Education Realty Trust 10-K 29 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 26, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,302,343
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	EDR
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		63,219,814
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 1.5
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	EDUCATION REALTY OPERATING PARTNERSHIP L P
Entity Central Index Key	1,351,345
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	EDR
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Collegiate housing properties, net	$ 1,774,796	$ 1,586,009
Assets under development	117,384	120,702
Cash and cash equivalents	33,742	18,385
Restricted cash	9,784	10,342
Student contracts receivable, net	3,009	2,205
Receivable from managed third parties	316	373
Notes receivable	2,167	375
Goodwill and other intangibles, net	3,304	3,497
Other assets	57,329	64,442
Total assets	2,001,831	1,806,330
Liabilities:
Mortgage and construction loans, net of unamortized premium and deferred financing costs	204,511	248,128
Unsecured revolving credit facility	0	24,000
Unsecured term loan, net of unamortized deferred financing costs	186,518	186,277
Unsecured Senior Notes, net of unamortized deferred financing costs	247,678	247,425
Accounts payable	2,455	2,183
Accrued expenses	83,215	74,686
Deferred revenue	19,024	17,301
Total liabilities	743,401	800,000
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	13,560	14,512
Equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 56,879,003 and 47,999,427 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively	569	480
Preferred shares, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	1,263,603	1,034,683
Accumulated deficit	(21,998)	(41,909)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(5,475)	(4,465)
Total Education Realty Trust, Inc. stockholders’ equity	1,236,699	988,789
Noncontrolling interests	8,171	3,029
Total equity	1,244,870	991,818
Total liabilities and equity	2,001,831	1,806,330
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Assets:
Collegiate housing properties, net	1,774,796	1,586,009
Assets under development	117,384	120,702
Cash and cash equivalents	33,742	18,385
Restricted cash	9,784	10,342
Student contracts receivable, net	3,009	2,205
Receivable from managed third parties	316	373
Notes receivable	2,167	375
Goodwill and other intangibles, net	3,304	3,497
Other assets	57,329	64,442
Total assets	2,001,831	1,806,330
Liabilities:
Mortgage and construction loans, net of unamortized premium and deferred financing costs	204,511	248,128
Unsecured revolving credit facility	0	24,000
Unsecured term loan, net of unamortized deferred financing costs	186,518	186,277
Unsecured Senior Notes, net of unamortized deferred financing costs	247,678	247,425
Accounts payable	2,455	2,183
Accrued expenses	83,215	74,686
Deferred revenue	19,024	17,301
Total liabilities	743,401	800,000
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
Redeemable limited partner units	8,312	10,081
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	5,248	4,431
Equity:
General partner - 6,920 units outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014	184	191
Limited partners - 56,872,083 and 47,992,507 units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively	1,241,990	993,063
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(5,475)	(4,465)
Total partners' capital	1,236,699	988,789
Noncontrolling interests	8,171	3,029
Total partners' capital	1,244,870	991,818
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,001,831	$ 1,806,330

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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)	56,879,003	47,999,427
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	56,879,003	47,999,427
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 (shares)	0	0
Preferred shares, shares outstanding (shares)	0	0
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
General partner, units outstanding (shares)	6,920	6,920
Limited partners, units issued (shares)	56,872,083	47,992,507
Limited partners, units outstanding (shares)	56,872,083	47,992,507

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues:
Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$ 240,623,000	$ 206,322,000	$ 167,476,000
Third-party development consulting services	2,233,000	6,805,000	2,989,000
Third-party management services	3,670,000	3,959,000	3,697,000
Operating expense reimbursements	8,636,000	8,707,000	10,214,000
Total revenues	255,162,000	225,793,000	184,376,000
Operating expenses:
Collegiate housing leasing operations	101,283,000	92,649,000	79,957,000
Development and management services	11,446,000	9,685,000	6,477,000
General and administrative	9,452,000	10,117,000	7,678,000
Depreciation and amortization	68,022,000	58,974,000	48,098,000
Ground lease expense	11,268,000	8,988,000	7,622,000
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties	0	12,733,000	0
Reimbursable operating expenses	8,636,000	8,707,000	10,214,000
Total operating expenses	210,107,000	201,853,000	160,046,000
Operating income	45,055,000	23,940,000	24,330,000
Nonoperating (income) expenses:
Interest expense	24,449,000	20,656,000	17,526,000
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,089,000	2,156,000	1,758,000
Interest income	(213,000)	(190,000)	(447,000)
Guarantee fee income from participating development	0	(3,000,000)	0
Interest on loan to participating development	0	(6,486,000)	0
Gain on insurance settlement	0	(8,133,000)	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	403,000	3,543,000	0
Total nonoperating expenses	26,728,000	8,546,000	18,837,000
Income before equity in losses of unconsolidated entities, income taxes, discontinued operations and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	18,327,000	15,394,000	5,493,000
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	(668,000)	(710,000)	(203,000)
Income before income taxes, discontinued operations and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	17,659,000	14,684,000	5,290,000
Income tax expense	347,000	261,000	203,000
Income from continuing operations	17,312,000	14,423,000	5,087,000
Loss from discontinued operations	0	0	(456,000)
Income before gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	17,312,000	14,423,000	4,631,000
Gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	2,770,000	33,231,000	0
Net income	20,082,000	47,654,000	4,631,000
Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	171,000	599,000	308,000
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	19,911,000	47,055,000	4,323,000
Comprehensive income:
Net income	20,082,000	47,654,000	4,631,000
Other comprehensive loss:
Loss on cash flow hedging derivatives	(1,010,000)	(4,465,000)	0
Comprehensive income	19,072,000	43,189,000	4,631,000
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	171,000	599,000	308,000
Comprehensive income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$ 18,901,000	$ 42,590,000	$ 4,323,000
Income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share – basic:
Continuing operations (usd per share)	$ 0.40	$ 1.10	$ 0.12
Discontinued operations (usd per share)	0	0	(0.01)
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share (usd per share)	0.40	1.10	0.11
Income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share – diluted:
Continuing operations (usd per share)	0.40	1.09	0.12
Discontinued operations (usd per share)	0	0	(0.01)
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share (usd per share)	$ 0.40	$ 1.09	$ 0.11
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic (shares)	49,676	42,934	38,144
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted (shares)	49,991	43,277	38,490
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Revenues:
Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$ 240,623,000	$ 206,322,000	$ 167,476,000
Third-party development consulting services	2,233,000	6,805,000	2,989,000
Third-party management services	3,670,000	3,959,000	3,697,000
Operating expense reimbursements	8,636,000	8,707,000	10,214,000
Total revenues	255,162,000	225,793,000	184,376,000
Operating expenses:
Collegiate housing leasing operations	101,283,000	92,649,000	79,957,000
Development and management services	11,446,000	9,685,000	6,477,000
General and administrative	9,452,000	10,117,000	7,678,000
Depreciation and amortization	68,022,000	58,974,000	48,098,000
Ground lease expense	11,268,000	8,988,000	7,622,000
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties	0	12,733,000	0
Reimbursable operating expenses	8,636,000	8,707,000	10,214,000
Total operating expenses	210,107,000	201,853,000	160,046,000
Operating income	45,055,000	23,940,000	24,330,000
Nonoperating (income) expenses:
Interest expense	24,449,000	20,656,000	17,526,000
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,089,000	2,156,000	1,758,000
Interest income	(213,000)	(190,000)	(447,000)
Guarantee fee income from participating development	0	(3,000,000)	0
Interest on loan to participating development	0	(6,486,000)	0
Gain on insurance settlement	0	(8,133,000)	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	403,000	3,543,000	0
Total nonoperating expenses	26,728,000	8,546,000	18,837,000
Income before equity in losses of unconsolidated entities, income taxes, discontinued operations and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	18,327,000	15,394,000	5,493,000
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	(668,000)	(710,000)	(203,000)
Income before income taxes, discontinued operations and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	17,659,000	14,684,000	5,290,000
Income tax expense	347,000	261,000	203,000
Income from continuing operations	17,312,000	14,423,000	5,087,000
Loss from discontinued operations	0	0	(456,000)
Income before gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	17,312,000	14,423,000	4,631,000
Gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	2,770,000	33,231,000	0
Net income	20,082,000	47,654,000	4,631,000
Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	80,000	232,000	227,000
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	20,002,000	47,422,000	4,404,000
Comprehensive income:
Net income	20,082,000	47,654,000	4,631,000
Other comprehensive loss:
Loss on cash flow hedging derivatives	(1,010,000)	(4,465,000)	0
Comprehensive income	19,072,000	43,189,000	4,631,000
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	80,000	232,000	227,000
Comprehensive income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$ 18,992,000	$ 42,957,000	$ 4,404,000
Income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share – basic:
Continuing operations (usd per share)	$ 0.40	$ 1.10	$ 0.13
Discontinued operations (usd per share)	0	0	(0.01)
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share (usd per share)	0.40	1.10	0.12
Income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share – diluted:
Continuing operations (usd per share)	0.40	1.10	0.13
Discontinued operations (usd per share)	0	0	(0.01)
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share (usd per share)	0.40	1.10	0.12
Earnings per unit information:
Continuing operations (usd per share)	0.40	1.10	0.13
Discontinued operations (usd per share)	0	0	(0.01)
Net income attributable to unitholders per unit (usd per share)	$ 0.40	$ 1.10	$ 0.12
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic (shares)	49,922	43,208	38,421
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted (shares)	49,991	43,277	38,490

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012		37,687,484
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 762,810	$ 377	$ 850,632	$ (93,287)	$ 0	$ 5,088
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs (in shares)		525,237
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs	16,685	$ 5	16,680
Common stock issued to officers and directors (in shares)		11,060
Common stock issued to officers and directors	360		360
Amortization of restricted stock (in shares)		22,937
Amortization of restricted stock and long-term incentive plan awards	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)
Comprehensive income	4,381			4,323		58
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		38,246,718
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	729,969	$ 383	814,305	(88,964)	0	4,245
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs (in shares)		9,674,217
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs	288,717	$ 96	288,621
Common stock issued to officers and directors (in shares)		13,384
Common stock issued to officers and directors	420		420
Amortization of restricted stock (in shares)		65,108
Amortization of restricted stock and long-term incentive plan awards	2,206	$ 1	2,205
Cash dividends	(59,149)		(59,149)
Return of equity to noncontrolling interests	(818)					(818)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	2,230					2,230
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(9,302)		(6,507)			(2,795)
Adjustments to reflect redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value	(5,212)		(5,212)			(2,555)
Comprehensive income	42,757			47,055	(4,465)	167
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		47,999,427
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	991,818	$ 480	1,034,683	(41,909)	(4,465)	3,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs (in shares)		8,852,813
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs	298,614	$ 89	298,525
Common stock issued to officers and directors (in shares)		12,300
Common stock issued to officers and directors	408		408
Amortization of restricted stock (in shares)		14,463
Amortization of restricted stock and long-term incentive plan awards	1,925		1,925
Cash dividends	(70,512)		(70,512)
Return of equity to noncontrolling interests	(310)					(310)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	5,547					5,547
Adjustments to reflect redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value	(1,426)		(1,426)			(1,012)
Comprehensive income	18,806			19,911	(1,010)	(95)
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		56,879,003
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 1,244,870	$ 569	$ 1,263,603	$ (21,998)	$ (5,475)	$ 8,171

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHA6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.	Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.Noncontrolling Interests	Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.General Partner	Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.Limited Partners
Balance, Units (units) at Dec. 31, 2012					6,920	37,680,564
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012		$ 762,810	$ 0	$ 5,088	$ 196	$ 757,526
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units (units)						11,060
Vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units		360				$ 360
Issuance of units in exchange for contributions of gross equity offering proceeds (units)						525,236.6666666667
Issuance of units in exchange for contributions of equity offering proceeds and redemption of units		16,685				$ 16,685
Amortization of restricted stock awards (units)						22,936.6666666667
Amortization of restricted stock awards and long-term incentive plan awards		1,337				$ 1,337
Distributions		(48,010)			(9)	(48,001)
Return of equity to noncontrolling interests		(795)		(795)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests		69		69
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	$ (6,868)	(6,868)		(175)		(6,693)
Comprehensive income		4,381		58	$ 3	$ 4,320
Balance, Units (units) at Dec. 31, 2013					6,920	38,239,798
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013		729,969	0	4,245	$ 190	$ 725,534
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units (units)						13,384
Vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units		420				$ 420
Issuance of units in exchange for contributions of gross equity offering proceeds (units)						9,674,217
Issuance of units in exchange for contributions of equity offering proceeds and redemption of units		288,717				$ 288,717
Amortization of restricted stock awards (units)						65,108
Amortization of restricted stock awards and long-term incentive plan awards		2,206				$ 2,206
Distributions		(59,149)			(10)	(59,139)
Return of equity to noncontrolling interests		(818)		(818)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests		2,230		2,230
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	$ (9,302)	(9,302)		(2,795)		(6,507)
Adjustments to reflect redeemable limited partners' interests at fair value		(2,656)				(2,656)
Adjustments to reflect redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value		(2,556)				(2,556)
Comprehensive income		42,757	(4,465)	167	$ 11	$ 47,044
Balance, Units (units) at Dec. 31, 2014					6,920	47,992,507
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014		991,818	(4,465)	3,029	$ 191	$ 993,063
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units (units)						12,300
Vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units		408				$ 408
Issuance of units in exchange for contributions of gross equity offering proceeds (units)						8,852,813
Issuance of units in exchange for contributions of equity offering proceeds and redemption of units		298,614				$ 298,614
Amortization of restricted stock awards (units)						14,463
Amortization of restricted stock awards and long-term incentive plan awards		1,925				$ 1,925
Distributions		(70,512)		0	(10)	(70,502)
Return of equity to noncontrolling interests		(310)		(310)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests		5,547		5,547
Adjustments to reflect redeemable limited partners' interests at fair value		(414)				(414)
Adjustments to reflect redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value		(1,012)				(1,012)
Comprehensive income		18,806	(1,010)	(95)	$ 3	$ 19,908
Balance, Units (units) at Dec. 31, 2015					6,920	56,872,083
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015		$ 1,244,870	$ (5,475)	$ 8,171	$ 184	$ 1,241,990

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 20,082	$ 47,654	$ 4,631
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	68,022	58,974	48,098
Depreciation included in discontinued operations	0	0	1,767
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	87	165	(260)
Loss on disposal of assets	60	54	12
Gain on sale of collegiate housing property	(2,770)	(33,231)	(3,913)
Gain on insurance settlement	0	(8,133)	0
Noncash rent expense related to the straight-line adjustment for long-term ground leases	4,782	4,835	5,255
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties	0	12,733	5,001
Loss on extinguishment of debt	403	3,543	0
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,089	2,156	1,758
Amortization of unamortized debt premiums	(843)	(806)	(776)
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated entities	0	97	71
Noncash compensation expense related to stock-based incentive awards	2,814	2,249	2,127
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	668	710	203
Change in operating assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Student contracts receivable	(813)	(1,766)	(315)
Management fees receivable	57	(12)	268
Other assets	5,383	1,336	17,009
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(1,740)	3,699	(8,846)
Deferred revenue	1,614	(5,036)	5,317
Net cash provided by operating activities	99,895	89,221	77,407
Investing activities:
Property acquisitions	(57,876)	(131,392)	(109,482)
Purchase of corporate assets	(920)	(11,477)	(787)
Restricted cash	(580)	1,911	(5,843)
Insurance proceeds received on property losses	0	2,129	16,860
Investment in collegiate housing properties	(14,396)	(16,150)	(17,183)
Proceeds from sale of collegiate housing properties	12,333	133,117	40,256
Notes receivable	(1,792)	(250)	(125)
Repayment on notes receivable	0	18,000	3,000
Earnest money deposits	(100)	(250)	(125)
Investment in assets under development	(184,429)	(222,296)	(215,409)
Distributions from unconsolidated entities	1,584	0	0
Investments in unconsolidated entities	(580)	(9,117)	(9,475)
Net cash used in investing activities	(246,756)	(235,775)	(298,313)
Financing activities:
Payment of mortgage and construction notes	(108,179)	(190,102)	(97,931)
Borrowings under mortgage and construction loans	65,491	17,865	90,123
Borrowings on unsecured term loan	0	187,500	0
Borrowings on senior unsecured notes	0	250,000	0
Debt issuance costs	(958)	(6,419)	(4,578)
Debt extinguishment costs	(403)	(2,807)	0
Borrowings on line of credit	199,000	380,000	302,033
Repayments of line of credit	(223,000)	(712,900)	(24,133)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	297,247	289,584	16,890
Payment of offering costs	(571)	(866)	(238)
Purchase and return of equity to noncontrolling interests	0	(10,138)	(7,664)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	5,547	2,230	1,197
Dividends and distributions paid to common and restricted stockholders	(70,512)	(59,149)	(48,010)
Dividends and distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	(1,231)	(1,011)	(449)
Repurchases of common stock for payments of restricted stock tax withholding	(213)	(921)	(1,300)
Net cash provided by financing activities	162,218	142,866	225,940
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	15,357	(3,688)	5,034
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	18,385	22,073	17,039
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	33,742	18,385	22,073
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	25,715	20,548	23,060
Income taxes paid	73	45	542
Supplemental disclosure of noncash activities:
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests from unit holder	1,748	0	0
Capital expenditures in accounts payable and accrued expenses related to developments	22,225	18,558	15,425
Mortgage and construction loans assumed in connection with property acquisitions	0	0	32,420
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Operating activities:
Net income	20,082	47,654	4,631
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	68,022	58,974	48,098
Depreciation included in discontinued operations	0	0	1,767
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	87	165	(260)
Loss on disposal of assets	60	54	12
Gain on sale of collegiate housing property	(2,770)	(33,231)	(3,913)
Gain on insurance settlement	0	(8,133)	0
Noncash rent expense related to the straight-line adjustment for long-term ground leases	4,782	4,835	5,255
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties	0	12,733	5,001
Loss on extinguishment of debt	403	3,543	0
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,089	2,156	1,758
Amortization of unamortized debt premiums	(843)	(806)	(776)
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated entities	0	97	71
Noncash compensation expense related to stock-based incentive awards	2,814	2,249	2,127
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	668	710	203
Change in operating assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Student contracts receivable	(813)	(1,766)	(315)
Management fees receivable	57	(12)	268
Other assets	5,383	1,336	17,009
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(1,740)	3,699	(8,846)
Deferred revenue	1,614	(5,036)	5,317
Net cash provided by operating activities	99,895	89,221	77,407
Investing activities:
Property acquisitions	(57,876)	(131,392)	(109,482)
Purchase of corporate assets	(920)	(11,477)	(787)
Restricted cash	(580)	1,911	(5,843)
Insurance proceeds received on property losses	0	2,129	16,860
Investment in collegiate housing properties	(14,396)	(16,150)	(17,183)
Proceeds from sale of collegiate housing properties	12,333	133,117	40,256
Notes receivable	(1,792)	(250)	(125)
Repayment on notes receivable	0	18,000	3,000
Earnest money deposits	(100)	(250)	(125)
Investment in assets under development	(184,429)	(222,296)	(215,409)
Distributions from unconsolidated entities	1,584	0	0
Investments in unconsolidated entities	(580)	(9,117)	(9,475)
Net cash used in investing activities	(246,756)	(235,775)	(298,313)
Financing activities:
Payment of mortgage and construction notes	(108,179)	(190,102)	(97,931)
Borrowings under mortgage and construction loans	65,491	17,865	90,123
Borrowings on unsecured term loan	0	187,500	0
Borrowings on senior unsecured notes	0	250,000	0
Debt issuance costs	(958)	(6,419)	(4,578)
Debt extinguishment costs	(403)	(2,807)	0
Borrowings on line of credit	199,000	380,000	302,033
Repayments of line of credit	(223,000)	(712,900)	(24,133)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	297,247	289,584	16,890
Payment of offering costs	(571)	(866)	(238)
Purchase and return of equity to noncontrolling interests	0	(10,138)	(7,664)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	5,547	2,230	1,197
Distributions paid on unvested restricted stock and long-term incentive plan awards	(203)	(69)	(80)
Distributions paid to unitholders	(70,309)	(59,080)	(47,930)
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	(1,231)	(1,011)	(449)
Repurchases of common stock for payments of restricted stock tax withholding	(213)	(921)	(1,300)
Net cash provided by financing activities	162,218	142,866	225,940
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	15,357	(3,688)	5,034
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	18,385	22,073	17,039
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	33,742	18,385	22,073
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	25,715	20,548	23,060
Income taxes paid	73	45	542
Supplemental disclosure of noncash activities:
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests from unit holder	1,748	0	0
Capital expenditures in accounts payable and accrued expenses related to developments	22,225	18,558	15,425
Mortgage and construction loans assumed in connection with property acquisitions	$ 0	$ 0	$ 32,420

Organization and description of

Organization and description of business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and description of business	Organization and description of business Education Realty Trust, Inc. ("EdR" and collectively with its consolidated subsidiaries, the “Trust”) was organized in the state of Maryland on July 12, 2004 and commenced operations effective with the initial public offering that was completed on January 31, 2005. Through the Trust's controlling interest in both the sole general partner and the majority owning limited partner of Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. ("EROP" and collectively with its consolidated subsidiaries, the "Operating Partnership"), the Trust is one of the largest developers, owners and managers of collegiate housing communities in the United States in terms of beds owned and under management. The Trust is a self-administered and self-managed REIT that is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "EDR". Under the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, restated and supplemented 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 sole general partner of EROP is Education Realty OP GP, Inc. (“OP GP”), an entity that is indirectly wholly-owned by EdR. As of December 31, 2015, OP GP held an ownership interest in EROP of less than 1% . The limited partners of EROP are Education Realty OP Limited Partner Trust, a wholly-owned subsidiary of EdR, and other limited partners consisting of current and former members of management. OP GP, as the sole general partner of EROP, has the responsibility and discretion in the management and control of EROP, and the limited partners of EROP, in such capacity, have no authority to transact business for, or participate in the management activities of EROP. Management operates the Trust and the Operating Partnership as one business. The management of the Trust consists of the same members as the management of the Operating Partnership. EdR consolidates the Operating Partnership for financial reporting purposes, and EdR does not have significant assets other than its investment in the Operating Partnership. Therefore, the assets and liabilities of the Trust and the Operating Partnership are the same on their respective financial statements. Unless otherwise indicated, the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements apply to both the Trust and the Operating Partnership. The Trust also provides real estate facility management, development and other advisory services through our taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRS"): • EDR Management Inc. (our “Management Company”), a Delaware corporation performing collegiate housing management activities; and • EDR Development LLC (our “Development Company”), a Delaware limited liability company providing development consulting services for third-party collegiate housing communities and which is a disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes and all assets owned and income earned by our Development Company are deemed to be owned and earned by our Management Company. 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 residents, creditworthiness of residents, changes in tax laws, interest rate levels, the availability of financing and potential liability under environmental and other laws.

Summary of significant accounti

Summary of significant accounting policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of significant accounting policies	Summary of significant accounting policies Basis of presentation 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. 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 initial valuations and underlying allocations of purchase price in connection with collegiate housing property acquisitions and the determination of fair value for impairment assessments and derivative valuation. 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, 2015 , the Trust had $28.8 million of cash on deposit that was uninsured by the FDIC or in excess of the FDIC limits. Restricted cash Restricted cash includes escrow accounts held by lenders for the purpose of paying taxes, insurance and funding capital improvements. Distributions EdR pays regular quarterly cash distributions to stockholders. At the same time, EROP pays an equivalent amount per unit to holders of partnership units of the Operating Partnership ("OP Units") as of the applicable record date. 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 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, 2015 totaled $ 70.5 million , or $1.46 per share to our common stockholders, and $1.2 million , or $1.46 per OP Unit, to the Operating Partnership unitholders. Of the distributions to the common stockholders, $0.57 was treated as a non-taxable return of capital and $0.89 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. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , $0.5 million and $0.4 million , respectively, was outstanding. The loan is secured by CPA's interest in the joint venture. 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) earned a $3.0 million fee for providing a repayment guarantee of the construction first mortgage and (d) received a 10 -year management contract. The second mortgage had a maturity date of July 31, 2040 and was repaid during the year ended December 31, 2014. The Trust did 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 deferred recognition of the development services revenue, guarantee fee revenue and interest income earned on the second mortgage until the second mortgage was repaid, and the Trust no longer had a substantial continuing financial involvement. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the third-party owners closed on permanent financing for the community and used the proceeds to repay the construction first mortgage and second mortgage. As a result, the Trust 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 on the second mortgage of $6.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2014. On March 20, 2015, the Trust provided a $1.7 million promissory loan to Concord Eastridge, Inc., the Trust's partner in the joint venture at Roosevelt Point, at an interest rate equal to 2% plus London InterBank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") per annum compounded monthly and a maturity date of March 1, 2017. The loan was secured by Concord Eastridge's interest in the joint venture. As of December 31, 2015 , $1.7 million was outstanding. In February 2016, the Trust acquired Concord Eastridge, Inc.'s remaining partnership interest for $4.9 million . The outstanding promissory loan was repaid in full at closing. 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. The Trust capitalizes interest based on the weighted average interest cost of the total debt and internal development costs while developments are ongoing as assets under development. When the property opens, these costs, along with other direct costs of the development, are transferred into the applicable asset category and depreciation commences. 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 expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. 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. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , the Trust recorded a $12.7 million and a $5.0 million loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties, respectively. As the related properties were subsequently sold, the impairment loss is recorded in continuing operations for 2014 and discontinued operations for 2013. There were no impairment losses in 2015. The impairment losses were due to a change in circumstances that indicated their respective carrying values may not be recoverable. The change in circumstances for the properties could be attributable to changes in property specific market conditions, changes in anticipated future use and/or leasing results or a combination of these factors. 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 were recorded as part of discontinued operations prior to January 1, 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2013 , two properties were classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Both of these properties were sold by December 31, 2013 (see Note 5). Effective January 1, 2014, the Trust adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08 related to the presentation of discontinued operations. Prospectively, only dispositions that represent a strategic shift in the business will qualify for treatment as discontinued operations. The property dispositions during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 did not qualify for treatment as discontinued operations and, as a result, the operations of the properties are included in continuing operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. 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, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $1.0 million , $6.4 million and $4.6 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 $2.1 million , $2.2 million , and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , accumulated amortization totaled $9.0 million and $8.3 million , respectively. During the three months ended December 31, 2015 , the Trust early adopted ASU 2015-03, "Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30)" ("ASU 2015-03") which simplified the presentation of debt issuance costs and requires that they be presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability, consistent with discounts or premiums. As a result, unamortized deferred financing costs related to the Trust's mortgage and construction loans, unsecured term loan and Senior Unsecured Notes are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability. Unamortized deferred financing costs related to the unsecured revolving credit facility remain in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (see Note 7) in accordance with ASU 2015-15, "Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30)" . ASU 2015-03 was applied retrospectively. Redeemable noncontrolling interests (the Trust) / redeemable limited partners (EROP) The Trust follows the guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") regarding the classification and measurement of redeemable securities. The Trust classifies redeemable noncontrolling interests, which include redeemable interests in consolidated joint ventures and units of limited partnership interest in University Towers Operating Partnership, LP and in the Operating Partnership in the mezzanine section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. In the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of the Operating Partnership, the redeemable units of limited partnership in the Operating Partnership are classified as redeemable limited partners and the redeemable interests in consolidated joint ventures and units of limited partnership in University Towers Operating Partnership, LP are classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests.The redeemable noncontrolling interest units / redeemable limited partner units are adjusted to the greater of carrying value or fair market value based on the common share price of EdR at the end of each respective reporting period. Common stock issuances and offering costs Specific incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of EdR 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. The Trust is structured as an umbrella partnership REIT ("UPREIT") and contributes all proceeds from its various equity offerings to EROP. For every one share of common stock offered and sold by EdR for cash, EdR must contribute the net proceeds to EROP and, in return, EROP will issue one OP Unit to EdR. In May 2012, the Trust entered into two equity distribution agreements ("ATM Program") pursuant to which the Trust may issue and sell shares of EdR common stock having an aggregate offering amount of $50.0 million . As of December 31, 2013, the Trust had sold 0.5 million shares of common stock under the distribution agreements for net proceeds of approximately $17.8 million . The Trust sold 1.0 million shares of EdR common stock under the distribution agreements during the year ended December 31, 2014 and received net proceeds of $31.5 million , which exhausted the ATM Program entered into during May 2012. On June 24, 2014, the Trust completed a follow-on equity offering of 8.2 million shares of EdR common stock. The Trust received approximately $239.4 million in net proceeds from the offering after deducting the underwriting discount and other offering expenses payable by the Trust. During October 2014, the Trust entered into agreements to establish a new ATM Program under which the Trust is authorized to sell a maximum of $150.0 million in additional shares of EdR common stock. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Trust sold 0.7 million and 0.5 million shares pursuant the ATM program, with net proceeds of $26.7 million and $18.1 million , respectively. On November 20, 2014, the Board authorized a 1-for-3 reverse stock split of shares of EdR common stock, effective December 1, 2014 and all shares and related per-share information was retroactively adjusted. On April 30, 2015, the Operating Partnership entered into a Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, which reduced the number of OP Units outstanding as a result of the 1-for-3 reverse stock split the Trust completed in December 2014. Accordingly, every three issued and outstanding shares of EdR common stock and OP Units prior to the split were reduced to one. All OP Units and related per unit information presented in these financial statements have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the decreased number of OP Units. On November 9, 2015, the Trust completed a follow-on equity offering of 8.1 million shares of EdR common stock. The Trust received approximately $270.1 million in net proceeds from the offering after deducting the underwriting discount and other offering expenses payable by the Trust. On January 15, 2016, the Trust completed a second follow-on equity offering of 6.3 million shares of EdR common stock. The Trust received approximately $215.1 million in net proceeds from the offering after deducting the underwriting discount and other offering expenses payable by the Trust. Of the total net proceeds, $108.5 million was used to pay off $98.2 million of fixed rate mortgage debt bearing an average effective interest rate of 5.4% and $10.3 million was used to pay prepayment penalties associated with the early extinguishment of debt. Debt premiums 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, 2015 and 2014 , net unamortized debt premiums totaled $0.6 million and $1.5 million , respectively. These amounts are included in mortgage and construction loans in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Income taxes EdR qualifies as a REIT under the Code. EdR 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 EdR fails to qualify as a REIT for any taxable year, EdR 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 TRSs. A TRS is subject to federal, state and local income taxes. Our Management Company provides management services and through our Development Company, provides development services, which if directly provided by the Trust would jeopardize EdR’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. 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, 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. Ground lease expense Long-term ground leases are accounted for as operating leases and the rent is recognized on a straight-line basis over the applicable lease term. The lease term begins when the Trust first attains the right to use the property. 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 as of December 31, 2008 was $0.4 million . No additional impairment has been recorded through December 31, 2015 . The carrying value of goodwill was $3.1 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , 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 $0.2 million and $0.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Investment in unconsolidated entities The Trust 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). 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. 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 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 residents. The related revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related agreement. Deferred revenue related to collegiate housing revenue consists of prepaid rent and deferred rent revenue, application and service fees and was $18.9 million and $17.1 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. 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, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of period $ 58 $ 96 $ 142 Provision for uncollectible accounts 1,000 1,263 1,379 Deductions (752 ) (1,301 ) (1,425 ) Balance, end of period $ 306 $ 58 $ 96 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 year ended December 31, 2015 , there was zero revenue recognized related to cost savings agreements. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , there was $1.2 million and $0.8 million of revenue recognized, respectively, related to cost savings agreements. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, deferred development fees totaled $0.1 million and $0.2 million , respectively. 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 and manage third-party collegiate housing communities. 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 (see Note 4). Advertising expense Advertising expenses are charged to income during the period incurred. The Trust does not use direct response advertising. Advertising expense was $4.5 million , $4.7 million and $4.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , 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, development consulting services and 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. Compensation costs related to share-based payments are recognized in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance. Earnings per share Earnings per Share — The Trust Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by weighted average shares of common stock outstanding, including outstanding units in the Operating Partnership designated as LTIP Units ("LTIP Units"). 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 and LTIP Units being included in the computation of basic earnings per share for all periods presented. Earnings per OP Unit — EROP Basic earnings per unit is calculated by dividing net earnings available to unitholders by the weighted average number of OP Units and LTIP Units outstanding. Diluted earnings per unit is calculated similarly, except that it includes the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of potentially dilutive securities. EROP follows the authoritative guidance regarding the determination of whether certain instruments are participating securities. Fair value measurements The Trust follows the guidance contained in FASB Accounting Standards Codification 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820"). 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. ASC 820 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. Derivative instruments and hedging activities All derivative financial instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in fair value are recognized either in earnings or as other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether the derivative has been designated as a fair value or cash flow hedge and whether it qualifies as part of a hedging relationship, the nature of the exposure being hedged, and how effective the derivative is at offsetting movements in underlying exposure. Hedge accounting is discontinued when it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised; it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur; or management determines that designating the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate. The Trust uses interest rate swaps to effectively convert a portion of its variable rate debt to fixed rate, thus reducing the impact of changes in interest rates on interest payments (see Notes 10 and 14). These instruments are designated as cash flow hedges and the interest differential to be paid or received is recorded as interest expense. Recent accounting pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, " Leases (Topic 842) " ("ASU 2016-02"), which requires a lessee to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years. The Trust is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, " Consolidation (Topic 810) " ("ASU 2015-02"), which amends the consolidation requirements in ASC 810, Consolidation . ASU 2015-02 affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. Specifically, the amendments: (i) modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities ("VIEs") or voting interest entities, (ii) eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, (iii) affect the consolidated analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships and (iv) provide a scope exception for certain entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Trust's consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, " Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Income taxes

