Education Realty Operating Partnership L P 10-Q 6 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	4-May-15
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1302343
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	EDR
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		48,353,247
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	EDUCATION REALTY OPERATING PARTNERSHIP L P
Entity Central Index Key	1351345
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Collegiate housing properties, net	$1,574,006	$1,586,009
Assets under development	171,039	120,702
Cash and cash equivalents	23,640	18,385
Restricted cash	9,149	10,342
Other assets	74,421	76,199
Total assets	1,852,255	1,811,637
Liabilities:
Mortgage and construction loans, net of unamortized premium	230,988	249,637
Unsecured revolving credit facility	72,000	24,000
Unsecured term loans	187,500	187,500
Senior unsecured notes	250,000	250,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	87,171	76,869
Deferred revenue	18,383	17,301
Total liabilities	846,042	805,307
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	13,648	14,512
Equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 48,330,648 and 47,999,427 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	483	480
Preferred shares, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	1,029,280	1,034,683
Accumulated deficit	-34,968	-41,909
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-6,904	-4,465
Total Education Realty Trust, Inc. stockholders’ equity	987,891	988,789
Noncontrolling interests	4,674	3,029
Total equity	992,565	991,818
Total liabilities and equity	1,852,255	1,811,637
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Assets:
Collegiate housing properties, net	1,574,006	1,586,009
Assets under development	171,039	120,702
Cash and cash equivalents	23,640	18,385
Restricted cash	9,149	10,342
Other assets	74,421	76,199
Total assets	1,852,255	1,811,637
Liabilities:
Mortgage and construction loans, net of unamortized premium	230,988	249,637
Unsecured revolving credit facility	72,000	24,000
Unsecured term loans	187,500	187,500
Senior unsecured notes	250,000	250,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	87,171	76,869
Deferred revenue	18,383	17,301
Total liabilities	846,042	805,307
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable limited partner units	8,877	10,081
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	4,771	4,431
Equity:
General partner - 6,920 units outstanding as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	190	191
Limited partners - 48,323,728 and 47,992,507 units issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	994,605	993,063
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-6,904	-4,465
Total partners' capital	987,891	988,789
Noncontrolling interests	4,674	3,029
Total partners' capital	992,565	991,818
Total liabilities and equity	$1,852,255	$1,811,637

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 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)	48,330,648	47,999,427
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	48,330,648	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)	48,479,502	47,992,507
Limited partners, units outstanding (shares)	48,479,502	47,992,507

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$60,383	$50,711
Third-party development consulting services	597	802
Third-party management services	1,053	1,018
Operating expense reimbursements	2,096	2,014
Total revenues	64,129	54,545
Operating expenses:
Collegiate housing leasing operations	24,140	22,168
Development and management services	2,702	2,341
General and administrative	2,639	2,118
Depreciation and amortization	15,866	13,783
Ground lease expense	2,848	1,899
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties	0	1,910
Reimbursable operating expenses	2,096	2,014
Total operating expenses	50,291	46,233
Operating income	13,838	8,312
Nonoperating (income) expenses:
Interest expense	5,941	5,601
Amortization of deferred financing costs	516	503
Interest income	-38	-70
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	649
Total nonoperating expenses	6,419	6,683
Income before equity in losses of unconsolidated entities, income taxes and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	7,419	1,629
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	-194	-22
Income before income taxes and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	7,225	1,607
Income tax expense	78	45
Income before gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	7,147	1,562
Gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	0	10,902
Net income	7,147	12,464
Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	206	398
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	6,941	12,066
Comprehensive income:
Net income	7,147	12,464
Other comprehensive loss:
Loss on cash flow hedging derivatives	-2,439	-1,363
Comprehensive income	4,708	11,101
Less: comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	206	398
Comprehensive income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	4,502	10,703
Earnings per share/unit information:
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share – basic and diluted (usd per share)	$0.14	$0.31
Net income attributable to unitholders - basic (usd per share)	$0.14	$0.31
Net income attributable to unitholders - diluted (usd per share)	$0.14	$0.31
Weighted average shares/units outstanding:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic (shares)	48,179	38,338
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted (shares)	48,501	38,684
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Revenues:
Collegiate housing leasing revenue	60,383	50,711
Third-party development consulting services	597	802
Third-party management services	1,053	1,018
Operating expense reimbursements	2,096	2,014
Total revenues	64,129	54,545
Operating expenses:
Collegiate housing leasing operations	24,140	22,168
Development and management services	2,702	2,341
General and administrative	2,639	2,118
Depreciation and amortization	15,866	13,783
Ground lease expense	2,848	1,899
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties	0	1,910
Reimbursable operating expenses	2,096	2,014
Total operating expenses	50,291	46,233
Operating income	13,838	8,312
Nonoperating (income) expenses:
Interest expense	5,941	5,601
Amortization of deferred financing costs	516	503
Interest income	-38	-70
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	649
Total nonoperating expenses	6,419	6,683
Income before equity in losses of unconsolidated entities, income taxes and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	7,419	1,629
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	-194	-22
Income before income taxes and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	7,225	1,607
Income tax expense	78	45
Income before gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	7,147	1,562
Gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	0	10,902
Net income	7,147	12,464
Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	166	298
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	6,981	12,166
Comprehensive income:
Net income	7,147	12,464
Other comprehensive loss:
Loss on cash flow hedging derivatives	-2,439	-1,363
Comprehensive income	4,708	11,101
Less: comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	166	298
Comprehensive income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$4,542	$10,803
Earnings per share/unit information:
Net income attributable to unitholders - basic (usd per share)	$0.14	$0.32
Net income attributable to unitholders - diluted (usd per share)	$0.14	$0.31
Weighted average shares/units outstanding:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic (shares)	48,432	38,615
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted (shares)	48,501	38,684

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$729,969	$1,148	$813,540	($88,964)	$0	$4,245
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		38,246,718
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock offering costs	-14		-14
Amortization of restricted stock and long-term incentive plan awards (in shares)		45,906
Amortization of restricted stock and long-term incentive plan awards	-240	1	-241
Cash dividends	-13,177		-12,652			-525
Adjustments to reflect redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value						0
Comprehensive income (loss)	10,805			12,066	-1,363	102
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2014	727,343	1,149	800,633	-76,898	-1,363	3,822
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2014		38,292,624
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	991,818	480	1,034,683	-41,909	-4,465	3,029
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		47,999,427
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs (in shares)		327,605
Common stock offering costs	11,500	3	11,497
Amortization of restricted stock and long-term incentive plan awards (in shares)		3,616
Amortization of restricted stock and long-term incentive plan awards	355		355
Cash dividends	-17,299		-17,299
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	1,667					1,667
Adjustments to reflect redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value	44		44			-147
Comprehensive income (loss)	4,480			6,941	-2,439	-22
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$992,565	$483	$1,029,280	($34,968)	($6,904)	$4,674
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015		48,330,648

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P., USD $)	Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.	Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.	Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.	Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.	Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests	General Partner	Limited Partners
		USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$729,969	$0	$4,245	$190	$725,534
Balance, Units (shares) at Dec. 31, 2013				6,920	38,239,798
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Payment of offering costs	-14				-14
Amortization of restricted stock and long-term incentive plan awards (shares)					45,906
Amortization of restricted stock and long-term incentive plan awards	-240				-240
Distributions	-13,177		-525	-2	-12,650
Comprehensive income (loss)	10,805	-1,363	102	3	12,063
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	727,343	-1,363	3,822	191	724,693
Balance, Units (shares) at Mar. 31, 2014				6,920	38,285,704
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	991,818	-4,465	3,029	191	993,063
Balance, Units (shares) at Dec. 31, 2014				6,920	47,992,507
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Issuance of units in exchange for contributions of equity offering proceeds (shares)					327,605
Issuance of units in exchange for contributions of equity offering proceeds	11,500				11,500
Amortization of restricted stock and long-term incentive plan awards (shares)					3,616
Amortization of restricted stock and long-term incentive plan awards	355				355
Distributions	-17,299			-2	-17,297
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	1,667		1,667
Adjustments to reflect redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value	44				44
Comprehensive income (loss)	4,480	-2,439	-22	1	6,940
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$992,565	($6,904)	$4,674	$190	$994,605
Balance, Units (shares) at Mar. 31, 2015				6,920	48,323,728

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating activities:
Net income	$7,147	$12,464
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	15,866	13,783
Gain on sale of collegiate housing property	0	-10,902
Noncash rent expense related to the straight-line adjustment for long-term ground leases	1,201	1,212
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties	0	1,910
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	649
Amortization of deferred financing costs	516	503
Amortization of unamortized debt premiums	-207	-193
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated entities	44	12
Noncash compensation expense related to stock-based incentive awards	671	616
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	194	22
Change in operating assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions)	3,397	-2,893
Net cash provided by operating activities	28,829	17,183
Investing activities:
Purchase of corporate assets	-257	-219
Restricted cash	1,193	-16,908
Insurance proceeds received on property losses	0	1,428
Investment in collegiate housing properties	-2,884	-2,905
Proceeds from sale of collegiate housing properties	0	40,007
Notes receivable	-1,717	-125
Earnest money deposits	-200	-110
Investment in assets under development	-43,781	-51,295
Investments in unconsolidated entities	-53	-1,919
Net cash used in investing activities	-47,699	-32,046
Financing activities:
Payment of mortgage and construction notes	-33,986	-36,682
Borrowings under mortgage and construction loans	15,544	3,929
Borrowings on unsecured term loan	0	187,500
Debt issuance costs	-39	-1,540
Debt extinguishment costs	0	-356
Borrowings on line of credit	48,000	64,000
Repayments of line of credit	0	-201,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	10,569	0
Payment of offering costs	-29	-14
Purchase and return of equity to noncontrolling interests	0	-542
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	1,693	0
Dividends and distributions paid to common and restricted stockholders	-17,299	-12,652
Dividends and distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	-115	-115
Repurchases of common stock for payments of restricted stock tax withholding	-213	-769
Net cash provided by financing activities	24,125	1,759
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	5,255	-13,104
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	18,385	22,073
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	23,640	8,969
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	3,287	6,477
Supplemental disclosure of noncash activities:
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests from unit holder	960	0
Capital expenditures in accounts payable and accrued expenses related to developments	24,939	15,525
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Operating activities:
Net income	7,147	12,464
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	15,866	13,783
Gain on sale of collegiate housing property	0	-10,902
Noncash rent expense related to the straight-line adjustment for long-term ground leases	1,201	1,212
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties	0	1,910
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	649
Amortization of deferred financing costs	516	503
Amortization of unamortized debt premiums	-207	-193
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated entities	44	12
Noncash compensation expense related to stock-based incentive awards	671	616
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	194	22
Change in operating assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions)	3,397	-2,893
Net cash provided by operating activities	28,829	17,183
Investing activities:
Purchase of corporate assets	-257	-219
Restricted cash	1,193	-16,908
Insurance proceeds received on property losses	0	1,428
Investment in collegiate housing properties	-2,884	-2,905
Proceeds from sale of collegiate housing properties	0	40,007
Notes receivable	-1,717	-125
Earnest money deposits	-200	-110
Investment in assets under development	-43,781	-51,295
Investments in unconsolidated entities	-53	-1,919
Net cash used in investing activities	-47,699	-32,046
Financing activities:
Payment of mortgage and construction notes	-33,986	-36,682
Borrowings under mortgage and construction loans	15,544	3,929
Borrowings on unsecured term loan	0	187,500
Debt issuance costs	-39	-1,540
Debt extinguishment costs	0	-356
Borrowings on line of credit	48,000	64,000
Repayments of line of credit	0	-201,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	10,569	0
Payment of offering costs	-29	-14
Purchase and return of equity to noncontrolling interests	0	-542
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	1,693	0
Distributions paid on unvested restricted stock awards	-8	-17
Distributions paid to unitholders	-17,291	-12,635
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	-115	-115
Repurchases of common stock for payments of restricted stock tax withholding	-213	-769
Net cash provided by financing activities	24,125	1,759
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	5,255	-13,104
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	18,385	22,073
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	23,640	8,969
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	3,287	6,477
Supplemental disclosure of noncash activities:
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests from unit holder	960	0
Capital expenditures in accounts payable and accrued expenses related to developments	$24,939	$15,525

Organization_and_description_o

Organization and description of business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 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 real estate investment trust ("REIT") that is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "EDR." Under the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, the Trust is authorized to issue up to 200 million shares of common stock and 50 million shares of preferred stock, each having a par value of $0.01 per share.
	The sole general partner of EROP is Education Realty OP GP, Inc. (“OP GP”), an entity that is indirectly wholly-owned by EdR. As of March 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 Condensed 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 the following taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRSs"):
	•	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.

Summary_of_significant_account

Summary of significant accounting policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of significant accounting policies	Summary of significant accounting policies
	Basis of presentation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of the Trust represent the assets and liabilities and operating results of the Trust and its majority owned subsidiaries.
	All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Interim financial information
	The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the Trust's financial position, results of operations and cash flows for such periods. Because of the seasonal nature of the business, the operating results and cash flows are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim periods or for the full fiscal year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Trust's consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Trust's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 27, 2015.
	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 periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Cash and cash equivalents
	All highly-liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered cash equivalents. Restricted cash is excluded from cash for the purpose of preparing the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The Trust maintains cash balances in various banks. At times, the amounts of cash may exceed the amount the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insures. As of March 31, 2015, the Trust had $11.9 million cash on deposit that was uninsured by the FDIC or in excess of the FDIC limits.
	Restricted cash
	Restricted cash includes resident security deposits, as required by law in certain states, and escrow accounts held by lenders for the purpose of paying taxes, insurance, principal and interest and funding capital improvements.
	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 5), 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. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $0.4 million was outstanding. The loan is secured by CPA's interest in the joint venture.
	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 is secured by Concord Eastridge's interest in the joint venture. As of March 31, 2015, $1.7 million was outstanding.
	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.
	For assets under development, the Trust capitalizes interest and internal development costs as assets under development. Capitalized interest is determined using the weighted average interest costs of total debt. 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 condensed 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 three months ended March 31, 2014, the Trust recorded a $1.9 million loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties. The impairment losses were due to a change in circumstances that indicated the respective carrying value may not be recoverable. The change in circumstances for the property 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. Only dispositions that represent a strategic shift in the business will qualify for treatment as discontinued operations. The two property dispositions during the three months ended March 31, 2014 did not qualify for treatment as discontinued operations.
	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 condensed consolidated balance sheets. In the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets of the Operating Partnership, the redeemable units of limited partnership in the Operating Partnership are classified as redeemable limited partners. 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 condensed 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.
	During October 2014, the Trust entered into agreements to establish an at-the-market equity offering program ("ATM Program") authorized to sell a maximum of $150.0 million in additional shares of EdR common stock. The Trust sold 0.3 million shares under these distribution agreements during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and received net proceeds of $10.5 million. The Trust used the net proceeds to repay debt, fund its development pipeline and for general corporate purposes.
	On November 20, 2014, the Board authorized a 1-for-3 reverse stock split of shares of EdR common stock, 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.
	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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, net unamortized debt premiums totaled $1.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively. These amounts are included in mortgage and construction loans in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	Income taxes
	EdR qualifies as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (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.
	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 March 31, 2015. The carrying value of goodwill was $3.1 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 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 condensed consolidated balance sheets (see Note 5).
	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 condensed 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 LTIP Units (as defined in Note 9). 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 6 and 10). 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 April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, "Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30)" ("ASU 2015-03"). ASU 2015-03 simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs and requires that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt liability, consistent with debt discounts or premiums. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs would not be affected by the amendments in ASU 2015-03. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal 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 Trust is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance.
	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, 2016, 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.

Acquisition_and_development_of

Acquisition and development of real estate investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Acquisition and development of real estate investments	Acquisition and development of real estate investments
	Acquisition of collegiate housing properties
	2014 Acquisitions
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the following collegiate housing property acquisitions were completed:
	Name	Primary University Served		Acquisition	# of Beds		# of Units	Contract Price (in thousands)
				Date
	109 Tower	Florida International University Miami, Florida		Aug-14	542		149	$	43,500
	District on Apache	Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona		Sep-14	900		279	$	89,800
	Combined acquisition costs for these purchases were $0.9 million. These acquisitions were funded with proceeds from the follow-on equity offering in June 2014, draws on the Fourth Amended Revolver and the Fifth Amended Revolver (see Note 6) 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
	Current liabilities	(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 8).
	As the collegiate housing communities acquired in 2014 were acquired subsequent to March 31, 2014, there were no actual revenue or net income (loss) recognized in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	The unaudited pro forma information had the acquisition date been January 1 is as follows (in thousands, except per share and per unit amounts):
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Total revenue (1)	$	56,692
	Net income attributable to the Trust (1)	$	13,061
	Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic and diluted	$	0.34
	Net income attributable to EROP (1)	$	13,168
	Net income attributable to unitholders - basic and diluted	$	0.34
	(1) As the 109 Tower opened for 2014/2015 lease year, the supplemental proforma revenue and net income for the period January 1, 2014 - March 31, 2014 only includes the District on Apache.
	Development of collegiate housing properties
	During 2014, the Trust developed the following communities which opened during the 2014/2015 lease year. The costs incurred to date represent the balance capitalized in collegiate housing properties, net as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
	Name	Primary University Served		Bed Count		Costs Incurred as of December 31, 2014			Internal Development Costs Capitalized		Interest Costs Capitalized
									Three months ended March 31, 2014
	The Lotus (1)	University of Colorado		195		$	27,800		$	42	$	66
	Haggin Hall (2)	University of Kentucky		396		23,840			30		75
	Champions Court I (2)	University of Kentucky		740		47,368			30		226
	Champions Court II (2)	University of Kentucky		427		24,329			27		116
	Woodland Glen I & II (2)	University of Kentucky		818		45,730			31		199
	605 West (3)	Duke University		384		45,258			48		167
	The Oaks on the Square - Phase III (4)	University of Connecticut		116		12,482			26		26
	Total owned communities			3,076		226,807			234		875
	The Marshall (5)	University of Minnesota		994		93,976			33		125
	Total joint ventures			994		93,976			33		125
	Total			4,070		$	320,783		$	267	$	1,000
	(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 PlanSM. Phase I opened in August 2013 and Phase II, which includes these communities, opened for the 2014-2015 lease year. The third phase is under development.
	(3) In March 2013, the Trust announced an agreement with Javelin 19 Investments, LLC ("Javelin 19") to develop, own and manage 605 West, a new collegiate housing property near Duke University. 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, 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 is under development.
	(5) In 2012, Trust entered into an agreement to develop, own and manage a mixed-use development located two blocks from University of Minnesota. The Trust holds a 50% interest in the joint venture and manages the community, which opened in August 2014. The Trust does not consolidated the joint venture and its investment in the community of $18.1 million and $18.4 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, is classified as other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	The following represents a summary of active developments as of March 31, 2015, including development costs and costs capitalized (dollars in thousands):
									Three Months Ended March 31,
	Name	Primary University Served		Bed Count		Costs Incurred as of March 31, 2015			Internal Development Costs Capitalized				Interest Costs Capitalized
									2015		2014		2015		2014
	Woodland Glen III, IV & V	University of Kentucky		1,610		$	92,578		$	90	$	31	$	799	$	92
	The Oaks on the Square - Phase IV	University of Connecticut		390		24,286			47		—		163		—
	The Retreat at Louisville (1)	University of Louisville		656		34,294			57		—		160		—
	Limestone Park I & II	University of Kentucky		1,141		15,676			85		—		106		—
	Retreat at Oxford - Phase II	University of Mississippi		350		4,205			3		—		7		—
	Total - owned communities			4,147		171,039			282		31		1,235		92
	Georgia Heights (2)	University of Georgia		292		10,303			49		56		106		27
	Total - joint venture			292		10,303			49		56		106		27
	Total active projects under development			4,439		$	181,342		$	331	$	87	$	1,341	$	119
	(1) In June 2014, the Trust announced an agreement with a subsidiary of Landmark Property Holdings, LLC ("Landmark") to develop, own and manage cottage-style collegiate housing property adjacent to The University of Louisville. The Trust is the majority owner and managing member of the joint venture and will manage the community once completed.
	(2) In 2013, Trust entered into an agreement to develop, own and manage a mixed-use development adjacent to the main entrance of the University of Georgia. The Trust holds a 50% interest in the joint venture and will manage the community once the development is completed. The Trust does not consolidate the joint venture and its investment in the community of $10.3 million and $10.2 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, is classified as other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	All costs related to the development of collegiate housing communities are classified as assets under development in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets until the community is completed and opened.

