Cover page. Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Essex Portfolio, L.P. Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] Essex Portfolio, L.P. [Member] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity File Number Entity File Number Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Written Communications Written Communications Soliciting Material Soliciting Material Pre-commencement Tender Offer Pre-commencement Tender Offer Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Amendment Flag Amendment Flag