Income taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Deferred revenue $ 43 $ — Accrued expenses 313 381 Straight line rent 315 343 Restricted stock amortization 949 1,076 Net operating loss carryforwards 1,350 1,346 Total deferred tax assets 2,970 3,146 Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation and amortization (514 ) (526 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (514 ) (526 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 2,456 $ 2,620 Significant components of the income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Deferred: Federal $ 148 $ 108 $ (296 ) State (61 ) 57 36 Deferred expense (benefit) 87 165 (260 ) Current: Federal 101 (52 ) 312 State 159 148 151 Current expense 260 96 463 Total provision $ 347 $ 261 $ 203 TRS net losses subject to tax consisted of $0.2 million , $0.9 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , 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): 2015 2014 2013 Tax provision at U.S. statutory rates on TRS net losses subject to tax $ 236 $ 71 $ 15 State income tax, net of federal benefit (31 ) 34 126 Other 142 156 62 Tax provision $ 347 $ 261 $ 203 The TRS has net operating loss carryforwards that expire at various dates through fiscal year 2035. The Trust has assessed the need for a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets and determined such is not necessary because it is more likely than not the deferred tax assets will be fully realized. The Trust had no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . As of December 31, 2015 , the Trust does not expect to record any unrecognized tax benefits. The Trust, and its subsidiaries, file federal and state income tax returns. As of December 31, 2015 , open tax years generally included tax years for 2012, 2013, and 2014. The Trust’s policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in general and administrative expenses. For each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , the Trust had no interest or penalties recorded related to unrecognized tax benefits.

Acquisition and development of

Acquisition and development of real estate investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Acquisition and development of real estate investments	Acquisition and development of real estate investments Acquisition of collegiate housing properties 2015 Acquisitions During the year ended December 31, 2015 , the following collegiate housing property acquisitions were completed: Name Primary University Served Acquisition Date # of Beds # of Units Contract Price (in thousands) The Commons on Bridge University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tennessee June 2015 150 51 $ 9,700 The Province at Boulder University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado Sept 2015 317 84 $ 48,800 Combined acquisition costs for these purchases were $0.3 million and are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying statements of income and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2015 . The Trust funded these acquisitions with proceeds from draws on the Fifth Amended Revolver (as defined in Note 10). Below is the allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition (in thousands): The Commons on Bridge The Province at Boulder Total Collegiate housing properties $ 9,624 $ 48,522 $ 58,146 In-place leases 76 278 354 Other assets 5 85 90 Accrued expenses (338 ) (376 ) (714 ) Total net assets acquired $ 9,367 $ 48,509 $ 57,876 The $0.6 million difference between contracted price of $58.5 million and the net assets above represents working capital and other liabilities that were not part of the contractual purchase price, but were acquired. In conjunction with the acquisition of the The Province at Boulder, the Trust entered into a reverse Section 1031 like-kind exchange agreement with a third-party intermediary, which, for a maximum of 180 days, allows us to defer for tax purposes, gains on the sale of other properties identified and sold within this period. Until the earlier of the termination of the exchange agreements or 180 days after the respective acquisition date, the third-party intermediary is the legal owner of the property; however, the Trust controls the activities that most significantly impact the property and retains all of the economic benefits and risks associated with the property. Therefore, at the date of the acquisition, it was determined that the Trust was the primary beneficiary of this VIE and consolidated the property and its operations as of the respective acquisition date. As of December 31, 2015, this VIE had total assets of $48.6 million and liabilities of $0.3 million , and for the year ended December 31, 2015 had net cash flows of approximately $0.1 million . 2014 Acquisitions During the year ended December 31, 2014 , the following collegiate housing property acquisitions were completed: Name Primary University Served Acquisition Date # of Beds # of Units Contract Price (in thousands) 109 Tower Florida International University Miami, Florida Aug 2014 542 149 $ 43,500 District on Apache Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona Sept 2014 900 279 $ 89,800 Combined acquisition costs for these purchases were $0.9 million and are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2014 . These acquisitions were funded with proceeds from the follow-on equity offering in June 2014 (see Note 2), draws on the Fourth Amended Revolver and the Fifth Amended Revolver (see Note 10) and cash on hand. A summary follows of the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of the dates of the acquisitions (in thousands): 109 Tower District on Apache Total Collegiate housing properties $ 43,384 $ 89,216 $ 132,600 In-place leases — 643 643 Other assets 200 36 236 Accrued expenses (746 ) (1,341 ) (2,087 ) Total net assets acquired $ 42,838 $ 88,554 $ 131,392 The contracted purchase price of $133.3 million , reflected in the table above, net of $2.1 million in assumed liabilities, represents a net asset value of $131.2 million . The $0.2 million difference between this amount and the net assets reflected in the second table above represents working capital and other assets that were not part of the contractual purchase price, but were acquired. During 2014, the Trust also purchased the remaining 30% of its joint venture partner's interest in The Retreat at Oxford and a portion of its joint venture partner's interest in Roosevelt Point (see Note 11). 2013 Acquisitions During the year ended December 31, 2013 , the following collegiate housing community acquisitions were completed: Name Primary University Served Acquisition Date # of Beds # of Units Contract Price (in thousands) The Cottages on Lindberg Purdue University West Lafayette, Indiana Aug 2013 745 193 $ 36,000 The Retreat at State College Pennsylvania State University State College, Pennsylvania Sept 2013 587 138 $ 56,189 The Varsity University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan Dec 2013 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 income and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2013. These acquisitions were funded with assumed debt of $32.4 million and proceeds from draws on the Fourth Amended Revolver. 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 Accrued expenses (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 in addition to fixed assets. In the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows, $3.0 million was excluded from cash outflows for the 2013 acquisitions as this deposit for The Varsity was paid in 2012. A summary of the actual revenue and net income from the 2015 , 2014 and 2013 property acquisitions included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income since the respective dates of acquisition is as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 2015 Acquisitions Revenue $ 1,754 Net income $ 532 2014 Acquisitions Revenue $ 4,683 Net income $ 1,403 2013 Acquisitions Revenue $ 3,221 Net income $ 911 The following unaudited pro forma information assumes the acquisitions occurred as of the first day of the prior period and is not indicative of results that would have occurred or which may occur (in thousands, except per share and per unit amounts): Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 2012 2015 Acquisitions Total revenue $ 257,758 $ 227,968 Net income attributable to the Trust $ 20,992 $ 47,275 Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic $ 0.42 $ 1.10 Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted $ 0.42 $ 1.09 Net income attributable to EROP $ 21,087 $ 47,643 Net income attributable to unitholders - basic $ 0.42 $ 1.10 Net income attributable to unitholders - diluted $ 0.42 $ 1.10 2014 Acquisitions Total revenue (1) $ 231,961 $ 187,884 Net income attributable to the Trust (1) $ 50,794 $ 5,714 Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic $ 1.18 $ 0.15 Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted $ 1.17 $ 0.15 Net income attributable to EROP (1) $ 51,184 $ 5,805 Net income attributable to unitholders - basic $ 1.18 $ 0.15 Net income attributable to unitholders - diluted $ 1.18 $ 0.15 2013 Acquisitions Total revenue $ 187,961 $ 139,714 Net income attributable to the Trust $ 4,841 $ 9,229 Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic $ 0.13 $ 0.27 Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted $ 0.13 $ 0.27 Net income attributable to EROP $ 4,926 $ 9,363 Net income attributable to unitholders - basic $ 0.13 $ 0.28 Net income attributable to unitholders - diluted $ 0.13 $ 0.27 (1) As 109 Tower opened for the 2014/2015 lease year, the supplemental pro forma revenue and net income for the year ended December 31, 2014 only includes its operations from the date it opened. Development of collegiate housing properties During 2015 , the Trust developed and placed in service the following communities. The costs incurred to date for our owned communities represent the balance capitalized in collegiate housing properties, net as of December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Name Primary University Served Bed Count Costs Incurred-to-Date Internal Development Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized 2015 2014 2015 2014 Woodland Glen III, IV & V (1) University of Kentucky 1,610 $ 103,458 $ 452 $ 214 $ 2,414 $ 1,304 The Oaks on the Square - Phase IV (2) University of Connecticut 391 44,325 315 101 633 149 The Retreat at Louisville (3) University of Louisville 656 43,935 179 77 568 103 Total owned communities 2,657 $ 191,718 $ 946 $ 392 $ 3,615 $ 1,556 Georgia Heights (4) University of Georgia 292 $ 51,639 $ 216 $ 184 $ 273 $ 274 Total joint ventures 292 51,639 216 184 273 274 Total 2,949 $ 243,357 $ 1,162 $ 576 $ 3,888 $ 1,830 (1) In December 2011, the Trust was selected by the University of Kentucky to develop, own and manage new collegiate housing on its campus. Phase I opened in August 2013, Phase II opened in August 2014 and Phase III, which includes these communities, opened in August 2015 for the 2015-2016 lease year. (2) In 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, located adjacent to the University of Connecticut. The Trust developed, owns and manages the collegiate housing properties in these first two phases and both phases 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 additional agreements to develop the third and fourth phases of the project. The third phase opened in August 2014 and the fourth phase opened in August 2015. (3) In June 2014, the Trust announced an agreement with a subsidiary of Landmark Property Holdings, LLC to develop, own and manage a cottage-style collegiate housing property located adjacent to The University of Louisville. The Trust is the majority owner and managing member of the joint venture. (4) In 2013, the Trust entered into an agreement to develop, own and manage a mixed-use development adjacent to the main entrance of the University of Georgia with a subsidiary of GEM Realty Capital, Inc. The costs above represent total costs incurred for the joint venture development. The Trust holds a 50% interest in the joint venture and manages the community. The Trust does not consolidate the joint venture (see Note 8) and its investment of $10.4 million and $10.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, is classified as other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. During 2014 , the Trust developed and placed in service the following communities. The costs incurred to date represent the balance capitalized in collegiate housing properties, net as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Name Primary University Served Bed Count Costs Incurred-to-date Internal Development Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized 2014 2013 2014 2013 The Lotus (1) University of Colorado 195 $ 27,800 $ 147 $ 95 $ 272 $ 120 Haggin Hall (2) University of Kentucky 396 23,840 121 115 341 62 Champions Court I (2) University of Kentucky 740 47,368 156 110 833 389 Champions Court II (2) University of Kentucky 427 24,329 88 95 434 205 Woodland Glen I & II (2) University of Kentucky 818 45,730 131 104 765 350 605 West (3) Duke University 384 45,258 128 116 650 322 The Oaks on the Square - Phase III (4) University of Connecticut 116 12,482 90 22 87 51 Total owned communities 3,076 $ 226,807 $ 861 $ 657 $ 3,382 $ 1,499 The Marshall (5) University of Minnesota 994 $ 93,976 $ 124 $ 62 $ 410 $ 23 Total joint ventures 994 93,976 124 62 410 23 Total 4,070 $ 320,783 $ 985 $ 719 $ 3,792 $ 1,522 (1) In November 2011, the Trust purchased a collegiate housing property near the University of Colorado, Boulder (The Lotus). The Trust developed additional housing on the existing land, which opened for the 2014/2015 lease year. (2) 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 ONE Plan SM . Phase I opened in August 2013 and Phase II, which includes these communities, opened for the 2014-2015 lease year. The third phase opened in August 2015. (3) In March 2013, the Trust announced an agreement with Javelin 19 Investments, LLC ("Javelin 19") to develop, own and manage a new collegiate housing property near Duke University, 605 West. The Trust is the majority owner and managing member of the joint venture and manages the community, which opened in August 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 joint venture at a price to be determined. (4) In 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, located adjacent to the University of Connecticut. The Trust developed, owns and manages the collegiate housing properties in these first two phases and both phases 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 additional agreements to develop the third and fourth phases of the project. The third phase opened in August 2014 and the fourth phase opened in August 2015. (5) In 2012, Trust entered into an agreement to develop, own and manage a mixed-use development located two blocks from University of Minnesota with a subsidiary of GEM Realty Capital, Inc. The costs above represent total costs incurred for the joint venture development. The Trust holds a 50% interest in the joint venture and manages the community, which opened in August 2014. The Trust does not consolidate the joint venture (see Note 8) and its investment of $17.2 million and $18.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, is classified as other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The following represents a summary of active developments at December 31, 2015, including internal development costs and interest costs capitalized (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Name Primary University Served Spend-to-Date Internal Development Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized 2015 2014 2015 2014 Limestone Park I & II University of Kentucky $ 55,092 $ 382 $ 212 $ 984 $ 78 Retreat at Oxford - Phase II University of Mississippi 17,354 77 — 211 — Retreat at Blacksburg - Phase I & II Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 30,220 116 — 208 — University Flats University of Kentucky 10,515 241 — 83 — Lewis Hall University of Kentucky 1,026 — — — — Boise State University Boise State University 613 54 — 3 — SkyVUE Michigan State University — 17 — — — The Local: Downtown Texas State University 2,564 69 — — — Total active projects under development $ 117,384 $ 956 $ 212 $ 1,489 $ 78 As of December 31, 2015 , the Trust is contractually obligated to fund remaining amounts under guaranteed maximum price contracts with the general contractor of approximately approximately $227.7 million to complete these developments. 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. Expenditures for assets under development accrued in accounts payable and accrued expenses totaled $0.3 million and $19.2 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2015 . As of December 31, 2014 , expenditures for assets under development accrued in accounts payable and accrued expenses totaled $34.0 thousand and $18.5 million , respectively.

Disposition of real estate inve

Disposition of real estate investments and discontinued operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposition of real estate investments and discontinued operations	Disposition of real estate investments and discontinued operations As discussed in Note 2, the accounting guidance related to the presentation of discontinued operations was adopted as of January 1, 2014. The 2015 and 2014 property dispositions discussed below and any subsequent one-off dispositions are not expected to qualify for treatment as discontinued operations unless the dispositions qualify as a strategic shift in the Trust's business pursuant to ASU 2014-08. Accordingly, the historical operations of the 2015 and 2014 property dispositions are presented in continuing operations for all periods presented as the adoption of the guidance is on a prospective basis. The results of operations of the property dispositions during 2013 are included in discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2013. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , the Cape Trails housing community located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri was sold for a sales price of $12.9 million . The Trust received net proceeds of $12.3 million after closing costs and recognized a $2.8 million gain on this disposition. During the year ended December 31, 2014 , the following collegiate housing communities were sold: • The Reserve on West 31st located in Lawrence, Kansas; • College Station at West Lafayette located in West Lafayette, Indiana; • Pointe West located in Cayce, South Carolina; • The Reserve on South College located in Auburn, Alabama; • The Pointe at South Florida located in Tampa, Florida • Avenue at Southern located in Statesboro, Georgia; and • Commons on Kinnear located in Columbus, Ohio. The aggregate sales price of the 2014 dispositions was approximately $138.5 million . The Trust received net proceeds of approximately $116.3 million , after payoffs of mortgage debt of $16.7 million and closing costs. The Trust recognized a $33.2 million gain on these dispositions. In 2013, The Pointe at Western collegiate housing community located in Kalamazoo, Michigan and the College Grove collegiate housing community located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee were sold for an aggregate sales price of $41.7 million . The Trust received net proceeds of $40.2 million after closing costs. A $3.9 million gain on the 2013 dispositions was recognized and is reflected in discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The following table summarizes the 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 year ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands): Collegiate housing leasing revenue $ 5,409 Collegiate housing leasing operating expenses (3,014 ) Depreciation and amortization (1,767 ) Loss on impairment (5,001 ) Interest income 4 Noncontrolling interests 31 Loss from discontinued operations attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. $ (4,338 ) Gain on sale of collegiate housing properties $ 3,913 Noncontrolling interests (28 ) Gain on sale of collegiate housing properties attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. $ 3,885

Collegiate housing properties a

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Collegiate housing properties and assets under development	Collegiate housing properties and assets under development Collegiate housing properties and assets under development consist of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Land $ 152,819 $ 129,111 Land improvements 65,135 64,230 Leasehold improvements 212 212 Construction in progress 105,517 122,209 Buildings 1,751,482 1,527,973 Furniture, fixtures and equipment 88,008 73,023 2,163,173 1,916,758 Less accumulated depreciation (270,993 ) (210,047 ) Collegiate housing properties and assets under development, net $ 1,892,180 $ 1,706,711 Following is certain information related to investment in collegiate housing properties and assets under development as of December 31, 2015 (amounts in thousands): Initial Cost Total Costs Property (6) Encumbrances Land Buildings and Improvements Total Cost Capitalized Subsequently Land Buildings and Improvements Total Accumulated Depreciation (7) Date of Acquisition/ Construction Players Club — $727 $7,498 $8,225 $2,781 $727 $10,279 $11,006 $3,878 1/31/2005 The Commons at Knoxville (1) $17,162 4,630 18,386 23,016 4,024 4,585 22,410 26,995 8,761 1/31/2005 The Lofts — 2,801 34,117 36,918 3,615 2,801 37,732 40,533 13,136 1/31/2005 The Pointe at Penn State — 2,151 35,094 37,245 5,543 2,150 40,637 42,787 15,067 1/31/2005 The Reserve at Athens (1) 10,703 1,740 17,985 19,725 2,605 1,740 20,590 22,330 7,288 1/31/2005 The Reserve at Columbia (3) — 1,071 26,134 27,205 5,297 1,071 31,431 32,502 11,859 1/31/2005 The Reserve at Tallahassee — 2,743 21,176 23,919 1,335 2,742 22,511 25,253 10,333 1/31/2005 The Reserve on Perkins (1) 13,416 913 15,795 16,708 4,512 913 20,307 21,220 8,381 1/31/2005 University Towers 33,650 — 28,652 28,652 16,461 2,364 45,113 47,477 17,202 1/31/2005 Campus Creek — 2,251 21,604 23,855 3,649 2,251 25,253 27,504 9,631 2/22/2005 Campus Lodge — 2,746 44,415 47,161 3,589 2,746 48,004 50,750 16,398 6/7/2005 Carrollton Place — 682 12,166 12,848 2,168 682 14,334 15,016 4,610 1/1/2006 River Pointe (2) 8,125 837 17,746 18,583 3,321 837 21,067 21,904 6,868 1/1/2006 The Reserve at Saluki Pointe (2) 13,194 1,099 32,377 33,476 1,989 1,099 34,366 35,465 7,754 8/1/2008 University Apartments on Colvin — — 25,792 25,792 949 — 26,741 26,741 5,652 8/1/2009 2400 Nueces (4) — — 64,152 64,152 6,261 — 70,413 70,413 6,488 8/1/2010 The Oaks on the Square - Phase I and II — 1,800 48,636 50,436 1,164 1,800 49,800 51,600 5,193 9/30/2010 GrandMarc at the Corner — — 45,384 45,384 1,995 — 47,379 47,379 7,947 10/22/2010 Campus West — — 25,842 25,842 1,904 — 27,746 27,746 3,855 3/1/2011 East Edge — 10,420 10,783 21,203 21,289 10,420 32,072 42,492 4,775 3/1/2011 Jefferson Commons — 1,420 4,915 6,335 271 1,420 5,186 6,606 797 3/15/2011 Wertland Square — 3,230 13,285 16,515 645 3,230 13,930 17,160 2,116 3/15/2011 The Berk — 2,687 13,718 16,405 790 2,687 14,508 17,195 2,295 5/23/2011 Roosevelt Point — 3,093 47,528 50,621 1,762 3,093 49,290 52,383 4,299 7/1/2011 University Village Towers — 3,434 34,424 37,858 897 3,434 35,321 38,755 4,523 9/22/2011 Irish Row — 2,637 24,679 27,316 521 2,637 25,200 27,837 3,313 11/1/2011 The Lotus — 5,245 20,830 26,075 2,168 5,245 22,998 28,243 1,207 11/14/2011 GrandMarc at Westberry Place — — 53,935 53,935 1,672 — 55,607 55,607 6,877 12/8/2011 3949 — 3,822 24,448 28,270 8,815 3,822 33,263 37,085 3,605 12/21/2011 The Reserve on Stinson (1) 13,258 2,111 20,609 22,720 1,478 2,111 22,087 24,198 3,583 1/27/2012 Lymon T. Johnson Hall & Central Hall II (5) — — 22,896 22,896 2,930 — 25,826 25,826 2,872 6/1/2012 The Retreat at Oxford — 4,743 25,690 30,433 19,224 8,811 44,914 53,725 2,793 6/14/2012 605 West — 4,794 34,192 38,986 6,152 4,794 40,344 45,138 2,491 9/1/2012 The Province — 4,436 45,173 49,609 410 4,436 45,583 50,019 5,387 9/21/2012 The District on 5th — 2,601 63,396 65,997 377 2,601 63,773 66,374 7,869 10/4/2012 Campus Village — 2,650 18,077 20,727 1,134 2,650 19,211 21,861 3,174 10/19/2012 Champions Court I (5) — — 45,924 45,924 1,546 — 47,470 47,470 2,200 11/1/2012 Champions Court II (5) — — 23,808 23,808 550 — 24,358 24,358 1,144 11/1/2012 Haggin Hall I (5) — — 23,802 23,802 146 — 23,948 23,948 1,250 11/1/2012 Woodland Glen I & II (5) — — 44,491 44,491 1,403 — 45,894 45,894 2,104 11/1/2012 Initial Cost Total Costs Property (6) Encumbrances Land Buildings and Improvements Total Cost Capitalized Subsequently Land Buildings and Improvements Total Accumulated Depreciation (7) Date of Acquisition/ Construction The Province at Kent State — 4,239 40,441 44,680 204 4,239 40,645 44,884 4,802 11/16/2012 The Centre at Overton Park 22,351 3,781 35,232 39,013 1,302 3,781 36,534 40,315 3,683 12/7/2012 The Suites at Overton Park — 4,384 33,281 37,665 906 4,384 34,187 38,571 3,821 12/7/2012 Woodland Glen III, IV & V (5) — — 101,172 101,172 2,286 — 103,458 103,458 1,129 5/1/2013 The Oaks on the Square - Phase III — 1,531 10,734 12,265 259 1,531 10,993 12,524 481 2/13/2013 The Cottages on Lindberg — 1,800 31,224 33,024 2,968 1,800 34,192 35,992 3,175 8/28/2013 The Retreat at State College — 6,251 46,004 52,255 3,932 6,251 49,936 56,187 4,111 9/11/2013 The Varsity — 3,300 50,330 53,630 285 3,300 50,615 53,915 3,336 12/19/2013 Limestone Park I & II (5) — — 55,092 55,092 — — 55,092 55,092 — 12/31/2013 Oaks on the Square - Phase IV 27,553 3,308 36,748 40,056 4,269 3,308 41,017 44,325 443 6/1/2014 Retreat at Louisville 35,672 4,257 33,750 38,007 5,928 4,257 39,678 43,935 462 7/1/2014 109 Towers — 1,779 40,115 41,894 2,514 1,779 42,629 44,408 1,956 8/12/2014 District on Apache — 8,203 81,016 89,219 287 8,203 81,303 89,506 3,974 9/15/2014 The Commons on Bridge — 1,852 7,772 9,624 150 1,852 7,922 9,774 233 6/16/2015 The Province Boulder — 7,800 40,722 48,522 32 7,800 40,754 48,554 412 9/15/2015 University Flats (5) — — 10,515 10,515 — — 10,515 10,515 — 7/1/2015 Retreat at Blacksburg 10,380 8,988 21,232 30,220 — 8,988 21,232 30,220 — 7/10/2015 Boise State — — 613 613 — — 613 613 — 12/15/2015 The Local: Downtown — 1,447 1,117 2,564 — 1,447 1,117 2,564 — 1/4/2016 Lewis Hall (5) — — 1,026 1,026 — — 1,026 1,026 — TBD Totals $ 205,464 $ 146,434 $ 1,837,690 $ 1,984,124 $ 172,664 $ 152,819 $ 2,010,354 $ 2,163,173 $ 270,993 (1) The Commons at Knoxville, The Reserve on Stinson, The Reserve at Perkins and The Reserve at Athens are cross-collateralized against the $54.5 million outstanding loan discussed in Note 10. (2) The Reserve at Saluki Pointe and River Pointe are cross-collateralized against the $21.3 million outstanding loan discussed in Note 10. (3) The Reserve at Columbia is collateralized under the Master Secured Credit Facility (see Note 10) as of December 31, 2015 . (4) Pursuant to the ground lease for 2400 Nueces, the lessor has the option to purchase the Trust's leasehold estate and interest in the property at certain times during the term of the ground lease for a pre-determined amount. (5) Pursuant to the lease agreement for the respective property, the lessor has the option to terminate the lease at certain times during the term of the agreement for a termination fee. (6) 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, The Cottages on Lindberg and The Retreat at State College, which are cottage-style communities, and The Oaks on the Square, which is a mixed-use town center and main street development project located in Storrs, Connecticut. (7) Assets have useful lives ranging from 3 to 40 years. The following table reconciles the historical cost of the Trust’s investment in collegiate housing properties and assets under development for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of period $ 1,916,758 $ 1,709,853 $ 1,395,576 Collegiate housing acquisitions or completed developments 250,329 349,841 290,881 Collegiate housing dispositions (14,149 ) (154,545 ) (55,880 ) Impairment loss — (12,733 ) (5,001 ) Additions 10,917 24,792 84,404 Disposals (682 ) (450 ) (127 ) Balance, end of period $ 2,163,173 $ 1,916,758 $ 1,709,853 The following table reconciles the accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of period $ 210,047 $ 204,181 $ 175,310 Depreciation 65,952 57,166 47,693 Disposals (622 ) (396 ) (115 ) Collegiate housing dispositions (4,384 ) (50,904 ) (18,707 ) Balance, end of period $ 270,993 $ 210,047 $ 204,181 When determined 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 2015. During 2014 and 2013, management determined that the carrying value of various collegiate housing communities may not be recoverable. The fair value of these properties was estimated and management recorded impairment losses during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 of $12.7 million and $5.0 million , respectively. As the related properties were subsequently sold, the impairment loss is recorded in discontinued operations for 2013 and continuing operations for 2014.