Disposition_of_real_estate_inv

Disposition of real estate investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposition of real estate investments	Disposition of real estate investments
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Trust sold two owned off-campus communities, College Station at W. Lafayette and the Reserve on West 31st, containing 1,680 beds for a combined sales price of approximately $41.9 million resulting in total proceeds of approximately $40.0 million. The net income attributable to these properties is included in the continuing operations on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The Trust recognized a $10.9 million gain on these dispositions.

Investments_in_unconsolidated_

Investments in unconsolidated entities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments in unconsolidated entities	Investments in unconsolidated entities
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 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 25% interest in University Village-Greensboro LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which owns the collegiate housing property referred to as University Village - Greensboro; and
	•	a 10% interest in Elauwit Networks, a South Carolina limited liability company.
	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 the results of operations related to the Trust's unconsolidated joint ventures for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
	Results of Operations of Unconsolidated Entities:	2015			2014
	For the three months ended March 31,
	Revenues	$	8,517		$	5,012
	Net loss	(661		)	(1,025		)
	Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	$	(194	)	$	(22	)
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, liabilities are recorded totaling $1.7 million 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 condensed consolidated balance sheets (see Note 2).

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 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.
	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 the LIBOR plus an applicable margin based upon our leverage. As of March 31, 2015, the interest rate applicable to the Fifth Amended Revolver was 1.43%. If amounts are drawn, due to the fact that the Fifth Amended Revolver bears interest at variable rates, cost approximates the fair value. As of March 31, 2015, the outstanding balance under the Fifth Amended Revolver was $72.0 million, thus, our remaining availability was $428.0 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 March 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.
	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 March 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 10). As of March 31, 2015, the effective interest rate on the Tranche A Term Loan was 3.85% (weighted average swap rate of 2.30% plus the current margin of 1.55%) and the effective interest rate on the Tranche B Term Loan was 2.86% (weighted average swap rate of 1.66% plus the current margin of 1.20%).
	Senior unsecured notes
	On November 24, 2014, the Operating Partnership completed the public offering of $250.0 million senior unsecured notes (the "Senior Unsecured Notes") under an existing shelf registration. The 10-year Senior Unsecured 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 Senior Unsecured Notes is payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year, with the first payment beginning on June 1, 2015. The Senior Unsecured Notes will mature on December 1, 2024. The terms of Senior Unsecured 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 March 31, 2015, the Operating Partnership was in compliance with all covenants of the Senior Unsecured Notes.
	Mortgage and construction debt
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 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
	Property		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14			Interest Rate at March 31, 2015			Interest Rate Type	Initial Maturity Date
	Various Communities(1)		$	21,600		$	21,696		5.67	%		Fixed	1/1/20
	Various Communities(2)		55,271			55,523			6.02	%		Fixed	1/1/19
	Various Communities(3)		16,063			16,137			5.45	%		Fixed	1/1/17
	Master Secured Credit Facility		92,934			93,356			5.84	%	(4)
	The Suites at Overton Park		24,090			24,216			4.16	%	(5)	Fixed	4/1/16	(5)
	The Centre at Overton Park		22,608			22,697			5.6	%	(5)	Fixed	1/1/17	(5)
	University Towers		34,000			34,000			2.29	%	(6)	Variable	7/1/16	(6)
	Mortgage Debt		80,698			80,913			3.77	%	(4)
	The Retreat at Louisville		20,283			8,114			2.23	%	(7)	Variable	8/1/17	(7)
	The Varsity		32,420			32,420			1.77	%	(8)	Variable	8/1/15	(8)
	The Oaks on the Square - Phase IV		3,375			—			2.18	%	(9)	Variable	10/20/17	(9)
	Roosevelt Point		—			33,348			n/a
	Construction Loans		56,078			73,882			1.96	%	(4)
	Total debt / weighted average rate		229,710			248,151			4.17	%	(4)
	Unamortized premium		1,278			1,486
	Total net of unamortized premium		230,988			249,637
	Less current portion		(34,689		)	(68,675		)
	Total long-term debt, net of current portion		$	196,299		$	180,962
	(1) As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the following properties secured this note: The Reserve at Saluki Pointe and River Pointe.
	(2)	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 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)	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, The Reserve at Columbia secured this note.
	(4) Represents the weighted average interest rate as of March 31, 2015.
	(5) In connection with the acquisitions of The Suites at Overton Park and 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 dates for one year at a base rate plus a margin of 2.5%. Principal and interest are repaid monthly on these loans.
	(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 is interest only through July 1, 2015. The loan may be extended for two 12-month periods, providing 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 will the manage the community once it is completed. 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 initial maturity. 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.
	(8) In connection with the acquisition of The Varsity during 2013, the Trust assumed variable-rate construction debt. The interest rate per year applicable to the loan is equal to LIBOR plus a 2.25% margin and is interest only through August 1, 2015. On August 1, 2015, if certain conditions for extension are met, we have the option to extend the loan until August 1, 2017. During the extension period, if applicable, principal and interest are to be repaid on a monthly basis.
	(9) 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 initial maturity. 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.
	Master Secured Credit Facility
	The Operating Partnership 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 March 31, 2015.
	Mortgage debt
	All mortgage loans contain customary financial covenants, such as minimum debt service ratios. As of March 31, 2015, the Operating Partnership was in compliance with all covenants.
	Construction loans
	On March 20, 2015, the Operating Partnership paid in full variable rate construction debt with an outstanding principal balance of $33.3 million related to the development of Roosevelt Point. The effective interest rate at the repayment date was 2.44%.
	All constructions loans also contain customary financial covenants, such as minimum debt service ratios. As of March 31, 2015, the Operating Partnership was in compliance with all covenants.
	The scheduled maturities of outstanding indebtedness (excluding the Fifth Amended Revolver) as of March 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):
	Year
	2015 (nine months ending December 31, 2015)	$	34,689
	2016	59,410
	2017	62,720
	2018	1,629
	2019	116,688
	2020	19,574
	Thereafter	372,500
	Total	667,210
	Debt premium	1,278
	Outstanding as of March 31, 2015, net of debt premium	$	668,488

Commitments_and_contingencies

Commitments and contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and contingencies	Commitments and contingencies
	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 is 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):
				31-Mar-15						31-Dec-14
				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	%	$	23,554	n/a	$	5,889	n/a	$	23,643	n/a	$	5,911	n/a
	The Marshall	50	%	56,270		8,767	28,135		4,384	55,663		8,767	27,832		4,384
	Georgia Heights	50	%	11,036		7,230	5,518		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 third quarter of 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 (see Note 3). The Operating Partnership and LeylandAlliance LLC jointly committed to provide a guarantee of repayment for the construction loan. As of March 31, 2015, $3.4 million had been drawn on the construction loan.
	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 condensed consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
	In the normal course of business, the Trust is subject to claims, lawsuits and legal proceedings. While it is not possible to ascertain the ultimate outcome of such matters, in management’s opinion, the liabilities, if any, are not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
	Under the terms of the limited partnership agreement of University Towers Operating Partnership, LP, so long as the contributing owners of such property hold at least 25% of the University Towers Partnership Units, the Trust has agreed to maintain certain minimum amounts of debt on the property to avoid triggering gain to the contributing owners. If the Trust fails to do this, the Trust must repay the contributing owners the amount of taxes they incur.
	After being awarded a development consulting contract, the Trust will enter into predevelopment consulting contracts with educational institutions to develop collegiate housing communities on their behalf. The Trust will enter into reimbursement agreements that provide for the Trust to be reimbursed for the predevelopment costs incurred prior to the institution’s governing body formally approving the final development contract. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Trust had reimbursable predevelopment costs of $2.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively, which are reflected in other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Noncontrolling_interests

