Essex Property Trust (ESS) 10-K 26 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 24, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST INC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000920522	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$5,855,449,673
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	38,606,706	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]	'	'	'
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ESSEX PORTFOLIO LP	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Rental properties:	'	'
Land and land improvements	$1,083,552	$1,003,171
Buildings and improvements	4,360,205	4,030,501
Total Rental Properties	5,443,757	5,033,672
Less: accumulated depreciation	-1,254,886	-1,081,517
Net Real Estate	4,188,871	3,952,155
Real estate under development	50,430	66,851
Co-investments	677,133	571,345
Total Real Estate	4,916,434	4,590,351
Cash and cash equivalents-unrestricted	18,491	18,606
Cash and cash equivalents-restricted	35,275	23,520
Marketable securities	90,084	92,713
Notes and other receivables	68,255	66,163
Prepaid expenses and other assets	33,781	35,003
Deferred charges, net	24,519	20,867
Total assets	5,186,839	4,847,223
Liabilities and Equity	'	'
Mortgage notes payable	1,404,080	1,565,599
Unsecured debt	1,410,023	1,112,084
Lines of credit	219,421	141,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	67,183	64,858
Construction payable	8,047	5,392
Dividends payable	50,627	45,052
Derivative liabilities	2,682	6,606
Other liabilities	22,189	22,167
Total liabilities	3,184,252	2,962,758
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Cumulative convertible Series G preferred stock	4,349	4,349
Capital:	'	'
Common stock	4	3
Cumulative redeemable 7.125% Series H preferred stock at liquidation value	73,750	73,750
Excess Stock, $.0001 par value, 330,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	2,345,763	2,204,778
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	-474,426	-444,466
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-60,472	-69,261
Total stockholders' equity	1,884,619	1,764,804
Noncontrolling interest	113,619	115,312
Total equity	1,998,238	1,880,116
Total liabilities and capital	5,186,839	4,847,223
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]	'	'
Rental properties:	'	'
Land and land improvements	1,083,552	1,003,171
Buildings and improvements	4,360,205	4,030,501
Total Rental Properties	5,443,757	5,033,672
Less: accumulated depreciation	-1,254,886	-1,081,517
Net Real Estate	4,188,871	3,952,155
Real estate under development	50,430	66,851
Co-investments	677,133	571,345
Total Real Estate	4,916,434	4,590,351
Cash and cash equivalents-unrestricted	18,491	18,606
Cash and cash equivalents-restricted	35,275	23,520
Marketable securities	90,084	92,713
Notes and other receivables	68,255	66,163
Prepaid expenses and other assets	33,781	35,003
Deferred charges, net	24,519	20,867
Total assets	5,186,839	4,847,223
Liabilities and Equity	'	'
Mortgage notes payable	1,404,080	1,565,599
Unsecured debt	1,410,023	1,112,084
Lines of credit	219,421	141,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	67,183	64,858
Construction payable	8,047	5,392
Distributions payable	50,627	45,052
Derivative liabilities	2,682	6,606
Other liabilities	22,189	22,167
Total liabilities	3,184,252	2,962,758
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Cumulative convertible Series G preferred stock	4,349	4,349
Capital:	'	'
Limited Partners, Common equity	45,957	45,593
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-58,940	-68,231
Total partners' capital	1,932,108	1,811,427
Noncontrolling interest	66,130	68,689
Total capital	1,998,238	1,880,116
Total liabilities and capital	5,186,839	4,847,223
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | General Partner [Member]	'	'
Capital:	'	'
General Partner	1,945,091	1,834,065
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | General Partner [Member] | Common Capital [Member]	'	'
Capital:	'	'
General Partner	1,873,882	1,762,856
Total capital	1,873,882	1,762,856
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | General Partner [Member] | Preferred Capital [Member]	'	'
Capital:	'	'
General Partner	71,209	71,209
Total capital	$71,209	$71,209

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Liabilities and Equity	'	'
Cumulative convertible preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	0.0001	0.0001
Cumulative convertible preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	5,980,000	5,980,000
Cumulative convertible preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	178,249	178,249
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	0.0001	0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized ( in shares)	656,020,000	656,020,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	37,421,219	36,442,994
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	37,421,219	36,442,994
Excess stock, par value (in dollars per share)	0.0001	0.0001
Excess stock, shares authorized (in shares)	330,000,000	330,000,000
4.875% Series G Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Liabilities and Equity	'	'
Cumulative dividend rate (in hundredths)	4.88%	4.88%
7.125% Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Liabilities and Equity	'	'
Cumulative dividend rate (in hundredths)	7.13%	7.13%
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | 4.875% Series G Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Liabilities and Equity	'	'
Cumulative convertible preferred interest, liquidation value	4,456	4,456
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | General Partner [Member]	'	'
Liabilities and Equity	'	'
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	37,421,219	36,442,994
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	37,421,219	36,442,994
Preferred interest, liquidation value	73,750	73,750
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Limited Partners [Member]	'	'
Liabilities and Equity	'	'
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	2,149,802	2,122,381
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	2,149,802	2,122,381

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues:	'	'	'
Rental and other property	$602,003	$526,696	$460,660
Management and other fees from affiliates	11,700	11,489	6,780
Total revenues	613,703	538,185	467,440
Expenses:	'	'	'
Property operating, excluding real estate taxes	138,736	123,813	113,733
Real estate taxes	57,276	48,354	43,777
Depreciation	192,420	169,173	150,009
General and administrative	25,601	23,307	20,694
Cost of management and other fees	6,681	6,513	4,610
Merger expenses	4,284	0	0
Total expenses	424,998	371,160	332,823
Earnings from operations	188,705	167,025	134,617
Interest expense before amortization	-104,600	-100,244	-91,694
Amortization expense	-11,924	-11,644	-11,474
Interest and other income	11,633	13,833	17,139
Equity income (loss) from co-investments	55,865	41,745	-467
Loss on early retirement of debt, net	-300	-5,009	-1,163
Gain on sale of land	1,503	0	0
Gain on remeasurement of co-investment	0	21,947	0
Income before discontinued operations	140,882	127,653	46,958
Income from discontinued operations	31,173	11,937	10,558
Net income	172,055	139,590	57,516
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-15,772	-14,306	-10,446
Net income attributable to controlling interest	156,283	125,284	47,070
Dividends to preferred stockholders	-5,472	-5,472	-4,753
Excess of cash paid to redeem preferred stock and units over the carrying value	0	0	-1,949
Net income available to common stockholders	150,811	119,812	40,368
Basic:	'	'	'
Income before discontinued operations available to common stockholders/unitholders (in dollars per share)	$3.26	$3.10	$0.94
Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders/unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.79	$0.32	$0.30
Net income available to common stockholders/unitholders (in dollars per share)	$4.05	$3.42	$1.24
Weighted average number of shares/units outstanding during the year (in shares)	37,248,960	35,032,491	32,541,792
Diluted:	'	'	'
Income before discontinued operations available to common stockholders/unitholders (in dollars per share)	$3.25	$3.09	$0.94
Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders/unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.79	$0.32	$0.30
Net income available to common stockholders/unitholders (in dollars per share)	$4.04	$3.41	$1.24
Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year (in shares)	37,335,295	35,124,921	32,628,714
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'
Rental and other property	602,003	526,696	460,660
Management and other fees from affiliates	11,700	11,489	6,780
Total revenues	613,703	538,185	467,440
Expenses:	'	'	'
Property operating, excluding real estate taxes	138,736	123,813	113,733
Real estate taxes	57,276	48,354	43,777
Depreciation	192,420	169,173	150,009
General and administrative	25,601	23,307	20,694
Cost of management and other fees	6,681	6,513	4,610
Merger expenses	4,284	0	0
Total expenses	424,998	371,160	332,823
Earnings from operations	188,705	167,025	134,617
Interest expense before amortization	-104,600	-100,244	-91,694
Amortization expense	-11,924	-11,644	-11,474
Interest and other income	11,633	13,833	17,139
Equity income (loss) from co-investments	55,865	41,745	-467
Loss on early retirement of debt, net	-300	-5,009	-1,163
Gain on sale of land	1,503	0	0
Gain on remeasurement of co-investment	0	21,947	0
Income before discontinued operations	140,882	127,653	46,958
Income from discontinued operations	31,173	11,937	10,558
Net income	172,055	139,590	57,516
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-6,834	-6,347	-5,571
Net income attributable to controlling interest	165,221	133,243	51,945
Preferred interest distributions - Series F, G, & H	-5,472	-5,472	-4,753
Preferred interest distributions - limited partner	0	0	-1,650
Excess of cash paid to redeem preferred stock and units over the carrying value	0	0	-1,949
Net income available to common stockholders	$159,749	$127,771	$43,593
Basic:	'	'	'
Income before discontinued operations available to common stockholders/unitholders (in dollars per share)	$3.27	$3.11	$0.95
Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders/unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.79	$0.32	$0.30
Net income available to common stockholders/unitholders (in dollars per share)	$4.06	$3.43	$1.25
Weighted average number of shares/units outstanding during the year (in shares)	39,380,385	37,251,537	34,773,599
Diluted:	'	'	'
Income before discontinued operations available to common stockholders/unitholders (in dollars per share)	$3.26	$3.10	$0.95
Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders/unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.79	$0.32	$0.30
Net income available to common stockholders/unitholders (in dollars per share)	$4.05	$3.42	$1.25
Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year (in shares)	39,466,720	37,343,967	34,860,521

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income	$172,055	$139,590	$57,516
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges and amortization of settlement swaps	12,614	3,402	7,707
Changes in fair value of marketable securities	-1,556	1,411	1,330
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities	-1,767	-1,082	-4,286
Total other comprehensive income	9,291	3,731	4,751
Comprehensive income	181,346	143,321	62,267
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-16,274	-14,527	-10,751
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	165,072	128,794	51,516
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]	'	'	'
Net income	172,055	139,590	57,516
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges and amortization of settlement swaps	12,614	3,402	7,707
Changes in fair value of marketable securities	-1,556	1,411	1,330
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities	-1,767	-1,082	-4,286
Total other comprehensive income	9,291	3,731	4,751
Comprehensive income	181,346	143,321	62,267
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-6,834	-6,347	-5,571
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	$174,512	$136,974	$56,696

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balances at Dec. 31, 2010	$25,000	$3	$1,515,468	($313,308)	($77,217)	$205,068	$1,355,014
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	1,000,000	31,325,000	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	0	0	0	47,070	0	10,446	57,516
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities	0	0	0	0	-4,011	-275	-4,286
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges and amortization of settlement swaps	0	0	0	0	7,212	495	7,707
Changes in fair value of marketable securities	0	0	0	0	1,245	85	1,330
Issuance of common stock under:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock option plans	0	0	8,412	0	0	0	8,412
Stock option plans (in shares)	0	103,000	'	'	'	'	'
Sale of common stock	0	0	323,931	0	0	0	323,931
Sale of common stock (in shares)	0	2,460,000	'	'	'	'	'
Equity based compensation costs	0	0	-725	0	0	1,598	873
Issuance of Series H Preferred	73,750	0	-2,541	0	0	0	71,209
Issuance of Series H Preferred (in shares)	2,950,000	0	'	'	'	'	'
Redemptions of Series F Preferred	-25,000	0	0	0	0	0	-25,000
Redemptions of Series F Preferred (in shares)	-1,000,000	0	'	'	'	'	'
Redemptions of Series B Preferred	0	0	1,200	0	0	-80,000	-78,800
Redemptions of noncontrolling interest	0	0	-1,134	0	0	-4,253	-5,387
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0	0	-16,963	-16,963
Common and preferred stock dividends declared	0	0	0	-141,828	0	0	-141,828
Balances at Dec. 31, 2011	73,750	3	1,844,611	-408,066	-72,771	116,201	1,553,728
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	2,950,000	33,888,000	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	0	0	0	125,284	0	14,306	139,590
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities	0	0	0	0	-1,018	-64	-1,082
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges and amortization of settlement swaps	0	0	0	0	3,183	219	3,402
Changes in fair value of marketable securities	0	0	0	0	1,345	66	1,411
Issuance of common stock under:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock option plans	0	0	4,675	0	0	0	4,675
Stock option plans (in shares)	0	151,000	'	'	'	'	'
Sale of common stock	0	0	357,720	0	0	0	357,720
Sale of common stock (in shares)	0	2,404,000	'	'	'	'	'
Equity based compensation costs	0	0	-430	0	0	2,231	1,801
Contributions of noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0	0	4,232	4,232
Redemptions of noncontrolling interest	0	0	-1,798	0	0	-5,188	-6,986
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0	0	-16,691	-16,691
Common and preferred stock dividends declared	0	0	0	-161,684	0	0	-161,684
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	73,750	3	2,204,778	-444,466	-69,261	115,312	1,880,116
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	2,950,000	36,443,000	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	0	0	0	156,283	0	15,772	172,055
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities	0	0	0	0	-1,673	-94	-1,767
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges and amortization of settlement swaps	0	0	0	0	11,934	680	12,614
Changes in fair value of marketable securities	0	0	0	0	-1,472	-84	-1,556
Issuance of common stock under:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock option plans	0	0	7,244	0	0	0	7,244
Stock option plans (in shares)	0	65,000	'	'	'	'	'
Sale of common stock	0	1	138,365	0	0	0	138,366
Sale of common stock (in shares)	0	913,000	'	'	'	'	'
Equity based compensation costs	0	0	-907	0	0	2,515	1,608
Redemptions of noncontrolling interest	0	0	-3,717	0	0	-1,994	-5,711
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0	0	-18,488	-18,488
Common and preferred stock dividends declared	0	0	0	-186,243	0	0	-186,243
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	$73,750	$4	$2,345,763	($474,426)	($60,472)	$113,619	$1,998,238
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	2,950,000	37,421,000	'	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cap

Consolidated Statements of Capital (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income	$36,903	$29,702	$49,640	$27,239	$172,055	$139,590	$57,516
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities	'	'	'	'	-1,767	-1,082	-4,286
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges and amortization of gain on settlement of swap	'	'	'	'	12,614	3,402	7,707
Changes in fair value of marketable securities	'	'	'	'	-1,556	1,411	1,330
Issuance of common stock under:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sale of common stock	'	'	'	'	138,366	357,720	323,931
Issuance of Series H Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	71,209
Redemptions of Series F Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	-25,000
Redemptions of Series B Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	-78,800
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	-18,488	-16,691	-16,963
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balances	'	1,880,116	'	1,553,728	1,880,116	1,553,728	1,355,014
Net income	36,903	29,702	49,640	27,239	172,055	139,590	57,516
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities	'	'	'	'	-1,767	-1,082	-4,286
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges and amortization of gain on settlement of swap	'	'	'	'	12,614	3,402	7,707
Changes in fair value of marketable securities	'	'	'	'	-1,556	1,411	1,330
Issuance of common stock under:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock and unit based compensation plans	'	'	'	'	7,244	4,675	8,412
Sale of common stock	'	'	'	'	138,366	357,720	323,931
Stock and unit based compensation costs	'	'	'	'	1,608	1,801	873
Issuance of Series H Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	71,209
Capital contributions	'	'	'	'	'	4,232	'
Redemptions of Series F Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	-25,000
Redemptions of Series B Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	-78,800
Redemptions	'	'	'	'	-5,711	-6,986	-5,387
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	-8,016	-6,957	-6,052
Distributions declared	'	'	'	'	-196,715	-171,418	-152,739
Balances	1,998,238	'	1,880,116	'	1,998,238	1,880,116	1,553,728
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balances	'	-68,231	'	-71,962	-68,231	-71,962	-76,713
Net income	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities	'	'	'	'	-1,767	-1,082	-4,286
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges and amortization of gain on settlement of swap	'	'	'	'	12,614	3,402	7,707
Changes in fair value of marketable securities	'	'	'	'	-1,556	1,411	1,330
Issuance of common stock under:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock and unit based compensation plans	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Sale of common stock	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Stock and unit based compensation costs	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Issuance of Series H Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Capital contributions	'	'	'	'	'	0	'
Redemptions of Series F Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Redemptions of Series B Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Redemptions	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Distributions declared	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Balances	-58,940	'	-68,231	'	-58,940	-68,231	-71,962
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balances	'	68,689	'	66,814	68,689	66,814	70,499
Net income	'	'	'	'	6,834	6,347	5,571
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges and amortization of gain on settlement of swap	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Changes in fair value of marketable securities	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock under:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock and unit based compensation plans	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Sale of common stock	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Stock and unit based compensation costs	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Issuance of Series H Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Capital contributions	'	'	'	'	'	4,232	'
Redemptions of Series F Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Redemptions of Series B Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Redemptions	'	'	'	'	-1,377	-1,747	-3,204
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	-8,016	-6,957	-6,052
Distributions declared	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Balances	66,130	'	68,689	'	66,130	68,689	66,814
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | General Partner [Member] | Common Equity [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balances	'	1,762,856	'	1,439,089	1,762,856	1,439,089	1,202,751
Balances (in shares)	'	36,443,000	'	33,888,000	36,443,000	33,888,000	31,325,000
Net income	'	'	'	'	150,811	119,812	42,317
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges and amortization of gain on settlement of swap	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Changes in fair value of marketable securities	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock under:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock and unit based compensation plans	'	'	'	'	7,244	4,675	8,412
Stock and unit based compensation plan (in shares)	'	'	'	'	65,000	151,000	103,000
Sale of common stock	'	'	'	'	138,366	357,720	323,931
Sale of common stock (in shares)	'	'	'	'	913,000	2,404,000	2,460,000
Stock and unit based compensation costs	'	'	'	'	-907	-430	-725
Stock and unit based compensation costs (in shares)	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Issuance of Series H Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Issuance of Series H Preferred (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Capital contributions	'	'	'	'	'	0	'
Redemptions of Series F Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	-588
Redemptions of Series F Preferred (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Redemptions of Series B Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,200
Redemption of Series B Preferred (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Redemptions	'	'	'	'	-3,717	-1,798	-1,134
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Distributions declared	'	'	'	'	-180,771	-156,212	-137,075
Balances	1,873,882	'	1,762,856	'	1,873,882	1,762,856	1,439,089
Balances (in shares)	37,421,000	'	36,443,000	'	37,421,000	36,443,000	33,888,000
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | General Partner [Member] | Preferred Equity [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balances	'	71,209	'	71,209	71,209	71,209	24,412
Net income	'	'	'	'	5,472	5,472	4,753
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges and amortization of gain on settlement of swap	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Changes in fair value of marketable securities	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock under:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock and unit based compensation plans	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Sale of common stock	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Stock and unit based compensation costs	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Issuance of Series H Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	71,209
Capital contributions	'	'	'	'	'	0	'
Redemptions of Series F Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	-24,412
Redemptions of Series B Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Redemptions	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Distributions declared	'	'	'	'	-5,472	-5,472	-4,753
Balances	71,209	'	71,209	'	71,209	71,209	71,209
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Limited Partners [Member] | Common Equity [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balances	'	45,593	'	48,578	45,593	48,578	54,065
Balances (in shares)	'	2,122,000	'	2,229,000	2,122,000	2,229,000	2,201,000
Net income	'	'	'	'	8,938	7,959	3,225
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges and amortization of gain on settlement of swap	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Changes in fair value of marketable securities	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock under:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock and unit based compensation plans	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Stock and unit based compensation plan (in shares)	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Sale of common stock	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Sale of common stock (in shares)	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Stock and unit based compensation costs	'	'	'	'	2,515	2,231	1,598
Stock and unit based compensation costs (in shares)	'	'	'	'	28,000	-107,000	28,000
Issuance of Series H Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Issuance of Series H Preferred (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Capital contributions	'	'	'	'	'	0	'
Redemptions of Series F Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Redemptions of Series F Preferred (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Redemptions of Series B Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Redemption of Series B Preferred (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Redemptions	'	'	'	'	-617	-3,441	-1,049
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Distributions declared	'	'	'	'	-10,472	-9,734	-9,261
Balances	45,957	'	45,593	'	45,957	45,593	48,578
Balances (in shares)	2,150,000	'	2,122,000	'	2,150,000	2,122,000	2,229,000
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Limited Partners [Member] | Preferred Equity [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balances	'	0	'	0	0	0	80,000
Net income	'	'	'	'	0	0	1,650
Reversal of unrealized gains upon the sale of marketable securities	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges and amortization of gain on settlement of swap	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Changes in fair value of marketable securities	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock under:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock and unit based compensation plans	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Sale of common stock	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Stock and unit based compensation costs	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Issuance of Series H Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Capital contributions	'	'	'	'	'	0	'
Redemptions of Series F Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Redemptions of Series B Preferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	-80,000
Redemptions	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Distributions declared	'	'	'	'	0	0	-1,650
Balances	$0	'	$0	'	$0	$0	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$172,055	$139,590	$57,516
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Gain on sale of marketable securities	-1,767	-819	-4,956
Gain on remeasurement of co-investment	0	-21,947	0
Company's share of gain on the sales of co-investment	-41,252	-29,112	-919
Gain on the sales of real estate	-30,725	-10,870	-8,562
Loss on early retirement of debt	300	5,009	1,163
Co-investments	5,023	1,626	7,929
Amortization expense	12,216	11,644	11,474
Amortization of discount on notes receivables	-844	-1,832	-1,757
Amortization of discount on marketable securities	-6,556	-5,127	-4,794
Depreciation	193,518	170,686	152,542
Equity-based compensation	4,508	4,141	2,927
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-1,588	-9,488	-1,172
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	72	12,360	3,620
Other liabilities	22	1,638	1,560
Net cash provided by operating activities	304,982	267,499	216,571
Additions to real estate:	'	'	'
Acquisitions of real estate	-348,774	-393,771	-57,478
Improvements to recent acquisitions	-21,240	-13,704	-16,446
Redevelopment	-42,035	-39,027	-45,130
Revenue generating capital expenditures	-5,254	-7,620	-7,616
Lessor required capital expenditure	-8,641	-1,173	0
Non-revenue generating capital expenditures	-27,038	-30,491	-26,090
Acquisition of and additions to real estate under development	-17,757	-29,196	-79,194
Acquisition of membership interest in co-investment	0	-85,000	0
Dispositions of real estate	65,496	27,800	23,003
Changes in restricted cash and refundable deposits	-9,149	-6,069	-1,376
Purchases of marketable securities	-16,442	-73,735	-8,048
Sales and maturities marketable securities	24,172	61,703	32,998
Purchases of and advances under notes and other receivables	-56,750	-26,000	-12,325
Collections of notes and other receivables	53,438	14,525	884
Contributions to co-investments	-162,578	-260,153	-246,106
Non-operating distributions from co-investments	118,856	49,773	17,141
Net cash used in investing activities	-453,696	-812,138	-425,783
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Borrowings under debt agreements	969,061	1,745,853	1,514,684
Repayment of debt	-750,900	-1,371,317	-1,435,135
Additions to deferred charges	-7,402	-6,707	-5,533
Payments to settle derivative instruments	0	0	-2,395
Net proceeds from issuance of Preferred stock, Series H	0	0	71,209
Retirement of Series B preferred units and Series F Preferred stock	0	0	-103,800
Equity related issuance cost	-617	-309	-627
Net proceeds from stock options exercised	4,958	2,643	6,986
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	138,366	357,720	323,931
Contributions from noncontrolling interest	0	2,400	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	-18,488	-16,691	-16,963
Redemption of limited partners units and noncontrolling interest	-5,711	-6,986	-5,387
Common and preferred stock dividends paid	-180,668	-156,250	-138,622
Net cash provided by financing activities	148,599	550,356	208,348
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-115	5,717	-864
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	18,606	12,889	13,753
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	18,491	18,606	12,889
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'	'
Cash paid for interest, net of $16,486, $10,346, and $8,240 capitalized in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	103,516	95,597	89,691
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:	'	'	'
Transfer from real estate under development to rental properties	68	6,632	165,214
Transfer from real estate under development to co-investments	27,906	0	54,472
Transfer from co-investments to rental properties	0	148,053	0
Mortgage notes assumed in connection with purchases of real estate including the loan premiums recorded	0	82,133	20,927
Contribution of note receivable to co-investment	0	12,325	0
Change in accrual of dividends/ distributions	5,575	5,441	3,206
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities	4,185	4,461	230
Change in fair value of marketable securities	3,222	459	2,836
Change in construction payable	2,655	1,113	2,518
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	172,055	139,590	57,516
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Gain on sale of marketable securities	-1,767	-819	-4,956
Gain on remeasurement of co-investment	0	-21,947	0
Company's share of gain on the sales of co-investment	-41,252	-29,112	-919
Gain on the sales of real estate	-30,725	-10,870	-8,562
Loss on early retirement of debt	300	5,009	1,163
Co-investments	5,023	1,626	7,929
Amortization expense	12,216	11,644	11,474
Amortization of discount on notes receivables	-844	-1,832	-1,757
Amortization of discount on marketable securities	-6,556	-5,127	-4,794
Depreciation	193,518	170,686	152,542
Equity-based compensation	4,508	4,141	2,927
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-1,588	-9,488	-1,172
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	72	12,360	3,620
Other liabilities	22	1,638	1,560
Net cash provided by operating activities	304,982	267,499	216,571
Additions to real estate:	'	'	'
Acquisitions of real estate	-348,774	-393,771	-57,478
Improvements to recent acquisitions	-21,240	-13,704	-16,446
Redevelopment	-42,035	-39,027	-45,130
Revenue generating capital expenditures	-5,254	-7,620	-7,616
Lessor required capital expenditure	-8,641	-1,173	0
Non-revenue generating capital expenditures	-27,038	-30,491	-26,090
Acquisition of and additions to real estate under development	-17,757	-29,196	-79,194
Acquisition of membership interest in co-investment	0	-85,000	0
Dispositions of real estate	65,496	27,800	23,003
Changes in restricted cash and refundable deposits	-9,149	-6,069	-1,376
Purchases of marketable securities	-16,442	-73,735	-8,048
Sales and maturities marketable securities	24,172	61,703	32,998
Purchases of and advances under notes and other receivables	-56,750	-26,000	-12,325
Collections of notes and other receivables	53,438	14,525	884
Contributions to co-investments	-162,578	-260,153	-246,106
Non-operating distributions from co-investments	118,856	49,773	17,141
Net cash used in investing activities	-453,696	-812,138	-425,783
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Borrowings under debt agreements	969,061	1,745,853	1,514,684
Repayment of debt	-750,900	-1,371,317	-1,435,135
Additions to deferred charges	-7,402	-6,707	-5,533
Payments to settle derivative instruments	0	0	-2,395
Net proceeds from issuance of Preferred stock, Series H	0	0	71,209
Retirement of Series B preferred units and Series F Preferred stock	0	0	-103,800
Equity related issuance cost	-617	-309	-627
Net proceeds from stock options exercised	4,958	2,643	6,986
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	138,366	357,720	323,931
Contributions from noncontrolling interest	0	2,400	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	-8,016	-6,957	-6,052
Redemption of limited partners units and noncontrolling interest	-5,711	-6,986	-5,387
Common and preferred stock dividends paid	-191,140	-165,984	-149,533
Net cash provided by financing activities	148,599	550,356	208,348
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-115	5,717	-864
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	18,606	12,889	13,753
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	18,491	18,606	12,889
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'	'
Cash paid for interest, net of $16,486, $10,346, and $8,240 capitalized in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	103,516	95,597	89,691
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:	'	'	'
Transfer from real estate under development to rental properties	68	6,632	165,214
Transfer from real estate under development to co-investments	27,906	0	54,472
Transfer from co-investments to rental properties	0	148,053	0
Mortgage notes assumed in connection with purchases of real estate including the loan premiums recorded	0	82,133	20,927
Contribution of note receivable to co-investment	0	12,325	0
Change in accrual of dividends/ distributions	5,575	5,441	3,206
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities	4,185	4,461	230
Change in fair value of marketable securities	3,222	459	2,836
Change in construction payable	$2,655	$1,113	$2,518

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'	'
Cash paid for interest, capitalized	$16,486	$10,346	$8,240
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]	'	'	'
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'	'
Cash paid for interest, capitalized	$16,486	$10,346	$8,240

Organization

Organization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization [Abstract]	'
Organization	'
	(1) Organization
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements present the accounts of Essex Property Trust, Inc. (“Essex”, "ESS" or the “Company”), which include the accounts of the Company and Essex Portfolio, L.P. and subsidiaries (the “Operating Partnership,” which holds the operating assets of the Company).  Unless otherwise indicated, the notes to consolidated financial statements apply to both the Company and the Operating Partnership.
	ESS is the sole general partner in the Operating Partnership with a 94.6% general partner interest and the limited partners owned a 5.4% interest as of December 31, 2013.  The limited partners may convert their Operating Partnership units into an equivalent number of shares of common stock.  Total Operating Partnership units outstanding were 2,149,802 and 2,122,381 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and the redemption value of the units, based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock totaled $308.5 million and $311.2 million, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The Company has reserved shares of common stock for such conversions.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company owned or had ownership interests in 164 apartment communities, (aggregating 34,079 units), four commercial buildings, and eleven active development projects (collectively, the “Portfolio”).  The communities are located in Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Ventura counties), Northern California (the San Francisco Bay Area) and the Seattle metropolitan area
	In December 2013, the Company and BRE Properties, Inc. (“BRE”) entered into a definitive agreement under which BRE will merge with Essex. Under the terms of the agreement, each BRE common share will be converted into 0.2971 newly issued shares of Essex common stock plus $12.33 in cash. The Company has obtained committed financing up to $1.0 billion (the “bridge loan”) which is available if needed to fund the cash portion of the purchase price.   The bridge loan facility is structured as a 364-day unsecured loan facility available in a single draw on the closing date of the merger. The company is exploring several alternatives to fund the cash needs of the transaction including asset sales, joint ventures or new financing. The merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of approval of Essex and BRE shareholders.  Additional information about the merger and the bridge loan can be found in the Form S-4 filed with the SEC on January 29, 2014.