Other assets

Other assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment and Other Assets [Abstract]
Other assets	Other assets Other assets consist of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Accounts receivable related to pre-development costs $ 2,252 $ 2,061 Prepaid expenses 2,564 2,295 Deferred tax asset 2,456 2,100 Deferred financing costs - revolving credit facility 2,814 3,841 Investments in unconsolidated entities 28,068 29,450 Corporate assets, net (1) 13,141 13,745 Other 6,034 10,950 Total other assets $ 57,329 $ 64,442 (1) As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Trust had corporate assets with a historical cost of $18.1 million and $17.3 million , and accumulated depreciation of $4.9 million and $3.5 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 $1.5 million , $0.9 million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

Investments in unconsolidated e

Investments in unconsolidated entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments in unconsolidated entities	Investments in unconsolidated entities As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Trust had investments in the following unconsolidated joint ventures (see Note 2), which are accounted for under the equity method: • a 50% interest in 1313 5th Street MN Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which owns the collegiate housing property referred to as The Marshall at the University of Minnesota; • a 50% interest in West Clayton Athens GA Owner, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which owns the collegiate housing property referred to as Georgia Heights at the University of Georgia; • a 14% interest in Elauwit Networks, a South Carolina limited liability company; and • a 25% interest in University Village-Greensboro LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which owns the collegiate housing property referred to as University Village - Greensboro. 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 related to unconsolidated joint ventures (in thousands): Financial Position: As of December 31, 2015 2014 Total assets $ 177,907 $ 148,117 Total liabilities 130,102 99,714 Equity $ 47,805 $ 48,403 Investment in unconsolidated entities $ 28,068 $ 29,450 Results of Operations: For the years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Revenues $ 37,915 $ 31,537 $ 22,829 Net loss (1,134 ) (1,785 ) (1,824 ) Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities $ (668 ) $ (710 ) $ (203 ) As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , liabilities are recorded totaling $2.0 million and $1.7 million , respectively, 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.

Incentive plans

Incentive plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 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 in its entirety and authorizes the grant of the 105,000 shares that remained available for grant under the 2004 plan, as well as 1,049,167 additional shares. As of December 31, 2015 , the Trust had 652,356 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. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , unearned compensation related to restricted stock totaled $0.2 million and $0.6 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, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , compensation expense of $0.4 million , $0.7 million and $0.9 million , respectively, was recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, related to the vesting of restricted stock. Effective January 1, 2014 and January 1, 2013, the Trust adopted the 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2014 LTIP") and the 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2013 LTIP"), respectively. The purpose of the 2014 LTIP and 2013 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, 2014 and 2013 , the Trust issued 24,742 and 21,928 , respectively, shares of time vested restricted stock to executives and key employees under the 2014 LTIP and 2013 LTIP. Additional shares were issued in August 2014 pursuant to the 2014 LTIP. The restricted stock granted under the 2014 LTIP and the 2013 LTIP will vest ratably over three years as long as the participants remain employed by the Trust. A restricted stock unit ("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. Prior to vesting, the participants are not eligible to vote or receive dividends or distributions on the RSUs. On January 1, 2014, the Trust granted 102,297 performance-based RSUs to executives and key employees under the 2014 LTIP described above. On January 1, 2013, the Trust granted 40,724 performance-based RSUs to executives and key employees under the 2013 LTIP described above. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , unearned compensation related to RSUs totaled $0.6 million and $1.5 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, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , compensation expense of $0.9 million , $1.1 million and $0.8 million , respectively, was recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, related to the vesting of RSUs. On January 1, 2016, 10,776 fully-vested shares of common stock were issued pursuant to the vesting of RSUs granted in 2013. On February 4, 2015, the compensation committee approved the structure, including the awards, for the 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2015 LTIP”). The 2015 LTIP differs in two respects from the prior plans: (i) the participants have elected to receive LTIP Units in the Operating Partnership instead of time restricted stock or RSUs; and (ii) the performance criteria for the performance-based award has been revamped to measure the Trust's performance based on a mixture of objective internal achievement goals and relative performance against its industry peers and other REITs. Under the 2015 LTIP, 155,774 LTIP Units were issued to the participants. The 2015 LTIP provides that 25% of a participant’s award consists of a time-vested grant of LTIP Units subject to the rights, preferences and other privileges as designated in the partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership (the “Partnership Agreement”). Similar to the treatment of restricted stock under the 2014 LTIP, the time-vested 2015 LTIP Units vest over a three -year period and are valued for award purposes at a value equal to the price of the Trust's stock on the grant date. The time-vested 2015 LTIP Units are entitled to voting and distribution rights from the effective date of the grant in accordance with the Partnership Agreement, but are nontransferable and non-convertible until fully vested. The remaining 75% of a participant’s award consists of a grant of performance-based 2015 LTIP Units. Similar to the 2014 LTIP, the vesting of performance-based 2015 LTIP Units is dependent upon the Trust's achievement of six performance criteria approved by the compensation committee, over a three -year period, with a minimum, threshold, and maximum performance standard for each performance criterion. Three of the performance criteria are based on market conditions and three have performance vesting conditions under ASC 718, "Compensation - Stock Compensation" . The fair value of the awards subject to market conditions was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation technique by an independent third party consultant. The fair value of the awards subject to performance conditions was calculated based on the closing market value of EdR's common stock on the grant date. The probability of achieving the performance conditions will be assessed quarterly. The performance-based 2015 LTIP Units are entitled to voting and distribution rights from the effective date of the grant in accordance with the Partnership Agreement, but are nontransferable and non-convertible until fully vested. After the determination of the achievement of the performance criteria, any performance-based 2015 LTIP Units that were awarded but did not become vested LTIP Units will be canceled. Once fully vested, the 2015 LTIP Units may be converted to OP Units in the Operating Partnership and thereafter, at the election of the unitholder, may be tendered for redemption in exchange for cash or shares of EdR's common stock, at the discretion of the general partner, in accordance with the terms of the Partnership Agreement. Compensation expense recognized in general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income related to the 2015 LTIP Units was $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 . As of December 31, 2015 , unearned compensation related to LTIP Units totaled $2.1 million , and will be recorded as expense over the applicable vesting period. Total stock-based compensation recognized in general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $2.2 million , $1.9 million and $2.1 million , respectively. Additionally during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Trust issued 12,300 and 13,384 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, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is as follows: Restricted Stock Awards Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award RSU Awards Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU LTIP Units Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per LTIP Unit Outstanding as of December 31, 2012 (1) 82,365 $ 22.89 69,000 $ 18.03 — $ — Granted 21,930 31.92 61,092 22.95 — — Vested (30,340 ) 31.62 — — — — Surrendered (12,614 ) 31.62 — — — — Outstanding as of December 31, 2013 (1) 61,341 $ 26.88 130,092 $ 20.34 — $ — Granted 25,944 26.70 102,305 19.20 — — Vested (26,476 ) 25.74 (47,785 ) 26.46 — — Surrendered (13,999 ) 26.85 (37,701 ) 26.46 — — Outstanding as of December 31, 2014 (1) 46,810 $ 27.94 146,911 $ 20.58 — $ — Granted — — — — 155,774 18.83 Vested (17,774 ) 27.76 — — — — Surrendered (3,467 ) 29.72 — — — — Outstanding as of December 31, 2015 (1) 25,569 $ 28.32 146,911 $ 20.58 155,774 $ 18.83 (1) Represents unvested shares of restricted stock awards as of the date indicated.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt Revolving credit facility On November 19, 2014 , the Operating Partnership entered into a Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Fifth Amended Revolver”). The Fifth Amended Revolver amended and restated that certain Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Fourth Amended Revolver"). The Fifth Amended Revolver has a maximum availability of $500.0 million and an accordion feature to $1.0 billion , which may be exercised during the first four years subject to satisfaction of certain conditions. The Fifth Amended Revolver is scheduled to mature on November 19, 2018 with a one -year extension option, provided certain conditions are met. EdR serves as the guarantor for any funds borrowed by the Operating Partnership under the Fifth Amended Revolver. The interest rate per annum applicable to the Fifth Amended Revolver is, at the Operating Partnership’s option, equal to a base rate or LIBOR plus an applicable margin based upon our leverage. As of December 31, 2015 , the interest rate applicable to the Fifth Amended Revolver was 1.78% . If amounts are drawn, due to the fact that the Fifth Amended Revolver bears interest at variable rates, cost approximates the fair value. In addition, the Operating Partnership also incurs an unused fee equal to either 0.15% or 0.25% of the unused balance, based on outstanding commitments. As of December 31, 2015 , there was no outstanding balance on the revolver, thus, our remaining availability was $500.0 million . The Fifth Amended Revolver contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and contains financial covenants that, among other things, require the maintenance of 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 distributions are prohibited in excess of 95% of FFO except to comply with the legal requirements to maintain REIT status. As of December 31, 2015 , the Operating Partnership was in compliance with all covenants of the Fifth Amended Revolver. Unsecured term loan facility On January 13, 2014, the Operating Partnership and certain subsidiaries entered into an unsecured term loan facility under a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), which was subsequently amended and restated on November 19, 2014 (the "Amended and Restated Credit Agreement"). The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement removed certain subsidiaries as borrowers and amended certain financial covenants to align with the Fifth Amended Revolver. Under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, the unsecured term loans have an 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 Tranche A Term Loan matures on January 13, 2021 and the Tranche B Term Loan matures on January 13, 2019. The Credit Agreement contains an accordion feature pursuant to which the Borrowers may request that the total aggregate amount of the Term Loans 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 Operating Partnership 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 Operating Partnership’s option, equal to a base rate or LIBOR plus an applicable margin ranging from 155 to 225 basis points. The interest rate per annum on the Tranche B Term Loan is, at the Operating Partnership’s option, equal to a base rate or LIBOR plus an applicable margin ranging from 120 to 190 basis points. The applicable margin for the Term Loans is based on leverage. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the outstanding balance under the Term Loans was $186.5 million and $186.3 million , respectively, which is presented net of unamortized deferred financing costs of $1.0 million and $1.2 million , respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and restrictive covenants substantially similar to those contained in the Fifth Amended Revolver. EdR serves as the guarantor for any funds borrowed under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2015 , the Operating Partnership was in compliance with all covenants of the Credit Agreement. In connection with entering into the Credit Agreement, the Operating Partnership entered into multiple interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $187.5 million to hedge the interest payments on the LIBOR-based Term Loans (see Note 14). As of December 31, 2015, the effective 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 effective 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% ). Unsecured senior notes On November 24, 2014, the Operating Partnership completed the public offering of $250.0 million unsecured senior notes (the "Unsecured Senior Notes") under an existing shelf registration statement The 10 -year Unsecured Senior Notes were issued at 99.991% of par value with a coupon of 4.6% per annum and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by EdR. Interest on the Unsecured Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year, with the first payment beginning on June 1, 2015. The Unsecured Senior Notes will mature on December 1, 2024. Net proceeds from the issuance of the Unsecured Senior Notes were approximately $247.0 million , after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership used the offering proceeds to prepay $69.0 million of mortgage debt (including $2.6 million in prepayment penalties and other fees), pay down the outstanding balance of the Fifth Amended Revolver and for general corporate purposes. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the outstanding balance under the Unsecured Senior Notes was $247.7 million and $247.4 million , respectively, which is presented net of unamortized deferred financing costs of $2.3 million and $2.6 million , respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The terms of Unsecured Senior Notes contain certain covenants that restrict the ability of EdR and the Operating Partnership to incur additional secured and unsecured indebtedness. In addition, the Operating Partnership must maintain a minimum ratio of unencumbered asset value to unsecured debt, as well as minimum interest coverage level. As of December 31, 2015 , the Operating Partnership was in compliance with all covenants. Mortgage and construction debt As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , mortgage and construction notes payable consist of the following, which were secured by the underlying collegiate housing properties (amounts in thousands): Outstanding Balance at December 31, Property 2015 2014 Interest Rate at December 31, 2015 Interest Rate Type Initial Maturity Date Various Communities (1) $ 21,319 $ 21,696 5.67 % Fixed 1/1/2020 Various Communities (2) 54,539 55,523 6.02 % Fixed 1/1/2019 Various Communities (3) — 16,137 n/a Master Secured Credit Facility 75,858 93,356 5.92 % (4) The Suites at Overton Park — 24,216 n/a The Centre at Overton Park 22,351 22,697 5.60 % (5) Fixed 1/1/2017 (5) University Towers 33,650 34,000 2.35 % (6) Variable 7/1/2016 (6) Mortgage Debt 56,001 80,913 3.65 % (4) The Retreat at Louisville 35,672 8,114 2.30 % (7) Variable 8/1/2017 (7) The Oaks on the Square - Phase IV 27,553 — 2.41 % (8) Variable 10/20/2017 (8) The Varsity — 32,420 n/a The Retreat at Blacksburg - Phase I 10,380 — 2.25 % (9) Variable 2/4/2019 (9) Roosevelt Point — 33,348 n/a Construction Loans 73,605 73,882 2.33 % (4) Total mortgage and construction debt / weighted average rate 205,464 248,151 4.02 % (4) Unamortized premium and deferred financing costs (10) (953 ) (23 ) Total mortgage and construction debt, net of unamortized premium and deferred financing costs 204,511 248,128 Less current portion (35,446 ) (68,675 ) Total mortgage and construction debt, net of current portion $ 169,065 $ 179,453 (1) As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the following properties secured this note: The Reserve at Saluki Pointe and River Pointe. (2) As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the following properties secured this note: The Reserve at Athens, The Reserve at Perkins, The Commons at Knoxville and The Reserve on Stinson. (3) During the year ended December 31, 2015 , this note was repaid; however, The Reserve at Columbia remained encumbered through the Master Secured Credit Facility. (4) Represents the weighted average interest rate as of December 31, 2015 . (5) In connection with the acquisition of The Centre at Overton Park during 2012, the Trust assumed fixed-rate mortgage debt. If no event of default occurs, the Trust has the option to extend the maturity date for one year at a base rate plus a margin of 2.5% . Principal and interest are repaid monthly. (6) 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 was interest only through July 1, 2015. The loan may be extended for two 12 -month periods, provided that the debt service coverage ratio calculated as of the preceding quarter is at least 1.30 to 1.00 and an extension fee is paid. (7) During 2014, the Trust entered into a $35.7 million construction loan related to the development of a jointly owned cottage-style community located in Louisville, Kentucky (The Retreat at Louisville). The Operating Partnership is the majority owner and managing member of the joint venture. The interest rate per year applicable to the loan is, at the option of the Operating Partnership, equal to a base rate plus a 1.05% margin or LIBOR plus a 2.05% margin and is interest only through July 10, 2017. On July 10, 2017, if certain conditions are met, the Operating Partnership has the option to extend the loan until July 9, 2018 and another year thereafter. During the extension periods, if applicable, principal and interest are to be repaid on a monthly basis. (8) During 2014, the Operating Partnership entered into a construction loan of $38.0 million related to the development of the fourth phase of a wholly-owned collegiate housing community in Storrs, Connecticut (The Oaks on the Square - Phase IV). The interest rate per year applicable to the loan is, at the option of the Operating Partnership, equal to a base rate plus a 1.00% margin or LIBOR plus a 2.00% margin and is interest only through October 20, 2017. If certain conditions are met, the Operating Partnership has the option to extend the loan for two one -year extension periods. During the extension periods, if applicable, principal and interest are to be repaid on a monthly basis. (9) During 2015, the Operating Partnership entered into a construction loan of $49.6 million related to the development of a jointly owned cottage-style community located in Blacksburg, Virginia (The Retreat at Blacksburg). The Operating Partnership is the majority owner and will manage the community following its completion. The interest rate per year applicable to the loan is, at the option of the Operating Partnership, equal to a base rate plus a 1.05% margin or LIBOR plus a 2.05% margin and is interest only through February 4, 2019. If certain conditions are met, the Operating Partnership has the option to extend the loan for two one -year extension periods. During the extension periods, if applicable, principal and interest are to be repaid on a monthly basis. (10) Deferred financing costs are presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt liability due to the retroactive adoption of ASU 2015-03 (see Note 2). Master Secured Credit Facility The Operating Partnership also 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 Operating Partnership 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, 2015 . During 2015, the Operating Partnership prepaid a $15.8 million , seven -year note under the Master Secured Credit Facility. The debt had a fixed rate of 5.45% and was due to mature on January 1, 2017. In connection with this repayment, the Operating Partnership incurred a prepayment penalty of $0.4 million , which is included in loss on extinguishment of debt in the accompanying consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income. In January 2016, the Operating Partnership prepaid in full the two remaining notes under the Master Secured Credit Facility with proceeds from the January 2016 follow-on equity offering. Concurrent with the repayment, the facility was terminated and all encumbered properties were released. The Operating Partnership incurred a prepayment penalty of $9.3 million in connection with the prepayment. Mortgage debt During 2015, the Operating Partnership repaid in full fixed-rate mortgage debt of $23.7 million that was assumed in connection with the 2012 acquisition of The Suites at Overton Park collegiate housing community located at Texas Tech University. The interest rate was equal to 4.16% and the mortgage debt was scheduled to mature on April 1, 2016. In January 2016, the Operating Partnership repaid in full the fixed-rate mortgage debt with a principal balance of $22.3 million that was assumed in connection with the 2012 acquisition of The Centre at Overton Park. The interest rate was equal to 5.6% and the mortgaged debt was scheduled to mature on January 1, 2017. A prepayment penalty of $1.0 million was incurred in connection with the prepayment. All mortgage loans contain customary financial covenants, such as minimum debt service ratios. As of December 31, 2015 , the Operating Partnership was in compliance with all covenants. Construction loans During 2015 , the Operating Partnership repaid outstanding principal balances on the following construction loans (amounts in thousands): Property Date Repaid Outstanding Balance as of the Repayment Date Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date Roosevelt Point March 2015 $ 33,348 2.4 % The Varsity June 2015 $ 32,420 1.8 % The construction loans were repaid with proceeds from the Fifth Amended Revolver and cash on hand. All construction loans also contain customary financial covenants, such as minimum debt service ratios. As of December 31, 2015 , the Operating Partnership was in compliance with all covenants. The following table reconciles the carrying amount of mortgage and construction notes payable, net of unamortized deferred financing costs, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of period $ 248,128 $ 419,864 Additions 65,491 17,865 Repayments of principal (108,179 ) (190,103 ) Amortization of premium (843 ) (806 ) Write-off of debt premium in relation to debt pay off (70 ) — (Increase) decrease in deferred financing costs, net (16 ) 1,308 Balance, end of period $ 204,511 $ 248,128 The scheduled maturities of outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands): Year 2016 $ 35,446 2017 86,748 2018 1,629 2019 127,067 2020 19,574 Thereafter 372,500 Total 642,964 Unamortized premium and deferred financing costs 4,257 Outstanding as of December 31, 2015, net of unamortized premium and deferred financing costs $ 638,707

Noncontrolling interests

Noncontrolling interests	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling interests	Noncontrolling interests Operating Partnership Joint Ventures: As of December 31, 2015 , EROP had entered into four joint venture agreements to develop, own and manage the following collegiate housing communities: Roosevelt Point near Arizona State University - Downtown Phoenix, 605 West near Duke University, The Retreat at Louisville near The University of Louisville and The Retreat at Blacksburg near Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. EROP is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of these communities; therefore, EROP accounts for the joint ventures using the consolidation method of accounting. EROP's joint venture partner's investments in the Roosevelt Point, The Retreat at Louisville and The Retreat at Blacksburg joint ventures are accounted for as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of changes in partner's capital and noncontrolling interests and net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. EROP's joint venture partner's investment 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 the joint venture partner's share of operating results is reflected in net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income due to the partner's ability to put its ownership interests to EROP as stipulated in the operating agreements. During 2014, EROP purchased its joint venture partner's 30% interest in The Retreat at Oxford for $8.5 million . This collegiate housing property is now wholly-owned by EROP. Also, EROP purchased a portion of its joint venture partner's interest in Roosevelt Point for $0.8 million . As a result of this purchase, EROP holds a 95% ownership interest in the Roosevelt Point collegiate housing property as of December 31, 2015. In February 2016, EROP purchased the remaining 5% ownership interest in Roosevelt Point. The units of the limited partnership interest of University Towers Operating Partnership, LP (“University Towers Operating Partnership Units”) are also referred to as redeemable noncontrolling interests. The University Towers Operating Partnership Units are redeemable at the option of the holder and they participate in net income and distributions. Accordingly, EROP has determined that the University Towers Operating Partnership Units meet the requirements to be classified outside of permanent equity, and are therefore also classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Income related to such units are recorded as net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , there were 69,086 University Towers Operating Partnership Units outstanding. The following table sets forth the activity with the redeemable noncontrolling interests for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ 4,431 $ 2,359 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 175 65 Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests 26 — Adjustments to report redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value 1,012 2,555 Distributions (396 ) (548 ) Ending balance $ 5,248 $ 4,431 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, 2015 and 2014, EROP reported the redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value, which was greater than historical cost. Redeemable Limited Partner Units: The units of limited partnership of the Operating Partnership (“OP Units”) that EROP is required, either by contract or securities law, to deliver registered shares of common stock of the Trust or cash, at the general partner's discretion, to the exchanging Operating Partnership unitholder is classified as redeemable limited partner units in the mezzanine section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of the Operating Partnership. The redeemable limited partner units are reported at the greater of fair value or historical cost at the end of each reporting period. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, EROP reported the redeemable limited partner units at fair value, which was greater than historical cost. On November 20, 2014, the Board authorized a reverse stock split of 1-for- 3 effective December 1, 2014. On April 30, 2015, the Operating Partnership entered into a Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, which reduced the number of units of limited partnership of the Operating Partnership (the "OP Units") outstanding as a result of the 1-for-3 reverse stock split the Trust completed in December 2014. Accordingly, every three issued and outstanding shares of EdR common stock and OP Units prior to the split were reduced to one. All shares and units and related per-share and per-unit information presented in these financial statements for periods prior to the effective date have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the decreased number of shares and OP Units. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , 50,000 OP Units were redeemed for 50,000 shares of EdR's common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2014 , 7,391 OP Units were redeemed for cash. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , there were 224,308 and 274,308 OP Units outstanding, respectively. Below is a table summarizing the activity of redeemable limited partners' units for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ 10,081 $ 7,512 Net income 91 367 Distributions (526 ) (378 ) Conversion of redeemable partner units into common stock or cash (1,748 ) (77 ) Adjustments to report redeemable limited partner units at fair value 414 2,657 Ending balance $ 8,312 $ 10,081 The Trust The noncontrolling interests of the Trust include the third-party equity interests in the joint venture properties at Roosevelt Pointe, The Retreat at Louisville and The Retreat at Blacksburg, as discussed above, which are presented as a component of equity in the Trust’s accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Trust’s redeemable noncontrolling interests include: (1) the redeemable limited partners presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of EROP; and (2) the University Towers Operating Partnership Units and the Trust's joint venture partner's investments in 605 West which are also presented as redeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of EROP. The redeemable noncontrolling interests are reported at the greater of fair value or historical cost at the end of each reporting period. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, EROP reported the redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value, which was greater than historical cost.

Earnings per share_unit

Earnings per share/unit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share/unit	Earnings per share/unit Earnings per Share - The Trust The following is a summary of the components used in calculating earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data): 2015 2014 2013 Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per share: Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interests $ 19,911 $ 47,055 $ 4,776 Loss from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests — — (453 ) Net income attributable to common stock $ 19,911 $ 47,055 $ 4,323 Denominator: Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 49,676 42,934 38,144 OP Units (1) 246 (2) 274 277 University Towers Operating Partnership Units 69 69 69 Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 49,991 43,277 38,490 Earnings per share - basic: Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interests $ 0.40 $ 1.10 $ 0.12 Loss from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests $ — $ — $ (0.01 ) Net income attributable to common stock $ 0.40 $ 1.10 $ 0.11 Earnings per share - diluted: Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interests $ 0.40 $ 1.09 $ 0.12 Loss from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests $ — $ — $ (0.01 ) Net income attributable to common stock $ 0.40 $ 1.09 $ 0.11 Distributions declared per common share $ 1.46 $ 1.38 $ 1.26 (1) In April 2015, the Operating Partnership entered into a Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership. The units presented above have been recast in accordance with the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, taking into account the 1-for-3 reverse stock split that the Trust completed in December 2014. (2) Includes the impact of weighted average number of OP Units outstanding during the period. Earnings per Unit - EROP The following is a summary of the components used in calculating earnings per unit for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (dollars and units in thousands, except per unit data): 2015 2014 2013 Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per unit: Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interests $ 20,002 $ 47,422 $ 4,857 Loss from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests — — (453 ) Net income attributable to unitholders $ 20,002 $ 47,422 $ 4,404 Denominator: Weighted average units outstanding 49,535 42,934 38,144 Redeemable OP Units 246 274 277 LTIP units 141 — — Weighted average units outstanding - basic 49,922 43,208 38,421 Redeemable noncontrolling units 69 69 69 Weighted average units outstanding - diluted 49,991 43,277 38,490 Earnings per unit - basic: Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interests $ 0.40 $ 1.10 $ 0.13 Loss from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests $ — $ — $ (0.01 ) Net income attributable to unitholders $ 0.40 $ 1.10 $ 0.12 Earnings per unit - diluted: Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interests $ 0.40 $ 1.10 $ 0.13 Loss from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests $ — $ — $ (0.01 ) Net income attributable to unitholders $ 0.40 $ 1.10 $ 0.12 Distributions declared per unit $ 1.46 $ 1.38 $ 1.26

Segments

Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (amounts in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Collegiate Housing Leasing: Collegiate housing leasing revenue $ 240,623 $ 206,322 $ 167,476 Collegiate housing leasing operations 101,283 92,649 79,957 Net operating income $ 139,340 $ 113,673 $ 87,519 Total segment assets at end of period (1) $ 1,920,582 $ 1,737,967 $ 1,536,699 Development Consulting Services: Third-party development consulting services $ 2,233 $ 4,224 $ 3,759 General and administrative (2) 2,802 2,354 1,161 Net operating income (loss) $ (569 ) $ 1,870 $ 2,598 Total segment assets at end of period (3) $ 4,615 $ 4,103 $ 5,187 Management Services: Third-party management services $ 3,670 $ 3,959 $ 3,697 General and administrative (2) 2,844 2,633 2,450 Net operating income $ 826 $ 1,326 $ 1,247 Total segment assets at end of period (3) $ 10,090 $ 10,693 $ 10,135 Reconciliations: Segment revenue $ 246,526 $ 214,505 $ 174,932 Operating expense reimbursements 8,636 8,707 10,214 Eliminations / adjustments (4) — 2,581 (770 ) Total segment revenues $ 255,162 $ 225,793 $ 184,376 Segment operating expenses $ 106,929 $ 97,636 $ 83,568 Reimbursable operating expenses 8,636 8,707 10,214 Total segment operating expenses $ 115,565 $ 106,343 $ 93,782 Segment net operating income $ 139,597 $ 119,450 $ 90,594 Other unallocated general and administrative expenses (5) (15,252 ) (14,815 ) (10,544 ) Depreciation and amortization (68,022 ) (58,974 ) (48,098 ) Ground lease (11,268 ) (8,988 ) (7,622 ) Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties — (12,733 ) — Interest expense (24,449 ) (20,656 ) (17,526 ) Amortization of deferred financing costs (2,089 ) (2,156 ) (1,758 ) Interest income 213 190 447 Loss on extinguishment of debt (403 ) (3,543 ) — Guarantee fee income from participating development — 3,000 — Interest on loan to participating development — 6,486 — Gain on insurance settlement — 8,133 — Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities (668 ) (710 ) (203 ) Income before income taxes, discontinued operations and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties $ 17,659 $ 14,684 $ 5,290 Total segment assets, end of period (3) $ 1,935,287 $ 1,752,763 $ 1,552,021 Unallocated corporate amounts: Cash 21,757 7,540 10,729 Notes receivable (see Note 2) 2,167 375 18,125 Other receivables 646 2,100 1,456 Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Investments in unconsolidated entities (see Note 8) 28,068 29,355 20,602 Deposit — — — Other assets 11,092 11,900 4,293 Deferred financing costs, net 2,814 2,297 522 Total assets, end of period $ 2,001,831 $ 1,806,330 $ 1,607,748 (1) The increase in segment assets related to collegiate housing leasing during the year ended December 31, 2015 is primarily related to the purchase of two additional communities and completed development of five collegiate housing communities for the Trust’s ownership offset by the sale of one collegiate housing community (see Notes 4 and 5). The increase in segment assets related to collegiate housing leasing during the year ended December 31, 2014 is primarily related to the purchase of two additional communities and completed development of seven collegiate housing communities for the Trust's ownership offset by the sale of seven collegiate housing communities (see Notes 4 and 5). (2) General and administrative expenses for the development consulting services and management services segments represent those expenses that are directly attributable to these segments and also include an allocation of corporate general and administrative expenses based on the extent of effort or resources expended. (3) Total segment assets include goodwill of $2,149 related to management services and $921 related to development consulting services. (4) In 2014, the eliminations / adjustments to segment revenues (which relate specifically to development consulting) is to add the previously deferred development fee recognized relating to the participating project at the Science + Technology Park at Johns Hopkins to total revenues. The related revenue was recognized in the consolidated financial statements during 2014, but was recognized in segment revenues in prior periods. (5) Other unallocated general and administrative expenses includes costs directly attributable to our owned developments and corporate general and administrative expenses that are not allocated to any of the segments.

Derivatives and hedging activit

Derivatives and hedging activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and hedging activities	Derivatives and hedging activities Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk The objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage the exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, interest rate swaps are used as part of the interest rate risk management strategy. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing variable-rate debt. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , six interest rate swaps were outstanding with a combined notional of $187.5 million that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk. The counter-parties to such swaps are major financial institutions. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives, which is immaterial for all periods presented, is recognized directly in earnings. During the next twelve months, an additional $2.6 million is estimated to be reclassified to earnings as an increase to interest expense. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the fair value of the derivatives is a liability of $5.5 million and $4.5 million , respectively, and is included in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The following table discloses the effect of the derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Amount of Loss Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Location of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) 2015 Interest rate contracts $ (4,593 ) Interest expense $ (3,583 ) 2014 Interest rate contracts $ (7,991 ) Interest expense $ 3,526 The above contracts are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that provide a right of offset with each counterparty; however, no offsetting positions exist due to certain duplicate terms across all contracts. Therefore, the derivatives are not subject to offset in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Credit-risk-related Contingent Features The Operating Partnership has agreements with each of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Operating Partnership defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Operating Partnership could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. In addition, the Operating Partnership has agreements with each of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where the Operating Partnership could be declared in default on its derivative obligations if repayment of the underlying indebtedness is accelerated by the lender due to the Operating Partnership's default on the indebtedness. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the fair value of derivatives related to these agreements, which includes accrued interest, but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, was a liability of $5.8 million and $4.7 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 , the Operating Partnership has not posted any collateral related to these agreements. If the Operating Partnership had breached any of these provisions at December 31, 2015 , it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at their termination value of $5.8 million .

