Education Realty Operating Partnership L P 10-K 28 Feb 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 24, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	EDUCATION REALTY TRUST, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,302,343
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	EDR
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		73,155,531
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 3.3
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	EDUCATION REALTY OPERATING PARTNERSHIP L P
Entity Central Index Key	1,351,345
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	EDR
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets:
Collegiate housing properties, net	$ 2,108,706	$ 1,774,796
Assets under development	289,942	117,384
Cash and cash equivalents	34,475	33,742
Restricted cash	7,838	9,784
Student contracts receivable, net	4,366	3,009
Receivable from managed third parties	422	316
Notes receivable	500	2,167
Goodwill	3,070	3,070
Other intangibles, net	3,792	234
Other assets	53,074	57,329
Total assets	2,506,185	2,001,831
Liabilities:
Mortgage and construction loans, net of unamortized deferred financing costs	62,520	204,511
Unsecured revolving credit facility	20,000	0
Unsecured term loan, net of unamortized deferred financing costs	186,738	186,518
Unsecured senior notes, net of unamortized deferred financing costs	247,938	247,678
Accounts payable	4,222	2,455
Accrued expenses	123,650	83,215
Deferred revenue	20,727	19,024
Total liabilities	665,795	743,401
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	38,949	13,560
Equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 73,075,455 and 56,879,003 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively	731	569
Preferred shares, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	1,802,852	1,263,603
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	0	(21,998)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,564)	(5,475)
Total Education Realty Trust, Inc. stockholders’ equity	1,800,019	1,236,699
Noncontrolling interests	1,422	8,171
Total equity	1,801,441	1,244,870
Total liabilities and equity	2,506,185	2,001,831
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Assets:
Collegiate housing properties, net	2,108,706	1,774,796
Assets under development	289,942	117,384
Cash and cash equivalents	34,475	33,742
Restricted cash	7,838	9,784
Student contracts receivable, net	4,366	3,009
Receivable from managed third parties	422	316
Notes receivable	500	2,167
Goodwill	3,070	3,070
Other intangibles, net	3,792	234
Other assets	53,074	57,329
Total assets	2,506,185	2,001,831
Liabilities:
Mortgage and construction loans, net of unamortized deferred financing costs	62,520	204,511
Unsecured revolving credit facility	20,000	0
Unsecured term loan, net of unamortized deferred financing costs	186,738	186,518
Unsecured senior notes, net of unamortized deferred financing costs	247,938	247,678
Accounts payable	4,222	2,455
Accrued expenses	123,650	83,215
Deferred revenue	20,727	19,024
Total liabilities	665,795	743,401
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
Redeemable limited partner units	6,789	8,312
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	32,160	5,248
Equity:
General partner - 6,920 units outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015	178	184
Limited partners - 73,068,535 and 56,872,083 units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively	1,803,405	1,241,990
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,564)	(5,475)
Total partners' capital	1,800,019	1,236,699
Noncontrolling interests	1,422	8,171
Total partners' capital	1,801,441	1,244,870
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,506,185	$ 2,001,831

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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)	73,075,455	56,879,003
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	73,075,455	56,879,003
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)	73,068,535	56,872,083
Limited partners, units outstanding (shares)	73,068,535	56,872,083

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$ 274,187	$ 240,623	$ 206,322
Third-party development consulting services	2,364	2,233	6,805
Third-party management services	3,588	3,670	3,959
Operating expense reimbursements	8,829	8,636	8,707
Total revenues	288,968	255,162	225,793
Operating expenses:
Collegiate housing leasing operations	111,378	101,283	92,649
Development and management services	10,671	11,446	9,685
General and administrative	11,603	9,452	10,117
Depreciation and amortization	81,413	68,022	58,974
Ground lease expense	12,462	11,268	8,988
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties	2,500	0	12,733
Other operating expenses	1,046	0	0
Reimbursable operating expenses	8,829	8,636	8,707
Total operating expenses	239,902	210,107	201,853
Operating income	49,066	45,055	23,940
Nonoperating (income) expenses:
Interest expense	15,454	24,449	20,656
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,731	2,089	2,156
Interest income	(490)	(213)	(190)
Guarantee fee income from participating development	0	0	(3,000)
Interest on loan to participating development	0	0	(6,486)
Gain on insurance settlement	0	0	(8,133)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	10,611	403	3,543
Total nonoperating expenses	27,306	26,728	8,546
Income before equity in losses of unconsolidated entities, income taxes and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	21,760	18,327	15,394
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	(328)	(668)	(710)
Income before income taxes and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	21,432	17,659	14,684
Income tax expense	684	347	261
Income before gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	20,748	17,312	14,423
Gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	23,956	2,770	33,231
Net income	44,704	20,082	47,654
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(220)	171	599
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	44,924	19,911	47,055
Comprehensive income:
Net income	44,704	20,082	47,654
Other comprehensive loss:
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedging derivatives	1,911	(1,010)	(4,465)
Comprehensive income	46,615	19,072	43,189
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(220)	171	599
Comprehensive income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$ 46,835	$ 18,901	$ 42,590
Earnings (loss) per share information:
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share (usd per share)	$ 0.65	$ 0.40	$ 1.10
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share (usd per share)	$ 0.65	$ 0.40	$ 1.09
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic (shares)	69,336	49,676	42,934
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted (shares)	69,600	49,991	43,277
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Revenues:
Collegiate housing leasing revenue	$ 274,187	$ 240,623	$ 206,322
Third-party development consulting services	2,364	2,233	6,805
Third-party management services	3,588	3,670	3,959
Operating expense reimbursements	8,829	8,636	8,707
Total revenues	288,968	255,162	225,793
Operating expenses:
Collegiate housing leasing operations	111,378	101,283	92,649
Development and management services	10,671	11,446	9,685
General and administrative	11,603	9,452	10,117
Depreciation and amortization	81,413	68,022	58,974
Ground lease expense	12,462	11,268	8,988
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties	2,500	0	12,733
Other operating expenses	1,046	0	0
Reimbursable operating expenses	8,829	8,636	8,707
Total operating expenses	239,902	210,107	201,853
Operating income	49,066	45,055	23,940
Nonoperating (income) expenses:
Interest expense	15,454	24,449	20,656
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,731	2,089	2,156
Interest income	(490)	(213)	(190)
Guarantee fee income from participating development	0	0	(3,000)
Interest on loan to participating development	0	0	(6,486)
Gain on insurance settlement	0	0	(8,133)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	10,611	403	3,543
Total nonoperating expenses	27,306	26,728	8,546
Income before equity in losses of unconsolidated entities, income taxes and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	21,760	18,327	15,394
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	(328)	(668)	(710)
Income before income taxes and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	21,432	17,659	14,684
Income tax expense	684	347	261
Income before gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	20,748	17,312	14,423
Gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	23,956	2,770	33,231
Net income	44,704	20,082	47,654
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(358)	80	232
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	45,062	20,002	47,422
Comprehensive income:
Net income	44,704	20,082	47,654
Other comprehensive loss:
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedging derivatives	1,911	(1,010)	(4,465)
Comprehensive income	46,615	19,072	43,189
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(358)	80	232
Comprehensive income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$ 46,973	$ 18,992	$ 42,957
Earnings (loss) per share information:
Net income attributable to unitholders per unit (usd per share)	$ 0.65	$ 0.40	$ 1.10
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic (shares)	69,530	49,922	43,208
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted (shares)	69,600	49,991	43,277

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		38,246,718
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 729,969	$ 383	$ 814,305	$ (88,964)	$ 0	$ 4,245
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs (in shares)		9,674,217
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs	288,717	$ 96	288,621
Common stock issued to officers and directors (in shares)		13,384
Common stock issued to officers and directors	420		420
Amortization of restricted stock (in shares)		65,108
Amortization of restricted stock and long-term incentive plan awards	2,206	$ 1	2,205
Cash dividends	(59,149)		(59,149)
Return of equity to noncontrolling interests	(818)					(818)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	2,230					2,230
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(9,302)		(6,507)			(2,795)
Adjustments to reflect redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value	(5,212)		(5,212)
Comprehensive income	42,757			47,055	(4,465)	167
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		47,999,427
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	991,818	$ 480	1,034,683	(41,909)	(4,465)	3,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs (in shares)		8,852,813
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs	298,614	$ 89	298,525
Common stock issued to officers and directors (in shares)		12,300
Common stock issued to officers and directors	408		408
Amortization of restricted stock (in shares)		14,463
Amortization of restricted stock and long-term incentive plan awards	1,925	$ 0	1,925
Cash dividends	(70,512)		(70,512)
Return of equity to noncontrolling interests	(310)					(310)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	5,547					5,547
Adjustments to reflect redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value	(1,426)		(1,426)			(1,012)
Comprehensive income	18,806			19,911	(1,010)	(95)
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		56,879,003
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	1,244,870	$ 569	1,263,603	(21,998)	(5,475)	8,171
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs (in shares)		16,177,696
Proceeds from issuances of common stock, net of offering costs	626,320	$ 162	626,158
Common stock issued to officers and directors (in shares)		10,800
Common stock issued to officers and directors	450		450
Amortization of restricted stock (in shares)		7,956
Amortization of restricted stock and long-term incentive plan awards	3,076		3,076
Cash dividends	(103,543)		(80,492)	(22,926)		(125)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	1,760					1,760
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(16,746)		(8,508)			(8,238)
Adjustments to reflect redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value	(1,435)		(1,435)			(334)
Comprehensive income	46,689			44,924	1,911	(146)
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		73,075,455
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 1,801,441	$ 731	$ 1,802,852	$ 0	$ (3,564)	$ 1,422

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHA6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Limited Partners	Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.	Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.Noncontrolling Interests	Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.General Partner	Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.Limited Partners
Balance, Units (units) at Dec. 31, 2013						6,920	38,239,798
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013			$ 729,969	$ 0	$ 4,245	$ 190	$ 725,534
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units (units)							13,384
Vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units			420				$ 420
Issuance of units in exchange for contributions of gross equity offering proceeds (units)							9,674,217
Issuance of units in exchange for contributions of equity offering proceeds and redemption of units			288,717				$ 288,717
Amortization of restricted stock awards and long-term incentive plan awards (units)							65,108
Amortization of restricted stock awards and long-term incentive plan awards			2,206				$ 2,206
Distributions			(59,149)			(10)	(59,139)
Return of equity to noncontrolling interests			(818)		(818)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests			2,230		2,230
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	$ (9,302)		(9,302)		(2,795)		(6,507)
Adjustments to reflect redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value			(5,212)				(5,212)
Comprehensive income (loss)			42,757	(4,465)	167	$ 11	$ 47,044
Balance, Units (units) at Dec. 31, 2014						6,920	47,992,507
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014			991,818	(4,465)	3,029	$ 191	$ 993,063
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units (units)							12,300
Vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units			408				$ 408
Issuance of units in exchange for contributions of gross equity offering proceeds (units)							8,852,813
Issuance of units in exchange for contributions of equity offering proceeds and redemption of units			298,614				$ 298,614
Amortization of restricted stock awards and long-term incentive plan awards (units)							14,463
Amortization of restricted stock awards and long-term incentive plan awards			1,925				$ 1,925
Distributions			(70,512)			(10)	(70,502)
Return of equity to noncontrolling interests		$ (526)	(310)		310
Contributions from noncontrolling interests			5,547		5,547
Adjustments to reflect redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value			(1,426)				(1,426)
Comprehensive income (loss)			18,806	(1,010)	(95)	$ 3	$ 19,908
Balance, Units (units) at Dec. 31, 2015						6,920	56,872,083
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015			1,244,870	(5,475)	8,171	$ 184	$ 1,241,990
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units (units)							10,800
Vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units			450				$ 450
Issuance of units in exchange for contributions of gross equity offering proceeds (units)							16,177,696
Issuance of units in exchange for contributions of equity offering proceeds and redemption of units			626,320				$ 626,320
Amortization of restricted stock awards and long-term incentive plan awards (units)							7,956
Amortization of restricted stock awards and long-term incentive plan awards			3,076				$ 3,076
Distributions			(103,543)		125	(10)	(103,408)
Return of equity to noncontrolling interests		$ (304)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests			1,760		1,760
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	$ (16,746)		(16,746)		(8,238)		(8,508)
Adjustments to reflect redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value			(1,435)				(1,435)
Comprehensive income (loss)			46,689	1,911	(146)	$ 4	$ 44,920
Balance, Units (units) at Dec. 31, 2016						6,920	73,068,535
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016			$ 1,801,441	$ (3,564)	$ 1,422	$ 178	$ 1,803,405

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 44,704	$ 20,082	$ 47,654
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	81,413	68,022	58,974
Deferred tax expense	285	87	165
Loss on disposal of assets	115	60	54
Gain on sale of collegiate housing property	(23,956)	(2,770)	(33,231)
Gain on insurance settlement	0	0	(8,133)
Noncash rent expense related to the straight-line adjustment for long-term ground leases	4,731	4,782	4,835
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties	2,500	0	12,733
Loss on extinguishment of debt	10,611	403	3,543
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,731	2,089	2,156
Amortization of unamortized debt premiums	(49)	(843)	(806)
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated entities	423	0	97
Noncash compensation expense related to stock-based incentive awards	3,898	2,814	2,249
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability	1,046	0	0
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	328	668	710
Change in operating assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Student contracts receivable	(1,425)	(813)	(1,766)
Management fees receivable	(106)	57	(12)
Other assets	2,632	5,383	1,336
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	2,744	(1,740)	3,699
Deferred revenue	1,006	1,614	(5,036)
Net cash provided by operating activities	132,631	99,895	89,221
Investing activities:
Property acquisitions	(267,425)	(57,876)	(131,392)
Purchase of corporate assets	(1,278)	(920)	(11,477)
Restricted cash	1,946	(580)	1,911
Insurance proceeds received on property losses	0	0	2,129
Investment in collegiate housing properties	(22,827)	(14,396)	(16,150)
Proceeds from sale of collegiate housing properties	94,951	12,333	133,117
Notes receivable	1,667	(1,792)	(250)
Repayment on notes receivable	0	0	18,000
Earnest money deposits	(912)	(100)	(250)
Investment in assets under development	(331,907)	(184,429)	(222,296)
Distributions from unconsolidated entities	266	1,584	0
Investments in unconsolidated entities	0	(580)	(9,117)
Net cash used in investing activities	(525,519)	(246,756)	(235,775)
Financing activities:
Payment of mortgage and construction notes	(183,862)	(108,179)	(190,102)
Borrowings under mortgage and construction loans	40,974	65,491	17,865
Borrowings on unsecured term loan	0	0	187,500
Borrowings on unsecured senior notes	0	0	250,000
Debt issuance costs	(69)	(958)	(6,419)
Debt extinguishment costs	(10,290)	(403)	(2,807)
Borrowings on line of credit	20,000	199,000	380,000
Repayments of line of credit	0	(223,000)	(712,900)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	625,242	297,247	289,584
Payment of offering costs	(896)	(571)	(866)
Purchase and return of equity to noncontrolling interests	(19,656)	0	(10,138)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	27,125	5,547	2,230
Dividends and distributions paid to common and restricted stockholders	(103,419)	(70,512)	(59,149)
Dividends and distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	(546)	(1,231)	(1,011)
Repurchases of common stock for payments of restricted stock tax withholding	(315)	(213)	(921)
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interest	(667)	0	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	393,621	162,218	142,866
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	733	15,357	(3,688)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	33,742	18,385	22,073
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	34,475	33,742	18,385
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	10,694	25,715	20,548
Income taxes paid	293	73	45
Supplemental disclosure of noncash activities:
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests from unit holder	2,036	1,748	0
Capital expenditures in accounts payable and accrued expenses related to developments	39,125	22,225	18,558
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Operating activities:
Net income	44,704	20,082	47,654
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	81,413	68,022	58,974
Deferred tax expense	285	87	165
Loss on disposal of assets	115	60	54
Gain on sale of collegiate housing property	(23,956)	(2,770)	(33,231)
Gain on insurance settlement	0	0	(8,133)
Noncash rent expense related to the straight-line adjustment for long-term ground leases	4,731	4,782	4,835
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties	2,500	0	12,733
Loss on extinguishment of debt	10,611	403	3,543
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,731	2,089	2,156
Amortization of unamortized debt premiums	(49)	(843)	(806)
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated entities	423	0	97
Noncash compensation expense related to stock-based incentive awards	3,898	2,814	2,249
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability	1,046	0	0
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	328	668	710
Change in operating assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Student contracts receivable	(1,425)	(813)	(1,766)
Management fees receivable	(106)	57	(12)
Other assets	2,632	5,383	1,336
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	2,744	(1,740)	3,699
Deferred revenue	1,006	1,614	(5,036)
Net cash provided by operating activities	132,631	99,895	89,221
Investing activities:
Property acquisitions	(267,425)	(57,876)	(131,392)
Purchase of corporate assets	(1,278)	(920)	(11,477)
Restricted cash	1,946	(580)	1,911
Insurance proceeds received on property losses	0	0	2,129
Investment in collegiate housing properties	(22,827)	(14,396)	(16,150)
Proceeds from sale of collegiate housing properties	94,951	12,333	133,117
Notes receivable	1,667	(1,792)	(250)
Repayment on notes receivable	0	0	18,000
Earnest money deposits	(912)	(100)	(250)
Investment in assets under development	(331,907)	(184,429)	(222,296)
Distributions from unconsolidated entities	266	1,584	0
Investments in unconsolidated entities	0	(580)	(9,117)
Net cash used in investing activities	(525,519)	(246,756)	(235,775)
Financing activities:
Payment of mortgage and construction notes	(183,862)	(108,179)	(190,102)
Borrowings under mortgage and construction loans	40,974	65,491	17,865
Borrowings on unsecured term loan	0	0	187,500
Borrowings on unsecured senior notes	0	0	250,000
Debt issuance costs	(69)	(958)	(6,419)
Debt extinguishment costs	(10,290)	(403)	(2,807)
Borrowings on line of credit	20,000	199,000	380,000
Repayments of line of credit	0	(223,000)	(712,900)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	625,242	297,247	289,584
Payment of offering costs	(896)	(571)	(866)
Purchase and return of equity to noncontrolling interests	(19,656)	0	(10,138)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	27,125	5,547	2,230
Distributions paid on unvested restricted stock and long-term incentive plan awards	(398)	(203)	(69)
Distributions paid to unitholders	(103,021)	(70,309)	(59,080)
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests	(546)	(1,231)	(1,011)
Repurchases of common stock for payments of restricted stock tax withholding	(315)	(213)	(921)
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interest	(667)	0	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	393,621	162,218	142,866
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	733	15,357	(3,688)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	33,742	18,385	22,073
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	34,475	33,742	18,385
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	10,694	25,715	20,548
Income taxes paid	293	73	45
Supplemental disclosure of noncash activities:
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests from unit holder	2,036	1,748	0
Capital expenditures in accounts payable and accrued expenses related to developments	$ 39,125	$ 22,225	$ 18,558

Organization and description of

Organization and description of business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and description of business	Organization and description of business Education Realty Trust, Inc. ("EdR" and collectively with its consolidated subsidiaries, the “Trust”) was organized in the state of Maryland on July 12, 2004 and commenced operations effective with the initial public offering that was completed on January 31, 2005. Through the Trust's controlling interest in both the sole general partner and the majority owning limited partner of Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. ("EROP" and collectively with its consolidated subsidiaries, the "Operating Partnership"), the Trust is one of the largest developers, owners and managers of collegiate housing communities in the United States in terms of beds owned and under management. The Trust is a self-administered and self-managed REIT that is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "EDR". Under the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, restated and supplemented, the Trust is authorized to issue up to 200 million shares of common stock and 50 million shares of preferred stock, each having a par value of $0.01 per share. The sole general partner of EROP is Education Realty OP GP, Inc. (“OP GP”), an entity that is indirectly wholly-owned by EdR. As of December 31, 2016 , OP GP held an ownership interest in EROP of less than 1% . The limited partners of EROP are Education Realty OP Limited Partner Trust, a wholly-owned subsidiary of EdR, and other limited partners consisting of current and former members of management. OP GP, as the sole general partner of EROP, has the responsibility and discretion in the management and control of EROP, and the limited partners of EROP, in such capacity, have no authority to transact business for, or participate in the management activities of EROP. Management operates the Trust and the Operating Partnership as one business. The management of the Trust consists of the same members as the management of the Operating Partnership. EdR consolidates the Operating Partnership for financial reporting purposes, and EdR does not have significant assets other than its investment in the Operating Partnership. Therefore, the assets and liabilities of the Trust and the Operating Partnership are the same on their respective financial statements. Unless otherwise indicated, the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements apply to both the Trust and the Operating Partnership. The Trust also provides real estate facility management, development and other advisory services through its taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRS"), EDR Management Inc. (the “Management Company”), a Delaware corporation that performs collegiate housing management activities. EDR Development LLC (the “Development Company”), a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Management Company, which provides development consulting services for third-party collegiate housing communities, is a disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes and all assets owned and income earned by our Development Company are deemed to be owned and earned by our Management Company. The Trust is subject to the risks involved with the ownership and operation of residential real estate near major universities throughout the United States. The risks include, among others, those normally associated with changes in the demand for housing by students at the related universities, competition for residents, creditworthiness of residents, changes in tax laws, interest rate levels, the availability of financing and potential liability under environmental and other laws.

Summary of significant accounti

Summary of significant accounting policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of significant accounting policies	Summary of significant accounting policies Basis of presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Trust represent the assets and liabilities and operating results of the Trust and its majority owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Principles of consolidation Effective January 1, 2016, the Trust and the Operating Partnership adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Update 2015-02 (“ASU 2015-02”), which amended certain guidance with respect to the evaluation of Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) and when a reporting entity is required to consolidate certain legal entities. Specifically, the amendments: (i) modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities, (ii) eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, (iii) affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, and (iv) provide a scope exception for certain entities. The adoption of the new standard did not result in the consolidation of entities not previously consolidated or the deconsolidation of any entities previously consolidated. The Trust accounts for interests in partnerships, joint ventures and other similar entities in which it holds an ownership interest in accordance with the amended guidance. The Trust first evaluates whether each entity is a VIE. Under the VIE model, the Trust consolidates an entity when it has control to direct the activities of the VIE and where it is determined to be the primary beneficiary. Under the voting interest model, the Trust consolidates an entity when it controls the entity through the ownership of a majority voting interest. Upon adoption, the Operating Partnership and certain properties that have noncontrolling interests (see Note 11) became VIEs as the limited partners of these entities lack substantive kick-out rights and substantive participating rights. The Trust continues to consolidate these entities as the primary beneficiary because it directs the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIEs and has an obligation to absorb potentially significant losses or the right to receive potentially significant benefits of the VIEs. EdR has the power and economic exposure through the rights held by OP GP as it relates to the Operating Partnership, while EROP has power and economic exposure through its role as the property manager and equity interest holder of certain properties with noncontrolling interests (see Note 11). All of the Trust's property ownership, development and related business operations are conducted through the Operating Partnership. See the assets and liabilities of the Operating Partnership in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions are used by management in determining the recognition of third-party development consulting services revenue under the percentage of completion method, useful lives of collegiate housing assets, the initial valuations and underlying allocations of purchase price in connection with collegiate housing property acquisitions and the determination of fair value for impairment assessments and derivative valuation. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and cash equivalents All highly-liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered cash equivalents. Restricted cash is excluded from cash for the purpose of preparing the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Trust maintains cash balances in various banks. At times, the amounts of cash may exceed the amount the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insures. As of December 31, 2016 , the Trust had $31.6 million of cash on deposit that was uninsured by the FDIC or in excess of the FDIC limits. Restricted cash Restricted cash includes escrow accounts held by lenders for the purpose of paying taxes, insurance and funding capital improvements. Distributions EdR pays regular quarterly cash distributions to stockholders. At the same time, EROP pays an equivalent amount per unit to holders of limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership ("OP Units") as of the applicable record date. These distributions are determined quarterly by the Board of Directors (“Board”) based on the operating results, economic conditions, capital expenditure requirements, the REIT annual distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), leverage covenants imposed by our revolving credit facility and other debt documents and any other matters the Board deems relevant. Distributions for the year ended December 31, 2016 totaled $ 103.4 million , or $1.50 per share to our common stockholders, and $0.5 million , or $1.50 per OP Unit, to the limited partners in the Operating Partnership. Of the distributions to the common stockholders, $0.75 was treated as a non-taxable return of capital and $0.75 was treated as ordinary dividend income for income tax purposes. Notes receivable On August 26, 2013, the Trust provided a $0.5 million promissory loan to College Park Apartments, Inc. ("CPA"), the Trust's partner in the unconsolidated University Village-Greensboro LLC joint venture (see Note 8), at an interest rate of 10% per annum and a maturity date of August 1, 2020. Under the loan, CPA can make one draw per calendar quarter. At December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the outstanding balance was $0.5 million for both periods. The loan is secured by CPA's interest in the joint venture. On July 14, 2010, the Trust entered into definitive agreements for the development, financing and management of a $60.7 million , 20 -story, 572 -bed graduate collegiate housing complex at the Science + Technology Park at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute. The Trust developed and manages the building, which was constructed on land owned by Johns Hopkins University and leased to a subsidiary of East Baltimore Development, Inc., a nonprofit partnership of private and public entities dedicated to Baltimore’s urban revitalization. Under terms of the agreements, the Trust (a) received development and construction oversight fees and reimbursement of pre-development expenses, (b) invested in the form of an $18.0 million second mortgage, (c) earned a $3.0 million fee for providing a repayment guarantee of the construction first mortgage and (d) received a 10 -year management contract. The second mortgage had a maturity date of July 31, 2040 and was repaid during the year ended December 31, 2014. The Trust did not have an ownership interest in any form that would require consolidation. Due to its financing commitments to the project along with other factors, the Trust deferred recognition of the development services revenue, guarantee fee revenue and interest income earned on the second mortgage until the second mortgage was repaid, and the Trust no longer had a substantial continuing financial involvement. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the third-party owners closed on permanent financing for the community and used the proceeds to repay the construction first mortgage and second mortgage. As a result, the Trust recognized development services revenue, net of costs, of $2.6 million (including participation in cost savings of $0.8 million ), guarantee fee revenue of $3.0 million and interest income on the second mortgage of $6.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2014. On March 20, 2015, the Trust provided a $1.7 million promissory loan to Concord Eastridge, Inc., the Trust's partner in the joint venture at Roosevelt Point, at an interest rate equal to 2% plus London InterBank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") per annum compounded monthly and a maturity date of March 1, 2017. The loan was secured by Concord Eastridge's interest in the joint venture. As of December 31, 2015, $1.7 million was outstanding. In February 2016, the Trust acquired Concord Eastridge, Inc.'s remaining partnership interest for $4.9 million . The outstanding promissory loan was repaid in full at closing. Collegiate housing properties Land, land improvements, buildings and improvements, and furniture, fixtures and equipment are recorded at cost. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over 15 to 40 years, land improvements are depreciated over 15 years and furniture, fixtures, and equipment are depreciated over 3 to 7 years. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes over the estimated useful life. The Trust capitalizes interest based on the weighted average interest cost of the total debt and internal development costs while developments are ongoing as assets under development. When the property opens, these costs, along with other direct costs of the development, are transferred into the applicable asset category and depreciation commences. Acquired collegiate housing communities’ results of operations are included in the Trust’s results of operations from the respective dates of acquisition. Appraisals, estimates of cash flows and other valuation techniques are used to allocate the purchase price of acquired property between land, land improvements, buildings and improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment and identifiable intangibles, such as amounts related to in-place leases. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred and are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Management assesses impairment of long-lived assets to be held and used whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Management uses an estimate of future undiscounted cash flows of the related asset based on its intended use to determine whether the carrying value is recoverable. If the Trust determines that the carrying value of an asset is not recoverable, the fair value of the asset is estimated and an impairment loss is recorded to the extent the carrying value exceeds estimated fair value. Management estimates fair value using discounted cash flow models, market appraisals if available and other market participant data. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2014, the Trust recorded a $2.5 million and a $12.7 million loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties, respectively. There was no impairment loss in 2015. The impairment losses were due to a change in circumstances that indicated their respective carrying values may not be recoverable. The change in circumstances for the properties could be attributable to changes in property specific market conditions, changes in anticipated future use and/or leasing results or a combination of these factors. When a collegiate housing community has met the criteria to be classified as held for sale, the fair value less cost to sell such asset is estimated. If the fair value less cost to sell the asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment charge is recorded for the estimated loss. Depreciation expense is no longer recorded once a collegiate housing community has met the held for sale criteria. Operations of collegiate housing communities that are sold or classified as held for sale were recorded as part of discontinued operations prior to January 1, 2014. Effective January 1, 2014, the Trust adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08 related to the presentation of discontinued operations. Prospectively, only dispositions that represent a strategic shift in the business will qualify for treatment as discontinued operations. The property dispositions during the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015, and 2014 did not qualify for treatment as discontinued operations and, as a result, the operations of the properties are included in continuing operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. During August 2016, the Trust committed and finalized plans to demolish and redevelop Players Club, an off-campus community that serves Florida State University. Depreciation estimates were revised to reflect the shortened remaining useful life. The Trust recorded $2.9 million of accelerated depreciation during the year ended December 31, 2016 related to the change in estimate. The impact on net income attributable to EdR common stockholders per share - basic and diluted for the year ended December 31, 2016 is $0.04 . An additional $3.0 million of accelerated depreciation will be recorded in 2017. Deferred financing costs Deferred financing costs represent costs incurred in connection with acquiring debt facilities. The deferred financing costs incurred for years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $0.7 million , $1.0 million and $6.4 million , respectively, and are being amortized over the terms of the related debt using a method that approximates the effective interest method. Amortization expense totaled $1.7 million , $2.1 million and $2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, accumulated amortization totaled $8.1 million and $9.0 million , respectively. Unamortized deferred financing costs related to the Trust's mortgage and construction loans, unsecured term loan and Unsecured Senior Notes are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability. Unamortized deferred financing costs related to the unsecured revolving credit facility are classified in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (see Note 7). Redeemable noncontrolling interests (the Trust) / redeemable limited partners (EROP) The Trust follows the guidance issued by the FASB regarding the classification and measurement of redeemable securities. The Trust classifies redeemable noncontrolling interests, which include redeemable interests in consolidated joint ventures with puts exercisable by the joint venture partners and units of limited partnership interest in University Towers Operating Partnership, LP and in the Operating Partnership in the mezzanine section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Trust accounts for certain noncontrolling interests with embedded put and call features with fixed exercise prices and exercise dates as a financing arrangement, and these amounts are recorded as accrued liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets. The liability is initially measured at present value of the fixed price settlement amount. Subsequently, the liability is accreted to the fixed price over the term of the contract, with the resulting expense recognized as interest expense. In the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of the Operating Partnership, the redeemable units of limited partnership in the Operating Partnership are classified as redeemable limited partners and the redeemable interests in consolidated joint ventures with puts exercisable by the joint venture partners and units of limited partnership interest in University Towers Operating Partnership, LP are classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests. The redeemable noncontrolling interest units / redeemable limited partner units are adjusted to the greater of carrying value or fair market value based on the price per share of EdR's common stock or redemption value at the end of each respective reporting period. Common stock issuances and offering costs Specific incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of EdR common stock are charged against the gross proceeds of the related issuance. Accordingly, underwriting commissions and other stock issuance costs are reflected as a reduction of additional paid-in capital in the accompanying consolidated statement of changes in equity. The Trust is structured as an umbrella partnership REIT ("UPREIT") and contributes all proceeds from its various equity offerings to EROP. For every one share of common stock offered and sold by EdR for cash, EdR must contribute the net proceeds to EROP and, in return, EROP will issue one OP Unit to EdR. In May 2012, the Trust entered into two equity distribution agreements ("ATM Program") pursuant to which the Trust may issue and sell shares of EdR common stock having an aggregate offering amount of $50.0 million . The Trust sold 1.0 million shares of EdR common stock under the distribution agreements during the year ended December 31, 2014 and received net proceeds of $31.5 million , which exhausted the ATM Program entered into during May 2012. On June 24, 2014, the Trust completed a follow-on equity offering of 8.2 million shares of EdR common stock. The Trust received approximately $239.4 million in net proceeds from the offering after deducting the underwriting discount and other offering expenses payable by the Trust. During October 2014, the Trust entered into equity distribution agreements to establish an at-the-market equity offering program (our "ATM Program") under which the Trust was authorized to sell a maximum of $150.0 million in additional shares of EdR common stock. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 , the Trust sold approximately 2.3 million , 0.7 million and 0.5 million shares pursuant the ATM Program, with net proceeds of $93.5 million , $26.7 million and $18.1 million , respectively, which exhausted the ATM Program. On May 2, 2016, the Trust entered into equity distribution agreements to establish a new ATM Program under which the Trust was authorized to sell a maximum of $300.0 million in additional shares of its common stock. The Trust sold approximately 7.0 million shares under these equity distribution agreements during the year ended December 31, 2016 and received net proceeds of approximately $296.2 million which exhausted this ATM Program. On August 1, 2016, the Trust entered into equity distribution agreements to establish a new ATM Program under which the Trust is authorized to sell a maximum of $300.0 million in shares of its common stock. Under these equity distribution agreements, EdR may make sales of common stock through at-the-market transactions or pursuant to forward sales agreements (the “Forward Agreements”) with certain counterparties. In connection with any Forward Agreement, the relevant forward purchaser will borrow from third parties, and through the relevant sales agent, sell a number of shares of EdR common stock underlying the particular Forward Agreement. The Trust does not initially receive any proceeds from any sale of borrowed shares. During the year ended December 31, 2016 , the Trust entered into six Forward Agreements to sell an aggregate of 6.8 million shares of EdR common stock at a weighted average initial forward price of $42.77 per share, net of offering fees and discounts. A summary of the outstanding Forward Agreements is as follows (shares in thousands): Date of Forward Agreement Shares Sold Weighted Average Share Price Initial Forward Price August 2, 2016 273 $ 47.93 $ 47.33 August 8, 2016 550 46.86 46.28 August 15, 2016 185 46.55 45.97 August 22, 2016 213 45.59 45.02 August 29, 2016 3,323 43.36 42.82 October 3, 2016 2,218 40.93 40.51 6,762 $ 43.19 $ 42.77 The final sales price and proceeds to be received by the Trust from the sales under each Forward Agreement will be determined on the applicable date of settlement, with adjustments during the term of the contract for dividends as well as for a daily interest factor that varies with changes in the federal funds rate. The Trust generally has the ability to determine the dates and method of settlement, subject to certain conditions and the right of the counterparty to accelerate settlement under certain circumstances. The Trust currently expects to fully physically settle each Forward Agreement on one or more dates specified by the Trust prior to the maturity date of the applicable Forward Agreement, in which case the Trust expects to receive aggregate net cash proceeds at settlement equal to the number of shares of common stock underlying the applicable Forward Agreement multiplied by the relevant forward sale price. However, subject to certain exceptions, the Trust may also elect, in its discretion, to cash settle or net share settle a particular Forward Agreement, in which case the Trust may not receive any proceeds (in the case of cash settlement) or will not receive any proceeds (in the case of net share settlement), and the Trust may owe cash (in the case of cash settlement) or shares of EdR common stock (in the case of net share settlement) to the relevant counterparty. Settlement of each Forward Agreement currently in place will occur on one or more dates not later than December 29, 2017. The Trust accounts for shares of EdR common stock reserved for issuance upon settlement of each Forward Agreement as equity. Before the issuance of shares of EdR common stock, if any, upon physical or net share settlement of the Forward Agreements, the Trust expects that the shares issuable upon settlement of the Forward Agreements will be reflected in its diluted earnings per share calculations using the treasury stock method. Under this method, the number of shares of EdR common stock used in calculating diluted earnings per share is deemed to be increased by the excess, if any, of the number of shares of common stock that would be issued upon full physical settlement of the Forward Agreements over the number of shares of common stock that could be purchased by the Company in the open market (based on the average market price during the period) using the proceeds receivable upon full physical settlement (based on the adjusted forward sale price at the end of the reporting period). If and when the Trust physically or net share settles any Forward Agreement, the delivery of shares of our common stock would result in an increase in the number of shares outstanding and dilution to basic earnings per share. As of January 2017, the remaining 0.2 million shares were sold at an average share price of $41.43 which exhausted the program. On November 20, 2014, the Board authorized a 1-for-3 reverse stock split of shares of EdR common stock, effective December 1, 2014 and all shares and related per-share information was retroactively adjusted. On April 30, 2015, the Operating Partnership entered into a Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, which reduced the number of OP Units outstanding as a result of the 1-for-3 reverse stock split the Trust completed in December 2014. Accordingly, every three issued and outstanding shares of EdR common stock and OP Units prior to the split were reduced to one. All OP Units and related per unit information presented in these financial statements have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the decreased number of OP Units. On November 9, 2015, the Trust completed a follow-on equity offering of 8.1 million shares of EdR common stock. The Trust received approximately $270.1 million in net proceeds from the offering after deducting the underwriting discount and other offering expenses payable by the Trust. On January 15, 2016, the Trust completed a second follow-on equity offering of 6.3 million shares of EdR common stock. The Trust received approximately $215.1 million in net proceeds from the offering after deducting the underwriting discount and other offering expenses payable by the Trust. Of the total net proceeds, $108.5 million was used to pay off $98.2 million of fixed rate mortgage debt bearing an average effective interest rate of 5.4% and $10.3 million was used to pay prepayment penalties associated with the early extinguishment of debt. Income taxes EdR qualifies as a REIT under the Code. EdR is generally not subject to federal, state and local income taxes on any of its taxable income that it distributes if it distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income for each tax year to its stockholders and meets certain other requirements. If EdR fails to qualify as a REIT for any taxable year, EdR will be subject to federal, state and local income taxes (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on its taxable income. The Trust has elected to treat certain of its subsidiaries, including the Management Company, as TRSs. A TRS is subject to federal, state and local income taxes. Our Management Company provides management services and through our Development Company, provides development services, which if directly provided by the Trust would jeopardize EdR’s REIT status. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. Repairs, maintenance and major improvements The costs of ordinary repairs and maintenance are charged to operations when incurred. Major improvements that extend the life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Planned major repair, maintenance and improvement projects are capitalized when performed. In some circumstances, lenders require the Trust to maintain a reserve account for future repairs and capital expenditures. These amounts are classified as restricted cash in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as the funds are not available for use. Ground lease expense Long-term ground leases are accounted for as operating leases and the rent is recognized on a straight-line basis over the applicable lease term. The lease term begins when the Trust first attains the right to use the property. Goodwill and other intangible assets Goodwill is tested annually for impairment as of December 31, and is tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. The accumulated impairment loss recorded is $0.4 million . No additional impairment has been recorded through December 31, 2016 . The carrying value of goodwill was $3.1 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , 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. In-place leases incurred in connection with the acquisition of collegiate housing properties for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $7.4 million and is being amortized over the life of the remaining lease term, which is generally less than one year. Amortization expense totaled $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 . As of December 31, 2016 , accumulated amortization totaled $3.6 million . The carrying value of other intangible assets was $3.8 million and $0.2 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Investment in unconsolidated entities The Trust accounts for its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures using the equity method whereby the costs of an investment are adjusted for the Trust’s share of earnings of the respective investment reduced by distributions received. The earnings and distributions of the unconsolidated joint ventures are allocated based on each owner’s respective ownership interests. These investments are classified as other assets or accrued expenses, depending on whether the distributions exceed the Trust’s contributions and share of earnings in the joint ventures, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (see Note 8). Revenue recognition The Trust recognizes revenue related to leasing activities at the collegiate housing communities owned by the Trust, management fees related to managing third-party collegiate housing communities, development consulting fees related to the general oversight of third-party collegiate housing development and operating expense reimbursements for payroll and related expenses incurred for third-party collegiate housing communities managed by the Trust. Collegiate housing leasing revenue — Collegiate housing leasing revenue is comprised of all activities related to leasing and operating the collegiate housing communities and includes revenues from leasing apartments by the bed, food services, parking lot rentals and providing certain ancillary services. Students are required to execute lease contracts with payment schedules that vary from semester to monthly payments. Generally, the Trust requires each executed leasing contract to be accompanied by a signed parental guarantee. Receivables are recorded when billed. Revenues and nonrefundable application and service fees are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contracts. At certain collegiate housing facilities, the Trust offers parking lot rentals to the residents. The related revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related agreement. Deferred revenue related to collegiate housing revenue consists primarily of prepaid rent and deferred rent revenue and totaled $19.8 million and $18.9 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Due to the nature of the Trust’s business, accounts receivable result primarily from monthly billings of student rents. Payments are normally received within 30 days. Balances are considered past due when payment is not received on the contractual due date. Allowances for uncollectible accounts are established by management when it is determined that collection is doubtful. Such allowances are reviewed periodically based upon experience. The following table reconciles the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of period $ 306 $ 58 $ 96 Provision for uncollectible accounts 1,012 1,000 1,263 Deductions (757 ) (752 ) (1,301 ) Balance, end of period $ 561 $ 306 $ 58 At December 31, 2016 , the Trust had 12 communities located at the University of Kentucky. This geographic location represented 15.8% of our collegiate housing revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 . No other market generated more than 10% of collegiate housing revenue. Third-party development services revenue — The Trust provides development consulting services in an agency capacity with third parties whereby the fee is determined based upon the total construction costs. Total fees vary from 3 – 5% of the total estimated costs, and the Trust typically receives a portion of the fees up front. These fees, including the up-front fee, are recognized using the percentage of completion method in proportion to the contract costs incurred by the owner over the course of construction of the respective projects. Occasionally, the development consulting contracts include a provision whereby the Trust can participate in project savings resulting from successful cost management efforts. These revenues are recognized once all contractual terms have been satisfied and no future performance requirements exist. This typically occurs after construction is complete. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, there was no revenue recognized related to cost savings agreements. For the year ended December 31, 2014, there was $1.2 million of revenue recognized, related to cost savings agreements. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, deferred development fees totaled $1.0 million and $0.1 million , respectively. Third-party management services revenue — The Trust enters into management contracts to manage third-party collegiate housing communities. Management revenues are recognized when earned in accordance with each management contract. Incentive management fees are recognized when the incentive criteria have been met. Operating expense reimbursements — The Trust pays certain payroll and related