Noncontrolling interests	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling interests	Noncontrolling interests
	Operating Partnership
	Joint Ventures: As of March 31, 2015, EROP had entered into three joint venture agreements to develop, own and manage properties near Arizona State University - Downtown Phoenix (Roosevelt Point), Duke University (605 West) and The University of Louisville (The Retreat at Louisville). 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 605 West met the requirements to be classified outside of permanent equity, and is therefore classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets and net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income due to the partner's ability to put their ownership interests to EROP as stipulated in the operating agreements.
	EROP's joint venture partner's investments in the Arizona State University - Downtown Phoenix joint venture and The University of Louisville joint venture are accounted for as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying condensed 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 condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
	On August 29, 2014, EROP purchased its joint venture partner's 30% interest in The Retreat at Oxford for $8.5 million. Prior to the acquisition of EROP's joint venture partners' interest, the investment was accounted for as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. This collegiate housing property is now wholly-owned by EROP.
	On April 15, 2014, 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 now holds a 95% ownership in the Roosevelt Point collegiate housing property.
	The units of the limited partnership interest of University Towers Operating Partnership, LP (“University Towers Operating Partnership Units”) are also referred to as noncontrolling interests. EROP follows the guidance issued by the FASB regarding the classification and measurement of redeemable securities. 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 condensed consolidated balance sheets. Income related to such units are recorded as net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. As of March 31, 2015, there were 69,081 University Towers Operating Partnership Units outstanding.
	The following table sets forth activity with the redeemable noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Beginning balance	$	4,431		$	2,359
	Net income	189			196
	Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests	26			—
	Adjustments to report redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value	147			—
	Distributions	(22		)	(41		)
	Ending balance	$	4,771		$	2,514
	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 March 31, 2015, EROP reported the redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value, which was greater than historical cost. As of March 31, 2014, EROP reported the redeemable noncontrolling interests at historical cost.
	Redeemable Limited Partner Units: The 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 condensed 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 March 31, 2015, EROP reported the redeemable limited partner units at fair value, which was greater than historical cost. As of March 31, 2014, EROP reported the redeemable limited partner units at historical cost.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, 25,000 OP Units were redeemed for 25,000 shares of common stock. As of March 31, 2015, there were 253,197 OP Units outstanding.
	Below is a table summarizing the activity of redeemable limited partners' unit for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Beginning balance	$	10,081		$	7,512
	Net income	40			100
	Distributions	(93		)	(91		)
	Redemption of operating partnership units	(960		)	—
	Adjustments to report redeemable limited partner units at fair value	(191		)	—
	Ending balance	$	8,877		$	7,521
	The Trust
	The noncontrolling interests of the Trust include the third-party equity interests in the joint venture properties at Roosevelt Pointe and The Retreat at Louisville, as discussed above, which are presented as a component of equity in the Trust’s accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	The Trust’s redeemable noncontrolling interests include: (1) the redeemable limited partners presented in the accompanying condensed 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 condensed 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.

Incentive_plans

Incentive plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 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 March 31, 2015, the Trust had 664,656 shares of its common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to the 2011 Plan. Automatic increases in the number of shares available for issuance are not provided. The 2011 Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), stock appreciation rights, other stock-based incentive awards to employees, directors and other key persons providing services to the Trust.
	A restricted stock award is an award of the Trust’s common stock that is subject to restrictions on transferability and other restrictions as the Trust’s compensation committee determines in its sole discretion on the date of grant. The restrictions may lapse over a specified period of employment or the satisfaction of pre-established criteria as the compensation committee may determine. Except to the extent restricted under the award agreement, a participant awarded restricted stock will have all of the rights of a stockholder as to those shares, including, without limitation, the right to vote and the right to receive dividends or distributions on the shares. Restricted stock is generally taxed at the time of vesting. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, unearned compensation related to restricted stock totaled $0.5 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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, compensation expense of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, was recognized in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, related to the vesting of restricted stock. Effective January 1, 2014, the Trust adopted the 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2014 LTIP"). The purpose of the 2014 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, the Trust issued 24,742 time vested restricted stock to executives and key employees under the 2014 LTIP. Additional shares were issued in August 2014 pursuant to the 2014 LTIP. The restricted stock granted under the 2014 LTIP will vest ratably over three years as long as the participants remain employed by the Trust.
	An RSU award is an award that will vest based upon the Trust’s achievement of total stockholder returns at specified levels as compared to the average total stockholder returns of a peer group of companies and/or the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts Equity Index over three years (the “Performance Period”). At the end of the Performance Period, the compensation committee of the Board will determine the level and the extent to which the performance goal was achieved. RSUs that satisfy the performance goal will be converted into fully-vested shares of the Trust’s common stock and the Trust will receive a tax deduction for the compensation expense at the time of vesting. Prior to vesting, the participants are not eligible to vote or receive dividends or distributions on the RSUs. On January 1, 2014, the Trust granted 102,297 performance vested RSUs to executives and key employees under the 2014 LTIP described above. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, unearned compensation related to RSUs totaled $1.2 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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, compensation expense of $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, was recognized in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, related to the vesting of RSUs. On January 1, 2015, 8,754 fully-vested shares of common stock were issued pursuant to the vesting of RSUs granted in 2012.
	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, 155,778 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 non-transferable 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. 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 operating agreement of the Operating Partnership, but are non-transferable 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, redeemable into shares of EdR’s stock or cash, 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 condensed consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income related to the LTIP Units was $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. As of March 31, 2015, unearned compensation related to LTIP Units totaled $2.9 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 condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $0.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively.
	A summary of the stock-based incentive plan activity as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:
		Restricted Stock			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award		RSU Awards		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU		LTIP Units	Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per LTIP Unit
		Awards
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	46,810		-1	$	27.94	146,911		$	20.58	—	$	—
	Granted	—			—		—		—		155,778	18.83
	Vested	(17,774	)		37.04		—	-2	—		—	—
	Surrendered	(3,467	)		36.59		—		—		—	—
	Outstanding as of March 31, 2015	25,569		-1	$	28.32	146,911		$	20.58	155,778	$	18.83
	(1) Represents unvested shares of restricted stock awards as of the date indicated.
	(2) On January 1, 2012, the Trust granted a total of $1.1 million of performance vesting RSUs that were denominated in cash and converted into common stock at the end of the performance period to executives and key employees under the 2012 LTIP. On January 1, 2015, the Trust issued 8,754 shares of common stock related to the vesting of the RSUs under the 2012 LTIP.

Derivatives_and_hedging_activi

Derivatives and hedging activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 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 three months ended March 31, 2015, such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing variable-rate debt. As of March 31, 2015, six interest rate swaps were outstanding with a combined notional amount 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 $3.3 million is estimated to be reclassified to earnings as an increase to interest expense. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value of the derivatives is a liability of $6.9 million and $4.5 million, respectively, and is included in accrued expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	The following table discloses the effect of the derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (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 Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)
	Interest rate contracts	$	(3,330	)	Interest expense	$	892
	The following table discloses the effect of the derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 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 Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)
	Interest rate contracts	$	(1,363	)	Interest expense	$	—
	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 condensed 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 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 $7.2 million and $4.7 million, respectively. As of March 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 March 31, 2015, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at their termination value of $7.2 million.

Earnings_per_shareunit

Earnings per share/unit	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per share:
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	6,941			$	12,066
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	48,179				38,338
	OP Units (1)	253		(2	)	277
	University Towers Operating Partnership Units	69				69
	Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	48,501				38,684
	Earnings per share - basic:
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	0.14			$	0.31
	Earnings per share - diluted:
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	0.14			$	0.31
	Distributions declared per common share	$	0.36			$	0.33
	(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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands, except unit and per unit data):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per unit:
	Net income attributable to unitholders	$	6,981		$	12,166
	Denominator:
	Weighted average units outstanding	48,080			38,338
	Redeemable Operating Partnership units	253			277
	LTIP units	99			—
	Weighted average units outstanding - basic	48,432			38,615
	Redeemable University Towers Operating Partnership Units	69			69
	Weighted average units outstanding - diluted	48,501			38,684
	Earnings per unit - basic:
	Net income attributable to unitholders	$	0.14		$	0.32
	Earnings per unit - diluted:
	Net income attributable to unitholders	$	0.14		$	0.31
	Distributions declared per unit	$	0.36		$	0.33

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	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 condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
				Estimated Fair Value
		Carrying value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Collegiate housing properties, net	$	15,252	$	—	$	15,252	$	—
	As discussed in Note 10, 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 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 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall.
	The table below summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments as of March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
				Estimated Fair Value
		Carrying value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Derivative financial instruments (liability position)	$	7,178	$	—	$	7,178	$	—
	Deferred compensation plan assets	354		354		—		—
	The table below summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
				Estimated Fair Value
		Carrying value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	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 condensed 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.
	The table below summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15
				Estimated Fair Value
		Carrying value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Notes receivable	$	2,092	$	—	$	2,030	$	—
	Senior unsecured notes	250,000		—		258,014		—
	Unsecured revolving credit facility	72,000		—		72,000		—
	Unsecured term loan facility	187,500		—		187,500		—
	Variable rate mortgage and construction loans	90,078		—		90,078		—
	Fixed rate mortgage and construction loans	139,632		—		157,408		—
		31-Dec-14
				Estimated Fair Value
		Carrying value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	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. The carrying value of restricted cash approximates its fair value based on the nature of our assessment of the ability to recover these amounts.

Segments

Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 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.
	The following tables represent the Trust’s segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands):
			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015			2014
	Collegiate Housing Leasing:
		Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$	60,383		$	50,711
		Collegiate housing leasing operations	24,140			22,168
		Net operating income	$	36,243		$	28,543
		Total segment assets at end of period (1)	$	1,773,965		$	1,543,850
	Development Consulting Services:
		Third-party development consulting services	$	597		$	802
		General and administrative	742			666
		Net operating income (loss)	$	(145	)	$	136
		Total segment assets at end of period(2)	$	4,214		$	6,055
	Management Services:
		Third-party management services	$	1,053		$	1,018
		General and administrative	784			667
		Net operating income	$	269		$	351
		Total segment assets at end of period(2)	$	10,732		$	10,660
	Reconciliations:
		Segment revenue	$	62,033		$	52,531
		Operating expense reimbursements	2,096			2,014
		Total segment revenues	$	64,129		$	54,545
		Segment operating expenses	$	25,666		$	23,501
		Reimbursable operating expenses	2,096			2,014
		Total segment operating expenses	$	27,762		$	25,515
		Segment net operating income	$	36,367		$	29,030
		Other unallocated general and administrative expenses	(3,815		)	(3,126		)
		Depreciation and amortization	(15,866		)	(13,783		)
		Ground lease	(2,848		)	(1,899		)
		Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties	—			(1,910		)
		Interest expense	(5,941		)	(5,601		)
		Amortization of deferred financing costs	(516		)	(503		)
		Interest income	38			70
		Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			(649		)
		Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	(194		)	(22		)
		Income before income taxes and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	$	7,225		$	1,607
	(1) The increase in segment assets related to the collegiate housing segment is primarily related to the opening of seven new properties and two property acquisitions and continued development of five communities for ownership by the Trust.
	(2) Total segment assets also include goodwill of $2,149 related to management services and $921 related to development consulting services.

Subsequent_events

Subsequent events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent events	Subsequent events
	The Board declared a first quarter distribution of $0.36 per share of common stock and OP Unit for the quarter ended on March 31, 2015. The distributions will be paid on May 15, 2015 to stockholders of record at the close of business on April 30, 2015.

Summary_of_significant_account1

Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	Basis of presentation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of the Trust represent the assets and liabilities and operating results of the Trust and its majority owned subsidiaries.
	All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying condensed 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 periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents
	All highly-liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered cash equivalents. Restricted cash is excluded from cash for the purpose of preparing the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The Trust maintains cash balances in various banks. At times, the amounts of cash may exceed the amount the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insures.
Restricted cash	Restricted cash
	Restricted cash includes resident security deposits, as required by law in certain states, and escrow accounts held by lenders for the purpose of paying taxes, insurance, principal and interest and funding capital improvements.
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 5), 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. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $0.4 million was outstanding. The loan is secured by CPA's interest in the joint venture.
	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 is secured by Concord Eastridge's interest in the joint venture. As of March 31, 2015, $1.7 million was outstanding.
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.
	For assets under development, the Trust capitalizes interest and internal development costs as assets under development. Capitalized interest is determined using the weighted average interest costs of total debt. 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 condensed 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 three months ended March 31, 2014, the Trust recorded a $1.9 million loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties. The impairment losses were due to a change in circumstances that indicated the respective carrying value may not be recoverable. The change in circumstances for the property 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. Only dispositions that represent a strategic shift in the business will qualify for treatment as discontinued operations. The two property dispositions during the three months ended March 31, 2014 did not qualify for treatment as discontinued operations.
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 condensed consolidated balance sheets. In the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets of the Operating Partnership, the redeemable units of limited partnership in the Operating Partnership are classified as redeemable limited partners. 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 condensed 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, net unamortized debt premiums totaled $1.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively. These amounts are included in mortgage and construction loans in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Income taxes	Income taxes
	EdR qualifies as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (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.
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 March 31, 2015. The carrying value of goodwill was $3.1 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 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.
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 condensed consolidated balance sheets (see Note 5).
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 condensed 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 LTIP Units (as defined in Note 9). 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 6 and 10). 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 April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, "Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30)" ("ASU 2015-03"). ASU 2015-03 simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs and requires that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt liability, consistent with debt discounts or premiums. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs would not be affected by the amendments in ASU 2015-03. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal 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 Trust is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance.
	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, 2016, 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.

Acquisition_and_development_of1

Acquisition and development of real estate investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the following collegiate housing property acquisitions were completed:
	Name	Primary University Served		Acquisition	# of Beds		# of Units	Contract Price (in thousands)
				Date
	109 Tower	Florida International University Miami, Florida		Aug-14	542		149	$	43,500
	District on Apache	Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona		Sep-14	900		279	$	89,800
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):
		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
	Current liabilities	(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	The unaudited pro forma information had the acquisition date been January 1 is as follows (in thousands, except per share and per unit amounts):
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Total revenue (1)	$	56,692
	Net income attributable to the Trust (1)	$	13,061
	Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic and diluted	$	0.34
	Net income attributable to EROP (1)	$	13,168
	Net income attributable to unitholders - basic and diluted	$	0.34
	(1) As the 109 Tower opened for 2014/2015 lease year, the supplemental proforma revenue and net income for the period January 1, 2014 - March 31, 2014 only includes the District on Apache.
Development of Collegiate Housing Properties	During 2014, the Trust developed the following communities which opened during the 2014/2015 lease year. The costs incurred to date represent the balance capitalized in collegiate housing properties, net as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
	Name	Primary University Served		Bed Count		Costs Incurred as of December 31, 2014			Internal Development Costs Capitalized		Interest Costs Capitalized
									Three months ended March 31, 2014
	The Lotus (1)	University of Colorado		195		$	27,800		$	42	$	66
	Haggin Hall (2)	University of Kentucky		396		23,840			30		75
	Champions Court I (2)	University of Kentucky		740		47,368			30		226
	Champions Court II (2)	University of Kentucky		427		24,329			27		116
	Woodland Glen I & II (2)	University of Kentucky		818		45,730			31		199
	605 West (3)	Duke University		384		45,258			48		167
	The Oaks on the Square - Phase III (4)	University of Connecticut		116		12,482			26		26
	Total owned communities			3,076		226,807			234		875
	The Marshall (5)	University of Minnesota		994		93,976			33		125
	Total joint ventures			994		93,976			33		125
	Total			4,070		$	320,783		$	267	$	1,000
	(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 PlanSM. Phase I opened in August 2013 and Phase II, which includes these communities, opened for the 2014-2015 lease year. The third phase is under development.
	(3) In March 2013, the Trust announced an agreement with Javelin 19 Investments, LLC ("Javelin 19") to develop, own and manage 605 West, a new collegiate housing property near Duke University. 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, 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 is under development.
	(5) In 2012, Trust entered into an agreement to develop, own and manage a mixed-use development located two blocks from University of Minnesota. The Trust holds a 50% interest in the joint venture and manages the community, which opened in August 2014. The Trust does not consolidated the joint venture and its investment in the community of $18.1 million and $18.4 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, is classified as other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	The following represents a summary of active developments as of March 31, 2015, including development costs and costs capitalized (dollars in thousands):
									Three Months Ended March 31,
	Name	Primary University Served		Bed Count		Costs Incurred as of March 31, 2015			Internal Development Costs Capitalized				Interest Costs Capitalized
									2015		2014		2015		2014
	Woodland Glen III, IV & V	University of Kentucky		1,610		$	92,578		$	90	$	31	$	799	$	92
	The Oaks on the Square - Phase IV	University of Connecticut		390		24,286			47		—		163		—
	The Retreat at Louisville (1)	University of Louisville		656		34,294			57		—		160		—
	Limestone Park I & II	University of Kentucky		1,141		15,676			85		—		106		—
	Retreat at Oxford - Phase II	University of Mississippi		350		4,205			3		—		7		—
	Total - owned communities			4,147		171,039			282		31		1,235		92
	Georgia Heights (2)	University of Georgia		292		10,303			49		56		106		27
	Total - joint venture			292		10,303			49		56		106		27
	Total active projects under development			4,439		$	181,342		$	331	$	87	$	1,341	$	119
	(1) In June 2014, the Trust announced an agreement with a subsidiary of Landmark Property Holdings, LLC ("Landmark") to develop, own and manage cottage-style collegiate housing property adjacent to The University of Louisville. The Trust is the majority owner and managing member of the joint venture and will manage the community once completed.
	(2) In 2013, Trust entered into an agreement to develop, own and manage a mixed-use development adjacent to the main entrance of the University of Georgia. The Trust holds a 50% interest in the joint venture and will manage the community once the development is completed. The Trust does not consolidate the joint venture and its investment in the community of $10.3 million and $10.2 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, is classified as other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Investments_in_unconsolidated_1

Investments in unconsolidated entities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Results of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships	The following is a summary of the results of operations related to the Trust's unconsolidated joint ventures for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
	Results of Operations of Unconsolidated Entities:	2015			2014
	For the three months ended March 31,
	Revenues	$	8,517		$	5,012
	Net loss	(661		)	(1,025		)
	Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	$	(194	)	$	(22	)

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Mortgage and Construction Notes Payable	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 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
	Property		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14			Interest Rate at March 31, 2015			Interest Rate Type	Initial Maturity Date
	Various Communities(1)		$	21,600		$	21,696		5.67	%		Fixed	1/1/20
	Various Communities(2)		55,271			55,523			6.02	%		Fixed	1/1/19
	Various Communities(3)		16,063			16,137			5.45	%		Fixed	1/1/17
	Master Secured Credit Facility		92,934			93,356			5.84	%	(4)
	The Suites at Overton Park		24,090			24,216			4.16	%	(5)	Fixed	4/1/16	(5)
	The Centre at Overton Park		22,608			22,697			5.6	%	(5)	Fixed	1/1/17	(5)
	University Towers		34,000			34,000			2.29	%	(6)	Variable	7/1/16	(6)
	Mortgage Debt		80,698			80,913			3.77	%	(4)
	The Retreat at Louisville		20,283			8,114			2.23	%	(7)	Variable	8/1/17	(7)
	The Varsity		32,420			32,420			1.77	%	(8)	Variable	8/1/15	(8)
	The Oaks on the Square - Phase IV		3,375			—			2.18	%	(9)	Variable	10/20/17	(9)
	Roosevelt Point		—			33,348			n/a
	Construction Loans		56,078			73,882			1.96	%	(4)
	Total debt / weighted average rate		229,710			248,151			4.17	%	(4)
	Unamortized premium		1,278			1,486
	Total net of unamortized premium		230,988			249,637
	Less current portion		(34,689		)	(68,675		)
	Total long-term debt, net of current portion		$	196,299		$	180,962
	(1) As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the following properties secured this note: The Reserve at Saluki Pointe and River Pointe.
	(2)	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 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)	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, The Reserve at Columbia secured this note.
	(4) Represents the weighted average interest rate as of March 31, 2015.
	(5) In connection with the acquisitions of The Suites at Overton Park and 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 dates for one year at a base rate plus a margin of 2.5%. Principal and interest are repaid monthly on these loans.
	(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 is interest only through July 1, 2015. The loan may be extended for two 12-month periods, providing 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 will the manage the community once it is completed. 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 initial maturity. 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.
	(8) In connection with the acquisition of The Varsity during 2013, the Trust assumed variable-rate construction debt. The interest rate per year applicable to the loan is equal to LIBOR plus a 2.25% margin and is interest only through August 1, 2015. On August 1, 2015, if certain conditions for extension are met, we have the option to extend the loan until August 1, 2017. During the extension period, if applicable, principal and interest are to be repaid on a monthly basis.
	(9) 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 initial maturity. 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.
Scheduled Maturities of Outstanding Mortgage and Construction Indebtedness	The scheduled maturities of outstanding indebtedness (excluding the Fifth Amended Revolver) as of March 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):
	Year
	2015 (nine months ending December 31, 2015)	$	34,689
	2016	59,410
	2017	62,720
	2018	1,629
	2019	116,688
	2020	19,574
	Thereafter	372,500
	Total	667,210
	Debt premium	1,278
	Outstanding as of March 31, 2015, net of debt premium	$	668,488