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value Measurements 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. Fair value is estimated relating to impairment assessments based upon an income capitalization approach (which considers prevailing market capitalization rates and operations of the community) or the negotiated sales price, if applicable. Based upon the inputs used to value properties under the income capitalization approach, valuations under this method are classified within Level 3 of its fair value hierarchy. For the communities for which the estimated fair value was based on negotiated sales prices, the valuation was classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. One non-financial asset was impaired during the year ended December 31, 2014 and has remained on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 . The asset was written down to $14.9 million and the valuation was classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. As discussed in Note 14, interest rate swaps are used to manage interest rate risk. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The variable cash payments (or receipts) are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. To comply with the provisions of ASC 820, credit valuation adjustments are incorporated to appropriately reflect both nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of the derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Trust has considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts and guarantees. Although the Trust has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. The Trust has determined that the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments made to its derivative contracts, which determination was based on the fair value of each individual contract, was not significant to the overall valuation. As a result, all of the Trust's derivatives held as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The table below presents the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall and summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Estimated Fair Value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 December 31, 2015: Derivative financial instruments (liability position) $ 5,475 $ — $ 5,475 $ — Deferred compensation plan assets $ 318 $ 318 $ — $ — December 31, 2014: Derivative financial instruments (liability position) $ 4,465 $ — $ 4,465 $ — Deferred compensation plan assets $ 520 $ 520 $ — $ — 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 assessments of available market information and valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flow analyses. Due to the fact that the Trust's unsecured revolving credit facility, unsecured term loan facility and variable rate mortgage and construction loans bear interest at variable rates, carrying value approximates the fair value. The tables below summarize the gross carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): December 31, 2015 Estimated Fair Value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Mezzanine notes receivable $ 2,167 $ — $ 2,104 $ — Senior unsecured notes 250,000 — 246,793 — Unsecured term loan facility 187,500 — 187,500 — Variable rate mortgage and construction loans 107,255 — 107,255 — Fixed rate mortgage and construction loans 98,209 — 110,851 — December 31, 2014 Estimated Fair Value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Mezzanine notes receivable $ 375 $ — $ 318 $ — Senior unsecured notes 250,000 — 234,583 — Unsecured revolving credit facility 24,000 — 24,000 — Unsecured term loan facility 187,500 — 187,500 — Variable rate mortgage and construction loans 107,882 — 107,882 — Fixed rate mortgage and construction loans 140,270 — 154,542 — The Trust discloses the fair value of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate. 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.

Lease commitments and unconditi

Lease commitments and unconditional purchase obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 rent increase 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 straight-line rent in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , deferred straight-line rent totaled $20.0 million and $19.4 million , respectively. The Trust also has various operating leases for furniture, office and technology equipment which expire at varying times through fiscal year 2028 . Rental expense under the operating lease agreements totaled $0.7 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases (including ground leases) that have initial or remaining noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands): Year Ending 2016 $ 14,919 2017 12,218 2018 10,690 2019 9,718 2020 8,645 Thereafter 511,519 Total $ 567,709

Employee savings plan

Employee savings plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee savings plan	Employee savings plan 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 $0.3 million , $0.3 million , $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

Accrued expenses

Accrued expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued expenses	Accrued expenses Accrued expenses consist of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Payroll $ 4,687 $ 3,765 Real estate taxes 8,311 7,573 Interest 2,555 2,978 Utilities 1,633 1,691 Ground leases and deferred straight-line rent 25,468 20,010 Assets under development 19,232 18,558 Fair value of derivative liability 5,475 4,465 Other 15,854 15,646 Total accrued expenses $ 83,215 $ 74,686

Commitments and contingencies

Commitments and contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and contingencies	Commitments and contingencies For its third-party development projects, the Trust commonly provides alternate housing and project cost guarantees, subject to force majeure. Alternate housing guarantees generally require the university to provide on-campus housing or the Trust to provide substitute living quarters and transportation for students to and from the university if the project is not complete by an agreed-upon completion date. Under project cost guarantees, the Trust is responsible for the construction cost of a project in excess of an approved budget. The budget consists primarily of costs included in the general contractors’ guaranteed maximum price contract (“GMP”). In most cases, the GMP obligates the general contractor, subject to force majeure and approved change orders, to provide completion date guarantees and to cover cost overruns and liquidated damages. In addition, the GMP is typically secured with payment and performance bonds. In July 2012, the 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 were covered under existing insurance policies. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Trust recognized business interruption proceeds of $0.1 million and $1.7 million , respectively. These amounts are included in collegiate housing leasing revenues in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. During the year ended December 31, 2014 , the insurance claims were settled and the Trust recognized a gain on insurance proceeds of $8.1 million in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The Operating Partnership and various joint venture partners have jointly and severally guaranteed partial repayment on third-party mortgage and construction debt secured by the following underlying collegiate housing properties, all of which are unconsolidated joint ventures. 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 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, as applicable. The following summarizes the Operating Partnership's exposure under such guaranties (dollars in thousands): December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Joint Venture Balance Operating Partnership's Proportionate Interest Joint Venture Balance Operating Partnership's Proportionate Interest Ownership Percent Loan Balance Partial Repayment Guarantee Loan Balance Partial Repayment Guarantee Loan Balance Partial Repayment Guarantee Loan Balance Partial Repayment Guarantee University Village - Greensboro 25 % $ 23,297 n/a $ 5,824 n/a $ 23,643 n/a $ 5,911 n/a The Marshall 50 % 56,507 8,767 28,254 4,384 55,663 8,767 27,832 4,384 Georgia Heights 50 % 31,430 7,230 15,715 3,615 — 7,230 — 3,615 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 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 approximated fair value. On July 1, 2014, the third-party owners refinanced the construction loan and the Trust was released from the guarantee obligations. The Trust collected and recognized the $3.0 million guarantee fee during the year ended December 31, 2014 . During October 2014, the Operating Partnership and LeylandAlliance LLC entered into a $38.0 million construction loan for the fourth phase of the The Oaks on the Square project. The Operating Partnership and LeylandAlliance LLC jointly committed to provide a guarantee of repayment for the construction loan. As of December 31, 2015 , $33.2 million had been drawn on the construction loan, of which $5.7 million was attributable to LeylandAlliance LLC, and has not been included in our 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. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , an arbitration proceeding was filed against a subsidiary of the Trust and a companion federal suit was filed against the Trust itself. Both actions related to a change order dispute by the general contractor on a completed third-party development project. The federal suit was dismissed in 2015. Subsequent to December 31, 2015, the arbitration proceedings were settled at an amount that was accrued by the Trust as of December 31, 2015. 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, 2015 and 2014 , the Trust had reimbursable predevelopment costs of $1.9 million and $1.7 million , respectively, which are reflected in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Quarterly financial information

Quarterly financial information (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly financial information (unaudited)	Quarterly financial information (unaudited) Quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 is summarized below (in thousands, except per share data): 2015 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Total Revenues $ 64,129 $ 57,324 $ 58,189 $ 75,520 $ 255,162 Operating expenses 50,291 48,381 55,772 55,663 210,107 Operating income 13,838 8,943 2,417 19,857 45,055 Nonoperating expenses 6,419 5,875 6,704 7,730 26,728 Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities (194 ) (202 ) (427 ) 155 (668 ) Income tax expense 78 90 157 22 347 Noncontrolling interests 206 (141 ) (151 ) 257 171 Gain on sale of collegiate housing community — — — 2,770 (1) 2,770 Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. $ 6,941 $ 2,917 $ (4,720 ) $ 14,773 $ 19,911 Net income (loss) per share - basic $ 0.14 $ 0.06 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.28 $ 0.40 Net income (loss) per share - diluted $ 0.14 $ 0.06 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.27 $ 0.40 Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Operating Partnership $ 6,981 $ 2,928 $ (4,738 ) $ 14,831 $ 20,002 Net income (loss) per unit - basic $ 0.14 $ 0.06 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.28 $ 0.40 Net income (loss) per unit - diluted $ 0.14 $ 0.06 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.28 $ 0.40 (1) During the three months ended December 31, 2015, we sold one property for a sales price of $12.9 million resulting in total proceeds of approximately $12.3 million after customary closing costs and recognized a $2.8 million gain on this disposition. 2014 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Total Revenues $ 54,545 $ 50,040 $ 54,704 $ 66,504 $ 225,793 Operating expenses 46,233 53,691 52,939 48,990 201,853 Operating income 8,312 (3,651 ) 1,765 17,514 23,940 Nonoperating (income) expenses 6,683 5,440 (12,393 ) 8,816 8,546 Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities (22 ) (112 ) (236 ) (340 ) (710 ) Income tax expense/(benefit) 45 (357 ) 910 (337 ) 261 Noncontrolling interests 398 (38 ) 33 206 599 Gain on sale of collegiate housing communities 10,902 — 8,421 13,908 33,231 Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. $ 12,066 $ (8,808 ) $ 21,400 $ 22,397 $ 47,055 Net income (loss) per share - basic $ 0.31 $ (0.23 ) $ 0.46 $ 0.47 $ 1.10 Net income (loss) per share - diluted $ 0.31 $ (0.23 ) $ 0.45 $ 0.47 $ 1.09 Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Operating Partnership $ 12,166 $ (8,787 ) $ 21,536 $ 22,507 $ 47,422 Net income (loss) per unit - basic $ 0.32 $ (0.22 ) $ 0.46 $ 0.47 $ 1.10 Net income (loss) per unit - diluted $ 0.31 $ (0.22 ) $ 0.46 $ 0.47 $ 1.10

Subsequent events

Subsequent events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent events	Subsequent events The Board declared a fourth quarter distribution of $0.37 per share of common stock for the quarter ended on December 31, 2015 . The distributions were paid on February 15, 2016 to stockholders of record at the close of business on January 29, 2016 . On January 15, 2016, the Trust completed a second follow-on equity offering of 6.3 million shares of EdR common stock. The Trust received approximately $215.1 million in net proceeds from the offering after deducting the underwriting discount and other offering expenses payable by the Trust. The Trust used a portion of the proceeds to prepay certain mortgage and construction debt described below. The Operating Partnership prepaid in full the two remaining notes under the Master Secured Credit Facility with proceeds from the January 2016 follow-on equity offering. Concurrent with the repayment, the facility was terminated and all encumbered properties were released. One of the notes prepaid had a principal balance of $21.3 million at December 31, 2015, was set to mature on January 1, 2020 and had a fixed interest rate of 5.67% . The second note prepaid had a principal balance of $54.5 million , was set to mature on January 1, 2019 and had a fixed interest rate of 6.02% . The Operating Partnership incurred a prepayment penalty of $9.3 million in connection with the prepayment. The Operating Partnership also repaid in full the fixed-rate mortgage debt with a principal balance of $22.3 million that was assumed in connection with the 2012 acquisition of The Centre at Overton Park with proceeds from the January 2016 follow-on equity offering. The interest rate was equal to 5.6% and the mortgaged debt was scheduled to mature on January 1, 2017. A prepayment penalty of $1.0 million was incurred in connection with the prepayment. In February 2016, the Trust acquired Concord Eastridge, Inc.'s remaining partnership interest in the Roosevelt Point joint venture for $4.9 million . The outstanding promissory loan to the Trust of $1.7 million was repaid in full at closing. The Trust now owns 100% of this collegiate housing community.

Summary of significant accoun29

Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation	Basis of presentation 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. 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 initial valuations and underlying allocations of purchase price in connection with collegiate housing property acquisitions and the determination of fair value for impairment assessments and derivative valuation. 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 and funding capital improvements.
Distributions	Distributions EdR pays regular quarterly cash distributions to stockholders. At the same time, EROP pays an equivalent amount per unit to holders of partnership units of the Operating Partnership ("OP Units") as of the applicable record date. 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 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. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , $0.5 million and $0.4 million , respectively, was outstanding. The loan is secured by CPA's interest in the joint venture. 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) earned a $3.0 million fee for providing a repayment guarantee of the construction first mortgage and (d) received a 10 -year management contract. The second mortgage had a maturity date of July 31, 2040 and was repaid during the year ended December 31, 2014. The Trust did 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 deferred recognition of the development services revenue, guarantee fee revenue and interest income earned on the second mortgage until the second mortgage was repaid, and the Trust no longer had a substantial continuing financial involvement. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the third-party owners closed on permanent financing for the community and used the proceeds to repay the construction first mortgage and second mortgage. As a result, the Trust 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 on the second mortgage of $6.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2014. On March 20, 2015, the Trust provided a $1.7 million promissory loan to Concord Eastridge, Inc., the Trust's partner in the joint venture at Roosevelt Point, at an interest rate equal to 2% plus London InterBank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") per annum compounded monthly and a maturity date of March 1, 2017. The loan was secured by Concord Eastridge's interest in the joint venture. As of December 31, 2015 , $1.7 million was outstanding. In February 2016, the Trust acquired Concord Eastridge, Inc.'s remaining partnership interest for $4.9 million . The outstanding promissory loan was repaid in full at closing.
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. The Trust capitalizes interest based on the weighted average interest cost of the total debt and internal development costs while developments are ongoing as assets under development. When the property opens, these costs, along with other direct costs of the development, are transferred into the applicable asset category and depreciation commences. 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 expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. 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. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , the Trust recorded a $12.7 million and a $5.0 million loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties, respectively. As the related properties were subsequently sold, the impairment loss is recorded in continuing operations for 2014 and discontinued operations for 2013. There were no impairment losses in 2015. The impairment losses were due to a change in circumstances that indicated their respective carrying values may not be recoverable. The change in circumstances for the properties could be attributable to changes in property specific market conditions, changes in anticipated future use and/or leasing results or a combination of these factors. 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 were recorded as part of discontinued operations prior to January 1, 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2013 , two properties were classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Both of these properties were sold by December 31, 2013 (see Note 5). Effective January 1, 2014, the Trust adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08 related to the presentation of discontinued operations. Prospectively, only dispositions that represent a strategic shift in the business will qualify for treatment as discontinued operations. The property dispositions during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 did not qualify for treatment as discontinued operations and, as a result, the operations of the properties are included in continuing operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
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, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $1.0 million , $6.4 million and $4.6 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 $2.1 million , $2.2 million , and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , accumulated amortization totaled $9.0 million and $8.3 million , respectively. During the three months ended December 31, 2015 , the Trust early adopted ASU 2015-03, "Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30)" ("ASU 2015-03") which simplified the presentation of debt issuance costs and requires that they be presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability, consistent with discounts or premiums. As a result, unamortized deferred financing costs related to the Trust's mortgage and construction loans, unsecured term loan and Senior Unsecured Notes are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability. Unamortized deferred financing costs related to the unsecured revolving credit facility remain in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (see Note 7) in accordance with ASU 2015-15, "Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30)" . ASU 2015-03 was applied retrospectively.
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (the Trust) / redeemable limited partners (EROP)	Redeemable noncontrolling interests (the Trust) / redeemable limited partners (EROP) The Trust follows the guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") regarding the classification and measurement of redeemable securities. The Trust classifies redeemable noncontrolling interests, which include redeemable interests in consolidated joint ventures and units of limited partnership interest in University Towers Operating Partnership, LP and in the Operating Partnership in the mezzanine section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. In the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of the Operating Partnership, the redeemable units of limited partnership in the Operating Partnership are classified as redeemable limited partners and the redeemable interests in consolidated joint ventures and units of limited partnership in University Towers Operating Partnership, LP are classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests.The redeemable noncontrolling interest units / redeemable limited partner units are adjusted to the greater of carrying value or fair market value based on the common share price of EdR at the end of each respective reporting period.
Common stock issuances and offering costs	Common stock issuances and offering costs Specific incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of EdR 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. The Trust is structured as an umbrella partnership REIT ("UPREIT") and contributes all proceeds from its various equity offerings to EROP. For every one share of common stock offered and sold by EdR for cash, EdR must contribute the net proceeds to EROP and, in return, EROP will issue one OP Unit to EdR.
Debt premiums	Debt premiums 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, 2015 and 2014 , net unamortized debt premiums totaled $0.6 million and $1.5 million , respectively. These amounts are included in mortgage and construction loans in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Income taxes	Income taxes EdR qualifies as a REIT under the Code. EdR 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 EdR fails to qualify as a REIT for any taxable year, EdR 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 TRSs. A TRS is subject to federal, state and local income taxes. Our Management Company provides management services and through our Development Company, provides development services, which if directly provided by the Trust would jeopardize EdR’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.
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, 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.
Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Ground lease expense Long-term ground leases are accounted for as operating leases and the rent is recognized on a straight-line basis over the applicable lease term. The lease term begins when the Trust first attains the right to use the property.
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 as of December 31, 2008 was $0.4 million . No additional impairment has been recorded through December 31, 2015 . The carrying value of goodwill was $3.1 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , 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 $0.2 million and $0.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
Investment in unconsolidated entities	Investment in unconsolidated entities The Trust 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).
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. 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 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 residents. The related revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related agreement. Deferred revenue related to collegiate housing revenue consists of prepaid rent and deferred rent revenue, application and service fees and was $18.9 million and $17.1 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. 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, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of period $ 58 $ 96 $ 142 Provision for uncollectible accounts 1,000 1,263 1,379 Deductions (752 ) (1,301 ) (1,425 ) Balance, end of period $ 306 $ 58 $ 96 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 year ended December 31, 2015 , there was zero revenue recognized related to cost savings agreements. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , there was $1.2 million and $0.8 million of revenue recognized, respectively, related to cost savings agreements. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, deferred development fees totaled $0.1 million and $0.2 million , respectively. 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 and manage third-party collegiate housing communities. 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 (see Note 4).
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, development consulting services and 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. Compensation costs related to share-based payments are recognized in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance.
Earnings per share	Earnings per share Earnings per Share — The Trust Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by weighted average shares of common stock outstanding, including outstanding units in the Operating Partnership designated as LTIP Units ("LTIP Units"). 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 and LTIP Units being included in the computation of basic earnings per share for all periods presented. Earnings per OP Unit — EROP Basic earnings per unit is calculated by dividing net earnings available to unitholders by the weighted average number of OP Units and LTIP Units outstanding. Diluted earnings per unit is calculated similarly, except that it includes the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of potentially dilutive securities. EROP follows the authoritative guidance regarding the determination of whether certain instruments are participating securities.
Fair value measurements	Fair value measurements The Trust follows the guidance contained in FASB Accounting Standards Codification 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820"). 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. ASC 820 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. Fair value is estimated relating to impairment assessments based upon an income capitalization approach (which considers prevailing market capitalization rates and operations of the community) or the negotiated sales price, if applicable. Based upon the inputs used to value properties under the income capitalization approach, valuations under this method are classified within Level 3 of its fair value hierarchy. For the communities for which the estimated fair value was based on negotiated sales prices, the valuation was classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Derivative instruments and hedging activities	Derivative instruments and hedging activities All derivative financial instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in fair value are recognized either in earnings or as other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether the derivative has been designated as a fair value or cash flow hedge and whether it qualifies as part of a hedging relationship, the nature of the exposure being hedged, and how effective the derivative is at offsetting movements in underlying exposure. Hedge accounting is discontinued when it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised; it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur; or management determines that designating the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate. The Trust uses interest rate swaps to effectively convert a portion of its variable rate debt to fixed rate, thus reducing the impact of changes in interest rates on interest payments (see Notes 10 and 14). These instruments are designated as cash flow hedges and the interest differential to be paid or received is recorded as interest expense.
Recent accounting pronouncements	Recent accounting pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, " Leases (Topic 842) " ("ASU 2016-02"), which requires a lessee to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years. The Trust is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, " Consolidation (Topic 810) " ("ASU 2015-02"), which amends the consolidation requirements in ASC 810, Consolidation . ASU 2015-02 affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. Specifically, the amendments: (i) modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities ("VIEs") or voting interest entities, (ii) eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, (iii) affect the consolidated analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships and (iv) provide a scope exception for certain entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Trust's consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, " Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) " ("ASU 2014-09"). The guidance outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including the guidance on real estate derecognition for most transactions. ASU 2014-09 provides that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years and permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Trust is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance.

Summary of significant accoun30

Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of allowance for doubtful accounts	The following table reconciles the allowance for doubtful accounts as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of period $ 58 $ 96 $ 142 Provision for uncollectible accounts 1,000 1,263 1,379 Deductions (752 ) (1,301 ) (1,425 ) Balance, end of period $ 306 $ 58 $ 96

Income taxes (Tables)

Income taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets	Significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Deferred revenue $ 43 $ — Accrued expenses 313 381 Straight line rent 315 343 Restricted stock amortization 949 1,076 Net operating loss carryforwards 1,350 1,346 Total deferred tax assets 2,970 3,146 Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation and amortization (514 ) (526 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (514 ) (526 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 2,456 $ 2,620
Significant Components of Income Tax Provisions Benefits	Significant components of the income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Deferred: Federal $ 148 $ 108 $ (296 ) State (61 ) 57 36 Deferred expense (benefit) 87 165 (260 ) Current: Federal 101 (52 ) 312 State 159 148 151 Current expense 260 96 463 Total provision $ 347 $ 261 $ 203
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): 2015 2014 2013 Tax provision at U.S. statutory rates on TRS net losses subject to tax $ 236 $ 71 $ 15 State income tax, net of federal benefit (31 ) 34 126 Other 142 156 62 Tax provision $ 347 $ 261 $ 203