Summary_of_Critical_and_Signif

Summary of Critical and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Critical and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Critical and Significant Accounting Policies	'
	(2) Summary of Critical and Significant Accounting Policies
	(a) Principles of Consolidation
	The accounts of the Company, its controlled subsidiaries and the variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which it is the primary beneficiary are consolidated in the accompanying financial statements. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain reclassifications have been made to conform to the current year’s presentation.
	Noncontrolling interest includes the 5.4% and 5.5% limited partner interests in the Operating Partnership not held by the Company at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These percentages include the Operating Partnership’s vested long term incentive plan units (see Note 13).
	The Company consolidates 19 DownREIT limited partnerships (comprising eleven communities), since the Company is the primary beneficiary of these variable interest entities (“VIEs”).  The consolidated total assets and liabilities related to these VIEs, net of intercompany eliminations, were approximately $194.9 million and $178.3 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013, and $201.1 million and $178.6 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2012.
	The DownREIT VIEs collectively own eleven apartment communities in which Essex Management Company (“EMC”) is the general partner, the Operating Partnership is a special limited partner, and the other limited partners were granted rights of redemption for their interests.  Such limited partners can request to be redeemed and the Company can elect to redeem their rights for cash or by issuing shares of its common stock on a one share per unit basis.  Conversion values will be based on the market value of the Company's common stock at the time of redemption multiplied by the number of units stipulated under the above arrangements.  The other limited partners receive distributions based on the Company's current dividend rate times the number of units held.  Total DownREIT units outstanding were 1,007,879 and 1,039,431 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 respectively, and the redemption value of the units, based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock totaled $144.6 million and $152.4 million, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the carrying value of the other limited partners' interests is presented at their historical cost and is classified within noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	Interest holders in VIEs consolidated by the Company are allocated a priority of net income equal to the cash payments made to those interest holders or distributions from cash flow.  The remaining results of operations are generally allocated to the Company.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not have any VIE’s of which it was not deemed to be the primary beneficiary.
	(b) Real Estate Rental Properties
	Significant expenditures, which improve or extend the life of an asset and have a useful life of greater than one year, are capitalized.  Operating real estate assets are stated at cost and consist of land, buildings and improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, and other costs incurred during their development, redevelopment and acquisition.  Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
	The depreciable life of various categories of fixed assets is as follows:
	Computer software and equipment	3 - 5 years
	Interior unit improvements	5 years
	Land improvements and certain exterior components of real property	10 years
	Real estate structures	30 years
	The Company capitalizes all costs incurred with the predevelopment, development or redevelopment of real estate assets or are associated with the construction or expansion of real property.  Such capitalized costs include land, land improvements, allocated costs of the Company’s project management staff, construction costs, as well as interest and related loan fees, property taxes and insurance.  Capitalization begins for predevelopment, development, and redevelopment projects when activity commences.  Capitalization ends when the apartment home is completed and the property is available for a new resident or if the development activities are put on hold.
	The Company allocates the purchase price of real estate to land and building, and identifiable intangible assets, such as the value of above, below and in-place leases. The values of the above and below market leases are amortized and recorded as either a decrease (in the case of above market leases) or an increase (in the case of below market leases) to rental revenue over the remaining term of the associated leases acquired, which in the case of below market leases the Company assumes lessees will elect to renew their leases.  The value of acquired in-place leases are amortized to expense over the term the Company expects to retain the acquired tenant, which is generally 20 months.
	The Company performs the following evaluation for communities acquired:
		-1	adjust the purchase price for any fair value adjustments resulting from such things as assumed debt or contingencies;
		-2	estimate the value of the real estate “as if vacant” as of the acquisition date;
		-3	allocate that value among land and buildings;
		-4	compute the value of the difference between the “as if vacant” value and the adjusted purchase price, which will represent the total intangible assets;
		-5	compute the value of the above and below market leases and determine the associated life of the above market/ below market leases;
		-6	compute the value of the in-place leases and customer relationships, if any, and the associated lives of these assets.
	Whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a property held for investment or held for sale may not be fully recoverable, the carrying amount will be evaluated for impairment. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount (including intangible assets) of a property held for investment, then the Company will recognize an impairment loss equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the property.  Fair value of a property is determined using conventional real estate valuation methods, such as discounted cash flow, the property’s unleveraged yield in comparison to the unleveraged yields and sales prices of similar communities that have been recently sold, and other third party information, if available.  Communities held for sale are carried at the lower of cost and fair value less estimated costs to sell.  As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, no communities were classified as held for sale and no impairment charges were recorded in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
	In the normal course of business, the Company will receive purchase offers for its communities, either solicited or unsolicited. For those offers that are accepted, the prospective buyer will usually require a due diligence period before consummation of the transaction.  It is not unusual for matters to arise that result in the withdrawal or rejection of the offer during this process.  The Company classifies real estate as "held for sale" when all criteria under the accounting standard for the disposals of long-lived assets have been met.  In accordance with the standard, the Company presents income and gains/losses on communities sold or held for sale as discontinued operations.  The Company’s equity in income or loss from real estate investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting remain classified in continuing operations upon disposition.  (See Note 6 for a description of the Company’s discontinued operations for 2013, 2012, and 2011).
	(c) Co-investments
	The Company owns investments in joint ventures (“co-investments”) in which it has significant influence, but its ownership interest does not meet the criteria for consolidation in accordance with the accounting standards.  Therefore, the Company accounts for these investments using the equity method of accounting.  Under the equity method of accounting, the investment is carried at the cost of assets contributed, plus the Company’s equity in earnings less distributions received and the Company’s share of losses.
	A majority of the co-investments, excluding the preferred equity investments, compensate the Company for its asset management services and some of these investments may provide promote distributions if certain financial return benchmarks are achieved.  Asset management fees are recognized when earned, and promote fees are recognized when the earnings events have occurred and the amount is determinable and collectible.  Any promote fees are reflected in equity income (loss) from co-investments.
	(d) Revenues and Gains on Sale of Real Estate
	Revenues from tenants renting or leasing apartment units are recorded when due from tenants and are recognized monthly as they are earned, which is not materially different than on a straight-line basis.  Units are rented under short-term leases (generally, lease terms of 6 to 12 months) and may provide no rent for one or two months, depending on the market conditions and leasing practices of the Company’s competitors in each sub-market at the time the leases are executed.   Revenues from tenants leasing commercial space are recorded on a straight-line basis over the life of the respective lease.
	The Company recognizes gains on sales of real estate when a contract is in place, a closing has taken place, the buyer’s initial and continuing investment is adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the property and the Company does not have a substantial continuing involvement in the property.
	(e) Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
	Highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased are classified as cash equivalents.  Restricted cash balances relate primarily to reserve requirements for capital replacement at certain communities in connection with the Company’s mortgage debt.
	(f)  Marketable Securities
	The Company reports its available for sale securities at fair value, based on quoted market prices (Level 2 for the unsecured bonds and Level 1 for the common stock and investment funds, as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) standard for fair value measurements as discussed later in Note 2), and any unrealized gain or loss is recorded as other comprehensive income (loss).  There were no other than temporary impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.  Realized gains and losses, interest income, and amortization of purchase discounts are included in interest and other income on the consolidated statement of operations.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, marketable securities consisted primarily of investment-grade unsecured bonds, common stock, investments in mortgage backed securities and investment funds that invest in U.S. treasury or agency securities.  As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company classified its investments in mortgage backed securities, which mature in November 2019 and September 2020, as held to maturity, and accordingly, these securities are stated at their amortized cost.  The discount on the mortgage backed securities is being amortized to interest income based on an estimated yield and the maturity date of the securities.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012 marketable securities consist of the following ($ in thousands):
			31-Dec-13
						Gross
			Amortized			Unrealized			Carrying
			Cost			Gain (Loss)			Value
	Available for sale:
	Investment-grade unsecured bonds		$	15,446		$	509		$	15,955
	Investment funds - US treasuries			3,675			3			3,678
	Common stock			13,104			(1,304	)		11,800
	Held to maturity:
	Mortgage backed securities			58,651			-			58,651
	Total		$	90,876		$	(792	)	$	90,084
			31-Dec-12
						Gross
			Amortized			Unrealized			Carrying
			Cost			Gain			Value
	Available for sale:
	Investment-grade unsecured bonds		$	15,475		$	826		$	16,301
	Investment funds - US treasuries			3,788			1			3,789
	Common stock			18,917			1,704			20,621
	Held to maturity:
	Mortgage backed securities			52,002			-			52,002
	Total		$	90,182		$	2,531		$	92,713
	The Company uses the specific identification method to determine the cost basis of a security sold and to reclassify amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income for securities sold.  For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the proceeds from sales of available for sale securities totaled $24.2 million, $61.7 million and $33.0 million, respectively.  These sales all resulted in gains, which totaled $1.8 million, $0.8 million and $5.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	(g) Notes Receivable
	Notes receivable relate to real estate financing arrangements including mezzanine and bridge loans and are secured by real estate.  Interest is recognized over the life of the note.
Each note is analyzed to determine if it is impaired.  A note is impaired if it is probable that the Company will not collect all contractually due principal and interest.  The Company does not accrue interest when a note is considered impaired and an allowance is recorded for any principal and previously accrued interest that are not believed to be collectable. All cash receipts on impaired notes are applied to reduce the principal amount of such notes until the principal has been recovered and, thereafter, are recognized as interest income. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, no notes were impaired.
(h) Capitalization Policy
The Company capitalizes all direct and certain indirect costs, including interest, real estate taxes and insurance, incurred during development and redevelopment activities. Interest is capitalized on real estate assets that require a period of time to get them ready for their intended use.  The amount of interest capitalized is based upon the average amount of accumulated development expenditures during the reporting period.  Included in capitalized costs are management’s estimates of the direct and incremental personnel costs and indirect project costs associated with the Company's development and redevelopment activities.  Indirect project costs consist primarily of personnel costs associated with construction administration and development, including accounting, legal fees, and various office costs that clearly relate to projects under development.  The Company’s capitalized internal costs related to development and redevelopment projects totaled $7.5 million, $6.2 million and $4.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively,  most of which relates to development projects.  These totals include capitalized salaries of $2.6 million, $2.4 million and $2.2 million, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company capitalizes leasing commissions associated with the lease-up of development communities and amortizes the costs over the life of the leases. The amounts capitalized are immaterial for all periods presented.
(i) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company values its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques described in the FASB’s accounting standard for fair value measurements.  Level 1 inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.  Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices observable for the asset or liability.   Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.  The Company uses Level 1 inputs for the fair values of its cash equivalents and its marketable securities except for unsecured bonds and mortgage backed securities.  The Company uses Level 2 inputs for its investments in unsecured bonds, notes receivable, notes payable, and derivative liabilities.  These inputs include interest rates for similar financial instruments.  The Company’s valuation methodology for derivatives is described  in Note 9.  The Company uses Level 3 inputs to estimate the fair value of its mortgage backed securities.  The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
Management believes that the carrying amounts of the outstanding balances under its lines of credit and notes and other receivables approximate fair value as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, because interest rates, yields and other terms for these instruments are consistent with yields and other terms currently available for similar instruments.  Management has estimated that the fair value of the Company’s $2.30 billion and $2.13 billion of fixed rate debt at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, to be $2.33 billion and $2.24 billion.  Management has estimated the fair value of the Company’s $737.0 million and $692.9 million of variable rate debt at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, is $719.4 million and $671.7 million based on the terms of the Company’s existing variable rate debt compared to those available in the marketplace.  Management believes that the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, construction payable, other liabilities and dividends payable approximate fair value as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.  Marketable securities and derivative liabilities are carried at fair value as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
At December 31, 2013, the Company’s investments in mortgage backed securities had a carrying value of $58.7 million and the Company estimated the fair value to be approximately $86.2 million. At December 31, 2012, the estimated fair values of the mortgage backed securities were approximately equal to the carrying values.  The Company determines the fair value of the mortgage backed securities based on unobservable inputs (level 3 of the fair value hierarchy) considering the assumptions that market participants would make in valuing these securities.  Assumptions such as estimated default rates and discount rates are used to determine expected, discounted cash flows to estimate the fair value.
(j) Interest Rate Protection, Swap, and Forward Contracts
The Company uses interest rate swaps, interest rate cap contracts, and forward starting swaps to manage interest rate risks.  The Company’s objective in using derivatives is to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements or other identified risks.  To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily used interest rate swaps and interest rate forward-starting swaps as part of its cash flow hedging strategy.  The Company was hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for a portion of its forecasted transactions.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no outstanding forward starting swaps.  The Company records all derivatives on its consolidated balance sheet at fair value.  The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation.   Derivatives used to hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges.  Derivatives used to hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges.
For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative and the hedged item related to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings.  For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is initially reported in other comprehensive income (outside of earnings) and subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings, and the ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized directly in earnings.  The Company assesses the initial and ongoing effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the changes in fair value or cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the changes in fair value or cash flows of the designated hedged item or transaction.
For derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings.  All of the Company’s interest rate swaps and interest rate caps are considered cash flow hedges except for the swap related to the multifamily revenue refunding bonds for the 101 San Fernando community that was terminated in 2012 as described in detail in Note 9.  The Company did not have any fair value hedges during the years end December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
(k) Deferred Charges
Deferred charges are principally comprised of loan fees and related costs which are amortized over the terms of the related borrowing in a manner which approximates the effective interest method.
(l) Income Taxes
Generally in any year in which ESS qualifies as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under the Internal Revenue Code (the “IRC”), it is not subject to federal income tax on that portion of its income that it distributes to stockholders. No provision for federal income taxes, other than the taxable REIT subsidiaries discussed below, has been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013 as the Company has elected to be and believes it qualifies under the IRC as a REIT and has made distributions during the periods in amounts to preclude the Company from paying federal income tax.
In order to maintain compliance with REIT tax rules, the Company utilizes taxable REIT subsidiaries for various revenue generating or investment activities. The taxable REIT subsidiaries are consolidated by the Company. The activities and tax related provisions, assets and liabilities are not material.
As a partnership, the Operating Partnership is not subject to federal or state income taxes except that in order to maintain ESS's compliance with REIT tax rules that are applicable to ESS, the Operating Partnership utilizes taxable REIT subsidiaries for various revenue generating or investng activities.  The taxable REIT subsidiaries are consolidated by the Operating Partnership.
The status of cash dividends distributed for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 related to common stock, Series F, Series G, and Series H preferred stock are classified for tax purposes as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
Common Stock
Ordinary income			77.34	%		70.58	%		63.68	%
Capital gain			17.64	%		8.75	%		11.16	%
Unrecaptured section 1250 capital gain			5.02	%		7.97	%		0.74	%
Return of capital			0	%		12.7	%		24.42	%
			100	%		100	%		100	%
		2013			2012			2011
Series F, G, and H Preferred stock
Ordinary income			77.34	%		80.85	%		100	%
Capital gains			17.64	%		10.02	%		0	%
Unrecaptured section 1250 capital gain			5.02	%		9.13	%		0	%
			100	%		100	%		100	%
(m) Preferred Stock
The Company’s Series G Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series G Preferred Stock”) contains fundamental change provisions that allow the holder to redeem the preferred stock for cash if certain events occur.  The redemption under these provisions is not solely within the Company’s control, thus the Company has classified the Series G Preferred Stock as temporary equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
(n) Equity-based Compensation
The cost of share and unit based compensation awards is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the awards.  The estimated fair value of stock options and restricted stock granted by the Company are being amortized over the vesting period.  The estimated grant date fair values of the long term incentive plan units (discussed in Note 13) are being amortized over the expected service periods.
(o) Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component
Essex Property Trust, Inc.
					Unrealized
					gains/(losses) on
		Change in fair			available for sale
		value and amortization
		of derivatives			securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2012, net of noncontrolling interest		$	(71,658	)	$	2,397		$	(69,261	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification			3,468			(1,472	)		1,996
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			8,466			(1,673	)		6,793
Net other comprehensive income (loss)			11,934			(3,145	)		8,789
Balance at December 31, 2013, net of noncontrolling interest		$	(59,724	)	$	(748	)	$	(60,472	)
Essex Portfolio, L.P.
					Unrealized
					gains/(losses) on
		Change in fair			available for sale
		value and amortization
		of derivatives			securities			Total
Balance at December 31, 2012		$	(70,762	)	$	2,531		$	(68,231	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification			4,148			(1,556	)		2,592
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other  comprehensive loss			8,466			(1,767	)		6,699
Net other comprehensive income (loss)			12,614			(3,323	)		9,291
Balance at December 31, 2013		$	(58,148	)	$	(792	)	$	(58,940	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net in connection with derivatives are recorded to interest expense before amortization on the consolidated statement of operations.  Realized gains and losses on available for sale securities are included in interest and other income on the consolidated statement of operations.
(p) Accounting Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to acquiring, developing and assessing the carrying values of its real estate portfolio, its investments in and advances to joint ventures and affiliates, its notes receivable and its qualification as a REIT.  The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, current market conditions, and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may vary from those estimates and those estimates could be different under different assumptions or conditions.

Real_Estate_Investments

Real Estate Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Real Estate Investments [Abstract]	'
Real Estate Investments	'
	(3) Real Estate Investments
	(a) Acquisitions of Real Estate
	For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company purchased six communities consisting of 1,079 units for $349.1 million.
	For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company purchased eleven communities, comprising of 2,052 units for $551.1 million.
	(b) Sales of Real Estate investments
	During 2013, the Company sold three communities consisting of 363 units for $57.5 million resulting in gains totaling $29.2 million.
	During the first quarter of 2013, the Company sold a land parcel held for future development located in Palo Alto, California for $9.1 million, which resulted in a gain of $1.5 million.
	During 2012, the Company sold two communities consisting of 264 units for $28.3 million resulting in gains totaling $10.9 million.
	(c) Co-investments
	The Company has joint venture investments in co-investments which are accounted for under the equity method.  The co-investments’ accounting policies are similar to the Company’s accounting policies.  The joint ventures own, operate, and develop apartment communities.
	Wesco I, LLC
	Wesco, I LLC (“Wesco I”) is a 50/50 programmatic joint venture with an institutional partner for a total equity commitment of $300.0 million.  Each partner’s equity commitment is $150.0 million. Wesco I will utilize debt targeted at approximately 50% of the cost to acquire and improve real estate.  The Company has contributed $150.0 million to Wesco I, and as of December 31, 2013, Wesco I owned nine apartment communities with 2,713 units with an aggregate carrying value of approximately $670 million.
	Wesco III, LLC
	During 2012, the Company entered into a 50/50 programmatic joint venture, Wesco III LLC (“Wesco III”), with an institutional partner for a total equity commitment from the parties of $120.0 million. Each partner’s equity commitment is $60.0 million.  Wesco III will utilize debt targeted at approximately 50% of the cost to acquire and improve real estate.  The Company has contributed $39.7 million to Wesco III, and as of December 31, 2013, Wesco III owned three apartment communities with 657 units with an aggregate carrying value of approximately $164 million.
	Essex Apartment Value Fund II, L.P.
	Essex Apartment Value Fund II, L.P. (“Fund II”), has eight institutional investors with combined partner equity contributions of $265.9 million.  The Company contributed $75.0 million to Fund II, which represents a 28.2% interest as general partner and limited partner.  Fund II utilized debt as leverage equal to approximately 55% upon the initial acquisition of the underlying real estate.  Fund II invested in apartment communities in the Company’s targeted West Coast markets with an emphasis on investment opportunities in the Seattle metropolitan area and the San Francisco Bay Area.  As of October 2006, Fund II was fully invested and closed for any future acquisitions or development.  As of December 31, 2013, Fund II owned two apartment communities.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, Fund II sold five communities for gross proceeds of $320.4 million.  In connection with the 2013 sales, Fund II incurred a prepayment penalty on debt of which the Company’s pro rata share was $0.4 million. The total gain on the sales was $146.8 million, of which the Company’s pro rata share was $38.8 million, net of internal disposition costs. There are two remaining properties in the Fund II portfolio that are expected to be sold in 2014.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, Fund II sold seven communities for gross proceeds of $413.0 million.  In connection with the 2012 sales, Fund II incurred a prepayment penalty on debt of which the Company’s pro rata share was $2.3 million.  The total gain on the sales was $106.0 million, of which the Company’s pro rata share was $29.1 million.
	Canada Pension Plan Investment Board – Joint Venture Developments
	The Company has entered into six development joint ventures with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPPIB”) to develop six apartment communities.  For each joint venture the Company holds a 50% to 55% non-controlling interest in the venture and will earn customary management fees and may earn development, asset, and property management fees.  The Company may also earn a promote interest. These co-investments are not variable interest entities since they have sufficient equity without additional subordinated support, and the Company and CPPIB jointly have the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the co-investments’ economic performance.  Each of the co-investments between the Company and CPPIB has a single general partner, which is a subsidiary consolidated by the Company.  However, the Company, as general partner of the co-investments, does not control the co-investments because the limited partners have substantive participating rights.  Therefore, the presumption of control by the Company as general partner is overcome by the rights held by CPPIB, and the Company records the co-investments with CPPIB on the equity method of accounting.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company and CPPIB have six active developments projects comprised of 1,507 units for total estimated costs of $695.2 million.  At December 31, 2013, the total remaining estimated costs to be incurred on these projects was $216.2 million of which the Company’s portion of the remaining costs were $118.9 million.
	Epic – Phase I, a 280 unit community in San Jose, California, a development joint venture with CPPIB, stabilized its operations in the fourth quarter of 2013.  Epic – Phase II and Phase III are currently still under development.
	The Huxley and The Dylan – Joint Venture Developments
	During the third quarter 2011, the Company entered into a development joint venture with a regional developer for the construction of The Huxley, a 187 unit community with approximately 18,200 square feet of retail located in West Hollywood, California.  The regional developer contributed the land and the Company contributed approximately $9.0 million in cash for a 50% interest in the venture.  The joint venture obtained bond financing for the project in the amount of $54.5 million with a maturity date of October 2046 and entered into an interest rate swap transaction with respect to the bonds that terminates in September 2016 that effectively converts the interest rate to the Securities Industry and Financial Market Association Municipal Swap Index (“SIFMA Municipal Swap Index”) plus 150 basis points through December 2016.
	In the fourth quarter 2011, the Company entered into another development joint venture with the same regional developer for the construction of The Dylan, a 184 unit apartment community with approximately 12,750 square feet of retail located in West Hollywood, California.  The 50/50 joint venture was created with the contribution of $5.8 million by the Company and the contribution of entitled land by the regional developer.  The joint venture secured bond financing in the amount of $59.9 million, maturing in December 2046.  The joint venture entered into a total return swap agreement that effectively converts the interest rate to SIFMA Municipal Swap Index plus 150 basis points through December 2016.
	The bond financing for these two development projects have joint and several liability for the joint venture partners.  Additionally, if either partner fails to make capital contributions to one of these joint ventures in certain instances, then the ownership interest of the defaulting partner in the other joint venture may be reduced.
	One South Market
	During May 2013, the Company entered into a development joint venture to develop a 312 unit community in San Jose, California.  The Company holds a 55% non-controlling interest in the venture and will earn customary management fees and may earn development, asset, and property management fees.  The Company may also earn a promote interest. The co-investment is not a variable interest entity since it has sufficient equity without additional subordinated support, and the Company and the partner jointly have the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the co-investment economic performance.  The co-investment has a single general partner, which is a subsidiary consolidated by the Company.  However, the Company, as general partner of the co-investment, does not control the co-investments because the limited partners have substantive participating rights.  Therefore, the presumption of control by the Company as general partner is overcome by the rights held by the partner, and the Company records the co-investments on the equity method of accounting.
	As of December 31, 2013, the project’s total estimated costs were $145.1 million.  At December 31, 2013, the total remaining estimated costs to be incurred on this project was $114.2 million of which the Company’s portion of the remaining costs were $62.8 million.
	Preferred Equity Investments
	During the first quarter of 2013, the Company made an $8.6 million preferred equity interest investment in an apartment development located in Redwood City, California to a related party entity.  The investment has a preferred return of 12% and matures in January 2016.
	In March 2013, the Company received the redemption of $9.7 million of preferred equity related to two properties located in downtown Los Angeles, California.  The Company recorded $0.4 million of income from redemption penalties due to the early redemption of these preferred equity investments.
	During the second quarter of 2013, the Company received the redemption of $13.1 million of preferred equity related to a property located in downtown Los Angeles, California.  The Company recorded $0.5 million of income from redemption penalties due to the early redemption of these preferred equity investments.
	In August 2013, the Company made an $8.5 million preferred equity investment in a multifamily development project located in San Jose, California.  The investment has a preferred return of 12% and matures in 3 years.
	During the third quarter of 2013, the Company restructured the terms of a preferred equity investment with a related party entity on a property located in Anaheim, California, reducing the rate from 13% to 9%, while extending the maximum term by one year.  The Company recorded a $0.4 million restructuring fee related to the restructured investment.
	During the second quarter 2012, the Company made a $14 million preferred equity investment in an apartment community located in Cupertino, California to a related party entity.  The investment has a preferred return of 9.5% and matures in May 2016.  The preferred equity agreement provides for up to $4 million of additional funding for renovation costs.
	The carrying values of the Company’s co-investments, all accounted for under the equity method of accounting as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows ($ in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Membership interest in Wesco I	$	142,025		$	143,874
	Membership interest in Wesco III		39,073			9,941
	Partnership interest in Fund II		4,166			53,601
	Membership interest in a limited liability company that owns Expo		12,041			18,752
	Total operating co-investments		197,305			226,168
	Membership interests in limited liability companies with CPPIB that own and are developing Epic, Connolly Station, Mosso I & II, Park 20 (fka Elkhorn) and The Village		301,538			186,362
	Membership interests in limited liability companies that own and are developing The Huxley and The Dylan		18,545			16,552
	Membership interest in a limited liability company that owns and is developing One South Market		17,115			-
	Total development co-investments		337,198			202,914
	Membership interest in Wesco II that owns a preferred equity interest in Parkmerced with a preferred return of 10.1%		94,711			91,843
	Preferred interest in related party limited liability company that owns Sage at Cupertino with a preferred return of  9.5%		15,775			14,438
	Preferred interest in a related party limited liability company that owns Madison Park at Anaheim with a preferred return of 9%		13,824			13,175
	Preferred interest in related party limited liability company that owns an apartment development in Redwood City with a preferred return of 12%		9,455			-
	Preferred interest in a limited liability company that owns an apartment development in San Jose with a preferred return of 12%		8,865			-
	Preferred interests in limited liability companies that own apartment communities in downtown Los Angeles with preferred returns of 9% and 10% repaid in 2013		-			22,807
	Total preferred interest investments		142,630			142,263
	Total co-investments	$	677,133		$	571,345
	The combined summarized financial information of co-investments, which are accounted for under the equity method, is as follows ($ in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Balance sheets:
	Rental properties and real estate under development	$	1,953,328		$	1,745,147
	Other assets		61,578			168,061
	Total assets	$	2,014,906		$	1,913,208
	Debt	$	667,641		$	820,895
Other liabilities		125,479			91,922
Equity		1,221,786			1,000,391
Total liabilities and partners' equity	$	2,014,906		$	1,913,208
Company's share of equity	$	677,133		$	571,345
	Years ended
	December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Statements of operations:
Property revenues	$	100,402		$	130,128		$	106,386
Property operating expenses		(37,518	)		(55,990	)		(43,066	)
Net operating income		62,884			74,138			63,320
Gain on sale of real estate		146,758			106,016			-
Interest expense		(24,155	)		(34,959	)		(27,843	)
General and administrative		(5,344	)		(3,697	)		(1,748	)
Depreciation and amortization		(36,831	)		(47,917	)		(44,412	)
Net income (loss)	$	143,312		$	93,581		$	(10,683	)
Company's share of net income (loss)	$	55,865		$	41,745		$	(467	)
(d) Real Estate for Development
The Company defines development activities as new properties that are being constructed, or are newly constructed and, in the case of development communities, are in a phase of lease-up and have not yet reached stabilized operations.  As of December 31, 2013, the Company had two consolidated development projects, and eight unconsolidated joint venture development projects aggregating 2,501 units for an estimated total cost of $1.1 billion, of which $407.0 million remains to be expended.   The Company’s portion of the remaining costs was $249.2 million.
As of December 31, 2013, the Company had one consolidated predevelopment project consisting of 200 units.

Notes_and_Other_Receivables

Notes and Other Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Notes and Other Receivables [Abstract]	'
Notes and Other Receivables	'
	(4) Notes and Other Receivables
	Notes receivables, secured by real estate, and other receivables consist of the following as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
			2013		2012
	Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at 4.0%, due December 2014 (1)		$	3,212	$	3,212
	Notes and other receivables from affiliates (2)			60,968		28,896
	Other receivables			4,075		3,785
	Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at 8.0%, paid in full May 2013			-		971
	Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at 8.8%, paid in full March 2013			-		10,800
	Note receivable, secured, effective interest at 9.6%, paid in full March 2013			-		18,499
			$	68,255	$	66,163
		-1	The borrower funds an impound account for capital replacement.
		-2	During the second quarter of 2013, the Company provided a short-term bridge loans to Fund II $42.4 million at a rate of LIBOR + 1.75%.  In July 2013, Fund II repaid the Company for $42.4 million in short term loans. The Company has provided two bridge loans totaling $56.8 million to Wesco III at a rate of LIBOR + 2.50%, permanent financing is expected to be placed on the Gas Company Lofts and Regency at Mt. View by the end of Q1 2014. In January 2014, WESCO III repaid the loan on Gas Company Lofts.
	During the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, the Company received the repayment of three notes receivables totaling $30.5 million. One of the notes was repaid early, and as such the Company recorded $0.8 million of income related to a change in estimate on the discount to the note receivable.
	During the first quarter of 2013, Wesco III repaid the Company for a $26.0 million short-term bridge loan to assist with the purchase of Haver Hill.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	(5) Related Party Transactions
	The Company has adopted written related party transaction guidelines that are intended to cover transactions in which the Company (including entities it controls) is a party and in which any “related person” has a direct or indirect interest.  A “related person” means any Company director, director nominee, or executive officer, any beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, and any immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons.  A related person may be considered to have an indirect interest in a transaction if he or she (i) is an owner, director, officer or employee of or otherwise associated with another company that is engaging in a transaction with the Company, or (ii) otherwise, through one or more entities or arrangements, has an indirect financial interest in or personal benefit from the transaction.
	The related person transaction review and approval process is intended to determine, among any other relevant issues, the dollar amount involved in the transaction; the nature and value of any related person’s direct or indirect interest (if any) in the transaction; and whether or not (i) a related person’s interest is material, (ii) the transaction is fair, reasonable, and serves the best interest of the Company and its shareholders, and (iii) whether the transaction or relationship should be entered into, continued or ended.
	Management and other fees from affiliates is comprised primarily of asset management, property management, development and redevelopment fees from co-investments.  These fees from affiliates total $11.5 million, $10.9 million, and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. All of these fees are net of intercompany amounts eliminated by the Company.
	During 2013, the Company has provided short-term bridge loans to Wesco III and Fund II as discussed in Note 4 above.  In January 2014, Wesco III repaid the short-term bridge loan to Gas Company Lofts in full.
	The Company provided a $26.0 million short-term bridge loan to Wesco III at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.50%, to assist with the purchase of Haver Hill in 2012. The short term bridge loan was repaid in March 2013.
	The Company’s Chairman and founder, Mr. George Marcus, is the Chairman of the Marcus & Millichap Company (“MMC”), which is a parent company of a diversified group of real estate service, investment, and development firms. Mr. Marcus is also the Co-Chairman of Marcus & Millichap, Inc. (“MMI”), and Mr. Marcus owns a controlling interest in MMI. MMI is a national brokerage firm listed on the NYSE that underwent its initial public offering in 2013.   Fund II paid brokerage commissions totaling $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively, to an affiliate of MMI related to the sales of properties in 2013 and 2012, respectively, and there were no brokerage commissions paid during 2011.  There were no brokerage commissions paid by the Company to MMI or its affiliates during 2013, 2012, and 2011.
	As described in Note 3, the Company restructured the terms of a preferred equity investment in a property located in Anaheim, California, reducing the rate from 13% to 9%, while extending the maximum term by one year.  The Company recorded $0.4 million of income related to the restructured investment.  The entity that owns the property is an affiliate of MMC.  Independent directors (other than Mr. Marcus) on the Company’s Board of Directors that serve on the Nominating and Corporate Governance and Audit Committees approved the restructuring of the investment in this entity.
	In January 2013, the Company invested $8.6 million as a preferred equity interest investment in an entity affiliated with MMC that owns an apartment development in Redwood City, California.  Independent directors (other than Mr. Marcus) on the Company’s Board of Directors that serve on the Nominating and Corporate Governance and Audit Committees approved the investment in this entity.
	During the third quarter of 2012, the Company invested $14.0 million as a preferred equity interest investment in an entity affiliated with MMC that owns an apartment community in Cupertino, California.  The investment has a preferred return of 9.5% and matures in May 2016.  The Company expects to invest an additional $4.0 million in preferred equity to fund renovation costs.  Independent directors (other than Mr. Marcus) on the Company’s Board of Directors approved the investment in this entity.
	Also during the third quarter of 2012, the Company acquired Montebello, a 248 unit apartment community in Kirkland, Washington for $52.0 million from an entity affiliated with MMC, and Wesco I acquired Riley Square (formerly Waterstone Santa Clara), a 156 unit apartment community in Santa Clara, California for $38.3 million from an entity affiliated with MMC.  Independent directors (other than Mr. Marcus) on the Company’s Board of Directors approved the acquisitions of Montebello and Riley Square.
	An Executive Vice President of the Company invested $4.0 million for a 3% limited partnership interest in a partnership with the Company that owns Essex Skyline at MacArthur Place.  The Executive Vice President’s investment is equal to a pro-rata share of the contributions to the limited partnership.  The Executive Vice President’s investment also receives pro-rata distributions resulting from distributable cash generated by the property if and when distributions are made.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	(6) Discontinued Operations
	The Company classifies real estate as “held for sale” when the sale is considered probable and expected to sell within a year.  During 2013, the Company sold Linden Square, a 183 unit community located in Seattle, Washington for $25.3 million, resulting in a gain of $12.7 million. Also during 2013, the Company sold Cambridge, a 40 unit property located in Chula Vista, California for $4.7 million, resulting in a gain of $2.5 million, and Brentwood, a 140 unit property located in Santa Ana, California for $27.5 million, resulting in a gain of $14.0 million. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, no communities were held for sale.
	During 2012, the Company sold two communities, Tierra Del Sol/Norte and Alpine Country, for a total of $28.3 million resulting in gains totaling $10.9 million.
	During 2011, the Company sold one apartment community, Woodlawn Colonial, and one office building, Clarendon, for a total of $23.4 million resulting in gains totaling $8.4 million.
	The Company has recorded the gains on sales and operations for these various assets sold described above as part of discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.  The components of discontinued operations are outlined below and include the results of operations for the respective periods that the Company owned such assets, as described above ($ in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Revenues	$	4,454		$	5,848		$	9,133
	Property operating expenses		(1,406	)		(2,181	)		(3,584	)
	Depreciation and amortization		(1,098	)		(1,513	)		(2,534	)
	Expenses		(2,504	)		(3,694	)		(6,118	)
	Operating income from real estate sold		1,950			2,154			3,015
	Gain on sale of real estate		29,223			10,870			8,382
	Internal disposition costs		-			(1,087	)		(839	)
	Income from discontinued operations	$	31,173		$	11,937		$	10,558

Mortgage_Notes_Payable

Mortgage Notes Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Mortgage Notes Payable [Abstract]	'
Mortgage Notes Payable	'
	(7) Mortgage Notes Payable
	ESS does not have any indebtedness as all debt is incurred by the Operating Partnership.  Mortgage notes payable consist of the following as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
			2013			2012
	Fixed rate mortgage notes payable		$	1,236,479		$	1,363,731
	Variable rate mortgage notes payable(1)			167,601			201,868
			$	1,404,080		$	1,565,599
	Number of properties securing mortgage notes			49			55
	Remaining terms		1-26 years			1-27 years
	Weighted average interest rate			5.6	%		5.4	%
	The aggregate scheduled principal payments of mortgage notes payable at December 31, 2013 are as follows ($ in thousands):
	2014		$	-
	2015			67,461
	2016			12,390
	2017			182,731
	2018			271,156
	Thereafter			870,342
			$	1,404,080
	-1	Variable rate mortgage notes payable consists of multifamily housing mortgage revenue bonds secured by deeds of trust on rental properties and guaranteed by collateral pledge agreements, payable monthly at a variable rate as defined in the Loan Agreement (approximately 1.6% at December 2013 and 1.9% at December 2012) plus credit enhancement and underwriting fees ranging from approximately 1.2% to 1.9%.  Among the terms imposed on the properties, which are security for the bonds, is a requirement that 20% of the units are subject to tenant income criteria. Principal balances are due in full at various maturity dates from May 2025 through December 2039.  Of these bonds $156.9 million are subject to various interest rate cap agreements which limit the maximum interest rate to such bonds.
	For the Company’s mortgage notes payable as of December 31, 2013, monthly interest expense and principal amortization, excluding balloon payments, totaled approximately $6.1 million and $1.9 million, respectively.  Second deeds of trust accounted for $58.4 million of the $1.4 billion in mortgage notes payable as of December 31, 2013.  Repayment of debt before the scheduled maturity date could result in prepayment penalties.  The prepayment penalty on the majority of the Company’s mortgage notes payable are computed by the greater of (a) 1% of the amount of the principal being prepaid or (b) the present value of the mortgage note payable which is calculated by multiplying the principal being prepaid by the difference between the interest rate of the mortgage note and the stated yield rate on a specified U.S. treasury security as defined in the mortgage note agreement.

Unsecured_Debt_and_Lines_of_Cr

Unsecured Debt and Lines of Credit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Unsecured Debt and Lines of Credit [Abstract]	'
Unsecured Debt Lines of Credit	'
	(8) Unsecured Debt and Lines of Credit
	ESS does not have any indebtedness as all debt is incurred by the Operating Partnership.  ESS guarantees the Operating Partnership’s unsecured debt including the revolving credit facilities up to the maximum amounts and for the full term of the facilities.
	Unsecured debt and lines of credit consist of the following as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
								Weighted Average
								Maturity
		2013			2012			In Years
	Bonds private placement - fixed rate	$	465,000		$	465,000			5.2
	Term loan - variable rate		350,000			350,000			3.2
	Bonds public offering - fixed rate		595,023			297,084			9
	Unsecured debt		1,410,023			1,112,084
	Lines of credit		219,421			141,000			4.3
	Total unsecured debt	$	1,629,444		$	1,253,084
	Weighted average interest rate on fixed rate unsecured bonds		4	%		4.2	%
	Weighted average interest rate on variable rate term loan		2.5	%		2.7	%
	Weighted average interest rate on line of credit		2.2	%		2.3	%
	As of December 31 2013 and 2012, the Company had $465 million of unsecured bonds outstanding at an average effective interest rate of 4.5%.
	The following is a summary of the Company’s unsecured private placement bonds as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
										Coupon
		Maturity			2013			2012		Rate
	Senior unsecured private placement notes	Mar-16			$	150,000		$	150,000		4.36	%
	Senior unsecured private placement notes	Sep-17				40,000			40,000		4.5	%
	Senior unsecured private placement notes	Dec-19				75,000			75,000		4.92	%
	Senior unsecured private placement notes	Apr-21				100,000			100,000		4.27	%
	Senior unsecured private placement notes	Jun-21				50,000			50,000		4.3	%
	Senior unsecured private placement notes	Aug-21				50,000			50,000		4.37	%
					$	465,000		$	465,000
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had a $350 million unsecured term loan outstanding at an average interest rate of 2.5%.  The term loan has a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.2%. During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company increased the size of the term loan from $200 million to $350 million.  The Company entered into interest rate swap contracts for a term of five years with a notional amount totaling $300 million, which effectively converted the interest rate on $300 million of the term loan to a fixed rate.
	In April 2013, the Company issued $300.0 million of senior unsecured notes due on May 1, 2023 with a coupon rate of 3.25% per annum and are payable on May 1st and November 1st of each year, beginning November 1, 2013 (the 2023 Notes).  The 2023 Notes were offered to investors at a price of 99.152% of par value.  The 2023 Notes are general unsecured senior obligations of the Operating Partnership, rank equally in right of payment with all other senior unsecured indebtedness of the Operating Partnership and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Essex Property Trust, Inc.  These bonds are included in the line “Bonds public offering-fixed rate” in the table above, and as of December 31, 2013, the carrying value of the 2023 Notes, net of discount was $297.7 million.
	During the third quarter 2012, the Company issued $300.0 million of senior unsecured notes due August 2022 with a coupon rate of 3.625% per annum and are payable on February 15th and August 15th of each year, beginning February 15, 2013 (the 2022 Notes).  The 2022 Notes were offered to investors at a price of 98.99% of par value.  The 2022 Notes are general unsecured senior obligations of the Operating Partnership, rank equally in right of payment with all other senior unsecured indebtedness of the Operating Partnership and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Essex Property Trust, Inc. On August 15th, 2012, in connection with the 2022 Notes issuance, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement whereby the Operating Partnership agreed to conduct an offer to exchange the 2022 Notes for a new series of publicly registered notes with substantially identical terms.  In May 2013, the Operating Partnership completed the exchange and these bonds are included in the line “Bonds public offering-fixed rate” in the table above.  As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the carrying value of the 2022 Notes, net of discount was $297.3 million and $297.1 million, respectively.
	The Company has two lines of credit aggregating $625.0 million as of December 31, 2013.  The Company has a $600 million credit facility with an underlying interest rate based on a tiered rate structure tied to Fitch and S&P ratings on the credit facility and the rate was LIBOR plus 1.075% as of December 31, 2013.  As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the balance of the $600 million credit facility was $199.0 million and $141.0 million, respectively.  This facility matures in December 2015 with two one-year extensions, exercisable by the Company.  The Company also has a working capital unsecured line of credit agreement for $25.0 million.  This facility matures in January 2014, with a one year extension option.  The underlying interest rate on the $25.0 million line is based on a tiered rate structure tied to Fitch and S&P ratings on the credit facility of LIBOR plus 1.075%.  As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, there was a $20.4 million and zero balance, respectively outstanding on this unsecured line.
	The Company’s unsecured line of credit and unsecured debt agreements contain debt covenants related to limitations on indebtedness and liabilities and maintenance of minimum levels of consolidated earnings before depreciation, interest and amortization.  The Company was in compliance with the debt covenants as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	(9) Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	The Company uses interest rate swaps and interest rate cap contracts to manage certain interest rate risks. 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. 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. The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements.
	The Company has entered into interest rate swap contracts with an aggregate notional amount of $300 million that effectively fixed the interest rate on $300 million of the $350 million unsecured term loan at 2.29% through November 2016.  These derivatives qualify for hedge accounting.
	As of December 31, 2013 the Company also had nine interest rate cap contracts totaling a notional amount of $156.9 million that qualify for hedge accounting as they effectively limit the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk by providing a ceiling on the underlying variable interest rate for $156.9 million of the Company’s tax exempt variable rate debt.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the aggregate carrying value of the interest rate swap contracts was a liability of $2.7 million and $6.6 million, respectively. The aggregate carrying value of the interest rate cap contracts was zero on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
	During the third quarter 2012, the Company terminated a swap transaction with respect to the $38.0 million of tax-exempt bonds for the 101 San Fernando apartment community with Citibank because the bonds were repurchased by the Company at par.
	No hedge ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges occurred during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Lease_Agreements

Lease Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Lease Agreements [Abstract]	'
Lease Agreements	'
	(10) Lease Agreements
	As of December 31, 2013 the Company is a lessor for three commercial buildings and the commercial portions of 20 mixed use communities. The tenants’ lease terms expire at various times through 2028.  The future minimum non-cancelable base rent to be received under these operating leases for each of the years ending after December 31 is summarized as follows ($ in thousands):
		Future
		Minimum
		Rent
	2014	$	8,624
	2015		7,104
	2016		4,908
	2017		4,158
	2018		3,613
	Thereafter		15,271
		$	43,678

Equity_Transactions

Equity Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Transactions [Abstract]	'
Equity Transactions	'
	(11) Equity Transactions
	Preferred Securities Offerings
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company has the following cumulative preferred securities outstanding:
			Shares		Shares		Liquidation
	Description	Issue Date	Authorized		Outstanding		Preference
	4.875% Series G	Jul-06		5,980,000		178,249	$	4,456
	7.125% Series H	Apr-11		8,000,000		2,950,000	$	73,750
	During the third quarter of 2006, the Company sold 5,980,000 shares of 4.875% Series G Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series G”) for gross proceeds of $149.5 million.  Holders may convert Series G into shares of ESS common stock subject to certain conditions.  The conversion rate was initially .1830 shares of common stock per the $25 share liquidation preference, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $136.62 per share of common stock (the conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events).  ESS may, under certain circumstances, cause some or all of the Series G to be converted into that number of shares of common stock at the then prevailing conversion rate.  As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, shares of Series G with an aggregate liquidation value of $4.5 million were outstanding.
	During the second quarter of 2011, the Company issued 2,950,000 shares of 7.125% Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (“Series H”) at a price of $25.00 per share for net proceeds of $71.2 million, net of costs and original issuance discounts.  The Series H has no maturity date and generally may not be called by the Company before April 13, 2016.  Net proceeds from the Series H offering were used to redeem all of the 7.875% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units of Essex Portfolio, L.P. (“Series B”) with a liquidation value of $80.0 million, which resulted in excess of cash paid of $1.0 million over the carrying value of Series B due to deferred offering costs and original issuance discounts.
	Also during the second quarter of 2011, ESS redeemed its 7.8125% Series F Preferred Stock (“Series F”) at liquidation value for $25.0 million which resulted in excess of cash paid of $0.9 million over the carrying value of Series F due to deferred offering costs and original issuance discounts.
	Common Stock Offerings
	During 2013, ESS sold 913,344 shares of common stock for proceeds of $138.4 million, net of fees and commissions, at an average price of $152.92.
	During 2012 and 2011, ESS issued 2.4 million shares of common stock in each period for proceeds of $357.7 million and $323.9 million, net of fees and commissions, respectively.
	Operating Partnership Units and Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) Units
	As of December 31, 2013, the Operating Partnership had outstanding 2,031,612 operating partnership units and 118,190 vested LTIP units. The Operating Partnership’s general partner, ESS, owned 94.6% of the partnership interests in the Operating Partnership at December 31, 2013, and ESS is responsible for the management of the Operating Partnership’s business. As the general partner of the Operating Partnership, ESS effectively controls the ability to issue common stock of ESS upon a limited partner’s notice of redemption. In addition, ESS has generally acquired OP units upon a limited partner’s notice of redemption in exchange for shares of its common stock. The redemption provisions of OP units owned by limited partners that permit ESS to settle in either cash or common stock at the option of ESS further evaluated in accordance with applicable accounting guidance to determine whether temporary or permanent equity classification on the balance sheet is appropriate. The Operating Partnership evaluated this guidance, including the requirement to settle in unregistered shares, and determined that these OP units meet the requirements to qualify for presentation as permanent equity.
	LTIP units represent an interest in the Operating Partnership for services rendered or to be rendered by the LTIP unit holder in its capacity as a partner, or in anticipation of becoming a partner, in the Operating Partnership. Upon the occurrence of specified events, LTIP units may over time achieve full parity with common units of the Operating Partnership for all purposes. Upon achieving full parity, LTIP units may be redeemed for an equal number of the ESS’s common stock.
	The redemption value of the OP units owned by the limited partners, not including ESS, had such units been redeemed at December 31, 2013, was approximately $308.5 million based on the closing price of ESS’s common stock as of December 31, 2013.

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_an

Net Income Per Common Share and Net Income Per Common Unit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Net Income Per Common Share and Net Income Per Unit [Abstract]	'
Net Income Per Common Share	'
	(12) Net Income Per Common Share and Net Income Per Common Unit
	Essex Property Trust, Inc.
	Basic and diluted income from continuing and discontinued operations per share is calculated as follows for the years ended December 31 ($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
			2013						2012						2011
					Weighted-		Per				Weighted-		Per				Weighted-		Per
					average		Common				average		Common				average		Common
					Common		Share				Common		Share				Common		Share
			Income		Shares		Amount		Income		Shares		Amount		Income		Shares		Amount
	Basic:
	Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders		$	121,324		37,248,960	$	3.26	$	108,532		35,032,491	$	3.1	$	30,570		32,541,792	$	0.94
	Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders			29,487		37,248,960		0.79		11,280		35,032,491		0.32		9,798		32,541,792		0.3
			$	150,811			$	4.05	$	119,812			$	3.42	$	40,368			$	1.24
	Effect of Dilutive Securities (1)			-		86,335				-		92,430				-		86,922
	Diluted:
	Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders (1)		$	121,324		37,335,295	$	3.25	$	108,532		35,124,921	$	3.09	$	30,570		32,628,714	$	0.94
	Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders			29,487		37,335,295		0.79		11,280		35,124,921		0.32		9,798		32,628,714		0.3
			$	150,811			$	4.04	$	119,812			$	3.41	$	40,368			$	1.24
		-1	Weighted average convertible limited partnership units of 2,131,425, 2,219,046, and 2,231,807, which include vested Series Z and Series Z-1 incentive units, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were not included in the determination of diluted earnings per share calculation because they were anti-dilutive. The Company has the ability to redeem DownREIT limited partnership units for cash and does not consider them to be potentially dilutive securities.
	Stock options of 168,325; 263,613; and 175,500; for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because the exercise price of these options were greater than the average market price of the common shares for the years ended and, therefore, were anti-dilutive.
	All shares of cumulative convertible Series G preferred stock have been excluded from diluted earnings per share for the years ended 2013, 2012, and 2011 respectively, as the effect was anti-dilutive.
	Essex Portfolio, L.P.
	Basic and diluted income from continuing and discontinued operations per unit is calculated as follows for the years ended December 31 ($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
			2013						2012						2011
					Weighted-		Per				Weighted-		Per				Weighted-		Per
					average		Common				average		Common				average		Common
					Common		Unit				Common		Unit				Common		Unit
			Income		Units		Amount		Income		Units		Amount		Income		Units		Amount
	Basic:
	Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders		$	128,576		39,380,385	$	3.27	$	115,834		37,251,537	$	3.11	$	33,035		34,773,599	$	0.95
	Income from discontinued operations			31,173		39,380,385		0.79		11,937		37,251,537		0.32		10,558		34,773,599		0.3
	Income available to common unitholders		$	159,749			$	4.06	$	127,771			$	3.43	$	43,593			$	1.25
	Effect of Dilutive Securities (1)			-		86,335				-		92,430				-		67,319
	Diluted:
	Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders (1)		$	128,576		39,466,720	$	3.26	$	115,834		37,343,967	$	3.1	$	33,035		34,860,521	$	0.95
	Income from discontinued operations			31,173		39,466,720		0.79		11,937		37,343,967		0.32		10,558		34,860,521		0.3
	Income available to common unitholders		$	159,749			$	4.05	$	127,771			$	3.42	$	43,593			$	1.25
		-1	The Operating Partnership has the ability to redeem DownREIT limited partnership units for cash and does not consider them to be potentially dilutive securities.
	Stock options of 168,325; 263,613; and 175,500; for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, were not included in the diluted earnings per unit calculation because the exercise price of these units were greater than the average market price of the common units for the years ended and, therefore, were anti-dilutive.
	All units of cumulative convertible Series G preferred interest have been excluded from diluted earnings per unit for the years ended 2013, 2012, and 2011 respectively, as the effect was anti-dilutive.

Equity_Based_Compensation_Plan

Equity Based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]	'
Equity Based Compensation Plans	'
	(13) Equity Based Compensation Plans
	Stock Options and Restricted Stock
	In May 2013, stockholders approved the Company’s 2013 Stock Award and Incentive Compensation Plan (“2013 Plan”). The 2013 Plan became effective on June 1, 2013 and serves as the successor to the Company’s 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”), and no additional equity awards can be granted under the 2004 Plan after the date the 2013 Plan became effective.
	The Company’s 2013 Plan provides incentives to attract and retain officers, directors and key employees.  The 2013 Plan provides for the grants of options to purchase shares of common stock, grants of restricted stock and other award types.  Under the 2013 Plan, the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued is 1,000,000, plus any shares that have not been issued under the 2004 Plan, including shares subject to outstanding awards under the 2004 Plan that are not issued or delivered to a participant for any reason.  The 2013 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and is comprised of independent directors.  The Compensation Committee is authorized to establish the exercise price; however, the exercise price cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date.  The Company’s options have a life of five to ten years.  Option grants for officers and employees fully vest between one year and five years after the grant date.
	Stock-based compensation expense for options and restricted stock under the fair value method totaled $2.3 million, $2.0 million, and $1.5 million for years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 respectively.  Stock-based compensation capitalized for options and restricted stock totaled $0.4 million, $0.3 million, and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The intrinsic value of the options exercised totaled $3.0 million, $2.9 million, and $3.8 million, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 respectively.  The intrinsic value of the options outstanding and fully vested totaled $7.6 million, $9.9 million, and $10.6 million, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options totaled $5.1 million as of December 31, 2013 and the unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a period of 1 to 5 years.
	The average fair value of stock options granted for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $15.80, $12.64 and $14.49, respectively. Certain stock options grated in 2013, 2012, and 2011 included a $75 cap or a $100 cap on the appreciation of the market price over the exercise price.  The fair value of stock options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants:
			2013				2012				2011
	Stock price		$	153.54			$	143.95			$	131.87
	Risk-free interest rates			2.68	%			1.16	%			2.23	%
	Expected lives		10 years				5 - 10 years				10 years
	Volatility			18.03	%			20.05	%			19.63	%
	Dividend yield			3.15	%			3.26	%			3.29	%
	A summary of the status of the Company’s stock option plans as of December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 and changes during the years ended on those dates is presented below:
			2013								2012								2011
							Weighted-								Weighted-								Weighted-
							average								average								average
							exercise								exercise								exercise
			Shares				price				Shares				price				Shares				price
	Outstanding at beginning of year			623,434			$	125.96				415,020			$	109.71				300,642			$	88.11
	Granted			150,325				153.54				263,113				143.95				197,500				131.87
	Exercised			(52,970	)			102.43				(41,603	)			77.21				(83,122	)			84.24
	Forfeited and canceled			(25,301	)			135.25				(13,096	)			128.36				-				-
	Outstanding at end of year			695,488				133.37				623,434				125.96				415,020				109.71
	Options exercisable at year end			300,632				119.09				250,620				107.12				219,820				92.31
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2013:
						Options outstanding												Options exercisable
						Number				Weighted-								Number
						outstanding				average				Weighted-				exercisable				Weighted-
						as of				remaining				average				as of				average
		Range of				December 31,				contractual				exercise				December 31,				exercise
		exercise prices				2013				life (years)				price				2013				price
		$	62.34 - $101.01				74,261				2.7			$	79.18				72,261			$	79.02
			105.64 - 161.98				604,902				7.2				139.18				228,371				131.77
			164.76 - 164.76				16,325				9.4				164.76				-				-
							695,488				6.8				133.37				300,632				119.09
	During 2013, 2012, and 2011 the Company issued 1,556, 1,614 and 1,540 shares of restricted stock, respectively.  The unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock totaled $1.2 million as of December 31, 2013 and is expected to be recognized over a period of 1 to 7 years.
	The following table summarizes information about restricted stock outstanding as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and changes during the years ended:
			2013								2012								2011
							Weighted-								Weighted-								Weighted-
							average								average								average
							grant								grant								grant
			Shares				price				Shares				price				Shares				price
	Unvested at beginning of year			24,922			$	104.52				35,219			$	98.57				44,877			$	102.46
	Granted			1,556				158.75				1,614				149.68				1,540				134.44
	Vested			(7,211	)			109.86				(8,641	)			106.69				(9,532	)			104.91
	Forfeited and canceled			(3,091	)			100.84				(3,270	)			102				(1,666	)			94.35
	Unvested at end of year			16,176				108.06				24,922				104.52				35,219				98.57
	Long Term Incentive Plans – Z Units and 2014 LTIP Units
	On December 10, 2013, the Operating Partnership issued 50,500 units under the 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan Award agreements to twelve senior executives of the Company.  Pursuant to the 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan Awards, each recipient was initially granted a number of 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan Units (the “2014 LTIP Units”), 90% of which are subject to performance-based vesting, and 10% of which are subject to service-based vesting based on continued employment.  One-third of the performance-based vesting of the 2014 LTIP Units initially granted will be eligible to be earned by recipients based on Essex’s absolute total stockholder return and two-thirds will be eligible to be earned based on Essex’s relative total stockholder return, in each case, during a one-year performance period beginning on the initial grant date of the awards.
	Prior to 2013, the Company adopted an incentive program involving the issuance of Series Z Incentive Units and Series Z-1 Incentive Units (collectively referred to as “Z Units”) of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership.  Vesting in the Z Units is based on performance criteria established in the plan.  The criteria can be revised at the beginning of the year by the Board's Compensation Committee if the Committee deems that the plan's criterion is unachievable for any given year.   The sale of Z Units is contractually prohibited.  Z Units are convertible into Operating Partnership units which are exchangeable for shares of the Company’s common stock that have marketability restrictions.  The estimated fair value of a Z Unit is determined on the grant date and considers the Company's current stock price, the dividends that are not paid on unvested units and a marketability discount for the 8 to 15 years of illiquidity.  Compensation expense is calculated by multiplying estimated vesting increases for the period by the estimated fair value as of the grant date less its $1.00 per unit purchase price.  Effective January 1 of each year for each participating executive who remains employed by the Company if the Company has met a specified “funds from operations” per share target, or such other target as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate, for the prior year, up to a maximum conversion ratchet of 100%.  Z units issued in 2011 and 2010 are discussed below.
	The issuance of Z Units and 2014 LTIP Units are administered by the Compensation Committee which has the authority to select participants and determine the awards to be made up to a maximum of 600,000 Z Units and 2014 LTIP Units.
	Stock-based compensation expense for Z Units and 2014 LTIP Units under the fair value method totaled approximately $2.2 million, $2.1 million and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Stock-based compensation capitalized for Z Units and 2014 LTIP Units totaled approximately $0.5 million, $0.5 million, and $0.3 million, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.  The intrinsic value of the unvested Z Units and 2014 LTIP Units totaled $21.4 million as of December 31, 2013.  Total unrecognized compensation cost related to the unvested Z Units and 2014 LTIP Units under the Z Units and 2014 LTIP Units plans totaled $7.6 million as of December 31, 2013.  The unamortized cost for the Z Units and LTIP Units is recognized up to 14 years and four years, respectively, subject to the achievement of the stated performance criteria.
	During 2011, the Operating Partnership issued 46,500 Series Z-1 Incentive Units (the “2011 Z-1 Units”) of limited partner interest to fourteen executives of the Company in exchange for cash from eight executive officers of the Company, and a capital commitment from the remaining six executives of $1.00 per 2011 Z-1 Unit.  The 2011 Z-1 Units are convertible one-for-one into common units of the Operating Partnership (which, in turn, are convertible into common stock of the Company) upon the earlier to occur of 100 percent vesting of the units or the year 2026.  The conversion ratchet (accounted for as vesting) of the 2011 Z-1 Units into common units, increased to 10 percent effective January 1, 2012 because the Company achieved the FFO minimum target of $5.65 per diluted share in 2011.  Each year thereafter, vesting of the 2011 Z-1 Units will be consistent with the Company’s annual FFO growth, but is not to be less than zero or greater than 14 percent.  The 2011 Z-1 Unit holders are entitled to receive distributions, on vested units, that are approximately the same as dividends distributed to common stockholders.
	During 2010, the Operating Partnership issued 108,000 Series Z-1 Incentive Units (the “2010 Z-1 Units”) of limited partner interest to twenty executives of the Company. The conversion ratchet (accounted for as vesting) of the 2010 Z-1 Units into common units, increased to 20 percent effective January 1, 2011 because the Company achieved the FFO minimum target of $4.75 per diluted share in 2010.  Once the units are vested, Z-1 Unit holders receive quarterly distributions of approximately the dividend rate paid on common shares.  Each year thereafter, vesting of the 2010 Z-1 Units will be consistent with the Company’s annual FFO growth, but is not to be less than zero or greater than 14 percent.
	The following table summarizes information about the Z Units and 2014 LTIP Units outstanding as of December 31, 2013 ($ in thousands):
			Long Term Incentive Plan - Z Units and 2014 LTIP Units
											Aggregate												Weighted-
											Intrinsic								Weighted-				average
			Total				Total				Value				Total				average				Remaining
			Vested				Unvested				of Unvested				Outstanding				Grant-date				Contractual
			Units				Units				Units				Units				Fair Value				Life (years)
	Balance, December 2010			326,280				171,902			$	19,463				498,182			$	54.15				11.2
Granted			-				46,500								46,500
Vested			44,520				(44,520	)							-
Converted			(191,718	)			-								(191,718	)
Cancelled			-				(3,863	)							(3,863	)
Balance, December 2011			179,082				170,019				23,719				349,101				58.17				12.3
Granted			-				-								-
Vested			28,163				(28,163	)							-
Converted			(16,541	)			-								(16,541	)
Cancelled			-				(1,813	)							(1,813	)
Balance, December 2012			190,704				140,043				20,800				330,747				58.44				11.3
Granted			-				50,500								50,500
Vested			35,919				(35,919	)							-
Converted			(108,433	)			-								(108,433	)
Cancelled			-				(5,243	)							(5,243	)
Balance, December 2013			118,190				149,381			$	21,438				267,571			$	63.53				9.3

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	(14) Segment Information
	The Company defines its reportable operating segments as the three geographical regions in which its communities are located: Southern California, Northern California and Seattle Metro.  Excluded from segment revenues are communities classified in discontinued operations, management and other fees from affiliates, and interest and other income.  Non-segment revenues and net operating income included in the following schedule also consist of revenue generated from commercial properties.  Other non-segment assets include real estate under development, co-investments, cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, notes and other receivables, prepaid expenses and other assets and deferred charges.
	The revenues and net operating income for each of the reportable operating segments are summarized as follows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 ($ in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Revenues:
	Southern California	$	265,226		$	246,534		$	220,416
	Northern California		214,402			175,325			149,457
	Seattle Metro		107,553			92,489			79,832
	Other real estate assets		14,822			12,348			10,955
	Total property revenues	$	602,003		$	526,696		$	460,660
	Net operating income:
	Southern California	$	176,675		$	164,092		$	145,353
	Northern California		148,204			120,540			99,047
	Seattle Metro		71,407			60,853			51,477
	Other real estate assets		9,705			9,044			7,273
	Total net operating income		405,991			354,529			303,150
	Depreciation		(192,420	)		(169,173	)		(150,009	)
	Interest expense before amortization		(104,600	)		(100,244	)		(91,694	)
	Amortization expense		(11,924	)		(11,644	)		(11,474	)
	Management and other fees from affiliates		11,700			11,489			6,780
	General and administrative		(25,601	)		(23,307	)		(20,694	)
	Cost of management and other fees		(6,681	)		(6,513	)		(4,610	)
	Merger expenses		(4,284	)		-			-
	Interest and other income		11,633			13,833			17,139
	Loss on early retirement of debt		(300	)		(5,009	)		(1,163	)
	Gain on sale of land		1,503			-			-
	Equity income (loss) income from co-investments		55,865			41,745			(467	)
	Gain on remeasurement of co-investment		-			21,947			-
	Income before discontinued operations	$	140,882		$	127,653		$	46,958
	Total assets for each of the reportable operating segments are summarized as follows as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
		As of December 31,
	Assets:	2013			2012
	Southern California	$	1,746,434		$	1,675,265
	Northern California		1,614,159			1,489,095
	Seattle Metro		741,533			699,465
	Other real estate assets		86,745			88,330
	Net reportable operating segments - real estate assets		4,188,871			3,952,155
	Real estate under development		50,430			66,851
	Co-investments		677,133			571,345
	Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash		53,766			42,126
	Marketable securities		90,084			92,713
	Notes and other receivables		68,255			66,163
	Other non-segment assets		58,300			55,870
	Total assets	$	5,186,839		$	4,847,223

401k_Plan

401(k) Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
401(k) Plan [Abstract]	'
401(k) Plan	'
	(15) 401(k) Plan
	The Company has a 401(k) benefit plan (the “Plan”) for all full-time employees who have completed six months of service. Employee contributions are limited by the maximum allowed under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The Company matches the employee contributions for non-highly compensated personnel, up to 50% of their contribution up to a specified maximum.  Company contributions to the Plan were approximately $0.2 million, $0.2 million, and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	(16) Commitments and Contingencies
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company had five non-cancelable ground leases for certain apartment communities and buildings that expire between 2027 and 2082.  Ground lease payments are typically the greater of a stated minimum or a percentage of gross rents generated by these apartment communities.  Total minimum lease commitments, under ground leases and operating leases, are approximately $1.7 million per year for the next five years.
	To the extent that an environmental matter arises or is identified in the future that has other than a remote risk of having a material impact on the financial statements, the Company will disclose the estimated range of possible outcomes, and, if an outcome is probable, accrue an appropriate liability for remediation and other potential liability. The Company will consider whether such occurrence results in an impairment of value on the affected property and, if so, impairment will be recognized.
	Except with respect to three communities, the Company has no indemnification agreements from third parties for potential environmental clean-up costs at its communities.  The Company has no way of determining at this time the magnitude of any potential liability to which it may be subject arising out of unknown environmental conditions or violations with respect to the communities formerly owned by the Company.  No assurance can be given that existing environmental studies with respect to any of the communities reveal all environmental liabilities, that any prior owner or operator of a Property did not create any material environmental condition not known to the Company, or that a material environmental condition does not otherwise exist as to any one or more of the communities.  The Company has limited insurance coverage for the types of environmental liabilities described above.
	The Company has entered into transactions that may require the Company to pay the tax liabilities of the partners in the Operating Partnership or in the DownREIT entities.  These transactions are within the Company’s control. Although the Company plans to hold the contributed assets or defer recognition of gain on their sale pursuant to like-kind exchange rules under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code the Company can provide no assurance that it will be able to do so and if such tax liabilities were incurred they may to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position.
	There have been an increasing number of lawsuits against owners and managers of apartment communities alleging personal injury and property damage caused by the presence of mold in residential real estate. Some of these lawsuits have resulted in substantial monetary judgments or settlements.  The Company has been sued for mold related matters and has settled some, but not all, of such matters.   Insurance carriers have reacted to mold related liability awards by excluding mold related claims from standard policies and pricing mold endorsements at prohibitively high rates.  The Company has, however, purchased pollution liability insurance, which includes some coverage for mold.  The Company has adopted policies to promptly address and resolve reports of mold when it is detected, and to minimize any impact mold might have on residents of the property.  The Company believes its mold policies and proactive response to address any known existence, reduces its risk of loss from these cases.  There can be no assurances that the Company has identified and responded to all mold occurrences, but the company promptly addresses all known reports of mold.  Liabilities resulting from such mold related matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  As of December 31, 2013, potential liabilities for mold and other environmental liabilities are not quantifiable and an estimate of possible loss cannot be made.
	The Company carries comprehensive liability, fire, extended coverage and rental loss insurance for each of the communities.  There are, however, certain types of extraordinary losses, such as, for example, losses from terrorism or earthquakes, for which the Company does not have insurance coverage.  Substantially all of the communities are located in areas that are subject to earthquake activity.  The Company has established a wholly owned insurance subsidiary, Pacific Western Insurance LLC (“PWI”).  Through PWI, the Company is self-insured as it relates to earthquake related losses.  Additionally, since January 2008, PWI has provided property and casualty insurance coverage for the first $5.0 million of the Company’s property level insurance claims per incident.  As of December 31, 2013, PWI has cash and marketable securities of approximately $40 million.  These assets are consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.  Beginning in 2013, the Company has obtained limited third party seismic insurance on selected assets in which it holds an ownership interest in.
	The Company provided a payment guarantee to the counterparties in relation to the total return swaps entered into by the joint venture responsible for the development of The Huxley and The Dylan communities.  Further the Company has guaranteed completion of development and made certain debt service guarantees for The Huxley and The Dylan.  The outstanding balance for the loans is included in the debt line item in the balance sheet of the co-investments included in Note 3.  The payment guarantee is for the payment of the amounts due to the counterparty related total return swaps which are scheduled to mature in September and December 2016.  The maximum exposure of the guarantee as of December 31, 2013 was $96.3 million based on the aggregate outstanding debt amount.
	Since the announcement of the merger agreement on December 19, 2013, three putative class action and shareholder derivative actions have been filed on behalf of alleged BRE stockholders and/or BRE itself in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, under the following captions: Sutton v. BRE Properties, Inc., et al., No. 24-C-13-008425, filed December 23, 2013; Applegate v. BRE Properties, Inc., et al., No. 24-C-14-00002, filed December 30, 2013; and Lee v. BRE Properties, Inc., et al., No. 24-C-14-00046, filed January 3, 2014.
	On February 7, 2014, Plaintiffs filed identical, amended complaints in the three pending actions. The amended complaints add allegations that disclosures regarding the proposed merger in the joint proxy statement/prospectus filed with the SEC on January 29, 2014 are inadequate.
	All of these complaints name as defendants BRE, the BRE Board, Essex, and Merger Sub, and allege that the BRE Board breached its fiduciary duties to BRE’s stockholders and/or to BRE itself, and that the merger involves an unfair price, an inadequate sales process, and unreasonable deal protection devices that purportedly preclude competing offers. The complaints further allege that Essex, Merger Sub, and, in some cases, BRE aided and abetted those alleged breaches of duty. The complaints seek injunctive relief, including enjoining or rescinding the merger, and an award of other unspecified attorneys’ and other fees and costs, in addition to other relief.  Essex management believes that the allegations in the complaints against them are without merit and intend to defend vigorously against them.
	The Company is subject to various other lawsuits in the normal course of its business operations.  Such lawsuits are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	(17) Subsequent Events
	In January 2014, the Company sold Vista Capri, a 106 unit apartment community located in San Diego, CA for $14.4 million.
	In January 2014, the Company expanded its unsecured revolving credit facility to $1.0 billion from $600 million, and included an accordion feature pursuant to which the Company could expand to $1.5 billion.  The facility matures in December 2017, with one 18-month extension option, subject to specified conditions and the payment of an extension fee.  The new facility carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus 0.95% based on the Company’s current credit ratings.
	In January 2014, the Company extended the $25.0 million working capital unsecured line of credit for two additional years and reduced the pricing which carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus 0.95% based on a tiered rate structure tied to the Company’s current credit ratings.
	In January 2014, the Company’s $350 million unsecured term loan was amended and the underlying interest rate on the term loan, which is based on a tiered rate structure tied to the Company’s corporate ratings, was reduced from LIBOR plus 1.20% to LIBOR plus 1.05%.
	During the first quarter of 2014 through February 24, 2014, the Company sold 462,555 shares of common stock for $74.9 million, net of fees and commissions at an average price of $162.97.