Commitments_and_contingencies_

Commitments and contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Guaranties	The following summarizes the Operating Partnership's exposure under such guaranties (dollars in thousands):
				31-Mar-15						31-Dec-14
				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	%	$	23,554	n/a	$	5,889	n/a	$	23,643	n/a	$	5,911	n/a
	The Marshall	50	%	56,270		8,767	28,135		4,384	55,663		8,767	27,832		4,384
	Georgia Heights	50	%	11,036		7,230	5,518		3,615	—		7,230	—		3,615

Noncontrolling_interests_Table

Noncontrolling interests (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	The following table sets forth activity with the redeemable noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Beginning balance	$	4,431		$	2,359
	Net income	189			196
	Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests	26			—
	Adjustments to report redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value	147			—
	Distributions	(22		)	(41		)
	Ending balance	$	4,771		$	2,514
	Below is a table summarizing the activity of redeemable limited partners' unit for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Beginning balance	$	10,081		$	7,512
	Net income	40			100
	Distributions	(93		)	(91		)
	Redemption of operating partnership units	(960		)	—
	Adjustments to report redeemable limited partner units at fair value	(191		)	—
	Ending balance	$	8,877		$	7,521

Incentive_plans_Tables

Incentive plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 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 three months ended March 31, 2015 is as follows:
		Restricted Stock			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award		RSU Awards		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU		LTIP Units	Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per LTIP Unit
		Awards
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	46,810		-1	$	27.94	146,911		$	20.58	—	$	—
	Granted	—			—		—		—		155,778	18.83
	Vested	(17,774	)		37.04		—	-2	—		—	—
	Surrendered	(3,467	)		36.59		—		—		—	—
	Outstanding as of March 31, 2015	25,569		-1	$	28.32	146,911		$	20.58	155,778	$	18.83
	(1) Represents unvested shares of restricted stock awards as of the date indicated.
	(2) On January 1, 2012, the Trust granted a total of $1.1 million of performance vesting RSUs that were denominated in cash and converted into common stock at the end of the performance period to executives and key employees under the 2012 LTIP. On January 1, 2015, the Trust issued 8,754 shares of common stock related to the vesting of the RSUs under the 2012 LTIP.

Derivatives_and_hedging_activi1

Derivatives and hedging activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 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 condensed consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (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 Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)
	Interest rate contracts	$	(3,330	)	Interest expense	$	892
	The following table discloses the effect of the derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 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 Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)
	Interest rate contracts	$	(1,363	)	Interest expense	$	—

Earnings_per_shareunit_Tables

Earnings per share/unit (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per share:
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	6,941			$	12,066
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	48,179				38,338
	OP Units (1)	253		(2	)	277
	University Towers Operating Partnership Units	69				69
	Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	48,501				38,684
	Earnings per share - basic:
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	0.14			$	0.31
	Earnings per share - diluted:
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	0.14			$	0.31
	Distributions declared per common share	$	0.36			$	0.33
	(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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands, except unit and per unit data):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per unit:
	Net income attributable to unitholders	$	6,981		$	12,166
	Denominator:
	Weighted average units outstanding	48,080			38,338
	Redeemable Operating Partnership units	253			277
	LTIP units	99			—
	Weighted average units outstanding - basic	48,432			38,615
	Redeemable University Towers Operating Partnership Units	69			69
	Weighted average units outstanding - diluted	48,501			38,684
	Earnings per unit - basic:
	Net income attributable to unitholders	$	0.14		$	0.32
	Earnings per unit - diluted:
	Net income attributable to unitholders	$	0.14		$	0.31
	Distributions declared per unit	$	0.36		$	0.33

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Non Financial Assets Impaired During Period	One non-financial asset was impaired during the year ended December 31, 2014 and has remained on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
				Estimated Fair Value
		Carrying value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Collegiate housing properties, net	$	15,252	$	—	$	15,252	$	—
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The table below summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments as of March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
				Estimated Fair Value
		Carrying value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Derivative financial instruments (liability position)	$	7,178	$	—	$	7,178	$	—
	Deferred compensation plan assets	354		354		—		—
	The table below summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
				Estimated Fair Value
		Carrying value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	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 table below summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15
				Estimated Fair Value
		Carrying value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Notes receivable	$	2,092	$	—	$	2,030	$	—
	Senior unsecured notes	250,000		—		258,014		—
	Unsecured revolving credit facility	72,000		—		72,000		—
	Unsecured term loan facility	187,500		—		187,500		—
	Variable rate mortgage and construction loans	90,078		—		90,078		—
	Fixed rate mortgage and construction loans	139,632		—		157,408		—
		31-Dec-14
				Estimated Fair Value
		Carrying value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	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		—

Segments_Tables

Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	The following tables represent the Trust’s segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands):
			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015			2014
	Collegiate Housing Leasing:
		Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$	60,383		$	50,711
		Collegiate housing leasing operations	24,140			22,168
		Net operating income	$	36,243		$	28,543
		Total segment assets at end of period (1)	$	1,773,965		$	1,543,850
	Development Consulting Services:
		Third-party development consulting services	$	597		$	802
		General and administrative	742			666
		Net operating income (loss)	$	(145	)	$	136
		Total segment assets at end of period(2)	$	4,214		$	6,055
	Management Services:
		Third-party management services	$	1,053		$	1,018
		General and administrative	784			667
		Net operating income	$	269		$	351
		Total segment assets at end of period(2)	$	10,732		$	10,660
	Reconciliations:
		Segment revenue	$	62,033		$	52,531
		Operating expense reimbursements	2,096			2,014
		Total segment revenues	$	64,129		$	54,545
		Segment operating expenses	$	25,666		$	23,501
		Reimbursable operating expenses	2,096			2,014
		Total segment operating expenses	$	27,762		$	25,515
		Segment net operating income	$	36,367		$	29,030
		Other unallocated general and administrative expenses	(3,815		)	(3,126		)
		Depreciation and amortization	(15,866		)	(13,783		)
		Ground lease	(2,848		)	(1,899		)
		Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties	—			(1,910		)
		Interest expense	(5,941		)	(5,601		)
		Amortization of deferred financing costs	(516		)	(503		)
		Interest income	38			70
		Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			(649		)
		Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	(194		)	(22		)
		Income before income taxes and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	$	7,225		$	1,607

Organization_and_description_o1

Organization and description of business - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 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_account2

Summary of significant accounting policies - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Nov. 20, 2014	Aug. 26, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2008	Oct. 31, 2014	Mar. 20, 2015
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Cash on deposit uninsured by the FDIC			$11,900,000
Promissory note receivable		500,000
Notes receivable, interest rate (percent)		10.00%
Due from related party			400,000		400,000
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties			0	1,910,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)			48,330,648		47,999,427
Proceeds from issuance of common stock			10,569,000	0
Reverse stock split conversion ratio	0.3333
Mortgage and construction loans, unamortized debt premiums			1,278,000		1,500,000
Taxable income that needs to be distributed to stockholders in order to avoid federal, state and local income taxes (percent)			90.00%
Goodwill accumulated impairment loss						400,000
Goodwill impairment			0
Goodwill carrying value			3,100,000		3,100,000
Carrying value of other intangible assets			200,000		400,000
Management Services
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill carrying value			2,149,000		2,100,000
Development Consulting Services
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill carrying value			921,000		900,000
Collegiate Housing Properties or Leaseholds
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of properties sold (properties)				2
Equity Distribution Agreement 2014
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares Offered, Value							150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)			300,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock			10,500,000
Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Maturity period of highly-liquid investments classified as cash equivalents			3 months
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
Co-venturer [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Promissory note receivable								1,700,000
Due from related party			$1,700,000
Loans Receivable, Basis Spread on Variable Rate								2.00%

Acquisition_and_development_of2

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition costs	$900,000
Fair values of assets acquired	133,300,000
Net asset value acquired	131,200,000
Working capital and other assets acquired but not part of the contractual purchase price	200,000
Current Liabilities
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current liabilities assumed	$2,087,000
The Retreat at Oxford
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage purchase	30.00%

Acquisition_and_development_of3

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Collegiate Housing Community Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
	unit	bed
	bed	unit
109 Tower
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Primary University Served	Florida International University Miami, Florida
Acquisition Date	2014-08
Number of beds (beds)	542
Number of Units (units)	149
Contract Price	$43,500
District on Apache
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Primary University Served		Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona
Acquisition Date		2014-09
Number of beds (beds)		900
Number of Units (units)		279
Contract Price		$89,800