Acquisition and development o32

Acquisition and development of real estate investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	During the year ended December 31, 2013 , the following collegiate housing community acquisitions were completed: Name Primary University Served Acquisition Date # of Beds # of Units Contract Price (in thousands) The Cottages on Lindberg Purdue University West Lafayette, Indiana Aug 2013 745 193 $ 36,000 The Retreat at State College Pennsylvania State University State College, Pennsylvania Sept 2013 587 138 $ 56,189 The Varsity University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan Dec 2013 415 181 $ 53,950 During the year ended December 31, 2014 , the following collegiate housing property acquisitions were completed: Name Primary University Served Acquisition Date # of Beds # of Units Contract Price (in thousands) 109 Tower Florida International University Miami, Florida Aug 2014 542 149 $ 43,500 District on Apache Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona Sept 2014 900 279 $ 89,800 During the year ended December 31, 2015 , the following collegiate housing property acquisitions were completed: Name Primary University Served Acquisition Date # of Beds # of Units Contract Price (in thousands) The Commons on Bridge University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tennessee June 2015 150 51 $ 9,700 The Province at Boulder University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado Sept 2015 317 84 $ 48,800
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 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 Accrued expenses (689 ) (405 ) (449 ) (1,543 ) Mortgage debt — — (32,420 ) (32,420 ) Total net assets acquired $ 35,362 $ 55,849 $ 21,242 $ 112,453 Below is the allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition (in thousands): The Commons on Bridge The Province at Boulder Total Collegiate housing properties $ 9,624 $ 48,522 $ 58,146 In-place leases 76 278 354 Other assets 5 85 90 Accrued expenses (338 ) (376 ) (714 ) Total net assets acquired $ 9,367 $ 48,509 $ 57,876 A summary follows of the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of the dates of the acquisitions (in thousands): 109 Tower District on Apache Total Collegiate housing properties $ 43,384 $ 89,216 $ 132,600 In-place leases — 643 643 Other assets 200 36 236 Accrued expenses (746 ) (1,341 ) (2,087 ) Total net assets acquired $ 42,838 $ 88,554 $ 131,392
Acquisitions Revenue Net Income and Earnings Per Share of Combined Entity had Acquisition Date Been as of Beginning of Period	A summary of the actual revenue and net income from the 2015 , 2014 and 2013 property acquisitions included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income since the respective dates of acquisition is as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 2015 Acquisitions Revenue $ 1,754 Net income $ 532 2014 Acquisitions Revenue $ 4,683 Net income $ 1,403 2013 Acquisitions Revenue $ 3,221 Net income $ 911 The following unaudited pro forma information assumes the acquisitions occurred as of the first day of the prior period and is not indicative of results that would have occurred or which may occur (in thousands, except per share and per unit amounts): Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 2012 2015 Acquisitions Total revenue $ 257,758 $ 227,968 Net income attributable to the Trust $ 20,992 $ 47,275 Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic $ 0.42 $ 1.10 Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted $ 0.42 $ 1.09 Net income attributable to EROP $ 21,087 $ 47,643 Net income attributable to unitholders - basic $ 0.42 $ 1.10 Net income attributable to unitholders - diluted $ 0.42 $ 1.10 2014 Acquisitions Total revenue (1) $ 231,961 $ 187,884 Net income attributable to the Trust (1) $ 50,794 $ 5,714 Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic $ 1.18 $ 0.15 Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted $ 1.17 $ 0.15 Net income attributable to EROP (1) $ 51,184 $ 5,805 Net income attributable to unitholders - basic $ 1.18 $ 0.15 Net income attributable to unitholders - diluted $ 1.18 $ 0.15 2013 Acquisitions Total revenue $ 187,961 $ 139,714 Net income attributable to the Trust $ 4,841 $ 9,229 Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic $ 0.13 $ 0.27 Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted $ 0.13 $ 0.27 Net income attributable to EROP $ 4,926 $ 9,363 Net income attributable to unitholders - basic $ 0.13 $ 0.28 Net income attributable to unitholders - diluted $ 0.13 $ 0.27 (1) As 109 Tower opened for the 2014/2015 lease year, the supplemental pro forma revenue and net income for the year ended December 31, 2014 only includes its operations from the date it opened.
Development of Collegiate Housing Properties	During 2015 , the Trust developed and placed in service the following communities. The costs incurred to date for our owned communities represent the balance capitalized in collegiate housing properties, net as of December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Name Primary University Served Bed Count Costs Incurred-to-Date Internal Development Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized 2015 2014 2015 2014 Woodland Glen III, IV & V (1) University of Kentucky 1,610 $ 103,458 $ 452 $ 214 $ 2,414 $ 1,304 The Oaks on the Square - Phase IV (2) University of Connecticut 391 44,325 315 101 633 149 The Retreat at Louisville (3) University of Louisville 656 43,935 179 77 568 103 Total owned communities 2,657 $ 191,718 $ 946 $ 392 $ 3,615 $ 1,556 Georgia Heights (4) University of Georgia 292 $ 51,639 $ 216 $ 184 $ 273 $ 274 Total joint ventures 292 51,639 216 184 273 274 Total 2,949 $ 243,357 $ 1,162 $ 576 $ 3,888 $ 1,830 (1) In December 2011, the Trust was selected by the University of Kentucky to develop, own and manage new collegiate housing on its campus. Phase I opened in August 2013, Phase II opened in August 2014 and Phase III, which includes these communities, opened in August 2015 for the 2015-2016 lease year. (2) In 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, located adjacent to the University of Connecticut. The Trust developed, owns and manages the collegiate housing properties in these first two phases and both phases 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 additional agreements to develop the third and fourth phases of the project. The third phase opened in August 2014 and the fourth phase opened in August 2015. (3) In June 2014, the Trust announced an agreement with a subsidiary of Landmark Property Holdings, LLC to develop, own and manage a cottage-style collegiate housing property located adjacent to The University of Louisville. The Trust is the majority owner and managing member of the joint venture. (4) In 2013, the Trust entered into an agreement to develop, own and manage a mixed-use development adjacent to the main entrance of the University of Georgia with a subsidiary of GEM Realty Capital, Inc. The costs above represent total costs incurred for the joint venture development. The Trust holds a 50% interest in the joint venture and manages the community. The Trust does not consolidate the joint venture (see Note 8) and its investment of $10.4 million and $10.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, is classified as other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. During 2014 , the Trust developed and placed in service the following communities. The costs incurred to date represent the balance capitalized in collegiate housing properties, net as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Name Primary University Served Bed Count Costs Incurred-to-date Internal Development Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized 2014 2013 2014 2013 The Lotus (1) University of Colorado 195 $ 27,800 $ 147 $ 95 $ 272 $ 120 Haggin Hall (2) University of Kentucky 396 23,840 121 115 341 62 Champions Court I (2) University of Kentucky 740 47,368 156 110 833 389 Champions Court II (2) University of Kentucky 427 24,329 88 95 434 205 Woodland Glen I & II (2) University of Kentucky 818 45,730 131 104 765 350 605 West (3) Duke University 384 45,258 128 116 650 322 The Oaks on the Square - Phase III (4) University of Connecticut 116 12,482 90 22 87 51 Total owned communities 3,076 $ 226,807 $ 861 $ 657 $ 3,382 $ 1,499 The Marshall (5) University of Minnesota 994 $ 93,976 $ 124 $ 62 $ 410 $ 23 Total joint ventures 994 93,976 124 62 410 23 Total 4,070 $ 320,783 $ 985 $ 719 $ 3,792 $ 1,522 (1) In November 2011, the Trust purchased a collegiate housing property near the University of Colorado, Boulder (The Lotus). The Trust developed additional housing on the existing land, which opened for the 2014/2015 lease year. (2) 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 ONE Plan SM . Phase I opened in August 2013 and Phase II, which includes these communities, opened for the 2014-2015 lease year. The third phase opened in August 2015. (3) In March 2013, the Trust announced an agreement with Javelin 19 Investments, LLC ("Javelin 19") to develop, own and manage a new collegiate housing property near Duke University, 605 West. The Trust is the majority owner and managing member of the joint venture and manages the community, which opened in August 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 joint venture at a price to be determined. (4) In 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, located adjacent to the University of Connecticut. The Trust developed, owns and manages the collegiate housing properties in these first two phases and both phases 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 additional agreements to develop the third and fourth phases of the project. The third phase opened in August 2014 and the fourth phase opened in August 2015. (5) In 2012, Trust entered into an agreement to develop, own and manage a mixed-use development located two blocks from University of Minnesota with a subsidiary of GEM Realty Capital, Inc. The costs above represent total costs incurred for the joint venture development. The Trust holds a 50% interest in the joint venture and manages the community, which opened in August 2014. The Trust does not consolidate the joint venture (see Note 8) and its investment of $17.2 million and $18.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, is classified as other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The following represents a summary of active developments at December 31, 2015, including internal development costs and interest costs capitalized (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Name Primary University Served Spend-to-Date Internal Development Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized 2015 2014 2015 2014 Limestone Park I & II University of Kentucky $ 55,092 $ 382 $ 212 $ 984 $ 78 Retreat at Oxford - Phase II University of Mississippi 17,354 77 — 211 — Retreat at Blacksburg - Phase I & II Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 30,220 116 — 208 — University Flats University of Kentucky 10,515 241 — 83 — Lewis Hall University of Kentucky 1,026 — — — — Boise State University Boise State University 613 54 — 3 — SkyVUE Michigan State University — 17 — — — The Local: Downtown Texas State University 2,564 69 — — — Total active projects under development $ 117,384 $ 956 $ 212 $ 1,489 $ 78 Collegiate housing properties and assets under development consist of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Land $ 152,819 $ 129,111 Land improvements 65,135 64,230 Leasehold improvements 212 212 Construction in progress 105,517 122,209 Buildings 1,751,482 1,527,973 Furniture, fixtures and equipment 88,008 73,023 2,163,173 1,916,758 Less accumulated depreciation (270,993 ) (210,047 ) Collegiate housing properties and assets under development, net $ 1,892,180 $ 1,706,711 Following is certain information related to investment in collegiate housing properties and assets under development as of December 31, 2015 (amounts in thousands): Initial Cost Total Costs Property (6) Encumbrances Land Buildings and Improvements Total Cost Capitalized Subsequently Land Buildings and Improvements Total Accumulated Depreciation (7) Date of Acquisition/ Construction Players Club — $727 $7,498 $8,225 $2,781 $727 $10,279 $11,006 $3,878 1/31/2005 The Commons at Knoxville (1) $17,162 4,630 18,386 23,016 4,024 4,585 22,410 26,995 8,761 1/31/2005 The Lofts — 2,801 34,117 36,918 3,615 2,801 37,732 40,533 13,136 1/31/2005 The Pointe at Penn State — 2,151 35,094 37,245 5,543 2,150 40,637 42,787 15,067 1/31/2005 The Reserve at Athens (1) 10,703 1,740 17,985 19,725 2,605 1,740 20,590 22,330 7,288 1/31/2005 The Reserve at Columbia (3) — 1,071 26,134 27,205 5,297 1,071 31,431 32,502 11,859 1/31/2005 The Reserve at Tallahassee — 2,743 21,176 23,919 1,335 2,742 22,511 25,253 10,333 1/31/2005 The Reserve on Perkins (1) 13,416 913 15,795 16,708 4,512 913 20,307 21,220 8,381 1/31/2005 University Towers 33,650 — 28,652 28,652 16,461 2,364 45,113 47,477 17,202 1/31/2005 Campus Creek — 2,251 21,604 23,855 3,649 2,251 25,253 27,504 9,631 2/22/2005 Campus Lodge — 2,746 44,415 47,161 3,589 2,746 48,004 50,750 16,398 6/7/2005 Carrollton Place — 682 12,166 12,848 2,168 682 14,334 15,016 4,610 1/1/2006 River Pointe (2) 8,125 837 17,746 18,583 3,321 837 21,067 21,904 6,868 1/1/2006 The Reserve at Saluki Pointe (2) 13,194 1,099 32,377 33,476 1,989 1,099 34,366 35,465 7,754 8/1/2008 University Apartments on Colvin — — 25,792 25,792 949 — 26,741 26,741 5,652 8/1/2009 2400 Nueces (4) — — 64,152 64,152 6,261 — 70,413 70,413 6,488 8/1/2010 The Oaks on the Square - Phase I and II — 1,800 48,636 50,436 1,164 1,800 49,800 51,600 5,193 9/30/2010 GrandMarc at the Corner — — 45,384 45,384 1,995 — 47,379 47,379 7,947 10/22/2010 Campus West — — 25,842 25,842 1,904 — 27,746 27,746 3,855 3/1/2011 East Edge — 10,420 10,783 21,203 21,289 10,420 32,072 42,492 4,775 3/1/2011 Jefferson Commons — 1,420 4,915 6,335 271 1,420 5,186 6,606 797 3/15/2011 Wertland Square — 3,230 13,285 16,515 645 3,230 13,930 17,160 2,116 3/15/2011 The Berk — 2,687 13,718 16,405 790 2,687 14,508 17,195 2,295 5/23/2011 Roosevelt Point — 3,093 47,528 50,621 1,762 3,093 49,290 52,383 4,299 7/1/2011 University Village Towers — 3,434 34,424 37,858 897 3,434 35,321 38,755 4,523 9/22/2011 Irish Row — 2,637 24,679 27,316 521 2,637 25,200 27,837 3,313 11/1/2011 The Lotus — 5,245 20,830 26,075 2,168 5,245 22,998 28,243 1,207 11/14/2011 GrandMarc at Westberry Place — — 53,935 53,935 1,672 — 55,607 55,607 6,877 12/8/2011 3949 — 3,822 24,448 28,270 8,815 3,822 33,263 37,085 3,605 12/21/2011 The Reserve on Stinson (1) 13,258 2,111 20,609 22,720 1,478 2,111 22,087 24,198 3,583 1/27/2012 Lymon T. Johnson Hall & Central Hall II (5) — — 22,896 22,896 2,930 — 25,826 25,826 2,872 6/1/2012 The Retreat at Oxford — 4,743 25,690 30,433 19,224 8,811 44,914 53,725 2,793 6/14/2012 605 West — 4,794 34,192 38,986 6,152 4,794 40,344 45,138 2,491 9/1/2012 The Province — 4,436 45,173 49,609 410 4,436 45,583 50,019 5,387 9/21/2012 The District on 5th — 2,601 63,396 65,997 377 2,601 63,773 66,374 7,869 10/4/2012 Campus Village — 2,650 18,077 20,727 1,134 2,650 19,211 21,861 3,174 10/19/2012 Champions Court I (5) — — 45,924 45,924 1,546 — 47,470 47,470 2,200 11/1/2012 Champions Court II (5) — — 23,808 23,808 550 — 24,358 24,358 1,144 11/1/2012 Haggin Hall I (5) — — 23,802 23,802 146 — 23,948 23,948 1,250 11/1/2012 Woodland Glen I & II (5) — — 44,491 44,491 1,403 — 45,894 45,894 2,104 11/1/2012 Initial Cost Total Costs Property (6) Encumbrances Land Buildings and Improvements Total Cost Capitalized Subsequently Land Buildings and Improvements Total Accumulated Depreciation (7) Date of Acquisition/ Construction The Province at Kent State — 4,239 40,441 44,680 204 4,239 40,645 44,884 4,802 11/16/2012 The Centre at Overton Park 22,351 3,781 35,232 39,013 1,302 3,781 36,534 40,315 3,683 12/7/2012 The Suites at Overton Park — 4,384 33,281 37,665 906 4,384 34,187 38,571 3,821 12/7/2012 Woodland Glen III, IV & V (5) — — 101,172 101,172 2,286 — 103,458 103,458 1,129 5/1/2013 The Oaks on the Square - Phase III — 1,531 10,734 12,265 259 1,531 10,993 12,524 481 2/13/2013 The Cottages on Lindberg — 1,800 31,224 33,024 2,968 1,800 34,192 35,992 3,175 8/28/2013 The Retreat at State College — 6,251 46,004 52,255 3,932 6,251 49,936 56,187 4,111 9/11/2013 The Varsity — 3,300 50,330 53,630 285 3,300 50,615 53,915 3,336 12/19/2013 Limestone Park I & II (5) — — 55,092 55,092 — — 55,092 55,092 — 12/31/2013 Oaks on the Square - Phase IV 27,553 3,308 36,748 40,056 4,269 3,308 41,017 44,325 443 6/1/2014 Retreat at Louisville 35,672 4,257 33,750 38,007 5,928 4,257 39,678 43,935 462 7/1/2014 109 Towers — 1,779 40,115 41,894 2,514 1,779 42,629 44,408 1,956 8/12/2014 District on Apache — 8,203 81,016 89,219 287 8,203 81,303 89,506 3,974 9/15/2014 The Commons on Bridge — 1,852 7,772 9,624 150 1,852 7,922 9,774 233 6/16/2015 The Province Boulder — 7,800 40,722 48,522 32 7,800 40,754 48,554 412 9/15/2015 University Flats (5) — — 10,515 10,515 — — 10,515 10,515 — 7/1/2015 Retreat at Blacksburg 10,380 8,988 21,232 30,220 — 8,988 21,232 30,220 — 7/10/2015 Boise State — — 613 613 — — 613 613 — 12/15/2015 The Local: Downtown — 1,447 1,117 2,564 — 1,447 1,117 2,564 — 1/4/2016 Lewis Hall (5) — — 1,026 1,026 — — 1,026 1,026 — TBD Totals $ 205,464 $ 146,434 $ 1,837,690 $ 1,984,124 $ 172,664 $ 152,819 $ 2,010,354 $ 2,163,173 $ 270,993 (1) The Commons at Knoxville, The Reserve on Stinson, The Reserve at Perkins and The Reserve at Athens are cross-collateralized against the $54.5 million outstanding loan discussed in Note 10. (2) The Reserve at Saluki Pointe and River Pointe are cross-collateralized against the $21.3 million outstanding loan discussed in Note 10. (3) The Reserve at Columbia is collateralized under the Master Secured Credit Facility (see Note 10) as of December 31, 2015 . (4) Pursuant to the ground lease for 2400 Nueces, the lessor has the option to purchase the Trust's leasehold estate and interest in the property at certain times during the term of the ground lease for a pre-determined amount. (5) Pursuant to the lease agreement for the respective property, the lessor has the option to terminate the lease at certain times during the term of the agreement for a termination fee. (6) 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, The Cottages on Lindberg and The Retreat at State College, which are cottage-style communities, and The Oaks on the Square, which is a mixed-use town center and main street development project located in Storrs, Connecticut. (7) Assets have useful lives ranging from 3 to 40 years. The following table reconciles the historical cost of the Trust’s investment in collegiate housing properties and assets under development for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of period $ 1,916,758 $ 1,709,853 $ 1,395,576 Collegiate housing acquisitions or completed developments 250,329 349,841 290,881 Collegiate housing dispositions (14,149 ) (154,545 ) (55,880 ) Impairment loss — (12,733 ) (5,001 ) Additions 10,917 24,792 84,404 Disposals (682 ) (450 ) (127 ) Balance, end of period $ 2,163,173 $ 1,916,758 $ 1,709,853 The following table reconciles the accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of period $ 210,047 $ 204,181 $ 175,310 Depreciation 65,952 57,166 47,693 Disposals (622 ) (396 ) (115 ) Collegiate housing dispositions (4,384 ) (50,904 ) (18,707 ) Balance, end of period $ 270,993 $ 210,047 $ 204,181

Disposition of real estate in33

Disposition of real estate investments and discontinued operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 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 year ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands): Collegiate housing leasing revenue $ 5,409 Collegiate housing leasing operating expenses (3,014 ) Depreciation and amortization (1,767 ) Loss on impairment (5,001 ) Interest income 4 Noncontrolling interests 31 Loss from discontinued operations attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. $ (4,338 ) Gain on sale of collegiate housing properties $ 3,913 Noncontrolling interests (28 ) Gain on sale of collegiate housing properties attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. $ 3,885

Collegiate housing properties34

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Collegiate Housing Properties	During 2015 , the Trust developed and placed in service the following communities. The costs incurred to date for our owned communities represent the balance capitalized in collegiate housing properties, net as of December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Name Primary University Served Bed Count Costs Incurred-to-Date Internal Development Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized 2015 2014 2015 2014 Woodland Glen III, IV & V (1) University of Kentucky 1,610 $ 103,458 $ 452 $ 214 $ 2,414 $ 1,304 The Oaks on the Square - Phase IV (2) University of Connecticut 391 44,325 315 101 633 149 The Retreat at Louisville (3) University of Louisville 656 43,935 179 77 568 103 Total owned communities 2,657 $ 191,718 $ 946 $ 392 $ 3,615 $ 1,556 Georgia Heights (4) University of Georgia 292 $ 51,639 $ 216 $ 184 $ 273 $ 274 Total joint ventures 292 51,639 216 184 273 274 Total 2,949 $ 243,357 $ 1,162 $ 576 $ 3,888 $ 1,830 (1) In December 2011, the Trust was selected by the University of Kentucky to develop, own and manage new collegiate housing on its campus. Phase I opened in August 2013, Phase II opened in August 2014 and Phase III, which includes these communities, opened in August 2015 for the 2015-2016 lease year. (2) In 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, located adjacent to the University of Connecticut. The Trust developed, owns and manages the collegiate housing properties in these first two phases and both phases 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 additional agreements to develop the third and fourth phases of the project. The third phase opened in August 2014 and the fourth phase opened in August 2015. (3) In June 2014, the Trust announced an agreement with a subsidiary of Landmark Property Holdings, LLC to develop, own and manage a cottage-style collegiate housing property located adjacent to The University of Louisville. The Trust is the majority owner and managing member of the joint venture. (4) In 2013, the Trust entered into an agreement to develop, own and manage a mixed-use development adjacent to the main entrance of the University of Georgia with a subsidiary of GEM Realty Capital, Inc. The costs above represent total costs incurred for the joint venture development. The Trust holds a 50% interest in the joint venture and manages the community. The Trust does not consolidate the joint venture (see Note 8) and its investment of $10.4 million and $10.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, is classified as other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. During 2014 , the Trust developed and placed in service the following communities. The costs incurred to date represent the balance capitalized in collegiate housing properties, net as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Name Primary University Served Bed Count Costs Incurred-to-date Internal Development Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized 2014 2013 2014 2013 The Lotus (1) University of Colorado 195 $ 27,800 $ 147 $ 95 $ 272 $ 120 Haggin Hall (2) University of Kentucky 396 23,840 121 115 341 62 Champions Court I (2) University of Kentucky 740 47,368 156 110 833 389 Champions Court II (2) University of Kentucky 427 24,329 88 95 434 205 Woodland Glen I & II (2) University of Kentucky 818 45,730 131 104 765 350 605 West (3) Duke University 384 45,258 128 116 650 322 The Oaks on the Square - Phase III (4) University of Connecticut 116 12,482 90 22 87 51 Total owned communities 3,076 $ 226,807 $ 861 $ 657 $ 3,382 $ 1,499 The Marshall (5) University of Minnesota 994 $ 93,976 $ 124 $ 62 $ 410 $ 23 Total joint ventures 994 93,976 124 62 410 23 Total 4,070 $ 320,783 $ 985 $ 719 $ 3,792 $ 1,522 (1) In November 2011, the Trust purchased a collegiate housing property near the University of Colorado, Boulder (The Lotus). The Trust developed additional housing on the existing land, which opened for the 2014/2015 lease year. (2) 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 ONE Plan SM . Phase I opened in August 2013 and Phase II, which includes these communities, opened for the 2014-2015 lease year. The third phase opened in August 2015. (3) In March 2013, the Trust announced an agreement with Javelin 19 Investments, LLC ("Javelin 19") to develop, own and manage a new collegiate housing property near Duke University, 605 West. The Trust is the majority owner and managing member of the joint venture and manages the community, which opened in August 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 joint venture at a price to be determined. (4) In 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, located adjacent to the University of Connecticut. The Trust developed, owns and manages the collegiate housing properties in these first two phases and both phases 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 additional agreements to develop the third and fourth phases of the project. The third phase opened in August 2014 and the fourth phase opened in August 2015. (5) In 2012, Trust entered into an agreement to develop, own and manage a mixed-use development located two blocks from University of Minnesota with a subsidiary of GEM Realty Capital, Inc. The costs above represent total costs incurred for the joint venture development. The Trust holds a 50% interest in the joint venture and manages the community, which opened in August 2014. The Trust does not consolidate the joint venture (see Note 8) and its investment of $17.2 million and $18.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, is classified as other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The following represents a summary of active developments at December 31, 2015, including internal development costs and interest costs capitalized (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Name Primary University Served Spend-to-Date Internal Development Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized 2015 2014 2015 2014 Limestone Park I & II University of Kentucky $ 55,092 $ 382 $ 212 $ 984 $ 78 Retreat at Oxford - Phase II University of Mississippi 17,354 77 — 211 — Retreat at Blacksburg - Phase I & II Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 30,220 116 — 208 — University Flats University of Kentucky 10,515 241 — 83 — Lewis Hall University of Kentucky 1,026 — — — — Boise State University Boise State University 613 54 — 3 — SkyVUE Michigan State University — 17 — — — The Local: Downtown Texas State University 2,564 69 — — — Total active projects under development $ 117,384 $ 956 $ 212 $ 1,489 $ 78 Collegiate housing properties and assets under development consist of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Land $ 152,819 $ 129,111 Land improvements 65,135 64,230 Leasehold improvements 212 212 Construction in progress 105,517 122,209 Buildings 1,751,482 1,527,973 Furniture, fixtures and equipment 88,008 73,023 2,163,173 1,916,758 Less accumulated depreciation (270,993 ) (210,047 ) Collegiate housing properties and assets under development, net $ 1,892,180 $ 1,706,711 Following is certain information related to investment in collegiate housing properties and assets under development as of December 31, 2015 (amounts in thousands): Initial Cost Total Costs Property (6) Encumbrances Land Buildings and Improvements Total Cost Capitalized Subsequently Land Buildings and Improvements Total Accumulated Depreciation (7) Date of Acquisition/ Construction Players Club — $727 $7,498 $8,225 $2,781 $727 $10,279 $11,006 $3,878 1/31/2005 The Commons at Knoxville (1) $17,162 4,630 18,386 23,016 4,024 4,585 22,410 26,995 8,761 1/31/2005 The Lofts — 2,801 34,117 36,918 3,615 2,801 37,732 40,533 13,136 1/31/2005 The Pointe at Penn State — 2,151 35,094 37,245 5,543 2,150 40,637 42,787 15,067 1/31/2005 The Reserve at Athens (1) 10,703 1,740 17,985 19,725 2,605 1,740 20,590 22,330 7,288 1/31/2005 The Reserve at Columbia (3) — 1,071 26,134 27,205 5,297 1,071 31,431 32,502 11,859 1/31/2005 The Reserve at Tallahassee — 2,743 21,176 23,919 1,335 2,742 22,511 25,253 10,333 1/31/2005 The Reserve on Perkins (1) 13,416 913 15,795 16,708 4,512 913 20,307 21,220 8,381 1/31/2005 University Towers 33,650 — 28,652 28,652 16,461 2,364 45,113 47,477 17,202 1/31/2005 Campus Creek — 2,251 21,604 23,855 3,649 2,251 25,253 27,504 9,631 2/22/2005 Campus Lodge — 2,746 44,415 47,161 3,589 2,746 48,004 50,750 16,398 6/7/2005 Carrollton Place — 682 12,166 12,848 2,168 682 14,334 15,016 4,610 1/1/2006 River Pointe (2) 8,125 837 17,746 18,583 3,321 837 21,067 21,904 6,868 1/1/2006 The Reserve at Saluki Pointe (2) 13,194 1,099 32,377 33,476 1,989 1,099 34,366 35,465 7,754 8/1/2008 University Apartments on Colvin — — 25,792 25,792 949 — 26,741 26,741 5,652 8/1/2009 2400 Nueces (4) — — 64,152 64,152 6,261 — 70,413 70,413 6,488 8/1/2010 The Oaks on the Square - Phase I and II — 1,800 48,636 50,436 1,164 1,800 49,800 51,600 5,193 9/30/2010 GrandMarc at the Corner — — 45,384 45,384 1,995 — 47,379 47,379 7,947 10/22/2010 Campus West — — 25,842 25,842 1,904 — 27,746 27,746 3,855 3/1/2011 East Edge — 10,420 10,783 21,203 21,289 10,420 32,072 42,492 4,775 3/1/2011 Jefferson Commons — 1,420 4,915 6,335 271 1,420 5,186 6,606 797 3/15/2011 Wertland Square — 3,230 13,285 16,515 645 3,230 13,930 17,160 2,116 3/15/2011 The Berk — 2,687 13,718 16,405 790 2,687 14,508 17,195 2,295 5/23/2011 Roosevelt Point — 3,093 47,528 50,621 1,762 3,093 49,290 52,383 4,299 7/1/2011 University Village Towers — 3,434 34,424 37,858 897 3,434 35,321 38,755 4,523 9/22/2011 Irish Row — 2,637 24,679 27,316 521 2,637 25,200 27,837 3,313 11/1/2011 The Lotus — 5,245 20,830 26,075 2,168 5,245 22,998 28,243 1,207 11/14/2011 GrandMarc at Westberry Place — — 53,935 53,935 1,672 — 55,607 55,607 6,877 12/8/2011 3949 — 3,822 24,448 28,270 8,815 3,822 33,263 37,085 3,605 12/21/2011 The Reserve on Stinson (1) 13,258 2,111 20,609 22,720 1,478 2,111 22,087 24,198 3,583 1/27/2012 Lymon T. Johnson Hall & Central Hall II (5) — — 22,896 22,896 2,930 — 25,826 25,826 2,872 6/1/2012 The Retreat at Oxford — 4,743 25,690 30,433 19,224 8,811 44,914 53,725 2,793 6/14/2012 605 West — 4,794 34,192 38,986 6,152 4,794 40,344 45,138 2,491 9/1/2012 The Province — 4,436 45,173 49,609 410 4,436 45,583 50,019 5,387 9/21/2012 The District on 5th — 2,601 63,396 65,997 377 2,601 63,773 66,374 7,869 10/4/2012 Campus Village — 2,650 18,077 20,727 1,134 2,650 19,211 21,861 3,174 10/19/2012 Champions Court I (5) — — 45,924 45,924 1,546 — 47,470 47,470 2,200 11/1/2012 Champions Court II (5) — — 23,808 23,808 550 — 24,358 24,358 1,144 11/1/2012 Haggin Hall I (5) — — 23,802 23,802 146 — 23,948 23,948 1,250 11/1/2012 Woodland Glen I & II (5) — — 44,491 44,491 1,403 — 45,894 45,894 2,104 11/1/2012 Initial Cost Total Costs Property (6) Encumbrances Land Buildings and Improvements Total Cost Capitalized Subsequently Land Buildings and Improvements Total Accumulated Depreciation (7) Date of Acquisition/ Construction The Province at Kent State — 4,239 40,441 44,680 204 4,239 40,645 44,884 4,802 11/16/2012 The Centre at Overton Park 22,351 3,781 35,232 39,013 1,302 3,781 36,534 40,315 3,683 12/7/2012 The Suites at Overton Park — 4,384 33,281 37,665 906 4,384 34,187 38,571 3,821 12/7/2012 Woodland Glen III, IV & V (5) — — 101,172 101,172 2,286 — 103,458 103,458 1,129 5/1/2013 The Oaks on the Square - Phase III — 1,531 10,734 12,265 259 1,531 10,993 12,524 481 2/13/2013 The Cottages on Lindberg — 1,800 31,224 33,024 2,968 1,800 34,192 35,992 3,175 8/28/2013 The Retreat at State College — 6,251 46,004 52,255 3,932 6,251 49,936 56,187 4,111 9/11/2013 The Varsity — 3,300 50,330 53,630 285 3,300 50,615 53,915 3,336 12/19/2013 Limestone Park I & II (5) — — 55,092 55,092 — — 55,092 55,092 — 12/31/2013 Oaks on the Square - Phase IV 27,553 3,308 36,748 40,056 4,269 3,308 41,017 44,325 443 6/1/2014 Retreat at Louisville 35,672 4,257 33,750 38,007 5,928 4,257 39,678 43,935 462 7/1/2014 109 Towers — 1,779 40,115 41,894 2,514 1,779 42,629 44,408 1,956 8/12/2014 District on Apache — 8,203 81,016 89,219 287 8,203 81,303 89,506 3,974 9/15/2014 The Commons on Bridge — 1,852 7,772 9,624 150 1,852 7,922 9,774 233 6/16/2015 The Province Boulder — 7,800 40,722 48,522 32 7,800 40,754 48,554 412 9/15/2015 University Flats (5) — — 10,515 10,515 — — 10,515 10,515 — 7/1/2015 Retreat at Blacksburg 10,380 8,988 21,232 30,220 — 8,988 21,232 30,220 — 7/10/2015 Boise State — — 613 613 — — 613 613 — 12/15/2015 The Local: Downtown — 1,447 1,117 2,564 — 1,447 1,117 2,564 — 1/4/2016 Lewis Hall (5) — — 1,026 1,026 — — 1,026 1,026 — TBD Totals $ 205,464 $ 146,434 $ 1,837,690 $ 1,984,124 $ 172,664 $ 152,819 $ 2,010,354 $ 2,163,173 $ 270,993 (1) The Commons at Knoxville, The Reserve on Stinson, The Reserve at Perkins and The Reserve at Athens are cross-collateralized against the $54.5 million outstanding loan discussed in Note 10. (2) The Reserve at Saluki Pointe and River Pointe are cross-collateralized against the $21.3 million outstanding loan discussed in Note 10. (3) The Reserve at Columbia is collateralized under the Master Secured Credit Facility (see Note 10) as of December 31, 2015 . (4) Pursuant to the ground lease for 2400 Nueces, the lessor has the option to purchase the Trust's leasehold estate and interest in the property at certain times during the term of the ground lease for a pre-determined amount. (5) Pursuant to the lease agreement for the respective property, the lessor has the option to terminate the lease at certain times during the term of the agreement for a termination fee. (6) 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, The Cottages on Lindberg and The Retreat at State College, which are cottage-style communities, and The Oaks on the Square, which is a mixed-use town center and main street development project located in Storrs, Connecticut. (7) Assets have useful lives ranging from 3 to 40 years. The following table reconciles the historical cost of the Trust’s investment in collegiate housing properties and assets under development for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of period $ 1,916,758 $ 1,709,853 $ 1,395,576 Collegiate housing acquisitions or completed developments 250,329 349,841 290,881 Collegiate housing dispositions (14,149 ) (154,545 ) (55,880 ) Impairment loss — (12,733 ) (5,001 ) Additions 10,917 24,792 84,404 Disposals (682 ) (450 ) (127 ) Balance, end of period $ 2,163,173 $ 1,916,758 $ 1,709,853 The following table reconciles the accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of period $ 210,047 $ 204,181 $ 175,310 Depreciation 65,952 57,166 47,693 Disposals (622 ) (396 ) (115 ) Collegiate housing dispositions (4,384 ) (50,904 ) (18,707 ) Balance, end of period $ 270,993 $ 210,047 $ 204,181

Other assets (Tables)

Other assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment and Other Assets [Abstract]
Other Assets	Other assets consist of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Accounts receivable related to pre-development costs $ 2,252 $ 2,061 Prepaid expenses 2,564 2,295 Deferred tax asset 2,456 2,100 Deferred financing costs - revolving credit facility 2,814 3,841 Investments in unconsolidated entities 28,068 29,450 Corporate assets, net (1) 13,141 13,745 Other 6,034 10,950 Total other assets $ 57,329 $ 64,442 (1) As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Trust had corporate assets with a historical cost of $18.1 million and $17.3 million , and accumulated depreciation of $4.9 million and $3.5 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 $1.5 million , $0.9 million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

Investments in unconsolidated36

Investments in unconsolidated entities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Financial Position of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships	The following is a summary of financial information related to unconsolidated joint ventures (in thousands): Financial Position: As of December 31, 2015 2014 Total assets $ 177,907 $ 148,117 Total liabilities 130,102 99,714 Equity $ 47,805 $ 48,403 Investment in unconsolidated entities $ 28,068 $ 29,450
Results of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships	Results of Operations: For the years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Revenues $ 37,915 $ 31,537 $ 22,829 Net loss (1,134 ) (1,785 ) (1,824 ) Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities $ (668 ) $ (710 ) $ (203 )

Incentive plans (Tables)

Incentive plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is as follows: Restricted Stock Awards Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award RSU Awards Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU LTIP Units Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per LTIP Unit Outstanding as of December 31, 2012 (1) 82,365 $ 22.89 69,000 $ 18.03 — $ — Granted 21,930 31.92 61,092 22.95 — — Vested (30,340 ) 31.62 — — — — Surrendered (12,614 ) 31.62 — — — — Outstanding as of December 31, 2013 (1) 61,341 $ 26.88 130,092 $ 20.34 — $ — Granted 25,944 26.70 102,305 19.20 — — Vested (26,476 ) 25.74 (47,785 ) 26.46 — — Surrendered (13,999 ) 26.85 (37,701 ) 26.46 — — Outstanding as of December 31, 2014 (1) 46,810 $ 27.94 146,911 $ 20.58 — $ — Granted — — — — 155,774 18.83 Vested (17,774 ) 27.76 — — — — Surrendered (3,467 ) 29.72 — — — — Outstanding as of December 31, 2015 (1) 25,569 $ 28.32 146,911 $ 20.58 155,774 $ 18.83 (1) Represents unvested shares of restricted stock awards as of the date indicated.