Income taxes

Income taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	Income taxes Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities of the TRSs for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows (in thousands): 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets: Deferred revenue $ 393 $ 43 Accrued expenses 394 313 Straight line rent 281 315 Restricted stock amortization 759 949 Net operating loss carryforwards 1,271 1,350 Total deferred tax assets 3,098 2,970 Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation and amortization (927 ) (514 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (927 ) (514 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 2,171 $ 2,456 Significant components of the income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Deferred: Federal $ 243 $ 148 $ 108 State 42 (61 ) 57 Deferred expense (benefit) 285 87 165 Current: Federal 183 101 (52 ) State 216 159 148 Current expense 399 260 96 Total provision $ 684 $ 347 $ 261 TRS net losses subject to tax consisted of $0.4 million , $0.2 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The reconciliation of income tax attributable to income before noncontrolling interest computed at the U.S. statutory rate to income tax provision is as follows (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Tax provision at U.S. statutory rates on TRS net losses subject to tax $ 426 $ 236 $ 71 State income tax, net of federal benefit 77 (31 ) 34 Other 181 142 156 Tax provision $ 684 $ 347 $ 261 The TRS has net operating loss carryforwards that expire at various dates through fiscal year 2035. The Trust has assessed the need for a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets and determined such is not necessary because it is more likely than not the deferred tax assets will be fully realized. The Trust had no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . As of December 31, 2016 , the Trust does not expect to record any unrecognized tax benefits. The Trust, and its subsidiaries, file federal and state income tax returns. As of December 31, 2016 , open tax years generally included tax years for 2013, 2014, and 2015. The Trust’s policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in general and administrative expenses. For each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 , the Trust had no interest or penalties recorded related to unrecognized tax benefits.

Acquisition and development of

Acquisition and development of real estate investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Real Estate [Abstract]
Acquisition and development of real estate investments	Acquisition and development of real estate investments Acquisition of collegiate housing properties 2016 Acquisitions During the year ended December 31, 2016 , the following collegiate housing property acquisitions were completed: Name Primary University Served Acquisition Date # of Beds # of Units Contract Price (in thousands) Lokal Colorado State University, Colorado March 2016 194 79 $ 24,600 The Hub at Madison University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin May 2016 1,038 341 $ 188,500 Pura Vida Place Colorado State University, Colorado August 2016 100 52 $ 12,000 Carriage House Colorado State University, Colorado August 2016 94 54 $ 12,000 Urbane University of Arizona, Arizona September 2016 311 104 $ 50,000 Combined acquisition costs for these purchases were $0.4 million and are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying statements of income and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2016 . The allocations of purchase price pertaining to Pura Vida Place and Carriage House are preliminary as of December 31, 2016. Below is the allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition (in thousands): Lokal The Hub at Madison Pura Vida Place Carriage House Urbane Total Collegiate housing property $ 23,653 $ 189,832 $ 11,498 $ 11,528 $ 47,999 $ 284,510 In-place leases 849 3,588 502 472 1,984 7,395 Other assets 3 87 5 4 18 117 Current liabilities (148 ) (7,442 ) (144 ) (67 ) (584 ) (8,385 ) Total net assets acquired $ 24,357 $ 186,065 $ 11,861 $ 11,937 $ 49,417 $ 283,637 The $3.5 million difference between the aggregate contracted price of $287.1 million and the net assets set forth in the table above includes contingent consideration related to the acquisition of The Hub at Madison, which was initially estimated at $5.3 million and represents additional purchase price related to future operating performance of the applicable property and future tax assessments. Of this amount, $3.1 million was paid out subsequent to the acquisition. At December 31, 2016 , the remaining estimated contingent liability of $2.3 million (recorded in accrued liabilities) was determined based on the probability of achieving of certain operating performance metrics; the estimated range of possible outcomes is between $0.0 million and $4.5 million . The remaining difference between the contracted price and the net assets set forth above represents working capital and other liabilities that were not part of the contractual purchase price, but were acquired. In connection with the acquisition of Urbane, the Trust formed a limited liability company to acquire an interest in the legal entity owning the collegiate housing property. In addition to the $10.0 million capital contribution, the Trust advanced $23.6 million to the seller. Under the terms of the agreement, the Trust has a call exercisable on September 8, 2017 to acquire the remaining ownership interest from the seller and the seller similarly has a put to sell their interests to the Trust. The exercise price is substantially fixed and the exercise dates are within one month of each other. The Trust evaluated the LLC as a VIE and determined they were the primary beneficiary because it directs the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entity. Therefore the Trust has consolidated the VIE from the date of acquisition. The put and call arrangement was evaluated and it was determined the noncontrolling interests represent a liability because of the substantially fixed exercise prices and stated exercise dates and, therefore, the economic substance is a financing arrangement. The Trust has recorded the liability at the present value of the fixed price settlement amount ( $14.9 million reflected in accrued expenses) and will accrete the liability to the fixed price over the contractual term. The amount recorded at December 31, 2016 approximates the redemption or settlement amount due to the short term of the contractual period. No earnings have been attributed to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated statement of net income and comprehensive income. The Trust is also obligated to pay the seller contingent consideration of up to $1.5 million if certain performance conditions are met for the 2017/2018 lease year. Conversely, if the operating performance of the property does not achieve certain performance metrics, the seller is required to reimburse the Trust for up to $1.5 million of the purchase price. Based on the assessment of the probability of achieving the performance metrics as of the acquisition date, no contingent consideration was initially recorded at the acquisition date. As of December 31, 2016 , $1.0 million was estimated and recorded as a contingent consideration liability based upon probability of achieving certain operating performance metrics. 2015 Acquisitions During the year ended December 31, 2015 , the following collegiate housing property acquisitions were completed: Name Primary University Served Acquisition Date # of Beds # of Units Contract Price (in thousands) The Commons on Bridge University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tennessee June 2015 150 51 $ 9,700 The Province at Boulder University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado September 2015 317 84 $ 48,800 Combined acquisition costs for these purchases were $0.3 million and are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying statements of income and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Below is the allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition (in thousands): The Commons on Bridge The Province at Boulder Total Collegiate housing properties $ 9,624 $ 48,522 $ 58,146 In-place leases 76 278 354 Other assets 5 85 90 Current liabilities (338 ) (376 ) (714 ) Total net assets acquired $ 9,367 $ 48,509 $ 57,876 The $0.6 million difference between the aggregate contracted price of $58.5 million and the net assets above represents working capital and other liabilities that were not part of the contractual purchase price, but were acquired. In conjunction with the acquisition of the The Province at Boulder, the Trust entered into a reverse Section 1031 like-kind exchange agreement with a third-party intermediary, which, for a maximum of 180 days, allows us to defer for tax purposes, gains on the sale of other properties identified and sold within this period. Until the earlier of the termination of the exchange agreements or 180 days after the respective acquisition date, the third-party intermediary is the legal owner of the property; however, the Trust controls the activities that most significantly impact the property and retains all of the economic benefits and risks associated with the property. Therefore, at the date of the acquisition, it was determined that the Trust was the primary beneficiary of this VIE and consolidated the property and its operations as of the respective acquisition date. As of December 31, 2015, this VIE had total assets of $48.6 million and liabilities of $0.3 million , and for the year ended December 31, 2015 had net cash flows of approximately $0.1 million . The reverse Section 1031 like-kind exchange was completed during March 2016 in connection with the sale of 605 West (see Note 4). As of March 31, 2016, the exchange agreements were terminated and the Trust is now the legal owner of The Province at Boulder. 2014 Acquisitions During the year ended December 31, 2014 , the following collegiate housing property acquisitions were completed: Name Primary University Served Acquisition Date # of Beds # of Units Contract Price (in thousands) 109 Tower Florida International University Miami, Florida Aug 2014 542 149 $ 43,500 District on Apache Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona Sept 2014 900 279 $ 89,800 Combined acquisition costs for these purchases were $0.9 million and are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2014 . 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. A summary of the actual revenue and net income from the 2016 , 2015 and 2014 property acquisitions included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income since the respective dates of acquisition is as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 2016 Acquisitions Revenue $ 9,898 $ — $ — Net loss $ (2,098 ) $ — $ — 2015 Acquisitions Revenue $ 4,957 $ 1,754 $ — Net income $ 1,471 $ 532 $ — 2014 Acquisitions Revenue $ 15,385 $ 14,727 $ 4,683 Net income $ 6,048 $ 4,570 $ 1,403 The following unaudited pro forma information assumes the acquisitions occurred as of the first day of the prior period and is not indicative of results that would have occurred or which may occur (in thousands, except per share and per unit amounts): Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 2013 2016 Acquisitions Total revenue (1) $ 294,374 $ 261,196 Net income attributable to the Trust (1) $ 45,412 $ 19,384 Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic and diluted $ 0.65 $ 0.39 Net income attributable to EROP (1) $ 45,551 $ 19,468 Net income attributable to unitholders - basic and diluted $ 0.65 $ 0.39 2015 Acquisitions Total revenue (2) $ 257,758 $ 227,968 Net income attributable to the Trust (2) $ 20,992 $ 47,275 Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic $ 0.42 $ 1.10 Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted $ 0.42 $ 1.09 Net income attributable to EROP (2) $ 21,087 $ 47,643 Net income attributable to unitholders - basic and diluted $ 0.42 $ 1.10 2014 Acquisitions Total revenue (3) $ 231,961 $ 187,884 Net income attributable to the Trust (3) $ 50,794 $ 5,714 Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic $ 1.18 $ 0.15 Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted $ 1.17 $ 0.15 Net income attributable to EROP (3) $ 51,184 $ 5,805 Net income attributable to unitholders - basic and diluted $ 1.18 $ 0.15 (1) As Urbane opened for the 2016/2017 lease year, the supplemental pro forma revenue and net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 only includes its operations from the date it opened. (2) As Lokal, The Hub at Madison and Carriage House opened for the 2015/2016 lease year, the supplemental pro forma revenue and net income for the year ended December 31, 2015 only includes their operations from the date they opened. (3) As The Province at Boulder and 109 Tower opened for the 2014/2015 lease year, the supplemental pro forma revenue and net income for the year ended December 31, 2014 only includes their operations from the date they opened. Development of collegiate housing properties During 2016 , the Trust developed and placed in service the following communities. The costs incurred to date for our owned communities represent the balance capitalized in collegiate housing properties, net as of December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Name Primary University Served Bed Count Costs Incurred-to-Date Internal Development Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized 2016 2015 2016 2015 Holmes Hall and Boyd Hall University of Kentucky 1,141 $ 85,691 $ 339 $ 382 $ 1,900 $ 984 Retreat at Blacksburg - Phase I & II (1) Virginia Tech 829 64,549 143 116 709 208 Retreat at Oxford - Phase II University of Mississippi 350 26,745 58 77 590 211 Total 2,320 $ 176,985 $ 540 $ 575 $ 3,199 $ 1,403 (1) During 2015, the Operating Partnership entered into an agreement with a subsidiary of Landmark Property Holdings, LLC to develop, own and manage a cottage-style collegiate housing property located adjacent to Virginia Tech. The Retreat at Blacksburg was initially a joint venture. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Trust purchased the remaining 25% joint venture partner's ownership in the property. During 2015 , the Trust developed and placed in service the following communities. The costs incurred to date for the owned communities represent the balance capitalized in collegiate housing properties, net as of December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Name Primary University Served Bed Count Costs Incurred-to-date Internal Development Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized 2015 2014 2015 2014 Woodland Glen III, IV & V (1) University of Kentucky 1,610 $ 103,458 $ 452 $ 214 $ 2,414 $ 1,304 The Oaks on the Square - Phase IV (2) University of Connecticut 391 44,325 315 101 633 149 The Retreat at Louisville (3) University of Louisville 656 43,935 179 77 568 103 Total owned communities 2,657 $ 191,718 $ 946 $ 392 $ 3,615 $ 1,556 Georgia Heights (4) University of Georgia 292 51,639 216 184 273 274 Total joint ventures 292 $ 51,639 $ 216 $ 184 $ 273 $ 274 Total 2,949 $ 243,357 $ 1,162 $ 576 $ 3,888 $ 1,830 (1) In December 2011, the Trust was selected by the University of Kentucky to develop, own and manage new collegiate housing on its campus. Phase I opened in August 2013, Phase II opened in August 2014 and Phase III, which includes these communities, opened in August 2015 for the 2015/2016 lease year. (2) In 2010, LeylandAlliance LLC and the Trust entered into an agreement to develop the first two phases of Storrs Center, a mixed-use town center project, located adjacent to the University of Connecticut. The Trust developed, owns and manages the collegiate housing properties in these first two phases and both phases include commercial and residential offerings. The first, second and third phases opened in August 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. The fourth phase opened in August 2015. (3) In June 2014, the Trust announced an agreement with a subsidiary of Landmark Property Holdings, LLC to develop, own and manage a cottage-style collegiate housing property located adjacent to The University of Louisville. The Retreat at Louisville was initially a joint venture. During the year ended December 31, 2016 , the Trust purchased the remaining 25% joint venture partner's ownership in the property. (4) In 2013, the Trust entered into an agreement to develop, own and manage a mixed-use development adjacent to the main entrance of the University of Georgia with a subsidiary of GEM Realty Capital, Inc. The costs above represent total costs incurred for the joint venture development. The Trust holds a 50% interest in the joint venture and manages the community. The Trust does not consolidate the joint venture (see Note 8) and its investment of $10.2 million and $10.4 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, is classified as other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The following represents a summary of active developments at December 31, 2016 , including internal development costs and interest costs capitalized (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Name Primary University Served Spend-to-Date Internal Development Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized 2016 2015 2016 2015 University Flats University of Kentucky $ 55,682 $ 226 $ 241 $ 1,163 $ 83 Lewis Hall University of Kentucky 15,190 204 — 196 — Boise State University Boise State University 19,674 260 54 252 3 SkyVUE Michigan State University 60,775 201 17 1,253 — The Local: Downtown Texas State University 18,017 178 69 318 — Avid Square Oklahoma State University 21,847 116 — 231 — Northern Michigan University Northern Michigan University 12,104 203 — 66 — Maplewood Cornell University 2,440 81 — 24 — University of Pittsburgh University of Pittsburgh 20,303 95 — 238 — Players Club Redevelopment Florida State University 938 62 21 22 — Hale Mahana University of Hawai'i 22,931 82 — 98 — Hub at Minneapolis University of Minnesota 12,738 43 — — — Arizona State University Arizona State University 25,230 102 — 113 — Undeveloped land 2,073 41 — 34 — Total active projects under development $ 289,942 $ 1,894 $ 402 $ 4,008 $ 86 As of December 31, 2016 , the Trust is contractually obligated to fund remaining amounts under guaranteed maximum price contracts with the general contractor of approximately $507.6 million to complete these developments. All costs related to the development of collegiate housing communities are classified as assets under development in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets until the community is completed and opened. Expenditures for assets under development accrued in accounts payable and accrued expenses totaled $2.9 million and $36.0 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2016 . As of December 31, 2015 , expenditures for assets under development accrued in accounts payable and accrued expenses totaled $0.3 million and $19.2 million , respectively.

Disposition of real estate inve

Disposition of real estate investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposition of real estate investments	Disposition of real estate investments As discussed in Note 2, the accounting guidance related to the presentation of discontinued operations was adopted as of January 1, 2014. The property dispositions discussed below and any subsequent one-off dispositions are not expected to qualify for treatment as discontinued operations unless the dispositions qualify as a strategic shift in the Trust's business pursuant to ASU 2014-08. Accordingly, the historical operations of the property dispositions are presented in continuing operations for all periods presented as the adoption of the guidance is on a prospective basis. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the following collegiate housing communities were sold for approximately $96.6 million . The Trust received combined net proceeds of approximately $95.0 million after deducting closing costs and recognized a $24.0 million gain on these dispositions. • 605 West located in Durham, North Carolina; • The Reserve at Athens located in Athens, Georgia; and • The Commons at Tallahassee located in Tallahassee, Florida. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Cape Trails housing community located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri was sold for a sales price of $12.9 million . The Trust received net proceeds of $12.3 million after closing costs and recognized a $2.8 million gain on this disposition. During the year ended December 31, 2014 , the following collegiate housing communities were sold: • The Reserve on West 31st located in Lawrence, Kansas; • College Station at West Lafayette located in West Lafayette, Indiana; • Pointe West located in Cayce, South Carolina; • The Reserve on South College located in Auburn, Alabama; • The Pointe at South Florida located in Tampa, Florida • Avenue at Southern located in Statesboro, Georgia; and • Commons on Kinnear located in Columbus, Ohio. The aggregate sales price of the 2014 dispositions was approximately $138.5 million . The Trust received net proceeds of approximately $116.3 million , after payoffs of mortgage debt of $16.7 million and closing costs. The Trust recognized a $33.2 million gain on these dispositions.

Collegiate housing properties a

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Real Estate [Abstract]
Collegiate housing properties and assets under development	Collegiate housing properties and assets under development Collegiate housing properties and assets under development consist of the following as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): 2016 2015 Land $ 221,065 $ 152,819 Land improvements 66,440 65,135 Leasehold improvements 74 212 Construction in progress 239,186 105,517 Buildings and improvements 2,092,546 1,751,482 Furniture, fixtures and equipment 90,406 88,008 2,709,717 2,163,173 Less accumulated depreciation (311,069 ) (270,993 ) Collegiate housing properties and assets under development, net $ 2,398,648 $ 1,892,180 Following is certain information related to investment in collegiate housing properties and assets under development as of December 31, 2016 (amounts in thousands): Initial Cost Total Costs Property (3) Encumbrances Land Buildings and Improvements and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Total Cost Capitalized Subsequently Land Buildings and Improvements and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Total (5) Accumulated Depreciation (4) Date of Acquisition/ Construction Players Club $ — $727 $7,498 $8,225 $3,446 $727 $10,944 $11,671 $6,961 1/31/2005 The Commons at Knoxville — 4,630 18,386 23,016 4,086 4,585 22,517 27,102 9,182 1/31/2005 The Lofts — 2,801 34,117 36,918 3,725 2,801 37,842 40,643 13,852 1/31/2005 The Pointe at Penn State — 2,151 35,094 37,245 5,824 2,150 40,919 43,069 16,269 1/31/2005 The Reserve at Columbia — 1,071 26,134 27,205 4,537 1,071 30,671 31,742 11,749 1/31/2005 The Reserve on Perkins — 913 15,795 16,708 4,429 913 20,224 21,137 8,547 1/31/2005 University Towers 32,950 — 28,652 28,652 18,169 2,364 44,457 46,821 18,374 1/31/2005 Campus Creek — 2,251 21,604 23,855 2,280 2,251 23,884 26,135 8,934 2/22/2005 Campus Lodge — 2,746 44,415 47,161 4,796 2,746 49,211 51,957 17,629 6/7/2005 Carrollton Place — 682 12,166 12,848 2,180 682 14,346 15,028 4,892 1/1/2006 River Pointe — 837 17,746 18,583 2,844 837 20,590 21,427 6,794 1/1/2006 The Reserve at Saluki Pointe — 1,099 32,377 33,476 2,127 1,099 34,504 35,603 8,692 8/1/2008 University Apartments on Colvin — — 25,792 25,792 977 — 26,769 26,769 6,109 8/1/2009 2400 Nueces (1) — — 64,152 64,152 7,114 — 71,266 71,266 8,944 8/1/2010 The Oaks on the Square - Phase I and II — 1,800 48,636 50,436 2,137 1,800 50,773 52,573 6,845 9/30/2010 GrandMarc at the Corner — — 45,384 45,384 2,295 — 47,679 47,679 9,308 10/22/2010 Campus West — — 25,842 25,842 1,926 — 27,768 27,768 4,715 3/1/2011 East Edge — 10,420 10,783 21,203 21,343 10,420 32,126 42,546 5,972 3/1/2011 Jefferson Commons — 1,420 4,915 6,335 332 1,420 5,247 6,667 980 3/15/2011 Wertland Square — 3,230 13,285 16,515 826 3,230 14,111 17,341 2,574 3/15/2011 The Berk — 2,687 13,718 16,405 906 2,687 14,624 17,311 2,706 5/23/2011 Roosevelt Point — 3,093 47,528 50,621 2,178 3,093 49,706 52,799 6,013 7/1/2011 University Village Towers — 3,434 34,424 37,858 1,130 3,434 35,554 38,988 5,703 9/22/2011 Irish Row — 2,637 24,679 27,316 512 2,637 25,191 27,828 3,995 11/1/2011 The Lotus — 5,245 20,830 26,075 2,226 5,245 23,056 28,301 1,991 11/14/2011 GrandMarc at Westberry Place — — 53,935 53,935 2,025 — 55,960 55,960 8,384 12/8/2011 3949 — 3,822 24,448 28,270 8,938 3,822 33,386 37,208 4,766 12/21/2011 Initial Cost Total Costs Property (3) Encumbrances Land Buildings and Improvements and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Total Cost Capitalized Subsequently Land Buildings and Improvements and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Total (5) Accumulated Depreciation (4) Date of Acquisition/ Construction The Reserve on Stinson — 2,111 20,609 22,720 (5,186 ) 2,111 15,423 17,534 — 1/27/2012 Lymon T. Johnson Hall & Central Hall II (2) — — 22,896 22,896 3,416 — 26,312 26,312 3,982 6/1/2012 The Retreat at Oxford — 4,743 52,946 57,689 5,606 8,811 54,484 63,295 4,268 6/14/2012 The Province — 4,436 45,173 49,609 528 4,436 45,701 50,137 6,853 9/21/2012 The District on 5th — 2,601 63,396 65,997 464 2,601 63,860 66,461 10,045 10/4/2012 Campus Village — 2,650 18,077 20,727 1,199 2,650 19,276 21,926 3,938 10/19/2012 Frances Jewell Hall (2) — — 45,924 45,924 1,999 — 47,923 47,923 3,920 11/1/2012 Georgia M. Blazer Hall (2) — — 23,808 23,808 874 — 24,682 24,682 2,013 11/1/2012 Haggin Hall I (2) — — 23,802 23,802 497 — 24,299 24,299 2,205 11/1/2012 Woodland Glen I & II (2) — — 44,491 44,491 1,979 — 46,470 46,470 3,711 11/1/2012 The Province at Kent State — 4,239 40,441 44,680 443 4,239 40,884 45,123 6,125 11/16/2012 The Centre at Overton Park — 3,781 35,232 39,013 1,820 3,781 37,052 40,833 4,941 12/7/2012 The Suites at Overton Park — 4,384 33,281 37,665 1,602 4,384 34,883 39,267 4,902 12/7/2012 Woodland Glen III, IV & V (2) — — 101,172 101,172 3,478 — 104,650 104,650 4,586 5/1/2013 The Oaks on the Square - Phase III — 1,531 10,734 12,265 288 1,531 11,022 12,553 839 2/13/2013 The Cottages on Lindberg — 1,800 31,224 33,024 3,357 1,800 34,581 36,381 4,359 8/28/2013 The Retreat at State College — 6,251 46,004 52,255 4,140 6,251 50,144 56,395 5,840 9/11/2013 The Varsity — 3,300 50,330 53,630 313 3,300 50,643 53,943 5,020 12/19/2013 Holmes Hall and Boyd Hall (2) — — 85,556 85,556 135 — 85,691 85,691 897 12/31/2013 Oaks on the Square - Phase IV 29,626 3,308 36,748 40,056 6,382 3,308 43,130 46,438 1,876 6/1/2014 Retreat at Louisville — 4,257 33,750 38,007 6,183 4,257 39,933 44,190 1,854 7/1/2014 109 Towers — 1,779 40,115 41,894 2,691 1,779 42,806 44,585 3,425 8/12/2014 District on Apache — 8,203 81,016 89,219 604 8,203 81,620 89,823 6,944 9/15/2014 The Commons on Bridge — 1,852 7,772 9,624 260 1,852 8,032 9,884 724 6/16/2015 The Province Boulder — 7,800 40,722 48,522 193 7,800 40,915 48,715 1,670 9/15/2015 University Flats (2) — — 55,682 55,682 — — 55,682 55,682 — 7/1/2015 Retreat at Blacksburg — 8,988 53,984 62,972 1,577 8,988 55,561 64,549 664 7/10/2015 Boise State — — 19,674 19,674 — — 19,674 19,674 — 12/15/2015 The Local: Downtown — 2,687 15,330 18,017 — 2,687 15,330 18,017 — 1/4/2016 SkyVue — 7,056 53,719 60,775 — 7,056 53,719 60,775 — 1/15/2016 Lokal — 2,180 21,271 23,451 526 2,180 21,797 23,977 552 3/31/2016 Avid Square — 4,500 17,347 21,847 — 4,500 17,347 21,847 — 4/11/2016 Hub at Madison — 14,251 175,656 189,907 167 14,251 175,823 190,074 3,440 5/12/2016 Lewis Hall (2) — — 15,190 15,190 — — 15,190 15,190 — 6/30/2016 Maplewood (2) — — 2,440 2,440 — — 2,440 2,440 — 6/30/2016 Northern Michigan University (2) — — 12,104 12,104 — — 12,104 12,104 — 6/30/2016 University of Pittsburgh — 7,636 12,667 20,303 — 7,636 12,667 20,303 — 7/1/2016 Pura Vida Place — 1,850 9,331 11,181 340 1,850 9,671 11,521 92 8/30/2016 Carriage House — 2,470 8,760 11,230 320 2,470 9,080 11,550 83 8/30/2016 Urbane — 4,101 43,929 48,030 163 4,101 44,092 48,193 421 9/9/2016 Arizona State University — 14,147 11,083 25,230 — 14,147 11,083 25,230 — 11/1/2016 Hale Mahana — 16,641 6,290 22,931 — 16,641 6,290 22,931 — 11/20/2016 Initial Cost Total Costs Property (3) Encumbrances Land Buildings and Improvements and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Total Cost Capitalized Subsequently Land Buildings and Improvements and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Total (5) Accumulated Depreciation (4) Date of Acquisition/ Construction Hub at Minneapolis — — 12,738 12,738 — — 12,738 12,738 — 11/21/2016 Undeveloped Land — 1,450 623 2,073 — 1,450 623 2,073 — TBD Totals $ 62,576 $ 214,679 $ 2,335,372 $ 2,550,051 $ 159,666 $ 221,065 $ 2,488,652 $ 2,709,717 $ 311,069 (1) Pursuant to the ground lease for 2400 Nueces, the lessor has the option to purchase the Trust's leasehold estate and interest in the property at certain times during the term of the ground lease for a pre-determined amount. (2) Pursuant to the lease agreement for the respective property, the lessor has the option to terminate the lease at certain times during the term of the agreement for a termination fee. (3) All properties are of garden-style collegiate housing communities except for University Towers which is a traditional residence hall, 2400 Nueces and The Varsity, which are high-rise buildings, The Retreat at Oxford, The Cottages on Lindberg, The Retreat at State College, The Retreat at Louisville and The Retreat at Blacksburg which are cottage-style communities, and The Oaks on the Square, which is a mixed-use town center and main street development project located in Storrs, Connecticut. (4) Assets have useful lives ranging from 3 to 40 years. (5) Total aggregate costs for federal income tax purposes is approximately $2,765.2 million . The following table reconciles the historical cost of the Trust’s investment in collegiate housing properties and assets under development for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of period $ 2,163,173 $ 1,916,758 $ 1,709,853 Collegiate housing acquisitions or completed developments 444,657 250,329 349,841 Collegiate housing dispositions (92,827 ) (14,149 ) (154,545 ) Impairment loss (2,500 ) — (12,733 ) Additions 211,982 10,917 24,792 Disposals (10,203 ) (682 ) (450 ) Write-offs (4,565 ) — — Balance, end of period $ 2,709,717 $ 2,163,173 $ 1,916,758 The following table reconciles the accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of period $ 270,993 $ 210,047 $ 204,181 Depreciation 75,539 65,952 57,166 Disposals (9,910 ) (622 ) (396 ) Write-offs (4,565 ) — — Collegiate housing dispositions (20,988 ) (4,384 ) (50,904 ) Balance, end of period $ 311,069 $ 270,993 $ 210,047 When determined that an asset is not recoverable, management estimates fair value using discounted cash flow models, market appraisals if available, and other market participant data. There were no impairment losses in 2015. During 2016 and 2014, management determined that the carrying value of various collegiate housing communities may not be recoverable. The fair value of these properties was estimated and management recorded impairment losses during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2014 of $2.5 million and $12.7 million , respectively.

Other assets

Other assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment and Other Assets [Abstract]
Other assets	Other assets Other assets consist of the following as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): 2016 2015 Accounts receivable related to pre-development costs $ — $ 2,252 Prepaid expenses 4,368 2,564 Deferred tax asset 2,171 2,456 Deferred financing costs - revolving credit facility 1,821 2,814 Investments in unconsolidated entities 26,981 28,068 Corporate assets, net (1) 12,598 13,141 Other 5,135 6,034 Total other assets $ 53,074 $ 57,329 (1) As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Trust had corporate assets with a historical cost of $19.3 million and $18.1 million , and accumulated depreciation of $6.7 million and $4.9 million , respectively. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, generally 3 to 7 years. Depreciation expense totaled $1.7 million , $1.5 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Investments in unconsolidated e

Investments in unconsolidated entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments in unconsolidated entities	Investments in unconsolidated entities As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , 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 14% 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 financial information related to unconsolidated joint ventures (in thousands): Financial Position: As of December 31, 2016 2015 Total assets $ 177,820 $ 177,907 Total liabilities 132,370 130,102 Equity $ 45,450 $ 47,805 Investment in unconsolidated entities $ 26,981 $ 28,068 Results of Operations: For the years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Revenues $ 37,969 $ 37,915 $ 31,537 Net loss (30 ) (1,134 ) (1,785 ) Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities $ (328 ) $ (668 ) $ (710 ) As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, liabilities are recorded totaling $1.9 million and $2.0 million , respectively, related to investments in unconsolidated entities where distributions exceeded contributions and equity in earnings and the Trust has historically provided financial support; therefore, these investments are classified in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Incentive plans

Incentive plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 authorized the grant of the 105,000 shares that remained available for grant under the 2004 plan, as well as 1,049,167 additional shares. As of December 31, 2016 , the Trust had 561,277 shares of its common stock reserved for future issuance pursuant to the 2011 Plan. Automatic increases in the number of shares available for issuance are not provided. The 2011 Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), stock appreciation rights, other stock-based incentive awards to employees, directors and other key persons providing services to the Trust. A restricted stock award is an award of the Trust’s common stock that is subject to restrictions on transferability and other restrictions as the Trust’s compensation committee determines in its sole discretion on the date of grant. The restrictions may lapse over a specified period of employment or the satisfaction of pre-established criteria as the compensation committee may determine. Except to the extent restricted under the award agreement, a participant awarded restricted stock will have all of the rights of a stockholder as to those shares, including, without limitation, the right to vote and the right to receive dividends or distributions on the shares. As of December 31, 2016 , there was no unearned compensation related to restricted stock. As of December 31, 2015 , unearned compensation related to restricted stock totaled $0.2 million . Unearned compensation related to restricted stock was recorded as expense over the applicable vesting period. The value is determined based on the market value of the Trust’s common stock on the grant date. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 , compensation expense of $0.2 million , $0.4 million and $0.7 million , respectively, was recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, related to the vesting of restricted stock. Effective January 1, 2014, 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 shares of 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-based RSUs to executives and key employees under the 2014 LTIP described above. As of December 31, 2016 , there was no unearned compensation related to RSUs. As of December 31, 2015 , unearned compensation related to RSUs totaled $0.6 million . Unearned compensation related to RSUs was recorded as expense over the applicable vesting period. The value was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation technique. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 , compensation expense of $0.6 million , $0.9 million and $1.1 million , respectively, was recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, related to the vesting of RSUs. The Trust's 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan ("2015 LTIP"), adopted in February 2015, and 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan ("2016 LTIP"), adopted in February 2016, differ 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 and 2016 LTIPs, 155,774 and 131,745 LTIP Units, respectively, were issued to the participants. The 2015 and 2016 LTIPs provide that 25% of a participant’s award consists of a time-vested grant of LTIP Units in the Operating Partnership 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 and 2016 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 and 2016 LTIP Units are entitled to voting and distribution rights from the effective date of the grant in accordance with the Partnership Agreement, but are nontransferable and non-convertible until fully vested. The remaining 75% of a participant’s award consists of a grant of performance-based 2015 and 2016 LTIP Units. The vesting of performance-based 2015 and 2016 LTIP Units is dependent upon the Trust's achievement of six performance criteria approved by the compensation committee, over a three -year period, with a minimum, threshold, and maximum performance standard for each performance criterion. Three of the performance criteria are based on market conditions and three have performance vesting conditions under ASC 718, "Compensation - Stock Compensation" . The fair value of the awards subject to market conditions was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation technique by an independent third party consultant. The fair value of the awards subject to performance conditions was calculated based on the closing market value of EdR's common stock on the grant date. The probability of achieving the performance conditions is assessed quarterly. The performance-based 2015 and 2016 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 nontransferable and non-convertible until fully vested. After the determination of the achievement of the performance criteria, any performance-based 2015 and 2016 LTIP Units that were awarded but did not become vested LTIP Units will be canceled. Once fully vested, the 2015 and 2016 LTIP Units may be converted to OP Units in the Operating Partnership and thereafter, at the election of the unitholder, may be tendered for redemption into shares of EdR's common 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 consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income related to the LTIP Units was $2.7 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, unearned compensation related to LTIP Units totaled $4.2 million and $2.1 million , respectively, and will be recorded as expense over the applicable vesting period. Compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 includes an adjustment to increase life-to-date expense of the performance conditions under the 2015 and 2016 LTIPs due to a change in the probability of achieving certain performance conditio ns. Total stock-based compensation expense recognized in general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $3.4 million , $2.2 million and $1.9 million , respectively. Additionally during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Trust issued 10,800 and 12,300 shares, respectively, to its independent directors under the 2011 Plan discussed above. A summary of the stock-based incentive plan activity as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: Restricted Stock Awards Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award RSU Awards Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU LTIP Units Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per LTIP Unit Outstanding as of December 31, 2013 (1) 61,341 $ 26.88 130,092 $ 20.34 — $ — Granted 25,944 26.70 102,305 19.20 — — Vested (26,476 ) 25.74 (47,785 ) 26.46 — — Surrendered (13,999 ) 26.85 (37,701 ) 26.46 — — Outstanding as of December 31, 2014 (1) 46,810 27.94 146,911 20.58 — $ — Granted — — — — 155,774 18.83 Vested (17,774 ) 27.76 — — — — Surrendered (3,467 ) 29.72 — — — — Outstanding as of December 31, 2015 (1) 25,569 28.32 146,911 20.58 155,774 18.83 Granted — — — — 131,745 26.20 Vested (10,199 ) 28.93 (10,776 ) 22.95 (7,067 ) 18.83 Surrendered (7,571 ) 28.93 (44,379 ) 22.95 — — Outstanding as of December 31, 2016 (1) 7,799 $ 26.46 91,756 $ 19.20 280,452 $ 22.29 (1) Represents unvested shares of restricted stock awards and LTIP Units as of the date indicated.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt Revolving credit facility On November 19, 2014 , the Operating Partnership entered into a Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Fifth Amended Revolver”). The Fifth Amended Revolver amended and restated that certain Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Fourth Amended Revolver"). The Fifth Amended Revolver has a maximum availability of $500.0 million and an accordion feature to $1.0 billion , which may be exercised during the first four years subject to satisfaction of certain conditions. The Fifth Amended Revolver is scheduled to mature on November 19, 2018 with a one -year extension option, provided certain conditions are met. EdR serves as the guarantor for any funds borrowed by the Operating Partnership under the Fifth Amended Revolver. The interest rate per annum applicable to the Fifth Amended Revolver is, at the Operating Partnership’s option, equal to a base rate or LIBOR plus an applicable margin based upon our leverage. As of December 31, 2016 , the interest rate applicable to the Fifth Amended Revolver was 1.90% . If amounts are drawn, due to the fact that the Fifth Amended Revolver bears interest at variable rates, cost approximates the fair value. In addition, the Operating Partnership also incurs an unused fee equal to either 0.15% or 0.25% of the unused balance, based on outstanding commitments. As of December 31, 2016 , the outstanding balance under the Fifth Amended Revolver was $20.0 million , thus, our remaining availability was $480.0 million . There was no outstanding balance as of December 31, 2015. The Fifth Amended Revolver contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and contains financial covenants that, among other things, require the maintenance of certain minimum ratios of EBITDA (earnings before payment or charges of interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization or extraordinary items) as compared to interest expense and total fixed charges. The financial covenants also include consolidated net worth and leverage ratio tests, and distributions are prohibited in excess of 95% of FFO except to comply with the legal requirements to maintain REIT status. As of December 31, 2016 , the Operating Partnership was in compliance with all covenants of the Fifth Amended Revolver. Unsecured term loan facility On January 13, 2014, the Operating Partnership and certain subsidiaries entered into an unsecured term loan facility under a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), which was subsequently amended and restated on November 19, 2014 (the "Amended and Restated Credit Agreement"). The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement removed certain subsidiaries as borrowers and amended certain financial covenants to align with the Fifth Amended Revolver. Under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, the unsecured term loans have an aggregate principal amount of $187.5 million , consisting of a $122.5 million Tranche A term loan with a seven -year maturity (the “Tranche A Term Loan”) and a $65.0 million Tranche B term loan with a five -year maturity (the “Tranche B Term Loan” and, together with the Tranche A Term Loan, the “Term Loans”). The Tranche A Term Loan matures on January 13, 2021 and the Tranche B Term Loan matures on January 13, 2019. The Credit Agreement contains an accordion feature pursuant to which the Borrowers may request that the total aggregate amount of the Term Loans be increased to $250.0 million , which may be allocated to Tranche A or Tranche B, subject to certain conditions, including obtaining commitments from any one or more lenders to provide such additional commitments. The Operating Partnership used proceeds from the Term Loan to repay a portion of the outstanding balance under the Fourth Amended Revolver. The interest rate per annum on the Tranche A Term Loan is, at the Operating Partnership’s option, equal to a base rate or LIBOR plus an applicable margin ranging from 155 to 225 basis points. The interest rate per annum on the Tranche B Term Loan is, at the Operating Partnership’s option, equal to a base rate or LIBOR plus an applicable margin ranging from 120 to 190 basis points. The applicable margin for the Term Loans is based on leverage. At December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the outstanding balance under the Term Loans was $186.7 million and $186.5 million , respectively, which is presented net of unamortized deferred financing costs of $0.8 million and $1.0 million , respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and restrictive covenants substantially similar to those contained in the Fifth Amended Revolver. EdR serves as the guarantor for any funds borrowed under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2016 , the Operating Partnership was in compliance with all covenants of the Credit Agreement. In connection with entering into the Credit Agreement, the Operating Partnership entered into multiple interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $187.5 million to hedge the interest payments on the LIBOR-based Term Loans (see Note 14). As of December 31, 2016 , 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% ). On January 18, 2017, the Operating Partnership entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”). The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement amended and restated that certain First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of November 19, 2014 (the “Term Loan Facility”). The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement amends and restates the Term Loan Facility solely (i) to lower the interest rate on the $187.5 million Tranche A loan under the Term Loan Facility by 35 basis points from LIBOR plus a margin range from 155 to 225 basis points to LIBOR plus a margin a range of 120 basis points to 190 basis points, and (ii) to extend the maturity of the $65 million Tranche B loan under the Term Loan Facility from January 13, 2019 to January 18, 2022. The provisions of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are otherwise identical to the provisions of the First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Trust also entered into a forward starting interest rate swap concurrently with the extension of the Tranche B loan. Unsecured senior notes On November 24, 2014, the Operating Partnership completed the public offering of $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes (the "Unsecured Senior Notes") under an existing shelf registration statement The 10 -year Unsecured Senior Notes were issued at 99.991% of par value with a coupon of 4.6% per annum and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by EdR. Interest on the Unsecured Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The Unsecured Senior Notes will mature on December 1, 2024. Net proceeds from the issuance of the Unsecured Senior Notes were approximately $247.0 million , after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership used the offering proceeds to prepay $69.0 million of mortgage debt (including $2.6 million in prepayment penalties and other fees), pay down the outstanding balance of the Fifth Amended Revolver and for general corporate purposes. At December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the outstanding balance under the Unsecured Senior Notes was $247.9 million and $247.7 million , respectively, which is presented net of unamortized deferred financing costs of $2.1 million and $2.3 million , respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The terms of Unsecured Senior Notes contain certain covenants that restrict the ability of EdR and the Operating Partnership to incur additional secured and unsecured indebtedness. In addition, the Operating Partnership must maintain a minimum ratio of unencumbered asset value to unsecured debt, as well as minimum interest coverage level. As of December 31, 2016 , the Operating Partnership was in compliance with all covenants. Mortgage and construction debt As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , mortgage and construction notes payable consist of the following, which were secured by the underlying collegiate housing properties (dollars in thousands): Outstanding Balance at December 31, Interest Rate at December 31, 2016 Interest Rate Type Initial Maturity Date Property 2016 2015 Master Secured Credit Facility $ — $ 75,858 n/a The Centre at Overton Park — 22,351 n/a University Towers 32,950 33,650 2.73 % (3) Variable 7/1/2017 (2) Mortgage Debt 32,950 56,001 2.73 % (1) The Retreat at Louisville — 35,672 n/a The Oaks on the Square - Phase IV 29,626 27,553 2.60 % (4) Variable 10/20/2017 The Retreat at Blacksburg - Phase I — 10,380 n/a Construction Loans 29,626 73,605 2.60 % (1) Total mortgage and construction debt / weighted average rate 62,576 205,464 2.67 % (1) Unamortized deferred financing costs (56 ) (953 ) Total net of unamortized deferred financing costs 62,520 204,511 Less current portion, net of unamortized deferred financing costs (62,520 ) (34,493 ) Total mortgage and construction debt, net of current portion $ — $ 170,018 (1) Represents the weighted average interest rate as of December 31, 2016 . (2) During the year ended December 31, 2016 , the Operating Partnership extended the mortgage debt for one year and incurred an extension fee of approximately $67 thousand . (3) The interest rate per year applicable to the loan is, at the option of the Trust, equal to a prime rate plus 0.50% margin or LIBOR plus a 2.10% margin and interest only through July 1, 2015. The loan may be extended for two 12 -month periods, provided that the debt service coverage ratio calculated as of the preceding quarter is at least 1.30 to 1.00 and an extension fee is paid. Subsequent to December 31, 2016, the mortgage loan was repaid in full. (4) During 2014, the Operating Partnership entered into a construction loan of $38.0 million related to the development of the fourth phase of a wholly-owned collegiate housing community in Storrs, Connecticut (The Oaks on the Square - Phase IV). The interest rate per year applicable to the loan is, at the option of the Operating Partnership, equal to a base rate plus a 1.00% margin or LIBOR plus a 2.00% margin and is interest only through October 20, 2017. If certain conditions are met, the Operating Partnership has the option to extend the loan for two one -year extension periods. During the extension periods, if applicable, principal and interest are to be repaid on a monthly basis. Master Secured Credit Facility The Operating Partnership had 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 contained cross-default provisions; all properties securing the notes were cross-collateralized. In January 2016, the Operating Partnership prepaid in full the two remaining ten-year notes under the Master Secured Credit Facility with proceeds from the January 2016 follow-on equity offering (see Note 2). One of the prepaid notes had a principal balance of $21.3 million , was set to mature on January 1, 2020 and had a fixed interest rate of 5.67% . The second prepaid note had a principal balance of $54.5 million , was set to mature on January 1, 2019 and had a fixed interest rate of 6.02% . The Operating Partnership incurred a prepayment penalty of $9.3 million in connection with the prepayments. Concurrent with the repayments, the Master Secured Credit Facility was terminated and all encumbered properties were released. Mortgage debt In January 2016, the Operating Partnership repaid in full the fixed-rate mortgage debt with a principal balance of $22.3 million that was assumed in connection with the 2012 acquisition of The Centre at Overton Park. The interest rate was equal to 5.6% per annum and the mortgaged debt was scheduled to mature on January 1, 2017. A prepayment penalty of $1.0 million was incurred in connection with the prepayment. As of December 31, 2016 , the Operating Partnership was not in compliance with the minimum debt service coverage ratio on the mortgage debt secured by the University Towers collegiate housing community. Subsequent to December 31, 2016, the Operating Partnership repaid the mortgage debt in full. Construction loans On June 30, 2016, the Operating Partnership repaid in full variable rate construction debt with an outstanding principal balance of $35.7 million related to the development of The Retreat at Louisville. The effective interest rate at the repayment date was 2.5% and the loan was scheduled to mature on August 1, 2017. On September 27, 2016, the Operating Partnership repaid in full variable rate construction debt with an outstanding principal balance of $49.3 million related to the development of The Retreat at Blacksburg. The effective interest rate at the repayment date was 2.58% and the loan was scheduled to mature on February 4, 2019. All construction loans also contain customary financial covenants, such as minimum debt service ratios. As of December 31, 2016 , the Operating Partnership was in compliance with all covenants. The following table reconciles the carrying amount of mortgage and construction notes payable, net of unamortized deferred financing costs, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): 2016 2015 Balance, beginning of period $ 204,511 $ 248,128 Additions 40,974 65,491 Repayments of principal (183,862 ) (108,179 ) Amortization of debt premium (49 ) (843 ) Write-off of debt premium related to debt pay off (523 ) (70 ) (Increase) decrease in deferred financing costs, net 1,469 (16 ) Balance, end of period $ 62,520 $ 204,511 The scheduled maturities of outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2016 are as follows (in thousands): Year 2017 $ 62,576 2018 20,000 2019 65,000 (1) 2020 — 2021 122,500 Thereafter 250,000 Total 520,076 Unamortized deferred financing costs 2,880 Outstanding as of December 31, 2016, net of unamortized deferred financing costs $ 517,196 (1) On January 18, 2017, the Operating Partnership entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement which extends the maturity of the $65 million Tranche B loan under the Term Loan Facility from January 13, 2019 to January 18, 2022.

Noncontrolling interests

Noncontrolling interests	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling interests	Noncontrolling interests Operating Partnership Joint Ventures: As of December 31, 2016 , EROP had entered into eight joint venture agreements to develop, own and manage certain collegiate housing communities. All of these joint ventures are VIEs that meet the criteria for consolidation (see Note 2). EROP's joint venture partners' investments in all but one of the communities under development met the requirements to be classified outside of permanent equity, and are therefore classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income due to the partners' ability to put their ownership interests to EROP for cash based on fair value as stipulated in the operating agreements. These contributions all occurred during 2016 and the developments are still under construction. At December 31, 2016, carrying value approximates fair value. In connection with the acquisition of The Hub at Madison (see Note 4), the Trust, through a joint venture, acquired a controlling interest in the legal entity owning the collegiate housing property. At December 31, 2016, the partner’s interest was 1.6% . In connection with the acquisition of Urbane (see Note 4), the Trust, through a joint venture, acquired a controlling interest in the legal entity owning the collegiate housing property. At December 31, 2016, the partner's noncontrollig interest was 3.0% . The partners' ownership interests in both joint ventures were accounted for as redeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets due to the partners' ability to put their ownership interest to the Operating Partnership for cash based on fair value. The share in net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests is recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. At December 31, 2016, the Urbane joint venture partner also has an additional interest in the legal entity, however, it was determined the noncontrolling interest represented a financing arragement that has been recorded as an accrued liability. As of December 31, 2015, EROP's joint venture partner's investment in 605 West met the requirements to be classified outside of permanent equity, and was therefore classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income due to the partner's ability to put its ownership interests to EROP as stipulated in the operating agreements. On March 11, 2016, EROP acquired the joint venture partner's interest and sold this property for a gross sales price of $54.6 million (see Note 5). At December 31, 2015, EROP held a 95% ownership interest in the Roosevelt Point collegiate housing property serving Arizona State University: Downtown Phoenix Campus, a 75% ownership interest in The Retreat at Louisville collegiate housing property serving The University of Louisville, and a 75% ownership interest in The Retreat at Blacksburg near Virginia Tech. During the year ended December 31, 2016, EROP purchased the remaining 5% ownership interest in Roosevelt Point, 25% ownership interest in The Retreat at Louisville, and 25% ownership interest in The Retreat at Blacksburg. EROP also owns a 72.7% interest in University Towers Operating Partnership, LP. This entity is considered a VIE that meets the criteria for consolidation (see Note 2). The units of the limited partnership interest of University Towers Operating Partnership, LP (“University Towers Operating Partnership Units”) are also classified as noncontrolling interests. The University Towers Operating Partnership Units are redeemable at the option of the holder and they participate in net income and distributions. Accordingly, EROP has determined that the University Towers Operating Partnership Units meet the requirements to be classified outside of permanent equity, and are therefore also classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Income related to such units are recorded as net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , there were 69,086 University Towers Operating Partnership Units outstanding. Fair value at each reporting period is determined based on the market price of the Trust's common stock and is considered Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The following table sets forth activity with the redeemable noncontrolling interests for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): 2016 2015 Beginning balance $ 5,248 $ 4,431 Net income (212 ) 175 Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests 29,824 26 Adjustments to report redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value 334 1,012 Purchase and return of equity to noncontrolling partner's interest (2,910 ) — Distributions (124 ) (396 ) Ending balance $ 32,160 $ 5,248 The value of redeemable noncontrolling interests is reported at the greater of fair value or historical cost at the end of each reporting period. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , EROP reported the redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value, which was greater than historical cost. Redeemable Limited Partner Units: The units of limited partnership of the Operating Partnership (“OP Units”) that EROP is required, either by contract or securities law, to deliver registered shares of common stock of the Trust or cash, at the general partner's discretion, to the exchanging Operating Partnership unitholder are classified as redeemable limited partner units in the mezzanine section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of the Operating Partnership. The redeemable limited partner units are reported at the greater of fair value or historical cost at the end of each reporting period. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , EROP reported the redeemable limited partner units at fair value (considered Level 1 as determined based on the market price of the Trust's common stock), which was greater than historical cost. On November 20, 2014, the Board authorized a reverse stock split of 1-for- 3 effective December 1, 2014. On April 30, 2015, the Operating Partnership entered into a Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, which reduced the number of OP Units outstanding as a result of the 1-for- 3 reverse stock split the Trust completed in December 2014. Accordingly, every three issued and outstanding shares of EdR common stock and OP Units prior to the split were reduced to one. All shares and units and related per-share and per-unit information presented in these financial statements for periods prior to the effective date have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the decreased number of shares and OP Units. During the year ended December 31, 2016 , 50,000 OP Units were redeemed for 50,000 shares of EdR's common stock and 14,611 OP Units were redeemed for cash. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , 50,000 OP Units were redeemed for shares of EdR's common stock. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , there were 159,698 and 224,308 OP Units outstanding, respectively, not including OP Units held by EdR. Below is a table summarizing the activity of redeemable limited partner units for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): 2016 2015 Beginning balance $ 8,312 $ 10,081 Net income 138 91 Distributions (304 ) (526 ) Reclassification of vested LTIP Units to redeemable limited partners 244 — Conversion of redeemable partner units into common stock or cash (2,703 ) (1,748 ) Adjustments to report redeemable limited partner units at fair value 1,102 414 Ending balance $ 6,789 $ 8,312 The Trust The Trust accounts for the joint ventures discussed above as VIEs and consolidates such entities in the same manner as EROP. The noncontrolling interests of the Trust include third-party equity interests in one joint venture development which is presented as a component of equity in the Trust’s accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Trust's equity interests in the joint venture properties at Roosevelt Point, The Retreat at Louisville and The Retreat at Blacksburg are presented as a component of equity in the Trust’s accompanying consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015. The Trust’s redeemable noncontrolling interests include: (1) the redeemable limited partners presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of EROP; (2) the University Towers Operating Partnership Units; and (3) our partners' investments in certain joint venture developments, which are also presented as redeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of EROP. The redeemable noncontrolling interests are reported at the greater of fair value or historical cost at the end of each reporting period. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , EROP reported the redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value, which was greater than historical cost.

Earnings per share_unit

Earnings per share/unit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share/unit	Earnings per share/unit Earnings per Share - The Trust The following is a summary of the components used in calculating earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data): 2016 2015 2014 Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per share: Net income attributable to common stock $ 44,924 $ 19,911 $ 47,055 Denominator: Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 69,336 49,676 42,934 OP Units (1) 194 (2) 246 (2) 274 University Towers Operating Partnership Units 69 69 69 Shares issuable upon settlement of the Forward Agreements 1 — — Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 69,600 49,991 43,277 Earnings per share - basic: Net income attributable to common stock $ 0.65 $ 0.40 $ 1.10 Earnings per share - diluted: Net income attributable to common stock $ 0.65 $ 0.40 $ 1.09 Distributions declared per common share $ 1.50 $ 1.46 $ 1.38 (1) In April 2015, the Operating Partnership entered into a Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership. The units presented above have been recast in accordance with the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, taking into account the 1-for-3 reverse stock split that the Trust completed in December 2014. (2) Includes the impact of weighted average number of OP Units outstanding during the period. Earnings per Unit - EROP The following is a summary of the components used in calculating earnings per unit for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (dollars and units in thousands, except per unit data): 2016 2015 2014 Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per unit: Net income attributable to unitholders $ 45,062 $ 20,002 $ 47,422 Denominator: Weighted average units outstanding 69,062 49,535 42,934 Redeemable Operating Partnership Units 194 246 274 LTIP units 274 141 — Weighted average units outstanding - basic 69,530 49,922 43,208 Redeemable University Towers Operating Partnership Units 69 69 69 Units issuable upon settlement of the Forward Agreements 1 — — Weighted average units outstanding - diluted 69,600 49,991 43,277 Earnings per unit - basic and diluted: Net income attributable to unitholders $ 0.65 $ 0.40 $ 1.10 Distributions declared per unit $ 1.50 $ 1.46 $ 1.38

Segments

Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Collegiate Housing Leasing: Collegiate housing leasing revenue $ 274,187 $ 240,623 $ 206,322 Collegiate housing leasing operations 111,378 101,283 92,649 Net operating income $ 162,809 $ 139,340 $ 113,673 Total segment assets at end of period (1) $ 2,437,205 $ 1,920,582 $ 1,737,967 Development Consulting Services: Third-party development consulting services $ 2,364 $ 2,233 $ 4,224 General and administrative (2) 2,044 2,802 2,354 Net operating income (loss) $ 320 $ (569 ) $ 1,870 Total segment assets at end of period (3) $ 6,739 $ 4,615 $ 4,103 Management Services: Third-party management services $ 3,588 $ 3,670 $ 3,959 General and administrative (2) 2,308 2,844 2,633 Net operating income $ 1,280 $ 826 $ 1,326 Total segment assets at end of period (3) $ 10,294 $ 10,090 $ 10,693 Reconciliations: Segment revenue $ 280,139 $ 246,526 $ 214,505 Operating expense reimbursements 8,829 8,636 8,707 Eliminations / adjustments (4) — — 2,581 Total segment revenues $ 288,968 $ 255,162 $ 225,793 Segment operating expenses $ 115,730 $ 106,929 $ 97,636 Reimbursable operating expenses 8,829 8,636 8,707 Total segment operating expenses $ 124,559 $ 115,565 $ 106,343 Segment net operating income $ 164,409 $ 139,597 $ 119,450 Other unallocated general and administrative expenses (5) (17,922 ) (15,252 ) (14,815 ) Depreciation and amortization (81,413 ) (68,022 ) (58,974 ) Ground lease expense (12,462 ) (11,268 ) (8,988 ) Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties (2,500 ) — (12,733 ) Interest expense (15,454 ) (24,449 ) (20,656 ) Amortization of deferred financing costs (1,731 ) (2,089 ) (2,156 ) Interest income 490 213 190 Loss on extinguishment of debt (10,611 ) (403 ) (3,543 ) Guarantee fee income from participating development — — 3,000 Interest on loan to participating development — — 6,486 Gain on insurance settlement — — 8,133 Other operating expenses (1,046 ) — — Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities (328 ) (668 ) (710 ) Income before income taxes and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties $ 21,432 $ 17,659 $ 14,684 Total segment assets, end of period (3) $ 2,454,238 $ 1,935,287 $ 1,752,763 Unallocated corporate amounts: Cash 11,344 21,757 7,540 Notes receivable (see Note 2) 500 2,167 375 2016 2015 2014 Other receivables 708 646 2,100 Investments in unconsolidated entities (see Note 8) 26,981 28,068 29,355 Other assets 10,593 11,092 11,900 Deferred financing costs, net 1,821 2,814 2,297 Total assets, end of period $ 2,506,185 $ 2,001,831 $ 1,806,330 (1) The increase in segment assets related to collegiate housing leasing during the year ended December 31, 2016 is primarily related to the purchase of five additional communities, the completed development of three collegiate housing communities for the Trust’s ownership and the continued development of thirteen assets under development offset by the sale of three collegiate housing communities (see Notes 4 and 5). The increase in segment assets related to collegiate housing leasing during the year ended December 31, 2015 is primarily related to the purchase of two additional communities and completed development of five collegiate housing communities for the Trust's ownership and the continued development of nine assets under developments offset by the sale of one collegiate housing community (see Notes 4 and 5). (2) General and administrative expenses for the development consulting services and management services segments represent those expenses that are directly attributable to these segments and also include an allocation of corporate general and administrative expenses based on the extent of effort or resources expended. (3) Total segment assets include goodwill of $2,149 related to management services and $921 related to development consulting services. (4) In 2014, the eliminations / adjustments to segment revenues (which relate specifically to development consulting) is to add the previously deferred development fee recognized relating to the participating project at the Science + Technology Park at Johns Hopkins to total revenues. The related revenue was recognized in the consolidated financial statements during 2014, but was recognized in segment revenues in prior periods. (5) Other unallocated general and administrative expenses includes costs directly attributable to our owned developments and corporate general and administrative expenses that are not allocated to any of the segments.