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	'
	(18) Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
	Essex Property Trust, Inc.
	The following is a summary of quarterly results of operations for 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands, except per share and dividend amounts):
		Quarter ended		Quarter ended		Quarter ended		Quarter ended
		31-Dec		30-Sep		30-Jun		31-Mar
	2013:00:00
	Total property revenues	$	155,986	$	152,177	$	148,783	$	145,057
	Income before discontinued operations	$	20,020	$	62,718	$	28,983	$	29,161
	Net income	$	36,903	$	75,875	$	29,575	$	29,702
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	31,874	$	68,788	$	24,946	$	25,203
	Per share data:
	Net income:
	Basic	$	0.85	$	1.84	$	0.67	$	0.68
	Diluted	$	0.85	$	1.84	$	0.67	$	0.68
	Market price:
	High	$	165.44	$	172.16	$	171.11	$	156.36
	Low	$	137.53	$	139.64	$	147.56	$	147.06
	Close	$	143.51	$	147.7	$	158.92	$	150.58
	Dividends declared	$	1.21	$	1.21	$	1.21	$	1.21
	2012:00:00
	Total property revenues	$	140,294	$	133,760	$	128,465	$	124,177
	Income before discontinued operations	$	49,158	$	19,731	$	42,050	$	16,714
	Net income	$	49,640	$	20,221	$	42,490	$	27,239
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	43,793	$	16,219	$	37,078	$	22,722
	Per share data:
	Net income:
	Basic	$	1.22	$	0.46	$	1.07	$	0.67
	Diluted	$	1.22	$	0.45	$	1.07	$	0.67
	Market price:
	High	$	150.71	$	160.64	$	161.53	$	151.54
	Low	$	136.38	$	147.38	$	146.05	$	136.43
	Close	$	146.65	$	148.24	$	153.92	$	151.51
	Dividends declared	$	1.1	$	1.1	$	1.1	$	1.1
	Essex Portfolio, L.P.
	The following is a summary of quarterly results of operations for 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands, except per unit and distribution amounts):
		Quarter ended		Quarter ended		Quarter ended		Quarter ended
		31-Dec		30-Sep		30-Jun		31-Mar
	2013:00:00
	Total property revenues	$	155,986	$	152,177	$	148,783	$	145,057
	Income before discontinued operations	$	20,020	$	62,718	$	28,983	$	29,161
	Net income	$	36,903	$	75,875	$	29,575	$	29,702
	Net income available to common unitholders	$	33,776	$	72,777	$	26,493	$	26,703
	Per unit data:
	Net income:
	Basic	$	0.87	$	1.84	$	0.67	$	0.68
	Diluted	$	0.86	$	1.84	$	0.67	$	0.68
	Dividends declared	$	1.21	$	1.21	$	1.21	$	1.21
	2012:00:00
	Total property revenues	$	140,294	$	133,760	$	128,465	$	124,177
	Income before discontinued operations	$	49,158	$	19,731	$	42,050	$	16,714
	Net income	$	49,640	$	20,221	$	42,490	$	27,239
	Net income available to common unitholders	$	46,581	$	17,296	$	39,580	$	24,314
	Per unit data:
	Net income:
	Basic	$	1.23	$	0.46	$	1.08	$	0.67
	Diluted	$	1.23	$	0.45	$	1.07	$	0.67
	Distributions declared	$	1.1	$	1.1	$	1.1	$	1.1

SCHEDULE_III_REAL_ESTATE_AND_A

SCHEDULE III REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION [Abstract]	'
SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION	'
	ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	ESSEX PORTFOLIO, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE III
	REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
	31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)
														Costs
										Initial cost				capitalized		Gross amount carried at close of period
												Buildings and		subsequent to		Land and		Buildings and				Accumulated		Date of		Date		Lives
	Property		Units		Location			Encumbrance		Land		improvements		acquisition		improvements		improvements		Total(1)		depreciation		construction		acquired		(years)
	Encumbered communities
	The Elliot at Mukilteo		301		Mukilteo, WA			10,750		2,498		10,595		13,805		2,824		24,075		26,898		(11,185)		1981		01/97		3-30
	Avondale at Warner Center		446		Woodland Hills, CA			46,077		10,536		24,522		15,162		10,601		39,619		50,220		(21,737)		1970		01/97		3-30
	Bridgeport		184		Newark, CA			21,374		1,608		7,582		6,595		1,525		14,260		15,785		(10,670)		1987		07/87		3-30
	Barkley, The(2)		161		Anaheim, CA			16,534		-		8,520		4,817		2,353		10,984		13,337		(5,006)		1984		Apr-00		3-30
	Bel Air		462		San Ramon, CA			54,858		12,105		18,252		25,571		12,682		43,246		55,928		(21,280)		1988		01/97		3-30
	Belmont Station		275		Los Angeles, CA			30,045		8,100		66,666		3,262		8,267		69,760		78,027		(16,096)		2008		12/08		3-30
	Bella Villagio		231		San Jose, CA			36,992		17,247		40,343		1,735		17,247		42,079		59,325		(4,849)		2004		10-Sep		3-30
	Brookside Oaks		170		Sunnyvale, CA			19,652		7,301		16,310		20,824		10,328		34,107		44,435		(12,736)		1973		06/00		3-30
	Camino Ruiz Square		160		Camarillo, CA			21,110		6,871		26,119		940		6,931		26,999		33,930		(6,507)		1990		12/06		3-30
	Canyon Oaks		250		San Ramon, CA			28,559		19,088		44,473		1,512		19,088		45,985		65,073		(10,550)		2005		7-May		3-30
	Carlyle, The		132		San Jose, CA			18,274		3,954		15,277		9,956		5,801		23,387		29,187		(10,159)		2000		04/00		3-30
	City View		572		Hayward, CA			62,008		9,883		37,670		21,261		10,350		58,464		68,814		(32,305)		1975		03/98		3-30
	Coldwater Canyon		39		Studio City, CA			5,446		1,674		6,640		1,289		1,676		7,928		9,603		(2,308)		1979		7-May		3-30
	Courtyard off Main		109		Bellevue, WA			16,016		7,465		21,405		2,718		7,465		24,123		31,588		(2,752)		2000		10-Oct		3-30
	Domaine		92		Seattle, WA			16,336		9,059		27,177		375		9,059		27,552		36,611		(1,191)		2009		12-Sep		3-30
	Elevation		157		Redmond, WA			11,579		4,758		14,285		5,498		4,757		19,784		24,541		(3,054)		1986		10-Jun		3-30
	Esplanade		278		San Jose, CA			43,965		18,170		40,086		6,786		18,429		46,613		65,042		(15,128)		2002		11/04		3-30
	Fairhaven		164		Santa Ana, CA			16,954		2,626		10,485		5,561		2,957		15,715		18,672		(5,989)		1970		11/01		3-30
	Fairwood Pond		194		Renton, WA			13,024		5,296		15,564		2,111		5,297		17,674		22,971		(5,979)		1997		10/04		3-30
	Fountain Park		705		Playa Vista, CA			83,179		25,073		94,980		23,673		25,203		118,523		143,726		(41,416)		2002		02/04		3-30
	Harvest Park		104		Santa Rosa, CA			10,473		6,700		15,479		984		6,690		16,473		23,163		(4,043)		2004		7-Mar		3-30
	Hampton Place /Hampton Court		215		Glendale, CA			20,967		6,695		16,753		5,574		6,733		22,289		29,022		(10,899)		1970		06/99		3-30
	Hidden Valley		324		Simi Valley, CA			30,027		14,174		34,065		1,535		9,674		40,101		49,774		(12,830)		2004		12/04		3-30
	Highridge		255		Rancho Palos Verdes, CA			44,807		5,419		18,347		26,326		6,073		44,019		50,092		(19,916)		1972		05/97		3-30
	Highlands at Wynhaven		333		Issaquah, WA			32,793		16,271		48,932		5,541		16,271		54,473		70,744		(10,576)		2000		08/08		3-30
	Hillcrest Park		608		Newbury Park, CA			68,339		15,318		40,601		15,868		15,755		56,031		71,787		(27,474)		1973		03/98		3-30
	Hillsborough Park		235		La Habra, CA			37,218		6,291		15,455		1,625		6,272		17,099		23,371		(8,182)		1999		09/99		3-30
	Huntington Breakers		342		Huntington Beach, CA			38,108		9,306		22,720		7,218		9,315		29,929		39,244		(15,046)		1984		10/97		3-30
	Inglenook Court		224		Bothell, WA			8,300		3,467		7,881		5,766		3,474		13,640		17,114		(8,870)		1985		10/94		3-30
	Magnolia Square/Magnolia Lane(3)		188		Sunnyvale, CA			18,017		8,190		24,736		12,716		8,191		37,451		45,642		(8,282)		1969		7-Sep		3-30
	Mirabella		188		Marina Del Rey, CA			45,470		6,180		26,673		13,583		6,270		40,165		46,436		(16,059)		2000		05/00		3-30
	Mill Creek at Windermere		400		San Ramon, CA			49,212		29,551		69,032		1,975		29,551		71,008		100,558		(15,298)		2005		7-Sep		3-30
	Montclaire, The		390		Sunnyvale, CA			46,580		4,842		19,776		20,091		4,997		39,712		44,709		(29,766)		1973		12/88		3-30
	Montebello		248		Kirkland, WA			29,300		13,857		41,575		2,707		13,858		44,281		58,139		(2,351)		1996		07/12		3-30
	Montejo		124		Garden Grove, CA			13,064		1,925		7,685		2,420		2,194		9,835		12,030		(4,167)		1974		11/01		3-30
	Park Hill at Issaquah		245		Issaquah, WA			28,966		7,284		21,937		2,317		7,284		24,254		31,538		(7,853)		1999		02/99		3-30
	Palisades, The		192		Bellevue, WA			20,935		1,560		6,242		10,733		1,565		16,971		18,535		(11,333)		1977		05/90		3-30
	Pathways		296		Long Beach, CA			37,651		4,083		16,757		18,730		6,239		33,332		39,570		(22,575)		1975		02/91		3-30
	Stevenson Place		200		Fremont, CA			21,724		996		5,582		7,076		1,001		12,653		13,654		(9,216)		1971		04/83		3-30
	Stonehedge Village		196		Bothell, WA			12,390		3,167		12,603		4,726		3,201		17,296		20,496		(9,341)		1986		10/97		3-30
	Summerhill Park		100		Sunnyvale, CA			13,554		2,654		4,918		1,287		2,656		6,202		8,859		(4,814)		1988		09/88		3-30
	The Bernard		63		Seattle, WA			9,776		3,699		11,345		95		3,689		11,451		15,139		(887)		2008		11-Sep		3-30
	The Huntington		276		Huntington Beach, CA			33,121		10,374		41,495		2,026		10,374		43,522		53,895		(2,301)		1975		06/12		3-30
	Tierra Vista		404		Oxnard, CA			56,359		13,652		53,336		3,497		13,661		56,824		70,485		(18,565)		2001		01/01		3-30
	Valley Park		160		Fountain Valley, CA			22,180		3,361		13,420		3,319		3,761		16,339		20,100		(6,817)		1969		11/01		3-30
	(Continued)
														Costs
										Initial cost				capitalized		Gross amount carried at close of period
												Buildings and		subsequent to		Land and		Buildings and				Accumulated		Date of		Date		Lives
	Property		Units		Location			Encumbrance		Land		improvements		acquisition		improvements		improvements		Total(1)		depreciation		construction		acquired		(years)
	Encumbered communities (continued)
	Villa Angelina		256		Placentia, CA			27,040		4,498		17,962		5,714		4,962		23,213		28,174		(8,818)		1970		11/01		3-30
Wandering Creek		156		Kent, WA			5,300		1,285		4,980		3,569		1,296		8,538		9,834		(5,395)		1986		11/95		3-30
Waterford, The		238		San Jose, CA			31,705		11,808		24,500		12,570		15,165		33,713		48,878		(15,024)		2000		06/00		3-30
Wilshire Promenade		149		Fullerton, CA			17,975		3,118		7,385		7,245		3,797		13,951		17,748		(6,745)		1992		01/97		3-30
							1,404,080		393,037		1,199,123		380,286		406,809		1,565,636		1,972,445		-564,341
Unencumbered communities
Allegro		97		Valley Village, CA					5,869		23,977		1,144		5,869		25,121		30,990		(3,944)		2010		10-Oct		3-30
Alpine Village		301		Alpine, CA					4,967		19,728		4,511		4,982		24,224		29,206		(9,201)		1971		12/02		3-30
Anavia		250		Anaheim, CA					15,925		63,712		5,633		15,925		69,345		85,270		(7,077)		2009		10-Dec		3-30
Annaliese		56		Seattle, WA					4,727		14,229		67		4,726		14,297		19,023		(459)		2009		13-Jan		3-30
Ascent		90		Kirkland, WA					3,924		11,862		1,344		3,924		13,206		17,130		(582)		1988		12-Oct		3-30
Axis 2300		115		Irvine, CA					5,405		33,585		780		5,405		34,365		39,770		(5,348)		2010		10-Aug		3-30
Bellerive		63		Los Angeles, CA					5,401		21,803		568		5,401		22,370		27,772		(2,378)		2011		08/11		3-30
Belmont Terrace		71		Belmont, CA					4,446		10,290		2,454		4,473		12,717		17,190		(4,187)		1974		10/06		3-30
Bennett Lofts		147		San Francisco, CA					21,771		50,800		23,304		28,371		67,503		95,875		(2,456)		2004		12/12		3-30
Bonita Cedars		120		Bonita, CA					2,496		9,913		1,773		2,503		11,678		14,182		(4,608)		1983		12/02		3-30
Boulevard		172		Fremont, CA					3,520		8,182		10,606		3,580		18,729		22,308		(11,311)		1978		01/96		3-30
Bridle Trails		108		Kirkland, WA					1,500		5,930		5,388		1,531		11,287		12,818		(5,860)		1986		10/97		3-30
Brighton Ridge		264		Renton, WA					2,623		10,800		3,086		2,656		13,852		16,509		(8,080)		1986		12/96		3-30
Bristol Commons		188		Sunnyvale, CA					5,278		11,853		3,361		5,293		15,199		20,492		(8,004)		1989		01/97		3-30
416 on Broadway		115		Glendale, CA					8,557		34,235		992		8,557		35,226		43,784		(3,750)		2009		10-Dec		3-30
Bunker Hill		456		Los Angeles, CA					11,498		27,871		9,067		11,639		36,798		48,436		(17,548)		1968		03/98		3-30
Cairns, The		100		Seattle, WA					6,937		20,679		443		6,939		21,121		28,059		(4,694)		2006		7-Jun		3-30
Camarillo Oaks		564		Camarillo, CA					10,953		25,254		3,361		11,075		28,493		39,568		(16,613)		1985		07/96		3-30
Canyon Pointe		250		Bothell, WA					4,692		18,288		3,856		4,693		22,143		26,836		(8,091)		1990		10/03		3-30
Capri at Sunny Hills		100		Fullerton, CA					3,337		13,320		6,848		4,048		19,457		23,505		(7,745)		1961		09/01		3-30
Castle Creek		216		Newcastle, WA					4,149		16,028		2,240		4,833		17,584		22,417		(10,037)		1997		12/97		3-30
CBC Apartments		148		Goleta, CA					6,283		24,000		2,645		6,288		26,641		32,928		(7,948)		1962		01/06		3-30
CentrePointe		224		San Diego, CA					3,405		7,743		17,571		3,442		25,277		28,719		(7,522)		1974		06/97		3-30
Cedar Terrace		180		Bellevue, WA					5,543		16,442		4,065		5,652		20,397		26,050		(6,996)		1984		01/05		3-30
Chestnut Street		96		Santa Cruz, CA					6,582		15,689		1,029		6,582		16,718		23,300		(3,249)		2002		07/08		3-30
Commons, The		264		Campbell, CA					12,555		29,307		3,839		12,556		33,145		45,701		(4,451)		1973		10-Jul		3-30
Corbella at Juanita Bay		169		Kirkland, WA					5,801		17,415		1,081		5,801		18,496		24,297		(2,070)		1978		10-Nov		3-30
Country Villas		180		Oceanside, CA					4,174		16,583		2,650		4,187		19,220		23,407		(7,669)		1976		12/02		3-30
Delano/Bon Terra		126		Redmond, WA					7,470		22,511		834		7,470		23,345		30,815		(1,585)		2005/2011		12/11		3-30
Devonshire		276		Hemet, CA					3,470		13,786		2,400		3,482		16,174		19,656		(6,481)		1988		12/02		3-30
Domain		379		San Diego, CA					23,848		95,394		17		23,848		95,411		119,259		(398)		2013		11/13		3-30
Emerald Ridge		180		Bellevue, WA					3,449		7,801		2,992		3,449		10,793		14,242		(7,244)		1987		11/94		3-30
Essex Skyline at MacArthur Place		349		Santa Ana, CA					21,537		146,099		1,216		21,537		147,314		168,852		(8,472)		2008		12-Apr		3-30
Evergreen Heights		200		Kirkland, WA					3,566		13,395		3,654		3,649		16,966		20,615		(9,184)		1990		06/97		3-30
Fairways(4)		74		Newport Beach, CA					-		7,850		5,290		9		13,131		13,140		(5,354)		1972		06/99		3-30
Foothill Commons		388		Bellevue, WA					2,435		9,821		33,746		2,440		43,562		46,002		(22,333)		1978		03/90		3-30
Foothill Gardens/Twin Creeks		176		San Ramon, CA					5,875		13,992		5,273		5,964		19,176		25,140		(10,015)		1985		02/97		3-30
Forest View		192		Renton, WA					3,731		14,530		1,361		3,731		15,891		19,622		(5,742)		1998		10/03		3-30
Fountain Court		320		Seattle, WA					6,702		27,306		7,607		6,985		34,631		41,615		(15,071)		2000		03/00		3-30
Fourth & U		171		Berkeley, CA					8,879		52,351		2,227		8,879		54,577		63,457		(7,644)		2010		10-Apr		3-30
Fox Plaza		444		San Francisco, CA					39,731		92,706		2,627		39,731		95,333		135,064		(2,771)		1968		13-Feb		3-30
Hillsdale Garden		697		San Mateo, CA					22,000		94,681		18,717		22,244		113,154		135,398		(28,418)		1948		09/06		3-30
Hope Ranch Collection		108		Santa Barbara, CA					4,078		16,877		2,394		4,208		19,141		23,349		(4,108)		1965		7-Mar		3-30
(Continued)
													Costs
									Initial cost				capitalized		Gross amount carried at close of period
											Buildings and		subsequent to		Land and		Buildings and				Accumulated		Date of		Date		Lives
Property		Units		Location			Encumbrance		Land		improvements		acquisition		improvements		improvements		Total(1)		depreciation		construction		acquired		(years)
Unencumbered communities (continued)
Joule		295		Seattle, WA					14,558		69,417		3,142		14,558		72,559		87,117		(10,435)		2010		10-Mar		3-30
1000 Kiely		121		Santa Clara, CA					9,359		21,845		5,118		9,359		26,963		36,322		(2,745)		1971		11-Mar		3-30
Kings Road		196		Los Angeles, CA					4,023		9,527		8,817		4,031		18,336		22,367		(8,792)		1979		06/97		3-30
Laurels at Mill Creek		164		Mill Creek, WA					1,559		6,430		5,107		1,595		11,501		13,096		(6,330)		1981		12/96		3-30
Le Parc Luxury Apartments		140		Santa Clara, CA					3,090		7,421		10,794		3,092		18,212		21,305		(10,219)		1975		02/94		3-30
Lofts at Pinehurst, The		118		Ventura, CA					1,570		3,912		4,346		1,618		8,210		9,828		(3,824)		1971		06/97		3-30
Marbrisa		202		Long Beach, CA					4,700		18,605		4,116		4,760		22,662		27,421		(8,395)		1987		09/02		3-30
Marina City Club(5)		101		Marina Del Rey, CA					-		28,167		17,390		-		45,557		45,557		(12,066)		1971		01/04		3-30
Marina Cove(6)		292		Santa Clara, CA					5,320		16,431		9,971		5,324		26,398		31,722		(15,114)		1974		06/94		3-30
Mariners Place		105		Oxnard, CA					1,555		6,103		1,813		1,562		7,909		9,471		(3,847)		1987		05/00		3-30
Meadowood		320		Simi Valley, CA					7,852		18,592		6,239		7,898		24,785		32,683		(13,426)		1986		11/96		3-30
Mesa Village		133		Clairemont, CA					1,888		7,498		1,099		1,894		8,592		10,485		(3,253)		1963		12/02		3-30
Mira Monte		355		Mira Mesa, CA					7,165		28,459		8,392		7,186		36,830		44,016		(15,701)		1982		12/02		3-30
Miracle Mile/Marbella		236		Los Angeles, CA					7,791		23,075		12,201		7,886		35,181		43,067		(17,228)		1988		08/97		3-30
Mission Hills		282		Oceanside, CA					10,099		38,778		4,009		10,167		42,719		52,886		(13,413)		1984		07/05		3-30
Monterra del Mar/Rey/Sol		292		Pasadena, CA					2,202		4,794		28,416		8,385		27,027		35,412		(13,253)		1972		04/99		3-30
Monterey Villas		122		Oxnard, CA					2,349		5,579		5,478		2,424		10,982		13,406		(5,199)		1974		07/97		3-30
Mt. Sutro		99		San Francisco, CA					2,334		8,507		3,450		2,809		11,482		14,291		(5,435)		1973		06/01		3-30
Muse		152		North Hollywood, CA					7,822		33,436		1,550		7,823		34,985		42,808		(4,888)		2011		11-Feb		3-30
Park Catalina		90		Los Angeles, CA					4,710		18,839		876		4,710		19,716		24,425		(1,051)		2002		12-Jun		3-30
Park West		126		San Francisco, CA					9,424		21,988		1,895		9,424		23,883		33,307		(1,060)		1958		12-Sep		3-30
Pinehurst(7)		28		Ventura, CA					355		1,356		453		6		2,159		2,164		(836)		1973		12/04		3-30
Pointe at Cupertino, The		116		Cupertino, CA					4,505		17,605		10,179		4,505		27,784		32,289		(8,131)		1963		08/98		3-30
Reed Square		100		Sunnyvale, CA					6,873		16,037		6,377		6,873		22,414		29,287		(1,490)		1970		01/12		3-30
Regency at Encino		75		Encino, CA					3,184		12,737		1,754		3,184		14,490		17,675		(2,407)		1989		12/09		3-30
Salmon Run at Perry Creek		132		Bothell, WA					3,717		11,483		1,263		3,801		12,662		16,463		(5,544)		2000		10/00		3-30
101 San Fernando		323		San Jose, CA					4,173		58,961		5,425		4,173		64,386		68,559		(7,966)		2001		10-Jul		3-30
Sammamish View		153		Bellevue, WA					3,324		7,501		5,868		3,331		13,361		16,693		(8,810)		1986		11/94		3-30
San Marcos		432		Richmond, CA					15,563		36,204		26,551		22,866		55,452		78,318		(19,483)		2003		11/03		3-30
Santee Court/Santee Village		238		Los Angeles, CA					9,581		40,317		2,967		9,582		43,283		52,865		(4,811)		2004		10-Oct		3-30
Shadow Point		172		Spring Valley, CA					2,812		11,170		1,833		2,820		12,995		15,815		(5,146)		1983		12/02		3-30
Slater 116		108		Kirkland, WA					7,379		22,138		158		7,379		22,296		29,675		(220)		2013		09/13		3-30
Summit Park		300		San Diego, CA					5,959		23,670		3,840		5,977		27,492		33,469		(10,845)		1972		12/02		3-30
The Grand		243		Oakland, CA					4,531		89,208		4,199		4,531		93,407		97,938		(17,784)		2009		9-Jan		3-30
The Sweeps		91		Goleta, CA					5,558		21,320		1,947		5,618		23,206		28,825		(7,273)		1967		01/06		3-30
Trabucco Villas		132		Lake Forest, CA					3,638		8,640		2,177		3,890		10,565		14,455		(5,485)		1985		10/97		3-30
Tuscana		30		Tracy, CA					2,828		6,599		162		2,870		6,719		9,589		(1,484)		2007		7-Feb		3-30
Via		284		Sunnyvale, CA					22,000		82,270		317		22,016		82,571		104,587		(8,246)		2011		11-Jul		3-30
Vista Belvedere		76		Tiburon, CA					5,573		11,901		5,224		5,573		17,125		22,698		(5,945)		1963		08/04		3-30
Vista Capri - North		106		San Diego, CA					1,663		6,609		901		1,668		7,505		9,173		(2,825)		1975		12/02		3-30
Vox		58		Seattle, WA					5,545		16,635		22		5,545		16,657		22,202		(116)		2013		10/13		3-30
Walnut Heights		163		Walnut, CA					4,858		19,168		2,592		4,887		21,731		26,618		(7,648)		1964		10/03		3-30
Wharfside Pointe		142		Seattle, WA					2,245		7,020		7,537		2,258		14,545		16,802		(7,773)		1990		06/94		3-30
Willow Lake		508		San Jose, CA					43,194		101,030		3,887		43,194		104,917		148,111		(4,365)		1989		10/12		3-30
Windsor Ridge		216		Sunnyvale, CA					4,017		10,315		8,365		4,021		18,676		22,697		(12,239)		1989		03/89		3-30
Woodland Commons		302		Bellevue, WA					2,040		8,727		18,174		2,044		26,897		28,941		(11,363)		1978		03/90		3-30
Woodside Village		145		Ventura, CA					5,331		21,036		3,242		5,341		24,268		29,609		(7,663)		1987		12/04		3-30
		29,989					1,404,080		1,021,942		3,474,800		863,981		1,059,824		4,300,898		5,360,723		-1,232,604
(Continued)
																	Costs
		Rentable							Initial cost								capitalized				Gross amount carried at close of period
		Square											Buildings and				subsequent to				Land and				Buildings and					Accumulated			Date of		Date		Lives
Property		Footage			Location		Encumbrance		Land				improvements				acquisition				improvements				improvements			Total(1)		depreciation			construction		acquired		(years)
Other real estate assets
Hollywood			35,000		Los Angeles, CA					10,200				13,800				2,441				10,200				16,241			26,441		(4,747	)		1938		6-Jul		30-Mar
Santa Clara Retail			139,000		Santa Clara, CA					6,472				11,704				3,616				6,472				15,320			21,792		(2,687	)		1970		11-Sep		30-Mar
925/935 East Meadow Drive			31,900		Palo Alto, CA					1,401				3,172				8,006				3,147				9,433			12,579		(4,561	)		1988		Nov-97		30-Mar
17461 Derian Ave			110,000		Irvine, CA					3,079				12,315				6,829				3,909				18,314			22,223		(10,286	)		1983		Jul-00		30-Mar
Consolidated Development Pipeline										10,658				-				39,772				50,430				-			50,430		-
Total apartment communities and other real estate assets							$            1,404,080		$	1,053,752			$	3,515,791			$	924,645			$	1,133,982			$	4,360,205		$	5,494,188	$	(1,254,886	)
-1	The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is approximately $4.6 billion (unaudited).
-2	The land is leased pursuant to a ground lease expiring 2082.
-3	The land is leased pursuant to a ground lease expiring 2070.
-4	The land is leased pursuant to a ground lease expiring 2027.
-5	The land is leased pursuant to a ground lease expiring 2067.
-6	A portion of land is leased pursuant to a ground lease expiring in 2028.
-7	The land is leased pursuant to a ground lease expiring in 2028.
A summary of activity for rental properties and accumulated depreciation is as follows:
		2013				2012				2011					2013				2012				2011
Rental properties:													Accumulated depreciation:
Balance at beginning of year		$	5,033,672			$	4,313,064			$	3,964,561		Balance at beginning of year		$	1,081,517			$	920,026			$	775,553
Improvements			92,016				97,947				219,692		Depreciation expense - Acquisitions			6,203				3,744				1,279
Acquisition of real estate			344,476				619,743				103,300		Depreciation expense - Discontinued operations			12,290				2,108				315
Development of real estate			14,111				25,545				44,280		Depreciation expense - Rental properties			168,092				161,492				148,337
Disposition of real estate			(40,518	)			(22,627	)			(18,769	)	Dispositions			(13,216	)			(5,853	)			(5,458	)
Balance at the end of year		$	5,443,757			$	5,033,672			$	4,313,064		Balance at the end of year		$	1,254,886			$	1,081,517			$	920,026