Acquisition_and_development_of4

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties	$133,300
Total net assets acquired	131,392
Other Property
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties	132,600
In-place leases	643
Other Asset
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other assets	236
Current Liabilities
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current liabilities	-2,087
109 Tower
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total net assets acquired		42,838
109 Tower | Other Property
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties		43,384
In-place leases		0
109 Tower | Other Asset
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 | Other Property
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties			89,216
In-place leases			643
District on Apache | Other Asset
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other assets			36
District on Apache | Current Liabilities
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current liabilities			($1,341)

Acquisition_and_development_of5

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Pro Forma Revenue and Net Loss of Combined Entity (Details) (2014 Acquisitions, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Total revenue	$56,692
Net income attributable to the Trust	13,061
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic and diluted (usd per share)	$0.34
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Net income attributable to the Trust	$13,168
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic and diluted (usd per share)	$0.34

Acquisition_and_development_of6

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Development of collegiate housing properties (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	bed
Collegiate Housing Properties In Development [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds)	4,439
Costs Incurred	$181,342
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	331	87
Interest Costs Capitalized	1,341	119
Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds)	4,147
Costs Incurred	171,039
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	282	31
Interest Costs Capitalized	1,235	92
Joint Venture Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds)	292
Costs Incurred	10,303
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	49	56
Interest Costs Capitalized	106	27
The Lotus | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds)				195
Costs Incurred				27,800
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		42
Interest Costs Capitalized		66
Haggin Hall | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds)				396
Costs Incurred				23,840
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		30
Interest Costs Capitalized		75
Champions Court I | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds)				740
Costs Incurred				47,368
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		30
Interest Costs Capitalized		226
Champions Court II | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds)				427
Costs Incurred				24,329
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		27
Interest Costs Capitalized		116
Woodland Glen I & II | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds)				818
Costs Incurred				45,730
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		31
Interest Costs Capitalized		199
605 West
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Joint venture purchase option period			5 years
Joint venture purchase option percentage			10.00%
605 West | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds)				384
Costs Incurred				45,258
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		48
Interest Costs Capitalized		167
The Oaks on the Square - Phase III | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds)				116
Costs Incurred				12,482
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		26
Interest Costs Capitalized		26
The Marshall
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by Parent				50.00%
Payments to noncontrolling interest	18,100			18,400
The Marshall | Joint Venture Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds)				994
Costs Incurred				93,976
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		33
Interest Costs Capitalized		125
Developments In 2014
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds)				4,070
Costs Incurred				320,783
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		267
Interest Costs Capitalized		1,000
Developments In 2014 | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds)				3,076
Costs Incurred				226,807
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		234
Interest Costs Capitalized		875
Developments In 2014 | Joint Venture Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds)				994
Costs Incurred				93,976
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		33
Interest Costs Capitalized		125
Woodland Glen III, IV & V | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds)	1,610
Costs Incurred	92,578
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	90	31
Interest Costs Capitalized	799	92
The Oaks On The Square - Phase IV | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds)	390
Costs Incurred	24,286
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	47	0
Interest Costs Capitalized	163	0
Retreat at Louisville | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds)	656
Costs Incurred	34,294
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	57	0
Interest Costs Capitalized	160	0
Limestone Park I & II | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds)	1,141
Costs Incurred	15,676
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	85	0
Interest Costs Capitalized	106	0
The Retreat at Oxford - Phase II | Owned Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds)	350
Costs Incurred	4,205
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	3	0
Interest Costs Capitalized	7	0
Georgia Heights
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Payments to noncontrolling interest	10,300			10,200
Georgia Heights | Joint Venture Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds)	292
Costs Incurred	10,303
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	49	56
Interest Costs Capitalized	$106	$27

Disposition_of_real_estate_inv1

Disposition of real estate investments - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
		community
		bed
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Number Of Housing Communities Sold During Period		2
Number Of Beds Sold		1,680
Disposition of real estate investments, sales price		$41,900,000
Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate		40,000,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties	$0	$10,902,000

Investments_in_unconsolidated_2

Investments in unconsolidated entities - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments classified in accrued expenses	$1.70	$1.70
MN Holdings, Llc
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	50.00%
West Clayton Athens GA Owner LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	50.00%
University Village-Greensboro LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	25.00%	25.00%
Elauwit Networks
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	10.00%	10.00%

Investments_in_unconsolidated_3

Investments in unconsolidated entities - Financial Information of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Revenues	$8,517	$5,012
Net loss	-661	-1,025
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	($194)	($22)

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 19, 2014	Nov. 24, 2014	Mar. 20, 2015	Jan. 13, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	$72,000,000		24,000,000
Long-term Debt, Gross	667,210,000
Prepayments penalties and other fees	0	356,000
Long-term Debt	668,488,000
Construction debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	56,078,000		73,882,000
Retreat at Louisville
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity extension period	1 year
Number of loan extension periods	2
Long-term Debt			35,700,000
Base Rate | The Suites at Overton Park
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate	2.50%
Fixed Rate Mortgage Debt | The Suites at Overton Park
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity extension period	1 year
Mortgage debt | University Towers
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity extension period	12 months
Number of loan extension periods	2
Debt service ratio	1.3
Mortgage debt | Prime Rate | University Towers
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate	0.50%
Mortgage debt | LIBOR Rate | University Towers
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate	2.10%
Construction debt | The Varsity
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.25%
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Accordion Feature, Maximum Allowable Increase				250,000,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	72,000,000		24,000,000
Covenant dividend payout	95.00%
Prepayments penalties and other fees	0	356,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | The Oaks On The Square - Phase IV | Construction debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity extension period	1 year
Number of loan extension periods	2
Outstanding construction loan			38,000,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Roosevelt Point | Construction debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate						2.44%
Outstanding construction loan						33,300,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Interest Rate Swap | Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount							187,500,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Base Rate | Retreat at Louisville
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate	1.05%
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Base Rate | The Oaks On The Square - Phase IV | Construction debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate			1.00%
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | LIBOR Rate | Retreat at Louisville
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate	2.05%
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | LIBOR Rate | The Oaks On The Square - Phase IV | Construction debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate			2.00%
Credit Agreement | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross				187,500,000
Credit Agreement Tranche A | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term				7 years
Long-term Debt, Gross				122,500,000
Effective interest rate	3.85%
Credit Agreement Tranche A | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Unsecured Debt | Interest Rate Swap | Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	2.30%
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate Margin	1.55%
Credit Agreement Tranche A | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Unsecured Debt | LIBOR Rate | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate				1.55%
Credit Agreement Tranche A | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Unsecured Debt | LIBOR Rate | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate				2.25%
Credit Agreement Tranche B | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term				5 years
Long-term Debt, Gross				65,000,000
Effective interest rate	2.86%
Credit Agreement Tranche B | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Unsecured Debt | Interest Rate Swap | Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	1.66%
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate Margin	1.20%
Credit Agreement Tranche B | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Unsecured Debt | LIBOR Rate | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate				1.20%
Credit Agreement Tranche B | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Unsecured Debt | LIBOR Rate | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate				1.90%
Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2024 | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term					10 years
Face amount of debt					250,000,000
Debt Instrument, Percentage Of Par Value					99.99%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					4.60%
Revolving Credit Facility | Fifth Amended Revolver | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
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	1.43%
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	72,000,000
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing base availability	$428,000,000

Debt_Mortgage_and_Construction

Debt - Mortgage and Construction Notes Payable (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	$667,210
Unamortized premium	1,278	1,500
Total net of unamortized premium	668,488
Master Secured Credit Facility
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	92,934	93,356
Interest Rate	5.84%
Mortgage Debt
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	80,698	80,913
Interest Rate	3.77%
Construction Loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	56,078	73,882
Interest Rate	1.96%
All Mortgage Loans On Real Estate
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	229,710	248,151
Unamortized premium	1,278	1,486
Total net of unamortized premium	230,988	249,637
Less current portion	-34,689	-68,675
Total long-term debt, net of current portion	196,299	180,962
Interest Rate	4.17%
The Reserve at Saluki Pointe and River Pointe | Master Secured Credit Facility
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	21,600	21,696
Interest Rate	5.67%
Initial Maturity Date	1-Jan-20
The Reserve at Athens, The Reserve at Perkins, The Commons at Knoxville and the Reserve on Stinson | Master Secured Credit Facility
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	55,271	55,523
Interest Rate	6.02%
Initial Maturity Date	1-Jan-19
The Reserve at Columbia | Master Secured Credit Facility
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	16,063	16,137
Interest Rate	5.45%
Initial Maturity Date	1-Jan-17
The Suites at Overton Park | Mortgage Debt
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	24,090	24,216
Interest Rate	4.16%
Initial Maturity Date	1-Apr-16
The Centre at Overton Park | Mortgage Debt
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	22,608	22,697
Interest Rate	5.60%
Initial Maturity Date	1-Jan-17
University Towers | Mortgage Debt
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	34,000	34,000
Interest Rate	2.29%
Initial Maturity Date	1-Jul-16
Retreat at Louisville | Construction Loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	20,283	8,114
Interest Rate	2.23%
Initial Maturity Date	1-Aug-17
The Varsity | Construction Loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	32,420	32,420
Interest Rate	1.77%
Initial Maturity Date	1-Aug-15
The Oaks On The Square - Phase IV | Construction Loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	3,375	0
Interest Rate	2.18%
Initial Maturity Date	20-Oct-17
Roosevelt Point | Construction Loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	$0	$33,348
Initial Maturity Date	NaN, NaN

Debt_Scheduled_Maturities_of_O

Debt - Scheduled Maturities of Outstanding Mortgage and Construction Indebtedness (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2015 (nine months ending December 31, 2015)	$34,689
2016	59,410
2017	62,720
2018	1,629
2019	116,688
2020	19,574
Thereafter	372,500
Total	667,210
Debt premium	1,278	1,500
Total net of unamortized premium	$668,488

Commitments_and_contingencies_1

Commitments and contingencies - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Jul. 14, 2010	Oct. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Guarantee fee revenue	18,383,000	$17,301,000
Construction debt	230,988,000	249,637,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	72,000,000	24,000,000
Reimbursable predevelopment costs		2,600,000	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]
Guarantee fee revenue	18,383,000	17,301,000
Construction debt	230,988,000	249,637,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	72,000,000	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	23,554,000	23,643,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | University Village - Greensboro | Partnership Interest Properties
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Loan Balance	5,889,000	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	56,270,000	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	28,135,000	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	11,036,000
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	5,518,000
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	3,400,000
University Towers Operating Partnership LP | Minimum
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Ownership Percent	25.00%

Noncontrolling_interests_Addit

Noncontrolling interests - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Aug. 29, 2014	Apr. 15, 2014
		joint_venture
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Number of units redeemed (shares)	25,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Number of new joint venture agreements		3
Payments to noncontrolling interest		$115	$115
Redeemable Operating Partnership units (shares)		253,000	277,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Redeemable University Towers Operating Partnership Units
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive securities (shares)		69,000	69,000
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%

Noncontrolling_interests_Activ

Noncontrolling interests Activity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$14,512
Adjustments to report redeemable limited partner units at fair value	-44
Ending balance	13,648
Noncontrolling Interests
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	4,431	2,359
Net income	189	196
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests	26	0
Adjustments to report redeemable limited partner units at fair value	147	0
Distributions	-22	-41
Ending balance	4,771	2,514
Limited Partners
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	10,081	7,512
Net income	40	100
Adjustments to report redeemable limited partner units at fair value	-191	0
Distributions	-93	-91
Redemption of operating partnership units	-960	0
Ending balance	$8,877	$7,521

Incentive_plans_Additional_Inf

Incentive plans - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 01, 2014	Jan. 01, 2015	Jan. 01, 2012	Feb. 04, 2015	4-May-11	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Noncash compensation expense related to stock-based incentive awards	$671,000	$616,000
General and Administrative Expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Noncash compensation expense related to stock-based incentive awards	600,000	600,000
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, unearned compensation related to restricted stock	500,000							600,000
Equity incentive plan, compensation expense	100,000	200,000
Granted (shares)	0
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			24,742
Equity incentive plan, performance period	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
Equity incentive plan, performance period	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	1,200,000							1,500,000
Equity incentive plan, compensation expense	200,000	300,000
RSU awards vested			8,754
Granted (shares)	0
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
Equity incentive plan, shares granted			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
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Long Term Incentive Plan 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance vested RSUs granted					1,100,000
Granted (shares)				8,754
LTIP Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, compensation expense	200,000
Unearned compensation	$2,900,000
Granted (shares)	155,778
LTIP Units | Long Term Incentive Plan 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, shares issued						155,778
LTIP Units, Time-Based | Long Term Incentive Plan 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, vesting period	3 years
Award type allocation	25.00%
LTIP Units, Performance-Based | Long Term Incentive Plan 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award type allocation	75.00%
Equity incentive plan, performance period	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	664,656

Incentive_plans_Stock_Based_In

Incentive plans - Stock Based Incentive Plan Activity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (shares)	46,810
Granted (shares)	0
Vested (shares)	-17,774
Surrendered (shares)	-3,467
Ending balance (shares)	25,569
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
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$0
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$37.04
Surrendered, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$36.59
Beginning balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$28.32
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (shares)	146,911
Granted (shares)	0
Vested (shares)	0
Surrendered (shares)	0
Ending balance (shares)	146,911
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
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$0
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$0
Surrendered, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$0
Beginning balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$20.58
LTIP Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (shares)	0
Granted (shares)	155,778
Vested (shares)	0
Surrendered (shares)	0
Ending balance (shares)	155,778
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)	$0
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$18.83
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$0
Surrendered, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$0
Beginning balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)	$18.83

Derivatives_and_hedging_activi2

Derivatives and hedging activities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of interest rate swaps outstanding	6
Interest rate cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified during next 12 months, net	$3.30
Interest rate derivatives, at fair value, net	6.9	4.5
Interest rate derivative liabilities, at fair value	7.2	4.7
Credit risk derivatives, at fair value, net	7.2
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$187.50

Derivatives_and_hedging_activi3

Derivatives and hedging activities - Schedule of Fair Value Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Amount of Loss Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	($3,330)	($1,363)
Amount of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	$892	$0

Earnings_per_shareunit_Additio

Earnings per share/unit - Additional information (Details)	0 Months Ended
	Nov. 20, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reverse stock split conversion ratio	0.3333

Earnings_per_shareunit_Reconci

Earnings per share/unit - Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per share:
Net income attributable to common shareholders/unitholders	$6,941	$12,066
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	48,179	38,338
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	48,501	38,684
Earnings per share - basic:
Net income attributable to common shareholders/unitholders (usd per share)	$0.14	$0.31
Earnings per share - diluted:
Net income attributable to common shareholders/unitholders (usd per share)	$0.14	$0.31
Distributions declared per common share/unit (usd per share)	$0.36	$0.33
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per share:
Net income attributable to common shareholders/unitholders	$6,981	$12,166
Denominator:
Weighted average units outstanding (shares)	48,080	38,338
Redeemable Operating Partnership units (shares)	253	277
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	48,432	38,615
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	48,501	38,684
Earnings per share - basic:
Net income attributable to common shareholders/unitholders (usd per share)	$0.14	$0.32
Earnings per share - diluted:
Net income attributable to common shareholders/unitholders (usd per share)	$0.14	$0.31
Distributions declared per common share/unit (usd per share)	$0.36	$0.33
OP Units
Denominator:
Total potentially dilutive securities (shares)	253	277
University Towers Operating Partnership Units
Denominator:
Total potentially dilutive securities (shares)	69	69
Redeemable University Towers Operating Partnership Units | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Denominator:
Total potentially dilutive securities (shares)	69	69
LTIP Units | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Denominator:
Redeemable Operating Partnership units (shares)	99	0

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes receivable	$2,092	$375
Senior unsecured notes	250,000	250,000
Unsecured revolving credit facility	72,000	24,000
Unsecured term loan facility	187,500	187,500
Carrying value | Nonrecurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties, net	15,252
Carrying value | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments (liability position)	7,178	4,465
Deferred compensation plan assets	354	520
Carrying value | Variable Rate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage and construction loans	90,078	107,882
Carrying value | Fixed Rate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage and construction loans	139,632	140,270
Estimated fair value | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes receivable	0	0
Senior unsecured notes	0
Unsecured revolving credit facility	0	0
Unsecured term loan facility	0
Estimated fair value | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes receivable	2,030	318
Senior unsecured notes	258,014	234,583
Unsecured revolving credit facility	72,000	24,000
Unsecured term loan facility	187,500	187,500
Estimated fair value | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes receivable	0	0
Senior unsecured notes	0
Unsecured revolving credit facility	0	0
Unsecured term loan facility	0
Estimated fair value | Nonrecurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties, net	0
Estimated fair value | Nonrecurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties, net	15,252
Estimated fair value | Nonrecurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties, net	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	354	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)	7,178	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]
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]
Mortgage and construction loans	90,078	107,882
Estimated fair value | Variable Rate | Level 3
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 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	157,408	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

Segments_Additional_Informatio

Segments - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
	segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	3
Goodwill	$3,100	$3,100
Collegiate Housing Leasing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Properties Opened	7
Number Of Properties Acquired	2
Number Of Housing Communities Developed In Period	5
Management Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill	2,149	2,100
Development Consulting Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill	$921	$900

Segments_Segment_Information_D

Segments - Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$60,383	$50,711
Collegiate housing leasing operations	24,140	22,168
Net operating income	13,838	8,312
Total segment assets at end of period	1,852,255		1,811,637
Third-party development consulting services	597	802
Third-party management services	1,053	1,018
Segment revenue	64,129	54,545
Operating expense reimbursements	2,096	2,014
Segment operating expenses	27,762	25,515
Reimbursable operating expenses	2,096	2,014
Other unallocated general and administrative expenses	-3,815	-3,126
Depreciation and amortization	-15,866	-13,783
Ground lease	-2,848	-1,899
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties	0	-1,910
Interest expense	-5,941	-5,601
Amortization of deferred financing costs	-516	-503
Interest income	38	70
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	-649
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	-194	-22
Income before income taxes and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	7,225	1,607
Collegiate Housing Leasing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Collegiate housing leasing revenue	60,383	50,711
Collegiate housing leasing operations	24,140	22,168
Net operating income	36,243	28,543
Total segment assets at end of period	1,773,965	1,543,850
Development Consulting Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income	-145	136
Total segment assets at end of period	4,214	6,055
Third-party development consulting services	597	802
General and administrative	742	666
Management Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income	269	351
Total segment assets at end of period	10,732	10,660
General and administrative	784	667
Third-party management services	1,053	1,018
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income	36,367	29,030
Segment revenue	62,033	52,531
Operating expense reimbursements	2,096	2,014
Segment operating expenses	25,666	23,501
Reimbursable operating expenses	$2,096	$2,014

Subsequent_events_Additional_I

Subsequent events - Additional Information (Details) (Subsequent Event, USD $)	0 Months Ended
	15-May-15	Apr. 30, 2015
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Distribution declared per share (usd per share)		$0.36
Distribution declared, payable date	15-May-15
Distribution declared, record date		30-Apr-15