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Mortgage and Construction Notes Payable	As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , mortgage and construction notes payable consist of the following, which were secured by the underlying collegiate housing properties (amounts in thousands): Outstanding Balance at December 31, Property 2015 2014 Interest Rate at December 31, 2015 Interest Rate Type Initial Maturity Date Various Communities (1) $ 21,319 $ 21,696 5.67 % Fixed 1/1/2020 Various Communities (2) 54,539 55,523 6.02 % Fixed 1/1/2019 Various Communities (3) — 16,137 n/a Master Secured Credit Facility 75,858 93,356 5.92 % (4) The Suites at Overton Park — 24,216 n/a The Centre at Overton Park 22,351 22,697 5.60 % (5) Fixed 1/1/2017 (5) University Towers 33,650 34,000 2.35 % (6) Variable 7/1/2016 (6) Mortgage Debt 56,001 80,913 3.65 % (4) The Retreat at Louisville 35,672 8,114 2.30 % (7) Variable 8/1/2017 (7) The Oaks on the Square - Phase IV 27,553 — 2.41 % (8) Variable 10/20/2017 (8) The Varsity — 32,420 n/a The Retreat at Blacksburg - Phase I 10,380 — 2.25 % (9) Variable 2/4/2019 (9) Roosevelt Point — 33,348 n/a Construction Loans 73,605 73,882 2.33 % (4) Total mortgage and construction debt / weighted average rate 205,464 248,151 4.02 % (4) Unamortized premium and deferred financing costs (10) (953 ) (23 ) Total mortgage and construction debt, net of unamortized premium and deferred financing costs 204,511 248,128 Less current portion (35,446 ) (68,675 ) Total mortgage and construction debt, net of current portion $ 169,065 $ 179,453 (1) As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the following properties secured this note: The Reserve at Saluki Pointe and River Pointe. (2) As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the following properties secured this note: The Reserve at Athens, The Reserve at Perkins, The Commons at Knoxville and The Reserve on Stinson. (3) During the year ended December 31, 2015 , this note was repaid; however, The Reserve at Columbia remained encumbered through the Master Secured Credit Facility. (4) Represents the weighted average interest rate as of December 31, 2015 . (5) In connection with the acquisition of The Centre at Overton Park during 2012, the Trust assumed fixed-rate mortgage debt. If no event of default occurs, the Trust has the option to extend the maturity date for one year at a base rate plus a margin of 2.5% . Principal and interest are repaid monthly. (6) 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 was interest only through July 1, 2015. The loan may be extended for two 12 -month periods, provided that the debt service coverage ratio calculated as of the preceding quarter is at least 1.30 to 1.00 and an extension fee is paid. (7) During 2014, the Trust entered into a $35.7 million construction loan related to the development of a jointly owned cottage-style community located in Louisville, Kentucky (The Retreat at Louisville). The Operating Partnership is the majority owner and managing member of the joint venture. The interest rate per year applicable to the loan is, at the option of the Operating Partnership, equal to a base rate plus a 1.05% margin or LIBOR plus a 2.05% margin and is interest only through July 10, 2017. On July 10, 2017, if certain conditions are met, the Operating Partnership has the option to extend the loan until July 9, 2018 and another year thereafter. During the extension periods, if applicable, principal and interest are to be repaid on a monthly basis. (8) During 2014, the Operating Partnership entered into a construction loan of $38.0 million related to the development of the fourth phase of a wholly-owned collegiate housing community in Storrs, Connecticut (The Oaks on the Square - Phase IV). The interest rate per year applicable to the loan is, at the option of the Operating Partnership, equal to a base rate plus a 1.00% margin or LIBOR plus a 2.00% margin and is interest only through October 20, 2017. If certain conditions are met, the Operating Partnership has the option to extend the loan for two one -year extension periods. During the extension periods, if applicable, principal and interest are to be repaid on a monthly basis. (9) During 2015, the Operating Partnership entered into a construction loan of $49.6 million related to the development of a jointly owned cottage-style community located in Blacksburg, Virginia (The Retreat at Blacksburg). The Operating Partnership is the majority owner and will manage the community following its completion. The interest rate per year applicable to the loan is, at the option of the Operating Partnership, equal to a base rate plus a 1.05% margin or LIBOR plus a 2.05% margin and is interest only through February 4, 2019. If certain conditions are met, the Operating Partnership has the option to extend the loan for two one -year extension periods. During the extension periods, if applicable, principal and interest are to be repaid on a monthly basis. (10) Deferred financing costs are presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt liability due to the retroactive adoption of ASU 2015-03 (see Note 2).
Schedule of outstanding principal balances on construction loans	During 2015 , the Operating Partnership repaid outstanding principal balances on the following construction loans (amounts in thousands): Property Date Repaid Outstanding Balance as of the Repayment Date Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date Roosevelt Point March 2015 $ 33,348 2.4 % The Varsity June 2015 $ 32,420 1.8 %
Carrying Amount of Mortgage and Construction Notes Payable	The following table reconciles the carrying amount of mortgage and construction notes payable, net of unamortized deferred financing costs, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of period $ 248,128 $ 419,864 Additions 65,491 17,865 Repayments of principal (108,179 ) (190,103 ) Amortization of premium (843 ) (806 ) Write-off of debt premium in relation to debt pay off (70 ) — (Increase) decrease in deferred financing costs, net (16 ) 1,308 Balance, end of period $ 204,511 $ 248,128
Scheduled Maturities of Outstanding Mortgage and Construction Indebtedness	The scheduled maturities of outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands): Year 2016 $ 35,446 2017 86,748 2018 1,629 2019 127,067 2020 19,574 Thereafter 372,500 Total 642,964 Unamortized premium and deferred financing costs 4,257 Outstanding as of December 31, 2015, net of unamortized premium and deferred financing costs $ 638,707

Noncontrolling interests (Table

Noncontrolling interests (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	Below is a table summarizing the activity of redeemable limited partners' units for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ 10,081 $ 7,512 Net income 91 367 Distributions (526 ) (378 ) Conversion of redeemable partner units into common stock or cash (1,748 ) (77 ) Adjustments to report redeemable limited partner units at fair value 414 2,657 Ending balance $ 8,312 $ 10,081 The following table sets forth the activity with the redeemable noncontrolling interests for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ 4,431 $ 2,359 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 175 65 Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests 26 — Adjustments to report redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value 1,012 2,555 Distributions (396 ) (548 ) Ending balance $ 5,248 $ 4,431

Earnings per share_unit (Tables

Earnings per share/unit (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following is a summary of the components used in calculating earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data): 2015 2014 2013 Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per share: Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interests $ 19,911 $ 47,055 $ 4,776 Loss from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests — — (453 ) Net income attributable to common stock $ 19,911 $ 47,055 $ 4,323 Denominator: Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 49,676 42,934 38,144 OP Units (1) 246 (2) 274 277 University Towers Operating Partnership Units 69 69 69 Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 49,991 43,277 38,490 Earnings per share - basic: Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interests $ 0.40 $ 1.10 $ 0.12 Loss from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests $ — $ — $ (0.01 ) Net income attributable to common stock $ 0.40 $ 1.10 $ 0.11 Earnings per share - diluted: Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interests $ 0.40 $ 1.09 $ 0.12 Loss from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests $ — $ — $ (0.01 ) Net income attributable to common stock $ 0.40 $ 1.09 $ 0.11 Distributions declared per common share $ 1.46 $ 1.38 $ 1.26 (1) In April 2015, the Operating Partnership entered into a Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership. The units presented above have been recast in accordance with the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, taking into account the 1-for-3 reverse stock split that the Trust completed in December 2014. (2) Includes the impact of weighted average number of OP Units outstanding during the period. The following is a summary of the components used in calculating earnings per unit for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (dollars and units in thousands, except per unit data): 2015 2014 2013 Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per unit: Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interests $ 20,002 $ 47,422 $ 4,857 Loss from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests — — (453 ) Net income attributable to unitholders $ 20,002 $ 47,422 $ 4,404 Denominator: Weighted average units outstanding 49,535 42,934 38,144 Redeemable OP Units 246 274 277 LTIP units 141 — — Weighted average units outstanding - basic 49,922 43,208 38,421 Redeemable noncontrolling units 69 69 69 Weighted average units outstanding - diluted 49,991 43,277 38,490 Earnings per unit - basic: Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interests $ 0.40 $ 1.10 $ 0.13 Loss from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests $ — $ — $ (0.01 ) Net income attributable to unitholders $ 0.40 $ 1.10 $ 0.12 Earnings per unit - diluted: Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interests $ 0.40 $ 1.10 $ 0.13 Loss from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests $ — $ — $ (0.01 ) Net income attributable to unitholders $ 0.40 $ 1.10 $ 0.12 Distributions declared per unit $ 1.46 $ 1.38 $ 1.26

Segments (Tables)

Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	The following tables represent the Trust’s segment information for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (amounts in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Collegiate Housing Leasing: Collegiate housing leasing revenue $ 240,623 $ 206,322 $ 167,476 Collegiate housing leasing operations 101,283 92,649 79,957 Net operating income $ 139,340 $ 113,673 $ 87,519 Total segment assets at end of period (1) $ 1,920,582 $ 1,737,967 $ 1,536,699 Development Consulting Services: Third-party development consulting services $ 2,233 $ 4,224 $ 3,759 General and administrative (2) 2,802 2,354 1,161 Net operating income (loss) $ (569 ) $ 1,870 $ 2,598 Total segment assets at end of period (3) $ 4,615 $ 4,103 $ 5,187 Management Services: Third-party management services $ 3,670 $ 3,959 $ 3,697 General and administrative (2) 2,844 2,633 2,450 Net operating income $ 826 $ 1,326 $ 1,247 Total segment assets at end of period (3) $ 10,090 $ 10,693 $ 10,135 Reconciliations: Segment revenue $ 246,526 $ 214,505 $ 174,932 Operating expense reimbursements 8,636 8,707 10,214 Eliminations / adjustments (4) — 2,581 (770 ) Total segment revenues $ 255,162 $ 225,793 $ 184,376 Segment operating expenses $ 106,929 $ 97,636 $ 83,568 Reimbursable operating expenses 8,636 8,707 10,214 Total segment operating expenses $ 115,565 $ 106,343 $ 93,782 Segment net operating income $ 139,597 $ 119,450 $ 90,594 Other unallocated general and administrative expenses (5) (15,252 ) (14,815 ) (10,544 ) Depreciation and amortization (68,022 ) (58,974 ) (48,098 ) Ground lease (11,268 ) (8,988 ) (7,622 ) Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties — (12,733 ) — Interest expense (24,449 ) (20,656 ) (17,526 ) Amortization of deferred financing costs (2,089 ) (2,156 ) (1,758 ) Interest income 213 190 447 Loss on extinguishment of debt (403 ) (3,543 ) — Guarantee fee income from participating development — 3,000 — Interest on loan to participating development — 6,486 — Gain on insurance settlement — 8,133 — Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities (668 ) (710 ) (203 ) Income before income taxes, discontinued operations and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties $ 17,659 $ 14,684 $ 5,290 Total segment assets, end of period (3) $ 1,935,287 $ 1,752,763 $ 1,552,021 Unallocated corporate amounts: Cash 21,757 7,540 10,729 Notes receivable (see Note 2) 2,167 375 18,125 Other receivables 646 2,100 1,456 Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Investments in unconsolidated entities (see Note 8) 28,068 29,355 20,602 Deposit — — — Other assets 11,092 11,900 4,293 Deferred financing costs, net 2,814 2,297 522 Total assets, end of period $ 2,001,831 $ 1,806,330 $ 1,607,748 (1) The increase in segment assets related to collegiate housing leasing during the year ended December 31, 2015 is primarily related to the purchase of two additional communities and completed development of five collegiate housing communities for the Trust’s ownership offset by the sale of one collegiate housing community (see Notes 4 and 5). The increase in segment assets related to collegiate housing leasing during the year ended December 31, 2014 is primarily related to the purchase of two additional communities and completed development of seven collegiate housing communities for the Trust's ownership offset by the sale of seven collegiate housing communities (see Notes 4 and 5). (2) General and administrative expenses for the development consulting services and management services segments represent those expenses that are directly attributable to these segments and also include an allocation of corporate general and administrative expenses based on the extent of effort or resources expended. (3) Total segment assets include goodwill of $2,149 related to management services and $921 related to development consulting services. (4) In 2014, the eliminations / adjustments to segment revenues (which relate specifically to development consulting) is to add the previously deferred development fee recognized relating to the participating project at the Science + Technology Park at Johns Hopkins to total revenues. The related revenue was recognized in the consolidated financial statements during 2014, but was recognized in segment revenues in prior periods. (5) Other unallocated general and administrative expenses includes costs directly attributable to our owned developments and corporate general and administrative expenses that are not allocated to any of the segments.

Derivatives and hedging activ42

Derivatives and hedging activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	The following table discloses the effect of the derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Amount of Loss Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Location of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) 2015 Interest rate contracts $ (4,593 ) Interest expense $ (3,583 ) 2014 Interest rate contracts $ (7,991 ) Interest expense $ 3,526

Fair Value of Financial Instr43

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The table below presents the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall and summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Estimated Fair Value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 December 31, 2015: Derivative financial instruments (liability position) $ 5,475 $ — $ 5,475 $ — Deferred compensation plan assets $ 318 $ 318 $ — $ — December 31, 2014: Derivative financial instruments (liability position) $ 4,465 $ — $ 4,465 $ — Deferred compensation plan assets $ 520 $ 520 $ — $ —
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments	The tables below summarize the gross carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): December 31, 2015 Estimated Fair Value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Mezzanine notes receivable $ 2,167 $ — $ 2,104 $ — Senior unsecured notes 250,000 — 246,793 — Unsecured term loan facility 187,500 — 187,500 — Variable rate mortgage and construction loans 107,255 — 107,255 — Fixed rate mortgage and construction loans 98,209 — 110,851 — December 31, 2014 Estimated Fair Value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Mezzanine notes receivable $ 375 $ — $ 318 $ — Senior unsecured notes 250,000 — 234,583 — Unsecured revolving credit facility 24,000 — 24,000 — Unsecured term loan facility 187,500 — 187,500 — Variable rate mortgage and construction loans 107,882 — 107,882 — Fixed rate mortgage and construction loans 140,270 — 154,542 —

Lease commitments and uncondi44

Lease commitments and unconditional purchase obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 (including ground leases) that have initial or remaining noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands): Year Ending 2016 $ 14,919 2017 12,218 2018 10,690 2019 9,718 2020 8,645 Thereafter 511,519 Total $ 567,709

Accrued expenses (Tables)

Accrued expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	Accrued expenses consist of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Payroll $ 4,687 $ 3,765 Real estate taxes 8,311 7,573 Interest 2,555 2,978 Utilities 1,633 1,691 Ground leases and deferred straight-line rent 25,468 20,010 Assets under development 19,232 18,558 Fair value of derivative liability 5,475 4,465 Other 15,854 15,646 Total accrued expenses $ 83,215 $ 74,686

Commitments and contingencies C

Commitments and contingencies Commitments and contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Operating Partnership's Exposure	The following summarizes the Operating Partnership's exposure under such guaranties (dollars in thousands): December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Joint Venture Balance Operating Partnership's Proportionate Interest Joint Venture Balance Operating Partnership's Proportionate Interest Ownership Percent Loan Balance Partial Repayment Guarantee Loan Balance Partial Repayment Guarantee Loan Balance Partial Repayment Guarantee Loan Balance Partial Repayment Guarantee University Village - Greensboro 25 % $ 23,297 n/a $ 5,824 n/a $ 23,643 n/a $ 5,911 n/a The Marshall 50 % 56,507 8,767 28,254 4,384 55,663 8,767 27,832 4,384 Georgia Heights 50 % 31,430 7,230 15,715 3,615 — 7,230 — 3,615

Quarterly financial informati47

Quarterly financial information (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information	Quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 is summarized below (in thousands, except per share data): 2015 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Total Revenues $ 64,129 $ 57,324 $ 58,189 $ 75,520 $ 255,162 Operating expenses 50,291 48,381 55,772 55,663 210,107 Operating income 13,838 8,943 2,417 19,857 45,055 Nonoperating expenses 6,419 5,875 6,704 7,730 26,728 Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities (194 ) (202 ) (427 ) 155 (668 ) Income tax expense 78 90 157 22 347 Noncontrolling interests 206 (141 ) (151 ) 257 171 Gain on sale of collegiate housing community — — — 2,770 (1) 2,770 Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. $ 6,941 $ 2,917 $ (4,720 ) $ 14,773 $ 19,911 Net income (loss) per share - basic $ 0.14 $ 0.06 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.28 $ 0.40 Net income (loss) per share - diluted $ 0.14 $ 0.06 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.27 $ 0.40 Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Operating Partnership $ 6,981 $ 2,928 $ (4,738 ) $ 14,831 $ 20,002 Net income (loss) per unit - basic $ 0.14 $ 0.06 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.28 $ 0.40 Net income (loss) per unit - diluted $ 0.14 $ 0.06 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.28 $ 0.40 (1) During the three months ended December 31, 2015, we sold one property for a sales price of $12.9 million resulting in total proceeds of approximately $12.3 million after customary closing costs and recognized a $2.8 million gain on this disposition. 2014 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Total Revenues $ 54,545 $ 50,040 $ 54,704 $ 66,504 $ 225,793 Operating expenses 46,233 53,691 52,939 48,990 201,853 Operating income 8,312 (3,651 ) 1,765 17,514 23,940 Nonoperating (income) expenses 6,683 5,440 (12,393 ) 8,816 8,546 Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities (22 ) (112 ) (236 ) (340 ) (710 ) Income tax expense/(benefit) 45 (357 ) 910 (337 ) 261 Noncontrolling interests 398 (38 ) 33 206 599 Gain on sale of collegiate housing communities 10,902 — 8,421 13,908 33,231 Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. $ 12,066 $ (8,808 ) $ 21,400 $ 22,397 $ 47,055 Net income (loss) per share - basic $ 0.31 $ (0.23 ) $ 0.46 $ 0.47 $ 1.10 Net income (loss) per share - diluted $ 0.31 $ (0.23 ) $ 0.45 $ 0.47 $ 1.09 Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Operating Partnership $ 12,166 $ (8,787 ) $ 21,536 $ 22,507 $ 47,422 Net income (loss) per unit - basic $ 0.32 $ (0.22 ) $ 0.46 $ 0.47 $ 1.10 Net income (loss) per unit - diluted $ 0.31 $ (0.22 ) $ 0.46 $ 0.47 $ 1.10

Organization and description 48

Organization and description of business - Additional Information (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	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
General partner ownership interest (less than)	1.00%

Summary of significant accoun49

Summary of significant accounting policies - Additional Information (Details)	Feb. 03, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 15, 2016USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)shares	Nov. 09, 2015USD ($)shares	Apr. 30, 2015	Nov. 24, 2014USD ($)	Nov. 20, 2014	Jun. 24, 2014USD ($)shares	Apr. 15, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 26, 2013USD ($)	Jul. 14, 2010USD ($)bedstory	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)property$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2010	Mar. 20, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2014USD ($)shares	May. 22, 2012agreementshares	Dec. 31, 2008USD ($)	Jul. 12, 2004shares
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net			$ 600,000									$ 600,000	$ 1,500,000
Cash on deposit uninsured by the FDIC			28,800,000									28,800,000
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock												$ 70,512,000	$ 59,149,000	$ 48,010,000
Distributions per common share (usd per share) | $ / shares												$ 1.46	$ 1.38	$ 1.26
Dividends and distributions paid to noncontrolling interests												$ (1,231,000)	$ (1,011,000)	$ (449,000)
Promissory note receivable										$ 500,000
Notes receivable, interest rate (percent)										10.00%
Due from related party													500,000	400,000
Guarantee fee revenue			19,024,000									19,024,000	17,301,000
Notes receivable			2,167,000									2,167,000	375,000
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties												0	12,733,000	0
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio							0.3333
Deferred financing cost			1,000,000									1,000,000	6,400,000	4,600,000
Amortization of deferred financing cost												2,089,000	2,156,000	1,758,000
Deferred financing cost, accumulated amortization			$ 9,000,000									$ 9,000,000	$ 8,300,000
Common stock, shares authorized (shares) | shares			200,000,000									200,000,000	200,000,000							200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares) | shares			56,879,003									56,879,003	47,999,427
Proceeds from issuance of common stock				$ 270,100,000				$ 239,400,000				$ 297,247,000	$ 289,584,000	16,890,000
Long-term Debt			$ 638,707,000									638,707,000
Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs												$ 403,000	2,807,000	0
Common stock offering (shares) | shares				8,100,000				8,200,000
Taxable income that needs to be distributed to stockholders in order to avoid federal, state and local income taxes (percent)			90.00%									90.00%
Goodwill accumulated impairment loss																			$ 400,000
Goodwill impairment													0
Goodwill carrying value			$ 3,100,000									$ 3,100,000	3,100,000
Carrying value of other intangible assets			200,000									200,000	400,000
Deferred revenue related to college housing leasing			18,900,000									18,900,000	17,100,000
Deferred revenue			19,024,000									19,024,000	17,301,000
Advertising expense												4,500,000	4,700,000	4,600,000
Revenue recognized related to cost savings agreements												0	1,200,000	$ 800,000
Deferred development fees			$ 100,000									$ 100,000	200,000
Project Development Services
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Revenue that would have been recognized had construction loan and second mortgage had been repaid													2,600,000
Cost Savings
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Revenue that would have been recognized had construction loan and second mortgage had been repaid													800,000
Guarantee Fee Revenue
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Revenue that would have been recognized had construction loan and second mortgage had been repaid													3,000,000
Interest Income
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Revenue that would have been recognized had construction loan and second mortgage had been repaid													6,500,000
Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Third-party development services revenue fee as a percentage total estimated costs (percent)			3.00%									3.00%
Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Maturity period of highly-liquid investments classified as cash equivalents												3 months
Third-party development services revenue fee as a percentage total estimated costs (percent)			5.00%									5.00%
Equity Distribution Agreement 2012
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of equity distribution agreements | agreement																		2
Common stock, shares authorized (shares) | shares																		50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares) | shares														500,000			1,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock													$ 31,500,000	$ 17,800,000
Equity Distribution Agreement 2014
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued (shares) | shares			700,000									700,000	500,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock												$ 26,700,000	$ 18,100,000
Common Stock, Shares Offered, Value																	$ 150,000,000
Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of properties classified as part of discontinued operation (properties) | property														2
Discontinued Operations
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Loss On Asset Disposals And Impairments														$ 5,001,000
Buildings and Improvements | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life												15 years
Buildings and Improvements | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life												40 years
Land Improvements
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life												15 years
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life												3 years
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life												7 years
Non Tax Deductible
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Distributions per common share (usd per share) | $ / shares												$ 0.57
Tax Deductible
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Distributions per common share (usd per share) | $ / shares												$ 0.89
Management Services
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill carrying value			$ 2,149,000									$ 2,149,000	2,149,000
Development Consulting Services
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill carrying value			921,000									$ 921,000	$ 921,000
Participating Project to Develop Collegiate Housing Complex at Science and Technology Park at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Project cost											$ 60,700,000
Number of story (stories) | story											20
Number of beds (beds) | bed											572
Guarantee fee revenue											$ 3,000,000
Management contract period															10 years
Deferred revenue											3,000,000
Participating Project to Develop Collegiate Housing Complex at Science and Technology Park at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute | Second Mortgage
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Second mortgage Investment											$ 18,000,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Distributions per common share (usd per share) | $ / shares												$ 1.46	$ 1.38	$ 1.26
Guarantee fee revenue			19,024,000									$ 19,024,000	$ 17,301,000
Notes receivable			2,167,000									2,167,000	375,000
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties												0	12,733,000	$ 0
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio					0.3333
Amortization of deferred financing cost												2,089,000	2,156,000	1,758,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock												297,247,000	289,584,000	16,890,000
Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs			400,000			$ 2,600,000						403,000	2,807,000	0
Deferred revenue			19,024,000									19,024,000	17,301,000
Payments to Noncontrolling Interests												1,231,000	$ 1,011,000	$ 449,000
Co-venturer [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Promissory note receivable																$ 1.7
Due from related party			$ 1.7									$ 1.7
Loans Receivable, Basis Spread on Variable Rate																2.00%
Subsequent Event [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		$ 215,100,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt		108,500,000
Long-term Debt		$ 98,200,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.40%
Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs		$ 10,300,000
Common stock offering (shares) | shares		6,300,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Co-venturer [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Due from related party	$ 1,700,000
Roosevelt Point [Member] | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Payments to Noncontrolling Interests									$ 800,000
Roosevelt Point [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Payments to Noncontrolling Interests	$ 4,900,000

Summary of significant accoun50

Summary of significant accounting policies - Reconciliation of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 58	$ 96	$ 142
Provision for uncollectible accounts	1,000	1,263	1,379
Deductions	(752)	(1,301)	(1,425)
Balance, end of period	$ 306	$ 58	$ 96

Income taxes - Significant Comp

Income taxes - Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue	$ 43	$ 0
Accrued expenses	313	381
Straight line rent	315	343
Restricted stock amortization	949	1,076
Net operating loss carryforwards	1,350	1,346
Total deferred tax assets	2,970	3,146
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization	(514)	(526)
Total deferred tax liabilities:	(514)	(526)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 2,456	$ 2,620

Income taxes - Significant Co52

Income taxes - Significant Components of Income Tax Provisions Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred:
Federal									$ 148	$ 108	$ (296)
State									(61)	57	36
Deferred expense (benefit)									87	165	(260)
Current:
Federal									101	(52)	312
State									159	148	151
Current (benefit) expense									260	96	463
Tax provision	$ 22	$ 157	$ 90	$ 78	$ (337)	$ 910	$ (357)	$ 45	$ 347	$ 261	$ 203

Income taxes - Additional Infor

Income taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]
TRS earnings or (loss) subject to tax	$ 18,327,000	$ 15,394,000	$ 5,493,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	0	0
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest or penalties	0	0	0
Taxable REIT Subsidiary
Income Taxes [Line Items]
TRS earnings or (loss) subject to tax	$ (200,000)	$ (900,000)	$ (200,000)

Income taxes - Reconciliation o

Income taxes - Reconciliation of Income Tax Attributable to Income before Noncontrolling Interest Computed at United States Statutory Rate to Income Tax Provision (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax provision at U.S. statutory rates on TRS net losses subject to tax									$ 236	$ 71	$ 15
State income tax, net of federal benefit									(31)	34	126
Other									142	156	62
Tax provision	$ 22	$ 157	$ 90	$ 78	$ (337)	$ 910	$ (357)	$ 45	$ 347	$ 261	$ 203

Acquisition and development o55

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition costs		$ 300	$ 900	$ 400
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]		58,500	133,300	146,100
Total net assets acquired		57,876	131,392	112,453
Liabilities assumed				1,200
Payments made for deposit on acquisition				3,000
Accounts payable		2,455	2,183
Accrued expenses		83,215	74,686
Assets		2,001,831	1,806,330	1,607,748
Liabilities		743,401	800,000
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities		99,895	$ 89,221	77,407
The Retreat at Oxford
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage purchase			30.00%
605 West
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Joint venture purchase option period	5 years
Joint venture purchase option percentage	10.00%
The Marshall
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to noncontrolling interest		$ 17,200	$ 18,400
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent		50.00%
Assets under development
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts payable		$ 300	0
Accrued expenses		19,200	18,500
Business Combination Acquisition Related Costs
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair values of liabilities assumed				32,400
Collegiate housing properties
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]		$ 58,146	$ 132,600	145,146
LTD assumed				$ 32,400
Renaissance IV And V [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition Date		2015-06
Total net assets acquired		$ 9,367
Renaissance IV And V [Member] | Collegiate housing properties
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]		$ 9,624
The Province at Boulder [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition Date		2015-09
Total net assets acquired		$ 48,509
The Province at Boulder [Member] | Collegiate housing properties
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]		48,522
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Assets		48,600
Liabilities		300
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities		$ 100

Acquisition and development o56

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Collegiate Housing Community Acquisitions (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)bedunit	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)bedunit	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)bedunit
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	$ 58,500	$ 133,300	$ 146,100
Accrued expenses		2,087
Total net assets acquired	$ 57,876	$ 131,392	$ 112,453
109 Tower
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Primary University Served		Florida International University Miami, Florida
Acquisition Date		2014-08
Number of beds (beds) | bed		542
Number of Units (units) | unit		149
Contract Price		$ 43,500
Total net assets acquired		$ 42,838
Renaissance IV And V [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Primary University Served	University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tennessee
Acquisition Date	2015-06
Number of beds (beds) | bed	150
Number of Units (units) | unit	51
Contract Price	$ 9,700
Total net assets acquired	$ 9,367
District on Apache
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Primary University Served		Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona
Acquisition Date		2014-09
Number of beds (beds) | bed		900
Number of Units (units) | unit		279
Contract Price		$ 89,800
Total net assets acquired		88,554
The Cottages on Lindberg
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Primary University Served			Purdue University West Lafayette, Indiana
Acquisition Date			2013-08
Number of beds (beds) | bed			745
Number of Units (units) | unit			193
Contract Price			$ 36,000
Total net assets acquired			$ 35,362
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) | bed			587
Number of Units (units) | unit			138
Contract Price			$ 56,189
Total net assets acquired			$ 55,849
The Varsity
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Primary University Served			University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan
Acquisition Date			2013-12
Number of beds (beds) | bed			415
Number of Units (units) | unit			181
Contract Price			$ 53,950
Total net assets acquired			21,242
The Province at Boulder [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Primary University Served	University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado
Acquisition Date	2015-09
Number of beds (beds) | bed	317
Number of Units (units) | unit	84
Contract Price	$ 48,800
Total net assets acquired	48,509
Other Property [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	58,146	132,600	145,146
In-place leases	354	643
Other assets	90
Other Property [Member] | 109 Tower
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]		43,384
In-place leases		0
Other Property [Member] | Renaissance IV And V [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	9,624
In-place leases	76
Other assets	5
Other Property [Member] | District on Apache
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]		89,216
In-place leases		643
Other Property [Member] | The Cottages on Lindberg
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]			35,704
Other Property [Member] | The Retreat at State College
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]			55,812
Other Property [Member] | The Varsity
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]			53,630
Other Property [Member] | The Province at Boulder [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	48,522
In-place leases	278
Other assets	85
Current Liabilities [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accrued expenses	714		1,543
Current Liabilities [Member] | 109 Tower
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accrued expenses		746
Current Liabilities [Member] | Renaissance IV And V [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accrued expenses	338
Current Liabilities [Member] | District on Apache
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accrued expenses		$ 1,341
Current Liabilities [Member] | The Cottages on Lindberg
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accrued expenses			689
Current Liabilities [Member] | The Retreat at State College
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accrued expenses			405
Current Liabilities [Member] | The Varsity
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accrued expenses			$ 449
Current Liabilities [Member] | The Province at Boulder [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accrued expenses	$ 376