Derivatives and hedging activit

Derivatives and hedging activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and hedging activities	Derivatives and hedging activities Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk The objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage the exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, interest rate swaps are used as part of the interest rate risk management strategy. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing variable-rate debt. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , six interest rate swaps were outstanding with a combined notional of $187.5 million that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk. The counter-parties to such swaps are major financial institutions. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives, which is immaterial for all periods presented, is recognized directly in earnings. During the next twelve months, an additional $2.1 million is estimated to be reclassified to earnings as an increase to interest expense. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the fair value of the derivatives is a liability of $3.6 million and $5.5 million , respectively, and is included in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The following table discloses the effect of the derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 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) 2016 Interest rate contracts $ (1,127 ) Interest expense $ (3,038 ) 2015 Interest rate contracts $ (4,593 ) Interest expense $ (3,583 ) The above contracts are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that provide a right of offset with each counterparty; however, no offsetting positions exist due to certain duplicate terms across all contracts. Therefore, the derivatives are not subject to offset in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Credit-risk-related Contingent Features The Operating Partnership has agreements with each of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Operating Partnership defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Operating Partnership could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. In addition, the Operating Partnership has agreements with each of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where the Operating Partnership could be declared in default on its derivative obligations if repayment of the underlying indebtedness is accelerated by the lender due to the Operating Partnership's default on the indebtedness. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the fair value of derivatives related to these agreements, which includes accrued interest, but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, was a liability of $3.8 million and $5.8 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2016 , the Operating Partnership has not posted any collateral related to these agreements. If the Operating Partnership had breached any of these provisions at December 31, 2016 , it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at their termination value of $3.8 million .

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value Measurements Non-financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis consist of real estate assets and investments in partially owned entities that have been written-down to estimated fair value when it has been determined that asset values are not recoverable. Fair value is estimated relating to impairment assessments based upon an income capitalization approach (which considers prevailing market capitalization rates and operations of the community) or the negotiated sales price, if applicable. Based upon the inputs used to value properties under the income capitalization approach, valuations under this method are classified within Level 3 of its fair value hierarchy. For the communities for which the estimated fair value was based on negotiated sales prices, the valuation is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. One non-financial asset was impaired during the year ended December 31, 2016 and was written down to $17.5 million . Another non-financial asset was impaired during the year ended December 31, 2014 and was written down to $14.9 million . The valuations were classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The asset impaired in 2014 was subsequently disposed during the year ended December 31, 2016 (see Note 5). As discussed in Note 14, interest rate swaps are used to manage interest rate risk. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The variable cash payments (or receipts) are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. To comply with the provisions of ASC 820, credit valuation adjustments are incorporated to appropriately reflect both nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of the derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Trust has considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts and guarantees. Although the Trust has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. The Trust has determined that the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments made to its derivative contracts, which determination was based on the fair value of each individual contract, was not significant to the overall valuation. As a result, all of the Trust's derivatives held as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 were classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The Trust determined that the contingent consideration recognized in connection with the acquisition of the Hub at Madison (see Note 4) is a recurring fair value adjustment. The determination of fair value was based on a Monte Carlo simulation analysis of the potential payout. As the performance period extends over two years, it is expected that the fair value will be adjusted at each reporting date. The estimated range of final payout is estimated to be between $0.0 million and $4.5 million at December 31, 2016 . Subsequent to the initial valuation, the Trust recorded an adjustment of $0.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2016, which is reflected in other expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The Trust has determined that the inputs used to value the contingent consideration fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, as such represent unobservable inputs. In connection with the acquisition of Urbane (see Note 4), the Trust is obligated to pay the seller contingent consideration of up to $1.5 million if certain performance conditions are met for the 2017/2018 lease year. Conversely, if the operating performance of the property does not achieve certain performance metrics, the seller is required to reimburse the Trust for up to $1.5 million of the purchase price. Subsequent to the initial valuation and based on the current assessment of the probability of achieving the performance metrics as of December 31, 2016 , a $1.0 million adjustment was recorded and is reflected in other expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The Trust determined that this measurement is a recurring fair value adjustment and will adjust the amount to fair value at each reporting date. The Trust has determined that the inputs used to value the contingent consideration fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, as such represent unobservable inputs. The table below presents the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall and summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): Estimated Fair Value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 December 31, 2016: Derivative financial instruments (liability position) $ 3,564 $ — $ 3,564 $ — Deferred compensation plan assets $ 503 $ 503 $ — $ — Contingent consideration liability $ 3,250 $ — $ — $ 3,250 December 31, 2015: Derivative financial instruments (liability position) $ 5,475 $ — $ 5,475 $ — Deferred compensation plan assets $ 318 $ 318 $ — $ — Financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value in our consolidated financial statements include mezzanine notes receivable and debt. Estimates of the fair values of these instruments are based on assessments of available market information and valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flow analyses. Due to the fact that the Trust's unsecured revolving credit facility, unsecured term loan facility and variable rate mortgage and construction loans bear interest at variable rates, carrying value approximates the fair value. The tables below summarize the gross carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): December 31, 2016 Estimated Fair Value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Notes receivable $ 500 $ — $ 450 $ — Senior unsecured notes 250,000 — 246,305 — Unsecured revolving credit facility 20,000 — 20,000 — Unsecured term loan facility 187,500 — 187,500 — Variable rate mortgage and construction loans 62,576 — 62,576 — December 31, 2015 Estimated Fair Value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Notes receivable $ 2,167 $ — $ 2,104 $ — Senior unsecured notes 250,000 — 246,793 — Unsecured term loan facility 187,500 — 187,500 — Variable rate mortgage and construction loans 107,255 — 107,255 — Fixed rate mortgage and construction loans 98,209 — 110,851 — The Trust discloses the fair value of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate. The Trust considers the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, student contracts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses to approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.

Lease commitments and unconditi

Lease commitments and unconditional purchase obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Lease Commitments And Unconditional Purchase Obligations Additional Information [Abstract]
Lease commitments and unconditional purchase obligations	Lease commitments and unconditional purchase obligations The Trust has various long-term ground lease agreements with terms ranging from 40 to 99 years. Some of these agreements contain an annual rent increase equal to the greater of 3% or the increase in the consumer price index. Additionally, the Trust leases corporate office space and the agreement contains rent escalation clauses based on pre-determined annual rate increases. The Trust recognizes rent expense under the straight-line method over the terms of the leases. Any difference between the straight-line rent amounts and amounts payable under the leases’ terms are recorded as deferred straight-line rent in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , deferred straight-line rent totaled $36.7 million and $20.0 million , respectively. The Trust also has various operating leases for furniture, office and technology equipment which expire at varying times through fiscal year 2028 . Rental expense under the operating lease agreements totaled $0.8 million , $0.7 million and $0.7 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases (including ground leases) that have initial or remaining noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2016 are as follows (in thousands): Year Ending 2017 $ 17,977 2018 15,538 2019 14,135 2020 11,598 2021 9,053 Thereafter 653,923 Total $ 722,224

Employee savings plan

Employee savings plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee savings plan	Employee savings plan Eligible employees may participate in a 401(k) savings plan (the “Plan”). Participants may contribute up to 15% of their earnings to the Plan. Employees are eligible to participate in the Plan on the first day of the next calendar quarter following six months of service and reaching 21 years of age. Additionally, a matching contribution of 50% is provided on eligible employees’ contributions up to the first 3% of compensation. Employees vest in the matching contribution over their first 3 years of employment then immediately vest in the matching contribution from then on. Matching contributions were approximately $0.3 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 .

Accrued expenses

Accrued expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued expenses	Accrued expenses Accrued expenses consist of the following as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): 2016 2015 Payroll $ 5,990 $ 4,687 Real estate taxes 11,105 8,311 Interest 2,029 2,555 Utilities 1,858 1,633 Ground leases and deferred straight-line rent 30,674 25,468 Assets under development 35,990 19,232 Fair value of derivative liability 3,564 5,475 Noncontrolling interest recognized as a financing arrangement 14,966 — Other 17,474 15,854 Total accrued expenses $ 123,650 $ 83,215

Commitments and contingencies

Commitments and contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and contingencies	Commitments and contingencies For its third-party development projects, the Trust commonly provides alternate housing and project cost guarantees, subject to certain conditions. Alternate housing guarantees generally require the university to provide on-campus housing or the Trust to provide substitute living quarters and transportation for students to and from the university if the project is not complete by an agreed-upon date. Under project cost guarantees, the Trust is responsible for the construction costs of a project in excess of an approved budget. The budget consists primarily of costs included in the general contractors’ guaranteed maximum price contract (“GMP”). In most cases, the GMP obligates the general contractor, subject to force majeure and approved change orders, to provide completion date guarantees and to cover cost overruns and liquidated damages. In addition, the GMP is typically secured with payment and performance bonds. In July 2012, the 3949 community located in St. Louis, Missouri was partially destroyed by a fire. The community was rebuilt and fully reopened in August 2013. This fire caused substantial business interruption and property damage, both of which were covered under existing insurance policies. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Trust recognized business interruption proceeds of $0.1 million . These amounts are included in collegiate housing leasing revenues in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the insurance claims were settled and the Trust recognized a gain on insurance proceeds of $8.1 million in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The Operating Partnership and various joint venture partners have jointly and severally guaranteed partial repayment on third-party mortgage and construction debt secured by the following underlying collegiate housing properties, all of which are unconsolidated joint ventures. The Operating Partnership is liable to the lender for any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability, claim or other obligation incurred by the lender arising out of or in connection with certain non-recourse exceptions in connection with the debt. Pursuant to the respective operating agreement, the joint venture partner agreed to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Trust with respect to such obligations, except to the extent such obligations were caused by the willful misconduct, gross negligence, fraud or bad faith of the Operating Partnership or its employees, agents or affiliates. Therefore, exposure under the guaranties for obligations not caused by the willful misconduct, gross negligence, fraud or bad faith of the Operating Partnership or its employees, agents or affiliates are not expected to exceed the Operating Partnership's proportionate interest in the related mortgage debt in the case of the non-recourse, carve-out guaranty, or in the Operating Partnership's proportionate interest in the partial repayment guaranty, as applicable. The following summarizes the Operating Partnership's potential exposure under such guaranties (dollars in thousands): December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 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 % $ 22,934 n/a $ 5,734 n/a $ 23,297 n/a $ 5,824 n/a The Marshall 50 % 55,838 8,767 27,919 4,384 56,507 8,767 28,254 4,384 Georgia Heights 50 % 34,914 7,230 17,457 3,615 31,430 7,230 15,715 3,615 In connection with the development agreement entered into on July 14, 2010 for a project at the Science + Technology Park at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute (see Note 2), the Trust committed to provide a guarantee of repayment of a $42.0 million third-party construction loan for a $3.0 million fee, of which the carrying value approximated fair value. On July 1, 2014, the third-party owners refinanced the construction loan and the Trust was released from the guarantee obligations. The Trust collected and recognized the $3.0 million guarantee fee during the year ended December 31, 2014. During October 2014, the Operating Partnership and LeylandAlliance LLC entered into a $38.0 million construction loan for the fourth phase of the The Oaks on the Square project. The Operating Partnership and LeylandAlliance LLC jointly committed to provide a guarantee of repayment for the construction loan. As of December 31, 2016 , $36.8 million had been drawn on the construction loan, of which $7.2 million was attributable to LeylandAlliance LLC, and has not been included in our consolidated financial statements. As owners and operators of real estate, environmental laws impose ongoing compliance requirements on the Trust. The Trust is not aware of any environmental matters or liabilities with respect to the collegiate housing communities that would have a material adverse effect on the Trust’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations. In the normal course of business, the Trust is subject to claims, lawsuits and legal proceedings. While it is not possible to ascertain the ultimate outcome of such matters, in management’s opinion, the liabilities, if any, are not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , an arbitration proceeding was filed against a subsidiary of the Trust and a companion federal suit was filed against the Trust itself. Both actions related to a change order dispute by the general contractor on a completed third-party development project. The federal suit was dismissed in 2015. During 2016, the arbitration proceedings were settled at an amount that was accrued by the Trust as of December 31, 2015. After being awarded a development consulting contract, the Trust will enter into predevelopment consulting contracts with educational institutions to develop collegiate housing communities on their behalf. The Trust will enter into reimbursement agreements that provide for the Trust to be reimbursed for the predevelopment costs incurred prior to the institution’s governing body formally approving the final development contract. As of December 31, 2016, there were no reimbursable predevelopment costs recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2015, the Trust had reimbursable predevelopment costs of $1.9 million , reflected in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Quarterly financial information

Quarterly financial information (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly financial information (unaudited)	Quarterly financial information (unaudited) Quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is summarized below (in thousands, except per share data): 2016 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Total Revenues $ 73,379 $ 65,140 $ 66,225 $ 84,224 $ 288,968 Operating expenses 53,163 55,654 64,994 66,091 239,902 Operating income 20,216 9,486 1,231 18,133 49,066 Nonoperating expenses 14,989 4,108 4,574 3,635 27,306 Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities (244 ) 107 (480 ) 289 (328 ) Income tax expense 51 89 84 460 684 Noncontrolling interests 136 (176 ) (374 ) 194 (220 ) Gain on sale of collegiate housing community 11,873 (1) 12,083 (1) — — 23,956 Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. $ 16,669 $ 17,655 $ (3,533 ) $ 14,133 $ 44,924 Net income (loss) per share - basic $ 0.27 $ 0.26 $ (0.05 ) $ 0.19 $ 0.65 Net income (loss) per share - diluted $ 0.26 $ 0.26 $ (0.05 ) $ 0.19 $ 0.65 Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Operating Partnership $ 16,727 $ 17,708 $ (3,547 ) $ 14,174 $ 45,062 Net income (loss) per unit - basic and diluted $ 0.27 $ 0.26 $ (0.05 ) $ 0.19 $ 0.65 2015 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Total Revenues $ 64,129 $ 57,324 $ 58,189 $ 75,520 $ 255,162 Operating expenses 50,291 48,381 55,772 55,663 210,107 Operating income 13,838 8,943 2,417 19,857 45,055 Nonoperating expenses 6,419 5,875 6,704 7,730 26,728 Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities (194 ) (202 ) (427 ) 155 (668 ) Income tax expense 78 90 157 22 347 Noncontrolling interests 206 (141 ) (151 ) 257 171 Gain on sale of collegiate housing communities — — — 2,770 (1) 2,770 Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. $ 6,941 $ 2,917 $ (4,720 ) $ 14,773 $ 19,911 Net income (loss) per share - basic $ 0.14 $ 0.06 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.28 $ 0.40 Net income (loss) per share - diluted $ 0.14 $ 0.06 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.27 $ 0.40 Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Operating Partnership $ 6,981 $ 2,928 $ (4,738 ) $ 14,831 $ 20,002 Net income (loss) per unit - basic and diluted $ 0.14 $ 0.06 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.28 $ 0.40 (1) See Note 5 for details related to the gain on sale of collegiate housing communities.

Subsequent events

Subsequent events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent events	Subsequent events The Board declared a fourth quarter distribution of $0.38 per share of common stock for the quarter ended on December 31, 2016 . The distributions were paid on February 15, 2017 to stockholders of record at the close of business on January 31, 2017 . In February 2017, the Trust repaid $33.0 million of mortgage debt secured by the University Towers collegiate housing property, which was due to mature on July 1, 2017. In February 2017, the Trust acquired a 305 -bed community pedestrian to Auburn University for $28.5 million . In January 2017, the Trust acquired The Retreat at Corvallis, a collegiate housing community serving Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, for $99.5 million . The property has 330 units consisting of 1,016 beds. The initial accounting for these acquisitions is currently incomplete due to timing of the acquisitions. Therefore, the required disclosures associated with a business combination are not available as of the date of this Form 10-K. The operating results of these acquisitions will be included in our consolidated financial results from the date of acquisition. In January 2017, the Trust amended the term loans to extend the maturity of the five -year tranche by three years to 2022 and reduce the rate of the seven -year tranche by 35 bps. In February 2017, the Trust entered into equity distribution agreements to establish a new ATM Program under which the Trust is authorized to sell a maximum of $500.0 million in shares of its common stock. The sales of common stock may be made through at-the-market transactions or pursuant to forward sales agreements.

Summary of significant accoun29

Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation	Basis of presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Trust represent the assets and liabilities and operating results of the Trust and its majority owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Principles of consolidation Effective January 1, 2016, the Trust and the Operating Partnership adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Update 2015-02 (“ASU 2015-02”), which amended certain guidance with respect to the evaluation of Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) and when a reporting entity is required to consolidate certain legal entities. Specifically, the amendments: (i) modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities, (ii) eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, (iii) affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, and (iv) provide a scope exception for certain entities. The adoption of the new standard did not result in the consolidation of entities not previously consolidated or the deconsolidation of any entities previously consolidated. The Trust accounts for interests in partnerships, joint ventures and other similar entities in which it holds an ownership interest in accordance with the amended guidance. The Trust first evaluates whether each entity is a VIE. Under the VIE model, the Trust consolidates an entity when it has control to direct the activities of the VIE and where it is determined to be the primary beneficiary. Under the voting interest model, the Trust consolidates an entity when it controls the entity through the ownership of a majority voting interest. Upon adoption, the Operating Partnership and certain properties that have noncontrolling interests (see Note 11) became VIEs as the limited partners of these entities lack substantive kick-out rights and substantive participating rights. The Trust continues to consolidate these entities as the primary beneficiary because it directs the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIEs and has an obligation to absorb potentially significant losses or the right to receive potentially significant benefits of the VIEs. EdR has the power and economic exposure through the rights held by OP GP as it relates to the Operating Partnership, while EROP has power and economic exposure through its role as the property manager and equity interest holder of certain properties with noncontrolling interests (see Note 11). All of the Trust's property ownership, development and related business operations are conducted through the Operating Partnership. See the assets and liabilities of the Operating Partnership in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Use of estimates	Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions are used by management in determining the recognition of third-party development consulting services revenue under the percentage of completion method, useful lives of collegiate housing assets, the initial valuations and underlying allocations of purchase price in connection with collegiate housing property acquisitions and the determination of fair value for impairment assessments and derivative valuation. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents All highly-liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered cash equivalents. Restricted cash is excluded from cash for the purpose of preparing the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Trust maintains cash balances in various banks. At times, the amounts of cash may exceed the amount the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insures.
Restricted cash	Restricted cash Restricted cash includes escrow accounts held by lenders for the purpose of paying taxes, insurance and funding capital improvements.
Distributions	Distributions EdR pays regular quarterly cash distributions to stockholders. At the same time, EROP pays an equivalent amount per unit to holders of limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership ("OP Units") as of the applicable record date. These distributions are determined quarterly by the Board of Directors (“Board”) based on the operating results, economic conditions, capital expenditure requirements, the REIT annual distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), leverage covenants imposed by our revolving credit facility and other debt documents and any other matters the Board deems relevant.
Notes receivable	Notes receivable On August 26, 2013, the Trust provided a $0.5 million promissory loan to College Park Apartments, Inc. ("CPA"), the Trust's partner in the unconsolidated University Village-Greensboro LLC joint venture (see Note 8), at an interest rate of 10% per annum and a maturity date of August 1, 2020. Under the loan, CPA can make one draw per calendar quarter. At December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the outstanding balance was $0.5 million for both periods. The loan is secured by CPA's interest in the joint venture. On July 14, 2010, the Trust entered into definitive agreements for the development, financing and management of a $60.7 million , 20 -story, 572 -bed graduate collegiate housing complex at the Science + Technology Park at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute. The Trust developed and manages the building, which was constructed on land owned by Johns Hopkins University and leased to a subsidiary of East Baltimore Development, Inc., a nonprofit partnership of private and public entities dedicated to Baltimore’s urban revitalization. Under terms of the agreements, the Trust (a) received development and construction oversight fees and reimbursement of pre-development expenses, (b) invested in the form of an $18.0 million second mortgage, (c) earned a $3.0 million fee for providing a repayment guarantee of the construction first mortgage and (d) received a 10 -year management contract. The second mortgage had a maturity date of July 31, 2040 and was repaid during the year ended December 31, 2014. The Trust did not have an ownership interest in any form that would require consolidation. Due to its financing commitments to the project along with other factors, the Trust deferred recognition of the development services revenue, guarantee fee revenue and interest income earned on the second mortgage until the second mortgage was repaid, and the Trust no longer had a substantial continuing financial involvement. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the third-party owners closed on permanent financing for the community and used the proceeds to repay the construction first mortgage and second mortgage. As a result, the Trust recognized development services revenue, net of costs, of $2.6 million (including participation in cost savings of $0.8 million ), guarantee fee revenue of $3.0 million and interest income on the second mortgage of $6.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2014. On March 20, 2015, the Trust provided a $1.7 million promissory loan to Concord Eastridge, Inc., the Trust's partner in the joint venture at Roosevelt Point, at an interest rate equal to 2% plus London InterBank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") per annum compounded monthly and a maturity date of March 1, 2017. The loan was secured by Concord Eastridge's interest in the joint venture. As of December 31, 2015, $1.7 million was outstanding. In February 2016, the Trust acquired Concord Eastridge, Inc.'s remaining partnership interest for $4.9 million . The outstanding promissory loan was repaid in full at closing.
Collegiate housing properties	Collegiate housing properties Land, land improvements, buildings and improvements, and furniture, fixtures and equipment are recorded at cost. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over 15 to 40 years, land improvements are depreciated over 15 years and furniture, fixtures, and equipment are depreciated over 3 to 7 years. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes over the estimated useful life. The Trust capitalizes interest based on the weighted average interest cost of the total debt and internal development costs while developments are ongoing as assets under development. When the property opens, these costs, along with other direct costs of the development, are transferred into the applicable asset category and depreciation commences. Acquired collegiate housing communities’ results of operations are included in the Trust’s results of operations from the respective dates of acquisition. Appraisals, estimates of cash flows and other valuation techniques are used to allocate the purchase price of acquired property between land, land improvements, buildings and improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment and identifiable intangibles, such as amounts related to in-place leases. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred and are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Management assesses impairment of long-lived assets to be held and used whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Management uses an estimate of future undiscounted cash flows of the related asset based on its intended use to determine whether the carrying value is recoverable. If the Trust determines that the carrying value of an asset is not recoverable, the fair value of the asset is estimated and an impairment loss is recorded to the extent the carrying value exceeds estimated fair value. Management estimates fair value using discounted cash flow models, market appraisals if available and other market participant data. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2014, the Trust recorded a $2.5 million and a $12.7 million loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties, respectively. There was no impairment loss in 2015. The impairment losses were due to a change in circumstances that indicated their respective carrying values may not be recoverable. The change in circumstances for the properties could be attributable to changes in property specific market conditions, changes in anticipated future use and/or leasing results or a combination of these factors. When a collegiate housing community has met the criteria to be classified as held for sale, the fair value less cost to sell such asset is estimated. If the fair value less cost to sell the asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment charge is recorded for the estimated loss. Depreciation expense is no longer recorded once a collegiate housing community has met the held for sale criteria. Operations of collegiate housing communities that are sold or classified as held for sale were recorded as part of discontinued operations prior to January 1, 2014. Effective January 1, 2014, the Trust adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08 related to the presentation of discontinued operations. Prospectively, only dispositions that represent a strategic shift in the business will qualify for treatment as discontinued operations. The property dispositions during the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015, and 2014 did not qualify for treatment as discontinued operations and, as a result, the operations of the properties are included in continuing operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
Deferred financing costs	Deferred financing costs Deferred financing costs represent costs incurred in connection with acquiring debt facilities. The deferred financing costs incurred for years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $0.7 million , $1.0 million and $6.4 million , respectively, and are being amortized over the terms of the related debt using a method that approximates the effective interest method. Amortization expense totaled $1.7 million , $2.1 million and $2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, accumulated amortization totaled $8.1 million and $9.0 million , respectively. Unamortized deferred financing costs related to the Trust's mortgage and construction loans, unsecured term loan and Unsecured Senior Notes are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability. Unamortized deferred financing costs related to the unsecured revolving credit facility are classified in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (see Note 7).
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 FASB regarding the classification and measurement of redeemable securities. The Trust classifies redeemable noncontrolling interests, which include redeemable interests in consolidated joint ventures with puts exercisable by the joint venture partners and units of limited partnership interest in University Towers Operating Partnership, LP and in the Operating Partnership in the mezzanine section of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Trust accounts for certain noncontrolling interests with embedded put and call features with fixed exercise prices and exercise dates as a financing arrangement, and these amounts are recorded as accrued liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets. The liability is initially measured at present value of the fixed price settlement amount. Subsequently, the liability is accreted to the fixed price over the term of the contract, with the resulting expense recognized as interest expense. In the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of the Operating Partnership, the redeemable units of limited partnership in the Operating Partnership are classified as redeemable limited partners and the redeemable interests in consolidated joint ventures with puts exercisable by the joint venture partners and units of limited partnership interest in University Towers Operating Partnership, LP are classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests. The redeemable noncontrolling interest units / redeemable limited partner units are adjusted to the greater of carrying value or fair market value based on the price per share of EdR's common stock or redemption value at the end of each respective reporting period.
Common stock issuances and offering costs	Common stock issuances and offering costs Specific incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of EdR common stock are charged against the gross proceeds of the related issuance. Accordingly, underwriting commissions and other stock issuance costs are reflected as a reduction of additional paid-in capital in the accompanying consolidated statement of changes in equity. The Trust is structured as an umbrella partnership REIT ("UPREIT") and contributes all proceeds from its various equity offerings to EROP. For every one share of common stock offered and sold by EdR for cash, EdR must contribute the net proceeds to EROP and, in return, EROP will issue one OP Unit to EdR.
Income taxes	Income taxes EdR qualifies as a REIT under the Code. EdR is generally not subject to federal, state and local income taxes on any of its taxable income that it distributes if it distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income for each tax year to its stockholders and meets certain other requirements. If EdR fails to qualify as a REIT for any taxable year, EdR will be subject to federal, state and local income taxes (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on its taxable income. The Trust has elected to treat certain of its subsidiaries, including the Management Company, as TRSs. A TRS is subject to federal, state and local income taxes. Our Management Company provides management services and through our Development Company, provides development services, which if directly provided by the Trust would jeopardize EdR’s REIT status. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse.
Repairs, maintenance and major improvements	Repairs, maintenance and major improvements The costs of ordinary repairs and maintenance are charged to operations when incurred. Major improvements that extend the life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Planned major repair, maintenance and improvement projects are capitalized when performed. In some circumstances, lenders require the Trust to maintain a reserve account for future repairs and capital expenditures. These amounts are classified as restricted cash in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as the funds are not available for use.
Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Ground lease expense Long-term ground leases are accounted for as operating leases and the rent is recognized on a straight-line basis over the applicable lease term. The lease term begins when the Trust first attains the right to use the property.
Goodwill and other intangible assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets Goodwill is tested annually for impairment as of December 31, and is tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. The accumulated impairment loss recorded is $0.4 million . No additional impairment has been recorded through December 31, 2016 . The carrying value of goodwill was $3.1 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , 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. In-place leases incurred in connection with the acquisition of collegiate housing properties for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $7.4 million and is being amortized over the life of the remaining lease term, which is generally less than one year. Amortization expense totaled $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 . As of December 31, 2016 , accumulated amortization totaled $3.6 million . The carrying value of other intangible assets was $3.8 million and $0.2 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
Investment in unconsolidated entities	Investment in unconsolidated entities The Trust accounts for its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures using the equity method whereby the costs of an investment are adjusted for the Trust’s share of earnings of the respective investment reduced by distributions received. The earnings and distributions of the unconsolidated joint ventures are allocated based on each owner’s respective ownership interests. These investments are classified as other assets or accrued expenses, depending on whether the distributions exceed the Trust’s contributions and share of earnings in the joint ventures, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (see Note 8).
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition The Trust recognizes revenue related to leasing activities at the collegiate housing communities owned by the Trust, management fees related to managing third-party collegiate housing communities, development consulting fees related to the general oversight of third-party collegiate housing development and operating expense reimbursements for payroll and related expenses incurred for third-party collegiate housing communities managed by the Trust. Collegiate housing leasing revenue — Collegiate housing leasing revenue is comprised of all activities related to leasing and operating the collegiate housing communities and includes revenues from leasing apartments by the bed, food services, parking lot rentals and providing certain ancillary services. Students are required to execute lease contracts with payment schedules that vary from semester to monthly payments. Generally, the Trust requires each executed leasing contract to be accompanied by a signed parental guarantee. Receivables are recorded when billed. Revenues and nonrefundable application and service fees are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contracts. At certain collegiate housing facilities, the Trust offers parking lot rentals to the residents. The related revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related agreement. Deferred revenue related to collegiate housing revenue consists primarily of prepaid rent and deferred rent revenue and totaled $19.8 million and $18.9 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Due to the nature of the Trust’s business, accounts receivable result primarily from monthly billings of student rents. Payments are normally received within 30 days. Balances are considered past due when payment is not received on the contractual due date. Allowances for uncollectible accounts are established by management when it is determined that collection is doubtful. Such allowances are reviewed periodically based upon experience. The following table reconciles the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of period $ 306 $ 58 $ 96 Provision for uncollectible accounts 1,012 1,000 1,263 Deductions (757 ) (752 ) (1,301 ) Balance, end of period $ 561 $ 306 $ 58 At December 31, 2016 , the Trust had 12 communities located at the University of Kentucky. This geographic location represented 15.8% of our collegiate housing revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 . No other market generated more than 10% of collegiate housing revenue. Third-party development services revenue — The Trust provides development consulting services in an agency capacity with third parties whereby the fee is determined based upon the total construction costs. Total fees vary from 3 – 5% of the total estimated costs, and the Trust typically receives a portion of the fees up front. These fees, including the up-front fee, are recognized using the percentage of completion method in proportion to the contract costs incurred by the owner over the course of construction of the respective projects. Occasionally, the development consulting contracts include a provision whereby the Trust can participate in project savings resulting from successful cost management efforts. These revenues are recognized once all contractual terms have been satisfied and no future performance requirements exist. This typically occurs after construction is complete. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, there was no revenue recognized related to cost savings agreements. For the year ended December 31, 2014, there was $1.2 million of revenue recognized, related to cost savings agreements. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, deferred development fees totaled $1.0 million and $0.1 million , respectively. Third-party management services revenue — The Trust enters into management contracts to manage third-party collegiate housing communities. Management revenues are recognized when earned in accordance with each management contract. Incentive management fees are recognized when the incentive criteria have been met. Operating expense reimbursements — The Trust pays certain payroll and related costs to operate and manage third-party collegiate housing communities. Under the terms of the related management agreements, the third-party property owners reimburse these costs. The amounts billed to the third-party owners are recognized as revenue.
Costs related to development consulting services	Costs related to development consulting services Costs associated with the pursuit of third-party development consulting contracts are expensed as incurred, until such time that management has been notified of a contract award. At such time, the reimbursable costs are recorded as receivables and are reflected as other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (see Note 7). Costs directly associated with internal development projects are capitalized as part of the cost of the project (see Note 4).
Advertising expense	Advertising expense Advertising costs are expensed during the period incurred, or as the advertising takes place, depending on the nature and term of the specific advertising arrangements.
Segment information	Segment information The Trust discloses certain operating and financial data with respect to separate business activities within its enterprise. The Trust has identified three reportable business segments: collegiate housing leasing, development consulting services and management services.
Stock based compensation	Stock-based compensation On May 4, 2011, the Trust’s stockholders approved the Education Realty Trust, Inc. 2011 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”). The 2011 Plan replaced the Education Realty Trust, Inc. 2004 Incentive Plan (“2004 Plan”) in its entirety. The 2011 Plan is described more fully in Note 9. Compensation costs related to share-based payments are recognized in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “ Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ” (“ASU 2016-09”), which changes certain aspects of accounting for share-based payments to employees, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The Trust early adopted the amendments during the year ended December 31, 2016 effective as of January 1, 2016 as permitted by the ASU. The amendments were applied using a combination of the modified retrospective transition method, retrospective application or prospectively depending on the applicable amendment being adopted. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Earnings per share	Earnings per share Earnings per Share — The Trust Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by weighted average shares of common stock outstanding, including outstanding units in the Operating Partnership designated as LTIP Units ("LTIP Units"). Diluted earnings per share is calculated similarly, except that it includes the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of potentially dilutive securities and the shares issuable upon settlement of the Forward Agreements using the treasury stock method. 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 income 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 and the shares issuable upon settlement of the Forward Agreements using the treasury stock method. 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 is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Derivative instruments and hedging activities	Derivative instruments and hedging activities All derivative financial instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in fair value are recognized either in earnings or as other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether the derivative has been designated as a fair value or cash flow hedge and whether it qualifies as part of a hedging relationship, the nature of the exposure being hedged, and how effective the derivative is at offsetting movements in underlying exposure. Hedge accounting is discontinued when it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised; it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur; or management determines that designating the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate. The Trust uses interest rate swaps to effectively convert a portion of its variable rate debt to fixed rate, thus reducing the impact of changes in interest rates on interest payments (see Notes 10 and 14). These instruments are designated as cash flow hedges and the interest differential to be paid or received is recorded as interest expense.
Recent accounting pronouncements	Recent accounting pronouncements In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, "Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business." The ASU is intended to provide a new framework for determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. Under the new guidance, companies are required to utilize an initial screening test to determine whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets; if so, the set is not a business. The Trust will apply this guidance to future real estate property acquisitions and expects that some or all may be considered to be acquisitions of groups of similar identifiable assets; therefore, the acquisitions are not considered to be acquisitions of a business and acquisition costs would be capitalized. ASU 2017-01 is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. The Trust will adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2017, and the Trust does not believe the adoption will have a material impact on the Trust's financial condition or results of operations. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, " Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments " ("ASU 2016-15"). ASU 2016-15 addresses eight specific cash flow issues and intends to reduce the diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows and will be applied retrospectively. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. The Trust will adopt ASU 2016-15 effective January 1, 2017, and the Trust does not believe the adoption of ASU 2016-15 has a material impact on the Trust's financial condition or results of operations. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, " Leases (Topic 842) " ("ASU 2016-02"), which requires a lessee to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years, on a modified prospective basis. The Trust's primary revenue is collegiate housing rental income; as such, the Trust is a lessor on a significant number of leases. The Trust is continuing to evaluate the potential impact of the ASU and believes it will continue to account for its leases in substantially the same manner due to the short-term nature (less than 12 months) of the leases. The most significant change for the Trust relates to ground lease agreements, which could result in recording the right of use asset and related liability on the balance sheet. The Trust plans to adopt ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019 and is continuing the process of evaluating and quantifying the effect that ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, " Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern: Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. " This update requires an entity to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after the financial statements are available to be issued when applicable) and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. This update is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter with early adoption permitted. The Trust adopted this guidance as of December 31, 2016, and the adoption did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, " Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) " ("ASU 2014-09"), as amended by ASU 2015-04 to defer the effective date. The guidance outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including the guidance on real estate derecognition for most transactions. ASU 2014-09 provides that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years and permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Since the issuance of ASU 2014-09, the FASB has issued ASU 2016-08 that is intended to improve the understandability of the implementation guidance regarding principal versus agent considerations and has issued ASU 2016-10 to clarify the identification of performance obligations and the implementation guidance related to licensing. The effective dates of these amendments are the same as ASU 2014-09. Our initial analysis of our non-lease related revenue contracts indicates the adoption of this ASU will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements; however, we are still in the process of evaluating this ASU.

