Document and Entity Information
| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 28, 2020 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | PS BUSINESS PARKS INC/CA |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000866368 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 28, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | CA |
| Entity File Number | 1-10709 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 95-4300881 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 701 Western Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Glendale |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 91201-2349 |
| City Area Code | (818) |
| Local Phone Number | 244-8080 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | PSB |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Depositary Shares Each Representing 11000 Of A 5.200 Cum Pref Stock Series W 0.01 Par Value [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Depositary Shares Each Representing 1/1,000 of a 5.200% Cum Pref Stock, Series W, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | PSBPrW |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Depositary Shares Each Representing 11000 Of A 5.250 Cum Pref Stock Series X 0.01 Par Value [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Depositary Shares Each Representing 1/1,000 of a 5.250% Cum Pref Stock, Series X, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | PSBPrX |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Depositary Shares Each Representing 11000 Of A 5.200 Cum Pref Stock Series Y 0.01 Par Value [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Depositary Shares Each Representing 1/1,000 of a 5.200% Cum Pref Stock, Series Y, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | PSBPrY |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Depositary Shares Each Representing 11000 Of A 4.875 Cum Pref Stock Series Z 0.01 Par Value [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Depositary Shares Each Representing 1/1,000 of a 4.875% Cum Pref Stock, Series Z, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | PSBPrZ |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |