
Assets under development	15,034	19,312
Deferred revenue related to insurance proceeds (See Note 16)	5,998	3,860
Other	13,026	9,266
Total accrued expenses	$65,357	$55,374

Commitments_and_contingencies_

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

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Jul. 14, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 14, 2010

Jul. 14, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Minimum

Equity Method Investee

Operating Partnership Units

Corporate Joint Venture

Leyland Alliance Limited Liability Company

Leyland Alliance Limited Liability Company

Florida International University [Member]

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds Oaks on Square Apartments

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds Oaks on Square Apartments

Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds Oaks on Square Apartments

Construction debt

Construction debt

Financial Guarantee

Project Costs

Amended Line of Credit Facility

Amended Line of Credit Facility

Leyland Alliance Limited Liability Company

Financial Guarantee

Third Amended Revolver

Third Amended Revolver

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pre-sale acquisition price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$43,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, outstanding but was never used

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

Line of credit facility, amount outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,300,000

1,000,000

'

'

0

'

Guarantee obligations

'

'

'

'

24,000,000

'

46,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

42,000,000

'

'

'

Operating Partnership's proportionate interest in the related mortgage debt

'

'

'

'

'

6,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guaranty liabilities

'

3,000,000

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

Non Controlling Interest, Amount Drawn on Outstanding Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

Guarantee fee revenue

'

23,498,000

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,800,000

6,300,000

'

43,200,000

13,800,000

22,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

$1,600,000

$3,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly_financial_informatio2

Quarterly financial information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'		'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$107,560	$55,198	$43,469	$41,038	$44,671		$41,199	$32,041	$31,473	$33,233	$184,376	$137,946	$107,560
Operating expenses	'	42,426	42,718	37,344	37,558		33,151	34,040	28,169	27,568	160,046	122,928	95,168
Nonoperating expenses	18,647	5,463	4,878	4,141	4,355		3,622	3,533	3,729	4,438	18,837	15,322	18,647
Equity in (losses) of unconsolidated entities	-447	-101	-61	-21	-20	[1]	-23	-39	-38	-263	-203	-363	-447
Income taxes expense/(benefit)	'	472	-32	0	-237		233	-638	-404	-75	203	-884	-95
Noncontrolling interests	'	302	-20	-143	169		189	-119	-80	226	308	216	'
Discontinued operations	'	-4,790	-326	4,157	503		807	5,303	1,235	1,075	-456	8,420	-4,168
Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	'	$1,644	($4,462)	$3,832	$3,309		$4,788	$489	$1,256	$1,888	$4,323	$8,421	($11,014)
Net income (loss) per share-basic and diluted (usd per share)	'	$0.02	($0.04)	$0.03	$0.03		$0.04	$0	$0.01	$0.02	$0.04	$0.08	($0.14)
[1]	Equity in losses for the 1st quarter of 2012 includes the Trustbs $88 share of the loss on the sale of assets.

Quarterly_financial_informatio3

Quarterly financial information (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
		Equity Method Investments
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]	'	'
Impairment due to disposal group	$5,001	'
Loss on sale of assets	'	$88

Subsequent_events_Additional_I

Subsequent events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 13, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 14, 2014

Jan. 13, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Jan. 13, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 13, 2014

Jan. 13, 2014

Jan. 13, 2014

Jan. 13, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 13, 2014

Jan. 13, 2014

Jan. 13, 2014

Jan. 13, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Swap [Member]

mi

Mortgage debt

Credit Agreement [Member]

Credit Agreement Trance A [Member]

Credit Agreement Trance A [Member]

Credit Agreement Trance A [Member]

Credit Agreement Trance A [Member]

Credit Agreement Trance A [Member]

Credit Agreement Trance A [Member]

Credit Agreement Tranche B [Member]

Credit Agreement Tranche B [Member]

Credit Agreement Tranche B [Member]

Credit Agreement Tranche B [Member]

Credit Agreement Tranche B [Member]

Credit Agreement Tranche B [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Minimum

Maximum

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Minimum

Maximum

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Swap [Member]

Swap [Member]

Swap [Member]

Swap [Member]

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distribution declared per share (usd per share)

$0.11

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distribution declared, payable date

'

14-Feb-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distribution declared, record date

'

31-Jan-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unsecured debt

$420,390,000

$420,390,000

$395,778,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$187,500,000

'

$122,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

$65,000,000

'

'

'

'

Debt term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum allowable increase

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Margin on variable interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.55%

2.25%

'

'

'

'

1.20%

1.90%

'

'

Description of variable interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

Notional amount

'

'

'

'

187,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.95%

'

'

'

'

'

2.96%

'

'

'

'

Average fixed interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.30%

'

'

'

'

'

1.66%

'

Average fixed interest rate margin

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.65%

'

'

'

'

'

1.30%

Extinguishment of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Penalties for prepayment

'

0

0

562,000

'

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distance from university

'

'

'

'

'

1.7

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property committed for sale

'

'

'

'

'

'

$41,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'