Summary of significant accoun30

Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Forward Contracts Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Table Text Block]	A summary of the outstanding Forward Agreements is as follows (shares in thousands): Date of Forward Agreement Shares Sold Weighted Average Share Price Initial Forward Price August 2, 2016 273 $ 47.93 $ 47.33 August 8, 2016 550 46.86 46.28 August 15, 2016 185 46.55 45.97 August 22, 2016 213 45.59 45.02 August 29, 2016 3,323 43.36 42.82 October 3, 2016 2,218 40.93 40.51 6,762 $ 43.19 $ 42.77
Schedule of allowance for doubtful accounts	The following table reconciles the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of period $ 306 $ 58 $ 96 Provision for uncollectible accounts 1,012 1,000 1,263 Deductions (757 ) (752 ) (1,301 ) Balance, end of period $ 561 $ 306 $ 58

Income taxes (Tables)

Income taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets	Significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows (in thousands): 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets: Deferred revenue $ 393 $ 43 Accrued expenses 394 313 Straight line rent 281 315 Restricted stock amortization 759 949 Net operating loss carryforwards 1,271 1,350 Total deferred tax assets 3,098 2,970 Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation and amortization (927 ) (514 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (927 ) (514 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 2,171 $ 2,456
Significant Components of Income Tax Provisions Benefits	Significant components of the income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Deferred: Federal $ 243 $ 148 $ 108 State 42 (61 ) 57 Deferred expense (benefit) 285 87 165 Current: Federal 183 101 (52 ) State 216 159 148 Current expense 399 260 96 Total provision $ 684 $ 347 $ 261
Reconciliation of Income Tax Attributable to Income before Noncontrolling Interest Computed at United States Statutory Rate to Income Tax Provision	The reconciliation of income tax attributable to income before noncontrolling interest computed at the U.S. statutory rate to income tax provision is as follows (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Tax provision at U.S. statutory rates on TRS net losses subject to tax $ 426 $ 236 $ 71 State income tax, net of federal benefit 77 (31 ) 34 Other 181 142 156 Tax provision $ 684 $ 347 $ 261

Acquisition and development o32

Acquisition and development of real estate investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Real Estate [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	During the year ended December 31, 2016 , the following collegiate housing property acquisitions were completed: Name Primary University Served Acquisition Date # of Beds # of Units Contract Price (in thousands) Lokal Colorado State University, Colorado March 2016 194 79 $ 24,600 The Hub at Madison University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin May 2016 1,038 341 $ 188,500 Pura Vida Place Colorado State University, Colorado August 2016 100 52 $ 12,000 Carriage House Colorado State University, Colorado August 2016 94 54 $ 12,000 Urbane University of Arizona, Arizona September 2016 311 104 $ 50,000	During the year ended December 31, 2015 , the following collegiate housing property acquisitions were completed: Name Primary University Served Acquisition Date # of Beds # of Units Contract Price (in thousands) The Commons on Bridge University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tennessee June 2015 150 51 $ 9,700 The Province at Boulder University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado September 2015 317 84 $ 48,800	During the year ended December 31, 2014 , the following collegiate housing property acquisitions were completed: Name Primary University Served Acquisition Date # of Beds # of Units Contract Price (in thousands) 109 Tower Florida International University Miami, Florida Aug 2014 542 149 $ 43,500 District on Apache Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona Sept 2014 900 279 $ 89,800
Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	Below is the allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition (in thousands): Lokal The Hub at Madison Pura Vida Place Carriage House Urbane Total Collegiate housing property $ 23,653 $ 189,832 $ 11,498 $ 11,528 $ 47,999 $ 284,510 In-place leases 849 3,588 502 472 1,984 7,395 Other assets 3 87 5 4 18 117 Current liabilities (148 ) (7,442 ) (144 ) (67 ) (584 ) (8,385 ) Total net assets acquired $ 24,357 $ 186,065 $ 11,861 $ 11,937 $ 49,417 $ 283,637	Below is the allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition (in thousands): The Commons on Bridge The Province at Boulder Total Collegiate housing properties $ 9,624 $ 48,522 $ 58,146 In-place leases 76 278 354 Other assets 5 85 90 Current liabilities (338 ) (376 ) (714 ) Total net assets acquired $ 9,367 $ 48,509 $ 57,876	A summary follows of the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of the dates of the acquisitions (in thousands): 109 Tower District on Apache Total Collegiate housing properties $ 43,384 $ 89,216 $ 132,600 In-place leases — 643 643 Other assets 200 36 236 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	A summary of the actual revenue and net income from the 2016 , 2015 and 2014 property acquisitions included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income since the respective dates of acquisition is as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 2016 Acquisitions Revenue $ 9,898 $ — $ — Net loss $ (2,098 ) $ — $ — 2015 Acquisitions Revenue $ 4,957 $ 1,754 $ — Net income $ 1,471 $ 532 $ — 2014 Acquisitions Revenue $ 15,385 $ 14,727 $ 4,683 Net income $ 6,048 $ 4,570 $ 1,403 The following unaudited pro forma information assumes the acquisitions occurred as of the first day of the prior period and is not indicative of results that would have occurred or which may occur (in thousands, except per share and per unit amounts): Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 2013 2016 Acquisitions Total revenue (1) $ 294,374 $ 261,196 Net income attributable to the Trust (1) $ 45,412 $ 19,384 Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic and diluted $ 0.65 $ 0.39 Net income attributable to EROP (1) $ 45,551 $ 19,468 Net income attributable to unitholders - basic and diluted $ 0.65 $ 0.39 2015 Acquisitions Total revenue (2) $ 257,758 $ 227,968 Net income attributable to the Trust (2) $ 20,992 $ 47,275 Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic $ 0.42 $ 1.10 Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted $ 0.42 $ 1.09 Net income attributable to EROP (2) $ 21,087 $ 47,643 Net income attributable to unitholders - basic and diluted $ 0.42 $ 1.10 2014 Acquisitions Total revenue (3) $ 231,961 $ 187,884 Net income attributable to the Trust (3) $ 50,794 $ 5,714 Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic $ 1.18 $ 0.15 Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted $ 1.17 $ 0.15 Net income attributable to EROP (3) $ 51,184 $ 5,805 Net income attributable to unitholders - basic and diluted $ 1.18 $ 0.15 (1) As Urbane opened for the 2016/2017 lease year, the supplemental pro forma revenue and net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 only includes its operations from the date it opened. (2) As Lokal, The Hub at Madison and Carriage House opened for the 2015/2016 lease year, the supplemental pro forma revenue and net income for the year ended December 31, 2015 only includes their operations from the date they opened. (3) As The Province at Boulder and 109 Tower opened for the 2014/2015 lease year, the supplemental pro forma revenue and net income for the year ended December 31, 2014 only includes their operations from the date they opened.
Development of Collegiate Housing Properties	During 2016 , the Trust developed and placed in service the following communities. The costs incurred to date for our owned communities represent the balance capitalized in collegiate housing properties, net as of December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Name Primary University Served Bed Count Costs Incurred-to-Date Internal Development Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized 2016 2015 2016 2015 Holmes Hall and Boyd Hall University of Kentucky 1,141 $ 85,691 $ 339 $ 382 $ 1,900 $ 984 Retreat at Blacksburg - Phase I & II (1) Virginia Tech 829 64,549 143 116 709 208 Retreat at Oxford - Phase II University of Mississippi 350 26,745 58 77 590 211 Total 2,320 $ 176,985 $ 540 $ 575 $ 3,199 $ 1,403 (1) During 2015, the Operating Partnership entered into an agreement with a subsidiary of Landmark Property Holdings, LLC to develop, own and manage a cottage-style collegiate housing property located adjacent to Virginia Tech. The Retreat at Blacksburg was initially a joint venture. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Trust purchased the remaining 25% joint venture partner's ownership in the property. During 2015 , the Trust developed and placed in service the following communities. The costs incurred to date for the owned communities represent the balance capitalized in collegiate housing properties, net as of December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Name Primary University Served Bed Count Costs Incurred-to-date Internal Development Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized 2015 2014 2015 2014 Woodland Glen III, IV & V (1) University of Kentucky 1,610 $ 103,458 $ 452 $ 214 $ 2,414 $ 1,304 The Oaks on the Square - Phase IV (2) University of Connecticut 391 44,325 315 101 633 149 The Retreat at Louisville (3) University of Louisville 656 43,935 179 77 568 103 Total owned communities 2,657 $ 191,718 $ 946 $ 392 $ 3,615 $ 1,556 Georgia Heights (4) University of Georgia 292 51,639 216 184 273 274 Total joint ventures 292 $ 51,639 $ 216 $ 184 $ 273 $ 274 Total 2,949 $ 243,357 $ 1,162 $ 576 $ 3,888 $ 1,830 (1) In December 2011, the Trust was selected by the University of Kentucky to develop, own and manage new collegiate housing on its campus. Phase I opened in August 2013, Phase II opened in August 2014 and Phase III, which includes these communities, opened in August 2015 for the 2015/2016 lease year. (2) In 2010, LeylandAlliance LLC and the Trust entered into an agreement to develop the first two phases of Storrs Center, a mixed-use town center project, located adjacent to the University of Connecticut. The Trust developed, owns and manages the collegiate housing properties in these first two phases and both phases include commercial and residential offerings. The first, second and third phases opened in August 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. The fourth phase opened in August 2015. (3) In June 2014, the Trust announced an agreement with a subsidiary of Landmark Property Holdings, LLC to develop, own and manage a cottage-style collegiate housing property located adjacent to The University of Louisville. The Retreat at Louisville was initially a joint venture. During the year ended December 31, 2016 , the Trust purchased the remaining 25% joint venture partner's ownership in the property. (4) In 2013, the Trust entered into an agreement to develop, own and manage a mixed-use development adjacent to the main entrance of the University of Georgia with a subsidiary of GEM Realty Capital, Inc. The costs above represent total costs incurred for the joint venture development. The Trust holds a 50% interest in the joint venture and manages the community. The Trust does not consolidate the joint venture (see Note 8) and its investment of $10.2 million and $10.4 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, is classified as other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The following represents a summary of active developments at December 31, 2016 , including internal development costs and interest costs capitalized (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Name Primary University Served Spend-to-Date Internal Development Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized 2016 2015 2016 2015 University Flats University of Kentucky $ 55,682 $ 226 $ 241 $ 1,163 $ 83 Lewis Hall University of Kentucky 15,190 204 — 196 — Boise State University Boise State University 19,674 260 54 252 3 SkyVUE Michigan State University 60,775 201 17 1,253 — The Local: Downtown Texas State University 18,017 178 69 318 — Avid Square Oklahoma State University 21,847 116 — 231 — Northern Michigan University Northern Michigan University 12,104 203 — 66 — Maplewood Cornell University 2,440 81 — 24 — University of Pittsburgh University of Pittsburgh 20,303 95 — 238 — Players Club Redevelopment Florida State University 938 62 21 22 — Hale Mahana University of Hawai'i 22,931 82 — 98 — Hub at Minneapolis University of Minnesota 12,738 43 — — — Arizona State University Arizona State University 25,230 102 — 113 — Undeveloped land 2,073 41 — 34 — Total active projects under development $ 289,942 $ 1,894 $ 402 $ 4,008 $ 86 Collegiate housing properties and assets under development consist of the following as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): 2016 2015 Land $ 221,065 $ 152,819 Land improvements 66,440 65,135 Leasehold improvements 74 212 Construction in progress 239,186 105,517 Buildings and improvements 2,092,546 1,751,482 Furniture, fixtures and equipment 90,406 88,008 2,709,717 2,163,173 Less accumulated depreciation (311,069 ) (270,993 ) Collegiate housing properties and assets under development, net $ 2,398,648 $ 1,892,180 Following is certain information related to investment in collegiate housing properties and assets under development as of December 31, 2016 (amounts in thousands): Initial Cost Total Costs Property (3) Encumbrances Land Buildings and Improvements and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Total Cost Capitalized Subsequently Land Buildings and Improvements and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Total (5) Accumulated Depreciation (4) Date of Acquisition/ Construction Players Club $ — $727 $7,498 $8,225 $3,446 $727 $10,944 $11,671 $6,961 1/31/2005 The Commons at Knoxville — 4,630 18,386 23,016 4,086 4,585 22,517 27,102 9,182 1/31/2005 The Lofts — 2,801 34,117 36,918 3,725 2,801 37,842 40,643 13,852 1/31/2005 The Pointe at Penn State — 2,151 35,094 37,245 5,824 2,150 40,919 43,069 16,269 1/31/2005 The Reserve at Columbia — 1,071 26,134 27,205 4,537 1,071 30,671 31,742 11,749 1/31/2005 The Reserve on Perkins — 913 15,795 16,708 4,429 913 20,224 21,137 8,547 1/31/2005 University Towers 32,950 — 28,652 28,652 18,169 2,364 44,457 46,821 18,374 1/31/2005 Campus Creek — 2,251 21,604 23,855 2,280 2,251 23,884 26,135 8,934 2/22/2005 Campus Lodge — 2,746 44,415 47,161 4,796 2,746 49,211 51,957 17,629 6/7/2005 Carrollton Place — 682 12,166 12,848 2,180 682 14,346 15,028 4,892 1/1/2006 River Pointe — 837 17,746 18,583 2,844 837 20,590 21,427 6,794 1/1/2006 The Reserve at Saluki Pointe — 1,099 32,377 33,476 2,127 1,099 34,504 35,603 8,692 8/1/2008 University Apartments on Colvin — — 25,792 25,792 977 — 26,769 26,769 6,109 8/1/2009 2400 Nueces (1) — — 64,152 64,152 7,114 — 71,266 71,266 8,944 8/1/2010 The Oaks on the Square - Phase I and II — 1,800 48,636 50,436 2,137 1,800 50,773 52,573 6,845 9/30/2010 GrandMarc at the Corner — — 45,384 45,384 2,295 — 47,679 47,679 9,308 10/22/2010 Campus West — — 25,842 25,842 1,926 — 27,768 27,768 4,715 3/1/2011 East Edge — 10,420 10,783 21,203 21,343 10,420 32,126 42,546 5,972 3/1/2011 Jefferson Commons — 1,420 4,915 6,335 332 1,420 5,247 6,667 980 3/15/2011 Wertland Square — 3,230 13,285 16,515 826 3,230 14,111 17,341 2,574 3/15/2011 The Berk — 2,687 13,718 16,405 906 2,687 14,624 17,311 2,706 5/23/2011 Roosevelt Point — 3,093 47,528 50,621 2,178 3,093 49,706 52,799 6,013 7/1/2011 University Village Towers — 3,434 34,424 37,858 1,130 3,434 35,554 38,988 5,703 9/22/2011 Irish Row — 2,637 24,679 27,316 512 2,637 25,191 27,828 3,995 11/1/2011 The Lotus — 5,245 20,830 26,075 2,226 5,245 23,056 28,301 1,991 11/14/2011 GrandMarc at Westberry Place — — 53,935 53,935 2,025 — 55,960 55,960 8,384 12/8/2011 3949 — 3,822 24,448 28,270 8,938 3,822 33,386 37,208 4,766 12/21/2011 Initial Cost Total Costs Property (3) Encumbrances Land Buildings and Improvements and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Total Cost Capitalized Subsequently Land Buildings and Improvements and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Total (5) Accumulated Depreciation (4) Date of Acquisition/ Construction The Reserve on Stinson — 2,111 20,609 22,720 (5,186 ) 2,111 15,423 17,534 — 1/27/2012 Lymon T. Johnson Hall & Central Hall II (2) — — 22,896 22,896 3,416 — 26,312 26,312 3,982 6/1/2012 The Retreat at Oxford — 4,743 52,946 57,689 5,606 8,811 54,484 63,295 4,268 6/14/2012 The Province — 4,436 45,173 49,609 528 4,436 45,701 50,137 6,853 9/21/2012 The District on 5th — 2,601 63,396 65,997 464 2,601 63,860 66,461 10,045 10/4/2012 Campus Village — 2,650 18,077 20,727 1,199 2,650 19,276 21,926 3,938 10/19/2012 Frances Jewell Hall (2) — — 45,924 45,924 1,999 — 47,923 47,923 3,920 11/1/2012 Georgia M. Blazer Hall (2) — — 23,808 23,808 874 — 24,682 24,682 2,013 11/1/2012 Haggin Hall I (2) — — 23,802 23,802 497 — 24,299 24,299 2,205 11/1/2012 Woodland Glen I & II (2) — — 44,491 44,491 1,979 — 46,470 46,470 3,711 11/1/2012 The Province at Kent State — 4,239 40,441 44,680 443 4,239 40,884 45,123 6,125 11/16/2012 The Centre at Overton Park — 3,781 35,232 39,013 1,820 3,781 37,052 40,833 4,941 12/7/2012 The Suites at Overton Park — 4,384 33,281 37,665 1,602 4,384 34,883 39,267 4,902 12/7/2012 Woodland Glen III, IV & V (2) — — 101,172 101,172 3,478 — 104,650 104,650 4,586 5/1/2013 The Oaks on the Square - Phase III — 1,531 10,734 12,265 288 1,531 11,022 12,553 839 2/13/2013 The Cottages on Lindberg — 1,800 31,224 33,024 3,357 1,800 34,581 36,381 4,359 8/28/2013 The Retreat at State College — 6,251 46,004 52,255 4,140 6,251 50,144 56,395 5,840 9/11/2013 The Varsity — 3,300 50,330 53,630 313 3,300 50,643 53,943 5,020 12/19/2013 Holmes Hall and Boyd Hall (2) — — 85,556 85,556 135 — 85,691 85,691 897 12/31/2013 Oaks on the Square - Phase IV 29,626 3,308 36,748 40,056 6,382 3,308 43,130 46,438 1,876 6/1/2014 Retreat at Louisville — 4,257 33,750 38,007 6,183 4,257 39,933 44,190 1,854 7/1/2014 109 Towers — 1,779 40,115 41,894 2,691 1,779 42,806 44,585 3,425 8/12/2014 District on Apache — 8,203 81,016 89,219 604 8,203 81,620 89,823 6,944 9/15/2014 The Commons on Bridge — 1,852 7,772 9,624 260 1,852 8,032 9,884 724 6/16/2015 The Province Boulder — 7,800 40,722 48,522 193 7,800 40,915 48,715 1,670 9/15/2015 University Flats (2) — — 55,682 55,682 — — 55,682 55,682 — 7/1/2015 Retreat at Blacksburg — 8,988 53,984 62,972 1,577 8,988 55,561 64,549 664 7/10/2015 Boise State — — 19,674 19,674 — — 19,674 19,674 — 12/15/2015 The Local: Downtown — 2,687 15,330 18,017 — 2,687 15,330 18,017 — 1/4/2016 SkyVue — 7,056 53,719 60,775 — 7,056 53,719 60,775 — 1/15/2016 Lokal — 2,180 21,271 23,451 526 2,180 21,797 23,977 552 3/31/2016 Avid Square — 4,500 17,347 21,847 — 4,500 17,347 21,847 — 4/11/2016 Hub at Madison — 14,251 175,656 189,907 167 14,251 175,823 190,074 3,440 5/12/2016 Lewis Hall (2) — — 15,190 15,190 — — 15,190 15,190 — 6/30/2016 Maplewood (2) — — 2,440 2,440 — — 2,440 2,440 — 6/30/2016 Northern Michigan University (2) — — 12,104 12,104 — — 12,104 12,104 — 6/30/2016 University of Pittsburgh — 7,636 12,667 20,303 — 7,636 12,667 20,303 — 7/1/2016 Pura Vida Place — 1,850 9,331 11,181 340 1,850 9,671 11,521 92 8/30/2016 Carriage House — 2,470 8,760 11,230 320 2,470 9,080 11,550 83 8/30/2016 Urbane — 4,101 43,929 48,030 163 4,101 44,092 48,193 421 9/9/2016 Arizona State University — 14,147 11,083 25,230 — 14,147 11,083 25,230 — 11/1/2016 Hale Mahana — 16,641 6,290 22,931 — 16,641 6,290 22,931 — 11/20/2016 Initial Cost Total Costs Property (3) Encumbrances Land Buildings and Improvements and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Total Cost Capitalized Subsequently Land Buildings and Improvements and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Total (5) Accumulated Depreciation (4) Date of Acquisition/ Construction Hub at Minneapolis — — 12,738 12,738 — — 12,738 12,738 — 11/21/2016 Undeveloped Land — 1,450 623 2,073 — 1,450 623 2,073 — TBD Totals $ 62,576 $ 214,679 $ 2,335,372 $ 2,550,051 $ 159,666 $ 221,065 $ 2,488,652 $ 2,709,717 $ 311,069 (1) Pursuant to the ground lease for 2400 Nueces, the lessor has the option to purchase the Trust's leasehold estate and interest in the property at certain times during the term of the ground lease for a pre-determined amount. (2) Pursuant to the lease agreement for the respective property, the lessor has the option to terminate the lease at certain times during the term of the agreement for a termination fee. (3) All properties are of garden-style collegiate housing communities except for University Towers which is a traditional residence hall, 2400 Nueces and The Varsity, which are high-rise buildings, The Retreat at Oxford, The Cottages on Lindberg, The Retreat at State College, The Retreat at Louisville and The Retreat at Blacksburg which are cottage-style communities, and The Oaks on the Square, which is a mixed-use town center and main street development project located in Storrs, Connecticut. (4) Assets have useful lives ranging from 3 to 40 years. (5) Total aggregate costs for federal income tax purposes is approximately $2,765.2 million . The following table reconciles the historical cost of the Trust’s investment in collegiate housing properties and assets under development for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of period $ 2,163,173 $ 1,916,758 $ 1,709,853 Collegiate housing acquisitions or completed developments 444,657 250,329 349,841 Collegiate housing dispositions (92,827 ) (14,149 ) (154,545 ) Impairment loss (2,500 ) — (12,733 ) Additions 211,982 10,917 24,792 Disposals (10,203 ) (682 ) (450 ) Write-offs (4,565 ) — — Balance, end of period $ 2,709,717 $ 2,163,173 $ 1,916,758 The following table reconciles the accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of period $ 270,993 $ 210,047 $ 204,181 Depreciation 75,539 65,952 57,166 Disposals (9,910 ) (622 ) (396 ) Write-offs (4,565 ) — — Collegiate housing dispositions (20,988 ) (4,384 ) (50,904 ) Balance, end of period $ 311,069 $ 270,993 $ 210,047

Collegiate housing properties33

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Real Estate [Abstract]
Collegiate Housing Properties	During 2016 , the Trust developed and placed in service the following communities. The costs incurred to date for our owned communities represent the balance capitalized in collegiate housing properties, net as of December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Name Primary University Served Bed Count Costs Incurred-to-Date Internal Development Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized 2016 2015 2016 2015 Holmes Hall and Boyd Hall University of Kentucky 1,141 $ 85,691 $ 339 $ 382 $ 1,900 $ 984 Retreat at Blacksburg - Phase I & II (1) Virginia Tech 829 64,549 143 116 709 208 Retreat at Oxford - Phase II University of Mississippi 350 26,745 58 77 590 211 Total 2,320 $ 176,985 $ 540 $ 575 $ 3,199 $ 1,403 (1) During 2015, the Operating Partnership entered into an agreement with a subsidiary of Landmark Property Holdings, LLC to develop, own and manage a cottage-style collegiate housing property located adjacent to Virginia Tech. The Retreat at Blacksburg was initially a joint venture. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Trust purchased the remaining 25% joint venture partner's ownership in the property. During 2015 , the Trust developed and placed in service the following communities. The costs incurred to date for the owned communities represent the balance capitalized in collegiate housing properties, net as of December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Name Primary University Served Bed Count Costs Incurred-to-date Internal Development Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized 2015 2014 2015 2014 Woodland Glen III, IV & V (1) University of Kentucky 1,610 $ 103,458 $ 452 $ 214 $ 2,414 $ 1,304 The Oaks on the Square - Phase IV (2) University of Connecticut 391 44,325 315 101 633 149 The Retreat at Louisville (3) University of Louisville 656 43,935 179 77 568 103 Total owned communities 2,657 $ 191,718 $ 946 $ 392 $ 3,615 $ 1,556 Georgia Heights (4) University of Georgia 292 51,639 216 184 273 274 Total joint ventures 292 $ 51,639 $ 216 $ 184 $ 273 $ 274 Total 2,949 $ 243,357 $ 1,162 $ 576 $ 3,888 $ 1,830 (1) In December 2011, the Trust was selected by the University of Kentucky to develop, own and manage new collegiate housing on its campus. Phase I opened in August 2013, Phase II opened in August 2014 and Phase III, which includes these communities, opened in August 2015 for the 2015/2016 lease year. (2) In 2010, LeylandAlliance LLC and the Trust entered into an agreement to develop the first two phases of Storrs Center, a mixed-use town center project, located adjacent to the University of Connecticut. The Trust developed, owns and manages the collegiate housing properties in these first two phases and both phases include commercial and residential offerings. The first, second and third phases opened in August 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. The fourth phase opened in August 2015. (3) In June 2014, the Trust announced an agreement with a subsidiary of Landmark Property Holdings, LLC to develop, own and manage a cottage-style collegiate housing property located adjacent to The University of Louisville. The Retreat at Louisville was initially a joint venture. During the year ended December 31, 2016 , the Trust purchased the remaining 25% joint venture partner's ownership in the property. (4) In 2013, the Trust entered into an agreement to develop, own and manage a mixed-use development adjacent to the main entrance of the University of Georgia with a subsidiary of GEM Realty Capital, Inc. The costs above represent total costs incurred for the joint venture development. The Trust holds a 50% interest in the joint venture and manages the community. The Trust does not consolidate the joint venture (see Note 8) and its investment of $10.2 million and $10.4 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, is classified as other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The following represents a summary of active developments at December 31, 2016 , including internal development costs and interest costs capitalized (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Name Primary University Served Spend-to-Date Internal Development Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized 2016 2015 2016 2015 University Flats University of Kentucky $ 55,682 $ 226 $ 241 $ 1,163 $ 83 Lewis Hall University of Kentucky 15,190 204 — 196 — Boise State University Boise State University 19,674 260 54 252 3 SkyVUE Michigan State University 60,775 201 17 1,253 — The Local: Downtown Texas State University 18,017 178 69 318 — Avid Square Oklahoma State University 21,847 116 — 231 — Northern Michigan University Northern Michigan University 12,104 203 — 66 — Maplewood Cornell University 2,440 81 — 24 — University of Pittsburgh University of Pittsburgh 20,303 95 — 238 — Players Club Redevelopment Florida State University 938 62 21 22 — Hale Mahana University of Hawai'i 22,931 82 — 98 — Hub at Minneapolis University of Minnesota 12,738 43 — — — Arizona State University Arizona State University 25,230 102 — 113 — Undeveloped land 2,073 41 — 34 — Total active projects under development $ 289,942 $ 1,894 $ 402 $ 4,008 $ 86 Collegiate housing properties and assets under development consist of the following as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): 2016 2015 Land $ 221,065 $ 152,819 Land improvements 66,440 65,135 Leasehold improvements 74 212 Construction in progress 239,186 105,517 Buildings and improvements 2,092,546 1,751,482 Furniture, fixtures and equipment 90,406 88,008 2,709,717 2,163,173 Less accumulated depreciation (311,069 ) (270,993 ) Collegiate housing properties and assets under development, net $ 2,398,648 $ 1,892,180 Following is certain information related to investment in collegiate housing properties and assets under development as of December 31, 2016 (amounts in thousands): Initial Cost Total Costs Property (3) Encumbrances Land Buildings and Improvements and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Total Cost Capitalized Subsequently Land Buildings and Improvements and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Total (5) Accumulated Depreciation (4) Date of Acquisition/ Construction Players Club $ — $727 $7,498 $8,225 $3,446 $727 $10,944 $11,671 $6,961 1/31/2005 The Commons at Knoxville — 4,630 18,386 23,016 4,086 4,585 22,517 27,102 9,182 1/31/2005 The Lofts — 2,801 34,117 36,918 3,725 2,801 37,842 40,643 13,852 1/31/2005 The Pointe at Penn State — 2,151 35,094 37,245 5,824 2,150 40,919 43,069 16,269 1/31/2005 The Reserve at Columbia — 1,071 26,134 27,205 4,537 1,071 30,671 31,742 11,749 1/31/2005 The Reserve on Perkins — 913 15,795 16,708 4,429 913 20,224 21,137 8,547 1/31/2005 University Towers 32,950 — 28,652 28,652 18,169 2,364 44,457 46,821 18,374 1/31/2005 Campus Creek — 2,251 21,604 23,855 2,280 2,251 23,884 26,135 8,934 2/22/2005 Campus Lodge — 2,746 44,415 47,161 4,796 2,746 49,211 51,957 17,629 6/7/2005 Carrollton Place — 682 12,166 12,848 2,180 682 14,346 15,028 4,892 1/1/2006 River Pointe — 837 17,746 18,583 2,844 837 20,590 21,427 6,794 1/1/2006 The Reserve at Saluki Pointe — 1,099 32,377 33,476 2,127 1,099 34,504 35,603 8,692 8/1/2008 University Apartments on Colvin — — 25,792 25,792 977 — 26,769 26,769 6,109 8/1/2009 2400 Nueces (1) — — 64,152 64,152 7,114 — 71,266 71,266 8,944 8/1/2010 The Oaks on the Square - Phase I and II — 1,800 48,636 50,436 2,137 1,800 50,773 52,573 6,845 9/30/2010 GrandMarc at the Corner — — 45,384 45,384 2,295 — 47,679 47,679 9,308 10/22/2010 Campus West — — 25,842 25,842 1,926 — 27,768 27,768 4,715 3/1/2011 East Edge — 10,420 10,783 21,203 21,343 10,420 32,126 42,546 5,972 3/1/2011 Jefferson Commons — 1,420 4,915 6,335 332 1,420 5,247 6,667 980 3/15/2011 Wertland Square — 3,230 13,285 16,515 826 3,230 14,111 17,341 2,574 3/15/2011 The Berk — 2,687 13,718 16,405 906 2,687 14,624 17,311 2,706 5/23/2011 Roosevelt Point — 3,093 47,528 50,621 2,178 3,093 49,706 52,799 6,013 7/1/2011 University Village Towers — 3,434 34,424 37,858 1,130 3,434 35,554 38,988 5,703 9/22/2011 Irish Row — 2,637 24,679 27,316 512 2,637 25,191 27,828 3,995 11/1/2011 The Lotus — 5,245 20,830 26,075 2,226 5,245 23,056 28,301 1,991 11/14/2011 GrandMarc at Westberry Place — — 53,935 53,935 2,025 — 55,960 55,960 8,384 12/8/2011 3949 — 3,822 24,448 28,270 8,938 3,822 33,386 37,208 4,766 12/21/2011 Initial Cost Total Costs Property (3) Encumbrances Land Buildings and Improvements and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Total Cost Capitalized Subsequently Land Buildings and Improvements and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Total (5) Accumulated Depreciation (4) Date of Acquisition/ Construction The Reserve on Stinson — 2,111 20,609 22,720 (5,186 ) 2,111 15,423 17,534 — 1/27/2012 Lymon T. Johnson Hall & Central Hall II (2) — — 22,896 22,896 3,416 — 26,312 26,312 3,982 6/1/2012 The Retreat at Oxford — 4,743 52,946 57,689 5,606 8,811 54,484 63,295 4,268 6/14/2012 The Province — 4,436 45,173 49,609 528 4,436 45,701 50,137 6,853 9/21/2012 The District on 5th — 2,601 63,396 65,997 464 2,601 63,860 66,461 10,045 10/4/2012 Campus Village — 2,650 18,077 20,727 1,199 2,650 19,276 21,926 3,938 10/19/2012 Frances Jewell Hall (2) — — 45,924 45,924 1,999 — 47,923 47,923 3,920 11/1/2012 Georgia M. Blazer Hall (2) — — 23,808 23,808 874 — 24,682 24,682 2,013 11/1/2012 Haggin Hall I (2) — — 23,802 23,802 497 — 24,299 24,299 2,205 11/1/2012 Woodland Glen I & II (2) — — 44,491 44,491 1,979 — 46,470 46,470 3,711 11/1/2012 The Province at Kent State — 4,239 40,441 44,680 443 4,239 40,884 45,123 6,125 11/16/2012 The Centre at Overton Park — 3,781 35,232 39,013 1,820 3,781 37,052 40,833 4,941 12/7/2012 The Suites at Overton Park — 4,384 33,281 37,665 1,602 4,384 34,883 39,267 4,902 12/7/2012 Woodland Glen III, IV & V (2) — — 101,172 101,172 3,478 — 104,650 104,650 4,586 5/1/2013 The Oaks on the Square - Phase III — 1,531 10,734 12,265 288 1,531 11,022 12,553 839 2/13/2013 The Cottages on Lindberg — 1,800 31,224 33,024 3,357 1,800 34,581 36,381 4,359 8/28/2013 The Retreat at State College — 6,251 46,004 52,255 4,140 6,251 50,144 56,395 5,840 9/11/2013 The Varsity — 3,300 50,330 53,630 313 3,300 50,643 53,943 5,020 12/19/2013 Holmes Hall and Boyd Hall (2) — — 85,556 85,556 135 — 85,691 85,691 897 12/31/2013 Oaks on the Square - Phase IV 29,626 3,308 36,748 40,056 6,382 3,308 43,130 46,438 1,876 6/1/2014 Retreat at Louisville — 4,257 33,750 38,007 6,183 4,257 39,933 44,190 1,854 7/1/2014 109 Towers — 1,779 40,115 41,894 2,691 1,779 42,806 44,585 3,425 8/12/2014 District on Apache — 8,203 81,016 89,219 604 8,203 81,620 89,823 6,944 9/15/2014 The Commons on Bridge — 1,852 7,772 9,624 260 1,852 8,032 9,884 724 6/16/2015 The Province Boulder — 7,800 40,722 48,522 193 7,800 40,915 48,715 1,670 9/15/2015 University Flats (2) — — 55,682 55,682 — — 55,682 55,682 — 7/1/2015 Retreat at Blacksburg — 8,988 53,984 62,972 1,577 8,988 55,561 64,549 664 7/10/2015 Boise State — — 19,674 19,674 — — 19,674 19,674 — 12/15/2015 The Local: Downtown — 2,687 15,330 18,017 — 2,687 15,330 18,017 — 1/4/2016 SkyVue — 7,056 53,719 60,775 — 7,056 53,719 60,775 — 1/15/2016 Lokal — 2,180 21,271 23,451 526 2,180 21,797 23,977 552 3/31/2016 Avid Square — 4,500 17,347 21,847 — 4,500 17,347 21,847 — 4/11/2016 Hub at Madison — 14,251 175,656 189,907 167 14,251 175,823 190,074 3,440 5/12/2016 Lewis Hall (2) — — 15,190 15,190 — — 15,190 15,190 — 6/30/2016 Maplewood (2) — — 2,440 2,440 — — 2,440 2,440 — 6/30/2016 Northern Michigan University (2) — — 12,104 12,104 — — 12,104 12,104 — 6/30/2016 University of Pittsburgh — 7,636 12,667 20,303 — 7,636 12,667 20,303 — 7/1/2016 Pura Vida Place — 1,850 9,331 11,181 340 1,850 9,671 11,521 92 8/30/2016 Carriage House — 2,470 8,760 11,230 320 2,470 9,080 11,550 83 8/30/2016 Urbane — 4,101 43,929 48,030 163 4,101 44,092 48,193 421 9/9/2016 Arizona State University — 14,147 11,083 25,230 — 14,147 11,083 25,230 — 11/1/2016 Hale Mahana — 16,641 6,290 22,931 — 16,641 6,290 22,931 — 11/20/2016 Initial Cost Total Costs Property (3) Encumbrances Land Buildings and Improvements and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Total Cost Capitalized Subsequently Land Buildings and Improvements and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Total (5) Accumulated Depreciation (4) Date of Acquisition/ Construction Hub at Minneapolis — — 12,738 12,738 — — 12,738 12,738 — 11/21/2016 Undeveloped Land — 1,450 623 2,073 — 1,450 623 2,073 — TBD Totals $ 62,576 $ 214,679 $ 2,335,372 $ 2,550,051 $ 159,666 $ 221,065 $ 2,488,652 $ 2,709,717 $ 311,069 (1) Pursuant to the ground lease for 2400 Nueces, the lessor has the option to purchase the Trust's leasehold estate and interest in the property at certain times during the term of the ground lease for a pre-determined amount. (2) Pursuant to the lease agreement for the respective property, the lessor has the option to terminate the lease at certain times during the term of the agreement for a termination fee. (3) All properties are of garden-style collegiate housing communities except for University Towers which is a traditional residence hall, 2400 Nueces and The Varsity, which are high-rise buildings, The Retreat at Oxford, The Cottages on Lindberg, The Retreat at State College, The Retreat at Louisville and The Retreat at Blacksburg which are cottage-style communities, and The Oaks on the Square, which is a mixed-use town center and main street development project located in Storrs, Connecticut. (4) Assets have useful lives ranging from 3 to 40 years. (5) Total aggregate costs for federal income tax purposes is approximately $2,765.2 million . The following table reconciles the historical cost of the Trust’s investment in collegiate housing properties and assets under development for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of period $ 2,163,173 $ 1,916,758 $ 1,709,853 Collegiate housing acquisitions or completed developments 444,657 250,329 349,841 Collegiate housing dispositions (92,827 ) (14,149 ) (154,545 ) Impairment loss (2,500 ) — (12,733 ) Additions 211,982 10,917 24,792 Disposals (10,203 ) (682 ) (450 ) Write-offs (4,565 ) — — Balance, end of period $ 2,709,717 $ 2,163,173 $ 1,916,758 The following table reconciles the accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of period $ 270,993 $ 210,047 $ 204,181 Depreciation 75,539 65,952 57,166 Disposals (9,910 ) (622 ) (396 ) Write-offs (4,565 ) — — Collegiate housing dispositions (20,988 ) (4,384 ) (50,904 ) Balance, end of period $ 311,069 $ 270,993 $ 210,047