Acquisition and development o57

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties	$ 58,500	$ 133,300	$ 146,100
Current liabilities		(2,087)
Total net assets acquired	57,876	131,392	112,453
Net asset value		131,200
Working capital	600	200
Collegiate housing properties
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties	58,146	132,600	145,146
In-place leases	354	643
Other assets	90
Other assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other assets		236	1,270
Current liabilities
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current liabilities	$ (714)		(1,543)
Mortgage debt
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Mortgage debt			(32,420)
109 Tower
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total net assets acquired		42,838
109 Tower | Collegiate housing properties
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties		43,384
In-place leases		0
109 Tower | Other assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other assets		200
109 Tower | Current liabilities
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current liabilities		(746)
District on Apache
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total net assets acquired		88,554
District on Apache | Collegiate housing properties
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties		89,216
In-place leases		643
District on Apache | Other assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other assets		36
District on Apache | Current liabilities
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current liabilities		$ (1,341)
The Cottages on Lindberg
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total net assets acquired			35,362
The Cottages on Lindberg | Collegiate housing properties
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties			35,704
The Cottages on Lindberg | Other assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other assets			347
The Cottages on Lindberg | Current liabilities
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current liabilities			(689)
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
The Retreat at State College | Collegiate housing properties
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties			55,812
The Retreat at State College | Other assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other assets			442
The Retreat at State College | Current liabilities
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current liabilities			(405)
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
The Varsity | Collegiate housing properties
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties			53,630
The Varsity | Other assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other assets			481
The Varsity | Current liabilities
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current liabilities			(449)
The Varsity | Mortgage debt
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Mortgage debt			$ (32,420)

Acquisition and development o58

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Pro Forma Revenue and Net Loss of Combined Entity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 75,520	$ 58,189	$ 57,324	$ 64,129	$ 66,504	$ 54,704	$ 50,040	$ 54,545	$ 255,162	$ 225,793	$ 184,376
Net Income	14,773	(4,720)	2,917	6,941	22,397	21,400	(8,808)	12,066	19,911	47,055	4,323
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Revenues									255,162	225,793	184,376
Net Income	$ 14,831	$ (4,738)	$ 2,928	$ 6,981	$ 22,507	$ 21,536	$ (8,787)	$ 12,166	20,002	47,422	4,404
Twenty Fifteen Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Revenues									1,754
Net Income									532
Total Revenue									257,758	227,968
Net income									$ 20,992	$ 47,275
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic (usd per share)									$ 0.42	$ 1.10
Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted (usd per share)									$ 0.42	$ 1.09
Twenty Fifteen Acquisitions [Member] | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Net income									$ 21,087	$ 47,643
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic (usd per share)									$ 0.42	$ 1.10
Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted (usd per share)									$ 0.42	$ 1.10
2014 Acquisitions
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Revenues										$ 4,683
Net Income										1,403
Total Revenue										231,961	187,884
Net income										$ 50,794	$ 5,714
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic (usd per share)										$ 1.18	$ 0.15
Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted (usd per share)										$ 1.17	$ 0.15
2014 Acquisitions | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Net income										$ 51,184	$ 5,805
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic (usd per share)										$ 1.18	$ 0.15
Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted (usd per share)										$ 1.18	$ 0.15
2013 Acquisitions
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Revenues											$ 3,221
Net Income											911
Total Revenue											187,961	$ 139,714
Net income											$ 4,841	$ 9,229
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic (usd per share)											$ 0.13	$ 0.27
Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted (usd per share)											$ 0.13	$ 0.27
2013 Acquisitions | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Net income											$ 4,926	$ 9,363
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic (usd per share)											$ 0.13	$ 0.28
Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted (usd per share)											$ 0.13	$ 0.27

Acquisition and development o59

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Development of collegiate housing properties (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)bed	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)bed	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date		$ 2,163,173	$ 1,916,758
Total - 2015 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date		117,384
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		956	212
Interest Costs Capitalized		1,489	$ 78
Under Development [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Real Estate, Estimated Project Development Cost		$ 227,700
The Lotus | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed			195
Costs Incurred-to-date			$ 27,800
Internal Development Costs Capitalized			147	$ 95
Interest Costs Capitalized			$ 272	120
Haggin Hall | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed			396
Costs Incurred-to-date			$ 23,840
Internal Development Costs Capitalized			121	115
Interest Costs Capitalized			$ 341	62
Champions Court I | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed			740
Costs Incurred-to-date			$ 47,368
Internal Development Costs Capitalized			156	110
Interest Costs Capitalized			$ 833	389
Champions Court II | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed			427
Costs Incurred-to-date			$ 24,329
Internal Development Costs Capitalized			88	95
Interest Costs Capitalized			$ 434	205
Woodland Glen I & II | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed			818
Costs Incurred-to-date			$ 45,730
Internal Development Costs Capitalized			131	104
Interest Costs Capitalized			$ 765	350
605 West
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Real Estate Investments, Joint Venture Purchase Option Period	5 years
Real Estate Investments, Joint Venture Purchase Option Percentage	10.00%
605 West | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed			384
Costs Incurred-to-date			$ 45,258
Internal Development Costs Capitalized			128	116
Interest Costs Capitalized			$ 650	322
The Oaks on the Square - Phase III | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed			116
Costs Incurred-to-date			$ 12,482
Internal Development Costs Capitalized			90	22
Interest Costs Capitalized			87	51
Developments In 2015 [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed		2,949
Costs Incurred-to-date		$ 243,357
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		1,162	576
Interest Costs Capitalized		$ 3,888	1,830
Developments In 2015 [Member] | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed		2,657
Costs Incurred-to-date		$ 191,718
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		946	392
Interest Costs Capitalized		$ 3,615	1,556
Developments In 2015 [Member] | Joint Venture Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed		292
Costs Incurred-to-date		$ 51,639
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		216	184
Interest Costs Capitalized		$ 273	$ 274
Developments In 2014
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed			4,070
Costs Incurred-to-date			$ 320,783
Internal Development Costs Capitalized			985	719
Interest Costs Capitalized			$ 3,792	1,522
Developments In 2014 | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed			3,076
Costs Incurred-to-date			$ 226,807
Internal Development Costs Capitalized			861	657
Interest Costs Capitalized			$ 3,382	1,499
Developments In 2014 | Joint Venture Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed			994
Costs Incurred-to-date			$ 93,976
Internal Development Costs Capitalized			124	62
Interest Costs Capitalized			410	23
The Marshall
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent		50.00%
Payments to noncontrolling interest		$ 17,200	$ 18,400
The Marshall | Joint Venture Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed			994
Costs Incurred-to-date			$ 93,976
Internal Development Costs Capitalized			124	62
Interest Costs Capitalized			410	$ 23
The Retreat at Oxford | Owned Properties | Total - 2015 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date		$ 17,354
Woodland Glen III, IV & V | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed		1,610
Costs Incurred-to-date		$ 103,458
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		452	214
Interest Costs Capitalized		$ 2,414	1,304
The Oaks On The Square - Phase Four [Member] | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed		391
Costs Incurred-to-date		$ 44,325
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		315	101
Interest Costs Capitalized		$ 633	149
Retreat at Louisville | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed		656
Costs Incurred-to-date		$ 43,935
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		179	77
Interest Costs Capitalized		568	103
Retreat At Blacksburg Phase I And II [Member] | Joint Venture Properties | Total - 2015 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date		30,220
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		116	0
Interest Costs Capitalized		208	0
Limestone Park I & II(5) | Owned Properties | Total - 2015 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date		55,092
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		382	212
Interest Costs Capitalized		984	78
University Flats [Member] | Owned Properties | Total - 2015 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date		10,515
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		241	0
Interest Costs Capitalized		83	0
Honors College [Member] | Owned Properties | Total - 2015 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date		1,026
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		0	0
Interest Costs Capitalized		0	0
Boise State [Member] | Owned Properties | Total - 2015 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date		613
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		54	0
Interest Costs Capitalized		3	0
SkyVUE [Member] | Total - 2016 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		17
SkyVUE [Member] | Owned Properties | Total - 2015 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date		0
Internal Development Costs Capitalized			0
Interest Costs Capitalized		0	0
The Retreat at Oxford - Phase II | Owned Properties | Total - 2015 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		77	0
Interest Costs Capitalized		211	0
The Local [Member] | Total - 2016 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		69
The Local [Member] | Owned Properties | Total - 2015 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date		2,564
Internal Development Costs Capitalized			0
Interest Costs Capitalized		$ 0	0
Georgia Heights
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent		50.00%
Payments to noncontrolling interest		$ 10,400	10,200
Georgia Heights | Joint Venture Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed		292
Costs Incurred-to-date		$ 51,639
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		216	184
Interest Costs Capitalized		$ 273	$ 274

Disposition of real estate in60

Disposition of real estate investments and discontinued operations - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposition of real estate investments, sales price									$ 12,900	$ 138,500	$ 41,700
Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate									12,300	116,300	40,200
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties	$ 2,770	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 13,908	$ 8,421	$ 0	$ 10,902	$ 2,770	33,231	0
Repayment Of Mortgage Secured Debt					$ 16,700					$ 16,700
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax											$ 3,900

Disposition of real estate in61

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 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$ 240,623	$ 206,322	$ 167,476
Collegiate housing leasing operating expenses	(101,283)	(92,649)	(79,957)
Depreciation and amortization	$ (68,022)	$ (58,974)	(48,098)
Gain on sale of collegiate housing properties			3,900
Discontinued Operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Collegiate housing leasing revenue			5,409
Collegiate housing leasing operating expenses			(3,014)
Depreciation and amortization			(1,767)
Loss on impairment			(5,001)
Interest income			4
Noncontrolling interests			31
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.			(4,338)
Gain on sale of collegiate housing properties			3,913
Noncontrolling interests			(28)
Gain on sale of collegiate housing properties attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.			$ 3,885

Collegiate housing properties62

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development - Components of Collegiate Housing Properties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Real Estate [Abstract]
Land	$ 152,819	$ 129,111
Land improvements	65,135	64,230
Leasehold improvements	212	212
Construction in progress	105,517	122,209
Buildings	1,751,482	1,527,973
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	88,008	73,023
Collegiate housing properties, gross	2,163,173	1,916,758
Less accumulated depreciation	(270,993)	(210,047)
Collegiate housing properties and assets under development, net	$ 1,892,180	$ 1,706,711

Collegiate housing properties63

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development - Investment in Collegiate Housing Properties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 205,464
Initial Cost, Land	146,434
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	1,837,690
Initial Costs, Total	1,984,124
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	172,664
Total Costs, Land	152,819
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	2,010,354
Total Costs, Total	2,163,173	$ 1,916,758	$ 1,709,853	$ 1,395,576
Accumulated Depreciation	270,993	$ 210,047	$ 204,181	$ 175,310
Players Club
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	0
Initial Cost, Land	727
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	7,498
Initial Costs, Total	8,225
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	2,781
Total Costs, Land	727
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	10,279
Total Costs, Total	11,006
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 3,878
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 31, 2005
The Commons at Knoxville
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 17,162
Initial Cost, Land	4,630
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	18,386
Initial Costs, Total	23,016
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	4,024
Total Costs, Land	4,585
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	22,410
Total Costs, Total	26,995
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 8,761
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 31, 2005
The Lofts
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,801
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	34,117
Initial Costs, Total	36,918
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	3,615
Total Costs, Land	2,801
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	37,732
Total Costs, Total	40,533
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 13,136
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 31, 2005
The Pointe at Penn State
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,151
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	35,094
Initial Costs, Total	37,245
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	5,543
Total Costs, Land	2,150
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	40,637
Total Costs, Total	42,787
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 15,067
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 31, 2005
The Reserve at Athens(1)
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 10,703
Initial Cost, Land	1,740
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	17,985
Initial Costs, Total	19,725
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	2,605
Total Costs, Land	1,740
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	20,590
Total Costs, Total	22,330
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 7,288
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 31, 2005
The Reserve at Columbia
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	1,071
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	26,134
Initial Costs, Total	27,205
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	5,297
Total Costs, Land	1,071
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	31,431
Total Costs, Total	32,502
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 11,859
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 31, 2005
The Reserve at Tallahassee
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,743
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	21,176
Initial Costs, Total	23,919
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	1,335
Total Costs, Land	2,742
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	22,511
Total Costs, Total	25,253
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 10,333
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 31, 2005
The Reserve on Perkins
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 13,416
Initial Cost, Land	913
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	15,795
Initial Costs, Total	16,708
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	4,512
Total Costs, Land	913
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	20,307
Total Costs, Total	21,220
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 8,381
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 31, 2005
University Towers
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 33,650
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	28,652
Initial Costs, Total	28,652
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	16,461
Total Costs, Land	2,364
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	45,113
Total Costs, Total	47,477
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 17,202
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 31, 2005
Campus Creek
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,251
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	21,604
Initial Costs, Total	23,855
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	3,649
Total Costs, Land	2,251
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	25,253
Total Costs, Total	27,504
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 9,631
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Feb. 22, 2005
Campus Lodge
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,746
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	44,415
Initial Costs, Total	47,161
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	3,589
Total Costs, Land	2,746
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	48,004
Total Costs, Total	50,750
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 16,398
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jun. 7, 2005
Carrollton Place
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	682
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	12,166
Initial Costs, Total	12,848
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	2,168
Total Costs, Land	682
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	14,334
Total Costs, Total	15,016
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 4,610
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 1, 2006
River Place
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 8,125
Initial Cost, Land	837
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	17,746
Initial Costs, Total	18,583
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	3,321
Total Costs, Land	837
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	21,067
Total Costs, Total	21,904
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 6,868
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 1, 2006
The Reserve At Saluki Point
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 13,194
Initial Cost, Land	1,099
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	32,377
Initial Costs, Total	33,476
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	1,989
Total Costs, Land	1,099
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	34,366
Total Costs, Total	35,465
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 7,754
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Aug. 1, 2008
University Apartments on Colvin
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	25,792
Initial Costs, Total	25,792
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	949
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	26,741
Total Costs, Total	26,741
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 5,652
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Aug. 1, 2009
2400 Nueces
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	64,152
Initial Costs, Total	64,152
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	6,261
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	70,413
Total Costs, Total	70,413
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 6,488
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Aug. 1, 2010
The Oaks on the Square - Phase I and II
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	1,800
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	48,636
Initial Costs, Total	50,436
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	1,164
Total Costs, Land	1,800
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	49,800
Total Costs, Total	51,600
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 5,193
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Sep. 30, 2010
GrandMarc at Corner
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	45,384
Initial Costs, Total	45,384
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	1,995
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	47,379
Total Costs, Total	47,379
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 7,947
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Oct. 22, 2010
Campus West
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	25,842
Initial Costs, Total	25,842
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	1,904
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	27,746
Total Costs, Total	27,746
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 3,855
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Mar. 1, 2011
East Edge
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	10,420
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	10,783
Initial Costs, Total	21,203
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	21,289
Total Costs, Land	10,420
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	32,072
Total Costs, Total	42,492
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 4,775
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Mar. 1, 2011
Jefferson Commons
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	1,420
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	4,915
Initial Costs, Total	6,335
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	271
Total Costs, Land	1,420
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	5,186
Total Costs, Total	6,606
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 797
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Mar. 15, 2011
Wertland Square
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	3,230
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	13,285
Initial Costs, Total	16,515
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	645
Total Costs, Land	3,230
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	13,930
Total Costs, Total	17,160
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 2,116
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Mar. 15, 2011
The Berk
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,687
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	13,718
Initial Costs, Total	16,405
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	790
Total Costs, Land	2,687
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	14,508
Total Costs, Total	17,195
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 2,295
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	May 23, 2011
Roosevelt Point
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	3,093
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	47,528
Initial Costs, Total	50,621
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	1,762
Total Costs, Land	3,093
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	49,290
Total Costs, Total	52,383
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 4,299
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jul. 1, 2011
University Village Towers
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	3,434
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	34,424
Initial Costs, Total	37,858
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	897
Total Costs, Land	3,434
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	35,321
Total Costs, Total	38,755
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 4,523
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Sep. 22, 2011
Irish Row
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,637
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	24,679
Initial Costs, Total	27,316
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	521
Total Costs, Land	2,637
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	25,200
Total Costs, Total	27,837
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 3,313
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Nov. 1, 2011
The Lotus
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	5,245
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	20,830
Initial Costs, Total	26,075
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	2,168
Total Costs, Land	5,245
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	22,998
Total Costs, Total	28,243
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 1,207
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Nov. 14, 2011
GrandMarc at Westberry Place
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	53,935
Initial Costs, Total	53,935
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	1,672
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	55,607
Total Costs, Total	55,607
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 6,877
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Dec. 8, 2011
3,949
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	3,822
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	24,448
Initial Costs, Total	28,270
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	8,815
Total Costs, Land	3,822
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	33,263
Total Costs, Total	37,085
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 3,605
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Dec. 21, 2011
Reserve on Stinson Apartments
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 13,258
Initial Cost, Land	2,111
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	20,609
Initial Costs, Total	22,720
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	1,478
Total Costs, Land	2,111
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	22,087
Total Costs, Total	24,198
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 3,583
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 27, 2012
Central Hall I & II
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	22,896
Initial Costs, Total	22,896
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	2,930
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	25,826
Total Costs, Total	25,826
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 2,872
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jun. 1, 2012
The Retreat at Oxford
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	4,743
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	25,690
Initial Costs, Total	30,433
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	19,224
Total Costs, Land	8,811
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	44,914
Total Costs, Total	53,725
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 2,793
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jun. 14, 2012
605 West
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	4,794
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	34,192
Initial Costs, Total	38,986
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	6,152
Total Costs, Land	4,794
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	40,344
Total Costs, Total	45,138
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 2,491
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Sep. 1, 2012
The Province
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	4,436
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	45,173
Initial Costs, Total	49,609
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	410
Total Costs, Land	4,436
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	45,583
Total Costs, Total	50,019
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 5,387
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Sep. 21, 2012
The District on 5th
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,601
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	63,396
Initial Costs, Total	65,997
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	377
Total Costs, Land	2,601
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	63,773
Total Costs, Total	66,374
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 7,869
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Oct. 4, 2012
Campus Village
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,650
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	18,077
Initial Costs, Total	20,727
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	1,134
Total Costs, Land	2,650
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	19,211
Total Costs, Total	21,861
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 3,174
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Oct. 19, 2012
Champions Court I
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	45,924
Initial Costs, Total	45,924
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	1,546
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	47,470
Total Costs, Total	47,470
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 2,200
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Nov. 1, 2012
Champions Court II
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	23,808
Initial Costs, Total	23,808
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	550
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	24,358
Total Costs, Total	24,358
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 1,144
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Nov. 1, 2012
Haggin Hall I(5)
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	23,802
Initial Costs, Total	23,802
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	146
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	23,948
Total Costs, Total	23,948
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 1,250
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Nov. 1, 2012
Woodland Glen I & II(5)
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	44,491
Initial Costs, Total	44,491
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	1,403
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	45,894
Total Costs, Total	45,894
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 2,104
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Nov. 1, 2012
The Province at Kent State
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	4,239
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	40,441
Initial Costs, Total	44,680
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	204
Total Costs, Land	4,239
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	40,645
Total Costs, Total	44,884
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 4,802
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Nov. 16, 2012
The Centre at Overton Park
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 22,351
Initial Cost, Land	3,781
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	35,232
Initial Costs, Total	39,013
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	1,302
Total Costs, Land	3,781
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	36,534
Total Costs, Total	40,315
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 3,683
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Dec. 7, 2012
The Suites at Overton Park
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	4,384
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	33,281
Initial Costs, Total	37,665
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	906
Total Costs, Land	4,384
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	34,187
Total Costs, Total	38,571
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 3,821
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Dec. 7, 2012
Woodland Glen III, IV & V(5)
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	101,172
Initial Costs, Total	101,172
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	2,286
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	103,458
Total Costs, Total	103,458
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 1,129
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	May 1, 2013
The Oaks on the Square - Phase III
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	1,531
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	10,734
Initial Costs, Total	12,265
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	259
Total Costs, Land	1,531
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	10,993
Total Costs, Total	12,524
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 481
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Feb. 13, 2013
The Cottages on Lindberg
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	1,800
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	31,224
Initial Costs, Total	33,024
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	2,968
Total Costs, Land	1,800
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	34,192
Total Costs, Total	35,992
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 3,175
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Aug. 28, 2013
The Retreat at State College
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	6,251
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	46,004
Initial Costs, Total	52,255
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	3,932
Total Costs, Land	6,251
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	49,936
Total Costs, Total	56,187
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 4,111
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Sep. 11, 2013
The Varsity
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	3,300
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	50,330
Initial Costs, Total	53,630
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	285
Total Costs, Land	3,300
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	50,615
Total Costs, Total	53,915
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 3,336
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Dec. 19, 2013
Limestone Park I & II(5)
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	55,092
Initial Costs, Total	55,092
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	0
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	55,092
Total Costs, Total	55,092
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 0
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Dec. 31, 2013
The Oaks On The Square - Phase Four [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 27,553
Initial Cost, Land	3,308
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	36,748
Initial Costs, Total	40,056
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	4,269
Total Costs, Land	3,308
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	41,017
Total Costs, Total	44,325
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 443
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jun. 1, 2014
Retreat at Louisville
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 35,672
Initial Cost, Land	4,257
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	33,750
Initial Costs, Total	38,007
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	5,928
Total Costs, Land	4,257
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	39,678
Total Costs, Total	43,935
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 462
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jul. 1, 2014
109 Tower
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	1,779
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	40,115
Initial Costs, Total	41,894
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	2,514
Total Costs, Land	1,779
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	42,629
Total Costs, Total	44,408
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 1,956
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Aug. 12, 2014
District on Apache
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	8,203
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	81,016
Initial Costs, Total	89,219
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	287
Total Costs, Land	8,203
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	81,303
Total Costs, Total	89,506
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 3,974
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Sep. 15, 2014
The Commons on Bridge [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	1,852
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	7,772
Initial Costs, Total	9,624
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	150
Total Costs, Land	1,852
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	7,922
Total Costs, Total	9,774
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 233
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jun. 16, 2015
The Province at Boulder [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	7,800
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	40,722
Initial Costs, Total	48,522
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	32
Total Costs, Land	7,800
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	40,754
Total Costs, Total	48,554
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 412
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Sep. 15, 2015
Retreat at Blacksburg - Phase I [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 10,380
Initial Cost, Land	8,988
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	21,232
Initial Costs, Total	30,220
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	0
Total Costs, Land	8,988
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	21,232
Total Costs, Total	30,220
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 0
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jul. 10, 2015
University Flats [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	10,515
Initial Costs, Total	10,515
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	0
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	10,515
Total Costs, Total	10,515
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 0
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jul. 1, 2015
Boise State [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Initial Cost, Land	$ 0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	613
Initial Costs, Total	613
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	0
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	613
Total Costs, Total	613
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 0
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Dec. 15, 2015
The Local [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	1,447
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	1,117
Initial Costs, Total	2,564
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	0
Total Costs, Land	1,447
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	1,117
Total Costs, Total	2,564
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 0
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 4, 2016
Honors College [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	1,026
Initial Costs, Total	1,026
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	0
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	1,026
Total Costs, Total	1,026
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 0

Collegiate housing properties64

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development - Investment in Collegiate Housing Properties (References) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Minimum
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Useful lives of assets	3 years
Maximum
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Useful lives of assets	40 years
The Commons At Knoxville, The Reserve On Stinson, The Reserve At Perkins And The Reserve At Athens
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Outstanding loan	$ 54.5
The Reserve At Saluki Pointe And River Place [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Outstanding loan	$ 21.3

Collegiate housing properties65

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development - Historical Cost of Trusts Investment in Collegiate Housing Properties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Carrying Amount of Real Estate Investments [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 1,916,758	$ 1,709,853	$ 1,395,576
Collegiate housing acquisitions or completed developments	250,329	349,841	290,881
Collegiate housing dispositions	(14,149)	(154,545)	(55,880)
Impairment loss	0	(12,733)	(5,001)
Additions	10,917	24,792	84,404
Disposals	(682)	(450)	(127)
Balance, end of period	$ 2,163,173	$ 1,916,758	$ 1,709,853

Collegiate housing properties66

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development - Reconciliation of Accumulated Investment Depreciation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 210,047	$ 204,181	$ 175,310
Depreciation	65,952	57,166	47,693
Disposals	(622)	(396)	(115)
Collegiate housing dispositions	(4,384)	(50,904)	(18,707)
Balance, end of period	$ 270,993	$ 210,047	$ 204,181

Collegiate housing properties67

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Impairment loss	$ 0	$ 12,700,000
Discontinued Operations
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Impairment loss			$ 5,000,000

Other assets - Other Assets (De

Other assets - Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Other Assets [Line Items]
Accounts receivable related to pre-development costs	$ 3,009	$ 2,205
Deferred tax asset	2,970	3,146
Total other assets	57,329	64,442
Other Assets
Schedule of Other Assets [Line Items]
Accounts receivable related to pre-development costs	2,252	2,061
Prepaid expenses	2,564	2,295
Deferred tax asset	2,456	2,100
Deferred financing costs - revolving credit facility	2,814	3,841
Investments in unconsolidated entities	28,068	29,450
Corporate assets, net	13,141	13,745
Other	6,034	10,950
Total other assets	$ 57,329	$ 64,442

Other assets - Additional Infor

Other assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Office furniture, historical cost	$ 18.1	$ 17.3
Furniture and Fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Office furniture, accumulated depreciation	4.9	3.5
Depreciation expense	$ 1.5	$ 0.9	$ 0.6
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

Investments in unconsolidated70

Investments in unconsolidated entities - Financial Information of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Total assets	$ 177,907				$ 148,117				$ 177,907	$ 148,117
Total liabilities	130,102				99,714				130,102	99,714
Equity	47,805				48,403				47,805	48,403
Investment in unconsolidated entities	28,068				29,450				28,068	29,450
Revenues									37,915	31,537	$ 22,829
Net income (loss)									(1,134)	(1,785)	(1,824)
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	$ 155	$ (427)	$ (202)	$ (194)	$ (340)	$ (236)	$ (112)	$ (22)	$ (668)	$ (710)	$ (203)

Investments in unconsolidated71

Investments in unconsolidated entities - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments classified in accrued expenses	$ 2
Accrued Liabilities
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments classified in accrued expenses	$ 2	$ 1.7
MN Holdings, Llc
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%
West Clayton Athens GA Owner LLC
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	14.00%
University Village-Greensboro LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	25.00%

Incentive plans - Additional In

Incentive plans - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 01, 2016	Jan. 01, 2014	Jan. 01, 2013	May. 04, 2011	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Noncash compensation expense related to stock-based incentive awards					$ 2,814	$ 2,249	$ 2,127
General and Administrative Expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Noncash compensation expense related to stock-based incentive awards					$ 2,200	$ 1,900	2,100
Long Term Incentive Plan 2012 | Independent Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, shares issued					12,300	13,384
LTIP Units, Time-Based [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Fifteen [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type Allocation, Percentage					25.00%
Equity incentive plan, vesting period					3 years
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, unearned compensation related to restricted stock					$ 200	$ 600
Equity incentive plan, compensation expense					$ 400	$ 700	$ 900
Granted (shares)					0	25,944	21,930
Time Based Restricted Stock | Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Fifteen [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, shares issued		24,742
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiry Period From Date Of Grant					3 years
Time Based Restricted Stock | Long Term Incentive Plan 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, shares issued			21,928
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiry Period From Date Of Grant					3 years
Time Based Restricted Stock | Long Term Incentive Plan 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, vesting period					3 years
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiry Period From Date Of Grant					3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, unearned compensation related to restricted stock					$ 600	$ 1,500
Equity incentive plan, compensation expense					$ 900	$ 1,100	$ 800
RSU awards vested	10,776
Granted (shares)					0	102,305	61,092
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Fifteen [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, vesting period					3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Long Term Incentive Plan 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, vesting period					3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross		102,297
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Long Term Incentive Plan 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, vesting period					3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross			40,724
LTIP Units, Performance-Based [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Fifteen [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type Allocation, Percentage					75.00%
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiry Period From Date Of Grant					3 years
Stock Incentive Plan 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, common stock shares authorized				105,000
Equity incentive plan, additional common stock shares				1,049,167
Equity incentive plan, common stock shares reserved for issuance					652,356

Incentive plans - Stock Based I

Incentive plans - Stock Based Incentive Plan Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Feb. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (shares)		46,810	61,341	82,365
Granted (shares)		0	25,944	21,930
Vested (shares)		(17,774)	(26,476)	(30,340)
Surrendered (shares)		(3,467)	(13,999)	(12,614)
Ending balance (shares)		25,569	46,810	61,341
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)		$ 27.94	$ 26.88	$ 22.89
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)		0	26.70	31.92
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)		27.76	25.74	31.62
Surrendered, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)		29.72	26.85	31.62
Beginning balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)		$ 28.32	$ 27.94	$ 26.88
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		$ 0.4	$ 0.7	$ 0.9
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (shares)		146,911	130,092	69,000
Granted (shares)		0	102,305	61,092
Vested (shares)		0	(47,785)	0
Surrendered (shares)		0	(37,701)	0
Ending balance (shares)		146,911	146,911	130,092
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)		$ 20.58	$ 20.34	$ 18.03
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)		0	19.20	22.95
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)		0	26.46	0
Surrendered, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)		0	26.46	0
Beginning balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)		$ 20.58	$ 20.58	$ 20.34
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		$ 0.9	$ 1.1	$ 0.8
LTIP Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options		2.1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		$ 0.9
Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Fifteen [Member] | LTIP Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period	155,774	155,774
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)		$ 18.83
Beginning balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)		$ 18.83
Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Fifteen [Member] | LTIP Units, Time-Based [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type Allocation, Percentage		25.00%
Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Fifteen [Member] | LTIP Units, Performance-Based [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type Allocation, Percentage		75.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiry Period From Date Of Grant		3 years