Summary_of_Critical_and_Signif1

Summary of Critical and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Critical and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	(a) Principles of Consolidation
	The accounts of the Company, its controlled subsidiaries and the variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which it is the primary beneficiary are consolidated in the accompanying financial statements. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain reclassifications have been made to conform to the current year’s presentation.
	Noncontrolling interest includes the 5.4% and 5.5% limited partner interests in the Operating Partnership not held by the Company at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These percentages include the Operating Partnership’s vested long term incentive plan units (see Note 13).
	The Company consolidates 19 DownREIT limited partnerships (comprising eleven communities), since the Company is the primary beneficiary of these variable interest entities (“VIEs”).  The consolidated total assets and liabilities related to these VIEs, net of intercompany eliminations, were approximately $194.9 million and $178.3 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013, and $201.1 million and $178.6 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2012.
	The DownREIT VIEs collectively own eleven apartment communities in which Essex Management Company (“EMC”) is the general partner, the Operating Partnership is a special limited partner, and the other limited partners were granted rights of redemption for their interests.  Such limited partners can request to be redeemed and the Company can elect to redeem their rights for cash or by issuing shares of its common stock on a one share per unit basis.  Conversion values will be based on the market value of the Company's common stock at the time of redemption multiplied by the number of units stipulated under the above arrangements.  The other limited partners receive distributions based on the Company's current dividend rate times the number of units held.  Total DownREIT units outstanding were 1,007,879 and 1,039,431 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 respectively, and the redemption value of the units, based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock totaled $144.6 million and $152.4 million, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the carrying value of the other limited partners' interests is presented at their historical cost and is classified within noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	Interest holders in VIEs consolidated by the Company are allocated a priority of net income equal to the cash payments made to those interest holders or distributions from cash flow.  The remaining results of operations are generally allocated to the Company.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not have any VIE’s of which it was not deemed to be the primary beneficiary.
Real Estate Rental Properties	'
	(b) Real Estate Rental Properties
	Significant expenditures, which improve or extend the life of an asset and have a useful life of greater than one year, are capitalized.  Operating real estate assets are stated at cost and consist of land, buildings and improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, and other costs incurred during their development, redevelopment and acquisition.  Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
	The depreciable life of various categories of fixed assets is as follows:
	Computer software and equipment	3 - 5 years
	Interior unit improvements	5 years
	Land improvements and certain exterior components of real property	10 years
	Real estate structures	30 years
	The Company capitalizes all costs incurred with the predevelopment, development or redevelopment of real estate assets or are associated with the construction or expansion of real property.  Such capitalized costs include land, land improvements, allocated costs of the Company’s project management staff, construction costs, as well as interest and related loan fees, property taxes and insurance.  Capitalization begins for predevelopment, development, and redevelopment projects when activity commences.  Capitalization ends when the apartment home is completed and the property is available for a new resident or if the development activities are put on hold.
	The Company allocates the purchase price of real estate to land and building, and identifiable intangible assets, such as the value of above, below and in-place leases. The values of the above and below market leases are amortized and recorded as either a decrease (in the case of above market leases) or an increase (in the case of below market leases) to rental revenue over the remaining term of the associated leases acquired, which in the case of below market leases the Company assumes lessees will elect to renew their leases.  The value of acquired in-place leases are amortized to expense over the term the Company expects to retain the acquired tenant, which is generally 20 months.
	The Company performs the following evaluation for communities acquired:
		-1	adjust the purchase price for any fair value adjustments resulting from such things as assumed debt or contingencies;
		-2	estimate the value of the real estate “as if vacant” as of the acquisition date;
		-3	allocate that value among land and buildings;
		-4	compute the value of the difference between the “as if vacant” value and the adjusted purchase price, which will represent the total intangible assets;
		-5	compute the value of the above and below market leases and determine the associated life of the above market/ below market leases;
		-6	compute the value of the in-place leases and customer relationships, if any, and the associated lives of these assets.
	Whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a property held for investment or held for sale may not be fully recoverable, the carrying amount will be evaluated for impairment. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount (including intangible assets) of a property held for investment, then the Company will recognize an impairment loss equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the property.  Fair value of a property is determined using conventional real estate valuation methods, such as discounted cash flow, the property’s unleveraged yield in comparison to the unleveraged yields and sales prices of similar communities that have been recently sold, and other third party information, if available.  Communities held for sale are carried at the lower of cost and fair value less estimated costs to sell.  As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, no communities were classified as held for sale and no impairment charges were recorded in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
	In the normal course of business, the Company will receive purchase offers for its communities, either solicited or unsolicited. For those offers that are accepted, the prospective buyer will usually require a due diligence period before consummation of the transaction.  It is not unusual for matters to arise that result in the withdrawal or rejection of the offer during this process.  The Company classifies real estate as "held for sale" when all criteria under the accounting standard for the disposals of long-lived assets have been met.  In accordance with the standard, the Company presents income and gains/losses on communities sold or held for sale as discontinued operations.  The Company’s equity in income or loss from real estate investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting remain classified in continuing operations upon disposition.  (See Note 6 for a description of the Company’s discontinued operations for 2013, 2012, and 2011).
Co-investments	'
	(c) Co-investments
	The Company owns investments in joint ventures (“co-investments”) in which it has significant influence, but its ownership interest does not meet the criteria for consolidation in accordance with the accounting standards.  Therefore, the Company accounts for these investments using the equity method of accounting.  Under the equity method of accounting, the investment is carried at the cost of assets contributed, plus the Company’s equity in earnings less distributions received and the Company’s share of losses.
	A majority of the co-investments, excluding the preferred equity investments, compensate the Company for its asset management services and some of these investments may provide promote distributions if certain financial return benchmarks are achieved.  Asset management fees are recognized when earned, and promote fees are recognized when the earnings events have occurred and the amount is determinable and collectible.  Any promote fees are reflected in equity income (loss) from co-investments.
Revenues and Gains on Sale of Real Estate	'
	(d) Revenues and Gains on Sale of Real Estate
	Revenues from tenants renting or leasing apartment units are recorded when due from tenants and are recognized monthly as they are earned, which is not materially different than on a straight-line basis.  Units are rented under short-term leases (generally, lease terms of 6 to 12 months) and may provide no rent for one or two months, depending on the market conditions and leasing practices of the Company’s competitors in each sub-market at the time the leases are executed.   Revenues from tenants leasing commercial space are recorded on a straight-line basis over the life of the respective lease.
	The Company recognizes gains on sales of real estate when a contract is in place, a closing has taken place, the buyer’s initial and continuing investment is adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the property and the Company does not have a substantial continuing involvement in the property.
Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	'
	(e) Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
	Highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased are classified as cash equivalents.  Restricted cash balances relate primarily to reserve requirements for capital replacement at certain communities in connection with the Company’s mortgage debt.
Marketable Securities	'
	(f)  Marketable Securities
	The Company reports its available for sale securities at fair value, based on quoted market prices (Level 2 for the unsecured bonds and Level 1 for the common stock and investment funds, as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) standard for fair value measurements as discussed later in Note 2), and any unrealized gain or loss is recorded as other comprehensive income (loss).  There were no other than temporary impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.  Realized gains and losses, interest income, and amortization of purchase discounts are included in interest and other income on the consolidated statement of operations.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, marketable securities consisted primarily of investment-grade unsecured bonds, common stock, investments in mortgage backed securities and investment funds that invest in U.S. treasury or agency securities.  As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company classified its investments in mortgage backed securities, which mature in November 2019 and September 2020, as held to maturity, and accordingly, these securities are stated at their amortized cost.  The discount on the mortgage backed securities is being amortized to interest income based on an estimated yield and the maturity date of the securities.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012 marketable securities consist of the following ($ in thousands):
			31-Dec-13
						Gross
			Amortized			Unrealized			Carrying
			Cost			Gain (Loss)			Value
	Available for sale:
	Investment-grade unsecured bonds		$	15,466		$	509		$	15,955
	Investment funds - US treasuries			3,675			3			3,678
	Common stock			13,104			(1,304	)		11,800
	Held to maturity:
	Mortgage backed securities			58,651			-			58,651
	Total		$	90,876		$	(792	)	$	90,084
			31-Dec-12
						Gross
			Amortized			Unrealized			Carrying
			Cost			Gain			Value
	Available for sale:
	Investment-grade unsecured bonds		$	15,475		$	826		$	16,301
	Investment funds - US treasuries			3,788			1			3,789
	Common stock			18,917			1,704			20,621
	Held to maturity:
	Mortgage backed securities			52,002			-			52,002
	Total		$	90,182		$	2,531		$	92,713
	The Company uses the specific identification method to determine the cost basis of a security sold and to reclassify amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income for securities sold.  For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the proceeds from sales of available for sale securities totaled $24.2 million, $61.7 million and $33.0 million, respectively.  These sales all resulted in gains, which totaled $1.8 million, $0.8 million and $5.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Notes Receivable	'
	(g) Notes Receivable
	Notes receivable relate to real estate financing arrangements including mezzanine and bridge loans and are secured by real estate.  Interest is recognized over the life of the note.
	Each note is analyzed to determine if it is impaired.  A note is impaired if it is probable that the Company will not collect all contractually due principal and interest.  The Company does not accrue interest when a note is considered impaired and an allowance is recorded for any principal and previously accrued interest that are not believed to be collectable. All cash receipts on impaired notes are applied to reduce the principal amount of such notes until the principal has been recovered and, thereafter, are recognized as interest income. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, no notes were impaired.
Capitalization Policy	'
	(h) Capitalization Policy
	The Company capitalizes all direct and certain indirect costs, including interest, real estate taxes and insurance, incurred during development and redevelopment activities. Interest is capitalized on real estate assets that require a period of time to get them ready for their intended use.  The amount of interest capitalized is based upon the average amount of accumulated development expenditures during the reporting period.  Included in capitalized costs are management’s estimates of the direct and incremental personnel costs and indirect project costs associated with the Company's development and redevelopment activities.  Indirect project costs consist primarily of personnel costs associated with construction administration and development, including accounting, legal fees, and various office costs that clearly relate to projects under development.  The Company’s capitalized internal costs related to development and redevelopment projects totaled $7.5 million, $6.2 million and $4.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively,  most of which relates to development projects.  These totals include capitalized salaries of $2.6 million, $2.4 million and $2.2 million, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company capitalizes leasing commissions associated with the lease-up of development communities and amortizes the costs over the life of the leases. The amounts capitalized are immaterial for all periods presented.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	(i) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company values its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques described in the FASB’s accounting standard for fair value measurements.  Level 1 inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.  Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices observable for the asset or liability.   Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.  The Company uses Level 1 inputs for the fair values of its cash equivalents and its marketable securities except for unsecured bonds and mortgage backed securities.  The Company uses Level 2 inputs for its investments in unsecured bonds, notes receivable, notes payable, and derivative liabilities.  These inputs include interest rates for similar financial instruments.  The Company’s valuation methodology for derivatives is described  in Note 9.  The Company uses Level 3 inputs to estimate the fair value of its mortgage backed securities.  The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
	Management believes that the carrying amounts of the outstanding balances under its lines of credit and notes and other receivables approximate fair value as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, because interest rates, yields and other terms for these instruments are consistent with yields and other terms currently available for similar instruments.  Management has estimated that the fair value of the Company’s $2.30 billion and $2.13 billion of fixed rate debt at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, to be $2.33 billion and $2.24 billion.  Management has estimated the fair value of the Company’s $737.0 million and $692.9 million of variable rate debt at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, is $719.4 million and $671.7 million based on the terms of the Company’s existing variable rate debt compared to those available in the marketplace.  Management believes that the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, construction payable, other liabilities and dividends payable approximate fair value as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.  Marketable securities and derivative liabilities are carried at fair value as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	At December 31, 2013, the Company’s investments in mortgage backed securities had a carrying value of $58.7 million and the Company estimated the fair value to be approximately $86.2 million. At December 31, 2012, the estimated fair values of the mortgage backed securities were approximately equal to the carrying values.  The Company determines the fair value of the mortgage backed securities based on unobservable inputs (level 3 of the fair value hierarchy) considering the assumptions that market participants would make in valuing these securities.  Assumptions such as estimated default rates and discount rates are used to determine expected, discounted cash flows to estimate the fair value.
Interest Rate Protection, Swap, and Forward Contracts	'
	(j) Interest Rate Protection, Swap, and Forward Contracts
	The Company uses interest rate swaps, interest rate cap contracts, and forward starting swaps to manage interest rate risks.  The Company’s objective in using derivatives is to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements or other identified risks.  To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily used interest rate swaps and interest rate forward-starting swaps as part of its cash flow hedging strategy.  The Company was hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for a portion of its forecasted transactions.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no outstanding forward starting swaps.  The Company records all derivatives on its consolidated balance sheet at fair value.  The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation.   Derivatives used to hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges.  Derivatives used to hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges.
	For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative and the hedged item related to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings.  For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is initially reported in other comprehensive income (outside of earnings) and subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings, and the ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized directly in earnings.  The Company assesses the initial and ongoing effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the changes in fair value or cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the changes in fair value or cash flows of the designated hedged item or transaction.
	For derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings.  All of the Company’s interest rate swaps and interest rate caps are considered cash flow hedges except for the swap related to the multifamily revenue refunding bonds for the 101 San Fernando community that was terminated in 2012 as described in detail in Note 9.  The Company did not have any fair value hedges during the years end December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
Deferred Charges	'
	(k) Deferred Charges
	Deferred charges are principally comprised of loan fees and related costs which are amortized over the terms of the related borrowing in a manner which approximates the effective interest method.
Income Taxes	'
	(l) Income Taxes
	Generally in any year in which the Company qualifies as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under the Internal Revenue Code (the “IRC”), it is not subject to federal income tax on that portion of its income that it distributes to stockholders. No provision for federal income taxes, other than the taxable REIT subsidiaries discussed below, has been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013 as the Company has elected to be and believes it qualifies under the IRC as a REIT and has made distributions during the periods in amounts to preclude the Company from paying federal income tax.
	In order to maintain compliance with REIT tax rules, the Company utilizes taxable REIT subsidiaries for various revenue generating or investment activities. The taxable REIT subsidiaries are consolidated by the Company. The activities and tax related provisions, assets and liabilities are not material.
	As a partnership, the Operating Partnership is not subject to federal or state income taxes except that in order to maintain ESS's compliance with REIT tax rules that are applicable to ESS, the Operating Partnership utilizes taxable REIT subsidiaries for various revenue generating or investng activities. The taxable REIT subsidiaries are consolidated by the Operating Partnership.
	The status of cash dividends distributed for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 related to common stock, Series F, Series G, and Series H preferred stock are classified for tax purposes as follows:
			2013			2012			2011
	Common Stock
	Ordinary income			77.34	%		70.58	%		63.68	%
	Capital gain			17.64	%		8.75	%		11.16	%
	Unrecaptured section 1250 capital gain			5.02	%		7.97	%		0.74	%
	Return of capital			0	%		12.7	%		24.42	%
				100	%		100	%		100	%
			2013			2012			2011
	Series F, G, and H Preferred stock
	Ordinary income			77.34	%		80.85	%		100	%
	Capital gains			17.64	%		10.02	%		0	%
	Unrecaptured section 1250 capital gain			5.02	%		9.13	%		0	%
				100	%		100	%		100	%
Preferred Stock	'
	(m) Preferred Stock
	The Company’s Series G Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series G Preferred Stock”) contains fundamental change provisions that allow the holder to redeem the preferred stock for cash if certain events occur.  The redemption under these provisions is not solely within the Company’s control, thus the Company has classified the Series G Preferred Stock as temporary equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Equity-based Compensation	'
	(n) Equity-based Compensation
	The cost of share and unit based compensation awards is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the awards.  The estimated fair value of stock options and restricted stock granted by the Company are being amortized over the vesting period.  The estimated grant date fair values of the long term incentive plan units (discussed in Note 13) are being amortized over the expected service periods.
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net by Component	'
	(o) Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Component
	Essex Property Trust, Inc.
						Unrealized
						gains/(losses) on
			Change in fair			available for sale
			value and amortization
			of derivatives			securities			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012, net of noncontrolling interest		$	(71,658	)	$	2,397		$	(69,261	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification			3,468			(1,472	)		1,996
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			8,466			(1,673	)		6,793
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			11,934			(3,145	)		8,789
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	(59,724	)	$	(748	)	$	(60,472	)
	Essex Portfolio, L.P.
						Unrealized
						gains/(losses) on
			Change in fair			available for sale
			value and amortization
			of derivatives			securities			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012, net of noncontrolling interest		$	(70,762	)	$	2,531		$	(68,231	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification			4,148			(1,556	)		2,592
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other  comprehensive loss			8,466			(1,767	)		6,699
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			12,614			(3,323	)		9,291
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	(58,148	)	$	(792	)	$	(58,940	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net in connection with derivatives are recorded to interest expense before amortization on the consolidated statement of operations.  Realized gains and losses on available for sale securities are included in interest and other income on the consolidated statement of operations.
Accounting Estimates	'
	(p) Accounting Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to acquiring, developing and assessing the carrying values of its real estate portfolio, its investments in and advances to joint ventures and affiliates, its notes receivable and its qualification as a REIT.  The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, current market conditions, and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may vary from those estimates and those estimates could be different under different assumptions or conditions.

Summary_of_Critical_and_Signif2

Summary of Critical and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Critical and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Depreciable life of various categories of fixed assets	'
	The depreciable life of various categories of fixed assets is as follows:
	Computer software and equipment	3 - 5 years
	Interior unit improvements	5 years
	Land improvements and certain exterior components of real property	10 years
	Real estate structures	30 years
Components of Marketable Securities	'
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012 marketable securities consist of the following ($ in thousands):
			31-Dec-13
						Gross
			Amortized			Unrealized			Carrying
			Cost			Gain (Loss)			Value
	Available for sale:
	Investment-grade unsecured bonds		$	15,446		$	509		$	15,955
	Investment funds - US treasuries			3,675			3			3,678
	Common stock			13,104			(1,304	)		11,800
	Held to maturity:
	Mortgage backed securities			58,651			-			58,651
	Total		$	90,876		$	(792	)	$	90,084
			31-Dec-12
						Gross
			Amortized			Unrealized			Carrying
			Cost			Gain			Value
	Available for sale:
	Investment-grade unsecured bonds		$	15,475		$	826		$	16,301
	Investment funds - US treasuries			3,788			1			3,789
	Common stock			18,917			1,704			20,621
	Held to maturity:
	Mortgage backed securities			52,002			-			52,002
	Total		$	90,182		$	2,531		$	92,713
Status of cash dividends distributed	'
	The status of cash dividends distributed for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 related to common stock, Series F, Series G, and Series H preferred stock are classified for tax purposes as follows:
			2013			2012			2011
	Common Stock
	Ordinary income			77.34	%		70.58	%		63.68	%
	Capital gain			17.64	%		8.75	%		11.16	%
	Unrecaptured section 1250 capital gain			5.02	%		7.97	%		0.74	%
	Return of capital			0	%		12.7	%		24.42	%
				100	%		100	%		100	%
			2013			2012			2011
	Series F, G, and H Preferred stock
	Ordinary income			77.34	%		80.85	%		100	%
	Capital gains			17.64	%		10.02	%		0	%
	Unrecaptured section 1250 capital gain			5.02	%		9.13	%		0	%
				100	%		100	%		100	%
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net by Component	'
	Essex Property Trust, Inc.
						Unrealized
						gains/(losses) on
			Change in fair			available for sale
			value and amortization
			of derivatives			securities			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012, net of noncontrolling interest		$	(71,658	)	$	2,397		$	(69,261	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification			3,468			(1,472	)		1,996
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			8,466			(1,673	)		6,793
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			11,934			(3,145	)		8,789
	Balance at December 31, 2013, net of noncontrolling interest		$	(59,724	)	$	(748	)	$	(60,472	)
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]	'
Summary of Critical and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net by Component	'
	Essex Portfolio, L.P.
						Unrealized
						gains/(losses) on
			Change in fair			available for sale
			value and amortization
			of derivatives			securities			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	(70,762	)	$	2,531		$	(68,231	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification			4,148			(1,556	)		2,592
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other  comprehensive loss			8,466			(1,767	)		6,699
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)			12,614			(3,323	)		9,291
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	(58,148	)	$	(792	)	$	(58,940	)

Real_Estate_Investments_Tables

Real Estate Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Real Estate Investments [Abstract]	'
Summary of Co Investment	'
	The carrying values of the Company’s co-investments, all accounted for under the equity method of accounting as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows ($ in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Membership interest in Wesco I	$	142,025		$	143,874
	Membership interest in Wesco III		39,073			9,941
	Partnership interest in Fund II		4,166			53,601
	Membership interest in a limited liability company that owns Expo		12,041			18,752
	Total operating co-investments		197,305			226,168
	Membership interests in limited liability companies with CPPIB that own and are developing Epic, Connolly Station, Mosso I & II, Park 20 (fka Elkhorn) and The Village		301,538			186,362
	Membership interests in limited liability companies that own and are developing The Huxley and The Dylan		18,545			16,552
	Membership interest in a limited liability company that owns and is developing One South Market		17,115			-
	Total development co-investments		337,198			202,914
	Membership interest in Wesco II that owns a preferred equity interest in Parkmerced with a preferred return of 10.1%		94,711			91,843
	Preferred interest in related party limited liability company that owns Sage at Cupertino with a preferred return of  9.5%		15,775			14,438
	Preferred interest in a related party limited liability company that owns Madison Park at Anaheim with a preferred return of 9%		13,824			13,175
	Preferred interest in related party limited liability company that owns an apartment development in Redwood City with a preferred return of 12%		9,455			-
	Preferred interest in a limited liability company that owns an apartment development in San Jose with a preferred return of 12%		8,865			-
	Preferred interests in limited liability companies that own apartment communities in downtown Los Angeles with preferred returns of 9% and 10% repaid in 2013		-			22,807
	Total preferred interest investments		142,630			142,263
	Total co-investments	$	677,133		$	571,345
Summarized Financial Statement for Co Investment Accounted for Under the Equity Method	'
	The combined summarized financial information of co-investments, which are accounted for under the equity method, is as follows ($ in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Balance sheets:
	Rental properties and real estate under development	$	1,953,328		$	1,745,147
	Other assets		61,578			168,061
	Total assets	$	2,014,906		$	1,913,208
	Debt	$	667,641		$	820,895
	Other liabilities		125,479			91,922
	Equity		1,221,786			1,000,391
	Total liabilities and partners' equity	$	2,014,906		$	1,913,208
	Company's share of equity	$	677,133		$	571,345
		Years ended
		December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Statements of operations:
	Property revenues	$	100,402		$	130,128		$	106,386
	Property operating expenses		(37,518	)		(55,990	)		(43,066	)
	Net operating income		62,884			74,138			63,320
	Gain on sale of real estate		146,758			106,016			-
	Interest expense		(24,155	)		(34,959	)		(27,843	)
	General and administrative		(5,344	)		(3,697	)		(1,748	)
	Depreciation and amortization		(36,831	)		(47,917	)		(44,412	)
	Net income (loss)	$	143,312		$	93,581		$	(10,683	)
	Company's share of net income (loss)	$	55,865		$	41,745		$	(467	)

Notes_and_Other_Receivables_Ta

Notes and Other Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Notes and Other Receivables [Abstract]	'
Notes and Other Receivables	'
	Notes receivables, secured by real estate, and other receivables consist of the following as December 31, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
			2013		2012
	Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at 4.0%, due December 2014 (1)		$	3,212	$	3,212
	Notes and other receivables from affiliates (2)			60,968		28,896
	Other receivables			4,075		3,785
	Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at 8.0%, paid in full May 2013			-		971
	Note receivable, secured, bearing interest at 8.8%, paid in full March 2013			-		10,800
	Note receivable, secured, effective interest at 9.6%, paid in full March 2013			-		18,499
			$	68,255	$	66,163
		-1	The borrower funds an impound account for capital replacement.
		-2	During the second quarter of 2013, the Company provided a short-term bridge loans to Fund II $42.4 million at a rate of LIBOR + 1.75%.  In July 2013, Fund II repaid the Company for $42.4 million in short term loans. The Company has provided two bridge loans totaling $56.8 million to Wesco III at a rate of LIBOR + 2.50%, permanent financing is expected to be placed on the Gas Company Lofts and Regency at Mt. View by the end of Q1 2014. In January 2014, WESCO III repaid the loan on Gas Company Lofts.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Components from Discontinued Operations	'
	The Company has recorded the gains on sales and operations for these various assets sold described above as part of discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.  The components of discontinued operations are outlined below and include the results of operations for the respective periods that the Company owned such assets, as described above ($ in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Revenues	$	4,454		$	5,848		$	9,133
	Property operating expenses		(1,406	)		(2,181	)		(3,584	)
	Depreciation and amortization		(1,098	)		(1,513	)		(2,534	)
	Expenses		(2,504	)		(3,694	)		(6,118	)
	Operating income from real estate sold		1,950			2,154			3,015
	Gain on sale of real estate		29,223			10,870			8,382
	Internal disposition costs		-			(1,087	)		(839	)
	Income from discontinued operations	$	31,173		$	11,937		$	10,558

Mortgage_Notes_Payable_Tables

Mortgage Notes Payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Mortgage Notes Payable [Abstract]	'
Mortgages notes payable	'
	ESS does not have any indebtedness as all debt is incurred by the Operating Partnership. Mortgage notes payable consist of the following as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
			2013			2012
	Fixed rate mortgage notes payable		$	1,236,479		$	1,363,731
	Variable rate mortgage notes payable(1)			167,601			201,868
			$	1,404,080		$	1,565,599
	Number of properties securing mortgage notes			49			55
	Remaining terms		1-26 years			1-27 years
	Weighted average interest rate			5.6	%		5.4	%
	-1	Variable rate mortgage notes payable consists of multifamily housing mortgage revenue bonds secured by deeds of trust on rental properties and guaranteed by collateral pledge agreements, payable monthly at a variable rate as defined in the Loan Agreement (approximately 1.6% at December 2013 and 1.9% at December 2012) plus credit enhancement and underwriting fees ranging from approximately 1.2% to 1.9%. Among the terms imposed on the properties, which are security for the bonds, is a requirement that 20% of the units are subject to tenant income criteria. Principal balances are due in full at various maturity dates from May 2025 through December 2039. Of these bonds $156.9 million are subject to various interest rate cap agreements which limit the maximum interest rate to such bonds.
Aggregate scheduled principal payments of mortgage notes payable	'
	The aggregate scheduled principal payments of mortgage notes payable at December 31, 2013 are as follows ($ in thousands):
	2014		$	-
	2015			67,461
	2016			12,390
	2017			182,731
	2018			271,156
	Thereafter			870,342
			$	1,404,080
	-1	Variable rate mortgage notes payable consists of multifamily housing mortgage revenue bonds secured by deeds of trust on rental properties and guaranteed by collateral pledge agreements, payable monthly at a variable rate as defined in the Loan Agreement (approximately 1.6% at December 2013 and 1.9% at December 2012) plus credit enhancement and underwriting fees ranging from approximately 1.2% to 1.9%.  Among the terms imposed on the properties, which are security for the bonds, is a requirement that 20% of the units are subject to tenant income criteria. Principal balances are due in full at various maturity dates from May 2025 through December 2039.  Of these bonds $156.9 million are subject to various interest rate cap agreements which limit the maximum interest rate to such bonds.

Unsecured_Debt_and_Lines_of_Cr1

Unsecured Debt and Lines of Credit (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Unsecured Debt and Lines of Credit [Abstract]	'
Schedule of unsecured debt and lines of credit	'
	Unsecured debt and lines of credit consist of the following as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
								Weighted Average
								Maturity
		2013			2012			In Years
	Bonds private placement - fixed rate	$	465,000		$	465,000			5.2
	Term loan - variable rate		350,000			350,000			3.2
	Bonds public offering - fixed rate		595,023			297,084			9
	Unsecured debt		1,410,023			1,112,084
	Lines of credit		219,421			141,000			4.3
	Total unsecured debt	$	1,629,444		$	1,253,084
	Weighted average interest rate on fixed rate unsecured bonds		4	%		4.2	%
	Weighted average interest rate on variable rate term loan		2.5	%		2.7	%
	Weighted average interest rate on line of credit		2.2	%		2.3	%
Summary of unsecured private placement bonds	'
	The following is a summary of the Company’s unsecured private placement bonds as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
										Coupon
		Maturity			2013			2012		Rate
	Senior unsecured private placement notes	Mar-16			$	150,000		$	150,000		4.36	%
	Senior unsecured private placement notes	Sep-17				40,000			40,000		4.5	%
	Senior unsecured private placement notes	Dec-19				75,000			75,000		4.92	%
	Senior unsecured private placement notes	Apr-21				100,000			100,000		4.27	%
	Senior unsecured private placement notes	Jun-21				50,000			50,000		4.3	%
	Senior unsecured private placement notes	Aug-21				50,000			50,000		4.37	%
					$	465,000		$	465,000

Lease_Agreements_Tables

Lease Agreements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Lease Agreements [Abstract]	'
Future minimum non-cancelable base rent under operating leases	'
	As of December 31, 2013 the Company is a lessor for three commercial buildings and the commercial portions of 20 mixed use communities. The tenants’ lease terms expire at various times through 2028.  The future minimum non-cancelable base rent to be received under these operating leases for each of the years ending after December 31 is summarized as follows ($ in thousands):
		Future
		Minimum
		Rent
	2014	$	8,624
	2015		7,104
	2016		4,908
	2017		4,158
	2018		3,613
	Thereafter		15,271
		$	43,678

Equity_Transactions_Tables

Equity Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Transactions [Abstract]	'
Cumulative preferred securities outstanding	'
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company has the following cumulative preferred securities outstanding:
			Shares		Shares		Liquidation
	Description	Issue Date	Authorized		Outstanding		Preference
	4.875% Series G	Jul-06		5,980,000		178,249	$	4,456
	7.125% Series H	Apr-11		8,000,000		2,950,000	$	73,750

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_an1

Net Income Per Common Share and Net Income Per Common Unit (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Net Income Per Share and Net Income Per Unit [Line Items]	'
Net Income Per Common Share and Net Income Per Unit	'
	Essex Property Trust, Inc.
	Basic and diluted income from continuing and discontinued operations per share is calculated as follows for the years ended December 31 ($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
			2013						2012						2011
					Weighted-		Per				Weighted-		Per				Weighted-		Per
					average		Common				average		Common				average		Common
					Common		Share				Common		Share				Common		Share
			Income		Shares		Amount		Income		Shares		Amount		Income		Shares		Amount
	Basic:
	Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders		$	121,324		37,248,960	$	3.26	$	108,532		35,032,491	$	3.1	$	30,570		32,541,792	$	0.94
	Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders			29,487		37,248,960		0.79		11,280		35,032,491		0.32		9,798		32,541,792		0.3
			$	150,811			$	4.05	$	119,812			$	3.42	$	40,368			$	1.24
	Effect of Dilutive Securities (1)			-		86,335				-		92,430				-		86,922
	Diluted:
	Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders (1)		$	121,324		37,335,295	$	3.25	$	108,532		35,124,921	$	3.09	$	30,570		32,628,714	$	0.94
	Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders			29,487		37,335,295		0.79		11,280		35,124,921		0.32		9,798		32,628,714		0.3
			$	150,811			$	4.04	$	119,812			$	3.41	$	40,368			$	1.24
		-1	Weighted average convertible limited partnership units of 2,131,425, 2,219,046, and 2,231,807, which include vested Series Z and Series Z-1 incentive units, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were not included in the determination of diluted earnings per share calculation because they were anti-dilutive. The Company has the ability to redeem DownREIT limited partnership units for cash and does not consider them to be potentially dilutive securities.
	Stock options of 168,325; 263,613; and 175,500; for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because the exercise price of these options were greater than the average market price of the common shares for the years ended and, therefore, were anti-dilutive.
	All shares of cumulative convertible Series G preferred stock have been excluded from diluted earnings per share for the years ended 2013, 2012, and 2011 respectively, as the effect was anti-dilutive.
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]	'
Net Income Per Share and Net Income Per Unit [Line Items]	'
Net Income Per Common Share and Net Income Per Unit	'
	Essex Portfolio, L.P.
	Basic and diluted income from continuing and discontinued operations per unit is calculated as follows for the years ended December 31 ($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
			2013						2012						2011
					Weighted-		Per				Weighted-		Per				Weighted-		Per
					average		Common				average		Common				average		Common
					Common		Unit				Common		Unit				Common		Unit
			Income		Units		Amount		Income		Units		Amount		Income		Units		Amount
	Basic:
	Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders		$	128,576		39,380,385	$	3.27	$	115,834		37,251,537	$	3.11	$	33,035		34,773,599	$	0.95
	Income from discontinued operations			31,173		39,380,385		0.79		11,937		37,251,537		0.32		10,558		34,773,599		0.3
	Income available to common unitholders		$	159,749			$	4.06	$	127,771			$	3.43	$	43,593			$	1.25
	Effect of Dilutive Securities (1)			-		86,335				-		92,430				-		67,319
	Diluted:
	Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders (1)		$	128,576		39,466,720	$	3.26	$	115,834		37,343,967	$	3.1	$	33,035		34,860,521	$	0.95
	Income from discontinued operations			31,173		39,466,720		0.79		11,937		37,343,967		0.32		10,558		34,860,521		0.3
	Income available to common unitholders		$	159,749			$	4.05	$	127,771			$	3.42	$	43,593			$	1.25
		-1	The Operating Partnership has the ability to redeem DownREIT limited partnership units for cash and does not consider them to be potentially dilutive securities.
	Stock options of 168,325; 263,613; and 175,500; for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, were not included in the diluted earnings per unit calculation because the exercise price of these units were greater than the average market price of the common units for the years ended and, therefore, were anti-dilutive.
	All units of cumulative convertible Series G preferred interest have been excluded from diluted earnings per unit for the years ended 2013, 2012, and 2011 respectively, as the effect was anti-dilutive.

Equity_Based_Compensation_Plan1

Equity Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]	'
Weighted average assumptions used to estimate fair value of stock options	'
	The average fair value of stock options granted for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $15.80, $12.64 and $14.49, respectively. Certain stock options grated in 2013, 2012, and 2011 included a $75 cap or a $100 cap on the appreciation of the market price over the exercise price.  The fair value of stock options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants:
			2013				2012				2011
	Stock price		$	153.54			$	143.95			$	131.87
	Risk-free interest rates			2.68	%			1.16	%			2.23	%
	Expected lives		10 years				5 - 10 years				10 years
	Volatility			18.03	%			20.05	%			19.63	%
	Dividend yield			3.15	%			3.26	%			3.29	%
Summary of stock options activity	'
	A summary of the status of the Company’s stock option plans as of December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 and changes during the years ended on those dates is presented below:
			2013								2012								2011
							Weighted-								Weighted-								Weighted-
							average								average								average
							exercise								exercise								exercise
			Shares				price				Shares				price				Shares				price
	Outstanding at beginning of year			623,434			$	125.96				415,020			$	109.71				300,642			$	88.11
	Granted			150,325				153.54				263,113				143.95				197,500				131.87
	Exercised			(52,970	)			102.43				(41,603	)			77.21				(83,122	)			84.24
	Forfeited and canceled			(25,301	)			135.25				(13,096	)			128.36				-				-
	Outstanding at end of year			695,488				133.37				623,434				125.96				415,020				109.71
	Options exercisable at year end			300,632				119.09				250,620				107.12				219,820				92.31
Summary information of stock options outstanding	'
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2013:
						Options outstanding												Options exercisable
						Number				Weighted-								Number
						outstanding				average				Weighted-				exercisable				Weighted-
						as of				remaining				average				as of				average
		Range of				December 31,				contractual				exercise				December 31,				exercise
		exercise prices				2013				life (years)				price				2013				price
		$	62.34 - $101.01				74,261				2.7			$	79.18				72,261			$	79.02
			105.64 - 161.98				604,902				7.2				139.18				228,371				131.77
			164.76 - 164.76				16,325				9.4				164.76				-				-
							695,488				6.8				133.37				300,632				119.09
Restricted stock activity	'
	The following table summarizes information about restricted stock outstanding as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and changes during the years ended:
			2013								2012								2011
							Weighted-								Weighted-								Weighted-
							average								average								average
							grant								grant								grant
			Shares				price				Shares				price				Shares				price
	Unvested at beginning of year			24,922			$	104.52				35,219			$	98.57				44,877			$	102.46
	Granted			1,556				158.75				1,614				149.68				1,540				134.44
	Vested			(7,211	)			109.86				(8,641	)			106.69				(9,532	)			104.91
	Forfeited and canceled			(3,091	)			100.84				(3,270	)			102				(1,666	)			94.35
	Unvested at end of year			16,176				108.06				24,922				104.52				35,219				98.57
Summary of long term incentive plan - Z Units	'
	The following table summarizes information about the Z Units and 2014 LTIP Units outstanding as of December 31, 2013 ($ in thousands):
			Long Term Incentive Plan - Z Units and 2014 LTIP Units
											Aggregate												Weighted-
											Intrinsic								Weighted-				average
			Total				Total				Value				Total				average				Remaining
			Vested				Unvested				of Unvested				Outstanding				Grant-date				Contractual
			Units				Units				Units				Units				Fair Value				Life (years)
	Balance, December 2010			326,280				171,902			$	19,463				498,182			$	54.15				11.2
	Granted			-				46,500								46,500
	Vested			44,520				(44,520	)							-
	Converted			(191,718	)			-								(191,718	)
	Cancelled			-				(3,863	)							(3,863	)
	Balance, December 2011			179,082				170,019				23,719				349,101				58.17				12.3
	Granted			-				-								-
	Vested			28,163				(28,163	)							-
	Converted			(16,541	)			-								(16,541	)
	Cancelled			-				(1,813	)							(1,813	)
	Balance, December 2012			190,704				140,043				20,800				330,747				58.44				11.3
	Granted			-				50,500								50,500
	Vested			35,919				(35,919	)							-
	Converted			(108,433	)			-								(108,433	)
	Cancelled			-				(5,243	)							(5,243	)
	Balance, December 2013			118,190				149,381			$	21,438				267,571			$	63.53				9.3

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation Of Revenues And Operating Profit Loss From Segments To Consolidated	'
	The revenues and net operating income for each of the reportable operating segments are summarized as follows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 ($ in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Revenues:
	Southern California	$	265,226		$	246,534		$	220,416
	Northern California		214,402			175,325			149,457
	Seattle Metro		107,553			92,489			79,832
	Other real estate assets		14,822			12,348			10,955
	Total property revenues	$	602,003		$	526,696		$	460,660
	Net operating income:
	Southern California	$	176,675		$	164,092		$	145,353
	Northern California		148,204			120,540			99,047
	Seattle Metro		71,407			60,853			51,477
	Other real estate assets		9,705			9,044			7,273
	Total net operating income		405,991			354,529			303,150
	Depreciation		(192,420	)		(169,173	)		(150,009	)
	Interest expense before amortization		(104,600	)		(100,244	)		(91,694	)
	Amortization expense		(11,924	)		(11,644	)		(11,474	)
	Management and other fees from affiliates		11,700			11,489			6,780
	General and administrative		(25,601	)		(23,307	)		(20,694	)
	Cost of management and other fees		(6,681	)		(6,513	)		(4,610	)
	Merger expenses		(4,284	)		-			-
	Interest and other income		11,633			13,833			17,139
	Loss on early retirement of debt		(300	)		(5,009	)		(1,163	)
	Gain on sale of land		1,503			-			-
	Equity income (loss) income from co-investments		55,865			41,745			(467	)
	Gain on remeasurement of co-investment		-			21,947			-
	Income before discontinued operations	$	140,882		$	127,653		$	46,958
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated	'
	Total assets for each of the reportable operating segments are summarized as follows as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):
		As of December 31,
	Assets:	2013			2012
	Southern California	$	1,746,434		$	1,675,265
	Northern California		1,614,159			1,489,095
	Seattle Metro		741,533			699,465
	Other real estate assets		86,745			88,330
	Net reportable operating segments - real estate assets		4,188,871			3,952,155
	Real estate under development		50,430			66,851
	Co-investments		677,133			571,345
	Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash		53,766			42,126
	Marketable securities		90,084			92,713
	Notes and other receivables		68,255			66,163
	Other non-segment assets		58,300			55,870
	Total assets	$	5,186,839		$	4,847,223

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation1

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'
Summary of quarterly results of operations	'
	Essex Property Trust, Inc.
	The following is a summary of quarterly results of operations for 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands, except per share and dividend amounts):
		Quarter ended		Quarter ended		Quarter ended		Quarter ended
		31-Dec		30-Sep		30-Jun		31-Mar
	2013:00:00
	Total property revenues	$	155,986	$	152,177	$	148,783	$	145,057
	Income before discontinued operations	$	20,020	$	62,718	$	28,983	$	29,161
	Net income	$	36,903	$	75,875	$	29,575	$	29,702
	Net income available to common Stockholders	$	31,874	$	68,788	$	24,946	$	25,203
	Per share data:
	Net income:
	Basic	$	0.85	$	1.84	$	0.67	$	0.68
	Diluted	$	0.85	$	1.84	$	0.67	$	0.68
	Market price:
	High	$	165.44	$	172.16	$	171.11	$	156.36
	Low	$	137.53	$	139.64	$	147.56	$	147.06
	Close	$	143.51	$	147.7	$	158.92	$	150.58
	Dividends declared	$	1.21	$	1.21	$	1.21	$	1.21
	2012:00:00
	Total property revenues	$	140,294	$	133,760	$	128,465	$	124,177
	Income before discontinued operations	$	49,158	$	19,731	$	42,050	$	16,714
	Net income	$	49,640	$	20,221	$	42,490	$	27,239
	Net income available to common Stockholders	$	43,793	$	16,219	$	37,078	$	22,722
	Per share data:
	Net income:
	Basic	$	1.22	$	0.46	$	1.07	$	0.67
	Diluted	$	1.22	$	0.45	$	1.07	$	0.67
	Market price:
	High	$	150.71	$	160.64	$	161.53	$	151.54
	Low	$	136.38	$	147.38	$	146.05	$	136.43
	Close	$	146.65	$	148.24	$	153.92	$	151.51
	Dividends declared	$	1.1	$	1.1	$	1.1	$	1.1
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]	'
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'
Summary of quarterly results of operations	'
	Essex Portfolio, L.P.
	The following is a summary of quarterly results of operations for 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands, except per unit and distribution amounts):
		Quarter ended		Quarter ended		Quarter ended		Quarter ended
		31-Dec		30-Sep		30-Jun		31-Mar
	2013:00:00
	Total property revenues	$	155,986	$	152,177	$	148,783	$	145,057
	Income before discontinued operations	$	20,020	$	62,718	$	28,983	$	29,161
	Net income	$	36,903	$	75,875	$	29,575	$	29,702
	Net income available to common Unitholders	$	33,776	$	72,777	$	26,493	$	26,703
	Per unit data:
	Net income:
	Basic	$	0.87	$	1.84	$	0.67	$	0.68
	Diluted	$	0.86	$	1.84	$	0.67	$	0.68
	Dividends declared	$	1.21	$	1.21	$	1.21	$	1.21
	2012:00:00
	Total property revenues	$	140,294	$	133,760	$	128,465	$	124,177
	Income before discontinued operations	$	49,158	$	19,731	$	42,050	$	16,714
	Net income	$	49,640	$	20,221	$	42,490	$	27,239
	Net income available to common Unitholders	$	46,581	$	17,296	$	39,580	$	24,314
	Per unit data:
	Net income:
	Basic	$	1.23	$	0.46	$	1.08	$	0.67
	Diluted	$	1.23	$	0.45	$	1.07	$	0.67
	Distributions declared	$	1.1	$	1.1	$	1.1	$	1.1

Organization_Details

Organization (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Apartment
	Building
	Project
Organization [Abstract]	'	'
General partner ownership interest (in hundredths)	94.60%	'
Limited partners ownership interest (in hundredths)	5.40%	'
Operating Partnership units outstanding (in shares)	2,149,802	2,122,381
Redemption value of Operating Partnership units outstanding	$308.50	$311.20
Number of apartment communities owned	164	'
Apartment units owned (in units)	34,079	'
Ownership interests, number of commercial buildings	4	'
Ownership interests, number of active development projects	11	'
BRE Properties, Inc. [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Mergers [Line Items]	'	'
Common shares conversion ratio in connection with merger	0.2971	'
Share price (in dollars per share)	$12.33	'
Bridge loan	$1,000	'
Number of days bridge loan facility is structured	'364 days	'

Summary_of_Critical_and_Signif3

Summary of Critical and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Community
	Partnership
Principles of Consolidation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interest in Operating Partnership (in hundredths)	5.40%	5.50%	'
Number of DownREIT limited partnerships the company consolidates	19	'	'
Number of communities within the DownREIT partnership	11	'	'
Assets related to variable interest entities, net intercompany eliminations	$194,900,000	$201,100,000	'
Liabilities related to variable interest entities, net of intercompany eliminations	178,300,000	178,600,000	'
Redemption rights of limited partners by issuance of common stock for partnership unit, conversion basis	'one share per unit basis	'	'
Total DownREIT units outstanding (in shares)	1,007,879	1,039,431	'
Redemption value of the variable interest entities	144,600,000	152,400,000	'
Real Estate Rental Properties [Abstract]	'	'	'
Threshold useful life of assets for capitalization	'1 year	'	'
Depreciable life of various categories of fixed assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Expected lease term of acquired tenant	'20 months	'	'
Revenues and Gains on Sale of Real Estate [Abstract]	'	'	'
Lease terms, minimum	'6 months	'	'
Lease terms, maximum	'12 months	'	'
No rent time period, minimum	'1 month	'	'
No rent time period, maximum	'2 months	'	'
Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash [Abstract]	'	'	'
Original maturities of highly liquid investments to be classified as cash equivalents, maximum	'3 months	'	'
Marketable Securities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Maturity date of investments in mortgage backed securities, first	'November 2019	'November 2019	'
Maturity date of investments in mortgage backed securities, final	'September 2020	'September 2020	'
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities	24,200,000	61,700,000	33,000,000
Gain from sales of available-for-sale securities	1,800,000	800,000	5,000,000
Capitalization Policy [Abstract]	'	'	'
Capitalized internal costs related to development and redevelopment projects	7,500,000	6,200,000	4,300,000
Capitalized salaries	2,600,000	2,400,000	2,200,000
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fixed rate debt carrying amount	2,300,000,000	2,130,000,000	'
Fixed rate debt fair value	2,330,000,000	2,240,000,000	'
Variable rate debt, carrying amount	737,000,000	692,900,000	'
Variable rate debt fair value	719,400,000	671,700,000	'
Mortgage backed securities carrying value	58,700,000	'	'
Mortgage backed securities fair value	83,800,000	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Amortized Cost	90,876,000	90,182,000	'
Total Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-792,000	2,531,000	'
Total Fair Value	90,084,000	92,713,000	'
Interest income	9,114,000	10,715,000	10,501,000
Co-investment promote fee	0	2,299,000	0
Gains on sales of marketable securities	2,519,000	819,000	4,956,000
Tax benefit - Taxable REIT Subsidiary	0	0	1,682,000
Total interest and other income	11,633,000	13,833,000	17,139,000
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning	-71,658,000	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, derivative	3,468,000	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	8,466,000	'	'
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	11,934,000	'	'
Balance at the end	-59,724,000	-71,658,000	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning	2,397,000	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, available for sale securities, total	-1,472,000	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,673,000	'	'
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-3,145,000	'	'
Balance at the end	-748,000	2,397,000	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net by component [Abstract]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning	-69,261,000	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	1,996,000	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	6,793,000	'	'
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	8,789,000	'	'
Balance at the end	-60,472,000	-69,261,000	'
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total interest and other income	11,633,000	13,833,000	17,139,000
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning	-70,762,000	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, derivative	4,148,000	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	8,466,000	'	'
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	12,614,000	'	'
Balance at the end	-58,148,000	-70,762,000	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning	2,531,000	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, available for sale securities, total	-1,556,000	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,767,000	'	'
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-3,323,000	'	'
Balance at the end	-792,000	2,531,000	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net by component [Abstract]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning	-68,231,000	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	2,592,000	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	6,699,000	'	'
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	9,291,000	'	'
Balance at the end	-58,940,000	-68,231,000	'
Investment-grade unsecured bonds [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	15,446,000	15,475,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss)	509,000	826,000	'
Carrying Value	15,955,000	16,301,000	'
Investment funds-US treasuries [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	3,675,000	3,788,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss)	3,000	1,000	'
Carrying Value	3,678,000	3,789,000	'
Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	13,104,000	18,917,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss)	-1,304,000	1,704,000	'
Carrying Value	11,800,000	20,621,000	'
Mortgage backed securities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	58,651,000	52,002,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0	0	'
Carrying Value	$58,651,000	$52,002,000	'
Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Status of cash dividends distributed [Abstract]	'	'	'
Ordinary income (in hundredths)	77.34%	70.58%	63.68%
Capital gains (in hundredths)	17.64%	8.75%	11.16%
Unrecaptured section 1250 capital gain (in hundredths)	5.02%	7.97%	0.74%
Return of capital (in hundredths)	0.00%	12.70%	24.42%
Total cash dividends distributed (in hundredths)	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Series F, G and H Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Status of cash dividends distributed [Abstract]	'	'	'
Ordinary income (in hundredths)	77.34%	80.85%	100.00%
Capital gains (in hundredths)	17.64%	10.02%	0.00%
Unrecaptured section 1250 capital gain (in hundredths)	5.02%	9.13%	0.00%
Total cash dividends distributed (in hundredths)	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Computer Software and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Depreciable life of various categories of fixed assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciable life, average	'3 years	'	'
Computer Software and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Depreciable life of various categories of fixed assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciable life, average	'5 years	'	'
Interior Unit Improvements [Member]	'	'	'
Depreciable life of various categories of fixed assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciable life, average	'5 years	'	'
Land Improvements and Certain Exterior Components of Real Property [Member]	'	'	'
Depreciable life of various categories of fixed assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciable life, average	'10 years	'	'
Real Estate Structures [Member]	'	'	'
Depreciable life of various categories of fixed assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Depreciable life, average	'30 years	'	'

Real_Estate_Investments_Detail

Real Estate Investments (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

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Sep. 30, 2011

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31-May-13

Dec. 31, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2013

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Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Unit

Unit

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) I [Member]

CPPIB Epic Phase I and II [Member]

Essex Apartment Value Fund II LP Fund II [Member]

Essex Apartment Value Fund II LP Fund II [Member]

Real Estate Under Development Activities [Member]

Real Estate predevelopment projects [Member]

Equity Method Investment [Member]

Equity Method Investment [Member]

Equity Method Investment [Member]

Equity Method Investment [Member]

Membership interest in Wesco I [Member]

Membership interest in Wesco I [Member]

Membership interest in Wesco III [Member]

Membership interest in Wesco III [Member]

Partnership interest in Fund II [Member]

Partnership interest in Fund II [Member]

Membership interest in a limited liability company that owns Expo [Member]

Membership interest in a limited liability company that owns Expo [Member]

Total operating co-investments [Member]

Total operating co-investments [Member]

Membership interests in limited liability companies with CPPIB that own and are developing Epic, Connolly Station, Mosso I & II, Park 20 and The Village [Member]

Membership interests in limited liability companies with CPPIB that own and are developing Epic, Connolly Station, Mosso I & II, Park 20 and The Village [Member]

Membership interests in limited liability companies that own and are developing The Huxley and The Dylan [Member]

Membership interests in limited liability companies that own and are developing The Huxley and The Dylan [Member]

Membership interests in limited liability companies that owns and is developing One South Market [Member]

Membership interests in limited liability companies that owns and is developing One South Market [Member]

Total development co-investments [Member]

Total development co-investments [Member]

Membership interest in Wesco II that owns a preferred equity interest in Park Merced with a preferred return of 10.1% [Member]

Membership interest in Wesco II that owns a preferred equity interest in Park Merced with a preferred return of 10.1% [Member]

Preferred interests in related party limited liability companies that owns Sage at Cupertino with a preferred return of 9.5% [Member]

Preferred interests in related party limited liability companies that owns Sage at Cupertino with a preferred return of 9.5% [Member]

Preferred interest in a related party limited liability company that owns Madison Park at Anaheim with a preferred return of 9% [Member]

Preferred interest in a related party limited liability company that owns Madison Park at Anaheim with a preferred return of 9% [Member]

Preferred interest in related party limited liability company that owns an apartment development in Redwood City with a preferred return of 12% [Member]

Preferred interest in related party limited liability company that owns an apartment development in Redwood City with a preferred return of 12% [Member]

Preferred interest in a limited liability company that owns an apartment development in San Jose with a preferred return of 12% [Member]

Preferred interest in a limited liability company that owns an apartment development in San Jose with a preferred return of 12% [Member]

Preferred interests in limited liability companies that own apartment communities in downtown Los Angeles with preferred returns of 9% and 10% repaid in 2013 [Member]

Preferred interests in limited liability companies that own apartment communities in downtown Los Angeles with preferred returns of 9% and 10% repaid in 2013 [Member]

Total preferred interest investments [Member]

Total preferred interest investments [Member]

Palo Alto, California [Member]

Wesco I LLC [Member]

Wesco I LLC [Member]

Wesco I LLC [Member]

Essex Apartment Value Fund II LP Fund II [Member]

Essex Apartment Value Fund II LP Fund II [Member]

Essex Apartment Value Fund II LP Fund II [Member]

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) [Member]

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) [Member]

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) [Member]

Fountain at La Brea [Member]

Santa Monica at La Brea [Member]

Limited liability company that owns and is developing One South Market [Member]

Wesco II LLC [Member]

Los Angeles I [Member]

Los Angeles II [Member]

Los Angeles II [Member]

Redwood City, California [Member]

Anaheim [Member]

Anaheim [Member]

Anaheim [Member]

Wesco III [Member]

Wesco III [Member]

Cupertino California [Member]

Cupertino California [Member]

Total co investment [Member]

Total co investment [Member]

Total co investment [Member]

Community

Community

Unit

Unit

Unit

Unit

Unit

Wesco I LLC [Member]

Apartment

Equity Method Investment [Member]

Equity Method Investment [Member]

Community

Community

Equity Method Investment [Member]

Apartment

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Equity Method Investment [Member]

Equity Method Investment [Member]

Unit

Equity Method Investment [Member]

Equity Method Investment [Member]

Equity Method Investment [Member]

Equity Method Investment [Member]

Equity Method Investment [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Apartment

Equity Method Investment [Member]

Equity Method Investment [Member]

Apartment

Project

Project

Project

Unit

Property

Apartment

Unit

sqft

Apartment

Project

Investor

sqft

Unit

Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of communities acquired

6

11

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain from sale of real estate

$29,200,000

$10,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,500,000

'

'

'

$146,700,000

$106,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$146,758,000

$106,016,000

$0

Number of communities sold

3

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5

7

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sale of land held for future development

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of units sold

363

264

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership interest in joint venture (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28.20%

'

55.00%

50.00%

'

'

55.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prepayment penalties on debt obligation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

2,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pro rata gain on sale of property of joint venture

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

36,600,000

29,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of properties expected to be sold in 2014

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of institutional investors in partnership

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity investment contributions by institutional investors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

265,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity investment, contribution by Company

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,000,000

'

'

'

75,000,000

'

'

'

9,000,000

5,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

38,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt ratio as leverage (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

55.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of apartment communities owned

164

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9

'

'

'

'

2

6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership split in joint venture

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'50/50

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'50/50

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'50/50

'

'

'

'

'

Total equity commitment from partners

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

120,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Each partner's equity commitment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

60,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Co-investment

677,133,000

571,345,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,000,000

'

142,025,000

143,874,000

39,073,000

9,941,000

4,166,000

53,601,000

12,041,000

18,752,000

197,305,000

226,168,000

301,538,000

186,362,000

18,545,000

16,552,000

17,115,000

0

337,198,000

202,914,000

94,711,000

91,843,000

15,775,000

14,438,000

13,824,000

13,175,000

9,455,000

0

8,865,000

0

0

22,807,000

142,630,000

142,263,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

175,000,000

13,000,000

'

9,700,000

8,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred return on preferred equity investment (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9.50%

'

'

'

Percentage debt in joint venture (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of units to be developed by joint venture

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

187

184

312

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Square footage of real estate property

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,200

12,750

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership interest in joint venture by partner (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred Equity Investment Additional funding, Maximum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,500,000

14,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stated term of preferred equity investment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption penalties due to the early redemption of preferred equity investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption of preferred equity investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain from redemption penalties due to early redemption of preferred equity investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum Term Extended (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income related to the restructured investment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred Returns Maturity Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-Jan-16

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-May-16

'

'

'

Preferred return on preferred equity investment in first five years (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred return on preferred equity investment, thereafter (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13.00%

9.00%

'

'

9.50%

'

'

'

'

Balance sheets [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Rental properties and real estate under development

50,430,000

66,851,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,953,328,000

1,745,147,000

'

Other assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

61,578,000

168,061,000

'

Total assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,014,906,000

1,913,208,000

'

Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

667,641,000

820,895,000

'

Other liabilities

22,189,000

22,167,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125,479,000

91,922,000

'

Equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,221,786,000

1,000,391,000

'

Total liabilities and partners' equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,014,906,000

1,913,208,000

'

Company's share of equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

677,133,000

571,345,000

'

Statements of operations [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,402,000

130,128,000

106,386,000

Property operating expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-37,518,000

-55,990,000

-43,066,000

Net operating income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

62,884,000

74,138,000

63,320,000

Gain on sale of real estate

29,200,000

10,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

'

'

'

146,700,000

106,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

146,758,000

106,016,000

0

Interest expense

-104,600,000

-100,244,000

-91,694,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-24,155,000

-34,959,000

-27,843,000

General and administrative

-25,601,000

-23,307,000

-20,694,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5,344,000

-3,697,000

-1,748,000

Depreciation and amortization

-11,924,000

-11,644,000

-11,474,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-36,831,000

-47,917,000

-44,412,000

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

143,312,000

93,581,000

-10,683,000

Company's share of net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

55,865,000

41,745,000

-467,000

Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost of acquired entity

349,100,000

551,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

164,300,000

'

670,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of units acquired

1,079

2,052

'

1,507

280

'

'

2,501

200

'

657

'

2,713

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase Price

349,100,000

551,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

164,300,000

'

670,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Units

1,079

2,052

'

1,507

280

'

'

2,501

200

'

657

'

2,713

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sales price of real estate

57,500,000

28,300,000

'

'

'

320,400,000

413,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of active development projects

11

'

'

6

'

'

'

8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of predevelopment projects Owned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated cost of active development projects

145,100,000

'

'

695,200,000

'

'

'

1,100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated costs to be expended

114,200,000

'

'

216,200,000

'

'

'

407,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining Estimated cost to be contributed by Company

$62,800,000

'

'

$118,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Real_Estate_Investments_Debt_I

Real Estate Investments, Debt Instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
					Mortgages [Member]	Mortgages [Member]
					Fountain at La Brea - bond financing [Member]	Santa Monica at La Brea - bond financing [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)	'	'	2.50%	'	'	'
Secured mortgage loans on real estate	'	'	'	'	$54,500	$59,900
Mortgage loan on property acquired, maturity date	'	'	'	'	31-Oct-46	31-Dec-46
Interest rate swap, termination date	30-Sep-16	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate swap, description of variable interest rate basis	'SIFMA	'SIFMA	'	'	'	'
Interest rate swap, basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)	1.50%	'	'	1.50%	'	'

Notes_and_Other_Receivables_De

Notes and Other Receivables (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Note

Secured Due December 2014 [Member]

Secured Due December 2014 [Member]

Secured Due May 2013 [Member]

Secured Due May 2013 [Member]

Secured Due March 2013 [Member]

Secured Due March 2013 [Member]

Secured Effective March 2013 [Member]

Secured Effective March 2013 [Member]

Wesco III [Member]

Wesco III [Member]

Fund II [Member]

Note and Other Receivables From Affiliates [Member]

Note and Other Receivables From Affiliates [Member]

Other Receivables [Member]

Other Receivables [Member]

Loan

Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes receivable

$68,255,000

$66,163,000

$3,212,000

[1]

$3,212,000

[1]

$0

$971,000

$0

$10,800,000

$0

$18,499,000

'

'

'

$60,968,000

[2]

$28,896,000

[2]

$4,075,000

$3,785,000

Stated interest rate (in hundredths)

'

'

4.00%

'

8.00%

'

8.80%

'

9.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Short term Bridge Loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

56,800,000

42,400,000

'

'

'

'

Variable rate basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

Basis spread on rate (in hundredths)

'

2.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.50%

1.75%

'

'

'

'

Number of bridge loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

Number of notes for which payment was received

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from notes receivable

30,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

26,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income related to acceleration

$800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

The borrower funds an impound account for capital replacement.

[2]

During the second quarter of 2013, the Company provided a short-term bridge loans to Fund II $42.4 million at a rate of LIBOR + 1.75%. In July 2013, Fund II repaid the Company for $42.4 million in short term loans. The Company has provided two bridge loans totaling $56.8 million to Wesco III at a rate of LIBOR + 2.50%, permanent financing is expected to be placed on the Gas Company Lofts and Regency at Mt. View by the end of Q1 2014. In January 2014, WESCO III repaid the loan on Gas Company Lofts.

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Unit	Unit
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'	'	'
Management and other fees from affiliates including management, property management, development and redevelopment fees from co-investments, net of intercompany amounts eliminated by company	$11.70	$10.90	$6.10
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)	'	2.50%	'
Number of units acquired	1,079	2,052	'
Cost of acquired entity	349.1	551.1	'
Executive Vice President of the Company invested	4	'	'
Limited partnership interest in partnership investments (in hundredths)	3.00%	'	'
Marcus and Millichamp Company TMMC Affiliate [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Preferred equity interest investment in a related party entity	8.6	'	'
Brokerage commissions revenue	0.6	0.4	0
Wesco III [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Short term bridge loan	'	26	'
Pacific Urban Residential [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Preferred equity interest investment in a related party entity	'	14	'
Additional preferred equity interest investment related party entity	'	4	'
Preferred return on investment in related party investee (in hundredths)	'	9.50%	'
Maturity date	'	31-May-16	'
Montebello [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of units acquired	'	248	'
Cost of acquired entity	'	52	'
TMCC and Wesco I [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Units in the community	'	156	'
Cost of acquired entity	'	38.3	'
MMC [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Preferred return on preferred equity investment, thereafter, maximum (in hundredths)	13.00%	'	'
Preferred return on preferred equity investment, thereafter, minimum (in hundredths)	9.00%	'	'
Maximum Term Extended (in years)	'1 year	'	'
Income related to the restructured investment	$0.40	'	'

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Community	Community
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of communities sold	3	2	'
Schedule of components from discontinued operations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Rrevenues	$4,454,000	$5,848,000	$9,133,000
Property operating expenses	-1,406,000	-2,181,000	-3,584,000
Depreciation and amortization	-1,098,000	-1,513,000	-2,534,000
Expenses	-2,504,000	-3,694,000	-6,118,000
Operating income from real estate sold	1,950,000	2,154,000	3,015,000
Gain on sale of real estate	29,223,000	10,870,000	8,382,000
Internal disposition costs	0	-1,087,000	-839,000
Income from discontinued operations	31,173,000	11,937,000	10,558,000
Woodlawn Colonial [Member]	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sales price of communities sold	'	'	23,400,000
Gain on sale of real estate	'	'	8,400,000
Number of communities sold	'	'	1
Number of office building sold	'	'	1
Linden Square [Member]	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Units in the community	183	'	'
Sales price of communities sold	25,300,000	'	'
Gain on sale of real estate	12,700,000	'	'
Cambridge [Member]	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Units in the community	40	'	'
Sales price of communities sold	4,700,000	'	'
Gain on sale of real estate	2,500,000	'	'
Brentwood [Member]	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Units in the community	140	'	'
Sales price of communities sold	27,500,000	'	'
Gain on sale of real estate	14,000,000	'	'
Tierra Del Sol/Norte and Alpine Country [Member]	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sales price of communities sold	'	28,300,000	'
Gain on sale of real estate	'	$10,900,000	'
Number of communities sold	'	2	'

Mortgage_Notes_Payable_Details

Mortgage Notes Payable (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
	Property		Property
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgages notes payable	$1,404,080,000		$1,565,599,000
Number of properties securing mortgage notes	49		55
Weighted average interest rate (in hundredths)	5.60%		5.40%
Monthly interest expense	6,100,000		'
Monthly principal amortization	1,900,000		'
Mortgages notes payable	1,404,080,000		1,565,599,000
Repayment of debt before the scheduled maturity date, prepayment penalties	'The prepayment penalty on the majority of the Company's mortgage notes payable are computed by the greater of (a) 1% of the amount of the principal being prepaid or (b) the present value of the mortgage note payable which is calculated by multiplying the principal being prepaid by the difference between the interest rate of the mortgage note and the stated yield rate on a specified U.S. treasury security as defined in the mortgage note agreement.		'
Aggregate scheduled principal payments of mortgage notes payable [Abstract]	'		'
2014	0		'
2015	67,461,000		'
2016	12,390,000		'
2017	182,731,000		'
2018	271,156,000		'
Thereafter	870,342,000		'
Mortgage notes payable	1,404,080,000		1,565,599,000
Minimum [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Remaining terms	'1 year		'1 year
Maximum [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Remaining terms	'26 years		'27 years
Mortgage Notes Payable [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgages notes payable	1,236,479,000		1,363,731,000
Aggregate scheduled principal payments of mortgage notes payable [Abstract]	'		'
Mortgage notes payable	1,236,479,000		1,363,731,000
Multifamily Housing Mortgage Revenue Bonds [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgages notes payable	167,601,000	[1]	201,868,000	[1]
Multifamily housing mortgage revenue bonds, variable interest rate (in hundredths)	1.60%		1.90%
Multifamily housing mortgage revenue bonds credit enhancement and underwriting fees, minimum (in hundredths)	1.20%		'
Multifamily housing mortgage revenue bonds credit enhancement and underwriting fees, maximum (in hundredths)	1.90%		'
Percentage of units subject to tenant income criteria (in hundredths)	20.00%		'
Bond subject to interest rate caps	156,900,000		'
Aggregate scheduled principal payments of mortgage notes payable [Abstract]	'		'
Mortgage notes payable	167,601,000	[1]	201,868,000	[1]
Secured Deeds of Trust [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Mortgages notes payable	$58,400,000		'
[1]	Variable rate mortgage notes payable consists of multifamily housing mortgage revenue bonds secured by deeds of trust on rental properties and guaranteed by collateral pledge agreements, payable monthly at a variable rate as defined in the Loan Agreement (approximately 1.6% at December 2013 and 1.9% at December 2012) plus credit enhancement and underwriting fees ranging from approximately 1.2% to 1.9%. Among the terms imposed on the properties, which are security for the bonds, is a requirement that 20% of the units are subject to tenant income criteria. Principal balances are due in full at various maturity dates from May 2025 through December 2039. Of these bonds $156.9 million are subject to various interest rate cap agreements which limit the maximum interest rate to such bonds.

Unsecured_Debt_and_Lines_of_Cr2

Unsecured Debt and Lines of Credit (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

LineofCredit

Unsecured Line of Credit [Member]

Unsecured Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit Working Capital [Member]

Line of Credit Working Capital [Member]

Bonds Private Placement - Fixed Rate [Member]

Bonds Private Placement - Fixed Rate [Member]

Term Loan - Variable Rate [Member]

Term Loan - Variable Rate [Member]

Term Loan - Variable Rate [Member]

Bonds Public Offering - Fixed Rate [Member]

Bonds Public Offering - Fixed Rate [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Unsecured Bonds [Member]

Unsecured Bonds [Member]

Unsecured Bonds 4.36% [Member]

Unsecured Bonds 4.36% [Member]

Unsecured Bonds 4.5% [Member]

Unsecured Bonds 4.5% [Member]

Unsecured Bonds 4.92 % [Member]

Unsecured Bonds 4.92 % [Member]

Unsecured Bonds 4.27% [Member]

Unsecured Bonds 4.27% [Member]

Unsecured Bonds 4.30% [Member]

Unsecured Bonds 4.30% [Member]

Unsecured Bonds 4.37% [Member]

Unsecured Bonds 4.37% [Member]

Unsecured Bonds 3.25% [Member]

Unsecured Bonds 3.25% [Member]

Unsecured Bonds 3.625% [Member]

Unsecured Bonds 3.625% [Member]

Unsecured Bonds 3.625% [Member]

Extension

Unsecured debts and line of credit [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unsecured debt

$1,410,023,000

$1,112,084,000

'

'

'

'

$465,000,000

$465,000,000

$350,000,000

$350,000,000

'

$595,023,000

$297,084,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Lines of credit

219,421,000

141,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total unsecured debt

1,629,444,000

1,253,084,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted Average Maturity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years 2 months 12 days

'

'3 years 2 months 12 days

'

'

'9 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted Average Maturity, Line of credit

'4 years 3 months 18 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average interest rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.50%

2.70%

'

'

'

2.20%

2.30%

4.00%

4.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior Notes [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-Mar-16

'

30-Sep-17

'

31-Dec-19

'

30-Apr-21

'

30-Jun-21

'

31-Aug-21

'

1-May-23

'

15-Aug-22

'

'

Senior Notes

465,000,000

465,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,000,000

150,000,000

40,000,000

40,000,000

75,000,000

75,000,000

100,000,000

100,000,000

50,000,000

50,000,000

50,000,000

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Coupon Rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.36%

'

4.50%

'

4.92%

'

4.27%

'

4.30%

'

4.37%

3.25%

'

3.63%

'

'

Proceeds from issuance of unsecured bonds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

'

300,000,000

'

'

Carrying value of bonds, net of discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

297,700,000

'

297,300,000

297,100,000

Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)

'

2.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term of loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional amount of interest rate swap

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument face amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

350,000,000

350,000,000

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt offering price (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

99.15%

'

98.99%

'

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of outstanding lines of credit

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit maximum borrowing capacity

625,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit with an accordion option

'

'

600,000,000

'

25,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unsecured line of credit balance

'

'

$199,000,000

$141,000,000

$20,400,000

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basis spread on variable rate, initial (in hundredths)

'

'

1.08%

'

1.08%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of one year extensions available

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility expiration date

'

'

31-Dec-15

'

31-Jan-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended					3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
				Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
				Interest Rate Cap [Member]	Interest Rate Cap [Member]	Swap [Member]	Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Interest Rate Swap [Member]
				Instrument
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Notional amount of interest rate contracts	'	'	'	$156.90	'	'	$300	'
Amount of unsecured loan that is effectively fixed with the interest rate swap	'	'	'	'	'	'	300	'
Total amount of unsecured loan	'	'	'	'	'	'	350	'
Interest rate (in hundredths)	'	'	'	'	'	'	2.29%	'
Number of derivative instruments held	'	'	'	9	'	'	'	'
Tax exempt variable rate debt	156.9	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate carrying value of the interest rate swap contracts	'	'	'	'	'	'	2.7	6.6
Aggregate carrying value of the interest rate cap contracts	'	'	'	0	0	'	'	'
Derivative swap transaction terminated	'	'	'	'	'	38	'	'
Hedge ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges incurred	$0	$0	$0	'	'	'	'	'

Lease_Agreements_Details

Lease Agreements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
	Community
	Building
Lease Agreements [Abstract]	'
Number of commercial buildings leased	3
Number of commercial portions of mixed use communities leased	20
Future minimum non-cancelable base rent under operating leases [Abstract]	'
2014	$8,624
2015	7,104
2016	4,908
2017	4,158
2018	3,613
Thereafter	15,271
Total future minimum rent	$43,678

Equity_Transactions_Details

Equity Transactions (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2006

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

7.125% Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]

7.125% Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]

7.125% Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]

4.875% Series G Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

4.875% Series G Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

4.875% Series G Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

7.875% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units [Member]

7.8125% Series F Preferred Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Operating Partnership Units [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan "LTIP" Units [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cumulative dividend rate (in hundredths)

'

'

7.13%

7.13%

'

4.88%

4.88%

7.88%

7.81%

'

'

'

'

'

Issue date

'

'

30-Apr-11

30-Apr-11

'

31-Jul-06

31-Jul-06

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares Authorized (in shares)

'

'

8,000,000

8,000,000

'

5,980,000

5,980,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares Outstanding (in shares)

'

'

2,950,000

2,950,000

'

178,249

178,249

'

'

'

'

'

2,031,612

118,190

Liquidation Preference

'

'

$73,750,000

$73,750,000

'

$4,456,000

$4,456,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares issued (in shares)

'

2,950,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

913,344

2,400,000

2,400,000

'

'

Issue price (in dollars per share)

'

$25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$152.92

'

'

'

'

Net proceeds

'

71,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

138,400,000

357,700,000

323,900,000

'

'

Beginning date of called period

'

13-Apr-16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liquidation value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

80,000,000

25,000,000

'

'

'

308,500,000

'

Excess of cash paid over carrying value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

900,000

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares sold (in shares)

'

'

'

'

5,980,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross proceeds from sale of shares

'

'

'

'

$149,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion rate into shares of common stock (in shares)

'

'

'

'

0.183

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

$25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Initial conversion price per share of common stock (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

$136.62

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest

94.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

94.60%

'

Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_an2

Net Income Per Common Share and Net Income Per Common Unit (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Basic:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$121,324

$108,532

$30,570

Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

37,248,960

35,032,491

32,541,792

Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3.26

$3.10

$0.94

Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29,487

11,280

9,798

Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

37,248,960

35,032,491

32,541,792

Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.79

$0.32

$0.30

Income available to common stockholders

31,874

68,788

24,946

25,203

43,793

16,219

37,078

22,722

150,811

119,812

40,368

Income available to common stockholders (in dollars per share)

$0.85

$1.84

$0.67

$0.68

$1.22

$0.46

$1.07

$0.67

$4.05

$3.42

$1.24

Effect of Dilutive Securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

Effect of Dilutive Securities (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

86,335

[1]

92,430

[1]

86,922

[1]

Diluted:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

121,324

[1]

108,532

[1]

30,570

[1]

Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

37,335,295

[1]

35,124,921

[1]

32,628,714

[1]

Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3.25

[1]

$3.09

[1]

$0.94

[1]

Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29,487

11,280

9,798

Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

37,335,295

35,124,921

32,628,714

Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.79

$0.32

$0.30

Total income (Diluted)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,811

119,812

40,368

Total income per common share amount (in dollars per share)

$0.85

$1.84

$0.67

$0.68

$1.22

$0.45

$1.07

$0.67

$4.04

$3.41

$1.24

Convertible Limited Partnership Units [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Diluted:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Anti-dilutive securities (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,131,425

2,219,046

2,231,807

Stock Options [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Diluted:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Anti-dilutive securities (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

168,325

263,613

175,500

Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basic:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

128,576

115,834

33,035

Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

39,380,385

37,251,537

34,773,599

Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3.27

$3.11

$0.95

Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31,173

11,937

10,558

Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

39,380,385

37,251,537

34,773,599

Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.79

$0.32

$0.30

Income available to common stockholders

33,776

72,777

26,493

26,703

46,581

17,296

39,580

24,314

159,749

127,771

43,593

Income available to common stockholders (in dollars per share)

$0.87

$1.84

$0.67

$0.68

$1.23

$0.46

$1.08

$0.67

$4.06

$3.43

$1.25

Effect of Dilutive Securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

Effect of Dilutive Securities (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

86,335

[2]

92,430

[2]

67,319

[2]

Diluted:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

128,576

115,834

33,035

Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

39,466,720

37,343,967

34,860,521

Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3.26

$3.10

$0.95

Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31,173

11,937

10,558

Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

39,466,720

37,343,967

34,860,521

Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.79

$0.32

$0.30

Total income (Diluted)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$159,749

$127,771

$43,593

Total income per common share amount (in dollars per share)

$0.86

$1.84

$0.67

$0.68

$1.23

$0.45

$1.07

$0.67

$4.05

$3.42

$1.25

Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Convertible Limited Partnership Units [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Diluted:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Anti-dilutive securities (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

168,325

175,500

'

Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] | Stock Options [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Diluted:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Anti-dilutive securities (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

263,613

'

'

[1]

Weighted average convertible limited partnership units of 2,131,425, 2,219,046, and 2,231,807, which include vested Series Z and Series Z-1 incentive units, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were not included in the determination of diluted earnings per share calculation because they were anti-dilutive. The Company has the ability to redeem DownREIT limited partnership units for cash and does not consider them to be potentially dilutive securities. Stock options of 168,325; 263,613; and 175,500; for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because the exercise price of these options were greater than the average market price of the common shares for the years ended and, therefore, were anti-dilutive. All shares of cumulative convertible Series G preferred stock have been excluded from diluted earnings per share for the years ended 2013, 2012, and 2011 respectively, as the effect was anti-dilutive.

[2]

The Operating Partnership has the ability to redeem DownREIT limited partnership units for cash and does not consider them to be potentially dilutive securities. Stock options of 168,325; 263,613; and 175,500; for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, were not included in the diluted earnings per unit calculation because the exercise price of these units were greater than the average market price of the common units for the years ended and, therefore, were anti-dilutive. All units of cumulative convertible Series G preferred interest have been excluded from diluted earnings per unit for the years ended 2013, 2012, and 2011 respectively, as the effect was anti-dilutive.

Equity_Based_Compensation_Plan2

Equity Based Compensation Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of shares available (in shares)	1,000,000	'	'
Exercise price as a percentage of fair market value of common stock on grant date, minimum (in hundredths)	100.00%	'	'
Life of options, minimum	'5 years	'	'
Life of options, maximum	'10 years	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$4,508,000	$4,141,000	$2,927,000
Intrinsic value of the options outstanding and fully vested	7,600,000	9,900,000	10,600,000
Average fair value of stock options granted (in dollars per share)	$15.80	$12.64	$14.49
Cap on the appreciation of the market price over the exercise price	100	75	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Option grants to officers and employees vesting period	'1 year	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Option grants to officers and employees vesting period	'5 years	'	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	2,300,000	2,000,000	1,500,000
Stock-based compensation capitalized	400,000	300,000	200,000
Intrinsic value of options exercised	3,000,000	2,900,000	3,800,000
Unrecognized compensation cost	5,100,000	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average recognition period, minimum	'1 year	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average recognition period, maximum	'5 years	'	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	2,300,000	2,000,000	1,500,000
Stock-based compensation capitalized	400,000	300,000	200,000
Unrecognized compensation cost	1,100,000	'	'
Long Term Incentive Plans - Z Units and 2014 LTIP Units [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	2,200,000	2,100,000	1,500,000
Stock-based compensation capitalized	500,000	600,000	300,000
Intrinsic value of options exercised	21,400,000	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	$7,600,000	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average recognition period, maximum	'14 years	'	'
Series Z Incentive Units [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Option grants to officers and employees vesting period	'8 years	'	'
Series Z Incentive Units [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Option grants to officers and employees vesting period	'15 years	'	'

Equity_Based_Compensation_Plan3

Equity Based Compensation Plans Weighted average assumptions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Weighted average assumptions used to estimate fair value of stock options [Abstract]	'	'	'
Stock price (in dollars per share)	$153.54	$143.95	$131.87
Risk-free interest rates (in hundredths)	2.68%	1.16%	2.23%
Expected lives	'10 years	'	'10 years
Volatility (in hundredths)	18.03%	20.05%	19.63%
Dividend yield (in hundredths)	3.15%	3.26%	3.29%
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Weighted average assumptions used to estimate fair value of stock options [Abstract]	'	'	'
Expected lives	'	'5 years	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Weighted average assumptions used to estimate fair value of stock options [Abstract]	'	'	'
Expected lives	'	'10 years	'

Equity_Based_Compensation_Plan4

Equity Based Compensation Plans Summary of stock options activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance, outstanding (in shares)	623,434	415,020	300,642
Granted (in shares)	150,325	263,113	197,500
Exercised (in shares)	-52,970	-41,603	-83,122
Forfeited and canceled (in shares)	-25,301	-13,096	0
Ending balance, outstanding (in shares)	695,488	623,434	415,020
Options exercisable at year end (in shares)	300,632	250,620	219,820
Weighted-average exercise price [Abstract]	'	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of year (in dollars per share)	$125.96	$109.71	$88.11
Granted (in dollars per share)	$153.54	$143.95	$131.87
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$102.43	$77.21	$84.24
Forfeited and canceled (in dollars per share)	$135.25	$128.36	$0
Outstanding at end of year (in dollars per share)	$133.37	$125.96	$109.71
Options exercisable at year end (in dollars per share)	$119.09	$107.12	$92.31

Equity_Based_Compensation_Plan5

Equity Based Compensation Plans, Summary information of stock options outstanding (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of options outstanding (in shares)	695,488	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	'6 years 9 months 18 days	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	133.37	'	'
Number of options exercisable (in shares)	300,632	'	'
Options exercisable, Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	119.09	'	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares issued (in shares)	1,556	1,614	1,540
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average recognition period, minimum	'1 year	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average recognition period, maximum	'7 years	'	'
$62.34 - $101.01 [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Exercise price range, lower range limit (in dollars per share)	62.34	'	'
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share)	101.01	'	'
Number of options outstanding (in shares)	74,261	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	'2 years 8 months 12 days	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	79.18	'	'
Number of options exercisable (in shares)	72,261	'	'
Options exercisable, Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	79.02	'	'
105.64 - 161.98 [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Exercise price range, lower range limit (in dollars per share)	105.64	'	'
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share)	161.98	'	'
Number of options outstanding (in shares)	604,902	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	'7 years 2 months 12 days	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	139.18	'	'
Number of options exercisable (in shares)	228,371	'	'
Options exercisable, Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	131.77	'	'
164.76 - 164.76 [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Exercise price range, lower range limit (in dollars per share)	164.76	'	'
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share)	164.76	'	'
Number of options outstanding (in shares)	16,325	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	'9 years 4 months 24 days	'	'
Options outstanding, Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	164.76	'	'
Number of options exercisable (in shares)	0	'	'
Options exercisable, Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	0	'	'

Equity_Based_Compensation_Plan6

Equity Based Compensation Plans, Restricted stock activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
				Series Z Incentive Units [Member]	Series Z Incentive Units [Member]	Series Z Incentive Units [Member]	Long Term Incentive Plans - Z Units and 2014 LTIP Units [Member]	Long Term Incentive Plans - Z Units and 2014 LTIP Units [Member]	Long Term Incentive Plans - Z Units and 2014 LTIP Units [Member]
Shares [Roll forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unvested at beginning of year (in shares)	24,922	35,219	44,877	'	'	'	140,043	170,019	171,902
Granted (in shares)	1,556	1,614	1,540	50,500	46,500	108,000	50,500	0	46,500
Vested (in shares)	-7,211	-8,641	-9,532	'	'	'	-35,919	-28,163	-44,520
Converted (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Forfeited and canceled (in shares)	-3,091	-3,270	-1,666	'	'	'	-5,243	-1,813	-3,863
Unvested at end of year (in shares)	16,176	24,922	35,219	'	'	'	149,381	140,043	170,019
Weighted-average grant price [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unvested at beginning of year (in dollars per share)	$104.52	$98.57	$102.46	'	'	'	$58.44	$58.17	$54.15
Granted (in dollars per share)	$158.75	$149.68	$134.44	'	'	'	'	'	'
Vested (in dollars per share)	$109.86	$106.69	$104.91	'	'	'	'	'	'
Forfeited and canceled (in dollars per share)	$100.84	$102	$94.35	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unvested at end of year (in dollars per share)	$108.06	$104.52	$98.57	'	'	'	$63.53	$58.44	$58.17
Incentive units vested [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Vested, beginning balance (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	190,704	179,082	326,280
Vested, units granted (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Vested, units vested (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	35,919	28,163	44,520
Converted (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	-108,433	-16,541	-191,718
Cancelled (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Vested, ending balance (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	118,190	190,704	179,082
Aggregate intrinsic value, unvested, beginning balance	'	'	'	'	'	'	$20,800	$23,719	$19,463
Aggregate intrinsic value, unvested, ending balance	'	'	'	'	'	'	$21,438	$20,800	$23,719
Total outstanding incentive units [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total outstanding units, beginning balance (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	330,747	349,101	498,182
Total outstanding units, granted (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	50,500	0	46,500
Total outstanding units, vested (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Total outstanding units, converted (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	-108,433	-16,541	-191,718
Total outstanding units, cancelled (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	-5,243	-1,813	-3,863
Total outstanding units, ending balance (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	267,571	330,747	349,101
Weighted-average remaining contractual life, beginning balance	'	'	'	'	'	'	'11 years 3 months 18 days	'12 years 3 months 18 days	'11 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual life, ending balance	'	'	'	'	'	'	'9 years 3 months 18 days	'11 years 3 months 18 days	'12 years 3 months 18 days

Equity_Based_Compensation_Plan7

Equity Based Compensation Plans, Long term incentive plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
			ExecutiveOfficer
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	1,556	1,614	1,540	'
2014 LTIP Units [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of performance based vesting of 2014 Ltip Units eligible to be earned on absolute total stockholders return	0.33%	'	'	'
Percentage of performance based vesting of 2014 Ltip Units eligible to be earned on relative total stockholders return	0.66%	'	'	'
Price per unit considered to calculate compensation expense	$1	'	'	'
Percentage of maximum conversion ratchet	100.00%	'	'	'
Number of senior executives receiving partnership units	12	'	'	'
Vesting percentage for 2011 Z 1 Units to be convertible	100.00%	'	'	'
Percentage subject to performance based vesting (in hundredths)	90.00%	'	'	'
Series Z Incentive Units [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	50,500	'	46,500	108,000
Number of senior executives receiving partnership units	'	'	14	'
Percentage subject to service-based vesting (in hundredths)	10.00%	'	'	'
Performance period	'1 year	'	'	'
Basis for estimating fair value of a unit	'The estimated fair value of a Z Unit is determined on the grant date and considers the company's current stock price, the dividends that are not paid on unvested units and a marketability discount for the 8 to 15 years of illiquidity.	'	'	'
Basis for calculating compensation expense	'Compensation expense is calculated by multiplying estimated vesting increases for the period by the estimated fair value as of the grant date less its $1.00 per unit purchase price.	'	'	'
Decrease amount in estimated fair value (in dollars per share)	$1	'	'	'
Conversion ratchet increase for shares issued prior to 2010	'Effective January 1 of each year for each participating executive who remains employed by the Company if the Company has met a specified "funds from operations" per share target, or such other target as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate, for the prior year, up to a maximum conversion ratchet of 100%.	'	'	'
Number of senior executives receiving partnership units in exchange for cash	'	'	8	'
Number of senior executives receiving partnership units in exchange for capital committment	'	'	6	'
Capital commitment per series of each incentive Unit received (in dollars per share)	'	'	$1	'
Incentive units conversion ratio	'	'	'one-for-one	'
Incentive units conversion threshold	'	'	'Convertible into common stock of the Company upon the earlier to occur of 100 percent vesting of the units or the year 2026.	'
Conversion ratchet increase for shares issued in 2010	'	'	'The conversion ratchet (accounted for as vesting) of the 2011 Z-1 Units into common units, increased to 10 percent effective January 1, 2012 because the Company achieved the FFO minimum target of $5.65 per diluted share in 2011. Each year thereafter, vesting of the 2011 Z-1 Units will be consistent with the Company's annual FFO growth, but is not to be less than zero or greater than 14 percent.	'
Percentage unit holders entitlement to dividends distributed to common stockholders (in hundredths)	'	10.00%	'	'
Funds from operations (FFO) target per diluted share (in dollars per share)	'	$5.65	'	'
Series Z Incentive Units [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting percentage of units per year	'	'	0.00%	'
Series Z Incentive Units [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting percentage of units per year	'	'	14.00%	'
Long Term Incentive Plans - Z Units and 2014 LTIP Units [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	50,500	0	46,500	'
Maximum number of shares (units) authorized for issuance (in shares)	600,000	'	'	'
2010 Series Z-1 Units [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of senior executives receiving partnership units	'	'	'	20
Conversion ratchet increase for shares issued in 2010	'	'	'	'The conversion ratchet (accounted for as vesting) of the 2010 Z-1 Units into common units, increased to 20 percent effective January 1, 2011 because the Company achieved the FFO minimum target of $4.75 per diluted share in 2010.B Once the units are vested, Z-1 Unit holders receive quarterly distributions of approximately the dividend rate paid on common shares.B Each year thereafter, vesting of the 2010 Z-1 Units will be consistent with the Company's annual FFO growth, but is not to be less than zero or greater than 14 percent.
Percentage unit holders entitlement to dividends distributed to common stockholders (in hundredths)	'	'	'	20.00%
Funds from operations (FFO) target per diluted share (in dollars per share)	'	'	$4.75	'
2010 Series Z-1 Units [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting percentage of units per year	'	'	'	0.00%
2010 Series Z-1 Units [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting percentage of units per year	'	'	'	14.00%

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment

Segment Information [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of reportable operating segments defined by geographical regions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property revenues

$155,986

$152,177

$148,783

$145,057

$140,294

$133,760

$128,465

$124,177

$602,003

$526,696

$460,660

Net operating income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

405,991

354,529

303,150

Depreciation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-192,420

-169,173

-150,009

Interest expense before amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-104,600

-100,244

-91,694

Amortization expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-11,924

-11,644

-11,474

Management and other fees from affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,700

11,489

6,780

General and administrative

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-25,601

-23,307

-20,694

Cost of management and other fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-6,681

-6,513

-4,610

Merger expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,284

0

0

Interest and other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,633

13,833

17,139

Loss on early retirement of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-300

-5,009

-1,163

Gain on sale of land

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,503

0

0

Equity income (loss) income from co-investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

55,865

41,745

-467

Gain on remeasurement of co-investment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

21,947

0

Income before discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

140,882

[1]

127,653

46,958

Net reportable operating segment - real estate assets

4,188,871

'

'

'

3,952,155

'

'

'

4,188,871

3,952,155

'

Real estate under development

50,430

'

'

'

66,851

'

'

'

50,430

66,851

'

Co-investments

677,133

'

'

'

571,345

'

'

'

677,133

571,345

'

Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash

53,766

'

'

'

42,126

'

'

'

53,766

42,126

'

Marketable securities

90,084

'

'

'

92,713

'

'

'

90,084

92,713

'

Notes and other receivables

68,255

'

'

'

66,163

'

'

'

68,255

66,163

'

Other non-segment assets

58,300

'

'

'

55,870

'

'

'

58,300

55,870

'

Total assets

5,186,839

'

'

'

4,847,223

'

'

'

5,186,839

4,847,223

'

Southern California [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

265,226

246,534

220,416

Net operating income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

176,675

164,092

145,353

Net reportable operating segment - real estate assets

1,746,434

'

'

'

1,675,265

'

'

'

1,746,434

1,675,265

'

Northern California [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

214,402

175,325

149,457

Net operating income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

148,204

120,540

99,047

Net reportable operating segment - real estate assets

1,614,159

'

'

'

1,489,095

'

'

'

1,614,159

1,489,095

'

Seattle Metro [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

107,553

92,489

79,832

Net operating income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

71,407

60,853

51,477

Net reportable operating segment - real estate assets

741,533

'

'

'

699,465

'

'

'

741,533

699,465

'

Other Real Estate Assets [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,822

12,348

10,955

Net operating income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,705

9,044

7,273

Net reportable operating segment - real estate assets

$86,745

'

'

'

$88,330

'

'

'

$86,745

$88,330

'

[1]

The land is leased pursuant to a ground lease expiring 2027.

401k_Plan_Details

401(k) Plan (Details) (401(k) Benefit Plan [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
401(k) Benefit Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]	'	'	'
Eligibility of benefit plan, minimum period of service (in months)	'6 months	'	'
Maximum employer matching contribution percentage for non-highly compensated personnel (in hundredths)	50.00%	'	'
Company contributions to benefit plan	$0.20	$0.20	$0.30

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
	Community
	Lease
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Number of non cancelable ground leases	5
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]	'
Due by December 31, 2014	$1,700,000
31-Dec-15	1,700,000
31-Dec-16	1,700,000
31-Dec-17	1,700,000
31-Dec-18	1,700,000
Number of communities with indemnification agreements from third parties for potential environmental clean-up costs	3
Comprehensive liabilities insurance deductible per incident	100,000
Property casualty insurance, deductible per incident, maximum	5,000,000
Payment Guarantee [Member] | Construction Contracts [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Maximum exposure of the guarantee	$97,700,000

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 20, 2014

Feb. 24, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Term Loan - Variable Rate [Member]

Term Loan - Variable Rate [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Term Loan - Variable Rate [Member]

Term Loan - Variable Rate [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Line of Credit Working Capital [Member]

Vista Capri [Member]

Unit

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Units in the community

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

106

Sales price of communities sold

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$14,400,000

Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

600,000,000

1,000,000,000

'

'

Line of credit with an accordion option

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000,000

'

25,000,000

'

Line of credit facility expiration date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-Dec-17

'

'

'

Line of credit facility extension period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'18 months

'

'2 years

'

Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'LIBOR

'

Basis spread on variable rate, initial (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.05%

1.20%

0.95%

'

0.95%

'

Unsecured debt

1,410,023,000

1,112,084,000

'

350,000,000

350,000,000

'

'

'

350,000,000

'

'

'

'

Common stock, shares issued (in shares)

37,421,219

36,442,994

'

'

'

'

462,555

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock

$138,366,000

$357,720,000

$323,931,000

'

'

$74,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Average price of stock sold (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

$162.97

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation2

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Total property revenues	$155,986	$152,177	$148,783	$145,057	$140,294	$133,760	$128,465	$124,177	$602,003	$526,696	$460,660
Income before discontinued operations	20,020	62,718	28,983	29,161	49,158	19,731	42,050	16,714	140,882	127,653	46,958
Net income	36,903	75,875	29,575	29,702	49,640	20,221	42,490	27,239	172,055	139,590	57,516
Net income available to common stockholders	31,874	68,788	24,946	25,203	43,793	16,219	37,078	22,722	150,811	119,812	40,368
Net income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.85	$1.84	$0.67	$0.68	$1.22	$0.46	$1.07	$0.67	$4.05	$3.42	$1.24
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.85	$1.84	$0.67	$0.68	$1.22	$0.45	$1.07	$0.67	$4.04	$3.41	$1.24
Market price:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
High (in dollars per share)	$165.44	$172.16	$171.11	$156.36	$150.71	$160.64	$161.53	$151.54	'	'	'
Low (in dollars per share)	$137.53	$139.64	$147.56	$147.06	$136.38	$147.38	$146.05	$136.43	'	'	'
Close (in dollars per share)	$143.51	$147.70	$158.92	$150.58	$146.65	$148.24	$153.92	$151.51	'	'	'
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$1.21	$1.21	$1.21	$1.21	$1.10	$1.10	$1.10	$1.10	'	'	'
Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total property revenues	155,986	152,177	148,783	145,057	140,294	133,760	128,465	124,177	602,003	526,696	460,660
Income before discontinued operations	20,020	62,718	28,983	29,161	49,158	19,731	42,050	16,714	140,882	127,653	46,958
Net income	36,903	75,875	29,575	29,702	49,640	20,221	42,490	27,239	172,055	139,590	57,516
Net income available to common stockholders	$33,776	$72,777	$26,493	$26,703	$46,581	$17,296	$39,580	$24,314	$159,749	$127,771	$43,593
Net income:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.87	$1.84	$0.67	$0.68	$1.23	$0.46	$1.08	$0.67	$4.06	$3.43	$1.25
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.86	$1.84	$0.67	$0.68	$1.23	$0.45	$1.07	$0.67	$4.05	$3.42	$1.25
Market price:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$1.21	$1.21	$1.21	$1.21	$1.10	$1.10	$1.10	$1.10	'	'	'

Recovered_Sheet1

Schedule III Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	$1,053,752,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	3,515,791,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	924,645,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	1,133,982,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	4,360,205,000		'	'
Total	5,494,188,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-1,254,886,000		'	'
Reconciliation of Carrying Amount of Real Estate Investments [Roll Forward]	'		'	'
Balance at beginning of year	5,033,672		4,313,064	3,964,561
Improvements	92,016		97,947	219,692
Acquisition of real estate	344,476		619,743	103,300
Development of real estate	14,111		25,545	44,280
Disposition of real estate	-40,518		-22,627	-18,769
Balance at the end of year	5,443,757		5,033,672	4,313,064
Reconciliation of Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward]	'		'	'
Balance at beginning of year	1,081,517		920,026	775,553
Depreciation expense - Acquisitions	6,203		3,744	1,279
Depreciation expense - Discontinued operations	12,290		2,108	315
Depreciation expense - Rental properties	168,092		161,492	148,337
Dispositions	-13,216		-5,853	-5,458
Balance at the end of year	1,254,886		1,081,517	920,026
Aggregate cost for federal income tax purpose	4,600,000,000		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Encumbrance	1,404,080,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	393,037,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	1,199,123,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	380,286,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	406,809,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	1,565,636,000		'	'
Total	1,972,445,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-564,341,000		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Sunnyvale [Member] | Brookside Oaks [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Brookside Oaks		'	'
Units	170		'	'
Location	'Sunnyvale, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	19,652,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	7,301,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	16,310,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	20,824,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	10,328,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	34,107,000		'	'
Total	44,435,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-12,736,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1973		'	'
Date acquired	'06/00		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Sunnyvale [Member] | Montclaire, The [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Montclaire, The		'	'
Units	390		'	'
Location	'Sunnyvale, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	46,580,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	4,842,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	19,776,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	20,091,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	4,997,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	39,712,000		'	'
Total	44,709,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-29,766,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1973		'	'
Date acquired	'12/88		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Sunnyvale [Member] | Summerhill Park [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Summerhill Park		'	'
Units	100		'	'
Location	'Sunnyvale, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	13,554,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	2,654,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	4,918,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,287,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	2,656,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	6,202,000		'	'
Total	8,859,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-4,814,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1988		'	'
Date acquired	'09/88		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Sunnyvale [Member] | Magnolia Square [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Magnolia Square/Magnolia Lane		'	'
Units	188		'	'
Location	'Sunnyvale, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	18,017,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	8,190,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	24,736,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	12,716,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	8,191,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	37,451,000		'	'
Total	45,642,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-8,282,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1969		'	'
Date acquired	'09/07		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Los Angeles [Member] | Belmont Station [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Belmont Station		'	'
Units	275		'	'
Location	'Los Angeles, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	30,045,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	8,100,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	66,666,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	3,262,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	8,267,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	69,760,000		'	'
Total	78,027,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-16,096,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2008		'	'
Date acquired	'12/08		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Simi Valley [Member] | Hidden Valley [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Hidden Valley		'	'
Units	324		'	'
Location	'Simi Valley, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	30,027,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	14,174,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	34,065,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,535,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	9,674,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	40,101,000		'	'
Total	49,774,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-12,830,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2004		'	'
Date acquired	'12/04		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | San Jose [Member] | Carlyle, The [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Carlyle, The		'	'
Units	132		'	'
Location	'San Jose, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	18,274,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	3,954,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	15,277,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	9,956,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	5,801,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	23,387,000		'	'
Total	29,187,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-10,159,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2000		'	'
Date acquired	'04/00		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | San Jose [Member] | Bella Villagio [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Bella Villagio		'	'
Units	231		'	'
Location	'San Jose, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	36,992,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	17,247,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	40,343,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,735,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	17,247,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	42,079,000		'	'
Total	59,325,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-4,849,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2004		'	'
Date acquired	'09/10		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | San Jose [Member] | Esplanade [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Esplanade		'	'
Units	278		'	'
Location	'San Jose, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	43,965,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	18,170,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	40,086,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	6,786,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	18,429,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	46,613,000		'	'
Total	65,042,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-15,128,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2002		'	'
Date acquired	'11/04		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | San Jose [Member] | Waterford, The [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Waterford, The		'	'
Units	238		'	'
Location	'San Jose, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	31,705,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	11,808,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	24,500,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	12,570,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	15,165,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	33,713,000		'	'
Total	48,878,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-15,024,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2000		'	'
Date acquired	'06/00		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Hayward [Member] | City View [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'City View		'	'
Units	572		'	'
Location	'Hayward, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	62,008,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	9,883,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	37,670,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	21,261,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	10,350,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	58,464,000		'	'
Total	68,814,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-32,305,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1975		'	'
Date acquired	'03/98		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | La Habra [Member] | Hillsborough Park [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Hillsborough Park		'	'
Units	235		'	'
Location	'La Habra, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	37,218,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	6,291,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	15,455,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,625,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	6,272,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	17,099,000		'	'
Total	23,371,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-8,182,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1999		'	'
Date acquired	'09/99		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Garden Grove [Member] | Montejo [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Montejo		'	'
Units	124		'	'
Location	'Garden Grove, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	13,064,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	1,925,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	7,685,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,420,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	2,194,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	9,835,000		'	'
Total	12,030,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-4,167,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1974		'	'
Date acquired	'11/01		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Santa Ana [Member] | Fairhaven Treehouse [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Fairhaven		'	'
Units	164		'	'
Location	'Santa Ana, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	16,954,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	2,626,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	10,485,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	5,561,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	2,957,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	15,715,000		'	'
Total	18,672,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-5,989,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1970		'	'
Date acquired	'11/01		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Fountain Valley [Member] | Valley Park [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Valley Park		'	'
Units	160		'	'
Location	'Fountain Valley, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	22,180,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	3,361,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	13,420,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	3,319,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	3,761,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	16,339,000		'	'
Total	20,100,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-6,817,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1969		'	'
Date acquired	'11/01		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Placentia [Member] | Villa Angelina [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Villa Angelina		'	'
Units	256		'	'
Location	'Placentia, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	27,040,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	4,498,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	17,962,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	5,714,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	4,962,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	23,213,000		'	'
Total	28,174,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-8,818,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1970		'	'
Date acquired	'11/01		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Woodland Hills [Member] | Avondale at Warner Center [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Avondale at Warner Center		'	'
Units	446		'	'
Location	'Woodland Hills, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	46,077,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	10,536,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	24,522,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	15,162,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	10,601,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	39,619,000		'	'
Total	50,220,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-21,737,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1970		'	'
Date acquired	'01/97		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Newark [Member] | Bridgeport [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Bridgeport		'	'
Units	184		'	'
Location	'Newark, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	21,374,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	1,608,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	7,582,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	6,595,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	1,525,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	14,260,000		'	'
Total	15,785,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-10,670,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1987		'	'
Date acquired	'07/87		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Anaheim [Member] | Barkley, The [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Barkley, The	[2]	'	'
Units	161	[2]	'	'
Location	'Anaheim, CA	[2]	'	'
Encumbrance	16,534,000	[2]	'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	0	[2]	'	'
Buildings and improvements	8,520,000	[2]	'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	4,817,000	[2]	'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	2,353,000	[2]	'	'
Buildings and improvements	10,984,000	[2]	'	'
Total	13,337,000	[1],[2]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-5,006,000	[2]	'	'
Date of construction	'1984	[2]	'	'
Date acquired	'04/00	[2]	'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years	[2]	'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years	[2]	'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | San Ramon [Member] | Bel Air [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Bel Air		'	'
Units	462		'	'
Location	'San Ramon, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	54,858,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	12,105,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	18,252,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	25,571,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	12,682,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	43,246,000		'	'
Total	55,928,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-21,280,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1988		'	'
Date acquired	'01/97		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | San Ramon [Member] | Canyon Oaks [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Canyon Oaks		'	'
Units	250		'	'
Location	'San Ramon, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	28,559,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	19,088,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	44,473,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,512,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	19,088,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	45,985,000		'	'
Total	65,073,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-10,550,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2005		'	'
Date acquired	'05/07		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | San Ramon [Member] | Mill Creek at Windermere [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Mill Creek at Windermere		'	'
Units	400		'	'
Location	'San Ramon, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	49,212,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	29,551,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	69,032,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,975,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	29,551,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	71,008,000		'	'
Total	100,558,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-15,298,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2005		'	'
Date acquired	'09/07		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Seattle [Member] | The Bernard [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'The Bernard		'	'
Units	63		'	'
Location	'Seattle, WA		'	'
Encumbrance	9,776,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	3,699,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	11,345,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	95,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	3,689,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	11,451,000		'	'
Total	15,139,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-887,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2008		'	'
Date acquired	'09/11		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Camarillo [Member] | Camino Ruiz Square [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Camino Ruiz Square		'	'
Units	160		'	'
Location	'Camarillo, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	21,110,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	6,871,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	26,119,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	940,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	6,931,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	26,999,000		'	'
Total	33,930,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-6,507,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1990		'	'
Date acquired	'12/06		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Fullerton [Member] | Wilshire Promenade [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Wilshire Promenade		'	'
Units	149		'	'
Location	'Fullerton, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	17,975,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	3,118,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	7,385,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	7,245,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	3,797,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	13,951,000		'	'
Total	17,748,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-6,745,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1992		'	'
Date acquired	'01/97		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Studio City [Member] | Coldwater Canyon [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Coldwater Canyon		'	'
Units	39		'	'
Location	'Studio City, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	5,446,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	1,674,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	6,640,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,289,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	1,676,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	7,928,000		'	'
Total	9,603,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-2,308,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1979		'	'
Date acquired	'05/07		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Playa Vista [Member] | Fountain Park [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Fountain Park		'	'
Units	705		'	'
Location	'Playa Vista, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	83,179,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	25,073,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	94,980,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	23,673,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	25,203,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	118,523,000		'	'
Total	143,726,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-41,416,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2002		'	'
Date acquired	'02/04		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Santa Rosa [Member] | Harvest Park [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Harvest Park		'	'
Units	104		'	'
Location	'Santa Rosa, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	10,473,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	6,700,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	15,479,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	984,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	6,690,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	16,473,000		'	'
Total	23,163,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-4,043,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2004		'	'
Date acquired	'03/07		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Glendale [Member] | Hampton Place Hampton Court [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Hampton Place /Hampton Court		'	'
Units	215		'	'
Location	'Glendale, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	20,967,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	6,695,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	16,753,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	5,574,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	6,733,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	22,289,000		'	'
Total	29,022,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-10,899,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1970		'	'
Date acquired	'06/99		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Rancho Palos Verdes [Member] | Highridge [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Highridge		'	'
Units	255		'	'
Location	'Rancho Palos Verdes, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	44,807,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	5,419,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	18,347,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	26,326,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	6,073,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	44,019,000		'	'
Total	50,092,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-19,916,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1972		'	'
Date acquired	'05/97		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Issaquah [Member] | Park Hill at Issaquah [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Park Hill at Issaquah		'	'
Units	245		'	'
Location	'Issaquah, WA		'	'
Encumbrance	28,966,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	7,284,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	21,937,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,317,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	7,284,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	24,254,000		'	'
Total	31,538,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-7,853,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1999		'	'
Date acquired	'02/99		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Newbury Park [Member] | Hillcrest Park [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Hillcrest Park		'	'
Units	608		'	'
Location	'Newbury Park, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	68,339,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	15,318,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	40,601,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	15,868,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	15,755,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	56,031,000		'	'
Total	71,787,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-27,474,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1973		'	'
Date acquired	'03/98		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Huntington Beach [Member] | Huntington Breakers [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Huntington Breakers		'	'
Units	342		'	'
Location	'Huntington Beach, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	38,108,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	9,306,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	22,720,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	7,218,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	9,315,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	29,929,000		'	'
Total	39,244,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-15,046,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1984		'	'
Date acquired	'10/97		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Huntington Beach [Member] | The Huntington [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'The Huntington		'	'
Units	276		'	'
Location	'Huntington Beach, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	33,121,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	10,374,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	41,495,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,026,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	10,374,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	43,522,000		'	'
Total	53,895,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-2,301,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1975		'	'
Date acquired	'06/12		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Long Beach [Member] | Pathways [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Pathways		'	'
Units	296		'	'
Location	'Long Beach, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	37,651,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	4,083,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	16,757,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	18,730,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	6,239,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	33,332,000		'	'
Total	39,570,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-22,575,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1975		'	'
Date acquired	'02/91		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Marina Del Rey [Member] | Mirabella [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Mirabella		'	'
Units	188		'	'
Location	'Marina Del Rey, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	45,470,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	6,180,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	26,673,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	13,583,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	6,270,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	40,165,000		'	'
Total	46,436,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-16,059,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2000		'	'
Date acquired	'05/00		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Oxnard [Member] | Tierra Vista [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Tierra Vista		'	'
Units	404		'	'
Location	'Oxnard, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	56,359,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	13,652,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	53,336,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	3,497,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	13,661,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	56,824,000		'	'
Total	70,485,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-18,565,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2001		'	'
Date acquired	'01/01		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Fremont [Member] | Stevenson Place [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Stevenson Place		'	'
Units	200		'	'
Location	'Fremont, CA		'	'
Encumbrance	21,724,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	996,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	5,582,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	7,076,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	1,001,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	12,653,000		'	'
Total	13,654,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-9,216,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1971		'	'
Date acquired	'04/83		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Renton [Member] | Fairwood Pond [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Fairwood Pond		'	'
Units	194		'	'
Location	'Renton, WA		'	'
Encumbrance	13,024,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	5,296,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	15,564,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,111,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	5,297,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	17,674,000		'	'
Total	22,971,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-5,979,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1997		'	'
Date acquired	'10/04		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Mukilteo [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'The Elliot at Mukilteo		'	'
Units	301		'	'
Location	'Mukilteo, WA		'	'
Encumbrance	10,750,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	2,498,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	10,595,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	13,805,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	2,824,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	24,075,000		'	'
Total	26,898,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-11,185,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1981		'	'
Date acquired	'01/97		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Seattle [Member] | Domaine [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Domaine		'	'
Units	92		'	'
Location	'Seattle, WA		'	'
Encumbrance	16,336,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	9,059,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	27,177,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	375,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	9,059,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	27,552,000		'	'
Total	36,611,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-1,191,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2009		'	'
Date acquired	'09/12		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Bothell [Member] | Inglenook Court [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Inglenook Court		'	'
Units	224		'	'
Location	'Bothell, WA		'	'
Encumbrance	8,300,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	3,467,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	7,881,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	5,766,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	3,474,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	13,640,000		'	'
Total	17,114,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-8,870,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1985		'	'
Date acquired	'10/94		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Bothell [Member] | Stonehedge Village [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Stonehedge Village		'	'
Units	196		'	'
Location	'Bothell, WA		'	'
Encumbrance	12,390,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	3,167,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	12,603,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	4,726,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	3,201,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	17,296,000		'	'
Total	20,496,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-9,341,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1986		'	'
Date acquired	'10/97		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Bellevue [Member] | Courtyard off Main [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Courtyard off Main		'	'
Units	109		'	'
Location	'Bellevue, WA		'	'
Encumbrance	16,016,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	7,465,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	21,405,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,718,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	7,465,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	24,123,000		'	'
Total	31,588,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-2,752,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2000		'	'
Date acquired	'10/10		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Bellevue [Member] | Palisades, The [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Palisades, The		'	'
Units	192		'	'
Location	'Bellevue, WA		'	'
Encumbrance	20,935,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	1,560,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	6,242,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	10,733,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	1,565,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	16,971,000		'	'
Total	18,535,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-11,333,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1977		'	'
Date acquired	'05/90		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Redmond [Member] | Elevation [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Elevation		'	'
Units	157		'	'
Location	'Redmond, WA		'	'
Encumbrance	11,579,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	4,758,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	14,285,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	5,498,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	4,757,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	19,784,000		'	'
Total	24,541,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-3,054,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1986		'	'
Date acquired	'06/10		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Kirkland [Member] | Montebello [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Montebello		'	'
Units	248		'	'
Location	'Kirkland, WA		'	'
Encumbrance	29,300,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	13,857,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	41,575,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,707,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	13,858,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	44,281,000		'	'
Total	58,139,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-2,351,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1996		'	'
Date acquired	'07/12		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Issaquah [Member] | Highlands at Wynhaven [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Highlands at Wynhaven		'	'
Units	333		'	'
Location	'Issaquah, WA		'	'
Encumbrance	32,793,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	16,271,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	48,932,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	5,541,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	16,271,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	54,473,000		'	'
Total	70,744,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-10,576,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2000		'	'
Date acquired	'08/08		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Encumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Kent [Member] | Wandering Creek [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Wandering Creek		'	'
Units	156		'	'
Location	'Kent, WA		'	'
Encumbrance	5,300,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	1,285,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	4,980,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	3,569,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	1,296,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	8,538,000		'	'
Total	9,834,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-5,395,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1986		'	'
Date acquired	'11/95		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Units	29,989		'	'
Encumbrance	1,404,080,000		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	1,021,942,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	3,474,800,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	863,981,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	1,059,824,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	4,300,898,000		'	'
Total	5,360,723,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-1,232,604,000		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Bonita [Member] | Bonita Cedars [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Bonita Cedars		'	'
Units	120		'	'
Location	'Bonita, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	2,496,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	9,913,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,773,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	2,503,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	11,678,000		'	'
Total	14,182,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-4,608,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1983		'	'
Date acquired	'12/02		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Sunnyvale [Member] | Reed Square [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Reed Square		'	'
Units	100		'	'
Location	'Sunnyvale, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	6,873,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	16,037,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	6,377,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	6,873,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	22,414,000		'	'
Total	29,287,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-1,490,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1970		'	'
Date acquired	'01/12		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Sunnyvale [Member] | Bristol Commons [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Bristol Commons		'	'
Units	188		'	'
Location	'Sunnyvale, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	5,278,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	11,853,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	3,361,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	5,293,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	15,199,000		'	'
Total	20,492,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-8,004,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1989		'	'
Date acquired	'01/97		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Sunnyvale [Member] | Windsor Ridge [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Windsor Ridge		'	'
Units	216		'	'
Location	'Sunnyvale, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	4,017,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	10,315,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	8,365,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	4,021,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	18,676,000		'	'
Total	22,697,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-12,239,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1989		'	'
Date acquired	'03/89		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Sunnyvale [Member] | Via [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Via		'	'
Units	284		'	'
Location	'Sunnyvale, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	22,000,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	82,270,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	317,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	22,016,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	82,571,000		'	'
Total	104,587,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-8,246,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2011		'	'
Date acquired	'07/11		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Los Angeles [Member] | Park Catalina [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Park Catalina		'	'
Units	90		'	'
Location	'Los Angeles, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	4,710,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	18,839,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	876,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	4,710,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	19,716,000		'	'
Total	24,425,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-1,051,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2002		'	'
Date acquired	'06/12		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Los Angeles [Member] | Miracle Mile Marbella [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Miracle Mile/Marbella		'	'
Units	236		'	'
Location	'Los Angeles, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	7,791,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	23,075,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	12,201,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	7,886,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	35,181,000		'	'
Total	43,067,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-17,228,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1988		'	'
Date acquired	'08/97		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Los Angeles [Member] | Bunker Hill [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Bunker Hill		'	'
Units	456		'	'
Location	'Los Angeles, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	11,498,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	27,871,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	9,067,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	11,639,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	36,798,000		'	'
Total	48,436,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-17,548,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1968		'	'
Date acquired	'03/98		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Los Angeles [Member] | Kings Road [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Kings Road		'	'
Units	196		'	'
Location	'Los Angeles, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	4,023,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	9,527,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	8,817,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	4,031,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	18,336,000		'	'
Total	22,367,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-8,792,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1979		'	'
Date acquired	'06/97		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Los Angeles [Member] | Santee Court [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Santee Court/Santee Village		'	'
Units	238		'	'
Location	'Los Angeles, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	9,581,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	40,317,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,967,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	9,582,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	43,283,000		'	'
Total	52,865,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-4,811,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2004		'	'
Date acquired	'10/10		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Los Angeles [Member] | Bellerive [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Bellerive		'	'
Units	63		'	'
Location	'Los Angeles, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	5,401,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	21,803,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	568,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	5,401,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	22,370,000		'	'
Total	27,772,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-2,378,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2011		'	'
Date acquired	'08/11		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Simi Valley [Member] | Meadoweood [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Meadowood		'	'
Units	320		'	'
Location	'Simi Valley, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	7,852,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	18,592,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	6,239,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	7,898,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	24,785,000		'	'
Total	32,683,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-13,426,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1986		'	'
Date acquired	'11/96		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Mira Mesa [Member] | Mira Monte [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Mira Monte		'	'
Units	355		'	'
Location	'Mira Mesa, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	7,165,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	28,459,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	8,392,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	7,186,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	36,830,000		'	'
Total	44,016,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-15,701,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1982		'	'
Date acquired	'12/02		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Oceanside [Member] | Mission Hills [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Mission Hills		'	'
Units	282		'	'
Location	'Oceanside, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	10,099,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	38,778,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	4,009,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	10,167,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	42,719,000		'	'
Total	52,886,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-13,413,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1984		'	'
Date acquired	'07/05		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Oceanside [Member] | Country Villas [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Country Villas		'	'
Units	180		'	'
Location	'Oceanside, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	4,174,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	16,583,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,650,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	4,187,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	19,220,000		'	'
Total	23,407,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-7,669,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1976		'	'
Date acquired	'12/02		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Lake Forest [Member] | Trabucco Villas [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Trabucco Villas		'	'
Units	132		'	'
Location	'Lake Forest, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	3,638,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	8,640,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,177,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	3,890,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	10,565,000		'	'
Total	14,455,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-5,485,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1985		'	'
Date acquired	'10/97		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Walnut [Member] | Walnut Heights [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Walnut Heights		'	'
Units	163		'	'
Location	'Walnut, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	4,858,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	19,168,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,592,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	4,887,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	21,731,000		'	'
Total	26,618,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-7,648,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1964		'	'
Date acquired	'10/03		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | San Jose [Member] | Willow Lake [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Willow Lake		'	'
Units	508		'	'
Location	'San Jose, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	43,194,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	101,030,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	3,887,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	43,194,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	104,917,000		'	'
Total	148,111,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-4,365,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1989		'	'
Date acquired	'10/12		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | San Jose [Member] | 101 San Fernando [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'101 San Fernando		'	'
Units	323		'	'
Location	'San Jose, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	4,173,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	58,961,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	5,425,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	4,173,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	64,386,000		'	'
Total	68,559,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-7,966,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2001		'	'
Date acquired	'07/10		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Santa Ana [Member] | Essex Skyline at MacAuthur Place [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Essex Skyline at MacArthur Place		'	'
Units	349		'	'
Location	'Santa Ana, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	21,537,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	146,099,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,216,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	21,537,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	147,314,000		'	'
Total	168,852,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-8,472,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2008		'	'
Date acquired	'04/12		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Alpine [Member] | Alpine Village [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Alpine Village		'	'
Units	301		'	'
Location	'Alpine, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	4,967,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	19,728,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	4,511,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	4,982,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	24,224,000		'	'
Total	29,206,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-9,201,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1971		'	'
Date acquired	'12/02		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Anaheim [Member] | Anavia [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Anavia		'	'
Units	250		'	'
Location	'Anaheim, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	15,925,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	63,712,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	5,633,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	15,925,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	69,345,000		'	'
Total	85,270,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-7,077,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2009		'	'
Date acquired	'12/10		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | San Ramon [Member] | Foothill Gardens/Twin Creeks [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Foothill Gardens/Twin Creeks		'	'
Units	176		'	'
Location	'San Ramon, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	5,875,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	13,992,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	5,273,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	5,964,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	19,176,000		'	'
Total	25,140,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-10,015,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1985		'	'
Date acquired	'02/97		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Camarillo [Member] | Camarillo Oaks [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Camarillo Oaks		'	'
Units	564		'	'
Location	'Camarillo, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	10,953,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	25,254,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	3,361,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	11,075,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	28,493,000		'	'
Total	39,568,000		'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-16,613,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1985		'	'
Date acquired	'07/96		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Fullerton [Member] | Capri at Sunny Hills [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Capri at Sunny Hills		'	'
Units	100		'	'
Location	'Fullerton, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	3,337,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	13,320,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	6,848,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	4,048,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	19,457,000		'	'
Total	23,505,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-7,745,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1961		'	'
Date acquired	'09/01		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Hemet [Member] | Devonshire [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Devonshire		'	'
Units	276		'	'
Location	'Hemet, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	3,470,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	13,786,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,400,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	3,482,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	16,174,000		'	'
Total	19,656,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-6,481,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1988		'	'
Date acquired	'12/02		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Kirkland [Member] | Slater 116 [Member]	'		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Kirkland [Member] | Ascent [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Ascent		'	'
Units	90		'	'
Location	'Kirkland, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	3,924,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	11,862,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,344,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	3,924,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	13,206,000		'	'
Total	17,130,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-582,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1988		'	'
Date acquired	'10/12		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Glendale [Member] | 416 on Broadway [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'416 on Broadway		'	'
Units	115		'	'
Location	'Glendale, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	8,557,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	34,235,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	992,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	8,557,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	35,226,000		'	'
Total	43,784,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-3,750,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2009		'	'
Date acquired	'12/10		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Santa Clara [Member] | Le Parc Luxury Apartments [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Le Parc Luxury Apartments		'	'
Units	140		'	'
Location	'Santa Clara, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	3,090,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	7,421,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	10,794,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	3,092,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	18,212,000		'	'
Total	21,305,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-10,219,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1975		'	'
Date acquired	'02/94		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Santa Clara [Member] | Marina Cove [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Marina Cove	[3]	'	'
Units	292	[3]	'	'
Location	'Santa Clara, CA	[3]	'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	5,320,000	[3]	'	'
Buildings and improvements	16,431,000	[3]	'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	9,971,000	[3]	'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	5,324,000	[3]	'	'
Buildings and improvements	26,398,000	[3]	'	'
Total	31,722,000	[1],[3]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-15,114,000	[3]	'	'
Date of construction	'1974	[3]	'	'
Date acquired	'06/94	[3]	'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years	[3]	'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years	[3]	'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Santa Clara [Member] | 1000 Kiely [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'1000 Kiely		'	'
Units	121		'	'
Location	'Santa Clara, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	9,359,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	21,845,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	5,118,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	9,359,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	26,963,000		'	'
Total	36,322,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-2,745,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1971		'	'
Date acquired	'03/11		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Long Beach [Member] | Marbrisa [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Marbrisa	[4]	'	'
Units	202	[4]	'	'
Location	'Long Beach, CA	[4]	'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	4,700,000	[4]	'	'
Buildings and improvements	18,605,000	[4]	'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	4,116,000	[4]	'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	4,760,000	[4]	'	'
Buildings and improvements	22,662,000	[4]	'	'
Total	27,421,000	[1],[4]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-8,395,000	[4]	'	'
Date of construction	'1987	[4]	'	'
Date acquired	'09/02	[4]	'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years	[4]	'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years	[4]	'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Marina Del Rey [Member] | Marina City Club [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Marina City Club	[5]	'	'
Units	101	[5]	'	'
Location	'Marina Del Rey, CA	[5]	'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	0	[5]	'	'
Buildings and improvements	28,167,000	[5]	'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	17,390,000	[5]	'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	0	[5]	'	'
Buildings and improvements	45,557,000	[5]	'	'
Total	45,557,000	[1],[5]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-12,066,000	[5]	'	'
Date of construction	'1971	[5]	'	'
Date acquired	'01/04	[5]	'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years	[5]	'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years	[5]	'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Oxnard [Member] | Monterey Villas [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Monterey Villas		'	'
Units	122		'	'
Location	'Oxnard, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	2,349,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	5,579,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	5,478,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	2,424,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	10,982,000		'	'
Total	13,406,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-5,199,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1974		'	'
Date acquired	'07/97		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Oxnard [Member] | Mariners Place [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Mariners Place		'	'
Units	105		'	'
Location	'Oxnard, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	1,555,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	6,103,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,813,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	1,562,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	7,909,000		'	'
Total	9,471,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-3,847,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1987		'	'
Date acquired	'05/00		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Cupertino [Member] | Pointe at Cupertino, The [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Pointe at Cupertino, The		'	'
Units	116		'	'
Location	'Cupertino, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	4,505,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	17,605,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	10,179,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	4,505,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	27,784,000		'	'
Total	32,289,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-8,131,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1963		'	'
Date acquired	'08/98		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Richmond [Member] | San Marcos [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'San Marcos		'	'
Units	432		'	'
Location	'Richmond, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	15,563,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	36,204,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	26,551,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	22,866,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	55,452,000		'	'
Total	78,318,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-19,483,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2003		'	'
Date acquired	'11/03		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Fremont [Member] | Boulevard [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Boulevard		'	'
Units	172		'	'
Location	'Fremont, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	3,520,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	8,182,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	10,606,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	3,580,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	18,729,000		'	'
Total	22,308,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-11,311,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1978		'	'
Date acquired	'01/96		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | San Diego [Member] | CentrePointe [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'CentrePointe		'	'
Units	224		'	'
Location	'San Diego, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	3,405,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	7,743,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	17,571,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	3,442,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	25,277,000		'	'
Total	28,719,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-7,522,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1974		'	'
Date acquired	'06/97		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | San Diego [Member] | Summit Park [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Summit Park		'	'
Units	300		'	'
Location	'San Diego, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	5,959,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	23,670,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	3,840,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	5,977,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	27,492,000		'	'
Total	33,469,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-10,845,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1972		'	'
Date acquired	'12/02		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | San Diego [Member] | Vista Capri - North [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Vista Capri - North		'	'
Units	106		'	'
Location	'San Diego, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	1,663,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	6,609,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	901,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	1,668,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	7,505,000		'	'
Total	9,173,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-2,825,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1975		'	'
Date acquired	'12/02		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | San Diego [Member] | Domain [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Domain		'	'
Units	379		'	'
Location	'San Diego, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	23,848,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	95,394,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	17,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	23,848,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	95,411,000		'	'
Total	119,259,000		'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-398,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2013		'	'
Date acquired	'11/13		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Tiburon [Member] | Vista Belvedere [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Vista Belvedere		'	'
Units	76		'	'
Location	'Tiburon, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	5,573,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	11,901,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	5,224,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	5,573,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	17,125,000		'	'
Total	22,698,000		'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-5,945,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1963		'	'
Date acquired	'08/04		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Valley Village [Member] | Allegro [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Allegro		'	'
Units	97		'	'
Location	'Valley Village, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	5,869,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	23,977,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,144,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	5,869,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	25,121,000		'	'
Total	30,990,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-3,944,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2010		'	'
Date acquired	'10/10		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Irvine [Member] | Axis 2300 [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Axis 2300		'	'
Units	115		'	'
Location	'Irvine, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	5,405,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	33,585,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	780,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	5,405,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	34,365,000		'	'
Total	39,770,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-5,348,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2010		'	'
Date acquired	'08/10		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Belmont [Member] | Belmont Terrace [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Belmont Terrace		'	'
Units	71		'	'
Location	'Belmont, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	4,446,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	10,290,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,454,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	4,473,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	12,717,000		'	'
Total	17,190,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-4,187,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1974		'	'
Date acquired	'10/06		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Goleta [Member] | The Sweep Apartments [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'The Sweeps		'	'
Units	91		'	'
Location	'Goleta, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	5,558,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	21,320,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,947,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	5,618,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	23,206,000		'	'
Total	28,825,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-7,273,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1967		'	'
Date acquired	'01/06		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Goleta [Member] | CBC Apartments [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'CBC Apartments		'	'
Units	148		'	'
Location	'Goleta, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	6,283,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	24,000,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,645,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	6,288,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	26,641,000		'	'
Total	32,928,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-7,948,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1962		'	'
Date acquired	'01/06		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Santa Cruz [Member] | Chestnut Street [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Chestnut Street		'	'
Units	96		'	'
Location	'Santa Cruz, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	6,582,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	15,689,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,029,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	6,582,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	16,718,000		'	'
Total	23,300,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-3,249,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2002		'	'
Date acquired	'07/08		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Campbell [Member] | The Commons [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Commons, The		'	'
Units	264		'	'
Location	'Campbell, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	12,555,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	29,307,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	3,839,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	12,556,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	33,145,000		'	'
Total	45,701,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-4,451,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1973		'	'
Date acquired	'07/10		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Pasadena [Member] | Monterra del Mar/Rey/Sol [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Monterra del Mar/Rey/Sol		'	'
Units	292		'	'
Location	'Pasadena, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	2,202,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	4,794,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	28,416,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	8,385,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	27,027,000		'	'
Total	35,412,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-13,253,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1972		'	'
Date acquired	'04/99		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Newport Beach [Member] | Fairways [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Fairways	[6]	'	'
Units	74	[6]	'	'
Location	'Newport Beach, CA	[6]	'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	0	[6]	'	'
Buildings and improvements	7,850,000	[6]	'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	5,290,000	[6]	'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	9,000	[6]	'	'
Buildings and improvements	13,131,000	[6]	'	'
Total	13,140,000	[1],[6]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-5,354,000	[6]	'	'
Date of construction	'1972	[6]	'	'
Date acquired	'06/99	[6]	'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years	[6]	'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years	[6]	'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Berkeley [Member] | Fourth & U [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Fourth & U		'	'
Units	171		'	'
Location	'Berkeley, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	8,879,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	52,351,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,227,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	8,879,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	54,577,000		'	'
Total	63,457,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-7,644,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2010		'	'
Date acquired	'04/10		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | San Mateo [Member] | Hillsdale Garden Apartments [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Hillsdale Garden		'	'
Units	697		'	'
Location	'San Mateo, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	22,000,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	94,681,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	18,717,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	22,244,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	113,154,000		'	'
Total	135,398,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-28,418,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1948		'	'
Date acquired	'09/06		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Santa Barbara [Member] | Hope Ranch Collection [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Hope Ranch Collection		'	'
Units	108		'	'
Location	'Santa Barbara, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	4,078,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	16,877,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,394,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	4,208,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	19,141,000		'	'
Total	23,349,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-4,108,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1965		'	'
Date acquired	'03/07		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Ventura [Member] | Lofts at Pinehurst, The [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Lofts at Pinehurst, The		'	'
Units	118		'	'
Location	'Ventura, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	1,570,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	3,912,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	4,346,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	1,618,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	8,210,000		'	'
Total	9,828,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-3,824,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1971		'	'
Date acquired	'06/97		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Ventura [Member] | Pinehurst [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Pinehurst	[7]	'	'
Units	28	[7]	'	'
Location	'Ventura, CA	[7]	'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	355,000	[7]	'	'
Buildings and improvements	1,356,000	[7]	'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	453,000	[7]	'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	6,000	[7]	'	'
Buildings and improvements	2,159,000	[7]	'	'
Total	2,164,000	[1],[7]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-836,000	[7]	'	'
Date of construction	'1973	[7]	'	'
Date acquired	'12/04	[7]	'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years	[7]	'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years	[7]	'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Ventura [Member] | Woodside Village [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Woodside Village		'	'
Units	145		'	'
Location	'Ventura, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	5,331,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	21,036,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	3,242,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	5,341,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	24,268,000		'	'
Total	29,609,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-7,663,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1987		'	'
Date acquired	'12/04		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Clairemont [Member] | Mesa Village [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Mesa Village		'	'
Units	133		'	'
Location	'Clairemont, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	1,888,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	7,498,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,099,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	1,894,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	8,592,000		'	'
Total	10,485,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-3,253,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1963		'	'
Date acquired	'12/02		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | San Francisco [Member] | Park West [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Park West		'	'
Units	126		'	'
Location	'San Francisco, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	9,424,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	21,988,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,895,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	9,424,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	23,883,000		'	'
Total	33,307,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-1,060,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1958		'	'
Date acquired	'09/12		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | San Francisco [Member] | Bennett Lofts [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Bennett Lofts		'	'
Units	147		'	'
Location	'San Francisco, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	21,771,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	50,800,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	23,304,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	28,371,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	67,503,000		'	'
Total	95,875,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-2,456,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2004		'	'
Date acquired	'12/12		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | San Francisco [Member] | Mt. Sutro [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Mt. Sutro		'	'
Units	99		'	'
Location	'San Francisco, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	2,334,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	8,507,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	3,450,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	2,809,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	11,482,000		'	'
Total	14,291,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-5,435,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1973		'	'
Date acquired	'06/01		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | San Francisco [Member] | Fox Plaza [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Fox Plaza		'	'
Units	444		'	'
Location	'San Francisco, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	39,731,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	92,706,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,627,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	39,731,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	95,333,000		'	'
Total	135,064,000		'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-2,771,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1968		'	'
Date acquired	'02/13		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Encino [Member] | Regency at Encino [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Regency at Encino		'	'
Units	75		'	'
Location	'Encino, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	3,184,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	12,737,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,754,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	3,184,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	14,490,000		'	'
Total	17,675,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-2,407,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1989		'	'
Date acquired	'12/09		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Spring Valley [Member] | Shadow Point [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Shadow Point		'	'
Units	172		'	'
Location	'Spring Valley, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	2,812,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	11,170,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,833,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	2,820,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	12,995,000		'	'
Total	15,815,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-5,146,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1983		'	'
Date acquired	'12/02		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Oakland [Member] | The Grand [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'The Grand		'	'
Units	243		'	'
Location	'Oakland, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	4,531,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	89,208,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	4,199,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	4,531,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	93,407,000		'	'
Total	97,938,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-17,784,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2009		'	'
Date acquired	'01/09		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Tracy [Member] | Tuscana [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Tuscana		'	'
Units	30		'	'
Location	'Tracy, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	2,828,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	6,599,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	162,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	2,870,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	6,719,000		'	'
Total	9,589,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-1,484,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2007		'	'
Date acquired	'02/07		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | CA [Member] | Hollywood [Member] | Muse [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Muse		'	'
Units	152		'	'
Location	'North Hollywood, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	7,822,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	33,436,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,550,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	7,823,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	34,985,000		'	'
Total	42,808,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-4,888,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2011		'	'
Date acquired	'02/11		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Newcastle [Member] | Castle Creek [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Castle Creek		'	'
Units	216		'	'
Location	'Newcastle, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	4,149,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	16,028,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,240,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	4,833,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	17,584,000		'	'
Total	22,417,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-10,037,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1997		'	'
Date acquired	'12/97		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Renton [Member] | Forest View [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Forest View		'	'
Units	192		'	'
Location	'Renton, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	3,731,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	14,530,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,361,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	3,731,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	15,891,000		'	'
Total	19,622,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-5,742,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1998		'	'
Date acquired	'10/03		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Renton [Member] | Brighton Ridge [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Brighton Ridge		'	'
Units	264		'	'
Location	'Renton, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	2,623,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	10,800,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	3,086,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	2,656,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	13,852,000		'	'
Total	16,509,000		'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-8,080,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1986		'	'
Date acquired	'12/96		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Seattle [Member] | Cairns, The [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Cairns, The		'	'
Units	100		'	'
Location	'Seattle, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	6,937,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	20,679,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	443,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	6,939,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	21,121,000		'	'
Total	28,059,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-4,694,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2006		'	'
Date acquired	'06/07		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Seattle [Member] | Joule [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Joule		'	'
Units	295		'	'
Location	'Seattle, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	14,558,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	69,417,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	3,142,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	14,558,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	72,559,000		'	'
Total	87,117,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-10,435,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2010		'	'
Date acquired	'03/10		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Seattle [Member] | Wharfside Pointe [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Wharfside Pointe		'	'
Units	142		'	'
Location	'Seattle, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	2,245,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	7,020,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	7,537,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	2,258,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	14,545,000		'	'
Total	16,802,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-7,773,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1990		'	'
Date acquired	'06/94		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Seattle [Member] | Fountain Court [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Fountain Court		'	'
Units	320		'	'
Location	'Seattle, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	6,702,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	27,306,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	7,607,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	6,985,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	34,631,000		'	'
Total	41,615,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-15,071,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2000		'	'
Date acquired	'03/00		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Seattle [Member] | Vox Apartments [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Vox		'	'
Units	58		'	'
Location	'Seattle, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	5,545,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	16,635,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	22,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	5,545,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	16,657,000		'	'
Total	22,202,000		'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-116,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2013		'	'
Date acquired	'10/13		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Seattle [Member] | Annaliese [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Annaliese		'	'
Units	56		'	'
Location	'Seattle, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	4,727,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	14,229,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	67,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	4,726,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	14,297,000		'	'
Total	19,023,000		'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-459,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2009		'	'
Date acquired	'01/13		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Bothell [Member] | Canyon Pointe [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Canyon Pointe		'	'
Units	250		'	'
Location	'Bothell, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	4,692,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	18,288,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	3,856,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	4,693,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	22,143,000		'	'
Total	26,836,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-8,091,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1990		'	'
Date acquired	'10/03		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Bothell [Member] | Salmon Run at Perry Creek [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Salmon Run at Perry Creek		'	'
Units	132		'	'
Location	'Bothell, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	3,717,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	11,483,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,263,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	3,801,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	12,662,000		'	'
Total	16,463,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-5,544,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2000		'	'
Date acquired	'10/00		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Bellevue [Member] | Emerald Ridge [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Emerald Ridge		'	'
Units	180		'	'
Location	'Bellevue, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	3,449,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	7,801,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,992,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	3,449,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	10,793,000		'	'
Total	14,242,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-7,244,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1987		'	'
Date acquired	'11/94		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Bellevue [Member] | Sammamish View [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Sammamish View		'	'
Units	153		'	'
Location	'Bellevue, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	3,324,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	7,501,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	5,868,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	3,331,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	13,361,000		'	'
Total	16,693,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-8,810,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1986		'	'
Date acquired	'11/94		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Bellevue [Member] | Cedar Terrace [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Cedar Terrace		'	'
Units	180		'	'
Location	'Bellevue, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	5,543,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	16,442,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	4,065,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	5,652,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	20,397,000		'	'
Total	26,050,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-6,996,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1984		'	'
Date acquired	'01/05		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Bellevue [Member] | Foothill Commons [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Foothill Commons		'	'
Units	388		'	'
Location	'Bellevue, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	2,435,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	9,821,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	33,746,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	2,440,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	43,562,000		'	'
Total	46,002,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-22,333,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1978		'	'
Date acquired	'03/90		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Bellevue [Member] | Woodland Commons [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Woodland Commons		'	'
Units	302		'	'
Location	'Bellevue, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	2,040,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	8,727,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	18,174,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	2,044,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	26,897,000		'	'
Total	28,941,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-11,363,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1978		'	'
Date acquired	'03/90		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Redmond [Member] | Delano/Bon Terra [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Delano/Bon Terra		'	'
Units	126		'	'
Location	'Redmond, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	7,470,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	22,511,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	834,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	7,470,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	23,345,000		'	'
Total	30,815,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-1,585,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2005/2011		'	'
Date acquired	'12/11		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Kirkland [Member] | Slater 116 [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Slater 116		'	'
Units	108		'	'
Location	'Kirkland, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	7,379,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	22,138,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	158,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	7,379,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	22,296,000		'	'
Total	29,675,000		'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-220,000		'	'
Date of construction	'2013		'	'
Date acquired	'09/13		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Kirkland [Member] | Evergreen Heights [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Evergreen Heights		'	'
Units	200		'	'
Location	'Kirkland, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	3,566,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	13,395,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	3,654,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	3,649,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	16,966,000		'	'
Total	20,615,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-9,184,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1990		'	'
Date acquired	'06/97		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Kirkland [Member] | Bridle Trails [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Bridle Trails		'	'
Units	108		'	'
Location	'Kirkland, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	1,500,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	5,930,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	5,388,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	1,531,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	11,287,000		'	'
Total	12,818,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-5,860,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1986		'	'
Date acquired	'10/97		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Kirkland [Member] | Corbella at Juanita Bay [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Corbella at Juanita Bay		'	'
Units	169		'	'
Location	'Kirkland, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	5,801,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	17,415,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	1,081,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	5,801,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	18,496,000		'	'
Total	24,297,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-2,070,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1978		'	'
Date acquired	'11/10		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Unencumbered Apartment Communities [Member] | WA [Member] | Mill Creek [Member] | The Laurels at Mill Creek [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Laurels at Mill Creek		'	'
Units	164		'	'
Location	'Mill Creek, WA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	1,559,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	6,430,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	5,107,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	1,595,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	11,501,000		'	'
Total	13,096,000		'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-6,330,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1981		'	'
Date acquired	'12/96		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Office Buildings [Member] | CA [Member] | Los Angeles [Member] | Essex Hollywood [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Hollywood		'	'
Rentable Square Footage	35,000		'	'
Location	'Los Angeles, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	10,200,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	13,800,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,441,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	10,200,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	16,241,000		'	'
Total	26,441,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-4,747,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1938		'	'
Date acquired	'07/06		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Office Buildings [Member] | CA [Member] | Santa Clara [Member] | Santa Clara Square retail [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'Santa Clara Retail		'	'
Rentable Square Footage	139,000		'	'
Location	'Santa Clara, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	6,472,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	11,704,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	3,616,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	6,472,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	15,320,000		'	'
Total	21,792,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-2,687,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1970		'	'
Date acquired	'09/11		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Office Buildings [Member] | CA [Member] | Irvine [Member] | 17461 Derian [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'17461 Derian Ave		'	'
Rentable Square Footage	110,000		'	'
Location	'Irvine, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	3,079,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	12,315,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	6,829,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	3,909,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	18,314,000		'	'
Total	22,223,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-10,286,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1983		'	'
Date acquired	'07/00		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Office Buildings [Member] | CA [Member] | Palo Alto [Member] | 925/935 East Meadow [Member]	'		'	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]	'		'	'
Property	'925/935 East Meadow Drive		'	'
Rentable Square Footage	39,600		'	'
Location	'Palo Alto, CA		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	1,401,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	3,172,000		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	8,006,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	3,147,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	9,433,000		'	'
Total	12,579,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	-4,561,000		'	'
Date of construction	'1988		'	'
Date acquired	'11/97		'	'
Lives, minimum	'3 years		'	'
Lives , maximum	'30 years		'	'
Consolidated Development Pipeline [Member]	'		'	'
Initial cost [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land	10,658,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	0		'	'
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	39,772,000		'	'
Gross amount carried at close of period [Abstract]	'		'	'
Land and improvements	50,430,000		'	'
Buildings and improvements	0		'	'
Total	50,430,000	[1]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	$0		'	'
[1]	The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is approximately $4.6 billion (unaudited).
[2]	The land is leased pursuant to a ground lease expiring 2082.
[3]	A portion of land is leased pursuant to a ground lease expiring in 2028.
[4]	The land is leased pursuant to a ground lease expiring 2027.
[5]	The land is leased pursuant to a ground lease expiring 2067.
[6]	The land is leased pursuant to a ground lease expiring 2070.
[7]	The land is leased pursuant to a ground lease expiring in 2028.