Other assets (Tables)

Other assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment and Other Assets [Abstract]
Other Assets	Other assets consist of the following as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): 2016 2015 Accounts receivable related to pre-development costs $ — $ 2,252 Prepaid expenses 4,368 2,564 Deferred tax asset 2,171 2,456 Deferred financing costs - revolving credit facility 1,821 2,814 Investments in unconsolidated entities 26,981 28,068 Corporate assets, net (1) 12,598 13,141 Other 5,135 6,034 Total other assets $ 53,074 $ 57,329 (1) As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Trust had corporate assets with a historical cost of $19.3 million and $18.1 million , and accumulated depreciation of $6.7 million and $4.9 million , respectively. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, generally 3 to 7 years. Depreciation expense totaled $1.7 million , $1.5 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Investments in unconsolidated35

Investments in unconsolidated entities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Financial Position of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships	The following is a summary of financial information related to unconsolidated joint ventures (in thousands): Financial Position: As of December 31, 2016 2015 Total assets $ 177,820 $ 177,907 Total liabilities 132,370 130,102 Equity $ 45,450 $ 47,805 Investment in unconsolidated entities $ 26,981 $ 28,068
Results of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships	Results of Operations: For the years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Revenues $ 37,969 $ 37,915 $ 31,537 Net loss (30 ) (1,134 ) (1,785 ) Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities $ (328 ) $ (668 ) $ (710 )

Incentive plans (Tables)

Incentive plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Based Incentive Plan Activity	A summary of the stock-based incentive plan activity as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: Restricted Stock Awards Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award RSU Awards Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU LTIP Units Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per LTIP Unit Outstanding as of December 31, 2013 (1) 61,341 $ 26.88 130,092 $ 20.34 — $ — Granted 25,944 26.70 102,305 19.20 — — Vested (26,476 ) 25.74 (47,785 ) 26.46 — — Surrendered (13,999 ) 26.85 (37,701 ) 26.46 — — Outstanding as of December 31, 2014 (1) 46,810 27.94 146,911 20.58 — $ — Granted — — — — 155,774 18.83 Vested (17,774 ) 27.76 — — — — Surrendered (3,467 ) 29.72 — — — — Outstanding as of December 31, 2015 (1) 25,569 28.32 146,911 20.58 155,774 18.83 Granted — — — — 131,745 26.20 Vested (10,199 ) 28.93 (10,776 ) 22.95 (7,067 ) 18.83 Surrendered (7,571 ) 28.93 (44,379 ) 22.95 — — Outstanding as of December 31, 2016 (1) 7,799 $ 26.46 91,756 $ 19.20 280,452 $ 22.29 (1) Represents unvested shares of restricted stock awards and LTIP Units as of the date indicated.

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Mortgage and Construction Notes Payable	As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , mortgage and construction notes payable consist of the following, which were secured by the underlying collegiate housing properties (dollars in thousands): Outstanding Balance at December 31, Interest Rate at December 31, 2016 Interest Rate Type Initial Maturity Date Property 2016 2015 Master Secured Credit Facility $ — $ 75,858 n/a The Centre at Overton Park — 22,351 n/a University Towers 32,950 33,650 2.73 % (3) Variable 7/1/2017 (2) Mortgage Debt 32,950 56,001 2.73 % (1) The Retreat at Louisville — 35,672 n/a The Oaks on the Square - Phase IV 29,626 27,553 2.60 % (4) Variable 10/20/2017 The Retreat at Blacksburg - Phase I — 10,380 n/a Construction Loans 29,626 73,605 2.60 % (1) Total mortgage and construction debt / weighted average rate 62,576 205,464 2.67 % (1) Unamortized deferred financing costs (56 ) (953 ) Total net of unamortized deferred financing costs 62,520 204,511 Less current portion, net of unamortized deferred financing costs (62,520 ) (34,493 ) Total mortgage and construction debt, net of current portion $ — $ 170,018 (1) Represents the weighted average interest rate as of December 31, 2016 . (2) During the year ended December 31, 2016 , the Operating Partnership extended the mortgage debt for one year and incurred an extension fee of approximately $67 thousand . (3) The interest rate per year applicable to the loan is, at the option of the Trust, equal to a prime rate plus 0.50% margin or LIBOR plus a 2.10% margin and interest only through July 1, 2015. The loan may be extended for two 12 -month periods, provided that the debt service coverage ratio calculated as of the preceding quarter is at least 1.30 to 1.00 and an extension fee is paid. Subsequent to December 31, 2016, the mortgage loan was repaid in full. (4) During 2014, the Operating Partnership entered into a construction loan of $38.0 million related to the development of the fourth phase of a wholly-owned collegiate housing community in Storrs, Connecticut (The Oaks on the Square - Phase IV). The interest rate per year applicable to the loan is, at the option of the Operating Partnership, equal to a base rate plus a 1.00% margin or LIBOR plus a 2.00% margin and is interest only through October 20, 2017. If certain conditions are met, the Operating Partnership has the option to extend the loan for two one -year extension periods. During the extension periods, if applicable, principal and interest are to be repaid on a monthly basis.
Carrying Amount of Mortgage and Construction Notes Payable	The following table reconciles the carrying amount of mortgage and construction notes payable, net of unamortized deferred financing costs, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): 2016 2015 Balance, beginning of period $ 204,511 $ 248,128 Additions 40,974 65,491 Repayments of principal (183,862 ) (108,179 ) Amortization of debt premium (49 ) (843 ) Write-off of debt premium related to debt pay off (523 ) (70 ) (Increase) decrease in deferred financing costs, net 1,469 (16 ) Balance, end of period $ 62,520 $ 204,511
Scheduled Maturities of Outstanding Mortgage and Construction Indebtedness	The scheduled maturities of outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2016 are as follows (in thousands): Year 2017 $ 62,576 2018 20,000 2019 65,000 (1) 2020 — 2021 122,500 Thereafter 250,000 Total 520,076 Unamortized deferred financing costs 2,880 Outstanding as of December 31, 2016, net of unamortized deferred financing costs $ 517,196 (1) On January 18, 2017, the Operating Partnership entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement which extends the maturity of the $65 million Tranche B loan under the Term Loan Facility from January 13, 2019 to January 18, 2022.

Noncontrolling interest (Tables

Noncontrolling interest (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	The following table sets forth activity with the redeemable noncontrolling interests for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): 2016 2015 Beginning balance $ 5,248 $ 4,431 Net income (212 ) 175 Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests 29,824 26 Adjustments to report redeemable noncontrolling interests at fair value 334 1,012 Purchase and return of equity to noncontrolling partner's interest (2,910 ) — Distributions (124 ) (396 ) Ending balance $ 32,160 $ 5,248 Below is a table summarizing the activity of redeemable limited partner units for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): 2016 2015 Beginning balance $ 8,312 $ 10,081 Net income 138 91 Distributions (304 ) (526 ) Reclassification of vested LTIP Units to redeemable limited partners 244 — Conversion of redeemable partner units into common stock or cash (2,703 ) (1,748 ) Adjustments to report redeemable limited partner units at fair value 1,102 414 Ending balance $ 6,789 $ 8,312

Earnings per share_unit (Tables

Earnings per share/unit (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following is a summary of the components used in calculating earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data): 2016 2015 2014 Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per share: Net income attributable to common stock $ 44,924 $ 19,911 $ 47,055 Denominator: Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 69,336 49,676 42,934 OP Units (1) 194 (2) 246 (2) 274 University Towers Operating Partnership Units 69 69 69 Shares issuable upon settlement of the Forward Agreements 1 — — Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 69,600 49,991 43,277 Earnings per share - basic: Net income attributable to common stock $ 0.65 $ 0.40 $ 1.10 Earnings per share - diluted: Net income attributable to common stock $ 0.65 $ 0.40 $ 1.09 Distributions declared per common share $ 1.50 $ 1.46 $ 1.38 (1) In April 2015, the Operating Partnership entered into a Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership. The units presented above have been recast in accordance with the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, taking into account the 1-for-3 reverse stock split that the Trust completed in December 2014. (2) Includes the impact of weighted average number of OP Units outstanding during the period. The following is a summary of the components used in calculating earnings per unit for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (dollars and units in thousands, except per unit data): 2016 2015 2014 Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per unit: Net income attributable to unitholders $ 45,062 $ 20,002 $ 47,422 Denominator: Weighted average units outstanding 69,062 49,535 42,934 Redeemable Operating Partnership Units 194 246 274 LTIP units 274 141 — Weighted average units outstanding - basic 69,530 49,922 43,208 Redeemable University Towers Operating Partnership Units 69 69 69 Units issuable upon settlement of the Forward Agreements 1 — — Weighted average units outstanding - diluted 69,600 49,991 43,277 Earnings per unit - basic and diluted: Net income attributable to unitholders $ 0.65 $ 0.40 $ 1.10 Distributions declared per unit $ 1.50 $ 1.46 $ 1.38

Segments (Tables)

Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	The following tables represent the Trust’s segment information for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Collegiate Housing Leasing: Collegiate housing leasing revenue $ 274,187 $ 240,623 $ 206,322 Collegiate housing leasing operations 111,378 101,283 92,649 Net operating income $ 162,809 $ 139,340 $ 113,673 Total segment assets at end of period (1) $ 2,437,205 $ 1,920,582 $ 1,737,967 Development Consulting Services: Third-party development consulting services $ 2,364 $ 2,233 $ 4,224 General and administrative (2) 2,044 2,802 2,354 Net operating income (loss) $ 320 $ (569 ) $ 1,870 Total segment assets at end of period (3) $ 6,739 $ 4,615 $ 4,103 Management Services: Third-party management services $ 3,588 $ 3,670 $ 3,959 General and administrative (2) 2,308 2,844 2,633 Net operating income $ 1,280 $ 826 $ 1,326 Total segment assets at end of period (3) $ 10,294 $ 10,090 $ 10,693 Reconciliations: Segment revenue $ 280,139 $ 246,526 $ 214,505 Operating expense reimbursements 8,829 8,636 8,707 Eliminations / adjustments (4) — — 2,581 Total segment revenues $ 288,968 $ 255,162 $ 225,793 Segment operating expenses $ 115,730 $ 106,929 $ 97,636 Reimbursable operating expenses 8,829 8,636 8,707 Total segment operating expenses $ 124,559 $ 115,565 $ 106,343 Segment net operating income $ 164,409 $ 139,597 $ 119,450 Other unallocated general and administrative expenses (5) (17,922 ) (15,252 ) (14,815 ) Depreciation and amortization (81,413 ) (68,022 ) (58,974 ) Ground lease expense (12,462 ) (11,268 ) (8,988 ) Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties (2,500 ) — (12,733 ) Interest expense (15,454 ) (24,449 ) (20,656 ) Amortization of deferred financing costs (1,731 ) (2,089 ) (2,156 ) Interest income 490 213 190 Loss on extinguishment of debt (10,611 ) (403 ) (3,543 ) Guarantee fee income from participating development — — 3,000 Interest on loan to participating development — — 6,486 Gain on insurance settlement — — 8,133 Other operating expenses (1,046 ) — — Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities (328 ) (668 ) (710 ) Income before income taxes and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties $ 21,432 $ 17,659 $ 14,684 Total segment assets, end of period (3) $ 2,454,238 $ 1,935,287 $ 1,752,763 Unallocated corporate amounts: Cash 11,344 21,757 7,540 Notes receivable (see Note 2) 500 2,167 375 2016 2015 2014 Other receivables 708 646 2,100 Investments in unconsolidated entities (see Note 8) 26,981 28,068 29,355 Other assets 10,593 11,092 11,900 Deferred financing costs, net 1,821 2,814 2,297 Total assets, end of period $ 2,506,185 $ 2,001,831 $ 1,806,330 (1) The increase in segment assets related to collegiate housing leasing during the year ended December 31, 2016 is primarily related to the purchase of five additional communities, the completed development of three collegiate housing communities for the Trust’s ownership and the continued development of thirteen assets under development offset by the sale of three collegiate housing communities (see Notes 4 and 5). The increase in segment assets related to collegiate housing leasing during the year ended December 31, 2015 is primarily related to the purchase of two additional communities and completed development of five collegiate housing communities for the Trust's ownership and the continued development of nine assets under developments offset by the sale of one collegiate housing community (see Notes 4 and 5). (2) General and administrative expenses for the development consulting services and management services segments represent those expenses that are directly attributable to these segments and also include an allocation of corporate general and administrative expenses based on the extent of effort or resources expended. (3) Total segment assets include goodwill of $2,149 related to management services and $921 related to development consulting services. (4) In 2014, the eliminations / adjustments to segment revenues (which relate specifically to development consulting) is to add the previously deferred development fee recognized relating to the participating project at the Science + Technology Park at Johns Hopkins to total revenues. The related revenue was recognized in the consolidated financial statements during 2014, but was recognized in segment revenues in prior periods. (5) Other unallocated general and administrative expenses includes costs directly attributable to our owned developments and corporate general and administrative expenses that are not allocated to any of the segments.

Derivatives and hedging activ41

Derivatives and hedging activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	The following table discloses the effect of the derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 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) 2016 Interest rate contracts $ (1,127 ) Interest expense $ (3,038 ) 2015 Interest rate contracts $ (4,593 ) Interest expense $ (3,583 )

Fair Value of Financial Instr42

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The table below presents the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall and summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): Estimated Fair Value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 December 31, 2016: Derivative financial instruments (liability position) $ 3,564 $ — $ 3,564 $ — Deferred compensation plan assets $ 503 $ 503 $ — $ — Contingent consideration liability $ 3,250 $ — $ — $ 3,250 December 31, 2015: Derivative financial instruments (liability position) $ 5,475 $ — $ 5,475 $ — Deferred compensation plan assets $ 318 $ 318 $ — $ —
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments	The tables below summarize the gross carrying amounts and fair values of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): December 31, 2016 Estimated Fair Value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Notes receivable $ 500 $ — $ 450 $ — Senior unsecured notes 250,000 — 246,305 — Unsecured revolving credit facility 20,000 — 20,000 — Unsecured term loan facility 187,500 — 187,500 — Variable rate mortgage and construction loans 62,576 — 62,576 — December 31, 2015 Estimated Fair Value Carrying value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Notes receivable $ 2,167 $ — $ 2,104 $ — Senior unsecured notes 250,000 — 246,793 — Unsecured term loan facility 187,500 — 187,500 — Variable rate mortgage and construction loans 107,255 — 107,255 — Fixed rate mortgage and construction loans 98,209 — 110,851 —

Lease commitments and uncondi43

Lease commitments and unconditional purchase obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Lease Commitments And Unconditional Purchase Obligations Additional Information [Abstract]
Future Minimum Payments Required under Advertising Contracts and Operating Leases	Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases (including ground leases) that have initial or remaining noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2016 are as follows (in thousands): Year Ending 2017 $ 17,977 2018 15,538 2019 14,135 2020 11,598 2021 9,053 Thereafter 653,923 Total $ 722,224

Accrued expenses (Tables)

Accrued expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	Accrued expenses consist of the following as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): 2016 2015 Payroll $ 5,990 $ 4,687 Real estate taxes 11,105 8,311 Interest 2,029 2,555 Utilities 1,858 1,633 Ground leases and deferred straight-line rent 30,674 25,468 Assets under development 35,990 19,232 Fair value of derivative liability 3,564 5,475 Noncontrolling interest recognized as a financing arrangement 14,966 — Other 17,474 15,854 Total accrued expenses $ 123,650 $ 83,215

Commitments and contingencies C

Commitments and contingencies Commitments and contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Operating Partnership's Exposure	The following summarizes the Operating Partnership's potential exposure under such guaranties (dollars in thousands): December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 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 % $ 22,934 n/a $ 5,734 n/a $ 23,297 n/a $ 5,824 n/a The Marshall 50 % 55,838 8,767 27,919 4,384 56,507 8,767 28,254 4,384 Georgia Heights 50 % 34,914 7,230 17,457 3,615 31,430 7,230 15,715 3,615

Quarterly financial informati46

Quarterly financial information (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information	Quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is summarized below (in thousands, except per share data): 2016 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Total Revenues $ 73,379 $ 65,140 $ 66,225 $ 84,224 $ 288,968 Operating expenses 53,163 55,654 64,994 66,091 239,902 Operating income 20,216 9,486 1,231 18,133 49,066 Nonoperating expenses 14,989 4,108 4,574 3,635 27,306 Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities (244 ) 107 (480 ) 289 (328 ) Income tax expense 51 89 84 460 684 Noncontrolling interests 136 (176 ) (374 ) 194 (220 ) Gain on sale of collegiate housing community 11,873 (1) 12,083 (1) — — 23,956 Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. $ 16,669 $ 17,655 $ (3,533 ) $ 14,133 $ 44,924 Net income (loss) per share - basic $ 0.27 $ 0.26 $ (0.05 ) $ 0.19 $ 0.65 Net income (loss) per share - diluted $ 0.26 $ 0.26 $ (0.05 ) $ 0.19 $ 0.65 Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Operating Partnership $ 16,727 $ 17,708 $ (3,547 ) $ 14,174 $ 45,062 Net income (loss) per unit - basic and diluted $ 0.27 $ 0.26 $ (0.05 ) $ 0.19 $ 0.65 2015 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Total Revenues $ 64,129 $ 57,324 $ 58,189 $ 75,520 $ 255,162 Operating expenses 50,291 48,381 55,772 55,663 210,107 Operating income 13,838 8,943 2,417 19,857 45,055 Nonoperating expenses 6,419 5,875 6,704 7,730 26,728 Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities (194 ) (202 ) (427 ) 155 (668 ) Income tax expense 78 90 157 22 347 Noncontrolling interests 206 (141 ) (151 ) 257 171 Gain on sale of collegiate housing communities — — — 2,770 (1) 2,770 Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. $ 6,941 $ 2,917 $ (4,720 ) $ 14,773 $ 19,911 Net income (loss) per share - basic $ 0.14 $ 0.06 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.28 $ 0.40 Net income (loss) per share - diluted $ 0.14 $ 0.06 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.27 $ 0.40 Net income (loss) attributable to Education Realty Operating Partnership $ 6,981 $ 2,928 $ (4,738 ) $ 14,831 $ 20,002 Net income (loss) per unit - basic and diluted $ 0.14 $ 0.06 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.28 $ 0.40 (1) See Note 5 for details related to the gain on sale of collegiate housing communities.

Organization and description 47

Organization and description of business - Additional Information (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	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 accoun48

Summary of significant accounting policies - Additional Information (Details)	Feb. 03, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 15, 2016USD ($)shares	Nov. 09, 2015USD ($)shares	Apr. 30, 2015	Nov. 24, 2014USD ($)	Nov. 20, 2014	Jun. 24, 2014USD ($)shares	Aug. 26, 2013USD ($)	Jul. 14, 2010USD ($)storybed	Jan. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2016$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2016$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2016$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)bed$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2015$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2015$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2015$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)agreement$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)bed$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2010	Aug. 01, 2016USD ($)$ / shares	May 02, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 20, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2014USD ($)	May 22, 2012USD ($)agreement	Dec. 31, 2008USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Shares | shares																				6,762,000
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Forward Rate Per Share | $ / shares																				$ 43.19
Share Price | $ / shares											$ 42.77									$ 42.77
Number of Real Estate Properties											12									12
Cash on deposit uninsured by the FDIC											$ 31,600,000									$ 31,600,000
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock																				$ 103,419,000	$ 70,512,000	$ 59,149,000
Distributions per common share (usd per share) | $ / shares																				$ 1.50	$ 1.46	$ 1.38
Dividends and distributions paid to noncontrolling interests																				$ (546,000)	$ (1,231,000)	$ (1,011,000)
Promissory note receivable								$ 500,000
Notes receivable, interest rate (percent)								10.00%
Due from related party											500,000				$ 500,000					500,000	$ 500,000
Number of beds (beds) | bed															2,949						2,949
Guarantee fee revenue											20,727,000				$ 19,024,000					20,727,000	$ 19,024,000
Notes receivable											500,000				2,167,000					500,000	2,167,000
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties																				2,500,000	0	12,733,000
Loss On Asset Disposals And Impairments																						12,733,000
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio						0.3333
Deferred financing cost											700,000				1,000,000					700,000	1,000,000	6,400,000
Amortization of deferred financing cost																				1,731,000	2,089,000	2,156,000
Deferred financing cost, accumulated amortization											$ 8,100,000				$ 9,000,000					$ 8,100,000	$ 9,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares) | shares											73,075,455				56,879,003					73,075,455	56,879,003
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		$ 215,100,000	$ 270,100,000				$ 239,400,000													$ 625,242,000	$ 297,247,000	289,584,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt		108,500,000
Long-term Debt		$ 98,200,000									$ 517,196,000									517,196,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.40%
Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs		$ 10,300,000																		$ 10,290,000	403,000	2,807,000
Common stock offering (shares) | shares		6,300,000	8,100,000				8,200,000
Taxable income that needs to be distributed to stockholders in order to avoid federal, state and local income taxes (percent)											90.00%									90.00%
Goodwill accumulated impairment loss																													$ 400,000
Goodwill impairment																				$ 0
Goodwill carrying value											$ 3,070,000				$ 3,070,000					3,070,000	3,070,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Acquired-in-Place Leases											7,400,000									7,400,000
Amortization of Intangible Assets																				3,900,000
Deferred Costs, Leasing, Accumulated Amortization											3,600,000									3,600,000
Carrying value of other intangible assets											3,800,000				200,000					3,800,000	200,000
Deferred revenue related to college housing leasing											19,800,000				18,900,000					19,800,000	18,900,000
Deferred revenue											20,727,000				19,024,000					20,727,000	19,024,000
Advertising expense																				4,900,000	4,500,000	4,700,000
Revenue recognized related to cost savings agreements																				0	0	1,200,000
Deferred development fees											$ 1,000,000				$ 100,000					$ 1,000,000	$ 100,000
Project Development Services
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Revenue that would have been recognized had construction loan and second mortgage had been repaid																						2,600,000
Cost Savings
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Revenue that would have been recognized had construction loan and second mortgage had been repaid																						800,000
Guarantee Fee Revenue
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Revenue that would have been recognized had construction loan and second mortgage had been repaid																						3,000,000
Interest Income
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Revenue that would have been recognized had construction loan and second mortgage had been repaid																						$ 6,500,000
Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Third-party development services revenue fee as a percentage total estimated costs (percent)											3.00%									3.00%
Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Maturity period of highly-liquid investments classified as cash equivalents																				3 months
Third-party development services revenue fee as a percentage total estimated costs (percent)											5.00%									5.00%
Equity Distribution Agreement 2012
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of equity distribution agreements | agreement																												2
Common stock, shares issued (shares) | shares																						1,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock																						$ 31,500,000
Common Stock, Shares Offered, Value																												$ 50,000,000
Equity Distribution Agreement 2014
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued (shares) | shares											2,300,000				700,000					2,300,000	700,000	500,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock																				$ 93,500,000	$ 26,700,000	$ 18,100,000
Common Stock, Shares Offered, Value																											$ 150,000,000
Equity Distribution Agreement 2016 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued (shares) | shares											7,000,000									7,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock																				$ 296,200,000
Common Stock, Shares Offered, Value																									$ 300,000,000
Equity Forward Distribution Agreement 2016 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Sale Of Stock Number Of Forward Agreements Entered | agreement																				6
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction | shares																				6,800,000
Price Per Share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares																								$ 42.77
Common Stock, Shares Offered, Value																								$ 300,000,000
Buildings and Improvements | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life																				15 years
Buildings and Improvements | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life																				40 years
Land Improvements
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life																				15 years
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life																				3 years
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life																				7 years
Non Tax Deductible
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Distributions per common share (usd per share) | $ / shares																				$ 0.75
Tax Deductible
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Distributions per common share (usd per share) | $ / shares																				$ 0.75
Management Services
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill carrying value											$ 2,149,000				$ 2,149,000					$ 2,149,000	2,149,000	2,149,000
Development Consulting Services
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill carrying value											921,000				921,000					$ 921,000	$ 921,000	$ 921,000
Participating Project to Develop Collegiate Housing Complex at Science and Technology Park at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Project cost									$ 60,700,000
Number of story (stories) | story									20
Number of beds (beds) | bed									572
Guarantee fee revenue									$ 3,000,000
Management contract period																							10 years
Deferred revenue									3,000,000
Participating Project to Develop Collegiate Housing Complex at Science and Technology Park at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute | Second Mortgage
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Second mortgage Investment									$ 18,000,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Distributions per common share (usd per share) | $ / shares																				$ 1.50	$ 1.46	$ 1.38
Guarantee fee revenue											20,727,000				19,024,000					$ 20,727,000	$ 19,024,000
Notes receivable											500,000				2,167,000					500,000	2,167,000
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties																				2,500,000	0	$ 12,733,000
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio				0.3333
Amortization of deferred financing cost																				1,731,000	2,089,000	2,156,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock																				625,242,000	297,247,000	289,584,000
Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs					$ 2,600,000															10,290,000	403,000	2,807,000
Goodwill carrying value											3,070,000				3,070,000					3,070,000	3,070,000
Deferred revenue											$ 20,727,000				$ 19,024,000					20,727,000	19,024,000
Payments to Noncontrolling Interests																				$ 546,000	$ 1,231,000	$ 1,011,000
Net income attributable to unitholders per unit (usd per share) | $ / shares											$ 0.19	$ (0.05)	$ 0.26	$ 0.27	$ 0.28	$ (0.10)	$ 0.06	$ 0.14		$ 0.65	$ 0.40	$ 1.10
Co-venturer [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Promissory note receivable																										$ 1,700,000
Due from related party															$ 1,700,000						$ 1,700,000
Loans Receivable, Basis Spread on Variable Rate																										2.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Equity Forward Distribution Agreement 2016 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction | shares										200,000
Price Per Share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares										$ 41.43
Roosevelt Point [Member] | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Payments to Noncontrolling Interests	$ 4,900,000
Wholly Owned Properties [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of beds (beds) | bed															2,657						2,657
Wholly Owned Properties [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | Players Club [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Accelerated Depreciation																				$ 2,900,000
Net income attributable to unitholders per unit (usd per share) | $ / shares																				$ 0.04
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Wholly Owned Properties [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | Players Club [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Accelerated Depreciation																			$ 3,000,000
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage																				15.80%
August 2 2016 Forward Contract [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Shares | shares																				273,000
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Forward Rate Per Share | $ / shares																				$ 47.93
Share Price | $ / shares											47.33									$ 47.33
August 8 2016 Forward Contract [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Shares | shares																				550,000
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Forward Rate Per Share | $ / shares																				$ 46.86
Share Price | $ / shares											46.28									$ 46.28
August 15 2016 Forward Contract [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Shares | shares																				185,000
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Forward Rate Per Share | $ / shares																				$ 46.55
Share Price | $ / shares											45.97									$ 45.97
August 22 2016 Forward Contract [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Shares | shares																				213,000
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Forward Rate Per Share | $ / shares																				$ 45.59
Share Price | $ / shares											45.02									$ 45.02
August 29 2016 Forward Contract [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Shares | shares																				3,323,000
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Forward Rate Per Share | $ / shares																				$ 43.36
Share Price | $ / shares											42.82									$ 42.82
October 3 2016 Forward Contract [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Shares | shares																				2,218,000
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Forward Rate Per Share | $ / shares																				$ 40.93
Share Price | $ / shares											$ 40.51									$ 40.51