Debt - Additional Information (

Debt - Additional Information (Details)	Jan. 15, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Nov. 24, 2014USD ($)	Nov. 19, 2014USD ($)	Jan. 13, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)period	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Accordion Feature, Maximum Allowable Increase					$ 250,000,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding		$ 0						$ 0	$ 24,000,000
Covenant dividend payout		95.00%						95.00%
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 642,964,000						$ 642,964,000
Unsecured term loan, net of unamortized deferred financing costs		186,518,000						186,518,000	186,277,000
Prepayments penalties and other fees								403,000	2,807,000	$ 0
Repayment Of Mortgage Secured Debt									16,700,000
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt								(403,000)	(3,543,000)	0
Long-term debt		638,707,000						638,707,000
Unsecured Senior Notes, net of unamortized deferred financing costs		247,678,000						247,678,000	247,425,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding		0						0	24,000,000
Unsecured term loan, net of unamortized deferred financing costs		186,518,000						186,518,000	186,277,000
Repayments of mortgage debt			$ 69,000,000
Prepayments penalties and other fees		400,000	$ 2,600,000					403,000	2,807,000	0
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt								(403,000)	(3,543,000)	$ 0
Unsecured Senior Notes, net of unamortized deferred financing costs		$ 247,678,000						247,678,000	247,425,000
The Suites at Overton Park
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate		4.16%
Long-term debt		$ 23,700,000						23,700,000
Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net		$ 1,000,000						$ 1,000,000	1,200,000
Notes Payable to Banks
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term								7 years
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.45%						5.45%
Repayments of Long-term Debt								$ 15,800,000
Construction debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 73,605,000						$ 73,605,000	73,882,000
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date								2.33%
Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2024 | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net		2,300,000						$ 2,300,000	2,600,000
Unsecured Senior Notes, net of unamortized deferred financing costs		$ 247,700,000						$ 247,700,000	247,400,000
Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2024 | Unsecured Debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term			10 years
Face amount of debt			$ 250,000,000
Debt Instrument, Percentage Of Par Value			99.991%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			4.60%
Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt			$ 247,000,000
Fifth Amended Revolver [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, maximum availability				$ 500,000,000
Debt Instrument, Accordion Feature, Maximum Allowable Increase				$ 1,000,000,000
Debt term				4 years
Line of credit facility, interest rate		1.78%						1.78%
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding		$ 0						$ 0
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing base availability		$ 500,000,000						$ 500,000,000
Maturity extension period				1 year
Credit Agreement | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross					$ 187,500,000
Credit Agreement Tranche A | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term					7 years
Long-term Debt, Gross					$ 122,500,000
Interest rate at period end		3.95%						3.95%
Credit Agreement Tranche B | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term					5 years
Long-term Debt, Gross					$ 65,000,000
Interest rate at period end		2.96%						2.96%
Minimum | Fifth Amended Revolver [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage								0.15%
Maximum | Fifth Amended Revolver [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage								0.25%
University Towers | Mortgage debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity extension period								12 months
Number of loan extension periods | period								2
Debt service ratio		1.30						1.30
The Varsity | Construction debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date						1.78%
Retreat at Louisville
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 35,700,000						$ 35,700,000
The Suites at Overton Park | Fixed Rate Mortgage Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity extension period								1 year
Roosevelt Point | Construction debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date							2.44%
The Oaks On The Square - Phase Four [Member] | Construction debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity extension period								1 year
Number of loan extension periods | period								2
Long-term debt									$ 38,000,000
Retreat At Blacksburg Phase I And II [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 49,600,000						$ 49,600,000
Retreat At Blacksburg Phase I And II [Member] | Mortgage debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity extension period								1 year
Number of loan extension periods | period								2
Base Rate | Retreat at Louisville
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate								1.05%
Base Rate | The Suites at Overton Park
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate								2.50%
Base Rate | The Oaks On The Square - Phase Four [Member] | Construction debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate								1.00%
Base Rate | Retreat At Blacksburg Phase I And II [Member] | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate								1.05%
Prime Rate | University Towers | Mortgage debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate								0.50%
LIBOR Rate | Minimum | Credit Agreement Tranche A | Unsecured Debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate					1.55%
LIBOR Rate | Minimum | Credit Agreement Tranche B | Unsecured Debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate					1.20%
LIBOR Rate | Maximum | Credit Agreement Tranche A | Unsecured Debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate					2.25%
LIBOR Rate | Maximum | Credit Agreement Tranche B | Unsecured Debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate					1.90%
LIBOR Rate | University Towers | Mortgage debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate								2.10%
LIBOR Rate | Retreat at Louisville
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate								2.05%
LIBOR Rate | The Oaks On The Square - Phase Four [Member] | Construction debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate								2.00%
LIBOR Rate | Retreat At Blacksburg Phase I And II [Member] | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate								2.05%
Interest Rate Swap | Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount					$ 187,500,000
Interest Rate Swap | Swap | Credit Agreement Tranche A | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate		2.30%						2.30%
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate Margin		1.65%						1.65%
Interest Rate Swap | Swap | Credit Agreement Tranche B | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate		1.66%						1.66%
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate Margin		1.30%						1.30%
Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.40%
Prepayments penalties and other fees	$ 10,300,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt	108,500,000
Long-term debt	$ 98,200,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | The Centre At Overton Park Texas Tech University [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate	5.60%
Prepayments penalties and other fees	$ 1,000,000
Long-term debt	22,300,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Prepayments penalties and other fees	$ 9,300,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | The Reserve At Saluki Pointe And River Place [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.67%
Repayments of Long-term Debt	$ 21,300,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | The Commons At Knoxville, The Reserve On Stinson, The Reserve At Perkins And The Reserve At Athens | Notes Payable to Banks
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.02%
Repayments of Long-term Debt	$ 54,500,000

Debt - Mortgage and Constructio

Debt - Mortgage and Construction Notes Payable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	$ 642,964	$ 642,964
Unamortized premium and deferred financing costs(10)	(4,257)	(4,257)
Total mortgage and construction debt, net of unamortized premium and deferred financing costs	638,707	638,707
Master Secured Credit Facility
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	75,858	$ 75,858	$ 93,356
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date		5.92%
Mortgage Debt
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	56,001	$ 56,001	80,913
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date		3.65%
Construction Loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	73,605	$ 73,605	73,882
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date		2.33%
All Mortgage Loans On Real Estate
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	205,464	$ 205,464	248,151
Unamortized premium and deferred financing costs(10)	(953)	(953)	(23)
Total mortgage and construction debt, net of unamortized premium and deferred financing costs	204,511	204,511	248,128
Less current portion	(35,446)	(35,446)	(68,675)
Total mortgage and construction debt, net of current portion	169,065	$ 169,065	179,453
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date		4.02%
The Reserve At Columbia [Member] | Master Secured Credit Facility
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	0	$ 0	16,137
The Reserve At Saluki Pointe And River Place [Member] | Master Secured Credit Facility
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	21,319	$ 21,319	21,696
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date		5.67%
Maturity Date		Jan. 1, 2020
The Commons At Knoxville, The Reserve On Stinson, The Reserve At Perkins And The Reserve At Athens | Master Secured Credit Facility
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	54,539	$ 54,539	55,523
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date		6.015%
Maturity Date		Jan. 1, 2019
The Suites at Overton Park | Mortgage Debt
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	0	$ 0	24,216
The Centre at Overton Park | Mortgage Debt
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	22,351	$ 22,351	22,697
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date		5.60%
Maturity Date		Jan. 1, 2017
University Towers | Mortgage Debt
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	33,650	$ 33,650	34,000
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date		2.35%
Maturity Date		Jul. 1, 2016
Retreat at Louisville | Construction Loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	35,672	$ 35,672	8,114
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date		2.30%
Maturity Date		Aug. 1, 2017
The Oaks On The Square - Phase Four [Member] | Construction Loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	27,553	$ 27,553	0
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date		2.41%
Maturity Date		Oct. 20, 2017
The Varsity | Construction Loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	0	$ 0	32,420
Retreat at Blacksburg - Phase I [Member] | Construction Loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	10,380	$ 10,380	0
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date		2.2525%
Maturity Date		Feb. 4, 2019
Roosevelt Point [Member] | Construction Loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	0	$ 0	$ 33,348
The Suites at Overton Park
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Total mortgage and construction debt, net of unamortized premium and deferred financing costs	$ 23,700	$ 23,700
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	4.16%

Debt - Principal Balance Of Con

Debt - Principal Balance Of Construction Loans (Details) - Construction Loans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 08, 2015	Mar. 20, 2015
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date			2.33%
Roosevelt Point [Member] | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance as of the Repayment Date					$ 33,348
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date		2.44%
The Varsity [Member] | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance as of the Repayment Date				$ 32,420
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date	1.78%

Debt - Carrying Amount of Mortg

Debt - Carrying Amount of Mortgage and Construction Notes Payable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Movement in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 248,128	$ 419,864
Additions	65,491	17,865
Repayments of principal	(108,179)	(190,103)
Amortization of premium	(843)	(806)
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost	(70)	0
(Increase) decrease in deferred financing costs, net	(16)	1,308
Balance, end of period	$ 204,511	$ 248,128

Debt - Scheduled Maturities of

Debt - Scheduled Maturities of Outstanding Mortgage and Construction Indebtedness (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 35,446
2,017	86,748
2,018	1,629
2,019	127,067
2,020	19,574
Thereafter	372,500
Total	642,964
Unamortized premium and deferred financing costs	4,257
Total mortgage and construction debt, net of unamortized premium and deferred financing costs	$ 638,707

Noncontrolling interests - Addi

Noncontrolling interests - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	Feb. 03, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2015	Nov. 20, 2014	Aug. 29, 2014USD ($)	Apr. 15, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)joint_ventureshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)shares
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Reverse stock split conversion ratio			0.3333
Number of units redeemed (shares) | shares						50,000	7,391
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Number of new joint venture agreements | joint_venture						4
Payments to noncontrolling interest						$ 1,231	$ 1,011	$ 449
Reverse stock split conversion ratio		0.3333
Redeemable Operating Partnership units (shares) | shares						224,308
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Collegiate Housing Community At University Of Mississippi Campus Retreat
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Payments to noncontrolling interest				$ 8,500
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Roosevelt Point
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Payments to noncontrolling interest					$ 800
Joint venture, ownership percentage					95.00%
Joint Venture [Member] | Collegiate Housing Community At University Of Mississippi Campus Retreat
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership percentage purchase				30.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Roosevelt Point
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Payments to noncontrolling interest	$ 4,900
Joint venture, ownership percentage	5.00%
Redeemable noncontrolling units | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive securities (shares) | shares						69,000	69,086	69,000

Noncontrolling interests Activi

Noncontrolling interests Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Operating Partnership Units, Number of Units Redeemed	50,000	7,391
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 14,512
Adjustments to report redeemable limited partner units at fair value	1,426	$ 5,212
Ending balance	13,560	14,512
Noncontrolling Interests
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	4,431	2,359
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	175	65
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests	26	0
Distributions	(396)	(548)
Adjustments to report redeemable limited partner units at fair value	1,012	2,555
Ending balance	5,248	4,431
Limited Partners
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	10,081	7,512
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	91	367
Distributions	(526)	(378)
Conversion of redeemable partner units into common stock or cash	(1,748)	(77)
Adjustments to report redeemable limited partner units at fair value	414	2,657
Ending balance	$ 8,312	$ 10,081

Earnings per share_unit - Addit

Earnings per share/unit - Additional information (Details)	Apr. 30, 2015	Nov. 20, 2014
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Reverse stock split conversion ratio		0.3333
Partnership Interest [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Reverse stock split conversion ratio	0.3333

Earnings per share_unit - Recon

Earnings per share/unit - Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per share:
Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interests									$ 19,911	$ 47,055	$ 4,776
Loss from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests									0	0	(453)
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$ 14,773	$ (4,720)	$ 2,917	$ 6,941	$ 22,397	$ 21,400	$ (8,808)	$ 12,066	$ 19,911	$ 47,055	$ 4,323
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding									49,676,000	42,934,000	38,144,000
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding									49,991,000	43,277,000	38,490,000
Earnings per share - basic:
Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interests (usd per share)									$ 0.40	$ 1.10	$ 0.12
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests (usd per share)									0	0	(0.01)
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share (usd per share)	$ 0.28	$ (0.10)	$ 0.06	$ 0.14	$ 0.47	$ 0.46	$ (0.23)	$ 0.31	0.40	1.10	0.11
Earnings per share - diluted:
Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interests (usd per share)									0.40	1.09	0.12
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests (usd per share)									0	0	(0.01)
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share (usd per share)	$ 0.27	$ (0.10)	$ 0.06	$ 0.14	$ 0.47	$ 0.45	$ (0.23)	$ 0.31	0.40	1.09	0.11
Distributions declared per common share (usd per share)									$ 1.46	$ 1.38	$ 1.26
OP Units (1)
Denominator:
Redeemable Operating Partnership units (shares)									246,000	274,000	277,000
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding									246,000	274,000	277,000
University Towers Operating Partnership Units
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding									69,000	69,000	69,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per share:
Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interests									$ 20,002	$ 47,422	$ 4,857
Loss from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests									0	0	(453)
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$ 14,831	$ (4,738)	$ 2,928	$ 6,981	$ 22,507	$ 21,536	$ (8,787)	$ 12,166	$ 20,002	$ 47,422	$ 4,404
Denominator:
Weighted average units outstanding (shares)									49,535,000	42,934,000	38,144,000
Redeemable Operating Partnership units (shares)									224,308
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding									49,922,000	43,208,000	38,421,000
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding									49,991,000	43,277,000	38,490,000
Earnings per share - basic:
Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interests (usd per share)									$ 0.40	$ 1.10	$ 0.13
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests (usd per share)									0	0	(0.01)
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share (usd per share)	$ 0.28	$ (0.10)	$ 0.06	$ 0.14	$ 0.47	$ 0.46	$ (0.22)	$ 0.32	0.40	1.10	0.12
Earnings per share - diluted:
Income from continuing operations, net of noncontrolling interests (usd per share)									0.40	1.10	0.13
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests (usd per share)									0	0	(0.01)
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share (usd per share)	$ 0.28	$ (0.10)	$ 0.06	$ 0.14	$ 0.47	$ 0.46	$ (0.22)	$ 0.31	0.40	1.10	0.12
Distributions declared per common share (usd per share)									$ 1.46	$ 1.38	$ 1.26
LTIP Units [Member] | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Denominator:
Redeemable Operating Partnership units (shares)									141,000	0	0
Redeemable noncontrolling units | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Denominator:
Total potentially dilutive securities (shares)									69,000	69,086	69,000

Segments - Additional Informati

Segments - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3

Segments - Segment Information

Segments - Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Collegiate housing leasing revenue									$ 240,623	$ 206,322	$ 167,476
Collegiate housing leasing operations									101,283	92,649	79,957
Net operating income	$ 19,857	$ 2,417	$ 8,943	$ 13,838	$ 17,514	$ 1,765	$ (3,651)	$ 8,312	45,055	23,940	24,330
Total assets, end of period	2,001,831				1,806,330				2,001,831	1,806,330	1,607,748
Third-party development consulting services									2,233	6,805	2,989
Third-party management services									3,670	3,959	3,697
Total revenues	75,520	58,189	57,324	64,129	66,504	54,704	50,040	54,545	255,162	225,793	184,376
Operating expense reimbursements									8,636	8,707	10,214
Operating expenses									115,565	106,343	93,782
Reimbursable operating expenses									8,636	8,707	10,214
Other unallocated general and administrative expenses(5)									(15,252)	(14,815)	(10,544)
Depreciation and amortization									(68,022)	(58,974)	(48,098)
Ground lease									(11,268)	(8,988)	(7,622)
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties									0	(12,733)	0
Interest expense									(24,449)	(20,656)	(17,526)
Amortization of deferred financing costs									(2,089)	(2,156)	(1,758)
Interest income									213	190	447
Loss on extinguishment of debt									(403)	(3,543)	0
Guarantee fee income from participating development									0	3,000	0
Interest on loan to participating development									0	6,486	0
Gain on insurance settlement									0	8,133	0
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	155	$ (427)	$ (202)	$ (194)	(340)	$ (236)	$ (112)	$ (22)	(668)	(710)	(203)
Income before income taxes, discontinued operations and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties									17,659	14,684	5,290
Notes receivable	2,167				375				2,167	375
Investments in unconsolidated entities	28,068				29,450				28,068	29,450
Other assets	57,329				64,442				57,329	64,442
Collegiate Housing Leasing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Collegiate housing leasing revenue									240,623	206,322	167,476
Collegiate housing leasing operations									101,283	92,649	79,957
Net operating income									139,340	113,673	87,519
Development Consulting Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income									(569)	1,870	2,598
Third-party development consulting services									2,233	4,224	3,759
General and administrative(2)									2,802	2,354	1,161
Management Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income									826	1,326	1,247
General and administrative(2)									2,844	2,633	2,450
Third-party management services									3,670	3,959	3,697
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income									139,597	119,450	90,594
Total assets, end of period	1,935,287				1,752,763				1,935,287	1,752,763	1,552,021
Total revenues									246,526	214,505	174,932
Operating expense reimbursements									8,636	8,707	10,214
Operating expenses									106,929	97,636	83,568
Reimbursable operating expenses									8,636	8,707	10,214
Adjustments/ Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Third-party development consulting services									0	2,581	(770)
Unallocated Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cash	21,757				7,540				21,757	7,540	10,729
Notes receivable	2,167				375				2,167	375	18,125
Other receivables	646				2,100				646	2,100	1,456
Investments in unconsolidated entities	28,068				29,355				28,068	29,355	20,602
Deposit	0				0				0	0	0
Other assets	11,092				11,900				11,092	11,900	4,293
Deferred financing costs, net	2,814				2,297				2,814	2,297	522
Operating Segments [Member] | Collegiate Housing Leasing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets, end of period	1,920,582				1,737,967				1,920,582	1,737,967	1,536,699
Operating Segments [Member] | Development Consulting Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets, end of period	4,615				4,103				4,615	4,103	5,187
Operating Segments [Member] | Management Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets, end of period	$ 10,090				$ 10,693				$ 10,090	$ 10,693	$ 10,135

Segments - Segment Informatio85

Segments - Segment Information (References) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)community	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)community
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of additional communities purchased during period | community	2	2
Number of housing communities developed in period | community	5	7
Number of housing communities sold during period | community	1	7
Goodwill | $	$ 3,100	$ 3,100
Management Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill | $	2,149	2,149
Development Consulting Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill | $	$ 921	$ 921

Derivatives and hedging activ86

Derivatives and hedging activities (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)swap	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of interest rate swaps outstanding | swap	6
Interest rate cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified during next 12 months, net	$ 2.6
Interest rate derivatives, at fair value, net	5.5	$ 4.5
Interest rate derivative liabilities, at fair value	5.8	$ 4.7
Credit risk derivatives, at fair value, net	5.8
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 187.5

Derivatives and hedging activ87

Derivatives and hedging activities - Schedule of Fair Value Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Amount of Loss Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	$ (4,593)	$ (7,991)
Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	$ (3,583)	$ 3,526

Fair Value of Financial Instr88

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Carrying value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mezzanine notes receivable	$ 2,167	$ 375
Senior unsecured notes	250,000	250,000
Unsecured revolving credit facility		24,000
Carrying value | Nonrecurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties, net		14,900
Carrying value | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments (liability position)	5,475	4,465
Deferred compensation plan assets	318	520
Carrying value | Variable Rate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unsecured term loan facility	187,500	187,500
Mortgage and construction loans	107,255	107,882
Carrying value | Fixed Rate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage and construction loans	98,209	140,270
Estimated fair value | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mezzanine notes receivable	0	0
Senior unsecured notes	0	0
Unsecured revolving credit facility		0
Estimated fair value | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mezzanine notes receivable	2,104	318
Senior unsecured notes	246,793	234,583
Unsecured revolving credit facility		24,000
Estimated fair value | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mezzanine notes receivable	0	0
Senior unsecured notes	0	0
Unsecured revolving credit facility		0
Estimated fair value | Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments (liability position)	0	0
Deferred compensation plan assets	318	520
Estimated fair value | Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments (liability position)	5,475	4,465
Deferred compensation plan assets	0	0
Estimated fair value | Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments (liability position)	0	0
Deferred compensation plan assets	0	0
Estimated fair value | Variable Rate | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unsecured term loan facility	0	0
Mortgage and construction loans	0	0
Estimated fair value | Variable Rate | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unsecured term loan facility	187,500	187,500
Mortgage and construction loans	107,255	107,882
Estimated fair value | Variable Rate | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unsecured term loan facility	0	0
Mortgage and construction loans	0	0
Estimated fair value | Fixed Rate | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage and construction loans	0	0
Estimated fair value | Fixed Rate | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage and construction loans	110,851	154,542
Estimated fair value | Fixed Rate | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage and construction loans	$ 0	$ 0

Lease commitments and uncondi89

Lease commitments and unconditional purchase obligations - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Deferred accrued rental expense	$ 20	$ 19.4
Operating leases, expiration year	2,028
Operating lease, rent expense	$ 0.7	$ 0.7	$ 0.7
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 uncondi90

Lease commitments and unconditional purchase obligations - Future Minimum Payments Required under Advertising Contracts and Operating Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Leases
2,016	$ 14,919
2,017	12,218
2,018	10,690
2,019	9,718
2,020	8,645
Thereafter	511,519
Total	$ 567,709

Employee savings plan - Additio

Employee savings plan - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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	$ 0.3	$ 0.3	$ 0.2

Accrued expenses (Details)

Accrued expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Payroll	$ 4,687	$ 3,765
Real estate taxes	8,311	7,573
Interest	2,555	2,978
Utilities	1,633	1,691
Ground leases (including straight-line rent)	25,468	20,010
Assets under development	19,232	18,558
Fair value of derivative liability	5,475	4,465
Other	15,854	15,646
Total accrued expenses	$ 83,215	$ 74,686

Commitments and contingencies -

Commitments and contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 14, 2010
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Gain on business interruption insurance recovery		$ 100,000	$ 1,700,000
Gain on insurance settlement	$ 0	8,133,000	0
Guarantee fee revenue	19,024,000	17,301,000
Construction debt	204,511,000	248,128,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	0	24,000,000
Reimbursable predevelopment costs	1,900,000	1,700,000
Science & Technology Park at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Loan Balance					$ 42,000,000
Guarantee fee revenue		3,000,000			$ 3,000,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Gain on insurance settlement	0	8,133,000	$ 0
Guarantee fee revenue	19,024,000	17,301,000
Construction debt	204,511,000	248,128,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	$ 0	24,000,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | University Village - Greensboro
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Ownership Percent	25.00%
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | University Village - Greensboro | Joint Venture Properties
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Loan Balance	$ 23,297,000	23,643,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | University Village - Greensboro | Partnership Interest Properties
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Loan Balance	$ 5,824,000	5,911,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | The Marshall
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Ownership Percent	50.00%
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | The Marshall | Joint Venture Properties
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Loan Balance	$ 56,507,000	55,663,000
Partial Repayment Guarantee	8,767,000	8,767,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | The Marshall | Partnership Interest Properties
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Loan Balance	28,254,000	27,832,000
Partial Repayment Guarantee	$ 4,384,000	4,384,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Georgia Heights
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Ownership Percent	50.00%
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Georgia Heights | Joint Venture Properties
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Loan Balance	$ 31,430,000
Partial Repayment Guarantee	7,230,000	7,230,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Georgia Heights | Partnership Interest Properties
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Loan Balance	15,715,000
Partial Repayment Guarantee	3,615,000	$ 3,615,000
Operating Partnership and LeylandAlliance LLC | The Oaks on the Square Project
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Construction debt				$ 38,000,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	33,200,000
Leyland Alliance Limited Liability Company | The Oaks on the Square Project
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	$ 5,700,000

Quarterly financial informati94

Quarterly financial information (unaudited) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Real Estate Assets Gross Sales Price									$ 12,900,000	$ 138,500,000	$ 41,700,000
Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate									12,300,000	116,300,000	40,200,000
Revenues	$ 75,520,000	$ 58,189,000	$ 57,324,000	$ 64,129,000	$ 66,504,000	$ 54,704,000	$ 50,040,000	$ 54,545,000	255,162,000	225,793,000	184,376,000
Operating expenses	55,663,000	55,772,000	48,381,000	50,291,000	48,990,000	52,939,000	53,691,000	46,233,000	210,107,000	201,853,000	160,046,000
Net operating income	19,857,000	2,417,000	8,943,000	13,838,000	17,514,000	1,765,000	(3,651,000)	8,312,000	45,055,000	23,940,000	24,330,000
Nonoperating expenses	7,730,000	6,704,000	5,875,000	6,419,000	8,816,000	(12,393,000)	5,440,000	6,683,000	26,728,000	8,546,000	18,837,000
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	155,000	(427,000)	(202,000)	(194,000)	(340,000)	(236,000)	(112,000)	(22,000)	(668,000)	(710,000)	(203,000)
Income taxes expense/(benefit)	22,000	157,000	90,000	78,000	(337,000)	910,000	(357,000)	45,000	347,000	261,000	203,000
Noncontrolling interests	257,000	(151,000)	(141,000)	206,000	206,000	33,000	(38,000)	398,000	171,000	599,000
Gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	2,770,000	0	0	0	13,908,000	8,421,000	0	10,902,000	2,770,000	33,231,000	0
Discontinued operations									0	0	(456,000)
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$ 14,773,000	$ (4,720,000)	$ 2,917,000	$ 6,941,000	$ 22,397,000	$ 21,400,000	$ (8,808,000)	$ 12,066,000	$ 19,911,000	$ 47,055,000	$ 4,323,000
Net income (loss) per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28	$ (0.10)	$ 0.06	$ 0.14	$ 0.47	$ 0.46	$ (0.23)	$ 0.31	$ 0.40	$ 1.10	$ 0.11
Net income (loss) per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.27	$ (0.10)	$ 0.06	$ 0.14	$ 0.47	$ 0.45	$ (0.23)	$ 0.31	$ 0.40	$ 1.09	$ 0.11
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 255,162,000	$ 225,793,000	$ 184,376,000
Operating expenses									210,107,000	201,853,000	160,046,000
Net operating income									45,055,000	23,940,000	24,330,000
Nonoperating expenses									26,728,000	8,546,000	18,837,000
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities									(668,000)	(710,000)	(203,000)
Income taxes expense/(benefit)									347,000	261,000	203,000
Gain on sale of collegiate housing properties									2,770,000	33,231,000	0
Discontinued operations									0	0	(456,000)
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$ 14,831,000	$ (4,738,000)	$ 2,928,000	$ 6,981,000	$ 22,507,000	$ 21,536,000	$ (8,787,000)	$ 12,166,000	$ 20,002,000	$ 47,422,000	$ 4,404,000
Net income (loss) per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28	$ (0.10)	$ 0.06	$ 0.14	$ 0.47	$ 0.46	$ (0.22)	$ 0.32	$ 0.40	$ 1.10	$ 0.12
Net income (loss) per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28	$ (0.10)	$ 0.06	$ 0.14	$ 0.47	$ 0.46	$ (0.22)	$ 0.31	0.40	1.10	0.12
Net income (loss) per share-basic and diluted (usd per share)									$ 0.40	$ 1.10	$ 0.12

Subsequent events - Additional

Subsequent events - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions	Feb. 15, 2016	Feb. 03, 2016	Jan. 29, 2016	Jan. 15, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Nov. 09, 2015	Nov. 24, 2014	Jun. 24, 2014	Apr. 15, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common stock offering (shares)						8.1		8.2
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock						$ 270,100,000		$ 239,400,000		$ 297,247,000	$ 289,584,000	$ 16,890,000
Long-term Debt					$ 638,707,000					638,707,000
Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs										403,000	2,807,000	0
Notes Receivable, Related Parties, Current											500,000	400,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock										297,247,000	289,584,000	16,890,000
Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs					400,000		$ 2,600,000			403,000	2,807,000	0
Payments to Noncontrolling Interests										1,231,000	$ 1,011,000	$ 449,000
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Distribution declared per share (usd per share)				$ 0.37
Distribution declared, payable date	Feb. 15, 2016
Distribution declared, record date			Jan. 29, 2016
Common stock offering (shares)				6.3
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock				$ 215,100,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				5.40%
Repayments of Long-term Debt				$ 108,500,000
Long-term Debt				98,200,000
Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs				10,300,000
Roosevelt Point [Member] | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Payments to Noncontrolling Interests									$ 800,000
Roosevelt Point [Member] | Subsequent Event | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Payments to Noncontrolling Interests		$ 4,900,000
Co-venturer [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Notes Receivable, Related Parties, Current					$ 1.7					$ 1.7
Co-venturer [Member] | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Notes Receivable, Related Parties, Current		$ 1,700,000
Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					5.45%					5.45%
Repayments of Long-term Debt										$ 15,800,000
Notes Payable to Banks [Member] | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs				9,300,000
The Centre at Overton Park | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Long-term Debt				$ 22,300,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate				5.60%
Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs				$ 1,000,000
The Reserve At Saluki Pointe And River Place [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member] | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				5.67%
Repayments of Long-term Debt				$ 21,300,000
The Commons At Knoxville, The Reserve On Stinson, The Reserve At Perkins And The Reserve At Athens | Notes Payable to Banks [Member] | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				6.02%
Repayments of Long-term Debt				$ 54,500,000