Summary of significant accoun49

Summary of significant accounting policies - Reconciliation of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 306	$ 58	$ 96
Provision for uncollectible accounts	1,012	1,000	1,263
Deductions	(757)	(752)	(1,301)
Balance, end of period	$ 561	$ 306	$ 58

Income taxes - Significant Comp

Income taxes - Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue	$ 393	$ 43
Accrued expenses	394	313
Straight line rent	281	315
Restricted stock amortization	759	949
Net operating loss carryforwards	1,271	1,350
Total deferred tax assets	3,098	2,970
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization	(927)	(514)
Total deferred tax liabilities:	(927)	(514)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 2,171	$ 2,456

Income taxes - Significant Co51

Income taxes - Significant Components of Income Tax Provisions Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred:
Federal									$ 243	$ 148	$ 108
State									42	(61)	57
Deferred expense (benefit)									285	87	165
Current:
Federal									183	101	(52)
State									216	159	148
Current (benefit) expense									399	260	96
Tax provision	$ 460	$ 84	$ 89	$ 51	$ 22	$ 157	$ 90	$ 78	$ 684	$ 347	$ 261

Income taxes - Additional Infor

Income taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Line Items]
TRS earnings or (loss) subject to tax	$ 21,760,000	$ 18,327,000	$ 15,394,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	0	0
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest or penalties	0	0	0
Taxable REIT Subsidiary
Income Taxes [Line Items]
TRS earnings or (loss) subject to tax	$ (400,000)	$ (200,000)	$ (900,000)

Income taxes - Reconciliation o

Income taxes - Reconciliation of Income Tax Attributable to Income before Noncontrolling Interest Computed at United States Statutory Rate to Income Tax Provision (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax provision at U.S. statutory rates on TRS net losses subject to tax									$ 426	$ 236	$ 71
State income tax, net of federal benefit									77	(31)	34
Other									181	142	156
Tax provision	$ 460	$ 84	$ 89	$ 51	$ 22	$ 157	$ 90	$ 78	$ 684	$ 347	$ 261

Acquisition and development o54

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 03, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Assets Recognized		$ 3,500	$ 600	$ 200
Contracted purchase price		287,100	58,500	133,300
Acquisition costs		400	300	900
Total net assets acquired		283,637	57,876	131,392
Accounts payable		4,222	2,455
Accrued expenses		123,650	83,215
Assets		2,506,185	2,001,831	1,806,330
Liabilities		665,795	743,401
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities		132,631	99,895	89,221
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability		1,046	0	0
Georgia Heights
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to noncontrolling interest		$ 10,200	10,400
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent		50.00%
Assets under development
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts payable		$ 2,900	300
Accrued expenses		36,000	19,200
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to noncontrolling interest		546	1,231	1,011
Accounts payable		4,222	2,455
Accrued expenses		123,650	83,215
Assets		2,506,185	2,001,831
Liabilities		665,795	743,401
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities		132,631	99,895	89,221
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability		1,046	$ 0	$ 0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High		$ 1,500
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Roosevelt Point
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to noncontrolling interest	$ 4,900
The Hub at Tucson [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition Date		2016-09
Total net assets acquired		$ 49,417
Ownership percentage purchase		3.00%
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability		$ 5,300
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability		3,100
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current		2,300
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low		0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High		4,500
Payments to Acquire Businesses and Interest in Affiliates		$ 10,000
Renaissance IV And V [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition Date			2015-06
Total net assets acquired			$ 9,367
The Province at Boulder [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition Date			2015-09
Total net assets acquired			$ 48,509
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Assets			48,600
Liabilities			300
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities			$ 100

Acquisition and development o55

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Collegiate Housing Community Acquisitions (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)unitbed	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)unitbed	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)unitbed	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	$ 284,510	$ 58,146	$ 132,600
Number of beds (beds) | bed		2,949
In-place leases	7,395	$ 354	643
Other assets	117	90	236
Current liabilities	8,385	714	2,087
Total net assets acquired	283,637	57,876	131,392
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability	1,046	0	0
109 Tower
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]			$ 43,384
Primary University Served			Florida International University Miami, Florida
Acquisition Date			2014-08
Number of beds (beds) | bed			542
Number of Units (units) | unit			149
Contract Price			$ 43,500
In-place leases			0
Other assets			200
Current liabilities			746
Total net assets acquired			42,838
The Lokal [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	$ 23,653
Primary University Served	Colorado State University, Colorado
Acquisition Date	2016-03
Number of beds (beds) | bed	194
Number of Units (units) | unit	79
Contract Price	$ 24,600
In-place leases	849
Other assets	3
Current liabilities	148
Total net assets acquired	24,357
The Hub at University of Wisconsin [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	$ 189,832
Primary University Served	University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin
Acquisition Date	2016-05
Number of beds (beds) | bed	1,038
Number of Units (units) | unit	341
Contract Price	$ 188,500
In-place leases	3,588
Other assets	87
Current liabilities	7,442
Total net assets acquired	186,065
The Hub at Tucson [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payment For Advances To Settler	23,600
Liability For The Fixed Price Settlement Amount	14,900
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High	4,500
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	$ 47,999
Primary University Served	University of Arizona, Arizona
Acquisition Date	2016-09
Number of beds (beds) | bed	311
Number of Units (units) | unit	104
Contract Price	$ 50,000
In-place leases	1,984
Other assets	18
Current liabilities	584
Total net assets acquired	49,417
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability	3,100
Pura Vida Place [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	$ 11,498
Primary University Served	Colorado State University, Colorado
Acquisition Date	2016-08
Number of beds (beds) | bed	100
Number of Units (units) | unit	52
Contract Price	$ 12,000
In-place leases	502
Other assets	5
Current liabilities	144
Total net assets acquired	11,861
Carriage House [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	$ 11,528
Primary University Served	Colorado State University, Colorado
Acquisition Date	2016-08
Number of beds (beds) | bed	94
Number of Units (units) | unit	54
Contract Price	$ 12,000
In-place leases	472
Other assets	4
Current liabilities	67
Total net assets acquired	$ 11,937
District on Apache
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]			$ 89,216
Primary University Served			Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona
Acquisition Date			2014-09
Number of beds (beds) | bed			900
Number of Units (units) | unit			279
Contract Price			$ 89,800
In-place leases			643
Other assets			36
Current liabilities			1,341
Total net assets acquired			$ 88,554
The Cottages on Lindberg
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition Date				2013-08
The Retreat at State College
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition Date				2013-09
The Varsity
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition Date				2013-12
The Province at Boulder [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]		$ 48,522
Primary University Served		University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado
Acquisition Date		2015-09
Number of beds (beds) | bed		317
Number of Units (units) | unit		84
Contract Price		$ 48,800
In-place leases		278
Other assets		85
Current liabilities		376
Total net assets acquired		48,509
Renaissance IV And V [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]		$ 9,624
Primary University Served		University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tennessee
Acquisition Date		2015-06
Number of beds (beds) | bed		150
Number of Units (units) | unit		51
Contract Price		$ 9,700
In-place leases		76
Other assets		5
Current liabilities		338
Total net assets acquired		$ 9,367

Acquisition and development o56

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties	$ 284,510	$ 58,146	$ 132,600
In-place leases	7,395	354	643
Other assets	117	90	236
Current liabilities	(8,385)	(714)	(2,087)
Total net assets acquired	283,637	57,876	131,392
Contracted purchase price	287,100	58,500	133,300
Net asset value			131,200
Working capital	3,500	$ 600	200
The Hub at Tucson [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties	47,999
In-place leases	1,984
Other assets	18
Current liabilities	(584)
Total net assets acquired	49,417
The Lokal [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties	23,653
In-place leases	849
Other assets	3
Current liabilities	(148)
Total net assets acquired	24,357
The Hub at University of Wisconsin [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties	189,832
In-place leases	3,588
Other assets	87
Current liabilities	(7,442)
Total net assets acquired	186,065
Pura Vida Place [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties	11,498
In-place leases	502
Other assets	5
Current liabilities	(144)
Total net assets acquired	11,861
Carriage House [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties	11,528
In-place leases	472
Other assets	4
Current liabilities	(67)
Total net assets acquired	$ 11,937
109 Tower
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties			43,384
In-place leases			0
Other assets			200
Current liabilities			(746)
Total net assets acquired			42,838
District on Apache
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties			89,216
In-place leases			643
Other assets			36
Current liabilities			(1,341)
Total net assets acquired			$ 88,554

Acquisition and development o57

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Pro Forma Revenue and Net Loss of Combined Entity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 84,224	$ 66,225	$ 65,140	$ 73,379	$ 75,520	$ 58,189	$ 57,324	$ 64,129	$ 288,968	$ 255,162	$ 225,793
Net Income	14,133	(3,533)	17,655	16,669	14,773	(4,720)	2,917	6,941	44,924	19,911	47,055
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Revenues									288,968	255,162	225,793
Net Income	$ 14,174	$ (3,547)	$ 17,708	$ 16,727	$ 14,831	$ (4,738)	$ 2,928	$ 6,981	45,062	20,002	47,422
Twenty Sixteen Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Revenues									9,898
Net Income									(2,098)
Total Revenue									294,374	261,196
Net income									$ 45,412	$ 19,384
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic (usd per share)									$ 0.65	$ 0.39
Twenty Sixteen Acquisitions [Member] | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Net income									$ 45,551	$ 19,468
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted									$ 0.65	$ 0.39
Twenty Fifteen Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 4,957	$ 1,754
Net Income									1,471	532
Total Revenue										257,758	227,968
Net income										$ 20,992	$ 47,275
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic (usd per share)										$ 0.42	$ 1.10
Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted (usd per share)										$ 0.42	$ 1.09
Twenty Fifteen Acquisitions [Member] | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Net income										$ 21,087	$ 47,643
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted										$ 0.42	$ 1.10
2014 Acquisitions
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Revenues									15,385	$ 14,727	$ 4,683
Net Income									$ 6,048	$ 4,570	1,403
Total Revenue											231,961	$ 187,884
Net income											$ 50,794	$ 5,714
Net income attributable to common shareholders - basic (usd per share)											$ 1.18	$ 0.15
Net income attributable to common shareholders - diluted (usd per share)											$ 1.17	$ 0.15
2014 Acquisitions | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Net income											$ 51,184	$ 5,805
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted											$ 1.18	$ 0.15

Acquisition and development o58

Acquisition and development of real estate investments - Development of collegiate housing properties (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)bed	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)bed	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed		2,949
Costs Incurred-to-date	$ 2,709,717	$ 2,163,173
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		1,162	$ 576
Interest Costs Capitalized		3,888	1,830
Total - 2015 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date	289,942
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	1,894	402
Interest Costs Capitalized	4,008	$ 86
Under Development [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Real Estate, Estimated Project Development Cost	$ 507,600
Wholly Owned Properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed		2,657
Costs Incurred-to-date		$ 191,718
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		946	392
Interest Costs Capitalized		$ 3,615	1,556
Joint Venture Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed		292
Costs Incurred-to-date		$ 51,639
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		216	184
Interest Costs Capitalized		$ 273	274
Woodland Glen III, IV & V [Member] | Wholly Owned Properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed		1,610
Costs Incurred-to-date		$ 103,458
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		452	214
Interest Costs Capitalized		$ 2,414	1,304
The Oaks On The Square - Phase Four [Member] | Wholly Owned Properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed		391
Costs Incurred-to-date		$ 44,325
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		315	101
Interest Costs Capitalized		$ 633	149
Retreat at Louisville
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	25.00%
Retreat at Louisville | Wholly Owned Properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed		656
Costs Incurred-to-date		$ 43,935
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		179	77
Interest Costs Capitalized		568	103
Developments In 2016 [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed	2,320
Costs Incurred-to-date	$ 176,985
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	540	575
Interest Costs Capitalized	$ 3,199	1,403
Retreat At Blacksburg Phase I And II [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest,Increase in Ownership Percentage by Parent	25.00%
Retreat At Blacksburg Phase I And II [Member] | Wholly Owned Properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed	829
Costs Incurred-to-date	$ 64,549
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	143	116
Interest Costs Capitalized	$ 709	208
Limestone Park I & II(5) | Wholly Owned Properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed	1,141
Costs Incurred-to-date	$ 85,691
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	339	382
Interest Costs Capitalized	1,900	984
University Flats [Member] | Wholly Owned Properties [Member] | Total - 2015 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date	55,682
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	226	241
Interest Costs Capitalized	1,163	83
Honors College [Member] | Wholly Owned Properties [Member] | Total - 2015 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date	15,190
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	204	0
Interest Costs Capitalized	196	0
Boise State [Member] | Wholly Owned Properties [Member] | Total - 2015 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date	19,674
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	260	54
Interest Costs Capitalized	252	3
Oklahoma State University [Member] | Wholly Owned Properties [Member] | Total - 2015 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date	21,847
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	116	0
Interest Costs Capitalized	231	0
Northern Michigan University [Member] | Wholly Owned Properties [Member] | Total - 2015 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date	12,104
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	203	0
Interest Costs Capitalized	66	0
Maplewood [Member] | Wholly Owned Properties [Member] | Total - 2016 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date	2,440
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	81	0
Interest Costs Capitalized	24	0
Park7 [Member] | Total - 2016 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date	20,303
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	95	0
Interest Costs Capitalized	238	0
Players Club [Member] | Total - 2016 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date	938
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	62	21
Interest Costs Capitalized	22	0
University of Hawai'i [Member] | Total - 2016 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date	22,931
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	82	0
Interest Costs Capitalized	98	0
University of Minnesota [Member] | Total - 2016 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date	12,738
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	43	0
Interest Costs Capitalized	0	0
Arizona State University Tempe [Member] | Total - 2016 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date	25,230
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	102	0
Interest Costs Capitalized	113	0
Collegiate Housing Properties In Development [Member] | Total - 2016 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date	2,073
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	41	0
Interest Costs Capitalized	34	0
SkyVUE [Member] | Wholly Owned Properties [Member] | Total - 2015 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date	60,775
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	201	17
Interest Costs Capitalized	$ 1,253	0
The Retreat at Oxford - Phase II | Wholly Owned Properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed	350
Costs Incurred-to-date	$ 26,745
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	58	77
Interest Costs Capitalized	590	211
The Local [Member] | Wholly Owned Properties [Member] | Total - 2015 Deliveries
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date	18,017
Internal Development Costs Capitalized	178	69
Interest Costs Capitalized	$ 318	0
Georgia Heights
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	50.00%
Payments to noncontrolling interest	$ 10,200	$ 10,400
Georgia Heights | Joint Venture Properties
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Bed Count (beds) | bed		292
Costs Incurred-to-date		$ 51,639
Internal Development Costs Capitalized		216	184
Interest Costs Capitalized		273	$ 274
Developments In 2015 [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Costs Incurred-to-date		$ 243,357

Disposition of real estate in59

Disposition of real estate investments - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposition of real estate investments, sales price									$ 96,600	$ 12,900	$ 138,500
Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate									95,000	12,300	116,300
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties	$ 0	$ 0	$ 12,083	$ 11,873	$ 2,770	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 23,956	$ 2,770	33,231
Repayment Of Mortgage Secured Debt											$ 16,700

Collegiate housing properties60

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development - Components of Collegiate Housing Properties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Land	$ 221,065	$ 152,819
Land improvements	66,440	65,135
Leasehold improvements	74	212
Construction in progress	239,186	105,517
Buildings	2,092,546	1,751,482
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	90,406	88,008
Collegiate housing properties, gross	2,709,717	2,163,173
Less accumulated depreciation	(311,069)	(270,993)
Collegiate housing properties and assets under development, net	$ 2,398,648	$ 1,892,180

Collegiate housing properties61

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development - Investment in Collegiate Housing Properties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 62,576
Initial Cost, Land	214,679
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	2,335,372
Initial Costs, Total	2,550,051
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	159,666
Total Costs, Land	221,065
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	2,488,652
Total Costs, Total	2,709,717	$ 2,163,173	$ 1,916,758	$ 1,709,853
Accumulated Depreciation	311,069	$ 270,993	$ 210,047	$ 204,181
Players Club [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	0
Initial Cost, Land	727
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	7,498
Initial Costs, Total	8,225
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	3,446
Total Costs, Land	727
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	10,944
Total Costs, Total	11,671
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 6,961
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 31, 2005
The Commons at Knoxville
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	4,630
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	18,386
Initial Costs, Total	23,016
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	4,086
Total Costs, Land	4,585
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	22,517
Total Costs, Total	27,102
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 9,182
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 31, 2005
The Lofts
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,801
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	34,117
Initial Costs, Total	36,918
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	3,725
Total Costs, Land	2,801
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	37,842
Total Costs, Total	40,643
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 13,852
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 31, 2005
The Pointe at Penn State
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,151
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	35,094
Initial Costs, Total	37,245
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	5,824
Total Costs, Land	2,150
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	40,919
Total Costs, Total	43,069
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 16,269
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 31, 2005
The Reserve at Columbia
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	1,071
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	26,134
Initial Costs, Total	27,205
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	4,537
Total Costs, Land	1,071
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	30,671
Total Costs, Total	31,742
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 11,749
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 31, 2005
The Reserve on Perkins
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	913
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	15,795
Initial Costs, Total	16,708
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	4,429
Total Costs, Land	913
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	20,224
Total Costs, Total	21,137
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 8,547
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 31, 2005
University Towers
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 32,950
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	28,652
Initial Costs, Total	28,652
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	18,169
Total Costs, Land	2,364
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	44,457
Total Costs, Total	46,821
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 18,374
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 31, 2005
Campus Creek
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,251
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	21,604
Initial Costs, Total	23,855
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	2,280
Total Costs, Land	2,251
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	23,884
Total Costs, Total	26,135
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 8,934
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Feb. 22, 2005
Campus Lodge
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,746
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	44,415
Initial Costs, Total	47,161
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	4,796
Total Costs, Land	2,746
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	49,211
Total Costs, Total	51,957
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 17,629
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jun. 7, 2005
Carrollton Place
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	682
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	12,166
Initial Costs, Total	12,848
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	2,180
Total Costs, Land	682
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	14,346
Total Costs, Total	15,028
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 4,892
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 1, 2006
River Place
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	837
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	17,746
Initial Costs, Total	18,583
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	2,844
Total Costs, Land	837
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	20,590
Total Costs, Total	21,427
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 6,794
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 1, 2006
The Reserve At Saluki Point
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	1,099
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	32,377
Initial Costs, Total	33,476
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	2,127
Total Costs, Land	1,099
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	34,504
Total Costs, Total	35,603
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 8,692
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Aug. 1, 2008
University Apartments on Colvin
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	25,792
Initial Costs, Total	25,792
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	977
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	26,769
Total Costs, Total	26,769
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 6,109
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Aug. 1, 2009
2400 Nueces
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	64,152
Initial Costs, Total	64,152
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	7,114
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	71,266
Total Costs, Total	71,266
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 8,944
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Aug. 1, 2010
The Oaks on the Square - Phase I and II
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	1,800
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	48,636
Initial Costs, Total	50,436
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	2,137
Total Costs, Land	1,800
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	50,773
Total Costs, Total	52,573
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 6,845
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Sep. 30, 2010
GrandMarc at Corner
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	45,384
Initial Costs, Total	45,384
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	2,295
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	47,679
Total Costs, Total	47,679
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 9,308
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Oct. 22, 2010
Campus West
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	25,842
Initial Costs, Total	25,842
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	1,926
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	27,768
Total Costs, Total	27,768
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 4,715
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Mar. 1, 2011
East Edge
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	10,420
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	10,783
Initial Costs, Total	21,203
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	21,343
Total Costs, Land	10,420
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	32,126
Total Costs, Total	42,546
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 5,972
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Mar. 1, 2011
Jefferson Commons
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	1,420
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	4,915
Initial Costs, Total	6,335
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	332
Total Costs, Land	1,420
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	5,247
Total Costs, Total	6,667
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 980
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Mar. 15, 2011
Wertland Square
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	3,230
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	13,285
Initial Costs, Total	16,515
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	826
Total Costs, Land	3,230
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	14,111
Total Costs, Total	17,341
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 2,574
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Mar. 15, 2011
The Berk
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,687
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	13,718
Initial Costs, Total	16,405
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	906
Total Costs, Land	2,687
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	14,624
Total Costs, Total	17,311
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 2,706
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	May 23, 2011
Roosevelt Point
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	3,093
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	47,528
Initial Costs, Total	50,621
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	2,178
Total Costs, Land	3,093
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	49,706
Total Costs, Total	52,799
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 6,013
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jul. 1, 2011
University Village Towers
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	3,434
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	34,424
Initial Costs, Total	37,858
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	1,130
Total Costs, Land	3,434
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	35,554
Total Costs, Total	38,988
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 5,703
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Sep. 22, 2011
Irish Row
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,637
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	24,679
Initial Costs, Total	27,316
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	512
Total Costs, Land	2,637
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	25,191
Total Costs, Total	27,828
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 3,995
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Nov. 1, 2011
The Lotus
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	5,245
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	20,830
Initial Costs, Total	26,075
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	2,226
Total Costs, Land	5,245
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	23,056
Total Costs, Total	28,301
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 1,991
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Nov. 14, 2011
GrandMarc at Westberry Place
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	53,935
Initial Costs, Total	53,935
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	2,025
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	55,960
Total Costs, Total	55,960
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 8,384
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Dec. 8, 2011
3,949
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	3,822
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	24,448
Initial Costs, Total	28,270
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	8,938
Total Costs, Land	3,822
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	33,386
Total Costs, Total	37,208
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 4,766
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Dec. 21, 2011
Reserve on Stinson Apartments
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,111
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	20,609
Initial Costs, Total	22,720
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	(5,186)
Total Costs, Land	2,111
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	15,423
Total Costs, Total	17,534
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 0
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 27, 2012
Central Hall I & II
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	22,896
Initial Costs, Total	22,896
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	3,416
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	26,312
Total Costs, Total	26,312
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 3,982
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jun. 1, 2012
The Retreat at Oxford
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	4,743
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	52,946
Initial Costs, Total	57,689
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	5,606
Total Costs, Land	8,811
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	54,484
Total Costs, Total	63,295
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 4,268
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jun. 14, 2012
The Province
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	4,436
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	45,173
Initial Costs, Total	49,609
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	528
Total Costs, Land	4,436
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	45,701
Total Costs, Total	50,137
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 6,853
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Sep. 21, 2012
The District on 5th
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,601
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	63,396
Initial Costs, Total	65,997
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	464
Total Costs, Land	2,601
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	63,860
Total Costs, Total	66,461
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 10,045
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Oct. 4, 2012
Campus Village
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,650
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	18,077
Initial Costs, Total	20,727
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	1,199
Total Costs, Land	2,650
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	19,276
Total Costs, Total	21,926
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 3,938
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Oct. 19, 2012
Champions Court I
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	45,924
Initial Costs, Total	45,924
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	1,999
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	47,923
Total Costs, Total	47,923
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 3,920
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Nov. 1, 2012
Champions Court II
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	23,808
Initial Costs, Total	23,808
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	874
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	24,682
Total Costs, Total	24,682
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 2,013
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Nov. 1, 2012
Haggin Hall I(5)
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	23,802
Initial Costs, Total	23,802
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	497
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	24,299
Total Costs, Total	24,299
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 2,205
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Nov. 1, 2012
Woodland Glen I & II(5)
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	44,491
Initial Costs, Total	44,491
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	1,979
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	46,470
Total Costs, Total	46,470
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 3,711
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Nov. 1, 2012
The Province at Kent State
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	4,239
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	40,441
Initial Costs, Total	44,680
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	443
Total Costs, Land	4,239
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	40,884
Total Costs, Total	45,123
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 6,125
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Nov. 16, 2012
The Centre at Overton Park
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	3,781
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	35,232
Initial Costs, Total	39,013
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	1,820
Total Costs, Land	3,781
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	37,052
Total Costs, Total	40,833
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 4,941
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Dec. 7, 2012
The Suites at Overton Park
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	4,384
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	33,281
Initial Costs, Total	37,665
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	1,602
Total Costs, Land	4,384
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	34,883
Total Costs, Total	39,267
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 4,902
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Dec. 7, 2012
Woodland Glen III, IV & V(5)
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	101,172
Initial Costs, Total	101,172
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	3,478
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	104,650
Total Costs, Total	104,650
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 4,586
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	May 1, 2013
The Oaks on the Square - Phase III
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	1,531
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	10,734
Initial Costs, Total	12,265
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	288
Total Costs, Land	1,531
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	11,022
Total Costs, Total	12,553
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 839
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Feb. 13, 2013
The Cottages on Lindberg
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	1,800
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	31,224
Initial Costs, Total	33,024
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	3,357
Total Costs, Land	1,800
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	34,581
Total Costs, Total	36,381
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 4,359
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Aug. 28, 2013
The Retreat at State College
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	6,251
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	46,004
Initial Costs, Total	52,255
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	4,140
Total Costs, Land	6,251
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	50,144
Total Costs, Total	56,395
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 5,840
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Sep. 11, 2013
The Varsity
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	3,300
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	50,330
Initial Costs, Total	53,630
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	313
Total Costs, Land	3,300
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	50,643
Total Costs, Total	53,943
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 5,020
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Dec. 19, 2013
Limestone Park I & II(5)
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	85,556
Initial Costs, Total	85,556
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	135
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	85,691
Total Costs, Total	85,691
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 897
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Dec. 31, 2013
The Oaks On The Square - Phase Four [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 29,626
Initial Cost, Land	3,308
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	36,748
Initial Costs, Total	40,056
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	6,382
Total Costs, Land	3,308
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	43,130
Total Costs, Total	46,438
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 1,876
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jun. 1, 2014
Retreat at Louisville
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	4,257
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	33,750
Initial Costs, Total	38,007
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	6,183
Total Costs, Land	4,257
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	39,933
Total Costs, Total	44,190
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 1,854
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jul. 1, 2014
109 Tower
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	1,779
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	40,115
Initial Costs, Total	41,894
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	2,691
Total Costs, Land	1,779
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	42,806
Total Costs, Total	44,585
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 3,425
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Aug. 12, 2014
District on Apache
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	8,203
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	81,016
Initial Costs, Total	89,219
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	604
Total Costs, Land	8,203
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	81,620
Total Costs, Total	89,823
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 6,944
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Sep. 15, 2014
The Commons on Bridge [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	1,852
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	7,772
Initial Costs, Total	9,624
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	260
Total Costs, Land	1,852
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	8,032
Total Costs, Total	9,884
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 724
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jun. 16, 2015
The Province at Boulder [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	7,800
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	40,722
Initial Costs, Total	48,522
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	193
Total Costs, Land	7,800
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	40,915
Total Costs, Total	48,715
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 1,670
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Sep. 15, 2015
University Flats [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	55,682
Initial Costs, Total	55,682
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	0
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	55,682
Total Costs, Total	55,682
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 0
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jul. 1, 2015
Retreat At Blacksburg Phase I And II [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	8,988
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	53,984
Initial Costs, Total	62,972
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	1,577
Total Costs, Land	8,988
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	55,561
Total Costs, Total	64,549
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 664
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jul. 10, 2015
Boise State [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	19,674
Initial Costs, Total	19,674
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	0
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	19,674
Total Costs, Total	19,674
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 0
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Dec. 15, 2015
The Local [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,687
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	15,330
Initial Costs, Total	18,017
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	0
Total Costs, Land	2,687
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	15,330
Total Costs, Total	18,017
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 0
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 4, 2016
Honors College [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	7,056
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	53,719
Initial Costs, Total	60,775
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	0
Total Costs, Land	7,056
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	53,719
Total Costs, Total	60,775
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 0
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jan. 15, 2016
The Lokal [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,180
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	21,271
Initial Costs, Total	23,451
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	526
Total Costs, Land	2,180
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	21,797
Total Costs, Total	23,977
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 552
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Mar. 31, 2016
Oklahoma State University [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	4,500
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	17,347
Initial Costs, Total	21,847
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	0
Total Costs, Land	4,500
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	17,347
Total Costs, Total	21,847
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 0
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Apr. 11, 2016
The Hub at University of Wisconsin [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	14,251
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	175,656
Initial Costs, Total	189,907
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	167
Total Costs, Land	14,251
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	175,823
Total Costs, Total	190,074
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 3,440
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	May 12, 2016
Honors College [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	15,190
Initial Costs, Total	15,190
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	0
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	15,190
Total Costs, Total	15,190
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 0
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jun. 30, 2016
Maplewood [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	2,440
Initial Costs, Total	2,440
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	0
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	2,440
Total Costs, Total	2,440
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 0
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jun. 30, 2016
Northern Michigan University [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	12,104
Initial Costs, Total	12,104
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	0
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	12,104
Total Costs, Total	12,104
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 0
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jun. 30, 2016
Park7 [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	7,636
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	12,667
Initial Costs, Total	20,303
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	0
Total Costs, Land	7,636
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	12,667
Total Costs, Total	20,303
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 0
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Jul. 1, 2016
Pura Vida Place [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	1,850
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	9,331
Initial Costs, Total	11,181
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	340
Total Costs, Land	1,850
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	9,671
Total Costs, Total	11,521
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 92
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Aug. 30, 2016
Carriage House [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	2,470
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	8,760
Initial Costs, Total	11,230
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	320
Total Costs, Land	2,470
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	9,080
Total Costs, Total	11,550
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 83
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Aug. 30, 2016
The Hub at Tucson [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	4,101
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	43,929
Initial Costs, Total	48,030
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	163
Total Costs, Land	4,101
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	44,092
Total Costs, Total	48,193
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 421
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Sep. 9, 2016
Arizona State University Tempe [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	14,147
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	11,083
Initial Costs, Total	25,230
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	0
Total Costs, Land	14,147
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	11,083
Total Costs, Total	25,230
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 0
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Nov. 1, 2016
University of Hawai'i [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	16,641
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	6,290
Initial Costs, Total	22,931
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	0
Total Costs, Land	16,641
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	6,290
Total Costs, Total	22,931
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 0
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Nov. 20, 2016
University of Minnesota [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	0
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	12,738
Initial Costs, Total	12,738
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	0
Total Costs, Land	0
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	12,738
Total Costs, Total	12,738
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 0
Date of Acquisition/ Construction	Nov. 21, 2016
Collegiate Housing Properties In Development [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial Cost, Land	1,450
Initial Cost, Buildings and Improvements	623
Initial Costs, Total	2,073
Cost Capitalized Subsequently	0
Total Costs, Land	1,450
Total Costs, Buildings and improvements	623
Total Costs, Total	2,073
Accumulated Depreciation	$ 0

Collegiate housing properties62

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development - Investment in Collegiate Housing Properties (References) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Real Estate, Federal Income Tax Basis	$ 2,765.2
Minimum
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Useful lives of assets	3 years
Maximum
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Useful lives of assets	40 years

Collegiate housing properties63

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development - Historical Cost of Trusts Investment in Collegiate Housing Properties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reconciliation of Carrying Amount of Real Estate Investments [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 2,163,173	$ 1,916,758	$ 1,709,853
Collegiate housing acquisitions or completed developments	444,657	250,329	349,841
Collegiate housing dispositions	(92,827)	(14,149)	(154,545)
Impairment loss	(2,500)	0	(12,733)
Additions	211,982	10,917	24,792
Disposals	(10,203)	(682)	(450)
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges	(4,565)	0	0
Balance, end of period	$ 2,709,717	$ 2,163,173	$ 1,916,758

Collegiate housing properties64

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development - Reconciliation of Accumulated Investment Depreciation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reconciliation of Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 270,993	$ 210,047	$ 204,181
Depreciation	75,539	65,952	57,166
Disposals	(9,910)	(622)	(396)
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges	(4,565)	0	0
Collegiate housing dispositions	(20,988)	(4,384)	(50,904)
Balance, end of period	$ 311,069	$ 270,993	$ 210,047

Collegiate housing properties65

Collegiate housing properties and assets under development - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Real Estate [Abstract]
Impairment loss	$ 2,500,000	$ 0	$ 12,700,000

Other assets - Other Assets (De

Other assets - Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Other Assets [Line Items]
Accounts receivable related to pre-development costs	$ 4,366	$ 3,009
Deferred tax asset	3,098	2,970
Total other assets	53,074	57,329
Other Assets
Schedule of Other Assets [Line Items]
Accounts receivable related to pre-development costs	0	2,252
Prepaid expenses	4,368	2,564
Deferred tax asset	2,171	2,456
Deferred financing costs - revolving credit facility	1,821	2,814
Investments in unconsolidated entities	26,981	28,068
Corporate assets, net	12,598	13,141
Other	5,135	6,034
Total other assets	$ 53,074	$ 57,329

Other assets - Additional Infor

Other assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Office furniture, historical cost	$ 19.3	$ 18.1
Furniture and Fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Office furniture, accumulated depreciation	6.7	4.9
Depreciation expense	$ 1.7	$ 1.5	$ 0.9
Furniture and Fixtures | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Office furniture, estimated useful lives	3 years
Furniture and Fixtures | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Office furniture, estimated useful lives	7 years

Investments in unconsolidated68

Investments in unconsolidated entities - Financial Information of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Total assets	$ 177,820				$ 177,907				$ 177,820	$ 177,907
Total liabilities	132,370				130,102				132,370	130,102
Equity	45,450				47,805				45,450	47,805
Investment in unconsolidated entities	26,981				28,068				26,981	28,068
Revenues									37,969	37,915	$ 31,537
Net loss									(30)	(1,134)	(1,785)
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	$ 289	$ (480)	$ 107	$ (244)	$ 155	$ (427)	$ (202)	$ (194)	$ (328)	$ (668)	$ (710)

Investments in unconsolidated69

Investments in unconsolidated entities - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments classified in accrued expenses	$ 1.9	$ 2
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%
Elauwit Networks
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	14.00%	14.00%
University Village-Greensboro LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	25.00%	25.00%

Incentive plans - Additional In

Incentive plans - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	Feb. 03, 2016shares	Feb. 04, 2015shares	Jan. 01, 2014shares	May 04, 2011shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)criteriashares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Award Performance Criteria | criteria					6
Noncash compensation expense related to stock-based incentive awards | $					$ 3,898	$ 2,814	$ 2,249
General and Administrative Expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Noncash compensation expense related to stock-based incentive awards | $					$ 3,400	$ 2,200	1,900
Long Term Incentive Plan 2012 | Independent Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, shares issued					10,800	12,300
LTIP Units, Time-Based [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Fifteen [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type Allocation, Percentage					25.00%
Equity incentive plan, vesting period					3 years
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, unearned compensation related to restricted stock | $					$ 0	$ 200
Equity incentive plan, compensation expense | $					$ 200	$ 400	$ 700
Granted (shares)					0	0	25,944
Time Based Restricted Stock | Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Fifteen [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiry Period From Date Of Grant						3 years
Time Based Restricted Stock | Long Term Incentive Plan 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, shares issued			24,742
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiry Period From Date Of Grant						3 years
Time Based Restricted Stock | Long Term Incentive Plan 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, vesting period					3 years
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiry Period From Date Of Grant						3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, unearned compensation related to restricted stock | $					$ 0	$ 600
Equity incentive plan, compensation expense | $					$ 600	$ 900	$ 1,100
Granted (shares)					0	0	102,305
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Fifteen [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, vesting period						3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Long Term Incentive Plan 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, vesting period						3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross			102,297
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Long Term Incentive Plan 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, vesting period						3 years
LTIP Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, compensation expense | $					$ 2,700	$ 900
LTIP Units [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Fifteen [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, shares issued		155,774				155,774
LTIP Units [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Sixteen [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, shares issued	131,745				131,745
LTIP Units, Performance-Based [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Fifteen [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type Allocation, Percentage					75.00%
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiry Period From Date Of Grant					3 years
Stock Incentive Plan 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan, common stock shares authorized				105,000
Equity incentive plan, additional common stock shares				1,049,167
Equity incentive plan, common stock shares reserved for issuance						561,277

Incentive plans - Stock Based I

Incentive plans - Stock Based Incentive Plan Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Feb. 03, 2016	Feb. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (shares)			25,569	46,810	61,341
Granted (shares)			0	0	25,944
Vested (shares)			(10,199)	(17,774)	(26,476)
Surrendered (shares)			(7,571)	(3,467)	(13,999)
Ending balance (shares)			7,799	25,569	46,810
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)			$ 28.32	$ 27.94	$ 26.88
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)			0	0	26.70
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)			28.93	27.76	25.74
Surrendered, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)			28.93	29.72	26.85
Beginning balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)			$ 26.46	$ 28.32	$ 27.94
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense			$ 0.2	$ 0.4	$ 0.7
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (shares)			146,911	146,911	130,092
Granted (shares)			0	0	102,305
Vested (shares)			(10,776)	0	(47,785)
Surrendered (shares)			(44,379)	0	(37,701)
Ending balance (shares)			91,756	146,911	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	$ 20.58	$ 20.34
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)			0	0	19.20
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)			22.95	0	26.46
Surrendered, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)			22.95	0	26.46
Beginning balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)			$ 19.20	$ 20.58	$ 20.58
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense			$ 0.6	$ 0.9	$ 1.1
LTIP Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options			$ 4.2	2.1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Vested (shares)			(7,067)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)			$ 18.83
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense			$ 2.7	$ 0.9
Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Fifteen [Member] | LTIP Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period		155,774		155,774
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Beginning balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)			$ 18.83
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)				$ 18.83
Beginning balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)				$ 18.83
Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Fifteen [Member] | LTIP Units, Time-Based [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type Allocation, Percentage			25.00%
Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Fifteen [Member] | LTIP Units, Performance-Based [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type Allocation, Percentage			75.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiry Period From Date Of Grant			3 years
Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Sixteen [Member] | LTIP Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period	131,745		131,745
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Ending balance (shares)			280,452
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)			$ 26.20
Beginning balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Restricted Stock Award (usd per share)			$ 22.29

Debt - Additional Information (

Debt - Additional Information (Details)	Jan. 18, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 15, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2015	Nov. 24, 2014USD ($)	Nov. 19, 2014USD ($)	Jan. 13, 2014USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)extension_allowed	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Extension Period, Extension Fee									$ 67,000
Debt Instrument, Accordion Feature, Maximum Allowable Increase						$ 250,000,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding									$ 20,000,000	$ 0
Covenant dividend payout									95.00%
Long-term Debt, Gross									$ 520,076,000
Unsecured term loan, net of unamortized deferred financing costs									186,738,000	186,518,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.40%
Prepayments penalties and other fees		$ 10,300,000							10,290,000	403,000	$ 2,807,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt		108,500,000
Repayment Of Mortgage Secured Debt											16,700,000
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt									(10,611,000)	(403,000)	(3,543,000)
Long-term debt		$ 98,200,000							517,196,000
Unsecured senior notes, net of unamortized deferred financing costs									247,938,000	247,678,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding									20,000,000	0
Unsecured term loan, net of unamortized deferred financing costs									186,738,000	186,518,000
Repayments of mortgage debt				$ 69,000,000
Prepayments penalties and other fees				$ 2,600,000					10,290,000	403,000	2,807,000
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt									(10,611,000)	(403,000)	(3,543,000)
Unsecured senior notes, net of unamortized deferred financing costs									$ 247,938,000	247,678,000
Retreat At Blacksburg Phase I And II [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate									2.58%
Long-term debt									$ 49,300,000
The Centre At Overton Park Texas Tech University [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate		5.60%
Prepayments penalties and other fees		$ 1,000,000
Long-term debt		22,300,000
The Retreat at Louisville [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate								2.50%
Long-term debt								$ 35,700,000
Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net									800,000	1,000,000
Notes Payable to Banks
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Prepayments penalties and other fees		$ 9,300,000
Mortgage Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross									$ 32,950,000	56,001,000
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date									2.725%
Construction debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross									$ 29,626,000	73,605,000
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date									2.60%
Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2024 | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net									$ 2,100,000	2,300,000
Unsecured senior notes, net of unamortized deferred financing costs									$ 247,900,000	247,700,000
Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2024 | Unsecured Debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term				10 years
Face amount of debt				$ 250,000,000
Debt Instrument, Percentage Of Par Value				99.991%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				4.60%
Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt				$ 247,000,000
Fifth Amended Revolver [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, maximum availability					$ 500,000,000
Debt Instrument, Accordion Feature, Maximum Allowable Increase					$ 1,000,000,000
Debt term					4 years
Line of credit facility, interest rate									1.90%
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding									$ 20,000,000	0
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity									$ 480,000,000
Maturity extension period					1 year
Credit Agreement | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross						$ 187,500,000
Credit Agreement Tranche A | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						7 years
Long-term Debt, Gross						$ 122,500,000
Interest rate at period end									3.85%
Credit Agreement Tranche B | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term						5 years
Long-term Debt, Gross						$ 65,000,000
Interest rate at period end									2.86%
Minimum | Fifth Amended Revolver [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage									0.15%
Maximum | Fifth Amended Revolver [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage									0.25%
LIBOR Rate | Minimum | Credit Agreement Tranche A | Unsecured Debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate						1.55%
LIBOR Rate | Minimum | Credit Agreement Tranche B | Unsecured Debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate						1.20%
LIBOR Rate | Maximum | Credit Agreement Tranche A | Unsecured Debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate						2.25%
LIBOR Rate | Maximum | Credit Agreement Tranche B | Unsecured Debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate						1.90%
Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount						$ 187,500,000
Interest Rate Swap | Credit Agreement Tranche A | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate									2.30%
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate Margin									1.55%
Interest Rate Swap | Credit Agreement Tranche B | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate									1.66%
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate Margin									1.20%
University Towers [Member] | Mortgage Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross									$ 32,950,000	33,650,000
Maturity extension period									12 months
Number of loan extension periods | extension_allowed									2
Debt service ratio									1.30
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date									2.725%
Mortgage loan, maturity date									Jul. 1, 2017
University Towers [Member] | Prime Rate | Mortgage Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate			0.50%
University Towers [Member] | LIBOR Rate | Mortgage Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate			2.10%
The Oaks On The Square - Phase Four [Member] | Construction debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross									$ 29,626,000	$ 27,553,000
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date									2.60%
Mortgage loan, maturity date									Oct. 20, 2017
The Oaks On The Square - Phase Four [Member] | Construction debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity extension period									1 year
Number of loan extension periods | extension_allowed									2
Long-term debt											$ 38,000,000
The Oaks On The Square - Phase Four [Member] | Base Rate | Construction debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate									1.00%
The Oaks On The Square - Phase Four [Member] | LIBOR Rate | Construction debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate									2.00%
The Reserve At Saluki Pointe And River Place [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.67%
Repayments of Long-term Debt		$ 21,300,000
The Commons At Knoxville, The Reserve On Stinson, The Reserve At Perkins And The Reserve At Athens | Notes Payable to Banks
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.02%
Repayments of Long-term Debt		$ 54,500,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Credit Agreement | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 187,500,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Credit Agreement Tranche B | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 65,000,000
Maturity extension period							3 years
Subsequent Event [Member] | LIBOR Rate | Minimum | Credit Agreement Tranche A | Unsecured Debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate	1.20%
Subsequent Event [Member] | LIBOR Rate | Maximum | Credit Agreement | Unsecured Debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate	0.35%
Subsequent Event [Member] | LIBOR Rate | Maximum | Credit Agreement Tranche A | Unsecured Debt | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate	1.90%

Debt - Mortgage and Constructio

Debt - Mortgage and Construction Notes Payable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 15, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	$ 520,076
Unamortized deferred financing costs	(2,880)
Total net of unamortized deferred financing costs	517,196	$ 98,200
Master Secured Credit Facility
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	0		$ 75,858
Mortgage Debt
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	$ 32,950		56,001
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date	2.725%
Construction Loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	$ 29,626		73,605
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date	2.60%
All Mortgage Loans On Real Estate
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	$ 62,576		205,464
Unamortized deferred financing costs	(56)		(953)
Total net of unamortized deferred financing costs	62,520		204,511
Less current portion, net of unamortized deferred financing costs	(62,520)		(34,493)
Total mortgage and construction debt, net of current portion	$ 0		170,018
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date	2.67%
The Centre at Overton Park | Mortgage Debt
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	$ 0		22,351
Maturity Date
University Towers | Mortgage Debt
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	$ 32,950		33,650
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date	2.725%
Maturity Date	Jul. 1, 2017
Retreat at Louisville | Construction Loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	$ 0		35,672
Maturity Date
The Oaks On The Square - Phase Four [Member] | Construction Loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	$ 29,626		27,553
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date	2.60%
Maturity Date	Oct. 20, 2017
Retreat at Blacksburg - Phase I [Member] | Construction Loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Outstanding mortgage and construction indebtedness, excluding unamortized premium/discount	$ 0		$ 10,380
Maturity Date

Debt - Principal Balance Of Con

Debt - Principal Balance Of Construction Loans (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Construction Loans
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Interest Rate as of the Repayment Date	2.60%

Debt - Carrying Amount of Mortg

Debt - Carrying Amount of Mortgage and Construction Notes Payable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Movement in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 204,511	$ 248,128
Additions	40,974	65,491
Repayments of principal	(183,862)	(108,179)
Amortization of premium	(49)	(843)
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost	(523)	(70)
(Increase) decrease in deferred financing costs, net	1,469	(16)
Balance, end of period	$ 62,520	$ 204,511

Debt - Scheduled Maturities of

Debt - Scheduled Maturities of Outstanding Mortgage and Construction Indebtedness (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 15, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,017	$ 62,576
2,018	20,000
2,019	65,000
2,020	0
2,021	122,500
Thereafter	250,000
Total	520,076
Unamortized deferred financing costs	2,880
Total net of unamortized deferred financing costs	$ 517,196	$ 98,200

Noncontrolling interest - Addit

Noncontrolling interest - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	Feb. 03, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2015	Nov. 20, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)joint_ventureshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)shares
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Operating Partnership Units, Number of Units Redeemed For Cash | shares				14,611
Real Estate Assets Gross Sales Price | $				$ 96,600	$ 12,900	$ 138,500
Reverse stock split conversion ratio			0.3333
Number of units redeemed (shares) | shares				50,000	50,000
Stockholders' Equity, Reverse Stock Split			.3333
605 West
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Real Estate Assets Gross Sales Price | $				$ 54,600
The Retreat at Louisville [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership percentage purchase				25.00%
Retreat At Blacksburg Phase I And II [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest,Increase in Ownership Percentage by Parent				25.00%
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Number of new joint venture agreements | joint_venture				8
Payments to noncontrolling interest | $				$ 546	$ 1,231	$ 1,011
Reverse stock split conversion ratio		0.3333
Redeemable Operating Partnership units (shares) | shares				159,698	224,308
Stockholders' Equity, Reverse Stock Split		.3333
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Roosevelt Point
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Payments to noncontrolling interest | $	$ 4,900
Joint venture, ownership percentage					95.00%
Noncontrolling Interest,Increase in Ownership Percentage by Parent	5.00%
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | The Retreat at Louisville [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Joint venture, ownership percentage					75.00%
Noncontrolling Interest,Increase in Ownership Percentage by Parent				25.00%
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Retreat At Blacksburg Phase I And II [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Joint venture, ownership percentage					75.00%
Noncontrolling Interest,Increase in Ownership Percentage by Parent				25.00%
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | University Towers [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Joint venture, ownership percentage				72.70%
Redeemable University Towers Operating Partnership Units | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Total potentially dilutive securities (shares) | shares				69,086	69,086	69,000
The Hub at Tucson [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership percentage purchase				3.00%

Noncontrolling interest - Activ

Noncontrolling interest - Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Operating Partnership Units, Number of Units Redeemed	50,000	50,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Units	50,000
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 13,560
Adjustments to report redeemable limited partner units at fair value	1,435	$ 1,426	$ 5,212
Ending balance	38,949	13,560
Noncontrolling Interests
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	5,248	4,431
Net income	(212)	175
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests	29,824	26
Distributions	(124)	(396)
Adjustments to report redeemable limited partner units at fair value	334	1,012
Proceeds from (Payments to) Noncontrolling Interests	(2,910)	0
Ending balance	$ 32,160	5,248	4,431
The Hub at Tucson [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	3.00%
The Hub at University of Wisconsin [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	1.60%
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 5,248
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests	1,760	5,547	2,230
Distributions		(310)	(818)
Ending balance	32,160	5,248
Limited Partners
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	8,312	10,081
Net income	138	91
Distributions	(304)	(526)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Other, Carrying Amount	244	0
Conversion of redeemable partner units into common stock or cash	(2,703)	(1,748)
Adjustments to report redeemable limited partner units at fair value	1,102	414
Ending balance	$ 6,789	$ 8,312	$ 10,081

Earnings per share_unit - Addit

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

Earnings per share_unit - Recon

Earnings per share/unit - Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per share:
Net income attributable to common stock									$ 44,924	$ 19,911	$ 47,055
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$ 14,133	$ (3,533)	$ 17,655	$ 16,669	$ 14,773	$ (4,720)	$ 2,917	$ 6,941	$ 44,924	$ 19,911	$ 47,055
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding									69,336,000	49,676,000	42,934,000
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Contingently Issuable Shares									1,000	0	0
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding									69,600,000	49,991,000	43,277,000
Earnings per share - basic:
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share (usd per share)	$ 0.19	$ (0.05)	$ 0.26	$ 0.27	$ 0.28	$ (0.10)	$ 0.06	$ 0.14	$ 0.65	$ 0.40	$ 1.10
Earnings per share - diluted:
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc. common stockholders per share (usd per share)	$ 0.19	$ (0.05)	$ 0.26	$ 0.26	$ 0.27	$ (0.10)	$ 0.06	$ 0.14	0.65	0.40	1.09
Distributions declared per common share (usd per share)									$ 1.50	$ 1.46	$ 1.38
OP Units (1)
Denominator:
Redeemable Operating Partnership units (shares)									194,000	246,000	274,000
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding									194,000	246,000	274,000
University Towers Operating Partnership Units
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding									69,000	69,000	69,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per share:
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$ 14,174	$ (3,547)	$ 17,708	$ 16,727	$ 14,831	$ (4,738)	$ 2,928	$ 6,981	$ 45,062	$ 20,002	$ 47,422
Denominator:
Weighted average units outstanding (shares)									69,062,000	49,535,000	42,934,000
Redeemable Operating Partnership units (shares)									159,698	224,308
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding									69,530,000	49,922,000	43,208,000
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding									69,600,000	49,991,000	43,277,000
Earnings per share - basic:
Net income attributable to unitholders per unit (usd per share)	$ 0.19	$ (0.05)	$ 0.26	$ 0.27	$ 0.28	$ (0.10)	$ 0.06	$ 0.14	$ 0.65	$ 0.40	$ 1.10
Earnings per share - diluted:
Distributions declared per common share (usd per share)									$ 1.50	$ 1.46	$ 1.38
LTIP Units [Member] | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Denominator:
Redeemable Operating Partnership units (shares)									274,000	141,000	0
Redeemable University Towers Operating Partnership Units | Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Denominator:
Total potentially dilutive securities (shares)									69,086	69,086	69,000
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Contingently Issuable Shares									1,000	0	0

Segments - Additional Informati

Segments - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3

Segments - Segment Information

Segments - Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Collegiate housing leasing revenue									$ 274,187	$ 240,623	$ 206,322
Collegiate housing leasing operations									111,378	101,283	92,649
Net operating income	$ 18,133	$ 1,231	$ 9,486	$ 20,216	$ 19,857	$ 2,417	$ 8,943	$ 13,838	49,066	45,055	23,940
Total assets, end of period	2,506,185				2,001,831				2,506,185	2,001,831	1,806,330
Third-party development consulting services									2,364	2,233	6,805
Third-party management services									3,588	3,670	3,959
Total revenues	84,224	66,225	65,140	73,379	75,520	58,189	57,324	64,129	288,968	255,162	225,793
Operating expense reimbursements									8,829	8,636	8,707
Operating expenses									124,559	115,565	106,343
Reimbursable operating expenses									8,829	8,636	8,707
Other unallocated general and administrative expenses(5)									(17,922)	(15,252)	(14,815)
Depreciation and amortization									(81,413)	(68,022)	(58,974)
Ground lease expense									(12,462)	(11,268)	(8,988)
Loss on impairment of collegiate housing properties									(2,500)	0	(12,733)
Interest expense									(15,454)	(24,449)	(20,656)
Amortization of deferred financing costs									(1,731)	(2,089)	(2,156)
Interest income									490	213	190
Loss on extinguishment of debt									(10,611)	(403)	(3,543)
Guarantee fee income from participating development									0	0	3,000
Interest on loan to participating development									0	0	6,486
Gain on insurance settlement									0	0	8,133
Other Operating Income (Expense), Net									(1,046)	0	0
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	289	$ (480)	$ 107	$ (244)	155	$ (427)	$ (202)	$ (194)	(328)	(668)	(710)
Income before income taxes and gain on sale of collegiate housing properties									21,432	17,659	14,684
Notes receivable	500				2,167				500	2,167
Investments in unconsolidated entities	26,981				28,068				26,981	28,068
Other assets	53,074				57,329				53,074	57,329
Collegiate Housing Leasing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Collegiate housing leasing revenue									274,187	240,623	206,322
Collegiate housing leasing operations									111,378	101,283	92,649
Net operating income									162,809	139,340	113,673
Development Consulting Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income									320	(569)	1,870
Third-party development consulting services									2,364	2,233	4,224
General and administrative(2)									2,044	2,802	2,354
Management Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income									1,280	826	1,326
General and administrative(2)									2,308	2,844	2,633
Third-party management services									3,588	3,670	3,959
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net operating income									164,409	139,597	119,450
Total assets, end of period	2,454,238				1,935,287				2,454,238	1,935,287	1,752,763
Total revenues									280,139	246,526	214,505
Operating expense reimbursements									8,829	8,636	8,707
Operating expenses									115,730	106,929	97,636
Reimbursable operating expenses									8,829	8,636	8,707
Adjustments/ Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Third-party development consulting services									0	0	2,581
Unallocated Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cash	11,344				21,757				11,344	21,757	7,540
Notes receivable	500				2,167				500	2,167	375
Other receivables	708				646				708	646	2,100
Investments in unconsolidated entities	26,981				28,068				26,981	28,068	29,355
Other assets	10,593				11,092				10,593	11,092	11,900
Deferred financing costs, net	1,821				2,814				1,821	2,814	2,297
Operating Segments [Member] | Collegiate Housing Leasing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets, end of period	2,437,205				1,920,582				2,437,205	1,920,582	1,737,967
Operating Segments [Member] | Development Consulting Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets, end of period	6,739				4,615				6,739	4,615	4,103
Operating Segments [Member] | Management Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets, end of period	$ 10,294				$ 10,090				$ 10,294	$ 10,090	$ 10,693

Segments - Segment Informatio83

Segments - Segment Information (References) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)community	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)community	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of additional communities purchased during period	5	2
Number of housing communities developed in period	3	5
Number Of Housing Communities Under Development in Period	13	9
Number of housing communities sold during period	3	1
Goodwill | $	$ 3,070	$ 3,070
Management Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill | $	2,149	2,149	$ 2,149
Development Consulting Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill | $	$ 921	$ 921	$ 921

Derivatives and hedging activ84

Derivatives and hedging activities (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)swap	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of interest rate swaps outstanding | swap	6	6
Interest rate cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified during next 12 months, net	$ 2.1
Interest rate derivatives, at fair value, net	3.6	$ 5.5
Interest rate derivative liabilities, at fair value	3.8	5.8
Credit risk derivatives, at fair value, net	3.8
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 187.5	$ 187.5

Derivatives and hedging activ85

Derivatives and hedging activities - Schedule of Fair Value Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Amount of Loss Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	$ (1,127)	$ (4,593)
Amount of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	$ (3,038)	$ (3,583)

Fair Value of Financial Instr86

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability	$ 1,046,000	$ 0	$ 0
Carrying value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes receivable	500,000	2,167,000
Senior unsecured notes	250,000,000	250,000,000
Unsecured revolving credit facility	20,000,000
Carrying value | Nonrecurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collegiate housing properties, net	17,500,000		14,900,000
Carrying value | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments (liability position)	3,564,000	5,475,000
Deferred compensation plan assets	503,000	318,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	3,250,000
Carrying value | Variable Rate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unsecured term loan facility	187,500,000	187,500,000
Mortgage and construction loans	62,576,000	107,255,000
Carrying value | Fixed Rate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage and construction loans		98,209,000
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	0
Unsecured revolving credit facility	0
Estimated fair value | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes receivable	450,000	2,104,000
Senior unsecured notes	246,305,000	246,793,000
Unsecured revolving credit facility	20,000,000
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	0
Unsecured revolving credit facility	0
Estimated fair value | Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments (liability position)	0	0
Deferred compensation plan assets	503,000	318,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	0
Estimated fair value | Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments (liability position)	3,564,000	5,475,000
Deferred compensation plan assets	0	0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	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
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	3,250,000
Estimated fair value | Variable Rate | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unsecured term loan facility	0	0
Mortgage and construction loans	0	0
Estimated fair value | Variable Rate | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unsecured term loan facility	187,500,000	187,500,000
Mortgage and construction loans	62,576,000	107,255,000
Estimated fair value | Variable Rate | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unsecured term loan facility	0	0
Mortgage and construction loans	0	0
Estimated fair value | Fixed Rate | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage and construction loans		0
Estimated fair value | Fixed Rate | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage and construction loans		110,851,000
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
The Hub at University of Wisconsin [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low	0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High	4,500,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability	100,000
The Hub at Tucson [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High	1,500,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability	1,000,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High	1,500,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability	$ 1,046,000	$ 0	$ 0

Lease commitments and uncondi87

Lease commitments and unconditional purchase obligations - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Deferred accrued rental expense	$ 36.7	$ 20
Operating leases, expiration year	2,028
Operating lease, rent expense	$ 0.8	$ 0.7	$ 0.7
Minimum
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Ground lease period	40 years
Maximum
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Ground lease period	99 years
Annual increase in rent expense (percent)	3.00%

Lease commitments and uncondi88

Lease commitments and unconditional purchase obligations - Future Minimum Payments Required under Advertising Contracts and Operating Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Leases
2,017	$ 17,977
2,018	15,538
2,019	14,135
2,020	11,598
2,021	9,053
Thereafter	653,923
Total	$ 722,224

Employee savings plan - Additio

Employee savings plan - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee saving plan, maximum contribution as percentage of earnings	15.00%
Employee saving plan, minimum required service period	6 months
Employee saving plan, minimum required years of employee age	21 years
Employee saving plan, employer matching contribution	50.00%
Employee saving plan, employer matching contribution	3.00%
Employee saving plan, vesting period	3 years
Employee saving plan, matching contributions amount	$ 0.3	$ 0.3	$ 0.3

Accrued expenses (Details)

Accrued expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Payroll	$ 5,990	$ 4,687
Real estate taxes	11,105	8,311
Interest	2,029	2,555
Utilities	1,858	1,633
Ground leases (including straight-line rent)	30,674	25,468
Assets under development	35,990	19,232
Noncontrolling interest recognized as a financing arrangement	3,564	5,475
Fair value of derivative liability	14,966	0
Other	17,474	15,854
Total accrued expenses	$ 123,650	$ 83,215

Commitments and contingencies -

Commitments and contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 14, 2010
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Gain on business interruption insurance recovery			$ 100,000
Gain on insurance settlement	$ 0	$ 0	8,133,000
Guarantee fee revenue	20,727,000	19,024,000
Construction debt	62,520,000	204,511,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	20,000,000	0
Reimbursable predevelopment costs	0	1,900,000
Science & Technology Park at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Loan Balance					$ 42,000,000
Guarantee fee revenue			3,000,000		$ 3,000,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Gain on insurance settlement	0	0	$ 8,133,000
Guarantee fee revenue	20,727,000	19,024,000
Construction debt	62,520,000	204,511,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	$ 20,000,000	0
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	$ 22,934,000	23,297,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | University Village - Greensboro | Partnership Interest Properties
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Loan Balance	$ 5,734,000	5,824,000
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	$ 55,838,000	56,507,000
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	27,919,000	28,254,000
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	$ 34,914,000	31,430,000
Partial Repayment Guarantee	7,230,000	7,230,000
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P. | Georgia Heights | Partnership Interest Properties
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Loan Balance	17,457,000	15,715,000
Partial Repayment Guarantee	3,615,000	$ 3,615,000
Operating Partnership and LeylandAlliance LLC | The Oaks on the Square Project
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Construction debt				$ 38,000,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	36,790,000
Leyland Alliance Limited Liability Company | The Oaks on the Square Project
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	$ 7,200,000

Quarterly financial informati92

Quarterly financial information (unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Real Estate Assets Gross Sales Price									$ 96,600	$ 12,900	$ 138,500
Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate									95,000	12,300	116,300
Revenues	$ 84,224	$ 66,225	$ 65,140	$ 73,379	$ 75,520	$ 58,189	$ 57,324	$ 64,129	288,968	255,162	225,793
Operating expenses	66,091	64,994	55,654	53,163	55,663	55,772	48,381	50,291	239,902	210,107	201,853
Net operating income	18,133	1,231	9,486	20,216	19,857	2,417	8,943	13,838	49,066	45,055	23,940
Nonoperating expenses	3,635	4,574	4,108	14,989	7,730	6,704	5,875	6,419	27,306	26,728	8,546
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities	289	(480)	107	(244)	155	(427)	(202)	(194)	(328)	(668)	(710)
Income taxes expense/(benefit)	460	84	89	51	22	157	90	78	684	347	261
Noncontrolling interests	194	(374)	(176)	136	257	(151)	(141)	206	(220)	171
Gain on sale of collegiate housing properties	0	0	12,083	11,873	2,770	0	0	0	23,956	2,770	33,231
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$ 14,133	$ (3,533)	$ 17,655	$ 16,669	$ 14,773	$ (4,720)	$ 2,917	$ 6,941	$ 44,924	$ 19,911	$ 47,055
Net income (loss) per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.19	$ (0.05)	$ 0.26	$ 0.27	$ 0.28	$ (0.10)	$ 0.06	$ 0.14	$ 0.65	$ 0.40	$ 1.10
Net income (loss) per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.19	$ (0.05)	$ 0.26	$ 0.26	$ 0.27	$ (0.10)	$ 0.06	$ 0.14	$ 0.65	$ 0.40	$ 1.09
Education Realty Operating Partnership L.P.
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 288,968	$ 255,162	$ 225,793
Operating expenses									239,902	210,107	201,853
Net operating income									49,066	45,055	23,940
Nonoperating expenses									27,306	26,728	8,546
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities									(328)	(668)	(710)
Income taxes expense/(benefit)									684	347	261
Gain on sale of collegiate housing properties									23,956	2,770	33,231
Net income attributable to Education Realty Trust, Inc.	$ 14,174	$ (3,547)	$ 17,708	$ 16,727	$ 14,831	$ (4,738)	$ 2,928	$ 6,981	$ 45,062	$ 20,002	$ 47,422
Net income (loss) per share-basic and diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.19	$ (0.05)	$ 0.26	$ 0.27	$ 0.28	$ (0.10)	$ 0.06	$ 0.14	$ 0.65	$ 0.40	$ 1.10

Subsequent events - Additional

Subsequent events - Additional Information (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Feb. 15, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017unitbed	Jan. 13, 2017$ / shares	Jan. 13, 2014	Feb. 28, 2017USD ($)bed	Jan. 31, 2017USD ($)unitbed	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)bed	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of beds (beds) | bed								2,949
Contracted purchase price							$ 287,100	$ 58,500	$ 133,300
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared | $ / shares			$ 0.38
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid	Feb. 15, 2017
Dividends Payable, Date of Record		Jan. 31, 2017
Mortgage Debt | University Towers [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Maturity extension period							12 months
Mortgage Debt | University Towers [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount					$ 33,000
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of beds (beds) | bed		1,016			305	1,016
Contracted purchase price					$ 28,500
Contract Price						$ 99,500
Number of Units (units) | unit		330				330
Credit Agreement Tranche B | Unsecured Debt
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt term				5 years
Credit Agreement Tranche B | Unsecured Debt | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Maturity extension period						3 years
Credit Agreement Tranche A | Unsecured Debt
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt term				7 years
Credit Agreement Tranche A | Unsecured Debt | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate, Change						(0.35%)
Equity Distribution Agreement 2017 | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares Offered, Value					$ 500,000